bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decomposition of Travel Time Reliability into Various Sources
Authors: Kwon Jaimyoung , Barkley Tiffany , Hranac Rob , Petty Karl , Compin Nick
Published: September 2011

An empirical, corridor-level method is proposed to divide the travel time unreliability or variability over a freeway section into the following components: incidents, weather, work zones, special events, and inadequate base capacity or bottlenecks. The method consists of three steps: (a) corridor-level aggregation of travel time and source data, (b) quantile regression to fit the 95th percentile of travel time on the source variables, and (c) calculation of the contribution of individual sources to the buffer time. It could be applied to other percentile-based travel time reliability measures such as planning time and 90th and 95th percentiles. Once the source data are defined, the method can be automatically applied to any site with minimum calibration. When applied to a 30.5-mi section of northbound I-880 in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, the method revealed that traffic accidents contributed 15.1% during the morning and 25.5% during the afternoon, among others, and most of the remaining reliability came from recurrent bottlenecks. Quantifying the components of travel time variability at individual freeway sites is essential in developing effective strategies to mitigate congestion.
Analysis of Queue Estimation Methods Using Wireless Magnetic Sensors
Authors: Sanchez Rene O. , Horowitz Roberto , Varaiya Pravin
Published: September 2011

Four queue estimation methodologies were studied with wireless magnetic sensors installed on a single-lane loop on-ramp. Queue length estimation based on (a) occupancy measurements at the ramp entrance, (b) vehicle counts at the on-ramp entrance and exit, (c) speed measurements at the ramp entrance, and (d) vehicle reidentification were considered. These queue estimation methods were evaluated with available raw and processed sensor data retrieved from the test site through mobile data communication and downloaded from a server. The accuracy and reliability of the queue estimation methods were studied with ground truth data obtained from video. Discrepancies between inconsistent sensor and ground truth data were identified and further analyzed with raw data coming directly from the vehicle detection system at the on-ramp. Each of the methods analyzed had deficiencies that needed to be taken into account and compensated for if they were to be used for applications that involved ramp metering with accurate queue control. The worst performance of the queue estimation methods was observed when the on-ramp was under congestion (queue extends around or beyond the ramp entrance). On the basis of the observations at the on-ramp test site, it was also possible to point out some of the main factors that affect the performance of the queue estimation methods.
Morphology and Morphometrical studies on Semi lunar Heart valves of Indigenous Cattle (Bos indicus)
Authors: Akhtar S , Hossain FMA , Siddiqui MSI , Alam M , Islam MN
Published: September 2011

Twenty heart specimens of healthy indigenous cattle (Bos indicus) of different age group (04 groups) in Sylhet District were collected for gross morphology and morphometrical analysis of cusps or leaflets and papillary muscles to study the measurement of the length of the free margin of the cusps of the aortic and pulmonary valves and anatomical assessment for future bioprosthetic purpose for heterografting in the cardiac valvular human patients. It was found that the pulmonary valves consisted of three semilunar valve leaflets, the wall of the sinuses, the interleaflet triangles, the commissures and the sinotubular junction; whereas the aortic heart valve leaflets of indigenous cattle were three in number: right, left and noncoronary. Each leaflet of the valve has a central lamina fibrosa at their free margin of which the thickened part in the midpoint of the lunula formed the corpus arantii. The length of the right and posterior pulmonary cusp in this study was statistically significant (p<.005) but the length of the left pulmonary cusp was not significant in all age groups of animal. The mean length of the right coronary cusps (RCC), left coronary cusps (LCC) and non coronary cusps (NCC) was statistically not significant irrespective of their age groups of animal studied. This valve might be used for manufacturing tissue valve for Bioprosthesis. Keywords: Indigenous cattle; heart valve; morphology; morphometry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i1.8608 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(1):7-11
Biometry of Female Genital Organs of Black Bengal Goat
Authors: Gupta MD , Akter MM , Gupta AD , Das A
Published: September 2011

This study was conducted to establish the normal dimensions of the different segments of the female reproductive tract of the Black Bengal goats. The reproductive tracts of 56 adult non-gravid, female Black Bengal goat were collected and biometric parameters of different segments of the female reproductive tracts i.e. vulva, vagina, cervix, uterine body, uterine horns, oviducts and ovaries were measured .The lengths of the right and left ovaries were 1.453±0.034 and 1.410±0.026 cm, respectively. Mean weight of left ovary was 0.5944±0.06 gm and that of right ovary was 0.614±0.07 gm in Black Bengal goat. The average numbers of follicle in right and left ovaries were 4.123±0.230 and 3.893±0.229, respectively. The mean lengths of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterine body, uterine horns and oviduct were 2.671±0.063, 7.132±0.165, 3.348±0.113, 2.50±0.112 and 12.287±0.270 and 10.150±0.228 cm, respectively. The width of the vagina, cervix, uterine body and uterine horn were 3.972±0.098, 1.7551±0.042, 2.739±0.079 and 2.805±0.069 cm, respectively. The average number of curuncle in uterus was 54.714±1.70. A significant difference (p<0.05) between right and left ovaries was found for ovario-bursal adhesion. The mean weight, length and width in the present study were found higher in right ovaries than those of left ovaries. Key wards: Black Bengal goat; biometric parameters; ovary; uterus; cervix; vagina. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i1.8609 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(1):12-16
Effects of environment and genotype for the expression of weight gain of Fayoumi and Sonali chicks
Authors: Miazi OF , Miah G , Uddin MM , Hassan MM , Ahsan MF
Published: September 2011

