bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clean production of corn stover pulp using KOH+NH4OH solution and its kinetic during delignification
Authors: Sun Yong , Yang Gang , Zhang Jin-Ping , Yao Ming-Shun
Published: November 2011

The self-made KOH together with NH4OH pulping of corn stover was
investigated. The combined alkaline system could effectively remove lignin
during pulping. There are three stages of lignin removal during
delginification. Approximately 90% of lignin could be removed after
temperature reached 150?C for over 30 minutes. The p-hydroxyl phenol groups
in lignin could be completely removed during the delignification reaction.
The tendency of the increase of the crystalline degree of cellulose is
observed with increase of reaction temperature. The kinetics of
delignification is found to be the first order with respect to the remained
lignin and the 0.4 order with respect to the remained hydroxide
concentration. The activation energy of delignification is 23 kJ/mol. The
solution obtained from precipitation of lignin is rich in nitrogen,
phosphorous, potassium elements and organic matters. Various techniques
including FT-IR, GPC, DSC, were applied to characterize the acid precipitated
lignin. The result shows that the lignin with the polydispersity of 1.4 still
maintains the p-coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl units in its matrix.
Determination of epinephrine by the Briggs-Rauscher oscillating system using non-equilibrium stationary state
Authors: Gao Jinzhang , Liu Yanjun , Ren Jie , Zhang Xiaoli , Ming Li , Yang Wu
Published: November 2011

A highly sensitive method for the determination of epinephrine was proposed,
which was based on the perturbation of epinephrine to Briggs-Rauscher
oscillating system involving malonic acid, Mn2+, H+, IO3 - and H2O2 at
non-equilibrium stationary state. The concentration of KIO3 was chosen as a
control parameter to find the bifurcation point in this paper. Results showed
that a well linear relationship between the difference of potential and the
negative logarithm concentrations of epinephrine existed in the range of
1.1?10-7?5.2?10-9 mol L-1 with a lower detection limit of 6.8?10-10mol L-1
and a correlation coefficient of 0.9974. Compared to the classical
oscillating reaction, this method has a lower detection limit and wider
linear range. The effects of some foreign species, which may possibly be
existed with epinephrine, on determination were also investigated. The
proposed method has been successfully used to determine the epinephrine both
in the serum and adrenaline hydrochloride injection.
Synthesis and biological activity of 4-thiazolidinone derivatives of phenothiazine
Authors: Sharma Ritu , Samadhiya Pushkal , Srivastava Savitri , Srivastava Santosh
Published: November 2011

A new series of N-[3-(10H-phenothiazinyl)-propyl]-2-(substituted
phenyl)-4-oxo-5-( substituted benzylidene)-1,3-thiazolidine-carboxamide,
5(as) have been synthesized. The cycloaddition reaction of thioglycolic acid
with N-[3-(10H-phenothiazinyl)-propyl]-N?-[(substituted phenyl)-methylidene]-
urea, 3(a-s) in the presence of anhydrous ZnCl2 afforded new heterocyclic
compounds N-[3-(10H-phenothiazinyl)-propyl]-2-(substituted phenyl)-4-oxo-
1,3-thiazolidine-carboxamide, 4(a-s). The later product on treatment with
several selected substituted aromatic aldehydes in the presence of C2H5ONa
undergoes Knoevenagel reaction to yield 5(a-s). The structure of compounds 1,
2, 3(a-s), 4(a-s) and 5(a-s) were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Fmass
and chemical analysis. All above compounds were screened for their
antimicrobial activity against some selected bacteria and fungi and for
antituberculosis activity compounds have been screened against the bacterium
M. tuberculosis.
Non-immune hydrops fetalis: Clinical experience in newborn infants
Authors: Pejic Katarina , Jankovic Borisav , Mikovic Zeljko , Rakonjac Zorica , Martic Jelena , Stajic Natasa
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Non-immune hydrops fetalis is a condition of excessive
accumulation of extravascular fluid without identifiable circulating antibody
to erythrocytes membrane antigens. In newborn infants it is characterized by
skin oedema and pleural, pericardial or peritoneal effusion. In the era of
routine Rh immunization for the prevention of foetal erythroblastosis,
non-immune pathophysiologic mechanisms are presented in 76-87% of all
hydropic newborns. Non-immune hydrops fetalis can be associated with numerous
and various disorders. The mortality rate may exceed 50%. This study was
aimed at presenting our clinical experience in treating newborn infants with
non-immune hydrops fetalis. Material and methods. A retrospective-prospective
study included newborn infants with non-immune hydrops fetalis, who were
treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mother and Child Health
Institute of Serbia between January 1, 2001 and October 31, 2010. All valid
data about aetiology, diagnosis, clinical course and outcome were recorded.
Results. The diagnosis of non-immune hydrops fetalis was made in 11 newborns.
The etiologic diagnosis was established in 8 patients: anaemia due to
fetomaternal transfusion in 4 patients and conatal cytomegalovirus infection,
intracranial haemorrhage, isolated pulmonary lymphangiectasia and diffuse
skin and mediastinal lymphangiomatosis in the remaining 4 patients.
Conclusion. Non-immune hydrops of newborn infant is associated with a high
mortality rate and requires complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. An
optimal management of neonates with non-immune hydrops fetalis demands a
multidisciplinary approach to the treatment in a neonatal intensive care
unit.
Improving Retention for Principles of Accounting Students: Ultra-Short Online Tutorials for Motivating Effort and Improving Performance
Authors: Sargent Carol Springer , Borthick A. Faye , Lederberg Amy R.
Published: November 2011

