bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence-Based Lifestyle and Pharmacological Management of Infertility in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Costello Michael F , Ledger William L
Published: May 2012

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and by far the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Lifestyle change alone, and not in combination with pharmacological ovulation induction such as clomifene citrate or metformin, is generally considered the first-line treatment for the management of infertile anovulatory women with PCOS who are overweight or obese. Clomifene citrate should be considered as a first-line pharmacological therapy to improve fertility outcomes. Second-line medical treatments may include ovulation induction with gonadotropins (in clomifene citrate-resistant or clomifene citrate failure women) or laparoscopic ovarian drilling (in clomifene citrate-resistant women) or possibly with metformin combined with clomifene citrate (in clomifene citrate-resistant women). There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend aromatase inhibitors over that of clomifene citrate in infertile anovulatory women with PCOS in general or specifically in therapy-naive or clomifene citrate-resistant women with PCOS.
Managing Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnant Women
Authors: Gupta Nadi K , Bowman Christine A
Published: May 2012

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) constitute a major public health problem in the UK and may result in very costly complications. Many STIs pose the risk of a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes including miscarriage, still birth, preterm delivery, low birth weight and ophthalmia neonatorum. National guidelines for the management of STIs are produced and regularly revised by the British Association of Sexual Heath and HIV. This review outlines the latest recommended treatment options during pregnancy for the commonly encountered STIs.
Evidence-Based Management of Infertility in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Using Surgery or Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Costello Michael F , Ledger William L
Published: May 2012

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been managed surgically since the development of wedge resection in the 1930s. Second-line surgical interventions for anovulation associated with PCOS include laparoscopic ovarian diathermy, which is as effective as medical induction of ovulation with gonadotropins, with a much reduced risk of multiple pregnancy. Bariatric surgery may be considered for morbidly obese patients with PCOS, although further research assessing such surgery specifically in PCOS patients is needed. Assisted reproduction, in the form of IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is usually indicated as third-line medical treatment or in the presence of other infertility factors. There is an ongoing debate concerning the relative merits of IVF and ovulation induction in PCOS, comparing the higher multiple pregnancy rate of ovulation induction with the greater cost and psychological stress of IVF.
The Endometrium in Adenomyosis
Authors: Benagiano Giuseppe , Brosens Ivo
Published: May 2012

Eutopic and ectopic endometria of women with adenomyosis show a series of metabolic and molecular abnormalities that increase angiogenesis and proliferation, decrease apoptosis, allow local production of estrogens, create progesterone resistance, and impair cytokine expression. These changes enhance the ability of the endometrium to infiltrate the junctional zone myometrium and the growth of ectopic tissue. In addition, in these subjects several immunological abnormalities have been observed, together with an increased production of ‘free radicals’ leading to excessive growth of endometrial stromal cells that may facilitate the establishment of adenomyosis. A limiting factor is that these studies have been performed on hysterectomy specimens representing final stages of the disease. This increased knowledge has created new therapeutic options, including the block of local aromatase production through the use of selective estrogen receptor modulators, estrogen-progestin combinations and gonadotropin-releasing hormone super agonists. Also promising are investigations into the mechanism of dysmenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Management of Pericarditis in Women
Authors: Imazio Massimo , Brucato Antonio
Published: May 2012

The risk of developing pericarditis is similar in men and women. However, systemic autoimmune diseases are more common in women and may determine an increased risk of recurrences and complications. Specific management issues for women with pericarditis include pregnancy and lactation. Relatively few data have been published on pericardial involvement during pregnancy, and major concerns of clinicians are related to management issues, especially medical treatment. Nowadays, the general outcomes of these pregnancies can be similar to that expected in the general population when carefully followed by dedicated multidisciplinary teams. The aim of this article is to review the management of pericarditis with a focus on gender-specific issues.
Two externalist accounts of epistemic justification
Authors: Lazovic Zivan
Published: May 2012

This article deals with two prominent versions of externalist account of
epistemic justification, the reliable indication theory and the reliable
process theory. According to the reliable indication theory, a belief is
justified if it provides a reliable indication of the occurence of the state
of affairs which makes it true. The reliable process theory holds that a
belief is justified if it has been formed by a reliable cognitive process.
The main contentions of this two accounts are analyzed and compared in the
light of three more general and fundamental externalist ideas: (1)
justification need not be cognitive available to the person whose belief is
in question; (2) justification should be connected to the truth of the belief
in such a way that it makes the case that one?s epistemically justified
belief is likely to be true; and (3) justification of one?s belief depends on
the causal history of the belief.
What's a just war theorist?
Authors: Jokic Aleksandar
Published: May 2012

The article provides an account of the unlikely revival of the medieval Just
War Theory, due in large part to the efforts of Michael Walzer. Its purpose
is to address the question: What is a just-war theorist? By exploring
contrasts between scholarly activity and forms of international activism,
the paper argues that just war theorists appear to be just war criminals,
both on the count of aiding and abetting aggression and on the count of
inciting troops to commit war crimes.
Why is neo new? History of philosophy and matrix triology
Authors: Milidrag Predrag
Published: May 2012

