bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiological Analysis of the Urine Isolates in Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Raza S , Pandey S , Bhatt C P
Published: June 2012

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the common cause of bacterial infection. Recently UTI become more complicated and difficult to treat because of appearance of pathogen with increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents. Objective To determine the etiology of the urinary tract infections and their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Methods This study was carried out in Kathmandu Medical College, at department of microbiology. Total 3,460 urine samples were tested microbiologically by standard procedure. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed for all the isolates by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and result was interpreted according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) guide line. Results Out of 3,460 urine samples 680 (19.7%) showed the significant bacteriuria. The most common pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli 75.7% followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 10.7%, Acinetobacter spp 5.5%, Proteus spp 3.5% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1.2%. Most susceptible antibiotic was Amikacin, Ceftriaxone and Ciprofloxacin for most of the isolates. E. coli which was the main isolate was found to be most susceptible to Amikacin 96.1%, Nitrofurantoin 91.3% and Gentamicin 77.7% followed by Ceftriaxone 65.8% and Ciprofloxacin 64.1%. ConclusionRegular surveillance of the resistance rate among uro-pathogens is needed to ensure the appropriate therapy of UTI.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i4.6348 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(4):295-7
The Demographics of Molar Pregnancies in BPKIHS
Authors: Koirala A , Khatiwada P , Giri A , Kandel P , Regmi M , Upreti D
Published: June 2012

This is an analysis of the incidence of molar pregnancies and those of complete and partial molar pregnancies across the reproductive age range for BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in the period 2010-2011. Patients with molar pregnancies registered with BPKIHS from January 2008 to January 2010 were identified. The overall number of molar pregnancies registered was compared to the number of maternities (live births and still births) and total viable conceptions for this year. A retrospective study of 64 cases of molar pregnancies recorded at BPKIHS during the two year time was done. Medical records were reviewed. Incidence, clinical presentation and methods of diagnosis were studied. During the study period, there were 37 complete moles, 23 partial moles, 1 persistent gestational trophoblastic tumor, 1 choriocarcinoma, and 2 invasive moles. The incidence of molarpregnancy was 3.94 per 1000 deliveries. Median distribution was at 22 years of age, and majority (67%) presented during early second trimester. Twenty one (32.8%) women were of blood group A positive and ten (15.6%) presented with severe form of anemia. This study provides detailed data regarding the incidence of partial and complete molar pregnancies with increasing maternal age. It confirms the relation of molar pregnancy with age, and blood group. Complete mole had the highest incidence, affecting mostly younger age group, and usually in the first half of their pregnancy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i4.6349 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(4):298-300
Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema- Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Bhattarai B , Shrestha S
Published: June 2012

Post obstructive pulmonary edema (POPE) also known as Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE)is potentially life threatening complication. It occurs in about 0.1% of anesthetics and is related to upper airway obstruction. Two types have been described in literature. Different etiology has been attributed to development of Negative pressure pulmonary edema. Early identification and treatment of predisposing factor along with proper monitoring of this complication early treatment should be instituted because resolution is also fast and in most cases without residual effects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i4.6352 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(4):310-4
“A Stroll in Heavy Boots”: Studying Polish Roma Women's Experiences of Aging
Authors: Kazubowski-Houston Magdalena
Published: June 2012

In Poland, the quality of life for Roma minorities has deteriorated in recent years due to negative stereotyping, economic crises and resurgent nationalisms. Consequently, many Roma have migrated to the west since Poland's 2004 entry into the EU. This has left several of Poland's Roma communities populated primarily by Roma elders unable to travel abroad due to their advanced age and/or poor health. This paper discusses the author's current research project that studies Polish elderly Roma women's experiences of ageing in the absence of younger relatives. In particular, the author explores the impact of the diverse attributes of non-public, non-collective dramatic storytelling on how the women constructed their narratives of ageing in the project. The author also considers the potential of dramatic storytelling sessions in relation to interviews, and explores how the two methodologies employed —intersecting with participant project goals and my own complicated local/global positionalities – shaped how the women constructed their stories.
“Frontstage” and “Backstage” in Heritage Performance: What Ethnography Reveals
Authors: Quick Sarah
Published: June 2012

This paper considers how an ethnographer who studies heritage performance, in this case Me´tis fiddling and dancing, grapples with what is presented “frontstage” in public settings. The author uses the dramaturgical metaphors first offered by Goffman (1959) and that MacCannell (1973, 1976) later expanded in the analysis of touristic spaces. Unlike MacCannell the author does not view such performances as totally contrived in order to cater to an audience's preconceptions. Furthermore, the heritage performances the author studies and the touristic spaces that fed into MacCannell's analysis differ; they include performances for insiders as well as performances offered up to those assumed outside or less familiar with the cultural traditions being performed. The author contends that understanding and interpreting such public discourse requires more than just a semiotic reading of what these performers do and say frontstage. What ethnography ideally reveals is the complexity of local, familial as well as broader socio-political histories and allegiances.
Can Research Become Ceremony? Performance Ethnography and Indigenous Epistemologies
Authors: Magnat Virginie
Published: June 2012