Environmental as well as genotypic effect on weight gain is a normal phenomenon. The aim of the present study was to determine the environment and breed effect on weight gain. One observational cross-sectional study was done on the Fayoumi and Sonali chicks at Chittagong and Noakhali district from October 2005 to July 2006. A total of 48 farmers (24 from each Upazila) were selected randomly, who rear chicks under scavenging condition as well as had broody hens. Twelve eggs of each breed were supplied to each farmer. The chicks were hatched out by the farmers managed broody hens. Then the chicks were reared under scavenging system. The weight-gain of Fayoumi chicks after 8 weeks was higher (226.0 gm) than Sonali (170.7 gm) and it differed significantly (χ2 = 7.71, df = 1, p < 0.01). The Fayoumi chicks of Chittagong site gained higher weight (285.4 gm) than that of Noakhali (171.1 gm). In case of Sonali chicks, the weight gain of day old to eight weeks aged showed the similar performance in both Districts. Chicks of both breeds gained better weight in Chittagong than Noakhali significantly (Fayoumi: χ2 = 28.6, df = 1, p < 0.001; Sonali: χ2 = 10.01, df = 1, p < 0.01). Weight gain and environmental adaptation of Fayoumi chicks were better than Sonali.Key words: Environment; Fayoumi; genotype; Sonali; weight gain.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i1.8611 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(1):22-24
Replacement of maize by different levels of triticale on performances and meat yield characteristics of broiler chickens
Authors: Mahbub ASM , Baqui MA , Sarker NR
Published: September 2011

An experiment was conducted for a period of 5 weeks with 240 day-old cobb-500 broiler chicks and were allocated into six dietary treatments with isocaloric and isonitrogenous containing 2975 Kcal ME/kg DM & 21.70% CP and 3077 Kcal ME/kg DM & 20.34% CP both starter and finisher ration respectively. There were 40 chicks per treatment, each treatment had 4 replication having 10 chicks in each. The dietary treatments were T1 (0% triticale + 100% maize), T2 (20% triticale + 80% maize), T3 (40% triticale + 60% maize), T4 (60% triticale + 40% maize), T5 (80% triticale + 20% maize) and T6 (100% triticale + 0% maize). The broilers of all treatment groups were supplied feeds and water ad libitum throughout the experimental period. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in feed intake, final body weight, total gain, feed conversion efficiency, survivability% but feed cost per kg live broiler production was differed significantly (P<0.01) among dietary treatments at 35 days of age. Therefore, it is clear that triticale is a good alternative cereal for broiler diet without affecting performance and it may safely replace up to 100% of maize but 40% replacement enhance production performance and edible meat yield of broiler and reducing feed cost (Tk. 2.88/kg) per unit of broiler production.Keywords: Triticale; maize replacement; production performance; meat yield characteristicsDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i1.8613 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(1):25-30
Effects of lactation number and different stage of lactation on milk yield of Indigenous and Crossbred cows in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmad S , Hossain FMA , Islam N
Published: September 2011

A total of 54 samples were collected from 18 milking cows from which nine were indigenous and nine were crossbred to evaluate the effects of different lactation number and different stage of lactation on the milk yield. The average daily milk yield of indigenous and crossbred cows at 1st, 2nd and 3rd lactation were 1.311, 1.633, 2.072 and 8.917, 9.567, 10.167 liter/day/cow respectively and represented the significant difference (p<0.01) within the daily milk yield of different lactations. Milk yield increased gradually from 1st to 3rd lactation. The highest milk yield was recorded in 3rd lactation and lowest was in 1st. The mean milk yield of indigenous and crossbred cows at early, middle & later stages of lactations were 1.617, 2.094, 1.306 and 9.389, 10.222, 9.039 liter/cow/day respectively that revealed stages of lactation had significant effect (p<0.01) on milk yield per day. It was observed that milk yield decreased after 2nd stage of lactation and decreased linearly up to the end of lactation. The highest milk yield was recorded in 2nd stage of lactation and lowest was in 3rd stage of lactation. The overall milk production in different lactation for indigenous cows was 1.672 liter/day and for crossbred cows was 9.550 liter/day that may be concluded as crossbred cows are superior to indigenous in concern of milk yield.Keywords: Indigenous cows; crossbred cows; lactation number; stage of lactation; milk yield.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i1.8614 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(1):31-34
Immunochromatographic Test over Microscopy in Diagnosis of Severe Malaria in Bangladesh
Authors: Awwal A , Amin MR , Hafiz SAMMA , Rahman M , Ali M , Sattar A , Rahman MR , Faiz MA
Published: September 2011

