bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential therapy for opportunistic microorganisms
Authors: Assaf Areej M , Amro Bassam I , Mashallah Sundus , Haddadin Randa N
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Methanolic extracts of six plants (Arbutus andrachne, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Inula viscosa, Origanum syriacum, Punica granatum, and Rosmarinus officinalis) used in traditional medicine for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections were evaluated. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of some medicinal plants in lowering the risk of opportunistic infections of the oral cavity caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Extracts were evaluated separately and in a mixture. Methodology: The methanolic plant extracts were tested against three opportunistic microorganisms by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). They were also evaluated for their ability to suppress the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 while not suppressing the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using ELISA. Results: All extracts showed both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. However, O. syriacum exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity for the three microorganisms among all of the tested extracts (MIC S. aureus: 1 mg/mL; P. aeruginosa: 2 mg/mL; and C. albicans: 1 mg/mL). The extracts inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 with apparent dose-dependent responses while they attenuated the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The mixture of O. syriacum and R. officinalis showed an anti-inflammatory effect, with a synergistic antimicrobial effect. Conclusion: These findings support the idea that a diet rich in plants and herbs may contribute to the reduction of inflammation and microbial growth and may also be preventive against various infections, including those related to the oral cavity.
Trajectoires de l’agriculture (péri)urbaine à Lima : entre désintérêt et renouveau de l’activité
Authors: Leloup Héloïse
Published: May 2016

L’agriculture en milieu urbain est de plus en plus valorisée et reconnue pour ses multiples fonctions (alimentaires, environnementales, sociales). Elle participe à l’aménagement des territoires de la ville et transforme les manières de l’habiter. Nous proposons d’analyser la situation de l’agriculture urbaine à Lima, où l’activité est soumise à de multiples pressions. L’étude porte à la fois sur la dynamique des terrains agricoles situés en périphéries et sur l’émergence des potagers urbains. Quelle est la place de l’activité agricole à Lima et comment les autorités publiques l’intègrent-elles à leurs politiques ? Il apparaît à première vue que l’activité ne présente qu’un intérêt limité et qu’elle soit vouée à conserver une place marginale dans le paysage liménien, voire à disparaître. Certains acteurs continuent toutefois de profiter de l’agriculture (création de revenus, renforcement des liens sociaux) et celle-ci commence à susciter un intérêt nouveau à la fois pour les citadins, qu’ils soient producteurs ou non, et les autorités.
L’agriculture urbaine dans la Ville de Mexico : analyse critique des politiques
Authors: Saavedra Peláez Fernando
Published: May 2016

Cet article mène une réflexion critique sur les politiques du gouvernement de la Ville de Mexico en ce qui concerne l’agriculture urbaine, contribuant ainsi à cerner des problèmes également présents dans d’autres villes latino-américaines et caribéennes. Par agriculture « urbaine », on entend en général celle qui est pratiquée d’une part à l’intérieur de la ville et d’autre part en périphérie de celle-ci, qui est appelée périurbaine. La première ne pose pas de problème de délimitation, mais la notion d’agriculture périurbaine est souvent peu claire, en termes conceptuels et spatiaux. Ainsi, les politiques publiques de la Ville de Mexico ne distinguent que peu les divers types d’agriculture, urbaine ou rurale, et leurs problématiques propres. Cette indéfinition a pour conséquence un manque de pertinence et d’efficacité, qui peut être pallié par une analyse plus précise des types d’espaces et des rôles potentiels de l’agriculture dans chacun d’entre eux.
Industries de création et territoires, une relation spécifique ?
Authors: Paris Thomas , Lê Patrick L.
Published: May 2016

Le phénomène d’agglomération géographique est une réalité dans les industries de la création, au point que des cas issus de ces secteurs, comme Hollywood, ont offert des terrains d’analyse fertiles pour les chercheurs. Pourtant, la spécificité de ces secteurs a été très peu prise en compte dans les travaux sur ces questions. Cet article étudie les spécificités des industries de la création vis-à-vis de la question du regroupement géographique. À partir du cas du jeu vidéo en Ile-de-France, et par une approche inductive par entretiens, il met en avant trois résultats principaux. Il relativise la notion de cluster en montrant que le terrain de jeu des entreprises du jeu vidéo se compose de plusieurs échelles spatiales, relatives aux diverses activités qu’elles impliquent. Il souligne le peu d’importance de la proximité immédiate pour les entreprises, et que l’échelle pertinente est celle de la métropole. Il montre enfin que la question de la proximité est guère spécifique aux industries de la création, ce qui conduit à relativiser le poids de l’enjeu de la créativité dans la dynamique territoriale de ces secteurs.
Le coworking , un espace pour les transactions hors marché ?
Authors: Blein Alexandre
Published: May 2016