As student learning outcomes and retention receive more attention in higher education, failure rates in principles of accounting courses, gate-keeper courses for business majors, are coming under scrutiny. This study shows promising results from use of a learning innovation, ultra-short online videos, for addressing three common reasons for poor performance: intimidating class environments, low aptitude, and low motivation. For students at all achievement levels, tutorial use rates were above 60 percent, even though there was no course credit for viewing them. Students using the tutorials had significantly lower course drop rates and better pass rates. Tutorial use was correlated with higher exam scores, although the effect was moderate. Based on analysis of the two-year periods before and after implementation, the use of tutorials was correlated with higher course grades. Tutorial use remained at high levels two years after implementation even without instructors encouraging students to use them.
Evaluation of dexmedetomidine and ketamine in combination with various opioids as injectable anesthetic combinations for castration in cats
Authors: Ko Jeff C. , Austin Brenda R. , Barletta Michele , Weil Ann B. , Krimins Rebecca A. , Payton Mark E.
Published: November 2011

Objective—To compare the efficacy and cardiorespiratory effects of dexmedetomidine-ketamine in combination with butorphanol, hydromorphone, or buprenorphine with or without reversal by atipamezole in cats undergoing castration.

Design—Prospective, randomized, split-plot, blinded study.

Animals—30 healthy male cats.

Procedures—Cats were assigned to receive dexmedetomidine (25 μg/kg [11.4 μg/lb]) and ketamine (3 mg/kg [1.4 mg/lb]) with butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb]; DKBut; n = 10), hydromorphone (0.05 mg/kg [0.023 mg/lb]; DKH; 10), or buprenorphine (30 μg/kg [13.6 μg/lb]; DKBup; 10). Drugs were administered as a single IM injection. Supplemental isoflurane was administered to cats if the level of anesthesia was inadequate for surgery. At the conclusion of surgery, half the cats (5 cats in each treatment group) received atipamezole (250 μg/kg [113.6 μg/lb], IM) and the remainder received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution IM. All cats received meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, SC) immediately prior to the conclusion of surgery.

Results—All drug combinations induced lateral recumbency, and intubation was achievable in 13 of 30 (43%) cats at 10 minutes after injection. Supplemental isoflurane was needed for the surgery in 1 of 10 of the DKBut-, 2 of 10 of the DKH-, and 7 of 10 of the DKBup-treated cats. Cats that received atipamezole had a significantly shorter recovery time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—DKBut and DKH combinations were suitable injectable anesthetic protocols for castration in cats commencing at 10 minutes after injection, but cats receiving DKBup may require additional time or anesthetics for adequate anesthesia.
Opposing flows in a one dimensional convection-diffusion problem
Authors: O’Riordan Eugene
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we examine a particular class of singularly perturbed convection-diffusion problems with a discontinuous coefficient of the convective term. The presence of a discontinuous convective coefficient generates a solution which mimics flow moving in opposing directions either side of some flow source. A particular transmission condition is imposed to ensure that the differential operator is stable. A piecewise-uniform Shishkin mesh is combined with a monotone finite difference operator to construct a parameter-uniform numerical method for this class of singularly perturbed problems.
Imaging-Based Methods for Non-invasive Assessment of Bone Properties Influenced by Mechanical Loading
Authors: MacIntyre Norma J. , Lorbergs Amanda L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To describe the most common in vivo imaging-based research tools used to assess bone properties that are influenced by mechanical loading associated with exercise, habitual physical activity, or disease states. Bone is a complex metabolically active tissue that adapts to changes in mechanical loading by altering the amount and spatial organization of mineral. Method: Using a narrative review design, the authors provide an overview of bone biology and biomechanics to emphasize the importance of bone size scale, porosity, and degree of mineralization when interpreting measures acquired using quantitative ultrasound (QUS), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and finite element analysis (FEA). For each imaging modality, basic imaging principles, typical outcome measures associated with changes in mechanical loading, and salient features for physiotherapists are described. Main Results: While each imaging modality has strengths and limitations, currently CT-based methods are best suited for determining the effects of mechanical loading on bone properties—particularly in the peripheral skeleton. Conclusions: Regardless of the imaging technology used, the physiotherapist must carefully consider the assumptions of the imaging-based method, the clinical context, the nature of the change in mechanical loading, and the expected time course for change in bone properties.
Understory Light Conditions Associated with Partial Overstory Removal and Midstory/Understory Control Applications in a Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Authors: Cunningham K. Kyle , Peairs Stephen E. , Ezell Andrew W. , Belli Keith L. , Hodges John D.
Published: November 2011

