bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERCURSOS POÉTICOS: IMAGENS DOS RIOS EM SACIOLOGIA GOIANA
Authors: De Souza Dámaris , Souto Maria Generosa Ferreira
Published: December 2015

Este texto apresenta uma reflexão acerca das imagens dos rios goianos em Saciologia Goiana, de Gilberto Mendonça Teles. Pretende discutir essas imagens como elementos autóctones convertidos em imagens poéticas, capazes de evidenciar a relação do ser com o mundo ao seu redor. Esses sinais nos levam a considerar que o poeta se serviu dos elementos hidrográficos do estado de Goiás para se inspirar. A partir dos poemas, o autor deixa pistas da representação dos rios em sua escrita. Assim, o poeta incorpora o cotidiano e a cultura popular, demonstrando as relações típicas e triviais sobrecarregadas de marcas culturais, afetivas e sociais. Como suporte teórico, dialogaremos com Octávio Paz, Michel de Certeau e Gaston Bachelard. Deste modo, este trabalho perpassará por três vias imbricáveis: lugar, espaço cultural e rios.
IMAGINÁRIOS EM (DES)CONSTRUÇÃO: O LUGAR DO SUJEITO-PROFESSOR NO DISCURSO PUBLICITÁRIO GOVERNAMENTAL
Authors: Winchuar Marcio José De Lima , Venturini Maria Cleci
Published: December 2015

O presente artigo busca identificar os efeitos de sentido que sinalizam para a (des)construção da identidade do sujeito-professor por meio do discurso publicitário governamental. O funcionamento da publicidade pode produzir efeitos de sentidos que (re)produzem imaginários coletivos acerca desses sujeitos e, ao mesmo tempo, instauram outros. Para verificar como isso ocorre, pautamos nosso trabalho na análise de discurso, de orientação francesa e temos como corpus de análise um vídeo que faz parte da campanha seja um professor do Ministério da Educação. A partir da materialidade, ressoam memórias pelas quais se produz o  imaginário coletivo da sociedade e do que é ser professor na atualidade, à medida que  o mesmo é representado como um profissional, cuja função é não só ensinar, mas promover o desenvolvimento de seu país.
Incubadora Tecnológica de Desenvolvimento e Inovação de Cooperativas e Empreendimentos Solidários: Verticalização das relações entre universidade e sociedade
Authors: Felizardo Alciene Oliveira , Santos Amanda Rayana Da silva , Do Nascimento Wagner Luiz Nascimento , Dos Reis Adebaro Alves
Published: December 2015

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo demonstrar o processo de construção de conhecimento por meio das ações de incubação de empreendimentos econômicos solidários, além de expor sua importância no contexto do desenvolvimento rural das comunidades assistidas pelo programa: Incubadora Tecnológica de Desenvolvimento e Inovação de Cooperativas e Empreendimentos Solidários (INCUBITEC), do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará – Campus Castanhal. Como base metodológica, utilizou-se a pesquisa ação, que é um tipo de pesquisa social que é concebida e concretizada em estreita associação com uma ação ou com a resolução de um problema coletivo. Assim, verificou-se que, a INCUBITEC vem garantindo autogestão aos empreendimentos, respeitando suas formas de organização e o conhecimento tácito. Além disso, tem sido essencial no processo de formação profissional no IFPA – Campus Castanhal por meio dos exercícios práticos de ensino, pesquisa e extensão.
As cadeias globais de valor e a inserção da indústria brasileira
Authors: Ferreira Jonathan Dias , Schneider Mirian Beatriz
Published: December 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a situação do Brasil na chamada cadeia global de valor, como requisito para inserção internacional. Além disso, foi aplicado o Índice de Vantagem Comparativa (IVCR) com o objetivo de analisar a inserção da indústria brasileira no comércio mundial a partir dos anos 2000. Pode-se concluir que o Brasil participa na cadeia global de valor por ligações com outros países que utilizam insumos brasileiros em suas exportações. Analisando os produtos que compõem a participação do Brasil na cadeia global de valor, é possível notar que os mais presentes são para o fornecimento de recursos naturais, como a mineração, agricultura, metais básicos entre outros. Vale ressaltar que para o Brasil tirar proveito da cadeia global de valor, é preciso que o país participe das etapas de produção com maior valor agregado, que estimule investimentos e participação nas etapas de criação, de planejamento e desenvolvimento de novos produtos. 
Sistemas inteligentes? Humanos dependentes?
Authors: Bonventi Jr Waldemar
Published: December 2015

