bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the Kinetics of Expression and Immune Cell Infiltration Resulting from Plasmid Gene Delivery Enhanced by Surface Dermal Electroporation
Authors: Mendoza Janess , Amante Dinah , Kichaev Gleb , Knott Christine , Kiosses William , Smith Trevor , Sardesai Niranjan , Broderick Kate
Published: August 2013

The skin is an attractive tissue for vaccination in a clinical setting due to the accessibility of the target, the ease of monitoring and most importantly the immune competent nature of the dermal tissue. While skin electroporation offers an exciting and novel future methodology for the delivery of DNA vaccines in the clinic, little is known about the actual mechanism of the approach and the elucidation of the resulting immune responses. To further understand the mechanism of this platform, the expression kinetics and localization of a reporter plasmid delivered via a surface dermal electroporation (SEP) device as well as the effect that this treatment would have on the resident immune cells in that tissue was investigated. Initially a time course (day 0 to day 21) of enhanced gene delivery with electroporation (EP) was performed to observe the localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression and the kinetics of its appearance as well as clearance. Using gross imaging, GFP expression was not detected on the surface of the skin until 8 h post treatment. However, histological analysis by fluorescent microscopy revealed GFP positive cells as early as 1 h after plasmid delivery and electroporation. Peak GFP expression was observed at 24 h and the expression was maintained in skin for up to seven days. Using an antibody specific for a keratinocyte cell surface marker, reporter gene positive keratinocytes in the epidermis were identified. H&E staining of treated skin sections demonstrated an influx of monocytes and granulocytes at the EP site starting at 4 h and persisting up to day 14 post treatment. Immunological staining revealed a significant migration of lymphocytic cells to the EP site, congregating around cells expressing the delivered antigen. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the expression kinetics following EP enhanced DNA delivery targeting the dermal space. These findings may have implications in the future to design efficient DNA vaccination strategies for the clinic.
Impacts of Hydrologic Change on Sandbar Nesting Availability for Riverine Turtles in Eastern Minnesota, USA
Authors: Lenhart Christian , Naber Jason , Nieber John
Published: August 2013

There have been significant increases in stream flow in many rivers of the Upper Midwestern United States since 1980. Increased summer flows may negatively impact ecological processes, including aquatic organisms’ life cycles. The smooth softshell (Apalone mutica) and wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) are threatened by alteration of stream flow regime and other changes to river ecosystems in the Upper Midwest. We hypothesized that prolonged duration of high summer flows would reduce time available for nesting. We assessed hydrologic change using the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration program and stream gauge data, characterized physical properties of sandbars, surveyed turtle nesting sites and assessed historical channel change using aerial photos in GIS on five Upper Midwest rivers. A river stage-sandbar area relationship was developed to determine the effect of prolonged summer flow duration on turtle nesting opportunity for the 1940–2009 time period. Suitable water levels have declined since 1980 in the agricultural watersheds of southern Minnesota likely delaying hatching and reducing survival, particularly for aquatic turtles such as A. mutica. In contrast to the agricultural watersheds, there was no significant change in the northern forested rivers’ stream flow and sandbar availability during the nesting season. Management to reduce summer stream flow in agricultural watersheds and protection of known nest sites could benefit threatened aquatic turtle populations.
Disease-based Modeling to Predict Fluid Response in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Celi L. A. , Cismondi F. , Vieira S. M. , Reti S. R. , Sousa J. M. C. , Finkelstein S. N. , Fialho A. S.
Published: August 2013

Objective: To compare general and disease-based modeling for fluid resuscitation and vasopressor use in intensive care units.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study in -volving 2944 adult medical and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving fluid resuscitation. Within this cohort there were two disease-based groups, 802 patients with a diagnosis of pneumonia, and 143 patients with a diagnosis of pancreatitis. Fluid resuscitation either progressing to subsequent vasopressor administration or not was used as the primary outcome variable to compare general and disease-based modeling.

Results: Patients with pancreatitis, pneumonia and the general group all shared three common predictive features as core variables, arterial base excess, lactic acid and platelets. Patients with pneumonia also had non-invasive systolic blood pressure and white blood cells added to the core model, and pancreatitis patients additionally had temperature. Disease-based models had significantly higher values of AUC (p < 0.05) than the general group (0.82 f± 0.02 for pneumonia and 0.83 ± 0.03 for pancreatitis vs. 0.79 ± 0.02 for general patients).