Changes in understory light levels following a partial overstory harvest with three retention levels, combined with midstory/understory removal of selected species were examined. Overstory retention levels were set at basal areas (ba) 16.1 (BA16), 11.6 (BA11), and 6.9 (BA6) m2 per hectare (ha). Prior to mechanical overstory removal, non-oak unmerchantable midstory/understory stems ≥ 5.1 cm were injected with an aqueous herbicide solution. Hemispherical photographs were used to calculate percent canopy closure and total understory light at 1.4 m above ground. Percent canopy closure was reduced 3, 14, 24, and 30 percent for injection only (IO), BA16, BA11, and BA6, respectfully, compared to the non-harvest control (NHC) (~95 percent canopy closure). Understory light levels for NHC, IO, BA16, BA11, and BA6 were 7–9 percent, 11–14 percent, 24–28percent, 37–46 percent, and 44–52 percent of full sunlight, respectively. Post-harvest understory light of BA16 was significantly lower than BA11 and BA6, which were similar. Understanding partial harvest impacts on canopy closure and subsequent understory light conditions will aid forest managers with regeneration harvest planning to promote oak reproduction.
Chromatin Structure Following UV-Induced DNA Damage—Repair or Death?
Authors: Farrell Andrew W. , Halliday Gary M. , Lyons James Guy
Published: November 2011

In eukaryotes, DNA is compacted into a complex structure known as chromatin. The unravelling of DNA is a crucial step in DNA repair, replication, transcription and recombination as this allows access to DNA for these processes. Failure to package DNA into the nucleosome, the individual unit of chromatin, can lead to genomic instability, driving a cell into apoptosis, senescence, or cellular proliferation. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage causes destabilisation of chromatin integrity. UV irradiation induces DNA damage such as photolesions and subjects the chromatin to substantial rearrangements, causing the arrest of transcription forks and cell cycle arrest. Highly conserved processes known as nucleotide and base excision repair (NER and BER) then begin to repair these lesions. However, if DNA repair fails, the cell may be forced into apoptosis. The modification of various histones as well as nucleosome remodelling via ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes are required not only to repair these UV-induced DNA lesions, but also for apoptosis signalling. Histone modifications and nucleosome remodelling in response to UV also lead to the recruitment of various repair and pro-apoptotic proteins. Thus, the way in which a cell responds to UV irradiation via these modifications is important in determining its fate. Failure of these DNA damage response steps can lead to cellular proliferation and oncogenic development, causing skin cancer, hence these chromatin changes are critical for a proper response to UV-induced injury.
Figures of Merit for Indirect Time-of-Flight 3D Cameras: Definition and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Perenzoni Matteo , Stoppa David
Published: November 2011

Indirect Time-of-Flight (I-TOF) cameras can be implemented in a number of ways, each with specific characteristics and performances. In this paper a comprehensive analysis of the implementation possibilities is developed in order to model the main performances with a high level of abstraction. After the extraction of the main characteristics for the high-level model, several figures of merit (FoM) are defined with the purpose of obtaining a common metric: noise equivalent distance, correlated and uncorrelated power responsivity, and background light rejection ratio. The obtained FoMs can be employed for the comparison of different implementations of range cameras based on the I-TOF method: specifically, they are applied for several different sensors developed by the authors in order to compare their performances.
Mid-arm and epitrochlear lymphadenopathy: a clinico-radiological surprise
Authors: Garg Pankaj Kumar , Jain Bhupendra Kumar , Rathi Vinita , Singh Navjeevan , Mohanty Debajyoti
Published: November 2011

An 18-year-old man presented with multiple subcutaneous nodules over the anteromedial aspect of his right lower arm. Based on findings of sonography, histopathology, circulating filarial antigen test, and therapeutic response to diethylcarbazine, a diagnosis of filarial lymphadenopathy affecting mid-arm nodes and epitrochlear lymph nodes was made.
Landscape patterns of species-level association between ground-beetles and overstory trees in boreal forests of western Canada (Coleoptera, Carabidae)
Authors: Bergeron Colin , Spence John , Volney Jan
Published: November 2011

Spatial associations between species of trees and ground-beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) involve many indirect ecological processes, likely reflecting the function of numerous forest ecosystem components. Describing and quantifying these associations at the landscape scale is basic to the development of a surrogate-based framework for biodiversity monitoring and conservation. In this study, we used a systematic sampling grid covering 84 km2 of boreal mixedwood forest to characterize the ground-beetle assemblage associated with each tree species occurring on this landscape. Projecting the distribution of relative basal area of each tree species on the beetle ordination diagram suggests that the carabid community is structured by the same environmental factors that affects the distribution of trees, or perhaps even by trees per se. Interestingly beetle species are associated with tree species of the same rank order of abundance on this landscape, suggesting that conservation of less abundant trees will concomitantly foster conservation of less abundant beetle species. Landscape patterns of association described here are based on characteristics that can be directly linked to provincial forest inventories, providing a basis that is already available for use of tree species as biodiversity surrogates in boreal forest land management.
Mesurer la pauvreté multidimensionnelle : les limites
Authors: Alkire Sabina
Published: November 2011