Discute-se o impacto das tecnologias de informação e comunicação, estendendo-se aos dispositivos e sistemas industriais mais complexos. São apresentados os sistemas inteligentes e seu contraponto mercadológico: sistemas divulgados como inteligentes. Textos acadêmicos sobre inteligência artificial são referenciados como base conceitual para a análise dos impactos sociais das tecnologias inteligentes ou assim divulgadas. Questões sobre raciocínio e busca de soluções, utilizando o jogo de xadrez como comparação entre seres humanos e computadores, procuram lançar luz sobre os processos mentais que são relacionados com comportamento inteligente. Questiona-se a dependência ou confiança das pessoas em deixarem decisões mais complexas para tais dispositivos ou sistemas, desde simples cálculos aritméticos até inferências e proposta de ações estratégicas, passando pela interação entre sistemas inteligentes e seres humanos para melhorar a eficiência de tarefas complexas em geral. Por fim, são postas questões reflexivas sobre a real possibilidade da inteligência artificial suplantar a humana, criando involuntariamente uma realidade virtual e como atualmente a tecnologia possivelmente está criando esta realidade e uma nova forma de dependência.
Synchroniser les temps des acteurs autour du patient pour conjuguer qualité des soins, bien être au travail et efficience économique
Authors: Abad Monique , Johanet Stanislas
Published: December 2015

Pour mesurer l’impact d’une amélioration de la synchronisation des temps médicaux et non médicaux autour du patient hospitalisé, les auteurs ont accompagné onze établissements de santé. Dans ces derniers, des actions de synchronisation des temps des professionnels ont été mises en œuvre dans les structures les plus sensibles : blocs opératoires, hospitalisation conventionnelle et ambulatoire, consultations externes, etc. Les auteurs analysent les effets induits sur ces sites de production de soins par une meilleure synchronisation des temps médicaux et non médicaux. Le soin réalisé par une équipe hospitalière est l’aboutissement d’une intervention collective. Mais collectif ne veut pas dire coordonné… Pour autant si de nombreuses publications font état d’une relation entre la sécurité des soins et la qualité de la communication au sein de l’équipe hospitalière (1), le sujet des impacts de la synergie temporelle des soignants autour du patient parait encore très peu exploré. Le projet d’accompagnement au développement de la synchronisation des temps médicaux et non médicaux a concerné onze établissements de santé essentiellement publics.
Les images de la police politique (DOPS) : utilisations, appropriations et controverses
Authors: Motta Rodrigo Patto Sá
Published: December 2015

Cet article est un essai exploratoire sur les images des DOPS (Délégations ou Départements de l’ordre politique et social), qui étaient les principaux organes de la police politique au Brésil durant la majeure partie du XXe siècle. Ces images permettent deux approches possibles : d’une part, l’analyse de quelques photographies produites ou saisies par la police et la façon dont elles ont servi aux activités de surveillance et de répression des « subversifs » ; d’autre part, l’élaboration de réflexions préliminaires à partir des images critiques sur les DOPS, dont le but était de dénoncer les actions de la police politique et de décrire les policiers sous des traits négatifs. Le but de ce texte est de contribuer à l’historiographie qui examine les imaginaires et les usages politiques des images, ainsi qu’à l’étude des mécanismes de fonctionnement des appareils de répression politique.
In Search of Crowdfunding Business Models
Authors: Assadi Djamchid
Published: December 2015

Crowdfunding platforms have substantially increased since 2005 and have supported entrepreneurial projects in response to the low propensity of banking institutions to finance either startups, or poor or young entrepreneurs. However, the theory of strategies and management of crowdfunding is far behind the dynamism of its growth. This shortcoming most likely causes costs and failures, in particular during the current state of increasing competitive pressure in the sector. This paper seeks to construct a general theoretical definition for the concept of a business model and apply it to the P2P social lending on the Internet. Extensive literature is reviewed to construct an archetype business model. The validity of the model will be tested through crowdfunding platforms.
Intermediating Crowdfunding
Authors: Heminway Joan MacLeod
Published: December 2015

The principals in business finance transactions most typically are the focus of commentaries and studies. Intermediaries often are forgotten—or at least are of secondary concern. The growing academic and popular literature on crowdfunding exemplifies these larger trends. This chapter focuses broadly on a description of crowdfunding intermediation in a preliminary effort to address this imbalance. Specifically, the chapter focuses most closely on (a) identifying and categorizing the types of intermediaries involved in crowdfunded financings of businesses and projects and (b) making related observations. This exploration of crowdfunding intermediaries: isolates expertise, standardization, and disclosure as key values in crowdfunding intermediation; exposes the central role and critical nature of the crowdfunding platform as a crowdfunding intermediary; and notes certain resulting concerns and considerations. Ultimately, additional research is needed to provide better information and guidance to potential and actual crowdfunding participants, policymakers, and enforcement agents.
How do the Crowdfunders Judge the Crowdfunded?
Authors: Chaboud Mathieu-Claude
Published: December 2015

