bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination and Quantification of Molecular Interactions in Protein Films: A Review
Authors: Hammann Felicia , Schmid Markus
Published: December 2014

Protein based films are nowadays also prepared with the aim of replacing expensive, crude oil-based polymers as environmentally friendly and renewable alternatives. The protein structure determines the ability of protein chains to form intra- and intermolecular bonds, whereas the degree of cross-linking depends on the amino acid composition and molecular weight of the protein, besides the conditions used in film preparation and processing. The functionality varies significantly depending on the type of protein and affects the resulting film quality and properties. This paper reviews the methods used in examination of molecular interactions in protein films and discusses how these intermolecular interactions can be quantified. The qualitative determination methods can be distinguished by structural analysis of solutions (electrophoretic analysis, size exclusion chromatography) and analysis of solid films (spectroscopy techniques, X-ray scattering methods). To quantify molecular interactions involved, two methods were found to be the most suitable: protein film swelling and solubility. The importance of non-covalent and covalent interactions in protein films can be investigated using different solvents. The research was focused on whey protein, whereas soy protein and wheat gluten were included as further examples of proteins.
Process-time Optimization of Vacuum Degassing Using a Genetic Alloy Design Approach
Authors: Dilner David , Lu Qi , Mao Huahai , Xu Wei , Van der Zwaag Sybrand , Selleby Malin
Published: December 2014

This paper demonstrates the use of a new model consisting of a genetic algorithm in combination with thermodynamic calculations and analytical process models to minimize the processing time during a vacuum degassing treatment of liquid steel. The model sets multiple simultaneous targets for final S, N, O, Si and Al levels and uses the total slag mass, the slag composition, the steel composition and the start temperature as optimization variables. The predicted optimal conditions agree well with industrial practice. For those conditions leading to the shortest process time the target compositions for S, N and O are reached almost simultaneously.
Characterisation of Non-Autoinducing Tropodithietic Acid (TDA) Production from Marine Sponge Pseudovibrio Species
Authors: Harrington Catriona , Reen F. , Mooij Marlies , Stewart Fiona , Chabot Jean-Baptiste , Guerra Antonio , Glöckner Frank , Nielsen Kristian , Gram Lone , Dobson Alan , Adams Claire , O'Gara Fergal
Published: December 2014

The search for new antimicrobial compounds has gained added momentum in recent years, paralleled by the exponential rise in resistance to most known classes of current antibiotics. While modifications of existing drugs have brought some limited clinical success, there remains a critical need for new classes of antimicrobial compound to which key clinical pathogens will be naive. This has provided the context and impetus to marine biodiscovery programmes that seek to isolate and characterize new activities from the aquatic ecosystem. One new antibiotic to emerge from these initiatives is the antibacterial compound tropodithietic acid (TDA). The aim of this study was to provide insight into the bioactivity of and the factors governing the production of TDA in marine Pseudovibrio isolates from a collection of marine sponges. The TDA produced by these Pseudovibrio isolates exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of clinical pathogens, while TDA tolerance was frequent in non-TDA producing marine isolates. Comparative genomics analysis suggested a high degree of conservation among the tda biosynthetic clusters while expression studies revealed coordinated regulation of TDA synthesis upon transition from log to stationary phase growth, which was not induced by TDA itself or by the presence of the C10-acyl homoserine lactone quorum sensing signal molecule.
Miscible Organic Solvents Soak Bonding Method Use in a PMMA Multilayer Microfluidic Device
Authors: Zhang He , Liu Xiaowei , Li Tian , Han Xiaowei
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we proposed a novel bonding technology to fabricate a microfluidic device based on Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The method, which used chloroform and ethanol as miscible bonding solvent, can complete complex structures rapid assembly (10 min) at 40°C. A bonding strength of 267.5 N/cm2 can be achieved, while the micro channel deformation was less than 7.26%. Then we utilized this method to produce a three layers micro mixer, which included a T-shaped inlet channel and six H-shaped mixing units. Numerical simulation indicated that, the well mixing length of the mixer was only about 6 mm when Re = 10. Finally, fluorescence microscopy was used to verify mixer performance. The method provided the potential for mass production of multilayer rigid polymer microfluidic devices.
Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Distribution and Excretion of Verticinone from F. hupehensis in Rats
Authors: Wu Xiao , Sun Jian-Guo , Peng Ying , Liang Yan , Wang Guang-Ji , Chen Hui , Wu Ji-Zhou , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2014