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the advantage of Immunochromatographic test over microscopic peripheral smear in clinically suspected severe malaria. Methods: Total 106 consecutive clinically diagnosed severe malaria cases were enrolled with patients over 12 years of age irrespective of sex, race, religion and pregnancy from March to August 2002, at one medicine unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital. The immunochromatographic rapid diagnosis test and microscopy were performed in all cases. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of immunochromatographic Paracheck Pf test was found 91.42% and 90.65% in this study. Positive predictive value was 90.56% and negative predictive value was 91.5%. The sensitivity of microscopy was only 69.8%. Conclusion: Reliable quality controlled malaria microscopy is difficult to provide in many rural remote areas due to lack of logistics manpower and electricity facility. Rapid diagnostic test like Paracheck Pf test could be of use in such a situation which is reliable, cheap and easy to perform. Key words: Advantage; immunochromatographic test; microscopic test DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i1.8617 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 7, No 1 (June) 2011; 4-7
An Evidence-Based Approach to the Use of Predictive Biomarkers in the Treatment of Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Quinton Cindy , Ellis Peter M.
Published: September 2011

Recent advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have led to improvements in patient survival and quality of life. It is unclear whether molecular abnormalities associated with NSCLC cell survival, growth and proliferation are useful in predicting treatment benefit. We conducted a systematic review to establish which biomarkers contribute meaningfully to the management of NSCLC. A team of researchers searched PubMed and conference proceedings (ASCO, ESMO, IASLC, USCAP) using MESH terms for NSCLC and randomized trials (RCT), plus keywords for variables of interest. Evidence from multiple RCTs confirmed that histologic subtype is prognostic for survival and predictive of treatment efficacy and/or toxicity in NSCLC. Likewise, activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are associated with benefit from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and should be assessed routinely. No biomarkers to date reliably predict response to anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) therapies. There are inconsistent data on the role of ERCC1, BRCA, Beta tubulin III, RRM1, K-RAS, or TP-53 in treatment decisions. These tests should not be routinely used in selecting treatment at this time, whereas EML4/ALK translocations predict responses to specific targeted agents, the optimal assessment of this molecular abnormality has yet to be established. Personalized care of patients with NSCLC based on biomarkers is increasingly important to both clinical practice and research.
ELISPOT Cell Analysis Assay: Searching for Extracellular Footprints
Authors: Kalyuzhny Alexander E.
Published: September 2011

I am honored to introduce the new journal Cells, which has been created to serve as a hub for disseminating new findings and discoveries in cell biology to researchers worldwide. Cells is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on cell biology, molecular biology, and biophysics.
Much has been accomplished in molecular and cell biology in the past thirty years. We have unraveled the structure of many proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, and learned much about cell structures, including lysosomes, mitochondria, cytoskeletal elements, cell membranes, endoplasmic reticulum, and nuclei. Now, it is time to apply this knowledge to answering the age-old question: “How do cells work?” It appears there is a strong demand for a journal focused on various functional aspects of cell biology, including such fundamental ones as gametogenesis, embryonic development, tissue regeneration, tumorigenesis, and aging. [...]
Reliability Evaluation Method for Oil–Paper Insulation in Power Transformers
Authors: Wang Youyuan , Gong Senlian , Grzybowski Stanislaw
Published: September 2011

The overall life of oil-immersed power transformers depends on the long-term life of the oil–paper insulation system throughout continuous operation. Studying the reliability assessment methods for oil–paper insulation can help determine the reliability level of power transformers accurately, and ensure their safe and stable operation. In the present paper, the life of oil–paper insulation is proven to obey the Weibull distribution under eight different temperatures set by the Weibull reliability probability paper; the failure mechanisms of the different temperatures are highly consistent. The Weibull distribution reliability curve cluster of oil–paper insulation is plotted under different temperatures by which an oil–paper insulation reliability assessment method is proposed. Lastly, the statistical validation experiment of the proposed method is conducted, which proves its theoretical validity. Thus, the present study puts forward a simple and effective method for the oil–paper insulation reliability assessment of power transformers under different temperatures at different life stages.
Emergy-Based Adjustment of the Agricultural Structure in a Low-Carbon Economy in Manas County of China
Authors: Dong Xiaobin , Zhang Yufang , Cui Weijia , Xun Bin , Yu Baohua , Ulgiati Sergio , Zhang Xinshi
Published: September 2011