This chapter addresses the reactions from communities of early supporters of companies turning from participative forms of financing to classical venture capital and/or buyouts by blue chip firms. Through the study of two recent cases of major crowdfunding successes, namely Oculus VR, a Californian company which obtained nearly $2.5 Million in an exemplary Kickstarter campaign and was later bought by Facebook for $2 Billion, and Mojang, a Swedish company formed to manage the unprecedented success of a video game, Minecraft, sold to supporters from its unfinished versions, the firm being later purchased by Microsoft for $2.5 Billion. Both of these companies had to manage the changes in the nature of their relationships with their early supporters. This chapter proposes typologies of potentially harmful changes induced by attempts to transform bonding social capital into bridging social capital, as well as countermeasures available to entrepreneur to control the effects of such situations.
Can Social Dynamics Be Channeled from Offline to Online Communities?
Authors: Alijani Sharam , Assadi Djamchid , Ashta Arvind
Published: December 2015

As alternative source of financing, microfinance and crowdfunding organizations are increasingly relying on commitment, compliance and cooperation among individuals, groups, and communities. In considering the extraordinary growth of the market for microfunding and microlending in recent years, this article aims to investigate a number of important questions. Can the conventional rule of social collateral applied to group lending be replicated in online crowdfunding? What are the institutional, social and organizational requirements in order to transpose the social collateral model of solidarity and responsibility to heterogeneous online crowdfunding and microlending platforms? What would be the implications for borrowers and lenders in terms of group compliance, collaboration and cooperation? By highlighting the differences and similarities between microfinance and crowdfunding structures, the article seeks to provide a broad comparative framework for analyzing different patterns of behavior in communities, organizations and networks that engage in crowdfunding and microlending activities.
Can Crowdfunding Provide a Solution for the Financial Problems of SMEs in Turkey?
Authors: Oba Beyza
Published: December 2015

This chapter aims to study crowdfunding in an emerging economy, Turkey. Crowdfunding is a comparatively new funding practice in Turkey and platforms involved in crowdfunding are very few. In an economic system where entrepreneurs of small sized companies have limited possibilities for securing financial resources crowdfunding could have been a viable tool for the provision of financial resources. However, due to legal constraints, limited usage of social media, lack of computer literacy and lack of knowledge about the issue, crowdfunding in Turkey is a novice micro-funding mechanism where people with similar concerns, lifestyles and values give support. The chapter is based on an analysis of primary (semi-structured interviews) and secondary data about the Turkish crowdfunding arena and discusses the business models, governance mechanisms utilized by crowdfunding platforms.
Legislation for Solid Waste Management
Authors: Halim Azhar Abdul , Hassan Siti Hafizan
Published: December 2015

The legal and institutional framework, as well as the international trends in solid waste management, serves as the basis for the formulation of a policy framework that seeks to improve solid waste management (SWM) practices in the future. Recently, SWM has become a global concern, especially for urban environments such as Malaysia, whose economy could potentially be adversely affected. To address these issues, the authors has reviewed several laws, including the Federal Constitution 1957; Local Government Act (Act 171) 1976; Town and Country Planning Act (Act 127) 1976; Environmental Quality Act (Act 127) 1974; Street, Drainage, and Building Act (Act 133) 1974; and Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007. Relevant international norms and principles at the federal, state, and local levels have also been reviewed. Exploring this topic generates an overview of SWM implementation in the context of Malaysia and the rest of the world.
Items of Consideration in the Design of a Malaysian Landfill
Authors: Selamat Mohamad Razip , Aziz Hamidi Abdul
Published: December 2015

The rate of waste generation in Malaysia continues to rise and this trend has created a pressure on landfills to perform in terms of capacity and quality. This scenario is not unique to the country alone but probably shared by many in the developing world. On one hand newly designed projects are initiated while on the other the old ones are still operating as open dumps. As in most cases with municipalities, a new site is not readily available for the new initiative, thus the existing facility has to accommodate both the newly designed landfill and the existing dump. In most cases also, due to lack of space and economical reasons, the two facilities have to eventually connect with each other and form a single facility. Thus this chapter is not only about designing a new provision but also about amalgamating the new one with the old one. In the design, the new one would require items such as leachate collection and treatment facilities while the old one would necessitate proper cover and drainage.
Composition of Leachate
Authors: Aziz Shuokr Qarani , Mojiri Amin
Published: December 2015

Solid waste is an important environmental problem in both developing and developed countries. Management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is one of the main modern environmental issues in municipal areas because of both its huge amount and variety of constituents. Information on characteristics of MSW is important for the formulation of new waste management policy. Landfill leachate is defined as an aqueous effluent produced when water percolates through the waste in a landfill. The nature of landfill leachate depends on the type of MSW being dumped, landfill age, moisture content, seasonal weather variations, site hydrology, the stage of decomposition in the landfill and pH. Produced leachate could contain large amounts of contaminants measured as COD, BOD5, NH3–N, heavy metals, phenols, phosphorus etc. Obviously, as landfill age increases, the biodegradable fraction of organic pollutants in leachate decrease as an outcome of the anaerobic decomposition occurring in landfill site. Thus, mature or stabilized leachate contains much more refractory organics than young leachate.
Physical Treatment Technologies for Landfill Leachate
Authors: Bashir Mohammed J. K. , Ibrahim Nurazim , Ismail Muhd Nazmi , Jaya Muhammad Azan Tamar
Published: December 2015