Verticinone, the main active component in F. hupehensis, exhibits potent antitussive and expectorant effects. Here, a LC-MS method was developed and applied to study the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of verticinone in rats, and its plasma protein binding in vitro. A significant gender difference in the pharmacokinetics of verticinone in rats was observed, as its absolute oral bioavailability in male and female rats was 45.8% and 2.74%, respectively. The relative bioavailability of verticinone was significantly lower in female rats as compared to male, following intragastrical (i.g.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration. After successive i.g. administration of verticinone, accumulation was observed in female rats but not in the male ones. The tissue distribution study showed that verticinone had a good tissue penetrability and a high tissue affinity in most studied tissues, except brain. After a 2 mg/kg oral dose, less than 4% of the dose was excreted as unchanged parent compound in male rats, and less than 1% in female rats, which indicated that verticinone was metabolized more extensively in female rats than in male rats.
Determination and Occurrence of Phenoxyacetic Acid Herbicides and Their Transformation Products in Groundwater Using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: McManus Sarah-Louise , Moloney Mary , Richards Karl , Coxon Catherine , Danaher Martin
Published: December 2014

A sensitive method was developed and validated for ten phenoxyacetic acid herbicides, six of their main transformation products (TPs) and two benzonitrile TPs in groundwater. The parent compounds mecoprop, mecoprop-p, 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPA, triclopyr, fluroxypr, bromoxynil, bentazone, and 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA) are included and a selection of their main TPs: phenoxyacetic acid (PAC), 2,4,5-trichloro-phenol (TCP), 4-chloro-2-methylphenol (4C2MP), 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP), 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (T2P), and 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (BrAC), as well as the dichlobenil TPs 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM) and 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid (DBA) which have never before been determined in Irish groundwater. Water samples were analysed using an efficient ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method in an 11.9 min separation time prior to detection by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The limit of detection (LOD) of the method ranged between 0.00008 and 0.0047 µg·L−1 for the 18 analytes. All compounds could be detected below the permitted limits of 0.1 µg·L−1 allowed in the European Union (EU) drinking water legislation [1]. The method was validated according to EU protocols laid out in SANCO/10232/2006 with recoveries ranging between 71% and 118% at the spiked concentration level of 0.06 µg·L−1. The method was successfully applied to 42 groundwater samples collected across several locations in Ireland in March 2012 to reveal that the TPs PAC and 4C2MP were detected just as often as their parent active ingredients (a.i.) in groundwater.
Synthesis of Racemic β-Chamigrene, a Spiro[5.5]undecane Sesquiterpene
Authors: Antonsen Simen , Skattebøl Lars , Stenstrøm Yngve
Published: December 2014

The present paper describes a total synthesis of racemic β-chamigrene (1), a sesquiterpene with a spiro[5.5]undecane carbon framework. Compared with previously reported β-chamigrene syntheses, we were able to reduce the total number of reaction steps, which also resulted in a significant improvement of the overall yield. The commercially available ketone 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one was transformed by known simple procedures into 3,3-dimethyl-2-methylenecyclohexanone. This reacted with isoprene by a Diels-Alder reaction to give a spiro ketone. An olefination reaction on this compound gave the target molecule.
The Role of Dietary Sugars and De novo Lipogenesis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Moore J. , Gunn Pippa , Fielding Barbara
Published: December 2014

Dietary sugar consumption, in particular sugar-sweetened beverages and the monosaccharide fructose, has been linked to the incidence and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Intervention studies in both animals and humans have shown large doses of fructose to be particularly lipogenic. While fructose does stimulate de novo lipogenesis (DNL), stable isotope tracer studies in humans demonstrate quantitatively that the lipogenic effect of fructose is not mediated exclusively by its provision of excess substrates for DNL. The deleterious metabolic effects of high fructose loads appear to be a consequence of altered transcriptional regulatory networks impacting intracellular macronutrient metabolism and altering signaling and inflammatory processes. Uric acid generated by fructose metabolism may also contribute to or exacerbate these effects. Here we review data from human and animal intervention and stable isotope tracer studies relevant to the role of dietary sugars on NAFLD development and progression, in the context of typical sugar consumption patterns and dietary recommendations worldwide. We conclude that the use of hypercaloric, supra-physiological doses in intervention trials has been a major confounding factor and whether or not dietary sugars, including fructose, at typically consumed population levels, effect hepatic lipogenesis and NAFLD pathogenesis in humans independently of excess energy remains unresolved.
Insights from Space: Potential Role of Diet in the Spatial Organization of Chromosomes
Authors: O'Sullivan Justin , Doynova Malina , Antony Jisha , Pichlmuller Florian , Horsfield Julia
Published: December 2014

We can now sequence and identify genome wide epigenetic patterns and perform a variety of “genomic experiments” within relatively short periods of time—ranging from days to weeks. Yet, despite these technological advances, we have a poor understanding of the inter-relationships between epigenetics, genome structure-function, and nutrition. Perhaps this limitation lies, in part, in our propensity to study epigenetics in terms of the linear arrangement of elements and genes. Here we propose that a more complete understanding of how nutrition impacts on epigenetics and cellular development resides within the inter-relationships between DNA and histone modification patterns and genome function, in the context of spatial organization of chromatin and the epigenome.
Analysis of Radio Wave Propagation for ISM 2.4 GHz Wireless Sensor Networks in Inhomogeneous Vegetation Environments
Authors: Azpilicueta Leire , López-Iturri Peio , Aguirre Erik , Mateo Ignacio , Astrain José , Villadangos Jesús , Falcone Francisco
Published: December 2014