Pioneered by Victor Turner and further developed by Dwight Conquergood and Norman K. Denzin, performance ethnography foregrounds the experiential, reflexive, intersubjective, and embodied dimensions of performance. Moreover, performance ethnography proposes to integrate the Indigenous critique of Euro-American research, and supports collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars. How, then, might Indigenous epistemologies and methodologies rooted in traditional cultural practices contribute to the future(s) of performance ethnography? Decolonizing performance ethnography necessarily entails redefining both ethnographic research, shaped by the contested discipline of anthropology, and performance practice, linked to Euro-American conceptions of theatre. Drawing from the work of Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Manulani Aluli Meyer, Shawn Wilson, and Floyd Favel, the author asks whether performance ethnography, informed and possibly transformed by Indigenous perspectives, can become a way of engaging in research that contributes not only to our survival, but to the survival of all living species and of the natural world which we co-inhabit.
Dressing Up and Dressing Down: Costumes, Risky Play, Transgender, and Maritime English Canadian Charivari Paradoxes
Authors: Greenhill Pauline
Published: June 2012

Why should it seem appropriate to wear a wedding gown at some charivaris, cross dress and be masked at others, but have entirely unremarkable clothing at most? The author's question echoes one from anthropologist Edmund R. Leach. In “Time and False Noses,” he asks “Why should it seem appropriate to wear top hats at funerals, and false noses on birthdays and New Year's Eve?” For Leach, dressing both up and down, despite their symbolic differences–formality versus informality; seriousness versus play--demonstrates a contrast with everyday life. Formality and masquerade alike appear in some practices in Canada related to charivari, a rudimentary form of folk drama. But perhaps equally compelling is the fact that they need not be there, and in most cases do not manifest, as my opening query indicates. The author explores this somewhat paradoxical situation, drawing on interviews and questionnaire responses given by participants in the tradition.
Rewriting History: Marie Dronsart's Grandes voyageuses and Portraits d'outre-Manche
Authors: Pauk Barbara
Published: June 2012

During the nineteenth century, historical writing generally reflected the idea that women played only minor roles in the public realm and in history. In the 1880s and 1890s, when feminism emerged more forcefully, the French woman Marie Dronsart endeavoured to rewrite history in her works Portraits d'outre-Manche and Les grandes voyageuses, as well as through her translation of Queen Victoria's memoirs. Dronsart, in spite of her numerous works and translations, has scarcely received any critical attention so far. Addressing this gap in scholarship, this paper will argue that Dronsart tries to assert the importance of women's roles in history without offending conservative sensibilities. I will investigate how Dronsart negotiates the various discourses on feminism and femininity through different strategies, most importantly by enmeshing discourses on women with discourses on the English nation, and by drawing on stereotypes and specific English sources.
An Existentialist Epistemology of the Closet: Sexuality and Art in Raymond Queneau's Zazie dans le métro
Authors: McCaffrey Enda
Published: June 2012

This article explores how Sartean existentialism can be used to explain the sexual orientation of the main character Gabriel in Raymond Queneau's Zazie dans le métro. Drawing firstly on the novel's rich and broader philosophical roots, the article proceeds to engage with the philosophy of existentialism as a way of highlighting Gabriel's attempts to conquer himself, champion a morality of action and commitment over secular morality, and give meaning to his sexuality through concepts of choice, situation, authenticity and artistic creation. Gabriel's monologues take him out of the conversational currency of the récit's structure and into a philosophical mode of thinking. In these instances, Queneau's sub-codes and intertextual references to Sartrean existentialism gesture towards an existentialist breakthrough where Gabriel's existence is seen to coalesce with a discrete ‘coming out’ narrative that predates the politics of power, gender and identity construction of the 1970s and beyond. The situatedness and literariness of Gabriel's homosexuality is textual; this textuality is played out existentially in the way his homosexuality as verbal utterance/reality is continually deferred and connected critically to signifiers of Sartrean humanism, intersubjectivity and transcendence.
Behavioral Studies and Genetic Alterations in Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) Neurocircuitry: Insights into Human Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Laryea Gloria , Arnett Melinda G. , Muglia Louis J.
Published: June 2012