Les espaces de coworking sont des espaces de travail flexibles permettant l’accès des travailleurs indépendants aux réseaux sociaux nécessaires à leur activité économique. Au-delà du lien social créé entre travailleurs isolés, l’espace sert d’intermédiaire dans les échanges entre coworkers, en créant des conditions sécurisées pour leurs transactions. Ces échanges peuvent prendre la forme de transactions marchandes qui donnent lieu à une valorisation économique, mais la plupart sont des transactions non marchandes qui s’apparentent à du don. Ce travail s’appuie sur une ethnographie d’un an et demi en tant que travailleur au sein d’un espace de coworking parisien.
Une découverte de la psychanalyse : la psychosomatique
Authors: Smadja Claude
Published: May 2016

La psychosomatique est née des travaux de psychanalyse dans les années 1950. La construction d’une conception psychosomatique homogène et heuristique a nécessité le dépassement des modèles psychanalytiques classiques et l’intégration des processus de somatisation à la dynamique et à l’économie psychanalytique du fonctionnement mental.
À propos du texte de Sára Botella Pensées après-coup sur le perceptif
Authors: Aisenstein Marilia
Published: May 2016

L’auteur commente le texte de Sára Botella et discute de la notion d’opacité qu’elle cherche à comparer au Négatif Greenien et à l’Invisible de Merleau Ponty.
À propos de la notion de cohérence en optique et en psychanalyse
Authors: Delourmel Christian
Published: May 2016

Le recours, à titre métaphorique, à la notion physique de cohérence permet de penser en psychanalyse la complexité d’un processuel par laquelle s’opèrent de façon concomitante et récursive au cours de la satisfaction hallucinatoire du désir : la constitution et l’inscription de la trace perceptive et sa transformation en trace inconsciente, l’émergence de la fonction maternelle concomitante de celle de la fonction paternelle et la constitution du représentant psychique de la pulsion.
Perception et transfert dans la pensée de Pierre Marty Réflexions sur le texte de Sára Botella
Authors: Szwec Gérard
Published: May 2016

Cet article est un commentaire sur une étude faite par Sára Botella du perceptif dans l’œuvre de Pierre Marty. L’auteur n’envisage pas l’investigation psychosomatique simplement comme une façon de faire converger des éléments perceptifs, paroles, gestes, etc. Il la conçoit comme une investigation avec ce que l’on sait.
Le devenir psychique des perceptions
Authors: Lavallée Guy
Published: May 2016

Nos perceptions sont des données de nos organes des sens, sans elles aucune représentation ne pourrait advenir. Nos affects endoperçus dans notre moi-corporel sont à la source du sens émotionnel. Perceptions et endoperceptions ne peuvent devenir psychiques sans une transformation et une organisation de l’excitation. L’auteur décrit la nature hallucinatoire et le devenir psychique de cette excitation, il en montre sa transformation, son organisation, sa régulation, et en expose les avatars cliniques.
Retour au concept de représentation-limite chez Freud
Authors: Ody Michel
Published: May 2016

La notion freudienne de « représentation limite » mériterait un statut conceptuel, bien que Freud n’utilisa ce terme qu’une seule fois en 1896. Freud, dans les années 1890, avança certaines idées qui ne trouvèrent leur développement que bien plus tard, y compris après son œuvre. Ainsi, dans le Manuscrit K, il condense des concepts qui sont à la fois dans la représentation, et hors de celle-ci, comme ce qui est dans la névrose et – pour le traumatisme, par l’effroi ( Schreck ) – hors de celle-ci.
Perception et objet
Authors: Kapsambelis Vassilis
Published: May 2016

En tant que théorie de l’endogène, la métapsychologie s’est peu intéressée au monde extéroceptif. L’étude des textes de Freud montre que cet aspect du perceptif se confond avec les notions de monde extérieur et d’objet. On fait l’hypothèse que l’objet de la perception, nécessaire à la théorie pulsionnelle, conduit en même temps à la construction d’un objet dont le sujet devient à son tour l’objet. Ainsi, le psychisme humain se construirait entre deux réalités extérieures, son corps et l’objet.
Une typologie des écosystèmes d’affaires : de la confiance territoriale aux plateformes sur Internet
Authors: Assens Christophe , Ensminger Joëlle
Published: May 2016

Au cœur de la guerre économique mondiale figure la notion d’écosystème d’affaires, c’est-à-dire la capacité pour chaque pays de détenir un avantage comparatif par rapport aux autres Etats Nations en localisant la création de valeur dans l’un de ses territoires, pour faciliter la mise en réseau des partenaires publics et privés grâce à la proximité géographique. Avec l’arrivée d’Internet, de nouveaux écosystèmes d’affaires apparaissent, déplaçant les frontières de la création de valeur en dehors des territoires. Le problème n’est pas de remettre en question cette évolution, mais de parvenir à articuler efficacement plusieurs niveaux de confiance de nature sociologique, économique ou institutionnelle au sein d’un écosystème, à partir de l’identité partagé, de l’expérience de la relation passée, et des plateformes numériques d’interconnexion.
La problématique de l’innovation en France
Authors: Battini Pierre
Published: May 2016