The use of wireless networks has experienced exponential growth due to the improvements in terms of battery life and low consumption of the devices. However, it is compulsory to conduct previous radio propagation analysis when deploying a wireless sensor network. These studies are necessary to perform an estimation of the range coverage, in order to optimize the distance between devices in an actual network deployment. In this work, the radio channel characterization for ISM 2.4 GHz Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in an inhomogeneous vegetation environment has been analyzed. This analysis allows designing environment monitoring tools based on ZigBee and WiFi where WSN and smartphones cooperate, providing rich and customized monitoring information to users in a friendly manner. The impact of topology as well as morphology of the environment is assessed by means of an in-house developed 3D Ray Launching code, to emulate the realistic operation in the framework of the scenario. Experimental results gathered from a measurement campaign conducted by deploying a ZigBee Wireless Sensor Network, are analyzed and compared with simulations in this paper. The scenario where this network is intended to operate is a combination of buildings and diverse vegetation species. To gain insight in the effects of radio propagation, a simplified vegetation model has been developed, considering the material parameters and simplified geometry embedded in the simulation scenario. An initial location-based application has been implemented in a real scenario, to test the functionality within a context aware scenario. The use of deterministic tools can aid to know the impact of the topological influence in the deployment of the optimal Wireless Sensor Network in terms of capacity, coverage and energy consumption, making the use of these systems attractive for multiple applications in inhomogeneous vegetation environments.
Soft, Comfortable Polymer Dry Electrodes for High Quality ECG and EEG Recording
Authors: Chen Yun-Hsuan , De Beeck Maaike , Vanderheyden Luc , Carrette Evelien , Mihajlović Vojkan , Vanstreels Kris , Grundlehner Bernard , Gadeyne Stefanie , Boon Paul , Van Hoof Chris
Published: December 2014

Conventional gel electrodes are widely used for biopotential measurements, despite important drawbacks such as skin irritation, long set-up time and uncomfortable removal. Recently introduced dry electrodes with rigid metal pins overcome most of these problems; however, their rigidity causes discomfort and pain. This paper presents dry electrodes offering high user comfort, since they are fabricated from EPDM rubber containing various additives for optimum conductivity, flexibility and ease of fabrication. The electrode impedance is measured on phantoms and human skin. After optimization of the polymer composition, the skin-electrode impedance is only ~10 times larger than that of gel electrodes. Therefore, these electrodes are directly capable of recording strong biopotential signals such as ECG while for low-amplitude signals such as EEG, the electrodes need to be coupled with an active circuit. EEG recordings using active polymer electrodes connected to a clinical EEG system show very promising results: alpha waves can be clearly observed when subjects close their eyes, and correlation and coherence analyses reveal high similarity between dry and gel electrode signals. Moreover, all subjects reported that our polymer electrodes did not cause discomfort. Hence, the polymer-based dry electrodes are promising alternatives to either rigid dry electrodes or conventional gel electrodes.
A Vondrak Low Pass Filter for IMU Sensor Initial Alignment on a Disturbed Base
Authors: Li Zengke , Wang Jian , Gao Jingxiang , Li Binghao , Zhou Feng
Published: December 2014

The initial alignment of the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is an important process of INS to determine the coordinate transformation matrix which is used in the integration of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) with Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). In this paper a novel alignment method for a disturbed base, such as a vehicle disturbed by wind outdoors, implemented with the aid of a Vondrak low pass filter, is proposed. The basic principle of initial alignment including coarse alignment and fine alignment is introduced first. The spectral analysis is processed to compare the differences between the characteristic error of INS force observation on a stationary base and on disturbed bases. In order to reduce the high frequency noise in the force observation more accurately and more easily, a Vondrak low pass filter is constructed based on the spectral analysis result. The genetic algorithms method is introduced to choose the smoothing factor in the Vondrak filter and the corresponding objective condition is built. The architecture of the proposed alignment method with the Vondrak low pass filter is shown. Furthermore, simulated experiments and actual experiments were performed to validate the new algorithm. The results indicate that, compared with the conventional alignment method, the Vondrak filter could eliminate the high frequency noise in the force observation and the proposed alignment method could improve the attitude accuracy. At the same time, only one parameter needs to be set, which makes the proposed method easier to implement than other low-pass filter methods.
Porcine Bocavirus: Achievements in the Past Five Years
Authors: Zhou Feng , Sun Haoting , Wang Yuyan
Published: December 2014