To maintain well-being, all organisms require the ability to re-establish homeostasis in the presence of adverse physiological or psychological experiences. The regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis during stress is important in preventing maladaptive responses that may increase susceptibility to affective disorders. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a central stress hormone in the HPA axis pathway and has been implicated in stress-induced psychiatric disorders, reproductive and cardiac function, as well as energy metabolism. In the context of psychiatric disorders, CRH dysfunction is associated with the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, anorexia nervosa, and anxiety disorders. Here, we review the synthesis, molecular signaling and regulation, as well as synaptic activity of CRH. We go on to summarize studies of altered CRH signaling in mutant animal models. This assembled data demonstrate an important role for CRH in neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral correlates of adaptation and maladaptation. Next, we present findings regarding human genetic polymorphisms in CRH pathway genes that are associated with stress and psychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss a role for regulators of CRH activity as potential sites for therapeutic intervention aimed at treating maladaptive behaviors associated with stress.
Design, Construction and Testing of a Hydraulic Power Take-Off for Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Lasa Joseba , Antolin Juan Carlos , Angulo Carlos , Estensoro Patxi , Santos Maider , Ricci Pierpaolo
Published: June 2012

This paper presents the construction, mathematical modeling and testing of a scaled universal hydraulic Power Take-Off (PTO) device for Wave Energy Converters (WECs). A specific prototype and test bench were designed and built to carry out the tests. The results obtained from these tests were used to adjust an in-house mathematical model. The PTO was initially designed to be coupled to a scaled wave energy capture device with a low speed and high torque oscillating motion and high power fluctuations. Any Energy Capture Device (ECD) that fulfils these requirements can be coupled to this PTO, provided that its scale is adequately defined depending on the rated power of the full scale prototype. The initial calibration included estimation of the pressure drops in the different components, the pressurization time of the oil inside the hydraulic cylinders and the volumetric efficiency of the complete circuit. Since the overall efficiency measured during the tests ranged from 0.69 to 0.8 and the dynamic performance of the PTO was satisfactory, the results are really promising and it is believed that this solution might prove effective in real devices.
Factor Analysis of the Aggregated Electric Vehicle Load Based on Data Mining
Authors: Guo Qinglai , Wang Yao , Sun Hongbin , Li Zhengshuo , Xin Shujun , Zhang Boming
Published: June 2012

Electric vehicles (EVs) and the related infrastructure are being developed rapidly. In order to evaluate the impact of factors on the aggregated EV load and to coordinate charging, a model is established to capture the relationship between the charging load and important factors based on data mining. The factors can be categorized as internal and external. The internal factors include the EV battery size, charging rate at different places, penetration of the charging infrastructure, and charging habits. The external factor is the time-of-use pricing (TOU) policy. As a massive input data is necessary for data mining, an algorithm is implemented to generate a massive sample as input data which considers real-world travel patterns based on a historical travel dataset. With the input data, linear regression was used to build a linear model whose inputs were the internal factors. The impact of the internal factors on the EV load can be quantified by analyzing the sign, value, and temporal distribution of the model coefficients. The results showed that when no TOU policy is implemented, the rate of charging at home and range anxiety exerts the greatest influence on EV load. For the external factor, a support vector regression technique was used to build a relationship between the TOU policy and EV load. Then, an optimization model based on the relationship was proposed to devise a TOU policy that levels the load. The results suggest that implementing a TOU policy reduces the difference between the peak and valley loads remarkably.
WIP Remodeling Actin behind the Scenes: How WIP Reshapes Immune and Other Functions
Authors: Noy Elad , Fried Sophia , Matalon Omri , Barda-Saad Mira
Published: June 2012

Actin polymerization is a fundamental cellular process regulating immune cell functions and the immune response. The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) is an actin nucleation promoting factor, which is exclusively expressed in hematopoietic cells, where it plays a key regulatory role in cytoskeletal dynamics. WASp interacting protein (WIP) was first discovered as the binding partner of WASp, through the use of the yeast two hybrid system. WIP was later identified as a chaperone of WASp, necessary for its stability. Mutations occurring at the WASp homology 1 domain (WH1), which serves as the WIP binding site, were found to cause the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT). WAS manifests as an immune deficiency characterized by eczema, thrombocytopenia, recurrent infections, and hematopoietic malignancies, demonstrating the importance of WIP for WASp complex formation and for a proper immune response. WIP deficiency was found to lead to different abnormalities in the activity of various lymphocytes, suggesting differential cell-dependent roles for WIP. Additionally, WIP deficiency causes cellular abnormalities not found in WASp-deficient cells, indicating that WIP fulfills roles beyond stabilizing WASp. Indeed, WIP was shown to interact with various binding partners, including the signaling proteins Nck, CrkL and cortactin. Recent studies have demonstrated that WIP also takes part in non immune cellular processes such as cancer invasion and metastasis, in addition to cell subversion by intracellular pathogens. Understanding of numerous functions of WIP can enhance our current understanding of activation and function of immune and other cell types.
Expression of Sox2 and Oct4 and Their Clinical Significance in Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Xinxin , Wang Jinguang , Xu Zhiyun , Ahmad Aftab , Li Encheng , Wang Yuan , Qin Suli , Wang Qi
Published: June 2012