The article analyzes Matrix film trilogy of Wachowski brothers from the
aspect of the history of philosophy and presence of ideas of Plato, Descartes
and Hegel in it. In the first part, it is analyzed the platonic framework of
the first film and it is argued that there is no Cartesian hyperbolic doubt
in it, but there is a cartesian theme in physical exercises in very Matrix as
a way of freeing the mind. In the second part, using Hegel?s The Philosophy
of History and The Phenomenology of Spirit, author gives an answer from the
title of the article: sixth Neo is new because he started to determines
himself. The final part of the article is concerned with clash of Neo and
Agent Smith in third part of Matrix. Neo?s death is tragic in Hegelian sense
of tragedy. Finally, the author interprets the dialog between Architect and
Oracle using the Marx?s idea that whole previous history of mankind is only
prehistory.
Psychoanalysis, speech, language
Authors: Vulevic Gordana
Published: May 2012

Psychoanalytical situation is mainly speech relation, a speech event. Speech
communication cannot be reduced to semantic domain. To speak is not solely to
say. Speech can have concrete effects. In psychoanalytical situation, as in
any speech relation, listener is exposed to both prosodic effects and effects
of words. At primitive mental organizations, inability of semiotization of
inner states leads to specific intrusion of prosodic elements in subject's
speech. These acoustic elements, which can be in function of evocation of
rudimentary metalized, unnamed, non-semiotized inner states, can,
potentionaly, have effect on recipient. In interpretation, whether working
with patients with primitive mental organizations or with neurotics, it is
necessary to have in view these performative effects of speech. Discourse
characteristic for transfer situation can be shaped in such a way to produce
desire and hide persistent lack in being. The discourse?s meaning than does
not lie primarily in speech as in excess of saying, in pereformative effects
of words. It should be kept in mind that the meaning of patients speech never
unfolds fully for the analyst, that it slips through, fiddles away... When
patient's speech resists interpretation, analyst?s desire for knowledge can
interfere in analytical process thus leading to its impasse. Successful
outcome of analysis should lead to de-idealization of analyst as subject who
is supposed to know.
Niceov ontoloski naturalizam i eticki antirealizam
Authors: Djuric Drago
Published: May 2012

nema
Normativity in tractatus
Authors: Jandric Andrej
Published: May 2012

Although the Tractatus is composed of meaningless sentences, as Wittgenstein
himself acknowledges in the penultimate section, according to the traditional
interpretation they are not just plain nonsense because they convey important
truths about the common structure of language and reality. These truths
cannot be said but can only be shown. Resolute readers claim that the notion
of important or illuminating nonsense is inconsistent with the context
principle, which Wittgenstein ascribed to in the Tractatus, and that most of
its sentences are mere gibberish. In this paper I maintain that Wittgenstein
thought there were meaningless sentences that show something, only what they
show are not truths but rules. Such sentences, which comprise the Tractatus,
are normative and do not represent any state-of affairs, therefore they
cannot be meaningfully expressed in a purely descriptive language
Wittgenstein considers in the Tractatus. His claim that there is something
that cannot be said but can only be shown is the first version of the thesis
of nonreducibility of normative sentences, which he later developed in the
rule-following considerations.
Egoism, altruism and self-deception
Authors: Zivanovic Igor
Published: May 2012

This paper represents an attempt to explain the interdependence of egoism and
altruism as normative concepts and the possible practical and theoretical
consequences if one intends to adhere to the either side of this dichotomy.
As possible solutions to some problems arising from egoism and altruism
author suggests that motivational mechanism shouldn?t been taken as
disqualifying feature of an act or an agent. In the context of interrelation
of egoism and altruism special attention is paid to self-deception as
psychological, epistemological and ethical problem.
The collapse of inter-theoretical reductionism
Authors: Sindjelic Svetozar
Published: May 2012

The aim of this paper is to explain why the inter-theoretical reductionism is
completely unacceptable. In other words, the basic thesis defended here is
that in the case of transition from the old to the new theory - when they are
separated by scientific revolution - very often, no kind of important
elements from the old theory remain preserved in the new one.
Realism in Hintikka’s philosophy of mathematics
Authors: Jovanovic Radmila
Published: May 2012

In this paper we take a closer look at some aspects of Hintikka's philosophy
of mathematics. In his book The Principles of Mathematics Revisited and
several more recent texts, Hintikka proposed a new foundation of mathematics.
He claims that he is defending the realist approach. We will briefly sketch
his main arguments and then we will discuss this specific form of Realism.
Hyperglycemia and a Common Variant ofGCKRAre Associated With the Levels of Eight Amino Acids in 9,369 Finnish Men
Authors: Stančáková Alena , Civelek Mete , Saleem Niyas K. , Soininen Pasi , Kangas Antti J. , Cederberg Henna , Paananen Jussi , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Bonnycastle Lori L. , Morken Mario A. , Boehnke Michael , Pajukanta Päivi , Lusis Aldons J. , Collins Francis S. , Kuusisto Johanna , Ala-Korpela Mika , Laakso Markku
Published: May 2012