The emergy concept, integrated with a multi-objective linear programming method, was used to model the agricultural structure of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region under the consideration of the need to develop a low-carbon economy. The emergy indices before and after the structural optimization were evaluated. In the reconstructed model, the proportions of agriculture, forestry and artificial grassland should be adjusted from 19:2:1 to 5.2:1:2.5; the Emergy Yield Ratio (1.48) was higher than the average local (0.49) and national levels (0.27); and the Emergy Investment Ratio (11.1) was higher than the current structure (4.93) and that obtained from the 2003 data (0.055) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Water Emergy Cost (0.055) should be reduced compared to that before the adjustment (0.088). The measurement of all the parameters validated the positive impact of the modeled agricultural structure. The self-sufficiency ratio of the system increased from the original level of 0.106 to 0.432, which indicated a better coupling effect among the subsystems within the whole system. The comparative advantage index between the two systems before and after optimization was approximately 2:1. When the mountain ecosystem service value was considered, excessive animal husbandry led to a 1.41 × 1010 RMB·a−1 indirect economic loss, which was 4.15 times the GDP during the same time period. The functional improvement of the modeled structure supports the plan to “construct a central oasis and protect the surrounding mountains and deserts” to develop a sustainable agricultural system. Conserved natural grassland can make a large contribution to the carbon storage; and therefore, it is wise alternative that promote a low-carbon economic development strategy.
An Intelligent Regenerative Braking Strategy for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Xu Guoqing , Li Weimin , Xu Kun , Song Zhibin
Published: September 2011

Regenerative braking is an effective approach for electric vehicles (EVs) to extend their driving range. A fuzzy-logic-based regenerative braking strategy (RBS) integrated with series regenerative braking is developed in this paper to advance the level of energy-savings. From the viewpoint of securing car stability in braking operations, the braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels so as to accord with the ideal distribution curve are considered to prevent vehicles from experiencing wheel lock and slip phenomena during braking. Then, a fuzzy RBS using the driver’s braking force command, vehicle speed, battery SOC, battery temperature are designed to determine the distribution between friction braking force and regenerative braking force to improve the energy recuperation efficiency. The experimental results on an “LF620” prototype EV validated the feasibility and effectiveness of regenerative braking and showed that the proposed fuzzy RBS was endowed with good control performance. The maximum driving range of LF620 EV was improved by 25.7% compared with non-RBS conditions.
Initial Assessment of Thousand Cankers Disease on Black Walnut, Juglans nigra, in Eastern Tennessee
Authors: Grant Jerome F. , Windham Mark T. , Haun Walker G. , Wiggins Gregory J. , Lambdin Paris L.
Published: September 2011

In 2010, thousand cankers disease (TCD) was documented in Tennessee, representing the first confirmation of this disease in the native range of black walnut and the first known incidence of TCD east of Colorado. Tennessee Department of Agriculture personnel conducted surveys to determine the extent of TCD in counties in eastern Tennessee. Samples of symptomatic black walnuts were sent to the University of Tennessee for processing. The causative agents, walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, and the fungal pathogen Geosmithia morbida, were documented on the same trees in four counties. Tree mortality was observed in two counties, and tree decline was observed in at least 10 counties although it may be attributed to previous droughts or to TCD. In 2010, four confirmed counties were quarantined by TDA, and 10 buffer counties were also regulated. Research is underway to further assess the incidence and impact of TCD on black walnut in Tennessee.
Environmental Isocyanate-Induced Asthma: Morphologic and Pathogenetic Aspects of an Increasing Occupational Disease
Authors: Fisseler-Eckhoff Annette , Bartsch Holger , Zinsky Rica , Schirren Joachim
Published: September 2011

Occupational diseases affect more and more people every year. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), in 2000 an estimated amount of at least 160 million people became ill as a result of occupational-related hazards or injuries. Globally, occupational deaths, diseases and injuries account for an estimated loss of 4% of the Gross Domestic Product. Important substances that are related to occupational diseases are isocyanates and their products. These substances, which are used in a lot of different industrial processes, are not only toxic and irritant, but also allergenic. Although the exposure to higher concentrations could be monitored and restricted by technical means, very low concentrations are difficult to monitor and may, over time, lead to allergic reactions in some workers, ending in an occupational disease. In order to prevent the people from sickening, the mechanisms underlying the disease, by patho-physiological and genetical means, have to be known and understood so that high risk groups and early signs in the development of an allergic reaction could be detected before the exposure to isocyanates leads to an occupational disease. Therefore, this paper reviews the so far known facts concerning the patho-physiologic appearance and mechanisms of isocyanate-associated toxic reactions and possible genetic involvement that might trigger the allergic reactions.
A New Anthracene Derivative from Marine Streptomyces sp. W007 Exhibiting Highly and Selectively Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Wang Hongpeng , Cui Hongli , Li Zonggang , Xie Zeping , Pu Yang , Li Fuchao , Qin Song
Published: September 2011

A new anthracene derivative, 3-hydroxy-1-keto-3-methyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-benz[α]anthracene, was isolated from the marine strain Streptomyces sp. W007, and its structure was established by spectroscopic analysis including mass spectra, 1D- and 2D-NMR (1H–1H COSY, HMBC, HSQC and NOESY) experiments. 3-hydroxy-1-keto-3-methyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-benz[α]anthracene showed cytotoxicity against human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549.
Synthesis and in Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Some Pyrazolyl-1-carboxamide Derivatives
Authors: Sharshira Essam Mohamed , Hamada Nagwa Mohamed Mahrous
Published: September 2011