Résumé Jamais auparavant, nous n’avions disposé d’autant de données sur les aspects non monétaires de la pauvreté. Parallèlement, les méthodes de mesure multidimensionnelles ont fait d’immenses progrès depuis quinze ans, ouvrant de nouvelles perspectives pour mesurer la pauvreté multidimensionnelle à l’échelle locale, nationale et internationale. Pourtant, le fait que l’on puisse construire une mesure de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle ne signifie pas que cette mesure apportera nécessairement une valeur ajoutée. Le recours à des dimensions multiples n’oblige cependant pas à avoir un indice de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle. Nous tenterons d’analyser dans cet article, quand, comment et pourquoi certaines mesures de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle peuvent présenter un intérêt supplémentaire, en posant les limites de leur contribution, et en introduisant un ensemble de problématiques en suspens. La valeur ajoutée essentielle que peut rigoureusement apporter un indice de pauvreté multidimensionnelle est qu’il véhicule de nouvelles informations, qui ne sont pas captées par une quelconque mesure unidimensionnelle sur la distribution commune des désavantages et la composition de la pauvreté chez les populations « poly-désavantagées » (multiply deprived). Il fournit également une description cohérente de l’évolution globale de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle dans le temps et dans l’espace. Pour explorer ces questions, nous présentons une approche générale de la mesure de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle – celle qui reflète une distribution commune. Nous présentons ensuite une classe de mesures de la pauvreté au sein de cette approche. Nous présentons également une application récente de l’une des mesures au sein de cette famille : le nouvel Indice de Pauvreté Multidimensionnelle lancé en 2010 pour 104 pays. Pointer du doigt la valeur ajoutée des indices de pauvreté multidimensionnelle ne revient pas à dire qu’il faut abandonner les mesures unidimensionnelles, mais plutôt qu’il faut les compléter. Investir davantage dans les mesures de la pauvreté multidimensionnelle peut contribuer à faire mieux comprendre ce phénomène et permettre de créer des instruments de politique économique utiles.
La croissance du PIB rendra-t-elle les habitants des pays en développement plus heureux ?
Authors: Clark Andrew E. , Senik Claudia
Published: November 2011

Résumé Ce texte s’interroge sur ce que les pays à bas revenu peuvent attendre de la croissance en termes de bien-être. Interprétant les données internationales disponibles, il observe que, conformément au paradoxe d’Easterlin, au sein d’un pays, les individus les plus riches se déclarent plus heureux ; les habitants des pays riches se déclarent plus heureux que ceux des pays pauvres ; mais sur le long terme, le bien-être moyen d’un pays ne semble pas s’élever avec le revenu national. En réalité, le lien dynamique entre croissance et bonheur reste vivement débattu ; la question est de savoir si le coefficient de corrélation entre les deux grandeurs peut être considéré comme négligeable (« too small to matter ») . Les explications de la faible corrélation entre croissance du revenu et bien-être subjectif au cours du temps tiennent à la nature même de la croissance (par exemple les effets secondaires négatifs tels que la pollution) et à l’importance de phénomènes psychologiques tels que les comparaisons et l’adaptation. À cet égard, les données disponibles renferment deux enseignements importants : les comparaisons de revenu semblent bien affecter le bien-être subjectif, même dans les pays très pauvres ; cependant, l’adaptation est sans doute un phénomène plus spécifique aux pays riches. Nous pensons que les données disponibles ne permettent pas d’écarter l’idée que la croissance élèvera le bonheur dans les pays à faible revenu. D’une part, les analyses longitudinales internationales (qui conduisent à rejeter cette corrélation) reposent sur des mesures agrégées, qui sont moins fiables que les mesures individuelles (qui conduisent à valider cette corrélation). D’autre part, le développement est un processus qualitatif qui implique des décollages et des seuils. Or, les données révèlent que ces changements de régime s’accompagnent d’une évolution parallèle des mesures de satisfaction subjectives. Le cas des pays en transition est particulièrement remarquable à cet égard : les scores moyens de satisfaction dans la vie suivent étroitement l’évolution du PIB pendant les dix premières années environ du processus de transition, jusqu’à ce que le régime se stabilise. Si des mesures subjectives de bien-être étaient disponibles dans les pays à bas revenu, elles aideraient certainement à mesurer et suivre les différents stades et dimensions du processus de développement.
Machine Vision Schemes towards Detecting and Estimating The State Of Corrosion
Authors: Kapsalas P. , Zervakis M. , Maravelaki-Kalaitzaki P. , Delegou E.T. , Moropoulou A.
Published: November 2011