Porcine bocavirus is a recently discovered virus that infects pigs and is classified within the Bocavirus genus (family Parvoviridae, subfamily Parvovirinae). The viral genome constitutes linear single-stranded DNA and has three open reading frames that encode four proteins: NS1, NP1, VP1, and VP2. There have been more than seven genotypes discovered to date. These genotypes have been classified into three groups based on VP1 sequence. Porcine bocavirus is much more prevalent in piglets that are co-infected with other pathogens than in healthy piglets. The virus can be detected using PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, cell cultures, indirect immunofluorescence, and other molecular virology techniques. Porcine bocavirus has been detected in various samples, including stool, serum, lymph nodes, and tonsils. Because this virus was discovered only five years ago, there are still many unanswered questions that require further research. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and primary research achievements regarding porcine bocavirus.
Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma of the Stomach: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Shaw D. , Cuison R. , Ito H.
Published: December 2014

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare entity, often presenting a diagnostic challenge for both the pathologist and the clinician. It accounts for only 0.4% of soft-tissue sarcomas, and its underlying causes are largely unknown. Most of these tumours occur in lymph nodes, and extranodal involvement is uncommon. In the gastrointestinal tract, FDCS is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of primary FDCS originating in the stomach. Upon review of the literature, we identified only 2 additional cases of FDCS presenting as a primary stomach tumour. Given the rarity of this tumour in gastrointestinal sites and the lack of consensus on treatment, evaluation of this entity must continue.
Relationship of Thyroid Transcription Factor 1 to EGFR Status in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sheffield B.S. , Bosdet I.E. , Ali R.H. , Young S.S. , McNeil B.K. , Wong C. , Dastur K. , Karsan A. , Ionescu D.N.
Published: December 2014

Background: Activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are known to drive a proportion of non-small-cell lung cancers. Identification of lung cancers harbouring such mutations can lead to effective treatment using one of the agents that targets and blocks EGFR-mediated signalling. Methods: All specimens received at the BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver) for EGFR testing were prospectively identified and catalogued, together with clinical information and EGFR status, over a 14-month period. Results: Specimens from 586 patients were received for EGFR testing, and EGFR status was reported for 509 patients. No relationship between specimen type or site of origin and EGFR test failure rate was identified. Concurrent immunohistochemical (IHC) status for thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) was available for 309 patients. The negative predictive value of TTF1-negative status by IHC was 94.2% for predicting negative EGFR status. Conclusions: In patients with limited tissue available for testing, a surrogate for EGFR status would aid in timely management. Immunohistochemistry for TTF1 is readily available and correlates highly with EGFR status. In conjunction with genetic assays, TTF1 could be used to optimize an EGFR testing strategy.
Au-delà de la névrose. Vers une troisième topique de Bernard Brusset
Authors: Lucas Gérard
Published: December 2014

À partir du traitement psychanalytique d’un cas clinique non névrotique, poursuivi durant une dizaine d’années, Bernard Brusset se propose de réarticuler, à partir des pulsions, les deux topiques freudiennes, en tirant parti des développements de la pratique et de la théorie psychanalytique de ces cinquante dernières années. Il utilise en particulier les travaux de Wilfred Bion, d’André Green et de Donald Woods Winnicott. Faut-il parler d’enrichissement ou d’une troisième topique au cours de la relation analytique ? Bernard Brusset pointe cette topique comme une condition de l’existence des deux autres, de la subjectalisation et de l’objectalisation.
Éros et Antéros Réflexions psychanalytiques sur la sexualité de Denise Braunschweig et Michel Fain
Authors: Veuriot Geneviève
Published: December 2014

L’organisation de la sexualité humaine rencontre bien des avatars. Si la relation précoce mère-enfant se marque de la différence des sexes, le rôle du père et la suite de l’histoire ne le seront pas moins. Les nécessaires remaniements de la période œdipienne puis de l’adolescence ne permettront pas toujours à l’homme et la femme d’accéder à une rencontre amoureuse dont Denise Braunschweig et Michel Fain soulignent la rareté et la fragilité.
Composición del circón de granitos variscos del Norte de Portugal
Authors: Martins H. C.B. , Abreu J.
Published: December 2014