Landfill leachate is a refractory wastewater and highly polluted with heterogeneous materials which is harmful to the environment and living organisms. Thus, leachate requires efficient treatment system to ensure the quality of final discharge is within the standard limit. Moreover the treatment process must be cost effective in order to be accepted. Many treatment processes were examined for leachate treatment including biological, chemical and physical process. This chapter discuss the treatability of leachate using physical processes such as evaporation, flotation, adsorption, membrane, ultrasonication, air stripping. It can be concluded that physical processes are not recommended to stand alone for leachate treatment. Nevertheless, adsorption and membrane technologies are very effective for post treatment of leachate. Aeration, sedimentation, evaporation, and sonication can be used effectively as pre-treatment processes.
Rebirth of a Program via Community, Industry, and Philanthropic Support
Authors: Ruch Cathleen Brandi
Published: December 2015

In 2002, Lake Region State College closed their “Agricultural Farm Business Management” program, due to low enrollment and lack of interest. However considering that agriculture is one of the leading economic developers in North Dakota, Lake Region State College (LRSC) leaders and the community felt this might have been a premature closing, and decided to look at other agriculture workforce initiatives, considering ways to revitalize the agriculture workforce and its needs. This was an ambitious goal considering how rural LRSC is, with roughly 2000 in student matriculation in a given year. Before looking at reinventing, or “rebirthing” the ag program, challenges and steps needed to be addressed and employed. The following chapter will provide a case study on how LRSC leaders, its community, and the alignment of philanthropic support was able to revitalize or “rebirth” the agriculture program to the new cutting edge of Precision Agriculture.
Critical Media Literacy as Transformative Pedagogy
Authors: Funk Steven , Kellner Douglas , Share Jeff
Published: December 2015

This chapter provides a theoretical framework of critical media literacy (CML) pedagogy and examples of practical implementation in K-12 and teacher education. It begins with a brief discussion of literature indicating the need for educators to use a critical approach to media. The historical trajectory of CML and key concepts are then reviewed. Following this, the myths of “neutrality” and “normalcy” in education and media are challenged. The chapter takes a critical look at information and communication technologies and popular culture, reviewing how they often reinforce and occasionally challenge dominant ideologies. Next, this critical perspective is used to explore how CML interrogates the ways media tend to position viewers, users, and audiences to read and negotiate meanings about race, class, gender, and the multiple identity markers that privilege dominant groups. The subjective and ubiquitous nature of media is highlighted to underscore the transformative potential of CML to use media tools for promoting critical thinking and social justice in the classroom.
Transforming Digital Literacy with Culturally Diverse, Personalized Learning
Authors: Donohue Patricia J. , Kelly Kevin
Published: December 2015

The chapter reports on the research and efforts of two faculty members in an Instructional Technologies (ITEC) Master's program to transform their undergraduate and graduate courses into culturally sensitive personalized learning experiences in media literacy education. The 20-year-old ITEC program needed upgrading to meet the paradigm shift in new technologies and global education that its students would enter on graduation. Cultural and social justice issues have been the mission of the University for 40 years and that dimension of media literacy education was missing from the ITEC curricula. Researchers found that introducing techniques of gamification, heutagogical methods, and universal design for learning principles into their online and blended-learning courses provided a way to help students personalize their learning experience and interact more engagingly with each other, and to master the media literacy skills being taught.
21st Century Skills and Digital Storytelling in the Classroom
Authors: Di Blas Nicoletta
Published: December 2015

PoliCultura is an initiative of collaborative digital storytelling in formal educational contexts run by HOC-LAB, a laboratory at Politecnico di Milano (Italy), one of the largest technical universities in Europe. Launched in 2006, PoliCultura is open to schools of all kinds and levels, in Italy and abroad (international since school year 2013-14). Within PoliCultura, groups of students/classes, supervised by a teacher, create a multimedia interactive story using an online authoring tool by HOC-LAB. So far, more than 1,200 stories have been created by students aged between 4 and 18, from 9 countries. By presenting in detail the initiative and the evaluation data, this chapter makes a case for collaborative digital storytelling as a way to foster the acquisition of 21st century skills: creativity, collaboration, media literacy, life and career skills.
Systems for Knowledge Management along the Supply Chain
Authors: Edwards John S.
Published: December 2015

This chapter explains the role of knowledge management systems, whether technology-based or people-based, in service supply chain management. A systematic literature review was carried out to identify relevant examples of both successful and unsuccessful knowledge management systems. These are analyzed in terms of process, people and technology aspects, and the activities in the knowledge life-cycle (create, acquire, store, use, refine, transfer) that they support. These include systems used within a single organization, systems shared with supply chain partners, and systems shared with customers, the latter being the least common. Notable features are that more systems support knowledge exploitation than knowledge exploration, and that general-purpose software (e.g., internet search, database) is used more than software specific to knowledge management (e.g., data mining, “people finder”). The widespread use of mobile devices and social media offers both an opportunity and a challenge for future knowledge management systems development.
Biosorption of Dye Molecules
Authors: Zaman Aisha , Das Papita , Banerjee Priya
Published: December 2015