La France est un pays formidable...un pays de découvreurs, d’inventeurs, d’innovateurs, d’entrepreneurs comme en témoignent de nombreuses personnalités. Paradoxe, la France n’apparaît jamais bien classée par rapport aux autres pays : elle est classée 11ème en Europe et 23 ème dans le monde. Et pourtant nous détenons un système de soutien public de l’innovation sans comparaison dans le monde entier. De nombreux disfonctionnements, une administration tentaculaire et paralysante et des financements très insuffisants expliquent principalement ces mauvaises positions par rapport à des concurrents. Les entreprises et les créateurs ne retirent pas suffisamment de bénéfices de leurs efforts et de leurs investissements. Pourtant les solutions pour un meilleur classement sont connues... il ne resterait qu’à les mettre en œuvre pour obtenir de meilleurs résultats pour notre économie et son développement. Le constat : à ce jour nous sommes rattrapés par nos concurrents et seront bientôt dépassés.
Nanotechnologies et capital investissement : une relation équivoque pour le financement des start-ups
Authors: Auplat Claire , Frémiot Emmanuel
Published: May 2016

Prometteuses en termes de compétitivité ou de développement durable, les start-ups en nanotechnologie peinent à trouver des financements en capital investissement. Une tentative d’explication.
Determination of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in breast milk of healthy women by digital PCR
Authors: Qian L. , Song H. , Cai W.
Published: May 2016

Breast milk is one of the most important sources of postnatal microbes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is currently used for the quantitative analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes in breast milk. However, this method relies on the use of standard curves and is imprecise when quantitating target DNA of low abundance. In contrast, droplet digital PCR (DD-PCR) provides an absolute quantitation without the need for calibration curves. A comparison between DD-PCR and qRT-PCR was conducted for the quantitation of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus 16S RNA genes in human breast milk, and the impacts of selected maternal factors were studied on the composition of these two bacteria in breast milk. From this study, DD-PCR reported between 0-34,460 16S rRNA gene copies of Bifidobacterium genera and between 1,108-634,000 16S rRNA gene copies of Lactobacillus genera in 1 ml breast milk. The 16S rRNA gene copy number of Lactobacillus genera was much greater than that of Bifidobacterium genera in breast milk. DD-PCR showed a 10-fold lower limit of quantitation as compared to qRT-PCR. A higher correlation and agreement was observed between qRT-PCR and DD-PCR in Lactobacillus quantitation as compared to Bifidobacterium quantitation. Based on our DD-PCR quantitation, a low abundance of Bifidobacterium bacteria in breast milk was correlated to higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). However, no significant difference was observed for these two bacteria in breast milk between mothers who had vaginal deliveries and caesarean deliveries. This study suggests that DD-PCR is a better tool to quantitate the bacterial load of breast milk compared to the conventional qRT-PCR method. The number of breast milk Bifidobacterium bacteria is influenced by maternal pre-pregnancy BMI.
Agreement between i-STAT and YSI 2300 devices to determine lactate concentrations in dogs undergoing exercise
Authors: Berkman C. , Pereira M.C. , Nardi K.B. , Pereira G.T. , Soares O.A.B. , Restan W.A.Z. , Queiroz-Neto A. , Ferraz G.C.
Published: May 2016

Little information is available comparing the i-STAT and the YSI 2300 Stat Plus devices to determine the lactate concentration [Lac] in dogs undergoing intense exercise. The reproducibility of the YSI 2300 for quantifying the [Lac] in canine blood [Lac]b and plasma [Lac]p samples has been observed. In addition, the i-STAT handheld device was used to quantify [Lac] in dogs subjected to exercise, and the results were compared with that of YSI 2300. Venous blood samples of Beagle and American Pit Bull Terrier dogs were obtained during an intense exercise training on a treadmill. [Lac]p and [Lac]b were quantified using the YSI 2300 instrument to determine the reproducibility of the results. A total of 52 specimens were compared for both plasma and whole blood. For comparing the devices (YSI 2300 vs i-STAT), 96 samples were used. Ordinary least products regression, the correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the agreement of using the i-STAT device. The relationship between duplicate measurements of both [Lac]b and [Lac]p by YSI 2300 was strong (r=0.99). A correlation between the data obtained using the i-STAT and YSI 2300 instruments was observed for both the [Lac]p (r=0.97) and [Lac]b (r=0.88). The i-STAT exhibited a small constant bias (-0.25 mmol/l) compared to YSI 2300 ([Lac]b). There were proportional biases of 0.89 mmol/l for [Lac]p and 1.22 mmol/l for [Lac]b when using YSI 2300 vs i-STAT. We confirmed the reproducibility of the YSI 2300 for canine lactate blood/plasma samples. The results obtained by the i-STAT and YSI 2300 analyser were highly correlated, but a small constant bias was observed between them. The i-STAT device can be used in clinical evaluations, and it is also adequate for designing and monitoring fitness programmes.
The optimal parameter design for a welding unit of manufacturing industry by Taguchi method and computer simulation
Authors: Zahraee Seyed Mojib , Chegeni Ali , Toghtamish Arshin
Published: May 2016