We investigated the association of glycemia and 43 genetic risk variants for hyperglycemia/type 2 diabetes with amino acid levels in the population-based Metabolic Syndrome in Men (METSIM) Study, including 9,369 nondiabetic or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic Finnish men. Plasma levels of eight amino acids were measured with proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Increasing fasting and 2-h plasma glucose levels were associated with increasing levels of several amino acids and decreasing levels of histidine and glutamine. Alanine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, and glutamine predicted incident type 2 diabetes in a 4.7-year follow-up of the METSIM Study, and their effects were largely mediated by insulin resistance (except for glutamine). We also found significant correlations between insulin sensitivity (Matsuda insulin sensitivity index) and mRNA expression of genes regulating amino acid degradation in 200 subcutaneous adipose tissue samples. Only 1 of 43 risk single nucleotide polymorphisms for type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia, the glucose-increasing major C allele of rs780094 of GCKR, was significantly associated with decreased levels of alanine and isoleucine and elevated levels of glutamine. In conclusion, the levels of branched-chain, aromatic amino acids and alanine increased and the levels of glutamine and histidine decreased with increasing glycemia, reflecting, at least in part, insulin resistance. Only one single nucleotide polymorphism regulating hyperglycemia was significantly associated with amino acid levels.
A Singularly Perturbed Convection Diffusion Turning Point Problem with an Interior Layer
Authors: O'Riordan Eugene , Quinn Jason
Published: May 2012

A finite difference scheme on special piecewise-uniform grids
condensing in tA linear singularly perturbed interior turning point problem with a continuous convection coefficient is examined in this paper. Parameter uniform numerical methods composed of monotone finite difference operators and piecewise-uniform Shishkin meshes, are constructed and analysed for this class of problems. A refined Shishkin mesh is placed around the location of the interior layer and we consider disrupting the centre point of this fine mesh away from the point where the convection coefficient is zero. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the theoretical parameter-uniform error bounds established.
Maximum Norm a Posteriori Error Estimation For a Time-dependent Reaction-diffusion Problem
Authors: Kopteva Natalia , Linß Torsten
Published: May 2012

A semilinear second-order singularly perturbed parabolic equation in one
space dimension is considered.
For this equation, we give computable a posteriori error estimates
in the maximum norm for a difference scheme that uses Backward-Euler in
time and central differencing in space.
Sharp L¹-norm bounds for the Green's function of the parabolic operator
and its derivatives are derived that form the basis of the a posteriori
error analysis.
Numerical results are presented.
Divergence Preserving Interpolation on Anisotropic Quadrilateral Meshes
Authors: Braack Malte , Lube Gert , Röhe Lars
Published: May 2012

For the solution of incompressible fluid models with inf-sup stable
finite element pairs for velocity and pressure, interpolation
operators are desirable which preserve the property of discrete zero
divergence and enjoy the same local approximation properties as
standard interpolation operators. In this work, we show how an
anisotropic interpolation operator can be modified preserving the
discrete divergence and maintaining certain anisotropic
interpolation properties. Beside the construction of such an
operator for special anisotropic meshes, we discuss the
applicability of anisotropic grid resolution of boundary layers for
incompressible low-turbulent flow problems.
A Note on the Convergence Analysis of a Diffuse-domain Approach
Authors: Franz Sebastian , Roos Hans-Görg , Gärtner Roland , Voigt Axel
Published: May 2012

We analyse the error behaviour of a diffuse-domain approximation of
an elliptic differential equation. In one dimension and for a
half-plane problem in two dimensions an approximation quality of
order one in the interface parameter is shown.
Some supporting numerical experiments are also presented.
A Local Projection Stabilization Method with Shock Capturing and Diagonal Mass Matrix for Solving Non-stationary Transport Dominated Problems
Authors: Schieweck Friedhelm , Skrzypacz Piotr
Published: May 2012