Sox2 and Oct4 are transcription factors with the characteristics of regulating self-renewal and differentiation of embryonic stem cell. The aim of this study was to detect the expression of Sox2 and Oct4 and analyze their clinical significance in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Expression of Sox2 and Oct4 were assayed in cancer tissues and their corresponding paracancerous tissues from 44 patients with NSCLC and 21 patients with benign tumors using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The correlation between the expression of Sox2 and Oct4 and tumor type, grade and prognosis and the utility of the two genes in discriminating between benign and malignant tumors were analyzed as well. The results showed that Sox2 and Oct4 positive staining was only seen in the nuclei of cancer cells but not in either the precancerous tissues or benign tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry (p < 0.01). Furthermore, in the lung cancer tissue, the positive rate for Sox2 and Oct4 was 70.5% and 54.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, clinicopathological correlations showed that the Oct4 expression level was significantly associated with poorer differentiation and higher TNM stage of the cancer (p < 0.05). Western blot and RT-PCR analysis showed similar results to immunohistochemistry. Follow-up analysis revealed that expression of Oct4 was significantly associated with poor prognosis of lung cancer. The conclusion is that Sox2 and Oct4 may act as the promising unit markers in directing NSCLC diagnosis and therapy. Also, Oct4 can be regarded as a novel predictor of poor prognosis for NSCLC patients undergoing resection.
Effects of Methylmercury Contained in a Diet Mimicking the Wayana Amerindians Contamination through Fish Consumption: Mercury Accumulation, Metallothionein Induction, Gene Expression Variations, and Role of the Chemokine CCL2
Authors: Bourdineaud Jean-Paul , Laclau Muriel , Maury-Brachet Régine , Gonzalez Patrice , Baudrimont Magalie , Mesmer-Dudons Nathalie , Fujimura Masatake , Marighetto Aline , Godefroy David , Rostène William , Brèthes Daniel
Published: June 2012

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin, and human beings are mainly exposed to this pollutant through fish consumption. We addressed the question of whether a diet mimicking the fish consumption of Wayanas Amerindians from French Guiana could result in observable adverse effects in mice. Wayanas adult men are subjected to a mean mercurial dose of 7 g Hg/week/kg of body weight. We decided to supplement a vegetarian-based mice diet with 0.1% of lyophilized Hoplias aimara fish, which Wayanas are fond of and equivalent to the same dose as that afflicting the Wayanas Amerindians. Total mercury contents were 1.4 ± 0.2 and 5.4 ± 0.5 ng Hg/g of food pellets for the control and aimara diets, respectively. After 14 months of exposure, the body parts and tissues displaying the highest mercury concentration on a dry weight (dw) basis were hair (733 ng/g) and kidney (511 ng/g), followed by the liver (77 ng/g). Surprisingly, despite the fact that MeHg is a neurotoxic compound, the brain accumulated low levels of mercury (35 ng/g in the cortex). The metallothionein (MT) protein concentration only increased in those tissues (kidney, muscles) in which MeHg demethylation had occurred. This can be taken as a molecular sign of divalent mercurial contamination since only Hg2+ has been reported yet to induce MT accumulation in contaminated tissues. The suppression of the synthesis of the chemokine CCL2 in the corresponding knockout (KO) mice resulted in important changes in gene expression patterns in the liver and brain. After three months of exposure to an aimara-containing diet, eight of 10 genes selected (Sdhb, Cytb, Cox1, Sod1, Sod2, Mt2, Mdr1a and Bax) were repressed in wild-type mice liver whereas none presented a differential expression in KO Ccl2−/− mice. In the wild-type mice brain, six of 12 genes selected (Cytb, Cox1, Sod1, Sod2, Mdr1a and Bax) presented a stimulated expression, whereas all remained at the basal level of expression in KO Ccl2−/− mice. In the liver of aimara-fed mice, histological alterations were observed for an accumulated mercury concentration as low as 32 ng/g, dw, and metal deposits were observed within the cytoplasm of hepatic cells.
Polydatin Attenuates Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension and Reverses Remodeling through Protein Kinase C Mechanisms
Authors: Miao Qing , Shi Xiao-Peng , Ye Ming-Xiang , Zhang Jin , Miao Shan , Wang Si-Wang , Li Bo , Jiang Xiu-Xiu , Zhang Song , Hu Nan , Li Juan , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2012

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is a life-threatening emergency if untreated. Consistent pulmonary hypertension also leads to arteries and ventricular remodeling. The clinical therapeutic strategy for pulmonary hypertension and the corresponding remodeling mainly interacts with NO, angiotensin II (Ang II) and elevated endothelin (ET) targets. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of polydatin on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. It was observed that polydatin attenuated hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, reversed remodeling, and regulated NO, Ang II, ET contents in the serum and lung samples. However, forced activation of PKC signaling by its selective activator thymeleatoxin (THX) could abate the effects of polydatain. These results suggest that polydatin might be a promising candidate for hypoxic pulmonary treatment through interaction with PKC mechanisms.
Diffusivity Maximum in a Reentrant Nematic Phase
Authors: Stieger Tillmann , Mazza Marco G. , Schoen Martin
Published: June 2012