A series of 3,5-disubstituted pyrazole-1-carboxamides were obtained by treatment of chalcones with semicarbazide hydrochloride in dioxane containing sodium acetate/acetic acid as a buffer solution. N-acetyl derivatives of pyrazole-1-carboxamides were isolated in good yields either by treatment of the carboxamide derivatives with acetic anhydride or refluxing chalcones with semicarbazide in ethanol containing few drops of acetic acid to give the corresponding hydrazones. Subsequent treatment of hydrazones with acetic anhydride gave the desired N-acetyl pyrazole-1-carboxamides derivatives. When chalcones were refluxed with dioxane containing few drops of acetic acid, 4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-carboxamides were isolated, which were subsequently oxidized using 5% sodium hypochlorite in dioxane to afford pyrazole-1-carboxamides. The structures of isolated compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses and spectral methods. The isolated compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activities.
Solid-Phase Synthesis of a New Diphosphate 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide Riboside (AICAR) Derivative and Studies toward Cyclic AICAR Diphosphate Ribose
Authors: D’Errico Stefano , Oliviero Giorgia , Borbone Nicola , Amato Jussara , Piccialli Vincenzo , Varra Michela , Mayol Luciano , Piccialli Gennaro
Published: September 2011

The solid-phase synthesis of the first example of a new diphosphate AICAR derivative is reported. The new substance is characterized by the presence of a 5'-phosphate group while a second phosphate moiety is installed on a 5-hydroxypentyl chain attached to the 4-N-position of AICAR. Cyclization of the diphosphate derivative by pyrophosphate bond formation allowed for the formation of a novel AICAR-based cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) mimic.
Simultaneous Intrinsic and Extrinsic Parameter Identification of a Hand-Mounted Laser-Vision Sensor
Authors: Lee Jong Kwang , Kim Kiho , Lee Yongseok , Jeong Taikyeong
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we propose a simultaneous intrinsic and extrinsic parameter identification of a hand-mounted laser-vision sensor (HMLVS). A laser-vision sensor (LVS), consisting of a camera and a laser stripe projector, is used as a sensor component of the robotic measurement system, and it measures the range data with respect to the robot base frame using the robot forward kinematics and the optical triangulation principle. For the optimal estimation of the model parameters, we applied two optimization techniques: a nonlinear least square optimizer and a particle swarm optimizer. Best-fit parameters, including both the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the HMLVS, are simultaneously obtained based on the least-squares criterion. From the simulation and experimental results, it is shown that the parameter identification problem considered was characterized by a highly multimodal landscape; thus, the global optimization technique such as a particle swarm optimization can be a promising tool to identify the model parameters for a HMLVS, while the nonlinear least square optimizer often failed to find an optimal solution even when the initial candidate solutions were selected close to the true optimum. The proposed optimization method does not require good initial guesses of the system parameters to converge at a very stable solution and it could be applied to a kinematically dissimilar robot system without loss of generality.
The Design of RFID Conveyor Belt Gate Systems Using an Antenna Control Unit
Authors: Park Chong Ryol , Lee Seung Joon , Eom Ki Hwan
Published: September 2011

This paper proposes an efficient management system utilizing a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna control unit which is moving along with the path of boxes of materials on the conveyor belt by manipulating a motor. The proposed antenna control unit, which is driven by a motor and is located on top of the gate, has an array structure of two antennas with parallel connection. The array structure helps improve the directivity of antenna beam pattern and the readable RFID distance due to its configuration. In the experiments, as the control unit follows moving materials, the reading time has been improved by almost three-fold compared to an RFID system employing conventional fixed antennas. The proposed system also has a recognition rate of over 99% without additional antennas for detecting the sides of a box of materials. The recognition rate meets the conditions recommended by the Electronic Product Code glbal network (EPC)global for commercializing the system, with three antennas at a 20 dBm power of reader and a conveyor belt speed of 3.17 m/s. This will enable a host of new RFID conveyor belt gate systems with increased performance.
Les fondations comportementales de l’analyse économique autrichienne
Authors: Holcombe Randall G.
Published: September 2011

L’économie expérimentale et comportementale présente de nouveaux défis pour l’analyse néo-classique du comportement individuel basée sur le fait que les individus prennent des décisions au sein d’un ensemble de fonctions d’utilité aux caractéristiques bien définies. Les résultats provenant des analyses comportementales et expérimentales ont montré qu’il est fréquent que le comportement individuel dévie systématiquement des axiomes néoclassiques de la maximisation de l’utilité. L’analyse autrichienne est, elle aussi, fondée sur des axiomes de maximisation d’utilité, bien que les hypothèses sur lesquelles reposent le comportement de maximisation d’utilité soient très affaiblies dans la théorie autrichienne. Par conséquent, les fondations comportementales de cette théorie sont plus solides et sont moins sujettes aux challenges créés par les résultats empiriques des études comportementales et expérimentales. Les conclusions de politique économique déduites par la théorie néo-classique sont souvent trop exigeantes car elles reposent sur des fondements comportementaux remis en question par les analyses comportementales et expérimentales et sont fréquemment trompeuses puisque la théorie néo-classique du bien-être est menée en termes de statique comparative. Pour des questions de politique économique, l’approche autrichienne offre des propositions plus pertinentes, du fait de ses fondations comportementales plus réalistes.
L’analyse économique des normes sociales : une réévaluation de l’héritage hayékien
Authors: Festré Agnès , Garrouste Pierre
Published: September 2011