Conclusions: Disease-based predictive mod -eling reveals a different set of predictive variables compared to general modeling and improved performance. Our findings add support to the growing body of evidence advantaging disease specific predictive modeling.
From Collaboration to Transformation
Authors: Curwood Jen Scott
Published: August 2013

As part of educational reforms, educators are increasingly expected to gather and interpret data, implement initiatives, and analyze outcomes. Practitioner research offers a framework for conducting school-based inquiry; consequently, it can be an instrumental part of educational change. Due to its focus on local contexts, collective knowledge, and critical reflection, practitioner research can foster collaboration between school librarians and classroom teachers. This chapter explicates the core features of practitioner research and discusses new findings from a three-year study of digital literacy conducted by a high school librarian and an English teacher.
School Librarians as Significant Other
Authors: Luetkehans Lara M. , Hunt Rebecca D.
Published: August 2013

This chapter explores three strands of research: professional learning communities, the significant others in the development of pre-service teachers, and teacher-school librarian collaboration to develop a strategy for using Online Professional Learning Communities (OPLC) as a means for fostering career-long, mutually beneficial collaborations among teachers and school librarians. A previous study of such an OPLC comprised of pre-service and in-service teachers, university faculty, and school librarians is described. The role of the school librarian as a member of the OPLC is examined, particularly as a significant other (Karmos & Jacko, 1977) in the professional development of pre-service teachers. Recommendations include the key elements of creating OPLCs that are inclusive and demonstrate the value school librarians bring to this community.
Special Collaboration
Authors: Jones Stephanie A. , Vanderbilt Kathi , Bramblett Kelly
Published: August 2013

This chapter provides a foundation for the development of collaborative relationships between school librarians and special educators by examining the commonalities between the roles and responsibilities of the school librarian and the special educator, through explaining the terminology and legalities associated with special needs students, and by providing strategies, tips, and techniques for effective instructional design that results in standards-based, collaborative lessons utilizing the most current instructional tools and resources to motivate student learning. This chapter also examines the educational needs, abilities, and challenges of working with students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Simplifying and Expanding Collaboration through Collaborative Websites
Authors: Schroeder Eileen E. , Zarinnia E. Anne , Glampe Jason , Horman Vickie , Sanken Jodie , Slowinski Michael
Published: August 2013

For many years, school librarians have recognized the importance of collaborating with teachers to integrate inquiry into student work but have met with varying degrees of success in achieving this goal. Traditional teaching methods, attitudes and expectations, lack of understanding of the role of the school librarian, staffing multiple schools, communication roadblocks, and scheduling have all contributed to the difficulties of creating truly collaborative units for students. Technology can provide a creative strategy for encouraging and supporting collaboration with teachers. At the same time, it is vital to involve students in the creation of their own knowledge through collaboration and communication with others. The use of LibGuides is examined as a framework and tool for both these purposes.
Interview with a Librarian
Authors: Grigsby Susan K. S.
Published: August 2013

Current teacher evaluation systems place value on collaborative relationships between educators. Common Core Standards strongly suggest interdisciplinary units of study and make several references to reading and literacy in all subject areas. While current trends in education point to collaboration and a more holistic approach to learning, the practice remains a hit-or-miss exercise. The school librarian is in the unique position of being able to see connections among the different subject areas by virtue of his or her expertise on the resources available to each of these areas. When he or she is able to assist in the creation of curricular units that incorporate a variety of subjects into lesson plans, students are free to make connections that may have eluded them in single-subject studies. This chapter discusses one librarian’s approach to collaboration that focuses on relationships, connections, and creativity.
Customer Relationship Management and Data Mining
Authors: Gordini Niccolò , Veglio Valerio
Published: August 2013

In the global market of today, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) plays a fundamental role in market-oriented companies to understand customer behaviors, achieve and maintain a long-term relationship with them, and maximize the customer value. Moreover, the digital revolution has made information easy and fairly inexpensive to capture. Thus, companies have stored a large amount of data about their current and potential customers. However, this data is often raw and meaningless. Within the CRM framework, Data Mining (DM) is a very popular tool for extracting useful information from this data and for predicting customer behaviors in order to make profitable marketing decisions. This research aims to demonstrate the classification decision tree as one of the main computational data mining models able to forecast accurate marketing performance within global organizations. Particular attention is paid to the identification of the best marketing activities to which firms should concentrate their future marketing investments. The criteria is based on the loss functions that confirm the accuracy of this model.
Supply Chain Design Including Quality Considerations
Authors: Castillo-Villar Krystel K. , Smith Neale R.
Published: August 2013