We report molecular dynamics simulations of confined liquid crystals using the Gay–Berne–Kihara model. Upon isobaric cooling, the standard sequence of isotropic–nematic–smectic A phase transitions is found. Upon further cooling a reentrant nematic phase occurs. We investigate the temperature dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient of the fluid in the nematic, smectic and reentrant nematic phases. We find a maximum in diffusivity upon isobaric cooling. Diffusion increases dramatically in the reentrant phase due to the high orientational molecular order. As the temperature is lowered, the diffusion coefficient follows an Arrhenius behavior. The activation energy of the reentrant phase is found in reasonable agreement with the reported experimental data. We discuss how repulsive interactions may be the underlying mechanism that could explain the occurrence of reentrant nematic behavior for polar and non-polar molecules.
Land — A Multidisciplinary Journal Addressing Issues at the Land Use and Sustainability Nexus
Authors: Millington Andrew
Published: June 2012

Some authorities argue that land is the most fundamental of natural resources. If their arguments fail to convince, we certainly have to cede that land is a limited natural resource. Aside from a few thousand Moken living on the Andaman Sea, humans are tied to the land. Most of us live, eat and sleep on land, even oil rig workers in the Gulf of Mexico, Filipino merchant seamen, Japanese fishermen and British naval ratings divide their lives between sea and land. As the world’s population has grown we have not, with the exception of the industrious Dutch, created land at the expense of the sea. The 29% of the world’s surface that is land, has for many millennia been vitally important in terms of how societies have evolved. Land resources have fed and clothed us, enabled us to build things, and spawned conflicts. [...]
Revisión y estudio comparativo de la acción del viento sobre las estructuras empleando Eurocódigo y Código Técnico de la Edificación
Authors: Tomás A. , Morales M.
Published: June 2012

La publicación del Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE) en 2006 ha supuesto un salto conceptual en la obtención de la acción del viento sobre las estructuras respecto a la norma básica de acciones anterior. Con el CTE se pretendía adaptar el marco normativo español al programa Eurocódigos, al que debía converger hasta el año 2010. En este contexto se ha realizado un estudio comparativo entre los factores involucrados en la obtención de la acción de viento empleando CTE y Eurocódigo 1. Para cuantificar la influencia de esta acción sobre el diseño estructural se han empleado tres ejemplos de tipologías estructurales habituales: una nave industrial y dos edificios de 5 y 25 plantas. En las conclusiones se aportan comentarios que pueden mejorar la aplicación de la normativa española y se señalan ciertos aspectos contemplados en Eurocódigo 1 que sería recomendable considerar en caso de requerir un diseño estructural más ajustado.
Which e-Learning Technology is Right for me?
Authors: Coldwell Jo , Beekhuyzen Jenine , Craig Annemieke
Published: June 2012

The range of technologies available to support teaching and learning in higher education continues to grow exponentially. There is a growing expectation for educators to be well informed and familiar with the many suitable technologies and systems that are available to be used for delivering courses online, and to complement classroom (face-to-face) education. Detailed evidence of the perceptions and applications of the use of e-technologies is needed to inform not only teaching practice, but also policy development. These e-technologies need to be matched to pedagogical styles in order for online teaching and learning to be successful. Based on 33 semi-structured interviews, this paper presents a study of staff experiences of e-technologies, using Chickering and Gamson's 'Seven Principles of Good Practice' to provide educators with information about the most appropriate e-technology to support their pedagogical aims.
Aligning Curriculum and Evidencing Learning Effectiveness Using Semantic Mapping of Learning Assets
Authors: Ice Phil , Burgess Melissa , Beals Justin , Staley Jennifer
Published: June 2012

The ability to evidence learning effectiveness in virtual learning environments for accreditation purposes has posed as a challenge to higher education institutions who offer online courses. Many instructional designers have tried several methods for retrieving learning object, resulting in varying levels of object quality. For institutions who offer online courses and who are initially applying for or seeking renewal accreditation, rigorous alignment of curriculum to goals to learning objects is paramount. To date, there has been no evidence in the literature of this type of semantic mapping to harvest high quality learning objects that further align to course content to learning objects to course goals and objectives. A research and development team at a fully online higher education institution addressed this challenge by employing an open source repository and semantic engine for analysis and alignment of content, materials, and learning activities to goals and objectives across all courses within the School of Business. The result was a highly detailed, accurate mapping of the programs' knowledge base to established goals and objectives. Discussion, conclusions, and future directions are provided.
Exploring the Dimensions of E-learning Maturity Model
Authors: Iskander George Maher
Published: June 2012