Dans cet article nous montrons, dans un premier temps, que la référence à la notion de sélection de groupe n’est pas incohérente avec les autres éléments de la pensée hayékienne. Nous développons ensuite l’idée que les travaux récents en matière d’émergence et d’évolution des normes sociales valident, mais en partie seulement, les thèses hayékiennes en la matière. Enfin, nous mettons en évidence les lacunes de l’analyse de Hayek et proposons des moyens d’y remédier.
« Mon père avait raison » : la transmission des valeurs entre les générations
Authors: Arrondel Luc
Published: September 2011

En France, l'influence des comportements patrimoniaux des parents sur ceux de leurs enfants a souvent été mise en évidence. Comment expliquer alors ce poids d'Anchise ? Dans cet article, nous utilisons une enquête originale française et unique initiée par le Delta et TNS-Sofres en 2002 dans laquelle nous disposons à la fois d'informations patrimoniales et subjectives pour deux générations. En rapprochant les préférences vis-à-vis de l'épargne des parents et des enfants concernant leurs attitudes face au risque et à l'avenir, nous obtenons des corrélations intergénérationnelles significatives, de l'ordre de 0,25 qui ne justifient cependant pas une similarité parfaite. Par ailleurs, l'élasticité de la richesse des enfants par rapport à celle de leurs parents se situe autour de 0,22. Cette mesure est corrigée des effets d'âge et concerne les patrimoines de deux générations coexistantes, c'est-à-dire avant que le gros des transferts intergénérationnels ait eu lieu. Plus de 40% de cette élasticité peuvent être expliqués (directement ou indirectement) par les niveaux de revenu permanent des deux générations. Les niveaux d'éducation et les préférences y contribuent chacun pour un cinquième, les transferts intergénérationnels déjà effectués pour 13%. La contribution des goûts de l'épargnant est encore de 13% lorsque l'on tient compte également des revenus permanents. Même si elle n'est pas la seule, la transmission des préférences joue donc un rôle non négligeable dans la transmission des inégalités de patrimoine. information for two or three generations of the same family. Parents’ and children’s risk and discounting preferences are significantly positively intergenerationally correlated. The correlation coefficients are around 0.25, so that the two preferences are nonetheless far from identical. In addition, the elasticity of children’s wealth with respect to that of their parents is around 0.22. This correlation is corrected for the influence of age on wealth, and concerns only co-existing generations, that is before the most significant intergenerational transfers have taken place. The analysis of the raw correlations with a series of explanatory variables reveals that over 40% of this elasticity can be explained by the permanent incomes of the two generations. Each of education and preferences separately account for about 20%, and previous intergenerational transfers for about 13%. When permanent income is controlled for, the contribution of savings preferences is around 13%. The transmission of preferences therefore plays a non-negligible role in the intergenerational transmission of wealth inequalities, but is far from being the most important factor.
Flexibility in Higher Education: Revisiting Expectations
Authors: Collis Betty , Moonen Jef
Published: September 2011

We have studied the construct of flexibility in higher education for many years, as researchers and practitioners. In this context we define flexibility as offering the student choices in how, what, where, when and with whom he or she participates in learning-related activities while enrolled in a higher education institution. In a textbook we wrote on the topic in 2001 we identified options that could be available to students in higher education to increase the flexibility of their participation. We studied these from the perspective not only of the student but also in terms of their implications for instructors and for higher-education institutions and examined the key roles that pedagogical change and technology play in increasing flexibility. Now is it nearly a decade later. We will revisit key issues relating to flexibility in higher education, identify in broad terms the extent to which increased flexibility has become established, is still developing, or has developed in ways we did not anticipate directly a decade earlier. We will also review our scenarios for change in higher education related to flexibility and contrast these with a more-recent set from the UK. Our major conclusion is that flexibility is still as pertinent a theme for higher education in 2011 as it was in 2001.

Llevamos bastantes años estudiando la construcción de la flexibilidad en la educación superior, tanto desde la óptica de la investigación como de la práctica. Entendemos por flexibilidad la opción de ofrecer a los estudiantes la posibilidad de elegir cómo, qué, dónde, cuándo y con quién participan en las actividades de aprendizaje mientras están en una institución de educación superior. En el libro que escribimos sobre esta temática en 2001 identificamos opciones posibles para los estudiantes de educación superior con la finalidad de incrementar la flexibilidad de su participación. Lo estudiamos no solo desde la perspectiva del estudiante sino también desde las implicaciones para los profesores y para las instituciones de educación superior, y examinamos el papel fundamental que desempeñan el cambio pedagógico y la tecnología en el aumento de la flexibilidad. Ahora, diez años después, revisamos los temas clave relacionados con la flexibilidad en la educación superior e identificamos, en términos generales, hasta qué punto se ha ido estableciendo el incremento de la flexibilidad, si todavía está evolucionando o si ha evolucionado de una forma que no pudimos prever hace diez años. Revisamos también nuestros escenarios para el cambio en la educación superior relacionados con la flexibilidad y los contrastamos con un estudio más reciente llevado a cabo en el Reino Unido. Nuestra conclusión principal es que la cuestión de la flexibilidad en la educación superior sigue siendo tan pertinente en 2010 como lo era en 2001.
Learning Networks, Networked Learning
Authors: Sloep Peter , Berlanga Adriana
Published: September 2011