We consider a time-dependent convection diffusion equation in the
transport dominated case.
As a stabilization method in space we propose a new variant of Local
Projection Stabilization (LPS) which uses special enriched bubble functions
such that L²-orthogonal local basis functions can be constructed.
L²-orthogonal basis functions lead to a diagonal mass matrix which is
advantageous for time discretization.
We use the discontinuous Galerkin method of polynomial order one for the
discretization in time which is superconvergent of order three at the
endpoints of the time intervals.
In order to avoid the remaining oscillations in the LPS-solution we
add for each time step
in the space discretization an extra shock capturing term which acts only
locally on those mesh cells where an error-indicator is relatively large.
The novelty in the shock capturing term is that the scaling factor in
front of the additive diffusion term is computed from a
low order post-processing error.
As a result we obtain both, an oscillation-free discrete solution and
the information about the local regions where this solution is still
inaccurate due to some smearing. The latter information can be used to
create in each time step an adaptively refined space mesh.
Whereas
the numerical experiments are restricted to one space dimension
the proposed ideas work also in the multi-dimensional spatial case.
The numerical tests show that the discrete solution with shock capturing
is oscillation-free and of optimal accuracy in the regions outside of
the shock.
The effect of rapid and depot testosterone and estradiol on spatial performance in water maze
Authors: Hodosy Julius , Ostatnikova Daniela , Riljak Vladimír , Myslivecek Jaromir , Celec Peter
Published: May 2012

Men and women differ in some cognitive functions including spatial abilities. These differences seem to be affected by sex steroids, but the results are controversial. The aim of this work is to describe the effects of rapid or depot testosterone and estradiol on spatial memory in rats. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. Five groups were gonadectomized, and one group was left as control. Castrated groups received sterile oil, testosterone isobutyras, testosterone propionate, estradiol dipropionate or estradiol benzoate. We evaluated spatial performance (escape latency, overall improvement, and time in the quadrant after platform removal) of the rats in a spatial water maze. Animals receiving exogenous sex steroids showed higher plasma concentrations of the particular hormones. Experimental groups improved during the acquisition spatial trials in the water maze. No significant differences between the groups during probe trial were found. In overall improvement, the testosterone depot and estradiol depot groups showed less improvement in comparison to the control groups (P<0.05). No differences in respect to administered hormones were found in corresponding receptor gene expression in hippocampus. In conclusion, exogenous testosterone affects spatial memory of adult castrated males.
Antimicrobial activity, total phenolic content and flavonoid concentrations of Teucrium species
Authors: Stanković Milan , Stefanović Olgica , Čomić Ljiljana , Topuzović Marina , Radojević Ivana , Solujić Slavica
Published: May 2012

In vitro antimicrobial activity of 21 crude extracts obtained from seven taxa of the genus Teucrium (T. chamaedrys, T. montanum, T. arduini, T. polium, T. scordium subsp. scordium, T. scordium subsp. scordioides and T. botrys) was tested against bacterial and fungal species. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using a microdilution analysis method. Total phenolic content and flavonoid concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. Total phenols were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and their amounts ranged from 28.49 up to 159.84 mg CA/g of extract (chlorogenic acid equivalent). The amounts of flavonoids ranged from 38.17 up to 190.45 mg RU/g of extract (rutin equivalent).The plant extracts showed greater potential of antibacterial than antifungal activity. A relationship was found between total phenolics and biological activity. The highest level of total phenols was measured in the methanol extracts, which demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity than acetone and ethyl acetate extracts. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 appeared to be the most sensitive organism. Our results indicate that Teucrium spp extracts are rich sources of phenolic compounds and are promising candidates for further development as natural antimicrobial agents.
Structural Diversity and Close Interracial Relationships in College
Authors: Bowman Nicholas A.
Published: May 2012

Recent legal and political actions have challenged the use of race-conscious college admissions policies. Earlier research offers mixed evidence about the link between an institution’s racial/ethnic composition (i.e., structural diversity) and the formation of close interracial relationships, so the present study examines this topic directly for several racial/ethnic groups. Within a large longitudinal data set, structural diversity is positively related to having close interracial friendships and a different-race romantic partner for White students, and no main effects of structural diversity are apparent for Black and Hispanic students. Moreover, structural diversity has increasingly positive effects at higher levels of campus diversity.
Polyoxotungstate-Surfactant Layered Crystal toward Conductive Inorganic-Organic Hybrid
Authors: Ito Takeru , Fujimoto Nozomu , Uchida Sayaka , Iijima Jun , Naruke Haruo , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: May 2012

A polyoxotungstate-surfactant hybrid layered compound was synthesized as a single phase by using decatungstate ([W10O32]4−, W10) and hexadecylpyridinium (C16py). The X-ray structure analysis combined with infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis revealed the formula to be (C16py)4[W10O32] (C16py-W10). The layered structure consisted of alternative stacking of W10 inorganic monolayers and interdigitated C16py bilayers with layered periodicity of 23.3 Å. Each W10 anion in the W10 inorganic monolayers was isolated by the hydrophilic heads of C16py. The hybrid crystals of C16py-W10 decomposed at around 500 K. The conductivity of the hybrid layered crystal was estimated to be 4.8 × 10−6 S cm−1 at 423 K by alternating current (AC) impedance spectroscopy.
Improving Woody Biomass Estimation Efficiency Using Double Sampling
Authors: Parrott David L. , Lhotka John M. , Fei Songlin , Shouse B. Scott
Published: May 2012