Water contamination due to dyes has drawn increased attention. Dyes in water bodies are greatly perceptible and pose tremendous threat to ecosystem. Thus removal of such dye molecules is a matter of concern. In the past various physical and chemical techniques have been employed for the removal of colour from wastewater. However most of these methods have certain drawbacks. Biological treatment is often efficient and economical. Many microorganisms are able to accumulate and degrade different pollutants. Yet even the biological methods have some shortcomings such as toxicity of biodegradation products and more.
Bioremediation Approaches for Recalcitrant Pollutants
Authors: Basak Bikram , Dey Apurba
Published: December 2015

The different chemical pollutants discharged by the industries to the environment can upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Bioremediation, the use of microorganisms and plants to remediate polluted environments, is a promising and growing area of environmental biotechnology. Bioremediation options encompass diverse types of biotechnological mechanisms that may lead to a target pollutant's mineralization, partial transformation, humification, or altered redox state. The use of extra cellular and/or cell-free enzymes has been also proposed as an innovative remediation technique. Perspectives and limitations to evolve and use this technology are critically discussed in this chapter with respect to the complexity of mixtures of xenobiotics often found in practice. Whereas the potential of bioremediation is substantial, its application has important limitations that are apparent from many examples and the authors feel that these limitations can be overcome only when adequate attention is directed to fundamental microbiological, chemical and engineering issues.
Standardization, Not Standards, Matters
Authors: Cargill Carl Frederick
Published: December 2015

This chapter looks at ways to actually use the art of Standardization (since there is not enough data to make this a discipline yet) within the Information Technology sector and within a commercial organization to effect change of some type. Note that this is not about Standards - which are relatively sterile documents - but rather a description of how to manage (some might say manipulate) cooperative action which will result, in some manner, in a Standard which can be used to create Standardization to further a defined policy, legal, social, or business management goal.
Business Benefits through Company IT Standardization
Authors: van Wessel Robert M. , de Vries Henk J. , Ribbers Piet M. A.
Published: December 2015

Many companies have embarked on IT standardization initiatives with specific benefits in mind, but some projects fail dramatically whereas others are very successful. Our research suggests that successful standardization projects require good governance and management across distinct lifecycle phases: selection, implementation, and use and change. We present a case study from a financial services company to demonstrate effective practices that have led to significant financial benefits, to improved service delivery and support, and to a more stable IT environment.
The Role of Internal Standardization in Business Models
Authors: Johansson Magnus , Foukaki Amalia , Kärreman Matts
Published: December 2015

This chapter focuses on business models and the role of internal standardization in business models. We develop a typology that outlines the role of internal standardization for a set of value configurations that serve as representations of generic business models. The topic is of importance for both managers and researchers in relation to firm level innovation and strategy, as well as how business models relate to internal and external standardization. With regard to business model innovation, this chapter can aid in identifying shifts in the firm's internal standardization focus associated with changes in its business model.
Strategic Development and Implementation of Company Standards
Authors: Großmann Anne-Marie Christin , von Gruben Paul-Vincent , Lazina Luisa Kim
Published: December 2015

This chapter provides a thorough introduction to the development of company standards for strategic purposes with specific focus on the use of company standards in the manufacturing sector. It gives an overview of the different types of company standards that are implemented by a company and its supply chain partners. By highlighting similarities with and distinctions from formal standards, this chapter carves out different economic effects of company standards. This allows the authors to develop different strategies a company can follow with the development of company standards. These strategies, however, are not confined for internal aspects. They also include the impacts of company standards on others, such as suppliers. This book chapter aims to aid companies and their supply chain partners to optimally use company standards for economic optimization.
Managing In-Company Standardisation while Avoiding Resistance
Authors: Haverkamp Ries , de Vries Henk J.
Published: December 2015

Standards may be an advantage for a company but employees often resist them because they feel they are forced to behave in a certain way. This chapter uses a philosophical approach to study why staff tend to resist company standardisation initiatives. Foucault and Habermas provide insights into the reasons for this resistance but do not solve the tension between freedom and control. Dooyeweerd's philosophy seems to be more promising. This chapter uses a company standardisation project of an automotive supplier to examine three philosophical approaches to understand resistance to standards and to investigate how this resistance can be avoided by managing in-company standardisation in a more holistic way.
A Primer on Intellectual Property Policies of Standards Bodies
Authors: Contreras Jorge L. , Updegrove Andrew
Published: December 2015