The systematic analysis of corrosion damage on cultural heritage objects is an aspect of multidisciplinary interest. The application of computer-aided approaches in corrosion control has recently become a challenging issue. However, the majority of researches attain to estimate the decay presence by evaluating colour and texture alterations. This work is geared towards investigating non-destructive detection and quantification of stone degradation by using machine vision schemes. The contribution of the current work is 4-fold. Thus, (1) several detection schemes were developed; each handling in a different way the background in-homogeneity (2) Numerous statistical metrics were introduced to quantify corrosion damage. These metrics mainly consider the decay areas size, spatial distribution, shape and darkness. (3) The potential of several monitoring modalities in determining corrosion attributes is studied, and (4) the corroded areas’ shape features are considered in association with the cleaning and structural state that they represent.
Effective Open-Source Performance Analysis Tools
Authors: Balasundaram Prashobh
Published: November 2011

This chapter presents a study of leading open source performance analysis tools for high performance computing (HPC). The first section motivates the necessity of open source tools for performance analysis. Background information on performance analysis of computational software is presented discussing the various performance critical components of computers. Metrics useful for performance analysis of common performance bottleneck patterns observed in computational codes are enumerated and followed by an evaluation of open source tools useful for extracting these metrics. The tool’s features are analyzed from the perspective of an end user. Important factors are discussed, such as the portability of tuning applied after identification of performance bottlenecks, the hardware/software requirements of the tools, the need for additional metrics for novel hardware features, and identification of these new metrics and techniques for measuring them. This chapter focuses on open source tools since they are freely available to anyone at no cost.
Pragmatic Software Engineering for Computational Science
Authors: Worth David , Greenough Chris , Chin Shawn
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce scientific software developers to software engineering tools and techniques that will save them much blood, sweat, and tears and allow them to demonstrate the quality of their software. By introducing ideas around the software development life cycle, source code analysis, documentation, and testing, and touching on best practices, this chapter demonstrates ways in which scientific software can be improved and future developments made easier. This is not a research article on current software engineering methods, nor does it attempt to specify best practices. Its aim is to introduce components that can be built into a tailored process. The chapter draws upon ideas of best practice current in software engineering, but recommends using these only selectively. This is done by presenting details of tools that can be used to implement these ideas and a set of case studies to demonstrate their use.
The State of Development of CSE
Authors: Leng Joanna , Sharrock Wes
Published: November 2011

Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) is an emerging, rapidly developing, and potentially very significant force in changing scientific practice by offering a “third way” of carrying out research in addition to, or indeed, instead of, theory and experiment. It is unlikely that such a significant change can continue to be accommodated by the organizational structures that were put in place for other established research practices. This chapter will explore how research practices are changing to accommodate CSE and how that in turn may further affect structures designed to organize, co-ordinate, and fund scientific research, the most obvious change being the proliferation of cross-disciplinary collaborative teams. The chapter will end by considering what impact these changes have on ideas of professional and ethical best practice.
Security and Trust in a Global Research Infrastructure
Authors: Jensen Jens , Groep David L.
Published: November 2011

Modern science increasingly depends on international collaborations. Large instruments are expensive and have to be funded by several countries, and they generate very large volumes of data that must be archived and analysed. Scientific research infrastructures, e-Infrastructures, or cyber infrastructures support these collaborations and many others. In this chapter we look at the issue of trust for such infrastructures, particularly when scaling up from a small one. This growth can be “natural,” as more researchers are added, but can also be dramatic if whole new communities are added, possibly with different requirements. Our focus is on authentication, since for most realistic infrastructures, authentication is the foundation upon which further security is built. Our aim has been to focus on real-life experiences and examples, distilling them into practical advice.
CSE as Epistemic Technologies
Authors: Ratto Matt
Published: November 2011

Computational science and engineering (CSE) technologies and methods are increasingly considered important tools for the humanities and are being incorporated into scholarly practice. This chapter uses a single case of the use of simulation in the humanities in order to better understand the value and the issues with cross-disciplinary exchanges. We focus on the epistemic practices of this case – by which we mean the practices in which knowledge and truth are manifested, defended, and critiqued. We see these practices and their connections to CSE as requiring increased attention and in this chapter provide some guidance as to potential resources and important themes.
E-Readiness in Governmental Public Service Institution
Authors: Al Saleh Yasser , Arif Mohammed
Published: November 2011

This case study revolves around a governmental public service institution, which receives public and government money that it invests. There were several challenges associated with the implementation of the IT system to improve public service. It was found that the organizations need, in the contract, to have the qualifications of the vendor’s staff, and agree that prior approval for any change of staff or new recruitment would be agreed beforehand. This is because the vendor’s staff had a high turnover. Experienced staff, which were agreed upon by the organization, were assigned to the project for a short time, only at the beginning of the project. The lack of positive relationships between different groups in the organization caused resistance to the required changes in structure and processes. Because key staff considered keeping knowledge and experience to themselves as a job security tool, they were not forthcoming in cooperating with the project team. This was complicated by the almost complete absence of systems’ documentation, and the little documentation that did exist was obsolete or not comprehensive. The void of decisive leadership by top management allowed the conflicts between different entities in the organization to go on in an increasing mode until the end of the project, which had a negative effect on the project success. The new system design was not successful in resolving the ownership of the data within the organization. This was an issue that caused user resistance to the project.
Intelligent Decision Making and Risk Analysis for IT Management Processes
Authors: Mohammadian Masoud , Jentzsch Ric
Published: November 2011