Despite the highlighting on e-learning, it was obvious that models for successful deployment have not yet been recognized. Even with the huge quantities of money being spent, it is not clear that any enhancement in student learning outcomes has been recognized. To address this issue, this qualitative research aimed to explore and understand dimensions of E-learning Maturity Model (ELMM). An inductive approach, using qualitative methods, was used in this research. Fifty interviewees suggested five dimensions: Students' Attitudes, University attitudes from studentsâ?? perspectives, E-learning features, E-learning implementation and Effects of E-learning on students. Students from different majors and levels participated in this study. Findings of this study show that, there are significant five factors which formulate ELMM. Moreover, the study demonstrates that e-learning features have significant effects on student. It also highlights the relevance of using qualitative research in exploring maturity concept in e- learning.
Large Amplitude Forced Vibration Analysis of Stiffened Plates under Harmonic Excitation
Authors: Mitra Anirban , Sahoo Prasanta , Saha Kashinath
Published: June 2012

Large amplitude forced vibration behaviour of stiffened plates under harmonic excitation is studied numerically incorporating the effect of geometric non-linearity. The forced vibration analysis is carried out in an indirect way in which the dynamic system is assumed to satisfy the force equilibrium condition at peak excitation amplitude. Large amplitude free vibration analysis of the same system is carried out separately to determine the backbone curves. The mathematical formulation is based on energy principles and the set of governing equations for both forced and free vibration problems derived using Hamilton’s principle. Appropriate sets of coordinate functions are formed by following the two dimensional Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization procedure to satisfy the corresponding boundary conditions of the plate. The problem is solved by employing an iterative direct substitution method with an appropriate relaxation technique and when the system becomes computationally stiff, Broyden’s method is used. The results are furnished as frequency response curves along with the backbone curve in the dimensionless amplitude-frequency plane. Three dimensional operational deflection shape (ODS) plots and contour plots are provided in a few cases.
Recycling of Waste Epoxy-Polyester Powders for Foam Production
Authors: Lucignano Carmine , Squeo Erica Anna , Guglielmotti Alessandro , Quadrini Fabrizio
Published: June 2012

This paper proposes a new foaming technology (solid-state foaming) to produce structural foams from waste thermosetting resins. The proposed technology is easy and does not require specific and expensive equipments. Solid tablets are produced by cold compaction of resin powder, and foam by heating in an oven. Composite foams can be produced by mixing fillers and resin powder before the cold compaction. In the experiment, an epoxy-polyester (EP-PE) resin powder, deriving from the waste of a manufacturer of domestic appliances, was used with montmorillonite (MMT) particles. Resulting foams with a filler content ranging from 0 to 10 wt% were characterized in terms of physical and mechanical properties (by compression tests). Although the effect of the MMT content seems to be negative for the adopted resin, the feasibility of producing composite foams by recycling waste industrial powders is shown. The properties of the unfilled foams are sufficient for many industrial applications.
A Finite Element Study of Buckling and Upsetting Mechanisms in Laser Forming of Plates and Tubes
Authors: Jamil M. S. Che , Sheikh M. A. , Li L.
Published: June 2012

Laser beam forming has emerged as a viable technique to form sheet metal by thermal residual stresses. Although it has been a subject of many studies, its full industrial application is not yet established. This article aims to complement the existing research in the area of laser forming in order to gain a better understanding of the process. A numerical investigation of laser forming of stainless steel sheets has been carried out and validated experimentally using a High Power Diode Laser (HPDL). Three processing parameters are tested; laser power, beam diameter and plate thickness. Also, laser bending of stainless steel tube is simulated and compared against the published experimental data. The main underlying mechanisms of laser forming are demonstrated through the simulations.
Micro Machining of Nonconductive Al2O3 Ceramic on Developed TW-ECSM Setup
Authors: Manna Alakesh , Kundal Amandeep
Published: June 2012

Advanced ceramic materials are gradually becoming very important for their superior properties such as high hardness, wear resistance, chemical resistance, and high strength to weight ratio. But machining of advanced ceramic like Al2O3-ceramics is very difficult by any well known and common machining processes. Normally, cleavages and triangular fractures generate when machining of these materials is done by traditional machining methods. It is essential to develop an efficient and accurate machining method for processing advanced ceramic materials. For effective machining of Al2O3-ceramics, a traveling wire electrochemical spark machining (TW-ECSM) setup has been developed. The developed TW-ECSM setup has been utilized to machine Al2O3 ceramic materials and subsequently test results are utilized to analyze the machining performance characteristic. Different SEM photographs show the actual condition of the micro machined surfaces. The practical research analysis and test results on the machining of Al2O3 ceramics by developed TWECSM setup will provide a new guideline to the researchers and manufacturing engineers.
A Finite Element Study of Chip Formation Process in Orthogonal Machining
Authors: Priyadarshini Amrita , Pal Surjya K. , Samantaray Arun K.
Published: June 2012