This chapter offers business managers an introduction to the intellectual property rights (IPR) issues that should be taken into account when an organization is considering joining or participating in a standards development organization. Copyright, trademark and patent issues, particularly patent disclosure and licensing, are addressed with an emphasis on the potential benefits and risks offered by the most common policy approaches today. Managers are encouraged to review the IPR policies of standards organizations with a view toward their own organizations' preferred IPR strategies and approaches, whether these tend toward product manufacture and distribution without significant attention to IPR monetization, research and development with a focus on IPR generation, or the generation of substantial revenue through IPR licensing.
Human Action in the Loop
Authors: Steusloff Hartwig , Decker Michael
Published: December 2015

Extremely complex systems like the smart grid or autonomous cars need to meet society's high expectations regarding their safe operation. The human designer and operator becomes a “system component” as soon as responsible decision making is needed. Tacit knowledge and other human properties are of crucial relevance for situation-dependent decisions. The uniform modeling of technical systems and humans will benefit from ethical reflection. In this chapter, we describe human action with technical means and ask, on the one hand, for a comprehensive multidisciplinary technology assessment in order to produce supporting knowledge and methods for technical and societal decision making. On the other hand—and here is the focus—we propose a system life cycle approach which integrates the human in the loop and argue that it can be worthwhile to describe humans in a technical way in order to implement human decision making by means of the use case method. Ethical reflection and even ethically based technical decision making can support the effective control of convergent technology systems.
Water discoloration events caused by the harmful dinoflagellate Alexandrium taylorii Balech in a new beach of the Western Mediterranean Sea (Platamona beach, North Sardinia)
Authors: Satta Cecilia Teodora , Pulina Silvia , Padedda Mario Bachisio , Penna Antonella , Sechi Nicola , Lugliè Antonella
Published: December 2015

Alexandrium taylorii is a harmful dinoflagellate species that is able to produce high-biomass blooms accompanied by water discoloration. These harmful events were reported in the Mediterranean basin, in selected small and sheltered beaches along the Catalan coasts and in the Balearic Islands and Sicily. In recent years the organism has been spreading over new Mediterranean areas. In 2007 the presence of A. taylorii was detected in a new beach in the northern coast of Sardinia (Italy). The bloom species caused ephemeral green–brown discoloration of the waters at Platamona beach in the summer months of 2007, 2008 and 2009, with maximum cell densities reaching 7 × 106 cells L−1 in July 2007. During bloom conditions the temperature ranged between 25 and 29°C and the chlorophyll a concentration reached very high values, ranging from 18.2 to 87.3 mg m−3. Reactive phosphorus and inorganic dissolved nitrogen were respectively between 0.04–2.21 µM P and 0.12–2.32 µM N. Our results confirmed the expansion phase of the species in the Mediterranean basin and the possibility of massive proliferation in other open beaches.
Potential impact of increased temperature and CO2 on particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate in the Southeastern Bering Sea
Authors: Lee Peter A. , Riseman Sarah F. , Hare Clinton E. , Hutchins David A. , Leblanc Karine , Di Tullio Giacomo R.
Published: December 2015

The potential impact of elevated sea surface temperature (SST) and pCO2 on algal community structure and particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPp) concentrations in the southeastern Bering Sea was examined using a shipboard “Ecostat” continuous culture system. The ecostat system was used to mimic the conditions projected to exist in the world's oceans by the end of this century (i.e. elevated pCO2 (750 ppm) and elevated SST (ambient + 4°C). Two experiments were conducted using natural phytoplankton assemblages from the high-nutrient low-chlorophyll (HNLC) central basin and from the middle domain of the southeastern continental shelf. At the HNLC site, the relative abundances of haptophytes and pelagophytes were higher and the relative abundance of diatoms lower under “greenhouse” conditions (i.e. combined 750 ppm CO2 and elevated temperature) than control conditions (380 ppm CO2 and ambient temperature). This shift in algal community structure was accompanied by increases in DMSPp (2–3 fold), DMSPp:Chl a (2–3 fold) and DMSP:PON (2 fold). At the continental shelf site, the changes in the relative abundances of haptophytes, pelagophytes and diatoms under “greenhouse” conditions were similar to those observed at the HNLC site, with 2.5 fold increases in DMSPp, 50–100% increases in DMSPp:Chl a and 1.8 fold increases in DMSP:PON. At both locations, changes in community structure and the DMSPp parameters were largely driven by increasing temperature. The observed changes were also consistent with the phytoplankton-DMS-albedo climate feedback mechanism proposed in the Charlson-Lovelock-Andreae-Warren (CLAW) hypothesis.
A review on the animal xenodiversity in Sicilian inland waters (Italy)
Authors: Marrone Federico , Naselli-Flores Luigi
Published: December 2015