Although double sampling has been shown to be an effective method to estimate timber volume in forest inventories, only a limited body of research has tested the effectiveness of double sampling on forest biomass estimation. From forest biomass inventories collected over 9,683 ha using systematic point sampling, we examined how a double sampling scheme would have affected precision and efficiency in these biomass inventories. Our results indicated that double sample methods would have yielded biomass estimations with similar precision as systematic point sampling when the small sample was ≥ 20% of the large sample. When the small to large sample time ratio was 3:1, relative efficiency (a combined measure of time and precision) was highest when the small sample was a 30% subsample of the large sample. At a 30% double sample intensity, there was a < 3% deviation from the original percent margin of error and almost half the required time. Results suggest that double sampling can be an efficient tool for natural resource managers to estimate forest biomass.
Utilization of Natural Zeolite and Perlite as Landfill Liners for in Situ Leachate Treatment in Landfills
Authors: Ozel Ummukulsum , Akdemir Andaç , Ergun Osman Nuri
Published: May 2012

The potential long term environmental impacts of a landfill on groundwater quality depend on its liner material properties. In case synthetic liner materials are damaged during the construction or operation, many of the original chemical and biological constituents are removed by filtration and the adsorptive action of natural liner materials such as natural zeolite, perlite and bentonite minerals. Before leachate treatment, reduction of these constituents is important not only to leachate percolation, but also treatment cost and efficiency. In this study, the pollutant removal efficiency from the leachate was investigated for natural natural zeolite, expanded perlite and bentonite. Experimental studies was performed in boxes made of glass and with 1:10 sloping. Leachate quantity was determined and pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate (NO3-N), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N), phosphate (PO4), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and organic matter in leachate samples were measured and the measurement was compared with control process (System 4). The results showed that natural zeolite was effective in removing NO3, NH4, PO4, COD and organic matter with removal efficiencies of 91.20, 95.6, 95.5, 83.4 and 87.8%, respectively. Expanded perlite has high efficiency removing of NO3, PO4 and COD 83.2, 91.0 and 62.5%, respectively, but it was unsuccessful in reducing NH4 (1.5%).
Cumulative Environmental Vulnerability and Environmental Justice in California’s San Joaquin Valley
Authors: Huang Ganlin , London Jonathan K.
Published: May 2012

The identification of “environmental justice (EJ) communities” is an increasingly common element in environmental planning, policy, and regulation. As a result, the choice of methods to define and identify these communities is a critical and often contentious process. This contentiousness is, in turn, a factor of the lack of a commonly accepted method, the concern among many EJ advocates and some regulators that existing frameworks are inadequate, and ultimately, the significant consequences of such designations for both public policy and community residents. With the aim of assisting regulators and advocates to more strategically focus their efforts, the authors developed a Cumulative Environmental Vulnerability Assessment (CEVA). This CEVA is composed of a Cumulative Environmental Hazard Index and a Social Vulnerability Index, with a Health Index as a reference. Applying CEVA produces spatial analysis that identifies the places that are subject to both the highest concentrations of cumulative environmental hazards and the fewest social, economic and political resources to prevent, mitigate, or adapt to these conditions. We recommended that these areas receive special consideration in permitting, monitoring, and enforcement actions, as well as investments in public participation, capacity building, and community economic development.
Synthesis and Characterization of 5-Nitro-2-nitratomethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrazole: A High Nitrogen Energetic Compound with Good Oxygen Balance
Authors: Li Yuchuan , Liu Wei , Pang Siping
Published: May 2012

The synthesis of 5-nitro-2-nitratomethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrazole (4) and its full characterization are given here. Compound 4 was synthesized through the nitration of 5-nitro-2-hydroxymethyl-tetrazole (3) with fuming nitric acid and acetic anhydride and its structure was characterized by MS, FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR techniques. The crystal structure of 4 was determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. The compound belongs to the orthorhombic system with space group Pna2(1), and its crystal parameters were a = 2.121(8) nm, b = 0.5281(19) nm, c = 0.6246(2) nm, Z = 4, V = 0.6995(4) nm3, Dc = 1.805 g/cm3, F(000) = 384, μ = 0.174 mm−1. A theoretical study of 4 has been performed, using quantum computational density functional theory (B3LYP methods) with 6-31G* basis sets as implemented in the Gaussian 03 program suite. The obtained heat of formation (HOF) for 4 was 228.07 kJ·mol−1, the detonation pressure (P) values calculated for 4 was 37.92 GPa, the detonation velocity (D) can reach 9260 m·s−1, and the oxygen balance was zero (Q), making 4 a competitive energetic compound.
Tentative Identification of Volatile Flavor Compounds in Commercial Budu, a Malaysian Fish Sauce, Using GC-MS
Authors: Mohamed Hajaratul Najwa , Man Yaakob Che , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Manap Yazid Abdul
Published: May 2012