Se han seleccionado tres plutones graniticos variscos en el norte de Portugal para el estudio de la composición del circón. Los plutones son: Vila Pouca de Aguiar y Lavadores-Madalena con afinidad de tipo-I y el plutón de Vieira do Minho de tipo transicional I-S. Los circones se presentan en cristales euhédricos a subhédricos y tienen zonados magmáticos, concéntricos oscilatorios finos ligados principalmente a variaciones de las concentraciones del Hf, Y, U y Th. La mayoría de los cristales de circón muestran la sustitución dominante “xenotima”. Los zircones tienen relaciones Zr/Hf que varían en el rango 21–52, sin diferencias significativas entre los diferentes granitos. Estos valores son idénticos a otros granitos peralumínicos y son consistentes con circones de origen cortical. Además, las relaciones Zr/Hf coinciden con las de protolitos corticais y, en consecuencia con los propuestos en la génesis de los plutones de Vila Pouca de Aguiar y Vieira de Minho, en particular rocas metaigneas. Aunque los circones del plutón Lavadores-Madalena tienen una composicíon similar a los otros plutones, fue propuesto un origen por hibridacíon. Sin embargo la similitud química de los circones de este plutón con los otros puede tambíen sugerir un origen similar.
Listeners may rely on intonation to distinguish languages of different rhythm classes
Authors: Hagmann Lea , Dellwo Volker
Published: December 2014

Previous research argued that listeners can distinguish between languages of different rhythm class but not of the same class (class discrimination hypothesis). In the present research we tested the role of duration and pitch cues (intonation) in this process. In Experiment I we tested whether we could replicate previous findings on listeners’ language discrimination ability with native Swiss German listeners. Results showed that the discrimination of English and Japanese based on durational cues led to the same results as in previous experiments. In Experiment II we tested listeners’ ability to distinguish between languages belonging to different rhythm classes (English-French, French-Japanese, Spanish-Japanese) and the same rhythm class (Spanish-French). Results revealed that listeners’ distinction was not above chance level for all language contrasts. In Experiment III we added intonation to a French- English and a Spanish-French language contrast. Results revealed a significant effect of intonation for the French- English but not the Spanish-French contrast. The experiments showed that the primary cue for listeners to distinguish between languages of different rhythm class is not generally duration, as previously hypothesized, but it can also be intonation. Implications of the findings on the theory that languages can be classified according to their speech rhythm (rhythm class hypothesis) are discussed.
Exploring the Food Security Strategy and Scarcity Arguments in Land Grabbing in Africa
Authors: Essien Essien
Published: December 2014

Contemporary studies surrounding the land grabbing phenomenon in Africa have revealed two findings. First, the purchase or lease of vast tracts of land from poor, developing countries by wealthier, food-insecure nations has raised deep ethical concern over food security and rural agricultural development. Second, there is the existence of a powerful myth that large-scale land deals are necessary in order to deal with scarcity. Drawing upon extensive contemporary literature on foreign land acquisition and food security, this chapter examines the phenomenon using “rent gap” theory. With an insight provided into understanding the independent layers of land grabbing in Africa, a criterion on what should constitute appropriate procedure for land acquisition is thus supplied. Findings posit that despite insufficiency of food availability in Africa, land grabbing continues regardless of its social and ecological limitations. This chapter has a significant implication for cumulative research on the subject of ethics of foreign land acquisition.
Foreign Land Acquisitions, Corruption, and Sustainable Livelihood in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Conable James E.
Published: December 2014

This chapter investigates the link between foreign land acquisitions and corruption and its implications for sustainable livelihoods in two countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania. The leading question is, Does foreign land acquisition provide support for sustainable livelihoods or threaten it and why? The findings reveal that foreign land acquisition provides the prospect to build the capacity necessary for the development of Mozambique and Tanzania, but the local communities that host biofuel industries are being exploited and their livelihoods threatened due their marginalization in the land transactions. At a glance, it appears as if land deals are transparent, communities, governments, and foreign investors reach a negotiated settlement that benefits all sides, but land deals are being facilitated by power dynamics, corruption, community cohesion, and promises without fulfillment. Therefore, given local communities equal opportunity to influence land deals will create the environment necessary for cooperation, fulfillment of promises, national development, and improve livelihood opportunities.
Nigeria's Legal Instruments for Land and Water Use
Authors: Omole David O. , Ndambuki Julius M.
Published: December 2014

This chapter critically assesses the administration of land and water resources in Nigeria. Reasons why the Land Use Act has not met its objectives are discussed. It also assesses reasons why, despite abundant water resources, numerous laws, and multiple governing institutions, Nigeria is still struggling to meet the national demand for water supply. The chapter concludes by suggesting specific amendments to the administration of both land and water resources. The main thrust of the suggested amendments is to address the current situation where government arrogates absolute authority on all land and water resources to itself. It is suggested that the government should consider adopting a multi-lateral relationship where government, private investors, traditional landowners, and prospective land buyers are co-decision makers in charting the future for the administration of land and water resources. This is aimed at eliminating associated problems such as delays, tenure insecurity, and proliferation of peri-urbanization in the current system.
Compensating Landholders in Tanzania
Authors: Massay Godfrey E.
Published: December 2014