Purpose: Manufacturing systems include a complicated combination of resources, such as materials, labors, and machines. Hence, when the manufacturing systems are faced with a problem related to the availability of resources it is difficult to identify the root of the problem accurately and effectively. Managers and engineers in companies are trying to achieve a robust production line based on the maximum productivity. The main goal of this paper is to design a robust production line, taking productivity into account in the selected manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents the application of Taguchi method along with computer simulation for finding an optimum factor setting for three controllable factors, which are a number of welding machines, hydraulic machines, and cutting machines by analyzing the effect of noise factors in a selected manufacturing industry.Findings and Originality/value: Based on the final results, the optimal design parameter of welding unit of in the selected manufacturing industry will be obtained when factor A is located at level 2 and B and C are located at level 1. Therefore, maximum productive desirability is achieved when the number of welding machines, hydraulic machines, and cutting machines is equal to 17, 2, and 1, respectively. This paper has a significant role in designing a robust production line by considering the lowest cost and timely manner based on the Taguchi method.
Mediation effect of organizational culture on the relationship between perceived ethics and SMEs performance
Authors: Gorondutse Abdullahi Hassan , Hilman Haim
Published: May 2016

Purpose: This research aims to examine the association between perceived ethics and SMEs performance; also determine the mediation effect of organizational culture on the relationship.Design/methodology/approach: Based on the literature review, this research developed a conceptual model of Perceived ethics, organizational culture and performance. This research applied purposive sampling to gather data from owners/managers of SMEs in Kano State North-West of Nigeria. Apart from assessing the reliability and validity of the constructs through confirmatory factor analysis, this research also used Partial Least Square Techniques (PLS) of analysis approach to test the proposed hypothesis.Findings: Statistical result reveals that the relationship between perceived ethics and SMEs performance was found to be significant at p.value less than 0.001. Similarly as postulated the organizational culture mediates the relationships with significant value.Research limitations/implications: The sample for this study is based on SMEs and cross sectional in nature, In addition, the present study employed quantitative techniques future study can employed qualitative or case study method for design and analysis of information.Practical implications: The finding of this study can assist practitioners and policy makers in SMEs to support the idea of social responsibility in designing strategic plan for superior performance. As whole, the outcome of this research will assist managers for better understanding of the business social responsibility antecedents under the perspective SMEs.Originality/value: This paper has tried to provide a comprehensive understanding about business social responsibility antecedents under the perspective SMEs context in Nigeria. Since there was a lack of such research in SMEs context, this research can provide theoretical contribution and managerial basis for future researches as well as implications for the managers.
Identification of variables and their influence on the human resources planning in the territorial level
Authors: Martínez Vivar Rodobaldo , Sánchez Rodríguez Alexander , Pérez Campdesuñer Reyner , García Vidal Gelmar
Published: May 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this paper lies in the use of experimental way through empirical tools for identification of the set of variables and their interrelationships and influences on the human resources planning at the territorial level.Design/methodology/approach: The methodology used to verify the existence of the variables that affect the planning of human resources at the territorial level consists of two phases: a qualitative study of the variables that influence the planning of human resources, where the explicit variables are measured and / or implied raised in the literature analyzing the main contributions and limitations expressed by each of the authors consulted. Then it proceeds to confirmatory phase (quantitative) to prove the existence of the dimensions of the planning of human resources in the territorial level through the use of multivariate statistics through the combination of expert analysis and techniques of factorial grouping.Findings: Identification is achieved by using empirical methods, variables that affect human resources planning at the territorial level, as well as their grouping essential dimensions, while the description of a theoretical model that integrates the dimensions is made essential and relationships that affect human resource planning at the regional level, which is characterized by the existence of systemic and prospective nature.Originality/value: The literature shows two streams that address a wide range of approaches to human resources planning. The first is oriented from the business object and the second part of the management in highlighting a limited territorial level to address this latest theoretical development, an element that has contributed to the fragmented treatment of human resources planning and management in general at this level. The originality of this paper is part of the creation and adaptation, on a scientific basis of a theoretical model developed from the conceptual contribution of this process at the territorial level where the key variables that affect this process are integrated, highlighting the systemic approach prospective based on solid scientific foundations.
Case Report: Gallbladder Varices in a Patient with Portal Vein Thrombosis Secondary to Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gnerre Jeffrey , Sun Yankai , Jedynak Andrzej , Gilet Anthony
Published: May 2016