IT management processes have been growing as the development of modern IT systems has grown. These are often complex with multiple interdependencies that can make it very difficult for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to comprehend and be aware of potential risks. These risks have the potential to translate into decision making inefficiencies for an organization. Risk analysis for decision making in the planning and monitoring of these systems can be a complex and demanding task. Intelligent decision making in IT management processes and systems are a crucial element of an organization’s success and its competitive position in the marketplace. This chapter considers the implementation of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) to provide facilities to capture and represent complex relationships in an IT management process model. By using FCMs, CIOs can regularly review and improve their IT management processes and provide greater improvement in development, monitoring and maintenance of those processes. CIOs can perform what-if analysis to better understand vulnerabilities of their designed system.
Ariel and Buzz Lightyear are Coming to School
Authors: Henward Allison Sterling
Published: November 2011

This chapter will examine how preschool teachers can facilitate the use of popular culture oriented technology in the classroom. Acknowledging that ideology and social class play a major role in the inclusion/ rejection of popular culture technology children interact with in the United States, this chapter outlines the approaches teachers can take in understanding (and in some cases incorporating) popular culture technology into the classroom to more effectively bridge home and school environments.
Technology for Multi-Tiered Interventions for Reading and Behavior in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Bicard Sara , Bicard David F. , Nichols Kathryn , Plank Esther
Published: November 2011

This chapter will describe how multiple tiers of increasingly intensive interventions function as early intervening services and how technology can aid in the implementation of multi-tiered interventions. Children who display consistent inappropriate behavior or academic performance, below their peers or benchmark while receiving primary supports, need a secondary intervention that is more focused and intense to reduce problem behavior and remediate the academic deficit and increase appropriate behavior and learning.
Frequent Pattern Discovery and Association Rule Mining of XML Data
Authors: Ding Qin , Sundarraj Gnanasekaran
Published: November 2011

Finding frequent patterns and association rules in large data has become a very important task in data mining. Various algorithms have been proposed to solve such problems, but most algorithms are only applicable to relational data. With the increasing use and popularity of XML representation, it is of importance yet challenging to find solutions to frequent pattern discovery and association rule mining of XML data. The challenge comes from the complexity of the structure in XML data. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art research in content-based and structure-based mining of frequent patterns and association rules from XML data. We also discuss the challenges and issues, and provide our insight for solutions and future research directions.
Building Innovative Business Ideas in Small Business Enterprises
Authors: Metwally Elham
Published: November 2011

This study of “Bird ICT” is a case of a business development company in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). The chapter explores, describes, and examines the story and circumstances of building and managing innovative business ideas in an Egyptian small business enterprise. It specifically addresses specific circumstances, opportunities, and challenges with which a small enterprise pursuing innovation strategies is faced, and analyzes how effective deployment of innovative business ideas and bringing them to the market has contributed to strategic competitiveness. Findings highlight the patterns of developing new business ideas and mainly conclude the following: strategic competitiveness is accounted for by management’s efficiency, commitment, cheap labor, and most importantly, fast delivery of easy hit technologies and innovative, reliable, flexible, yet easy to use innovative advertising solutions. This study used qualitative research strategy in connection with theory to gain full understanding of a natural setting, and as a comprehensive method of substantiating or un-substantiating the context of achieving strategic competitiveness through new innovations and technologies, and provides insights into the nature of management of innovations, from which lessons can be drawn for other organizations both in small business sector organizations and generally.
Views of adolescents on addressing violence in semi-rural secondary schools in Mafikeng, North West province
Authors: Mosome Connie , Poggenpoel Marie , Myburgh Chris
Published: November 2011

Background: Violence is a public health problem and often an issue of criminal justice.Violence in schools is a worldwide phenomenon and exposes adolescents to premature death.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe adolescents’ views on addressing violence in semi-rural secondary schools in Mafikeng.Research design and method: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was utilised. Purposive sampling was used to select adolescents from semi-rural secondary schools in Mafikeng who fell between the ages of 13 and 20 years and who were involved in community youth groups or associations. In-depth focus group discussion using audiotape, reflexive notes and naïve sketches were used for data collection. The central question which was asked was ‘What are the adolescents’ views on addressing violence in semi-rural secondary schools?’ Data were analysed by means of open coding.Results: The results showed that adolescents understood the complexities associated with violence in this country, and they suggested multiple approaches and interventions. The adolescents were of the opinion that responsible communication patterns in the school environment could build healthy relationships between learners and educators and lead to a decrease in violence in the school setting. They also felt that enforcement of a secure teaching environment through encouragement of behavioural and attitudinal change guided by school codes of conduct and provision of firm security will help reduce violence in schools.
Practical theology: A current international perspective
Authors: Osmer Richard R.
Published: November 2011