This chapter introduces the reader to Supply Chain Network Design (SCND) models that include the Cost Of Quality (COQ) among the relevant costs. In contrast to earlier models, the COQ is computed internally as a function of decisions taken as part of the design of the supply chain. Earlier models assume exogenously given COQ functions. Background information is provided on previous COQ modeling and on supply chain network design models. The authors’ COQ modeling is described in detail as is the SCND model that incorporates COQ. The COQ modeling includes prevention, appraisal, and both internal and external failure costs. Solution methods based on metaheuristics such as simulated annealing and the genetic algorithm are provided, including details on parameter tuning and computational testing. A genetic algorithm was found to yield the best results, followed by the simulated annealing approach. Topics for further research are provided as well as an extensive list of references for further reading.
Genetic Algorithms for Small Enterprises Default Prediction
Authors: Gordini Niccolò
Published: August 2013

Company default prediction is a widely studied topic as it has a significant impact on banks and firms. Moreover, nowadays, due to the global financial crisis, there is a need to use even more advanced methods (such as soft computing techniques) which can pick up the signs of financial distress on time to evaluate firms (especially small firms). Thus, the author proposes a Genetic Algorithms (GA) approach (a soft computing technique) and shows how GAs can contribute to small enterprise default prediction modeling. The author applied GAs to a sample of 6,200 Italian small enterprises three years and also one year prior to bankruptcy. Subsequently, a multiple discriminant analysis and a logistic regression (the two main traditional techniques in default prediction modeling) were used to benchmarking GAs. The author’s results show that the best prediction results were obtained when using GAs.
Quantification of Corporate Performance Using Fuzzy Analytic Network Process
Authors: Öztayşi Başar , Kahraman Cengiz
Published: August 2013

Performance Measurement (PM) is a combination of a company’s characteristics that can be numerically expressed. The aim of the PM is to provide feedback about the success of current activities and give insight about future performance. Performance of a company depends on its vision and goals so the definition of performance can vary with time. While PM literature provides various models for PM, the most accepted model is Balanced ScoreCard (BSC). BSC supplies four inter-related perspectives that the companies can identify as indicators for performance. These perspectives are: financial, internal business processes, customer, and learning and growth perspectives. In this study, PM is formulated as a Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) problem and a Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (FANP) based performance measurement model is proposed. The performance measurement criteria are built based on four perspectives of BSC. The proposed model utilizes FANP in order to determine the relative importance of perspectives and indicators. The performance scores for each indicator are determined based on the predefined goals and these scores are aggregated to reach an overall performance score.
Evaluation of Genetic Algorithm as Learning System in Rigid Space Interpretation
Authors: Singh Bhupesh Kumar
Published: August 2013

Genetic Algorithm (GA) (a structured framework of metaheauristics) has been used in various tasks such as search optimization and machine learning. Theoretically, there should be sound framework for genetic algorithms which can interpret/explain the various facts associated with it. There are various theories of the working of GA though all are subject to criticism. Hence an approach is being adopted that the legitimate theory of GA must be able to explain the learning process (a special case of the successive approximation) of GA. The analytical method of approximating some known function is expanding a complicated function an infinite series of terms containing some simpler (or otherwise useful) function. These infinite approximations facilitate the error to be made arbitrarily small by taking a progressive greater number of terms into consideration. The process of learning in an unknown environment, the form of function to be learned is known only by its form over the observation space. The problem of learning the possible form of the function is termed as experience problem. Various learning paradigms have ensured their legitimacy through the rigid space interpretation of the concentration of measure and Dvoretzky theorem. Hence it is being proposed that the same criterion should be applied to explain the learning capability of GA, various formalisms of explaining the working of GA should be evaluated by applying the criteria, and that learning capability can be used to demonstrate the probable capability of GA to perform beyond the limit cast by the No Free Lunch Theorem.
Metamodel-Based Optimum Design Examples of Structures
Authors: Lee Kwon-Hee , Heo Ji-In
Published: August 2013