This paper reviews the available knowledge about faunal xenodiversity in Sicilian inland waters (Italy). The aim is to provide an updated checklist and bibliography of those non-indigenous species (NIS) which occur in the island, and to identify possible threats to its native biological diversity. Data were collected through an extensive literature search which encompassed also local journals, books, congress abstracts, and other grey literature. All the collected data were critically revised and, when possible, verified by consulting available collections or through dedicated sampling surveys. Only those data contained in reports indicating precise occurrence localities, which were confirmed by our own observations and\or by at least two independent sources including at least a peer-reviewed publication, were considered as certain. Data in literature that did not meet these criteria were considered doubtful and reported separately as unverified. The information provided by websites has been excluded as it often contains unfounded and\or erroneous data. The fauna of Sicilian inland waters host at present 31 confirmed NIS. In addition, the presence of further 11 taxa is dubious. Among the verified data, invertebrate and vertebrate taxa are nearly equally represented, with 15 and 16 taxa, respectively. With 16 species, the phylum Chordata is by far the most represented, followed by Mollusca (8 species) and Arthropoda (6 species). Most of these species were detected in the last 30 years due to the lack of previous regular studies on Sicilian freshwaters. With few exceptions (e.g., the recent introduction of Xenopus laevis, the African clawed frog), NIS’ effects on native biota have not extensively studied in the island yet. Although the top-down effects caused by introduced vertebrate taxa are known to deeply modify the native structure of the biota, little information is available on the impacts caused by invertebrate taxa, especially the microscopic ones. The presence in Sicily of 11 nonnative species of bony fish is probably the most impacting threat to autochthonous fauna through predation, competition and hybridisation. The results shown in the paper highlight the importance and the urgency of more exhaustive investigations on NIS in Sicilian freshwaters with special regard to less charismatic taxa whose effects on the native biota have never been evaluated yet.
Delirium as a marker of vulnerability in the elderly
Authors: Bellelli Giuseppe , Mazzola Paolo , Morandi Alessandro
Published: December 2015

Delirium is the clinical expression of an acute cerebral dysfunction caused by various noxious insults. Its prevalence is very high in the elderly, especially in the hospital setting, and in geriatric patients it can be the clinical manifestation of almost every acute disease. Delirium is associated to a number of adverse clinical and functional outcomes, to a higher risk of cognitive decline, institutionalization, and short- and long-term mortality. It is thus necessary to increase the attention on this issue: in fact, it is clearly demonstrated that delirium can be prevented in a large proportion of cases. Delirium is not only a marker of patient vulnerability and clinical instability, but also an index of the quality of care and the efficiency of its organization. By systematically assessing the presence of delirium during the whole length of hospital stay, physicians may closely monitor the patient’s clinical status. The aims of this review are to review the current clinical practice in delirium, focusing particularly on elderly individuals. The topics covered include epidemiology and outcomes, causes, clinical features and diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Finally, implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Physical frailty and sarcopenia: taking advantage of their commonalities
Authors: Cesari Matteo
Published: December 2015

Physical frailty and sarcopenia are two agerelated conditions indicated as key risk factors for incident disability and health-related negative events in the elderly. Nevertheless, to date, their clinical implementation is still limited, largely because of methodological ambiguities and disagreement about their operationalizations. In order to bypass the current stall-position in the field and try to identify an objective, standardized, and clinically relevant target for interventions, it might be hypothesized to redesign the limits of a pre-disability physical risk condition around the inner core shared by both physical frailty and sarcopenia. Thus, preliminary research initiatives [like the sarcopenia and physical frailty in older people: multicomponent treatment strategies (SPRINTT) project] are proposing to explore whether physical frailty (or poor physical performance) may represent the clinical manifestation of a specific biological substratum (i.e., low muscle mass) on which build up novel interventions against disability in the elderly.
Optimal setting and care organization in the management of older adults with hip fracture: a narrative review
Authors: Giusti Andrea , Barone Antonella , Razzano Monica , Raiteri Rita , Del Rio Andrea , Bassoli Viviana , Palummeri Ernesto , Oliveri Mauro , Pilotto Alberto
Published: December 2015

Hip fracture (HF) is a common event in older adults and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, reduction of quality of life and costs for the healthcare systems. The expected rise in the total number of HF worldwide, due to improvements in life expectancy, and the growing awareness of HF detrimental consequences have led to the development and implementation of models of care alternative to the traditional ones for the acute and post-acute management of HF older adults. These services were set to streamline hospital care, minimize inhospital complications, provide early discharge, improve short- and long-term functional and clinical outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs associated with hip and other fragility fractures. The main feature that distinguishes these models is the different healthcare professional that retains the responsibility and leadership during the acute and post-acute phases. This narrative review has been conceived to provide a brief description of the models implemented in the last twenty years, to describe their potential beneficial effects on the shortand long-term outcomes, and to define the strengths and limitations of these models. On the basis of available studies, it seems that the more complex and sophisticated services, characterized by a multidisciplinary approach with a co-leadership (geriatrician and orthopedic surgeon) or a geriatrician leadership demonstrated to produce better outcomes compared to the traditional or simplest models.
Which diet for an effective cardiovascular prevention?
Authors: Sofi Francesco , Abbate Rosanna , Gensini Gian Franco , Casini Alessandro
Published: December 2015