Drawing on Thomas Kuhn’s concept of paradigms, this article explored two levels at which paradigms influence contemporary practical theology. The first level is reflective practice, where pastors and academics carry out the descriptive-empirical, interpretive, normative and pragmatic tasks of practical theological reflection on particular contexts. The second level is metatheoretical, where practical theologians make decisions about how they view the theory– praxis relationship, interdisciplinary work, the relative weight of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience and the theological rationale that justifies their approach. The article concluded by raising two challenges to the current paradigms of practical theology: the relationship between Christian particularity and the common good, and the wound of reason.
Fight and flight in dinoflagellates? Kinetics of simultaneous grazer‐induced responses in Alexandrium tamarense
Authors: Selander Erik , Fagerberg Tony , Wohlrab Sylke , Pavia Henrik
Published: November 2011

We monitored the kinetics of grazer‐induced responses in the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense. Chemical cues from each of three calanoid copepods (Calanus sp., Centropages typicus, and Acartia tonsa) induced increased toxicity and suppressed chain formation in A. tamarense. Both chemical and morphological responses augmented over 3 d. Toxicity subsequently averaged 299% higher than controls, and average biovolume 24% lower than controls because of suppression of chain formation in grazed treatments. Grazer‐induced toxicity returned to control levels after approximately 11 d, equivalent to five cell divisions, and average biovolume returned to control levels within 1 to 4 d (one to two cell divisions). This suggests that dinoflagellates simultaneously reduce grazer encounter rates and increase chemical defense levels in the presence of copepod grazers. Media replacement experiments showed that the inducing cue(s) attenuate rapidly in seawater, which allows A. tamarense to adjust resource allocation to grazer‐induced responses to follow fluctuations in grazer density. Grazer‐induced responses, however, develop too slowly to be accounted for in short‐term grazing experiments with laboratory cultures.
Substorms during different storm phases
Authors: Partamies N. , Juusola L. , Tanskanen E. , Kauristie K. , Weygand J. M. , Ogawa Y.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. After the deep solar minimum at the end of the solar cycle 23, a small magnetic storm occurred on 20–26 January 2010. The Dst (disturbance storm time) index reached the minimum of −38 nT on 20 January and the prolonged recovery that followed the main phase that lasted for about 6 days. In this study, we concentrate on three substorms that took place (1) just prior to the storm, (2) during the main phase of the storm, and (3) at the end of the recovery of the storm. We analyse the solar wind conditions from the solar wind monitoring spacecraft, the duration and intensity of the substorm events as well as the behaviour of the electrojet currents from the ground magnetometer measurements. We compare the precipitation characteristics of the three substorms. The results show that the F-region electron density enhancements and dominant green and red auroral emission of the substorm activity during the storm recovery resembles average isolated substorm precipitation. However, the energy dissipated, even at the very end of a prolonged storm recovery, is very large compared to the typical energy content of isolated substorms. In the case studied here, the dissipation of the excess energy is observed over a 3-h long period of several consecutive substorm intensifications. Our findings suggest that the substorm energy dissipation varies between the storm phases.
Influence of feedbacks from simulated crop growth on integrated regional hydrologic simulations under climate scenarios
Authors: van Walsum P. E. V.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Climate change impact modelling of hydrologic responses is hampered by climate-dependent model parameterizations. Reducing this dependency was one of the goals of extending the regional hydrologic modelling system SIMGRO with a two-way coupling to the crop growth simulation model WOFOST. The coupling includes feedbacks to the hydrologic model in terms of the root zone depth, soil cover, leaf area index, interception storage capacity, crop height and crop factor. For investigating whether such feedbacks lead to significantly different simulation results, two versions of the model coupling were set up for a test region: one with exogenous vegetation parameters, the "static" model, and one with endogenous simulation of the crop growth, the "dynamic" model WOFOST. The used parameterization methods of the static/dynamic vegetation models ensure that for the current climate the simulated long-term average of the actual evapotranspiration is the same for both models. Simulations were made for two climate scenarios. Owing to the higher temperatures in combination with a higher CO2-concentration of the atmosphere, a forward time shift of the crop development is simulated in the dynamic model; the used arable land crop, potatoes, also shows a shortening of the growing season. For this crop, a significant reduction of the potential transpiration is simulated compared to the static model, in the example by 15% in a warm, dry year. In consequence, the simulated crop water stress (the unit minus the relative transpiration) is lower when the dynamic model is used; also the simulated increase of crop water stress due to climate change is lower; in the example, the simulated increase is 15 percentage points less (of 55) than when a static model is used. The static/dynamic models also simulate different absolute values of the transpiration. The difference is most pronounced for potatoes at locations with ample moisture supply; this supply can either come from storage release of a good soil or from capillary rise. With good supply of moisture, the dynamic model simulates up to 10% less actual evapotranspiration than the static one in the example. This can lead to cases where the dynamic model predicts a slight increase of the recharge in a climate scenario, where the static model predicts a decrease. The use of a dynamic model also affects the simulated demand for surface water from external sources; especially the timing is affected. The proposed modelling approach uses postulated relationships that require validation with controlled field trials. In the Netherlands there is a lack of experimental facilities for performing such validations.
Adomian Decomposition Method for a Class of Nonlinear Problems
Authors: Sánchez Cano J. A.
Published: November 2011