Gallbladder varices are a rare form of collateralization that develop in patients with portal hypertension. We present here a case of gallbladder varices accurately diagnosed by contrast enhanced CT imaging of the abdomen and confirmed by Color Doppler Sonography. A 76-year-old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma developed portal vein thrombosis due to tumor extension during the course of treatment and was incidentally discovered to have gallbladder varices.  While most commonly asymptomatic, gallbladder varices are associated with increased risk of massive bleeding, either spontaneously or during cholecystectomy.  As a result, the existence of such varices should be well documented if the patient is to undergo any abdominal surgical procedures.  In addition, because of a particular association with portal vein thrombosis, patients with portal hypertension that are found to possess gallbladder varices should be evaluated for portal vein thrombosis.
MR Imaging Findings in Xp21.2 Duplication Syndrome
Authors: Whitehead Matthew T. , Helman Guy , Gropman Andrea L.
Published: May 2016

Xp21.2 duplication syndrome is a rare genetic disorder of undetermined prevalence and clinical relevance. As the use of chromosomal microarray has become first line for the work-up of childhood developmental delay, more gene deletions and duplications have been recognized. To the best of our knowledge, the imaging findings of Xp21.2 duplication syndrome have not been reported. We report a case of a 33 month-old male referred for developmental delay that was found to have an Xp21.2 duplication containing IL1RAPL1 and multiple midline brain malformations.
Arrêt des traitements et idéologies thérapeutiques du cancer
Authors: Mino Jean-Christophe , Cohen-Solal Zoé , Kentish-Barnes Nancy
Published: May 2016

En France, la majorité des décès des personnes atteintes de cancer se déroulent à l’hôpital. A partir d’entretiens approfondis avec 18 médecins cancérologues hospitaliers, cet article explore la manière dont ceux-ci conçoivent l’arrêt des traitements et les soins de fin de vie. Alors que tous les praticiens se disent confrontés au poids de la décision d’arrêt et à la complexité du travail en équipe, l’analyse permet de distinguer deux grands types de discours. Ceux-ci renvoient à deux catégories « d’idéologies thérapeutiques du cancer », sous-tendues par des valeurs différentes quant à la prise en charge et un rapport particulier à la phase terminale. Ces idéologies recouvrent des points de vue sur les soins du cancer qui se révèlent justement lorsque le traitement cancérologique n’est plus efficace. Sont ici en jeu des conceptions de la trajectoire de maladie et du rôle du cancérologue, sans doute cruciales dans les attitudes et les pratiques des médecins.
The Potential for Rail Transit as a Way to Mitigate Accident Risk
Authors: Srinivasan Sumeeta
Published: May 2016

The city of Chennai has made road accident data available with the address location of road accidents and the total numbers of persons and pedestrians affected in the accident in 2009. These data were geocoded to locate the accidents with respect to the census wards within the Chennai Corporation area. Both the total number of persons as well as pedestrians in accidents as well as the rate of accidents normalized by population in the ward were modeled as dependent variables using Poisson based regression models to see the effect of location characteristics such as road length, vehicle traffic, proximity to existing and proposed transit infrastructure and the percentage of the land developed between 1991-2009. The results from the models suggest that location does indeed affect the risk for accidents in Chennai and that planners in the city may need to better understand the implications of roads, urban development, transit access and the built environment for traffic safety.
Railway Investment Appraisal Techniques
Authors: Milenković Miloš , Švadlenka Libor , Bojović Nebojša , Melichar Vlastimil
Published: May 2016

Railway transport involves the expenditure of resources on a combination of investment in capital items (e.g. stations, tracks, equipment) and/or in operations (e.g. subsidies). Concerning the fact that there are limited amounts of resources, it is necessary to maximize the returns obtained from the investments of those resources. The best way to do this is to ensure that the resources will be allocated on those projects that maximize their return. Railway appraisals therefore represent a way of thinking about all the costs and benefits of different railway related spending projects in a systematic manner so that, the projects can be compared and investments made in those which are going to provide the maximum possible return on the investment. This chapter provides a review of the main analytical tools that should be used in the process of railway investments appraisal. Namely, a detailed description of discounting, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) is covered by this chapter.
Challenges of Railway Safety Risk Assessment and Maintenance Decision Making
Authors: An Min , Qin Yong
Published: May 2016

Railway safety is a very complicated subject, which is determined by numerous aspects. Many of qualitative and quantitative railway safety and risk analysis techniques and methods are used in the industry. But, however, the railway industry faces problems and challenges on how to apply these techniques and methods effectively and efficiently, particularly in the circumstances where the risk data are incomplete or there is a high level of uncertainty involved in the risk data. This chapter approaches these subjects to discuss the problems and challenges of railway safety and risk analysis methods in dealing with uncertainties, and those growing needs of the industry. A well-established technique is also introduced in this chapter which can be used to identify major hazards and evaluate both qualitative and quantitative risk data, and information associated with railway operation efficiently and effectively in an acceptable way in various environments.
Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Narayanaswami Sundaravalli
Published: May 2016