Learning Networks are on-line social networks through which users share knowledge with each other and jointly develop new knowledge. This way, Learning Networks may enrich the experience of formal, school-based learning and form a viable setting for professional development. Although networked learning enjoys an increasing interest, many questions remain on how exactly learning in such networked contexts can contribute to successful education and training. Put differently, how should networked learning be designed best to facilitate education and training? Taking this as its point of departure, the chapter addresses such issues as the dynamic evolution of Learning Networks, trust formation and profiling in Learning Networks, and peer-support among Learning Network participants. This discussion will be interspersed with implementation guidelines for Learning Networks and with a discussion of the more extended case of a Learning Network for Higher Education. Taking into consideration research currently carried out at our own centre and elsewhere, the chapter will close off with a look into the future of Learning Networks.

Las redes de aprendizaje (Learning Networks) son redes sociales en línea mediante las cuales los participantes comparten información y colaboran para crear conocimiento. De esta manera, estas redes enriquecen la experiencia de aprendizaje en cualquier contexto de aprendizaje, ya sea de educación formal (en escuelas o universidades) o educación no-formal (formación profesional). Aunque el concepto de aprendizaje en red suscita el interés de diferentes actores del ámbito educativo, aún existen muchos interrogantes sobre cómo debe diseñarse el aprendizaje en red para facilitar adecuadamente la educación y la formación. El artículo toma este interrogante como punto de partida, y posteriormente aborda cuestiones como la dinámica de la evolución de las redes de aprendizaje, la importancia de fomentar la confianza entre los participantes y el papel central que desempeña el perfil de usuario en la construcción de la confianza, así como el apoyo entre compañeros. Además, se elabora el proceso de diseño de una red de aprendizaje, y se describe un ejemplo en el contexto universitario. Basándonos en la investigación que actualmente se lleva a cabo en nuestro propio centro y en otros lugares, el capítulo concluye con una visión del futuro de las redes de aprendizaje.
The Cyber Media in Latin America and Web 2.0
Authors: Said-Hung Elias , Arcila-Calderón Carlos
Published: September 2011

Technologies 2.0 are changing the spaces dedicated to interaction and participation in cyber media. The goal of this research is to determine the adoption of cyber journalism features and web 2.0 in media in Latin America. To achieve this objective this paper analyses 19 digital media in the region, based on two studies held in 2010 and framed on the project «Cyber media in Colombia and Latin America», which is supported by the Universidad del Norte (Colombia) and recently by the Universidad de los Andes (Venezuela). The study uses the method proposed by Rodríguez-Martínez, Codina & Pedraza-Jiménez (2010), which has been tested in previous research by the authors of this paper. According to the results, a good part of digital media in Latin America are incorporating web 2.0 tools, but there still exists notable quality differences in the ranking proposed between the best rated media (Colombia and Mexico) and the worst rated (Chile and Bolivia). This ranking allows, for example, to clearly identify how digital media in Latin America have important weaknesses in their general indicators, like accessibility mistakes, popularity and visibility levels; and in their specific indicators, in special those related to available resources for information deepening and interaction tools. As authors state in the article, showing these evidences of inequality can orientate future plans of Latin-American cyber media, especially if indicators related to users’ active participation are considered.

Las tecnologías 2.0 están transformando los espacios destinados a la interacción y la participación en los cibermedios. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar el grado de adopción del ciberperiodismo y de las web 2.0 en América Latina. Para ello se analizaron 19 medios digitales de la región, a partir de los resultados obtenidos de dos olas de recopilación de datos llevados a cabo durante 2010, en el marco del proyecto «Los cibermedios en Colombia y América Latina», realizado desde la Universidad del Norte (Colombia), con el apoyo de la Universidad de los Andes (Venezuela). El estudio parte del modelo de análisis propuesto por Rodríguez-Martínez, Codina & Pedraza- Jiménez (2010). Los resultados apuntan que los medios latinoamericanos están apostando por la incorporación de herramientas de la web 2.0, pero que sin embargo existen notables diferencias de calidad entre los medios mejor calificados por el «ranking» del estudio (Colombia y México) y los peor valorados (Chile y Bolivia). Este «ranking» permitió, por ejemplo, identificar claramente cómo los medios digitales analizados en América Latina, aún siguen perdiendo importantes puntos en lo que se refiere a los aspectos relacionados con los indicadores generales, como por ejemplo los errores de accesibilidad, los niveles de popularidad y visibilidad de sus portales; y los indicadores específicos internos, en especial en lo que respecta a los recursos puestos a disposición para la profundización de la información y las herramientas de interacción.
Rural-urban inequities in childhood immunisation in Nigeria: The role of community contexts
Authors: Antai Diddy
Published: September 2011