The Adomian decomposition method together with some properties of nested integrals is used to provide a solution to a class of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and a coupled system.
Modeling and Optimization of a Residential Solar Stand-Alone Power System
Authors: Khater Hany A. , Abdelraouf Amr A. , Beshr Mohamed H.
Published: November 2011

Modeling and optimization of a residential solar-powered stand-alone power system comprising photovoltaic (PV) arrays and secondary batteries are presented. Moreover, an economic study is performed to determine the cost of electricity (COE) produced from this system so as to determine its competitiveness with the conventional sources of electricity. All of the calculations are performed using a computer code developed by using MATLAB.
The system output was calculated for Cairo city (30°01′N, 31°14′E) in Egypt. It was found that dual-axis solar tracking is not economically feasible while cooling of the PV surface helps to lower the COE of the system. Also, the average maximum efficiency of the modeled 200 W solar cells was 14.16%. The system which has an efficiency of 12% showed a great ability to satisfy the estimated demand load. The COE obtained from the system was found to be 41.7 cents/kWh over 20 years of its operation with an expected future cost of 31 cents/kWh.
Photostimulated Au Nanoheaters in Polymer and Biological Media: Characterization of Mechanical Destruction and Boiling
Authors: Hühn Dominik , Govorov Alexander , Gil Pilar Rivera , Parak Wolfgang J.
Published: November 2011

Agglomerated gold nanoparticle clusters embedded in polyelectrolyte films are optically excited, which results in local ablation of material from the polyelectrolyte films and in some cases leads to the formation of a gas bubble. Evidence is given that this process is mediated by superheating of the medium around the excited gold nanoparticle clusters. This process is highly dependent on the medium used. Besides the boiling point, salt and proteins in the medium also affect the formation of gas bubbles. These data demonstrate that the type of medium must be considered when describing light‐mediated heating of gold nanoparticle clusters, which are fixed in a matrix surrounded by medium.
Exploring How to Increase the Brightness of Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Nanolabels: The Effect of the Raman‐Active Molecules and of the Label Size
Authors: Amendola Vincenzo , Meneghetti Moreno
Published: November 2011

Due to the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect, SERS labels based on noble‐metal nanoparticles loaded with Raman‐active molecules are good candidates for ultrasensitive multiplexed assays and in vitro/in vivo imaging. However, understanding how to maximize the brightness of such labels is of paramount importance for their widespread application. The effective differential Raman scattering cross‐section (dσR/dΩ) of SERS labels made of pegylated gold nanoparticles loaded with various Raman active molecules (Raman reporters) is studied. It is found that proper choice of the Raman reporter and of nanoparticle size can enhance the dσR/dΩ by several orders of magnitude. The experimental results are understood by considering the molecular cross‐section for resonant Raman scattering and the local electromagnetic enhancement factor (GSERS) in the nearby of gold nanoparticles. These results are useful to guide the design of SERS labels with improved performances and to provide a reference for the comparison of the absolute value of the dσR/dΩ of SERS labels based on metal nanoparticles.
Facile Preparation of 2‐Substituted Benzoxazoles and Benzothiazoles via Aerobic Oxidation of Phenolic and Thiophenolic Imines Catalyzed by Polymer‐Incarcerated Platinum Nanoclusters
Authors: Yoo Woo‐Jin , Yuan Hao , Miyamura Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Shū
Published: November 2011

Platinum nanoclusters supported on a polymer/carbon black composite material was found to be an excellent catalyst for the oxidative cyclization of phenolic and thiophenolic Schiff bases to 2‐substituted benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles under ambient conditions.
Cinchona Alkaloid‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Amination of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones: An Asymmetric Approach to Δ2‐Pyrazolines
Authors: Campbell Nathaniel R. , Sun Bingfeng , Singh Ravi P. , Deng Li
Published: November 2011

Δ2‐Pyrazolines are of significant medicinal and synthetic interest due to their therapeutic properties and utility in the synthesis of 1,3‐diamines, yet few asymmetric methods exist to prepare them. An unprecedented and highly enantioselective organocatalytic synthesis of 2‐pyrazolines was achieved through an asymmetric conjugate addition catalyzed by 9‐epi‐amino Cinchona alkaloids followed by deprotection‐cyclization, which furnished chiral 2‐pyrazolines in 46–78% yield and 59–91% ee. This bifunctional catalytic methodology thus provides easy access to a considerable range of optically active 3,5‐dialkyl 2‐pyrazolines.