Over the last years, numerous evidence on the existing relationship between nutrition and chronic degenerative diseases have led investigators to search for the optimal dietary pattern to maintain a good health status. It’s well known, in fact, that nutrition is capable of substantially modifying the risk profile of a subject in primary and/or secondary prevention. Several models of diet have been imposed on public attention, but the one that got the most interest is certainly the Mediterranean diet. Recently, several studies have shown that a strict adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a lower incidence of mortality and incidence of chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Meta-analyses conducted by our group have revealed, in a population of over than 2 million of people, that adherence to Mediterranean diet determines a significant reduction on the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents. To the best of the knowledge the most effective indications for an optimal therapeutic strategy in nutrition include: increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables up to the recommended 5 servings a day, prefer whole grains, replace saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, reduce the consumption of sugar and sweetened beverages, and limit salt intake. With these simple indications, together with recommendations of following the principles of the traditional Mediterranean diet, a substantial reduction of the risk of incidence and / or mortality from cardiovascular disease can be easily obtained.
ICAROS (Italian survey on CardiAc RehabilitatiOn and Secondary prevention after cardiac revascularization): temporary report of the first prospective, longitudinal registry of the cardiac rehabilitation network GICR/IACPR
Authors: Griffo Raffaele , Temporelli Pier Luigi , Fattirolli Francesco , Fattirolli Francesco , Ambrosetti Marco , Tramarin Roberto , Vestri Anna Rita , De Feo Stefania , Tavazzi Luigi
Published: December 2015

The Italian survey on CardiAc RehabilitatiOn and Secondary prevention after cardiac revascularization (ICAROS) was a multicenter, prospective, longitudinal survey carried out by the Italian Association on Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (GICR/IACPR) in patients on completion of a CR program after coronary artery by pass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim was to evaluate in the short and medium term: i) the cardioprotective drug prescription, modification and adherence; ii) the achievement and maintenance of recommended lifestyle targets and risk factor control and their association with cardiovascular events; iii) the predictors of non-adherence to therapy and lifestyle recommendations. The ICAROS results offers a portrait of the “real world” of clinical practice concerning patients after CABG and PCI, and stresses the need to improve secondary prevention care after the index event: many patients after revascularization leave the acute wards without an optimal prescription of preventive medication but the prescription of cardiopreventive drugs and risk factors control is excellent after completion of a CR program. Following CR, the maintenance of evidence-based drugs and lifestyle adherence at one year is fairly good as far as the target goals of secondary prevention are concerned, but to investigate the influence of CR on long term outcome longer term studies are required. Last, but not least, ICAROS shows that some characteristics (PCI as index event, living alone, poor eating habits or smoking in young age, and old age, in particular with comorbidities) may identify patients with poor behavioral modification in the medium term follow-up and in these patients further support may be warranted. In conclusion, participation in CR results in excellent treatment after revascularization, as well as a good lifestyle and medication adherence at 1 year and provides further confirmation of the the benefit of secondary prevention.
The bare minimum of information at discharge after acute coronary syndrome. Part 1: factors that affect communication
Authors: Angelino Elisabetta , Fattirolli Francesco
Published: December 2015

Hospital discharge after an Acute Coronary Syndrome represents a potential pitfall for patients. Strict adherence to discharge instructions is sometimes essential for recovery and prevention of complications and patients’ knowledge of diagnosis and treatment plan is an integral component of patient education. Discharge communication is an integral part of high-quality, patient-centered care but patients leaving hospital often fail to understand important elements of their discharge and home care plan. This paper describes the existing literature on patient understanding and implementation of discharge instructions, discusses previous interventions aimed at improving the discharge process, and recommends best practices.
Early Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) improves the outcome in Heart Failure (HF) patients with Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB)
Authors: Stanislao Mario , Facciorusso Antonio , Michelini Serena , De Luca Giovanni , Fanelli Mario , Valle Guido
Published: December 2015

Not available.
A Computational Pipeline for Cross-Species Analysis of RNA-seq Data Using R and Bioconductor
Authors: LoVerso Peter R. , Cui Feng
Published: December 2015

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has revolutionized transcriptome analysis through profiling the expression of thousands of genes at the same time. Systematic analysis of orthologous transcripts across species is critical for understanding the evolution of gene expression and uncovering important information in animal models of human diseases. Several computational methods have been published for analyzing gene expression between species, but they often lack crucial details and therefore cannot serve as a practical guide. Here, we present the first step-by-step protocol for cross-species RNA-seq analysis with a concise workflow that is largely based on the free open-source R language and Bioconductor packages. This protocol covers the entire process from short-read mapping, gene expression quantification, differential expression analysis to pathway enrichment. Many useful utilities for data visualization are included. This complete and easy-to-follow protocol provides hands-on guidance for users who are new to cross-species gene expression analysis.