Most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, liberalized their land policies in the early 1990s because of the pressure from neo-liberal institutions such as the World Bank and IMF. The 1999 Tanzanian Land Laws are hailed to be the most progressive legislations in the Sub-Saharan region in terms of decentralization of land administrative powers and protection of customary tenure. However, they are still hampered with both policy weakness and implementation challenges. The standards used in compensation are still weak and unclear and subject to arbitrariness. Consequently, foreign investors or the government in cases of public interest acquisitions can acquire land without fully compensating the landholders. For land holders to get fair compensation in Tanzania there is need for both legislative amendments and change in practice. This chapter explores the compensation of landholders in Tanzania.
Land Reform, Tobacco Production, and Wood Resources in Zimbabwe
Authors: Offat Manyanhaire Itai
Published: December 2014

This chapter explores the land reform-tobacco production-wood resources nexus using a political ecology theoretical framework. It uses secondary data sources, literature review, and onsite expert verification to estimate the quantity of wood resources used by farmers to cure tobacco. The area of forest woodland cleared to cure one hectare of tobacco increased across tobacco farming regions in Zimbabwe. Despite the fact that the country has environmental agencies and departments, farmers continue to use wood to cure tobacco in a typical clientilistic and informalisation of state institutions. The use of firewood to cure tobacco is a long-term threat to ecological sustainability. The Fast Track Land Reform Programme should incorporate sound environmental plans and avoid informalisation of state institutions.
Preparing Book Proposals for Scholarly Publishers
Authors: Brookfield Stephen
Published: December 2014

There are three stages typically involved in submitting a book proposal to a scholarly publisher. The first is to overcome one's sense of impostorship, the feeling that books are written by “real” academics with startlingly original things to say. The second is to write the proposal itself. This involves describing the genesis of the idea for the book, establishing a strong rationale as to why the book ought to be published, and summarizing its succinct purpose. The meat of a proposal is the chapter-by-chapter outline that provides a clear description of the book's contents. Proposals typically end with an analysis of competing texts, a schedule for writing the book, and indications of how a Web presence might be created to support the book. The final stage is to select and then approach a publisher. This chapter describes all these stages in detail and provides multiple examples drawn from book proposals that were accepted.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Starr-Glass David
Published: December 2014

Ernest Boyer's (1990, 1996) writings attempted to reposition teaching as a legitimate and prioritized activity within the academy. He recognized teaching as having the same value as traditional research, presenting it as an endeavor with its own distinctive scholarship; however, in reality, teaching is quite different from research. This chapter provides a background for Boyer's reconsideration and considers the history of an emerging Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). In particular, it focuses on the double-edged sword presented by the requirement of publishing in SoTL. Publishing can either be orientated inwards, disseminating new knowledge in ways that consolidated the discipline's status, or orientated outwards, directed towards those concerned with improving the efficacy of their teaching. The chapter looks at the publication requirement, its impact on the vision and mission of SoTL, and the degree to which it has repositioned and reprioritized teaching in the academy. It provides suggestions on ways of furthering SoTL's impact and on new directions for research, practice, and publication.
Qualitative Research
Authors: Merriam Sharan B.
Published: December 2014

This chapter takes the reader on a step-by-step journey through the process of conducting a qualitative research study using research conducted with Traditional Healers (THs) in Malaysia and how they diagnose and treat cancer. Upwards of 80% of Malaysians consult traditional healers before seeing a medical doctor, resulting in late-stage diagnoses and thus higher mortality rates. However, prior to our research, little was known about the role of healers and their willingness to work with, rather than outside, the Western medical system. Within this context, the theoretical framework, the specific research problem and the research questions were identified. Next, the author discusses purposive sampling and data collection strategies, which included interviews, documents, and observations. She then presents a data analysis exhibit showing how they captured specific data from the interviews to address the research questions. Finally, the author discusses writing and publishing the results of the research.
Learning and Knowledge Creation under Perpetual Construction
Authors: Norris Sharon E.
Published: December 2014

Organizations are changing places where learning and knowledge creation is under perpetual construction. In order to keep pace with these changes, applied business research courses for graduate business students need to go beyond the ideology that business decision making is a tidy and rational process. To portray business decision making as a strictly goal-oriented and rational process overlooks the reality of the complexity of contemporary organizations, and this perspective may result in rigid thinking and single-loop learning. The purpose of this chapter is to present a complex responsive approach to applied business research that encourages flexible thinking and double-loop learning. The most comprehensive applied research studies in the future will be those where researchers become immersed in the research process and engage with participants in the process of learning and knowledge creation. Through this process, researchers help unleash the creative potential of the organization and gain a valuable learning experience.
Examining the Dynamics of Value Propositions in Digital Books
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Lancaster Geoff
Published: December 2014