“Intelligent Transportation systems” is what everyone wants to know about, and about which very little is available as know-how. ITS technologies and monitoring systems are quite popular and reasonably well deployed in developed countries, particularly the roadways and airways. ITS holds a greater promise than ever before, as both availability of niche technologies and demand for more efficient transportation systems have increased multi-fold in recent years. Of late, there are huge railway projects all over the world that spans through several techniques, such as light / heavy rails, monorails etc. Apart from the social benefits that can be envisaged, these projects are genuine examples of public-private partnerships along with global business operations. Many of these projects demonstrate a classy trend of moving towards automation of operations of very large scales. Few agent architectures are discussed in brief in this chapter.
Dynamic Analysis of Steering Bogies
Authors: Samantaray Arun K. , Pradhan Smitirupa
Published: May 2016

Running times of high-speed rolling stock can be reduced by increasing running speed on curved portions of the track. During curving, flange contact causes large lateral force, high frequency noises, flange wears and wheel load fluctuation at transition curves. To avoid derailment and hunting, and to improve ride comfort, i.e., to improve the curving performances at high speed, forced/active steering bogie design is studied in this chapter. The actively steered bogie is able to negotiate cant excess and deficiency. The bogie performance is studied on flexible irregular track with various levels of cant and wheel wear. The bogie and coach assembly models are developed in Adams VI-Rail software. This design can achieve operating speed up to 360 km/h on standard gauge ballasted track with 150mm super-elevation, 4km turning radius and 460m clothoid type entry curve design. The key features of the designed bogie are the graded circular wheel profiles, air-spring secondary suspension, chevron springs in the primary suspension, anti-yaw and lateral dampers, and the steering linkages.
Consumers Attitudes towards Debt
Authors: Hamelin Nicolas , Gbadamosi Ayantunji , Mohaouchane Sofia , Benelkaid Imane
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study is to depict the attitude of Moroccan consumers towards the concept of debt, as well as examine factors triggering their intentions to get a loan. A sample of 310 Moroccans was selected across four cities of the country, namely: Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca. Social factors are critically analyzed to understand why the Moroccans' debt has accumulated considerably despite the fact that many of the respondents who are Muslims find interest based loans religiously unacceptable. This research reveals that because respondents view themselves as limited in options, they see financing purchases through debt as a viable solution. The study shows that Moroccans are willing to take loans specifically for education, housing and cars. This study concluded that loans permit some people to be socially accepted and allows them to enjoy life. The implications of the study are discussed in the chapter.
Sustainable Consumption and Social Institutions
Authors: Purushottam Neha
Published: May 2016

Sustainable development has been identified as a strategic priority for both developed and developing countries. The role of sustainable consumption in addressing challenges of sustainable development is undisputed Developing country context is complex due to simultaneous presence of hyper/over-consumption and under-consumption in different sections of society. Efforts to address sustainable consumption cover initiatives by individual consumers, business sector, governments, education and media institutions. It emerged that addressing sustainable consumption in the current times requires multiplicity of approaches, collaboration of multiple institutions and coordination, synergy and cohesiveness among various institutions. Social institutions were identified perfect fit for the purpose. This chapter intends to establish research agenda to explore possibilities for social institutions in propagating sustainable consumption in India.
Sustainable Consumption and Green Marketing in Developing Countries
Authors: Obayelu Abiodun Elijah
Published: May 2016

This chapter provides an insight into why Green Marketing (GM) and Sustainable Consumption (SC) of green products are subject of research and discussion in contemporary society. It analyzed the extent of GM in developing countries using cases of Nigeria and Kenya, factors influencing GM, the benefits of GM on the environment and firms, and the challenges. The study is both exploratory with the use of structured literature review of publications in peer reviewed academic journals on GM and SC, and empirical in nature. The findings on respondents rating of factors influencing green purchase behavior showed that concern for health and environment was considered as the most important in Nigeria, while in Kenya it was social awareness and value. For an effective GM and SC, government at all levels has a role of creating awareness to boost green knowledge through educative campaign programs and enforcing green agenda. Government can make regulations relating to GM and ensure SC by lowering the cost when compared to the conventional marketing
Integrating Sustainability into Project Risk Management
Authors: Silvius Gilbert
Published: May 2016

One of the developments that changed today's business environment is the increased concern about the sustainability, or unsustainability, of our society. Silvius and Schipper (2014) identify a growing number of publications that study the impact of sustainability on project management. One of the ‘impact areas' they identify is the identification and management of risk in the project. This chapter discusses the main concepts of sustainability and their implications for project risk management. The main findings are that the integration of the concepts of sustainability imply (1) A broader identification and considering of risks, expanding the orientation on risks to include also environmental and social perspectives and to consider the full life-cycle of the project's deliverable, impact and resources. (2) Inclusion of (potential) stakeholders in a transparent process of project risk management. And (3) Adopting a social, communicative, approach to risk management, as opposed to the calculating, rational approach.
Challenge or Potential? Risk Identification in the Context of Sustainable Development
Authors: Huemann Martina , Ringhofer Claudia
Published: May 2016