This paper examines the plane strain 2D Finite Element (FE) modeling of segmented, as well as continuous chip formation while machining AISI 4340 with a negative rake carbide tool. The main objective is to simulate both the continuous and segmented chips from the same FE model based on FE code ABAQUS/Explicit. Both the adiabatic and coupled temperature displacement analysis has been performed to simulate the right kind of chip formation. It is observed that adiabatic hypothesis plays a critical role in the simulation of segmented chip formation based on adiabatic shearing. The numerical results dealing with distribution of stress, strain and temperature for segmented and continuous chip formations were compared and found to vary considerably from each other. The simulation results were also compared with other published results; thus validating the developed model.
Cold End Forming of Welded Steel Tubes
Authors: Alves L. M. , Medeiros J. G. , Martins P. A. F.
Published: June 2012

The production of custom and specific tube end shapes by cold end forming using a die is generally limited to seamless tubular parts. Current research work in the field follows the same trend as that of industry and, therefore, there is no accumulated experience, no practical design rules, and no information available in the specialized literature concerning the utilization of tube end forming for shaping the end of thin-walled welded tubes. This paper is concerned with the lack of knowledge and is a contribution towards the understanding of the mechanics of deformation of tube end forming applied to welded tubes. The presentation addresses the influence of major operating parameters on the formability limits of the process with the purpose of understanding feasibility and establishing design rules for the benefit of those who design tubular parts in daily practice. The authors effectively contribute to transferable technological knowledge opening new market opportunities that stimulate innovations among carbon and stainless steel tubular products.
Study on Oxidation of Stainless Steels During Hot Rolling
Authors: Jiang Z. Y. , Wei D. B. , Tieu K. , Huang J. X. , Zhang A. W. , Shi X. , Jiao S. H.
Published: June 2012

The oxidation of stainless steels 304 and 304L during hot rolling is studied in this paper. Results show the oxide scale thickness decreases significantly with an increase of reduction, and the oxide scales of both 304 and 304L stainless steels were found more deformable than the steel substrate. Surface roughness shows a complicated transfer during the hot rolling process due to the complexity of oxide scale characteristics. Also, surface roughness decreases with an increase of reduction. The friction coefficient increases with reduction in all cases, and the increase is more significant in the case of the 304 stainless steel than that of 304L stainless steel.
Attribute Based Selection of Thermoplastic Resin for Vacuum Infusion Process
Authors: Prabhakaran R. T. Durai , Lystrup Aage , Andersen Tom Løgstrup
Published: June 2012

The composite industry looks toward a new material system (resins) based on thermoplastic polymers for the vacuum infusion process, similar to the infusion process using thermosetting polymers. A large number of thermoplastics are available in the market with a variety of properties suitable for different engineering applications, and few of those are available in a not yet polymerised form suitable for resin infusion. The proper selection of a new resin system among these thermoplastic polymers is a concern for manufactures in the current scenario and a special mathematical tool would be beneficial. In this paper, the authors introduce a new decision making tool for resin selection based on significant attributes. This article provides a broad overview of suitable thermoplastic material systems for vacuum infusion process available in today’s market. An illustrative example—resin selection for vacuum infused of a wind turbine blade—is shown to demonstrate the intricacies involved in the proposed methodology for resin selection.
Reciprocating Wear Behaviour of Two Dimensionally Reinforced Carbon-Phenolic and Carbon-Epoxy Composites
Authors: Sarkar Sourav , Sekaran V.G. , Badisch E. , Roy Manish , Mitra R.
Published: June 2012

A comparative study has been carried out on performance of two-dimensionally reinforced carbon/phenolic (C/P) and carbon/epoxy (C/E) composites, subjected to low amplitude reciprocating wear at different temperatures. The C/P composite has shown greater wear rate than the C/E composite, with the difference being modest at room temperature, and larger at 250 °C. The values of coefficient of friction, surface roughness, and depths of craters on worn surfaces have been measured, which along with surface morphologies examined by scanning electron microscope have been correlated to both amount of weight loss and mechanisms of damage by wear.
Al2O3 Nanobricks via an Organic Free Route Using Water as Solvent
Authors: Shah M. A.
Published: June 2012

The chemical synthesis of nanomaterials has been studied by few researchers, but innumerable improvements and better methods have been reported in the past few years. This new approach of preparing aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanobricks is based on a soft reaction of aluminum powder and de-ionized (DI) water at 200oC without use of any additives or surfactants. Powder X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the as prepared nanobricks are highly crystalline in nature and by morphological investigations using FESEM, it was revealed that the bricks are rectangular in shape having width of 90±15nm and breadth of ~200nm, which was confirmed by high resolution TEM. The technique could be extended and expanded to provide a general, simple, and convenient strategy for the synthesis of nanostructures of other functional materials with important scientific and technological applications. The prospects of the process are bright and promising.
Designing Culturally Appropriate E-Learning for Learners from an Arabic Background
Authors: Hall Andrea
Published: June 2012