There are conceptual ambiguities around the concept of digital divide and contradictory findings in extant literature. For example, one major disjuncture is the emphasis on inequalities in material access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), which focuses on the technical and infrastructural domains of digital divide. Drawing on a social constructivist paradigmatic perspective, this chapter examines the dynamics of value propositions in digital books. The chapter concludes by calling for a greater and deeper understanding of digital divide, as well as further research on quantitative approaches.
Infusing Yourself into the Backstory
Authors: Cambiano Renée L. , Speaks Pamela Carter , Cambiano Ronald M.
Published: December 2014

The Ubiquitous Infusion Thinking (UIT) strategy is an innovative action strategy evidenced by the weaving of cognitive and affective thinking into organizational theories that serve to shape the understanding of multidimensional threads and themes that emerge in the problem-solving analysis of complex problems, situations, and/or dilemmas used in a multidimensional case study perspective. The UIT strategy utilizes a focus-refocus-focus–visualize-interpret technique allowing the researcher to engage the power of emotions by stepping in and out of a situation, observing, and then stepping back to acquaint and reacquaint the actions taking place in the setting, permitting clear thinking to emerge. There are four phases: Ubiquitous Investigation, Shaping One's Understanding, Building the Backstory, and Action. This chapter walks the researcher through the historical case study research methodology and the Multidimensional Perspective to case study research using ubiquitous infusion thinking strategy.
Surveys as Tools to Measure Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Authors: Boeren Ellen
Published: December 2014

This chapter critically explores the tendency of research methods books to discuss survey research under the header of quantitative research approaches. It starts by providing a brief history on survey research, sets out core definitions, and situates survey research in the current methodological literature. The chapter then explores the nature of specific survey questions and the differences in format based on whether one is gathering qualitative versus quantitative data. Finally, the chapter explores the impact of survey methodologies and provides insight into the format of questions to be used during telephone, face-to-face, and self-completing surveys.
Developing Multilevel Models for Research
Authors: Turner John , Petrunin Kristin Firmery , Allen Jeff
Published: December 2014

In the past, a large number of research efforts concentrated on single-level analysis; however, researchers who only conduct this level of analysis are finding it harder to justify due to the advancements in statistical software and research techniques. The validation of research findings comes partially from others replicating existing studies as well as building onto theories. Through replication and validation, the research process becomes cyclical in nature, and each iteration builds upon the next. Each succession of tests sets new boundaries, further verification, or falsification. For a model to be correctly specified, the level of analysis needs to be in congruence with the level of measurement. This chapter provides an overview of multilevel modeling for researchers and provides guides for the development and investigation of these models.
Actor-Network Theory on Waste Management
Authors: Méndez-Fajardo Sandra , Gonzalez Rafael A.
Published: December 2014

In developing countries, territorial planners are confronted with rapid urbanization and its inherent solid waste management (SWM) which has increased public health risks, and generated environmental and socio-economic problems too. To analyze these issues, a University campus (as a scaled city) was studied applying the Actor-Network Theory to find key elements to take into account for sustainable SWM programs not only in universities but also in cities. To achieve this goal, different actors and relationships between them were identified, as well as their dynamics throughout the SWM history. Some findings were that Environmental City's Authorities requirements have been the main cause of actions related to hazardous waste within the campus, while scholar's interests have initiated non-hazards. Otherwise, documents, operative committees, and scholars involved in milestones, have become as the main support for decision-makers. Researchers also verified that decision have not been made through systematic processes neither from a systems approach.
Is There a Common Epistemological Ground of Actor-Network Theory and Media Aesthetics?
Authors: Pöhnl Veronika
Published: December 2014

Based on the increased interest in ANT in Media Studies, this paper discusses similarities and differences in the epistemological premises of ANT and German Media Studies, and in particular, Media Aesthetics. Proceeding from well received ANT investigations on the transformational processes of scientific research and the discussion of their importance and suitability for media aesthetic approaches, basic operations and metaphors of the ANT are identified and questioned. By juxtaposing the epistemological premises of ANT and those of techno-philosophically informed approaches of media theory, profound resemblances as well as fundamental differences are outlined.
A New Method for Prolonging Network Lifetime and Maintaining the Connectivity in Wireless Sensor Network Through Controlling the Transmission Power
Authors: Bendjeddou Amira , Ghoualmi Nacira , Pham Congduc
Published: December 2014

Energy preservation constitutes a very critical challenge in wireless sensor network surveillance applications. On one hand, transmitting data by using additional transmission power is among the biggest sources of energy consumption. On the other hand, using a small transmission power degrades the connectivity between nodes. In this paper, a Distributed transmission Power Control Method (DPCM) to minimize the consumed energy is proposed. Moreover, it aims to keep a good connectivity between nodes. These purposes are accomplished by adjusting, dynamically, the transmission power taking into account the connectivity information of the neighbors at one and two-hop. Simulation experiences are carried out to measure the performance improvements of the presented method in both static and mobile networks by using Castalia simulator. According to the obtained results, the authors' method minimizes the consumed energy without penalizing the connectivity between nodes compared to DPCS and farthest neighbor methods. In addition, DPCM achieves good performances in spite of node mobility.
Integration of Optimization Approach Based on Multiple Wordlength Operation Grouping in the AAA Methodology for Real-Time Systems
Authors: Blaiech Ahmed Ghazi , Ben Khalifa Khaled , Boubaker Mohamed , Akil Mohamed , Bedoui Mohamed Hedi
Published: December 2014