In order to achieve greater fuel efficiency and energy conservation, the reduction of weight and enhancement of the performance of structures has been sought. In general, there are two approaches to reducing structural weight. One of which is to use materials that are lighter than steel and the other is to redesign the structure. However, conventional structural optimization methods using gradient-based algorithm directly have difficulties in defining complex shape design variables and preventing mesh distortions. To overcome these difficulties a metamodel-based optimization method is introduced in order to replace the true response by an approximate one. This research presents four case studies of structural design using a metamodel-based approximation model for weight reduction or performance enhancement.
Applications of Reinforcement Learning and Bayesian Networks Algorithms to the Load-Frequency Control Problem
Authors: Daneshfar Fatemeh
Published: August 2013

Load-Frequency Control (LFC) is an essential auxiliary service to keep the electrical system reliability at a suitable level. In addition to the regulating area frequency, the LFC system should control the net interchange power with neighboring areas at scheduled values. Therefore, a desirable LFC performance is achieved by effective adjusting of generation to minimize frequency deviation and regulate tie-line power flows. Nowadays such an LFC design is becoming much more complicated and significant due to the complexity of interconnected power systems. However, most of the LFC designs are based on conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers that are tuned online by trial-and-error approaches. These conventional LFC designs are usually suitable for working at specific operating points and are not more efficient for modern and distributed power systems. These problems apply to design of intelligent LFC schemes that are more adaptive and flexible than conventional ones. The present chapter addresses the frequency regulation using Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Bayesian Networks (BNs) approaches for interconnected power systems. RL and BNs are computational learning based solutions which can adapt with environment conditions. They are a kind of Machine Learning (ML) techniques which have many applications in power system engineering. The main advantages of these intelligent-based solutions for the LFC design can be simplicity and intuitive model building that is closely based on the physical power system topology, easy incorporation of uncertainty, and dependent to the frequency response model and also to the power system parameter values.
Modeling and Simulation of a Stand-Alone Hydrogen Photovoltaic Fuel Cell Hybrid System
Authors: Benmessaoud M.T. , Stambouli A. Boudghene , Tioursi M.
Published: August 2013

In this Chapter, a hybrid Photovoltaic-Fuel Cell (PV-FC) generation system employing an electrolyser for hydrogen generation is designed and simulated. The system is applicable for remote areas or isolated loads. This system has been simulated via a developed general dynamic mathematical model which analytically describes the electric subsystems. Some interesting simulation results are presented in this chapter. Specific attention is paid to the investigation of the dynamic analysis of the photovoltaic, fuel cell, and electrolyser system at the connection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of an autonomous stationary power generation and thermal coupling a PV array and a storage system for hydrogen, consisting of an electrolyser, a storage unit of gas, and a fuel cell of high temperature. Hydrogen is the only means that stores electricity. Stationary applications of a few kilowatts are evaluated by numerical simulation in MATLAB/SIMULINK.
The American Memory Project
Authors: Stieglitz Sally
Published: August 2013

The American Memory Project is a digital collection of historical resources maintained by the Library of Congress and freely available to the public at large. Created initially as an educational resource, the project grew to a diverse historical and cultural collection, culled from a wide variety of American source materials. Originally, under the aegis of the National Digital Library Program, the American Memory Project undertook an ambitious collaboration with the private sector to make the treasures of its archives, and of the archives of other institutions as well, available to the general public in online formats and without cost. Numerous technological obstacles needed to be considered, particularly with respect to the selection of metadata to be used by the different organizations involved, the variety of types of materials to be digitized, and an overarching concern to make access to the content as widely available as possible to the intended users.
Building a Digital Repository for Accreditation through Courseware
Authors: Krueger Janice M.
Published: August 2013

This chapter highlights how a graduate program in library science structured a university’s course management system to address the data gathering and document demands of accreditation. While examples in the literature revealed creative uses of content and course management systems, none specifically demonstrated ways to build a digital repository of accreditation materials. Design features of the course management system were found similar to content management systems but with distinct advantages. While both types of programs could address document storage without having to create separate Websites and to acquire dedicated Web servers, the course management system offers a way to communicate with colleagues, presents a mechanism to integrate specialized surveys within selected courses, and provides a way to compile and to save results from any survey or assessment technique. Faculty note ongoing challenges stemming from the use of a course management system but acknowledge viable solutions.
Transitioning from Print to Online-Only Resources
Authors: Glusker Ann , Hoelscher Elisa
Published: August 2013