Budu is a famous Malaysian fish sauce, usually used as seasoning and condiment in cooking. Budu is produced by mixing fish and salt at certain ratio followed by fermentation for six months in closed tanks. In this study, four commercial brands of Budu were analyzed for their chemical properties (pH, salt content and volatile compounds). The pH of Budu samples ranged from 4.50–4.92, while the salt (NaCl) content ranged between 11.80% and 22.50% (w/v). For tentative identification of volatile flavor compounds in Budu, two GC columns have been used, DB-WAX and HP-5MS. A total of 44 volatile compounds have been detected and 16 were common for both columns. 3-Methyl-1-butanol, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, dimethyl disulfide, 3-(methylthio)-propanal, 3-methylbutanoic acid and benzaldehye have been identified as the aroma-active compounds in Budu due to their lower threshold values.
A Convenient One-Pot Preparation of 2-Methyl-3-(phenylthio- methyl)quinolines from Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adducts and Their Oxidation to the Corresponding Sulfones
Authors: Ramesh Chintakunta , Lei Po-Min , Kavala Veerababurao , Kuo Chun-Wei , Yao Ching-Fa
Published: May 2012

A convenient one-pot preparation of 2-methyl-3-(phenylthiomethyl)quinolines from Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts via conjugate addition of thiols followed by reductive cyclization with Fe/AcOH was developed. The 2-methyl-3-(phenylthiomethyl)quinolines were transformed into 2-methyl-3-(phenylsulfonylmethyl)quinolines via m-CPBA-mediated oxidation.
Synthesis, Molecular Properties Prediction, and Anti-staphylococcal Activity of N-Acylhydrazones and New 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives
Authors: De Oliveira Cledualdo Soares , Lira Bruno Freitas , Dos Santos Falcão-Silva Vivyanne , Siqueira-Junior Jose Pinto , Barbosa-Filho Jose Maria , De Athayde-Filho Petronio Filgueiras
Published: May 2012

Five new 1-(2-(5-nitrofuran-2-yl)-5-(aryl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-3-(2H)-yl) ethanone compounds 5a–e were synthesized by cyclization of N-acylhydrazones 4a–e with acetic anhydride under reflux conditions. Their structures were fully characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. Furthermore, evaluations of the antibacterial activity of the 1,3,4-oxadiazoles 5a–e and N-acylhydrazones 4a–e showed strong activity against several strains of Staphylococcus aureus, with MICs between 4 μg/mL to 32 μg/mL. In silico studies of the parameters of Lipinski’s Rule of Five, as well as the topological polar surface area (TPSA), absorption percentage (% ABS), drug likeness and drug score indicate that these compounds, especially 4a and 5d, have potential to be new drug candidates.
Hybrid Magnetic Hydrogel: A Potential System for Controlled Drug Delivery by Means of Alternating Magnetic Fields
Authors: Giani Gabriele , Fedi Serena , Barbucci Rolando
Published: May 2012

Novel hybrid magnetic hydrogels have demonstrated their influence in several areas, particularly in biomedical science where these innovative materials are showing interesting applications for controlled drug delivery. A hybrid hydrogel with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) as cross-linker agents of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer was obtained with the aim of testing it as a system for controlled drug release. The NPs were functionalized with (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (APTMS) in order to introduce-NH2 groups on the surface. Infrared spectroscopy, XPS and electrochemical analysis were performed to quantify the amino coating. The presence of magnetic nanoparticles makes the system suitable for an application with magnetic stimulus. Preliminary studies performed with alternating magnetic fields indicate a release of the drug-like molecules previously loaded in the matrix.
Advances in Forest Inventory Using Airborne Laser Scanning
Authors: Hyyppä Juha , Yu Xiaowei , Hyyppä Hannu , Vastaranta Mikko , Holopainen Markus , Kukko Antero , Kaartinen Harri , Jaakkola Anttoni , Vaaja Matti , Koskinen Jarkko , Alho Petteri
Published: May 2012

We present two improvements for laser-based forest inventory. The first improvement is based on using last pulse data for tree detection. When trees overlap, the surface model between the trees corresponding to the first pulse stays high, whereas the corresponding model from the last pulse results in a drop in elevation, due to its better penetration between the trees. This drop in elevation can be used for separating trees. In a test carried out in Evo, Southern Finland, we used 292 forests plots consisting of more than 5,500 trees and airborne laser scanning (ALS) data comprised of 12.7 emitted laser pulses per m2. With last pulse data, an improvement of 6% for individual tree detection was obtained when compared to using first pulse data. The improvement increased with an increasing number of stems per plot and with decreasing diameter breast height (DBH). The results confirm that there is also substantial information for tree detection in last pulse data. The second improvement is based on the use of individual tree-based features in addition to the statistical point height metrics in area-based prediction of forest variables. The commonly-used ALS point height metrics and individual tree-based features were fused into the non-parametric estimation of forest variables. By using only four individual tree-based features, stem volume estimation improved when compared to the use of statistical point height metrics. For DBH estimation, the point height metrics and individual tree-based features complemented each other. Predictions were validated at plot level.
Automatic Construction of 3D Basic-Semantic Models of Inhabited Interiors Using Laser Scanners and RFID Sensors
Authors: Valero Enrique , Adan Antonio , Cerrada Carlos
Published: May 2012