The Multiple-Wordlength Operation Grouping (MWOG) is a recently used approach for an optimized implementation on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). By fixing the precision constraint, this approach allows minimizing the data wordlength. In this paper, the authors present the integration of the approach based on the MWOG in the Algorithm Architecture Adequation (AAA) methodology, designed to implement real-time applications onto reconfigurable circuits. This new AAA-MWOG methodology will improve the optimization phase of the AAA methodology by taking into account the data wordlength and creating approximative-wordlength operation groups, where the operations in the same group will be performed with the same operator. The AAA-MWOG methodology will allow a considerable gain of circuit resources. This contribution is demonstrated by implementing the Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) neural-networks model on the FPGA. The LVQ optimization is used to quantify vigilance states starting from processing the electroencephalographic signal. The precision-gain relation has been studied and reported.
An Ecological Study of Food Desert Prevalence and 4Th Grade Academic Achievement in New York State School Districts
Authors: Frndak Seth E.
Published: December 2014

Background

This ecological study examines the relationship between food desert prevalence and academic achievement at the school district level.

Design and methods

Sample included 232 suburban and urban school districts in New York State. Multiple open-source databases were merged to obtain: 4th grade science, English and math scores, school district demographic composition (NYS Report Card), regional socioeconomic indicators (American Community Survey), school district quality (US Common Core of Data), and food desert data (USDA Food Desert Atlas). Multiple regression models assessed the percentage of variation in achievement scores explained by food desert variables, after controlling for additional predictors.

Results

The proportion of individuals living in food deserts significantly explained 4th grade achievement scores, after accounting for additional predictors. School districts with higher proportions of individuals living in food desert regions demonstrated lower 4th grade achievement across science, English and math.

Conclusions

Food deserts appear to be related to academic achievement at the school district level among urban and suburban regions. Further research is needed to better understand how food access is associated with academic achievement at the individual level.
Application of Chemometric Methods for Assessment and Modelling of Microbiological Quality Data concerning Coastal Bathing Water in Greece
Authors: Papaioannou Agelos , Rigas George , Papastergiou Panagiotis , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: December 2014

Background

Worldwide, the aim of managing water is to safeguard human health whilst maintaining sustainable aquatic and associated terrestrial, ecosystems. Because human enteric viruses are the most likely pathogens responsible for waterborne diseases from recreational water use, but detection methods are complex and costly for routine monitoring, it is of great interest to determine the quality of coastal bathing water with a minimum cost and maximum safety.

Design and methods

This study handles the assessment and modelling of the microbiological quality data of 2149 seawater bathing areas in Greece over 10-year period (1997-2006) by chemometric methods.

Results

Cluster analysis results indicated that the studied bathing beaches are classified in accordance with the seasonality in three groups. Factor analysis was applied to investigate possible determining factors in the groups resulted from the cluster analysis, and also two new parameters were created in each group; VF1 includes E. coli, faecal coliforms and total coliforms and VF2 includes faecal streptococci/enterococci. By applying the cluster analysis in each seasonal group, three new groups of coasts were generated, group A (ultraclean), group B (clean) and group C (contaminated).

Conclusions

The above analysis is confirmed by the application of discriminant analysis, and proves that chemometric methods are useful tools for assessment and modeling microbiological quality data of coastal bathing water on a large scale, and thus could attribute to effective and economical monitoring of the quality of coastal bathing water in a country with a big number of bathing coasts, like Greece.
ordinalgmifs: An R Package for Ordinal Regression in High-dimensional Data Settings
Authors: Archer Kellie J. , Hou Jiayi , Zhou Qing , Ferber Kyle , Layne John G. , Gentry Amanda E.
Published: December 2014

High-throughput genomic assays are performed using tissue samples with the goal of classifying the samples as normal < pre-malignant < malignant or by stage of cancer using a small set of molecular features. In such cases, molecular features monotonically associated with the ordinal response may be important to disease development; that is, an increase in the phenotypic level (stage of cancer) may be mechanistically linked through a monotonic association with gene expression or methylation levels. Though traditional ordinal response modeling methods exist, they assume independence among the predictor variables and require the number of samples ( n) to exceed the number of covariates ( P) included in the model. In this paper, we describe our ordinalgmifs R package, available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network, which can fit a variety of ordinal response models when the number of predictors ( P) exceeds the sample size ( n). R code illustrating usage is also provided.