The Pacific Health Organization’s Medical Library transitioned from its holdings being entirely in print to entirely online in an extremely short time span—the bulk of the process happened in less than six months. Leadership interests and support drove this transition, as did cost concerns and the interest in providing equal access to a geographically dispersed staff. Flexible staff that was able to adapt to new roles and a robust interlibrary loan system made the change possible. There were initial costs, but on the whole, there were mostly benefits to the change, financial and otherwise. Patron reception was more negative among those with less comfort in the digital environment, but most adjusted well. Ongoing challenges include marketing and maintaining patron awareness without a physical space, meeting user expectations for quick and easy access and information, and keeping up to date with emerging technologies, such as applications for mobile devices.
Access to Scholarly Information across Disciplines, Languages, and Alphabets
Authors: Ha YooJin
Published: August 2013

The global conglomerate enterprise called libraries has spent over a century providing access to specialized trans-language and trans-alphabet information by converting non-Latin alphabets to Latin through transliteration. This endeavor has recently been challenged by efficiencies of scale provided by machine translation. A collective case study of United States national library practices shows that transliteration is still a priority for access to monographic materials at a bibliographic level, although the intended end-users are often confused by such practices and rely more on access through translation. It appears that well-established systems can co-exist in isolation from preferred systems even when both are needed. The result of such a case study shows that separate silos exist in the world of bibliographic access systems for monographic materials with the possibility that the future morphing of electronic materials including books and serials may clarify and possibly resolve this core access issue.
Digital File of the Legislative Proposal
Authors: Batista dos Santos Vanderlei , Hott Daniela Francescutti Martins , Braz Luís Marcelo de Oliveira
Published: August 2013

This chapter presents a case study concerning the digital files of the legislative proposals1 produced by the Chamber of Deputies (CD), one of the institutions that comprise the Brazilian Parliament. The study was carried out through a technical cooperation agreement between the CD and the Brazilian National Archives, which acted as coordinator of TEAM Brazil in the InterPARES 3 Project. The case study was conducted by researchers from the Archives and Records Management Coordination (COARQ) at the Center for Documentation and Information (CEDI) in the Chamber of Deputies. The case explains the steps involved for the migration of the traditional processing of the legislative proposal to a digital record model. The objective is to implement and validate the digital file of the presented bill as an original record, through the identification of the necessary requirements for guaranteeing its authenticity and for preserving its longevity.
The Preservation of Electronic Records
Authors: Catani Sabrina
Published: August 2013

In the last few years, the Province of Forlì-Cesena has started a records digitization process aimed at producing digital records to be preserved permanently in trusted digital repositories. The main objectives of the study are the following: to test ways and methods for record creation; check the record links to the Protocol Register and the quality of the electronic recordkeeping system; and assess the record authenticity and reliability for long-term preservation. The case analyzes the digitization process for a special type of record called “decision acts.” These records are signed by the Department Heads and prepared using the ERMS software that manages every step of the workflow, including the integration with other systems and software. The project provides for the use of digital signature and open formats for records creation and subsequent preservation in trusted digital repositories.
The Digital Communication Journal
Authors: Cohen Steven D.
Published: August 2013

The digital communication journal assignment challenges students to write and respond to online posts that examine the connections between course concepts and their own academic, personal, and professional experiences.
Facebook, Identity, and Deception
Authors: Jenkins J. Jacob , Dillon Patrick J.
Published: August 2013

This project uses the social networking site Facebook to explore notions of personal identity: Its conception, construction, and expression. Students begin the assignment by creating a fictitious Facebook account. Second, students work to create an online identity through this account that is dissimilar from the way they perceive themselves. Students conclude by presenting their fictitious Facebook profiles to the rest of the class, discussing how/why it differs from their “real” identities, how/why they made the decisions they did, etc.
“Yeah, There’s an App for That”
Authors: Barton Matthew H. , Stein Kevin A.
Published: August 2013

To help students: 1) learn to use mobile applications as the basis for speech topic selection; 2) identify new outlets for using technology to acquire information and solve problems; 3) learn to use cloud based information management tools to identify and organize research; 4) explore public speaking tools that can improve presentation and delivery skills.
Six Points for Six Posts
Authors: Bowman Nicholas David
Published: August 2013

The authors suggest using out-of-class communication opportunities activities to enhance learning in a large lecture course. Specifically, students are encouraged to use Facebook as a "persistent space" for classroom instruction, and evidence is provided to demonstrate cognitive and affective learning benefits of this activity.
Effective Instruction within Online Educational Arenas
Authors: Drysdale Ashley
Published: August 2013

This case discusses an instructor’s experiences in teaching a basic online communication course in the community college context.
Usage-Based Instruction
Authors: Gettys Serafima
Published: August 2013