This paper is focused on the automatic construction of 3D basic-semantic models of inhabited interiors using laser scanners with the help of RFID technologies. This is an innovative approach, in whose field scarce publications exist. The general strategy consists of carrying out a selective and sequential segmentation from the cloud of points by means of different algorithms which depend on the information that the RFID tags provide. The identification of basic elements of the scene, such as walls, floor, ceiling, windows, doors, tables, chairs and cabinets, and the positioning of their corresponding models can then be calculated. The fusion of both technologies thus allows a simplified 3D semantic indoor model to be obtained. This method has been tested in real scenes under difficult clutter and occlusion conditions, and has yielded promising results.
Master Degree Modules in Nanotechnologies for Electronics
Authors: Tzanova Slavka
Published: May 2012

The paper presents an European project focusing on closer cooperation in the university sector and transparency of qualifications and recognition methods. It is aimed at common MSc degree level courses development for the new skills for new jobs in the multidisciplinary nanoelectronics and a new job organisation.
The Role of Telematic Practices in Computer Engineering: A Low-cost Remote Power Control in a Network Lab
Authors: Mateo Sanguino Tomas , Lopez Garcia Diego , Cortes Ancos Estefania
Published: May 2012

The present paper describes a practical solution of e-learning laboratory devoted to the study of computer networks. This laboratory has been proven with two groups of students from the University of Huelva (Spain) during two academic years. In order to achieve this objective, it has been necessary to create an entire network infrastructure that includes both the telematic access to the laboratory equipment and the remote power control. The interest of this work lies in an economical and simple system of remote control and telematic access with a twofold objective. On the one hand, to develop distance practices with attendance appearance by means of real hardware systems, not simulated. On the other hand, to reduce the power consumption regarding other proposals of remote labs with permanent power connection, providing herein an on demand connection only when required. As a result, a versatile and flexible laboratory has been put into practice whose basic network topology allows transferring traditional practices to telematic practices in a natural way and without harsh changes
Du bon usage des corpus dans la recherche sur le discours spécifique
Authors: Martin Jacky
Published: May 2012

Cette étude introductive définit l’incidence et l’importance des corpus sur la recherche en langue de spécialité. Sont abordés à cette occasion les divers outils d’enrichissement et d’exploitation des corpus. Une évaluation de l’utilité des corpus en langue de spécialité est proposée en conclusion.
The Significance of Marketing in Library and Information Science
Authors: Ogbomo Monday Obaidjevwe
Published: May 2012

The value of information as an intangible asset has become increasingly prominent in recent years, in spite of the challenges involved in the identification, measurement and financial valuation of intangibles. Information is a commodity and information service is the marketing of that commodity. This chapter highlighted the significance of marketing in library and information science. Concepts such as information science, marketing and marketing mix, marketing research, and significance of marketing were discussed. The chapter concluded that marketing of information services is important and recommended that it should be incorporated into the curricula of Library and Information Science Schools in Nigeria. It is hoped that information provided in this chapter will enable Librarians, lecturers and students of Library and Information Science to understand the value of marketing in the process of providing information services to customers.
Consumer Generated Advertising in Blogs
Authors: Mutum Dilip , Wang Qing
Published: May 2012

Blogs are the newest and potentially most attractive online media available to marketers. This chapter discusses the unique nature of blogs and the growing power of consumer generated content. This raises a number of questions as well as new opportunities. As the authors point out that existing literature on blog marketing only discusses the possible advantages of using blogs as a marketing tool and the addition of blogs into the marketing mix. However, the problem is that these studies totally ignored consumers’ perception towards blogs that carry advertisements. The rise of advertising companies that have stepped in to fill the gap between companies and bloggers, are discussed. Some examples of successful blog advertising campaigns are also provided. This chapter also presents a conceptual model that examines the salient factors that are likely to influence consumer attitude towards blogs and towards advertising in blogs, and more specifically on sponsored posts on blogs. It is hoped that this chapter would encourage other researchers to take a look at this unique media which in turn will help shed new light on how blogs are enabling a new model of consumer collaboration and consumer generated advertising.
Database Marketing Process Supported by Ontologies
Authors: Pinto Filipe Mota
Published: May 2012

The dramatic explosion of data and the growing number of different data sources are exposing researchers to a new challenge - how to acquire, maintain, and share knowledge from large databases in the context of rapidly applied and evolving research. This paper describes research on an ontological approach for leveraging the semantic content of ontologies to improve knowledge discovery in databases. We analyze how ontologies and knowledge discovery process may interoperate and present our efforts to bridge the two fields, knowledge discovery in databases and ontology learning for successful database usage projects.
Marketing Analysis of Emerging Peer-to-Peer Microlending Websites
Authors: Assadi Djamchid , Hudson Meredith
Published: May 2012