Case studies on adult online learners in professional development courses in an Omani context found that cultural preferences had a significant impact on learning success. It was found that their preferences in the development of learning communities, for face-to-face needs, in online course flexibility, and interdependent learning were not accounted for in the learning design. Therefore, the problem identified was: how can learning be designed that accounts for culture in the design of learning for those from an Arabic cultural background, as in Oman? The research provided a solution in the form of design guidelines. These can be used as a practical and useful means for teachers and educators in designing online courses that are culturally compatible with the learning preferences in this context in the Sultanate of Oman.
Collabor8
Authors: McArthur Ian
Published: June 2012

The rapid advancement of online communication technologies is reconfiguring the creative industries through globally networked and interdisciplinary modalities of practice. These inescapable shifts are challenging most of our assumptions about the nature of creative processes. Consequently art and design educators are impelled to teach students in ways that mirror contemporary creative processes. This inevitably includes collaboration in online environments. Instigated in 2003, The Collabor8 Project (C8) responds to these conditions by challenging design students from universities and colleges in Australia and China to collaborate online. Recently, C8 has evolved to integrate blended pedagogical strategies that enable stronger collaborative relationships to develop. This chapter provides a comparative analysis of two project iterations conducted during 2008 and 2009. Using data collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, discussions, and specific research tasks within creative briefs, it identifies, discusses, and offers insights relating to a range of issues encountered in collaborative interactions between very different groups of undergraduate and postgraduate art and design students.
Chinese Postgraduate Students Learning Online in New Zealand
Authors: Cong Yan , Earl Kerry
Published: June 2012

Findings presented explore the Chinese cultural influence, aspects of instructional design that supported learning and achievement, and the influence of the culture in which they were learning. Lessons for the teaching staff, learning design staff and others involved in online learning for students of other cultures are outlined.
Incorporating “World View” into the LMS or CMS is Best
Authors: Watson Katherine
Published: June 2012

“Linguistic relativism” leads people of different cultures to define, explain, and even see reality in images framed by their diverse languages. The most readily available and commonly used online educational materials are often scaffolded in unyielding structures shrouded in American standards and expectations. These Americano-centric course management and learning management systems render subject matter design and delivery, as well as assignment formulation, scheduling, and grading, difficult for educators who understand the importance of imbuing their materials with atypical alternative views of reality expressed in the worldviews of languages and cultures beyond the borders of the United States.
Cultural Adaptation of E-Learning Courseware
Authors: Stieghorst Randall , Edmundson Andrea L.
Published: June 2012

Web-based and self-paced learning modules have become a common-and sometimes primary-tool used by the Ethics & Compliance departments of global organizations to educate employees worldwide. These e-learning modules provide guidance around such topics as the company’s Code of Conduct, specific policies or laws, globally applicable corporate standards, and how best to manage ethical dilemmas in a corporate environment. In this case, the authors describe the instructional design process that were used on various ethics and compliance courses to achieve a more global, regional, or country-specific applicability, including an overview of changes made to content and methodology that was originally perceived as “very American.”
A Multidisciplinary Project Integrating Marketing Research, Art and Spanish Language for Social Sciences
Authors: Cuadrado-García Manuel , Ruiz-Molina María-Eugenia , Hernández-Martín Lourdes
Published: June 2012

In this chapter we describe this interdisciplinary project focusing on the contribution in the teaching-learning process of students at the University of Valencia, in the context of the subject Marketing Research. Specifically, a series of photographs is selected in order to organize an exhibition in London and, to ensure the success of the exhibition, students of the subject Marketing Research have combined sources of secondary and primary data, and have become familiar with databases of business information from the Library of the University of Valencia as well as with the commonly used software for data processing. In general, students have very much appreciated this activity as a facilitator of learning in the field.
ORIENT
Authors: Enz Sibylle , Zoll Carsten , Vannini Natalie , Lim Mei Yii , Schneider Wolfgang , Hall Lynne , Paiva Ana , Aylett Ruth
Published: June 2012

4. Presents and discusses results of preliminary evaluation studies based on an early prototype.
Making Connections
Authors: Stoerger Sharon
Published: June 2012

In their personal lives, many students are using social media to create, communicate, and connect with others from around the world. Yet, the research suggests that students’ use of these tools in an academic setting is often minimal, at best. This chapter examines the use of social media by students to extend the learning beyond the formal boundaries of one fully online course. Using a social media tool, the students were instructed to follow individuals affiliated with the topics covered with this course throughout the semester. The purpose of this activity was to provide students with informal learning opportunities and enable them to make connections with individuals in the field. While a small number of students initially expressed frustration with the tools, as well as the quality and quantity of the content, the majority stated that this activity led to a greater understanding of the course topic.