The following case study describes the effort of a small foreign language program at a medium-size private Mid-Western university in which instructors representing several world languages collaborated to undertake a complete modification of traditional textbook-driven curriculum to develop an innovative approach to teaching interpersonal communication in foreign languages. This approach was inspired by the insights coming from the Cognitive Perspective in Second Language Acquisition Cognitive Perspective in SLA, a relatively young, interdisciplinary field, which in its conclusions relies on research in such disciplines as Cognitive Linguistics, Cognitive Psychology, Construction Grammar, Usage-Based Grammar, Artificial Intelligence, and so forth, served as a theoretical foundation for the pilot study that is currently underway. The case will demonstrate how application of Cognitive Perspective increases the efficiency of instruction for oral proficiency. Although the role of technology in this approach is not decisive, it represents a significant element of the instructional sequence to be described in this chapter.
Content and Language Integrated Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Carloni Giovanna
Published: August 2013

This chapter describes the online learning component of a blended model designed to promote Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) at the University of Urbino, Italy. A technology-enhanced learning environment is presented along with an analysis of how CLIL was implemented across multiple university departments.
Dimensioning Resilient Optical Grid/Cloud Networks
Authors: Develder Chris , Tornatore Massimo , Habib M. Farhan , Jaumard Brigitte
Published: August 2013

Optical networks play a crucial role in the provisioning of grid and cloud computing services. Their high bandwidth and low latency characteristics effectively enable universal users access to computational and storage resources that thus can be fully exploited without limiting performance penalties. Given the rising importance of such cloud/grid services hosted in (remote) data centers, the various users (ranging from academics, over enterprises, to non-professional consumers) are increasingly dependent on the network connecting these data centers that must be designed to ensure maximal service availability, i.e., minimizing interruptions. In this chapter, the authors outline the challenges encompassing the design, i.e., dimensioning of large-scale backbone (optical) networks interconnecting data centers. This amounts to extensions of the classical Routing and Wavelength Assignment (RWA) algorithms to so-called anycast RWA but also pertains to jointly dimensioning not just the network but also the data center resources (i.e., servers). The authors specifically focus on resiliency, given the criticality of the grid/cloud infrastructure in today’s businesses, and, for highly critical services, they also include specific design approaches to achieve disaster resiliency.
Communication Infrastructures in Access Networks
Authors: Haider Syed Ali , Raja M. Yasin Akhtar , Kazi Khurram
Published: August 2013

Access networks are usually termed “last-mile/first-mile” networks since they connect the end user with the metro-edge network (or the exchange). This connectivity is often at data rates that are significantly slower than the data rates available at metro and core networks. Metro networks span large cities and core networks connect cities or bigger regions together by forming a backbone network on which traffic from an entire city is transported. With the industry achieving up to 400 Gbps of data rates at core networks (and increasing those rates [Reading, 2013]), it is critical to have high-speed access networks that can cope with the tremendous bandwidth opportunity and not act as a bottleneck. The opportunity lies in enabling services that can be of benefit to the consumers as well as large organizations. For instance, moving institutional/personal data to the cloud will require a high-speed access network that can overcome delays incurred during upload and download of information. Cloud-based services, such as computing and storage services are further enhanced with the availability of such high-speed access networks. Access networks have evolved over time and the industry is constantly looking for ways to improve their capacity. Therefore, an understanding of the fundamental technologies involved in wired and wireless access networks will help the reader appreciate the full potential of the cloud and cloud access. Against the same backdrop, this chapter aims at providing an understanding of the evolution of access technologies that enable the tremendous mobility potential of cloud-based services in the contemporary cloud paradigm.
Energy-Efficiency in Cloud Data Centers
Authors: Kantarci Burak , Mouftah Hussein T.
Published: August 2013

Cloud computing aims to migrate IT services to distant data centers in order to reduce the dependency of the services on the limited local resources. Cloud computing provides access to distant computing resources via Web services while the end user is not aware of how the IT infrastructure is managed. Besides the novelties and advantages of cloud computing, deployment of a large number of servers and data centers introduces the challenge of high energy consumption. Additionally, transportation of IT services over the Internet backbone accumulates the energy consumption problem of the backbone infrastructure. In this chapter, the authors cover energy-efficient cloud computing studies in the data center involving various aspects such as: reduction of processing, storage, and data center network-related power consumption. They first provide a brief overview of the existing approaches on cool data centers that can be mainly grouped as studies on virtualization techniques, energy-efficient data center network design schemes, and studies that monitor the data center thermal activity by Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). The authors also present solutions that aim to reduce energy consumption in data centers by considering the communications aspects over the backbone of large-scale cloud systems.
Towards Energy Sustainability in Federated and Interoperable Clouds
Authors: Celesti Antonio , Puliafito Antonio , Tusa Francesco , Villari Massimo
Published: August 2013