The marketing trends of the emerging sector of peer-to-peer microlending websites have been left largely unexplored during its rise to recognition. Based on a sample of nine popular social lending sites, this exploratory chapter uses observational research methods to analyze the uncontrollable and controllable marketing elements of online social lending websites in order to better understand its present and future tendencies. A more comprehensive understanding based on similarities and differences of the marketing movement within this industry will be the end result of this chapter, and therefore, a more reliable prediction of the future it holds.
Exploring Determinants Influencing the Intention to Use Mobile Payment Service
Authors: Mahran Amira F. A. , Enaba Hala M. Labib
Published: May 2012

Mobile services are becoming increasingly commonplace in everyday life; however, Mobile payment (M-payment) is not among frequently used mobile services. The slowness of the diffusion of this service is the point of departure of the current research. The authors discuss why consumers are slow in adopting M-payment service and develop a proposed model that measures the customer’s attitude and intention to use this technology in Egypt. Different theories from diverse fields are reviewed to formulate the study’s conceptual framework. Empirical data were collected via an online survey for a sample of 490 students in “open education”, a type of e-distance learning. The results suggest that although the most important determinants influencing the customer’s attitude toward the service are perceived behavioral control and perceived usefulness, those influencing the intention to use it are perceived innovativeness, perceived expressiveness, facilitating condition, perceived usefulness, and social pressure. The results of the research differ from those of previous studies because of the effect of the Egyptian culture. Service providers can benefit from the results when formulating the marketing strategies to increase the usage of this service, improving mobile commerce.
Marketing E-Learning and the Challenges Facing Distance Education in Africa
Authors: Ojo Bamidele A.
Published: May 2012

This chapter examines the marketing of e-learning and challenges facing distance education in Africa. While discussing the growing trend in distance education, this chapter also examines the socio-political and economic factors limiting its effectiveness on the continent. The conclusion of this chapter is that the crisis within the African state constitutes a hindrance to effective marketing and implementation of e-learning and distance education.
Ad Avoidance and Distance Education Marketing
Authors: Ispir N. Bilge
Published: May 2012

All distance education institutions need inform their target audience (in this case, target students) about their education programs. In order to do this, distance education institutions apply some marketing communication activities including advertising. Distance education institutions have to use media to send their messages to target audiences. But target audiences are already in an ad-cluttered media environment and find ads irritating, boring, and offensive. Because of this, audiences try to avoid ads with different ways. On the other hand, audiences’ ad avoidance behavior is affected by some factors including attitudes toward an ad, ad clutter, and communication problems. This study aims to understand ad avoidance behavior and factors that affect ad avoidance. In the light of this understanding, distance education institutions may develop effective marketing communication programs and may manage ad avoidance.
A Business Model Framework for Second Life
Authors: D’Andrea Alessia , Ferri Fernando , Grifoni Patrizia
Published: May 2012

This chapter provides a framework to analyse the marketing and promotion advantages of Virtual Communities. Virtual Communities offer companies the possibility to carry out a new products and services promotion and to develop trustful relationships with customers. The key element in the use of Virtual Communities for these purposes is the wide amount of customers that can be reached. Virtual Communities present the aptitude to generate social influence and knowledge sharing among customers. As a consequence, it brings out the increasing number of skills, competencies and “knowledge profiles” of each customer involved in the virtual environment. The framework is consequently applied to Second Life in order to analyse three different business strategies that companies usually implement by using this platform. The first strategy allows companies to perform the placement of their products/services in a dynamic form. The second strategy provides companies the possibility to have a better knowledge of customers’ needs in order to develop products and services that satisfy customer’s expectations. Finally, the third strategy allows companies to develop high brand awareness.
Studying Web Search Engines from a User Perspective
Authors: Chaudiron Stéphane , Ihadjadene Madjid
Published: May 2012

This chapter shows that the wider use of Web search engines, reconsidering the theoretical and methodological frameworks to grasp new information practices. Beginning with an overview of the recent challenges implied by the dynamic nature of the Web, this chapter then traces the information behavior related concepts in order to present the different approaches from the user perspective. The authors pay special attention to the concept of “information practice” and other related concepts such as “use”, “activity”, and “behavior” largely used in the literature but not always strictly defined. The authors provide an overview of user-oriented studies that are meaningful to understand the different contexts of use of electronic information access systems, focusing on five approaches: the system-oriented approaches, the theories of information seeking, the cognitive and psychological approaches, the management science approaches, and the marketing approaches. Future directions of work are then shaped, including social searching and the ethical, cultural, and political dimensions of Web search engines. The authors conclude considering the importance of Critical theory to better understand the role of Web Search engines in our modern society.