Context: Childhood vaccinations are one of the most cost-effective means of reducing negative child health outcomes. Despite the benefits of immunisation, inequities persist both between and within rural-urban areas in Nigeria. Objectives: To assess the role of community contexts on rural-urban inequities in full immunisation uptake amongst children 12 months of age and older.Methods: Data from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey including 6029 live born children from 3725 women aged 15–49 years were examined using multilevel regression analysis.Results: Rural children were disadvantaged both in the proportion receiving full immunisation and individual vaccines. Contextual or community-level factors such as community prenatal care by doctor, community hospital delivery, and region of residence accounted for significant rural-urban inequities in full immunisation.Conclusion: This study stresses the need for community-level interventions aimed at closing rural-urban inequities in the provision of maternal and child health care services.
On the Simple Inductive Limits of Splitting Interval Algebras with Dimension Drops
Authors: Li Zhiqiang
Published: September 2011

A K-theoretic classification is given of the simple inductive limits of finite direct sums of the type I C*-algebras known as splitting interval algebras with di- mension drops. (These are the subhomogeneous C*-algebras, each having spectrum a finite union of points and an open interval, and torsion K1-group.)
Monodromy Filtrations and the Topology of Tropical Varieties
Authors: Helm David , Katz Eric
Published: September 2011

We study the topology of tropical varieties that arise from a certain natural class of varieties. We use the theory of tropical degenerations to construct a natural, “multiplicity-free” parameterization of Trop(X) by a topological space ГXand give a geometric interpretation of the cohomology of ГXin terms of the action of a monodromy operator on the cohomology ofX. This gives bounds on the Betti numbers of ГXin terms of the Betti numbers ofXwhich constrain the topology of Trop(X). We also obtain a description of the top power of the monodromy operator acting on middle cohomology ofXin terms of the volume pairing on ГX.
The universal Cannon–Thurston map and the boundary of the curve complex
Authors: Leininger Christopher J. , Mj Mahan , Schleimer Saul
Published: September 2011

In genus two and higher, the fundamental group of a closed surface acts naturally on the curve complex of the surface with one puncture. Combining ideas from previous work of Kent–Leininger–Schleimer and Mitra, we construct a universal Cannon–Thurston map from a subset of the circle at infinity for the closed surface group onto the boundary of the curve complex of the once-punctured surface. Using the techniques we have developed, we also show that the boundary of this curve complex is locally path-connected.
Comparison of dynamical degrees for semi-conjugate meromorphic maps
Authors: Dinh Tien-Cuong , Nguyên Viêt-Anh
Published: September 2011

Let

f\colon X\rightarrow X

be a dominant meromorphic map on a projective manifold

X

which preserves a meromorphic fibration

\pi\colon X\rightarrow Y

of

X

over a projective manifold

Y

. We establish formulas relating the dynamical degrees of

f

, the dynamical degrees of

f

relative to the fibration and the dynamical degrees of the map

g\colon Y\rightarrow Y

induced by

f

. Applications are given.
Λ-adic modular symbols over totally real fields
Authors: Balasubramanyam Baskar , Longo Matteo
Published: September 2011

We consider a Hida family of nearly ordinary cusp forms on a quaternion algebra defined over a totally real number field. The aim of this work is to construct a cohomology class with coefficients in a

p

-adic sheaf over an Iwasawa algebra that can be specialized to cohomology classes attached to classical cusp forms in the given Hida family. Our result extends the work of Greenberg and Stevens on modular symbols attached to ordinary Hida families when the ground field is the field of rational numbers.
Role of Asphaltenes in Inhibiting Corrosion and Altering the Wettability of the Steel Surface
Authors: Ajmera P. , Robbins W. , Richter S. , Nešić S.
Published: September 2011

Asphaltenes (heptane insolubles) from a variety of crude oils have been identified previously as contributors to inhibition of internal corrosion of mild steel pipelines. However, the mechanism of inhibition is unknown. To explore the mechanism, carbon dioxide (CO2) corrosion rates and wettability (oil/water contact angles) have been measured using Arab Heavy crude oil and its asphaltenes. Inhibition of CO2 corrosion rates for carbon steel was measured using electrochemical methods in a glass cell; wettability was assessed using contact angle measurements in a multiphase goniometer. The phase behavior of asphaltenes in corrosion and wetting was evaluated in the crude, toluene (C7H8), or heptol (70:30 mixture of heptane [C7H16] and toluene). Inhibition on steel exposed to a hydrocarbon phase increased with the concentration of asphaltenes in toluene. Inhibition by asphaltenes dissolved in toluene appears to be more effective than in the whole crude, at equivalent concentrations of asphaltenes. At 5 wt% in toluene, asphaltenes form a strong protective layer on the carbon steel surface, which reduces the corrosion rate and makes the surface hydrophobic. When the solubility of the oil is altered to the point where asphaltenes start to flocculate, it enhances the corrosion inhibition greatly. However, the inhibition is not as persistent as for the fully dissolved asphaltenes, and the surface needs to be periodically wetted with the oil phase to maintain the protection.