Cloud federation is paving the way toward new business scenarios in which it is possible to enforce more flexible energy management strategies than in the past. Considering independent cloud providers, each one is exclusively bound to the specific energy supplier powering its datacenter. The situation radically changes if we consider a federation of cloud providers powered by both a conventional energy supplier and a renewable energy generator. In such a context, the opportune relocation of computational workload among providers can lead to a global energy sustainability policy for the whole federation. In this work, the authors investigate the advantages and issues for the achievement of such a sustainable environment.
Communication Aspects of Resource Management in Hybrid Clouds
Authors: Bittencourt Luiz F. , Madeira Edmundo R. M. , da Fonseca Nelson L. S.
Published: August 2013

Organizations owning a datacenter and leasing resources from public clouds need to efficiently manage this heterogeneous infrastructure. In order to do that, automatic management of processing, storage, and networking is desirable to support the use of both private and public cloud resources at the same time, composing the so-called hybrid cloud. In this chapter, the authors introduce the hybrid cloud concept and several management components needed to manage this infrastructure. They depict the network as a fundamental component to provide quality of service, discussing its influence in the hybrid cloud management and resource allocation. Moreover, the authors present the uncertainty in the network channels as a problem to be tackled to avoid application delays and unexpected costs from the leasing of public cloud resources. Challenging issues in the hybrid cloud management is the last topic of this chapter before the concluding remarks.
Do nursing students know and practise the Universal Precautions to prevent transmission of infectious agents?
Authors: Van der Berg Lindy S. , Daniels Felicity M.
Published: August 2013

Background: Nursing students, like other healthcare students, are at high risk of occupational exposure to blood and bodily fluids. Studies have shown that use of the Universal Precautions(UPs) lowers this risk, but do students know and practise these precautions?Objectives: This study investigated the knowledge and practice of undergraduate nursing students regarding the UPs, and whether there was a correlation between knowledge of the UPs and their practice.Method: This was a descriptive quantitative study amongst undergraduate nursing students in years 2–4 (n = 253), who were selected by means of stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was administered to the participants by the researcher. The data collected were analysed through use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 16.0) and content analysis.Results: It was established that there was indeed a lack of knowledge regarding the UPs,and that the students’ self-reported practice of the UPs was poor. There was no statistically significant correlation between knowledge and practice of the UPs.Conclusion: More structured educational programmes are needed to improve both knowledge and practice of the UPs. These programmes should be offered across all nursing student study years as continuous professional development.
Measuring Well-being: a Case for Municipalities in Slovenia
Authors: Malešič Kaja , Rovan Jože , Bregar Lea
Published: August 2013

This paper explores the differences in well-being across Slovenia as well-being is one of the key social goals of modern progress. Well-being is defined by objective social, economic, demographic and environmental indicators, which reflect different dimensions of well-being. Overall well-being of municipalities was evaluated by two approaches. First, a composite indicator of well-being was calculated with the application of principal component method for 68 indicators. Second, cluster analysis was applied to further explore regional differences in well-being. The results show prevailing higher level of well-being in the west, while lower well-being is observed in the east of Slovenia.
Comparison of Fiscal Decentralization Systems in EU-27 According to Selected Criteria
Authors: Finžgar Mateja , Oplotnik Žan Jan
Published: August 2013

The paper deals with comparison of fiscal decentralization systems in EU-27 according to selected quantitative criteria and certain European Charter of Local Self-Government principles. The results of comparative analysis show that a higher number of lower levels of government usually indicate a greater share of local finance within the total public finance, however, this finding does not confirm the inverse link. Even though the structure of expenditures in EU-27 countries is quite similar, the shares of funds for the implementation of individual tasks and competencies differ significantly from country to country. On average, the countries allocate most funds to education, social security, healthcare, administration and political systems, with only a quarter of the countries recording the same or higher amounts of revenues than expenditures. Most of the countries still cover the existing deficit either through transfers from the central to lower levels of government or through equalisation schemes or borrowing, which otherwise represents a departure from one of the basic principles of the Charter, which stipulates that financial resources must be commensurate with the responsibilities of local self-government.
A Local Perspective to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Concept
Authors: Cedilnik Marko , Ramšak Rok
Published: August 2013