The chapter describes the importance of balancing risk reduction and “taken risks” and what role a holistic risk identification plays in the context of Sustainable Development (SD). It provides a theoretical background on SD, Risk Management and the Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA). It discusses the implementation of SD in the EIA as one example for a holistic risk identification. The link between SD and risk management is discussed and the identified learning potentials for further developing traditional risk identification methods are explained. A risk identification explicitly considering SD as well as considering project and stakeholder risks is presented within a case study. The case study project is Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of a wind park farm in Brazil from the supplier perspective. Based on SD both, the risks of the project as well as the risks of the project stakeholders are considered. Whereby the chapter shares the risk identification as such as well as the process for which a systemic board constellation was applied.
On Using Monte Carlo Simulations for Project Risk Management
Authors: Tudor Cristiana , Tudor Maria
Published: May 2016

This chapter covers the essentials of using the Monte Carlo Simulation technique (MSC) for project schedule and cost risk analysis. It offers a description of the steps involved in performing a Monte Carlo simulation and provides the basic probability and statistical concepts that MSC is based on. Further, a simple practical spreadsheet example goes through the steps presented before to show how MCS can be used in practice to assess the cost and duration risk of a project and ultimately to enable decision makers to improve the quality of their judgments.
Risks in Project Marketing
Authors: Turner Rodney
Published: May 2016

The process by which people and organizations can communicate with other stakeholders to win their support has been called project marketing. There are three types of organization involved in projects and project management. There is the project itself, a temporary organization. It needs to engage with stakeholders during project delivery. There are contractors which need to win new business, to interest clients in the services that they can provide and in work from those clients. Finally there is the investor, who needs to gain the interest and support of a large number of stakeholders for the investment the project will make. The service dominant logic dominates project marketing. It is essential to work with other stakeholders, creating networks, doing with rather than unto, to deliver mutually beneficial results. The opportunity that arises from effective project marketing is winning the support of other stakeholders. The risk is that they will not engage with the project, and there can be several causes of that depending on the nature of the marketing being done.
Educating Project Managers to Deal with Project Risks
Authors: Mogos Radu-Ioan , Bodea Constanta-Nicoleta , Stancu Stelian , Purnus Augustin , Dascalu Maria-Iuliana
Published: May 2016

During the last years, the development of the project risk management competencies became a ubiquitous objective for education and training in project management due to the increasing constraints which companies face on the implementation of their projects. Alignment to the professional standards and usage of innovative methods in designing and delivery of instruction represent common requirements that education and training providers should consider and fulfill. The authors examine the main challenges in addressing project risk management subject in the education programmes and identify how these challenges could be dealt by using curriculum management systems. In order to implement the identified improvements, the authors propose an innovative architecture for a curriculum management system, which can be adopted by those universities interested in developing competencies-based programmes in project management. Some preliminary results are presented and discussed.
Evaluation and Identification of Professional Tourism Educational and Training Competences
Authors: García Rosa María Rivas , Espinosa Edgar Oliver Cardoso
Published: May 2016

This chapter deals with the evaluation and identification of professional tourism educational and training competences with the purpose of recognizing the main characteristics of labour capacity in the tourism industry. Tourism is promoted through education, as well as through the development of skills and tools that result in an optimal labour performance during the stages of school training. Moreover, it describes the relationship of knowledge management in the tourism sector that leads to quality in human capital, in addition to professional alignment, in an educational context. As this section focuses on the overview of professional tourism, the following components are considered; the preamble and classification of the tourism industry, the conceptualization of educational evaluation and competence, and concludes with the description and analysis of the works targeted at the evaluation and identification of professional competences in tourism.
Visualisation and Communication in Mathematics
Authors: Lehning Hervé
Published: May 2016

Communication in mathematics is necessary at several levels: popularisation, teaching and research. Even a small drawing is useful in every case: to set a problem, to understand it, to find a method to tackle it and to illustrate it. An appealing aesthetic can also draw the attention on the subject.
How We Hear and Experience Music
Authors: Ehle Robert C.
Published: May 2016

This chapter examines occurrences and events associated with the experience of composing, playing, or listening to music. First it examines virtual music, and then recounts an experiment on the nature of pitch and psychoacoustics of resultant tones. The final part discusses the prenatal origins of musical emotion as the case for fetal imprinting.
Using Video Tutorials to Learn Maya 3D for Creative Outcomes
Authors: Wyeld Theodor
Published: May 2016

This study tracked the transition from traditional front-of-class software demonstration of Autodesk's Maya 3D to the introduction of video tutorials over a five-year period. It uses Mayer and Moreno's (2003) theory of multimedia learning to frame the analysis of results. It found that students' preference for the video tutorial increased over the course of the study. Students' preference for video tutorials was correlated with a reduction in cognitive load, increase in satisfaction with the learning experience and subsequent reduction in frustration with the software. While there was no apparent change in measurable outcomes, students' satisfaction rating with the video tutorial in preference to other learning media suggests more efficient learning was achieved. As a consequence of the findings, the traditional demonstration was discontinued. Overall, the introduction of video tutorials for learning Maya 3D reduced frustration and freed up time for more creative pursuits – the primary purpose for learning the software.
Optimizing Students' Information Processing in Science Learning
Authors: Zheng Robert Z. , Wang Yiqing
Published: May 2016

This chapter discusses a theoretical framework for designing effective visual learning in science education. The framework is based on several theories related to cognitive visual information processes and empirical evidence from authors' previous research in visual-based science learning. Emphasis has been made on the structural part of the framework that allows dynamic linking to critical factors in visual learning. The framework provides a new perspective by identifying the variables in visual learning and the instructional strategies aiming at the improvement of visual performance. The discussion of the theoretical and practical significance of the framework is made, followed by suggestions for future research.
Integrative Visual Projects for Cognitive Learning
Authors: Ursyn Anna
Published: May 2016

This chapter comprises integrative studies on selected processes, events, and related technologies associated with several science categories. Learning projects are designed around themes drawn from events existing in everyday life, yet they familiarize the readers with complex disciplines and their applications. Complexity of apparently simple topics is presented in projects about familiar objects or actions. They are aimed at broadening the readers' general knowledge and experience rather than the technical or professional training. Topics and projects present nature- and science-related themes in terms of concept visualization including selected subjects pertaining to the basic sciences such physics, chemistry, biology, geography, or biology-inspired computing and modeling. The reader is encouraged to approach learning holistically and present concepts by creating technology based projects about visual presentation of information.
The Difference between Evaluating and Understanding Students' Visual Representations of Scientists and Engineers
Authors: Farland-Smith Donna , Finson Kevin D.
Published: May 2016

This chapter is a discussion of multiple tools for analyzing children's representations of scientists and engineers. Draw-A-Scientist and Draw-An-Engineer protocols have been utilized by science education researchers to investigate learners' perceptions of scientists and engineers. The chapter discusses the methods for analyzing students' perceptions of scientists and engineers how aspects of analysis lead to deeper understanding of the visual data. The discussion presented here is framed in the context in which refined protocols and rubrics are tools that uncover ranges of conceptions, and sometimes visual data are best examined by simple evaluation methods and sometimes by a qualitative rubric. The overarching question of this section is how can researchers use analysis of visual data to further what they already know about conceptions of scientists and engineers.
Information Theoretic Approach with Reduced Paging Cost in Wireless Networks for Remote Healthcare Systems
Authors: Agrawal Rajeev , Sehgal Amit
Published: May 2016

This paper introduces an information theoretic approach for location management in cellular/mobile networks and allows the network to maintain the record of the mobility pattern of every user. The critical nature of remote healthcare service demands for continuous updates on the location of healthcare expert with the patient monitoring device. To reduce the paging cost, the proposed work uses the information from the system database by representing given past knowledge of the mobility pattern using Markov Chain. The expected search under the proposed work reduces number of search required in the earlier techniques. An entropy-per-location based scheme has also been introduced for comparative analysis among different models. This scheme can also be utilized as a general comparative framework for schemes to be introduced in future m-Health framework.
Polycentrism in the missio Dei
Authors: Franklin Kirk , Niemandt Nelus
Published: May 2016

Structures for mission have been under review as a result of many factors. In particular have been the widening influences of globalisation, and to a lesser degree, glocalisation. Various models of leadership praxis and structures have been proposed along the way. As Christianity moved farther away from the Christendom model of centralised control to other models of structure and leadership, other paradigms have been proposed along the way. However, one possibility, called the concept of polycentrism, has not been considered with any significant effort. In order to understand polycentrism, this research covered a literature review of seven spheres: (1) the urbanised-economic context; (2) political-ideological associations; (3) globalglocal socio-cultural situations; (4) organisational-leadership contexts; (5) missional movements; (6) the global church; and (7) the journey of the mission agency called the Wycliffe Global Alliance. The application of the concept of polycentrism to the specific context of the Wycliffe Global Alliance has enabled conclusions about the relevance of polycentrism in mission structures that are part of the missio Dei. The study concluded that polycentrism was a very helpful methodology that understood and resolved the inherent tensions and influences brought about by globalisation upon structures in God’s mission. The implications shaped what leadership communities look like in terms of values and ideals because of the benefits of polycentrism. Through polycentrism, there has been a deliberate movement away from established centres of power, so that leadership occurred among and with others, while creatively learning together in community.Keywords: Polycentrism, globalisaiton, glocalisation, mission leadership, global church