This paper explains the concept the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and discusses why it is important for the local authorities to be familiar with the concept. Based on the quantitative survey carried out in this research we found that the ownership of the AEO certificate accelerates the road-based flow of goods and that it also positively affects the operation of economic operators within the scope of international trade. We also established that the infrastructure at border crossings does not enable the complete utilisation of all benefits offered by the ownership of the AEO certificate. This research of the AEO customs control program finds that the positive effects of AEO are reflected in the local environment as well and that the maximisation of the effects of the AEO requires the participation of the local government (municipalities, other local communities). This is especially the case in the activities associated with the planning of cross border traffic infrastructure and in the provision of information on the significance of time and security of supply chain functions.
Medical Student Appraisal
Authors: Sampognaro P.J. , Mitchell S.L. , Weeks S.R. , Khalifian S. , Markman T.M. , Uebel L.W. , Dattilo J.R.
Published: August 2013

Background: Pre-rounding is essential to preparing for morning rounds. Despite its importance, pre-rounding is rarely formally taught within the medical school curriculum and more often informally learned by modeling residents. The evolution of mobile applications provides opportunities to optimize this process.

Objectives: To evaluate three options available to medical students while pre-rounding and promote adoption of mobile resources in clinical care.

Methods: Six medical students formed the evaluation cohort. Students were surveyed to assess pre-rounding practices. Participants utilized paper-based pre-rounding templates for two weeks followed by two weeks of the electronic note-taking service EvernoteTM. A review of mobile applications on the iTunesTM and Google PlayTM stores was performed, with each application informally reviewed by a single student. The application ScutsheetTM was selected for formal review by all students. Data was collected from narrative responses supplied by students throughout the evaluation periods and aggregated to assess strengths and limitations of each application.

Results: Pre-study responses demonstrated two consistent processes: verbal sign-out of overnight events and template use to organize patient information. The paper-based template was praised for its organization and familiarity amongst residents, but perceived as limited by the requirement of re-copying data into the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR). EvernoteTM excelled due to compatibility across multiple operating systems, including accessibility from clinical workstations and ability to copy notes into the hospital’s EMR. ScutsheetTM allowed for retention of data across multiple hospital days, but was limited by inability to export data or modify the electronic template. Aggregated user feedback identified the abilities to customize templates and copy information into the EMR as two prevailing characteristics that enhanced the efficiency of pre-rounding.

Discussion: Mobile devices offer the potential to enhance pre-rounding efficiency for medical students and residents. A customizable EvernoteTM-based system is described in sufficient detail for reproduction by interested students.
The role of phosphorus dynamics in tropical forests – a modeling study using CLM-CNP
Authors: Yang X. , Thornton P. E. , Ricciuto D. M. , Post W. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Tropical forests play a significant role in the global carbon cycle and global climate. However, tropical carbon cycling and the feedbacks from tropical ecosystems to the climate system remain critical uncertainties in current generation carbon-climate models. One of the major uncertainties comes from the lack of representation of phosphorus (P), the most limiting nutrient in tropical regions. Here we introduce P dynamics and C–N–P interactions into the CLM4-CN model and investigate the role of P cycling in controlling the productivity of tropical ecosystems. The newly developed CLM-CNP model includes all major biological and geochemical processes controlling P availability in soils and the interactions between C, N, and P cycles. Model simulations at sites along a Hawaiian soil chronosequence indicate that the introduction of P limitation greatly improved the model performance at the P-limited site. The model is also able to capture the shift in nutrient limitation along this chronosequence (from N limited to P limited), as shown in the comparison of model simulated plant responses to fertilization with the observed data. Model simulations at Amazonian forest sites show that CLM-CNP is capable of capturing the overall trend in NPP along the P availability gradient. This comparison also suggests a significant interaction between nutrient limitation and land use history. Model experiments under elevated atmospheric CO2 ([CO2]) condition suggest that tropical forest responses to increasing [CO2] will interact strongly with changes in the P cycle. We highlight the importance of two feedback pathways (biochemical mineralization and desorption of secondary mineral P) that can significantly affect P availability and determine the extent of P limitation in tropical forests under elevated [CO2]. Field experiments with elevated CO2 are therefore needed to help quantify these important feedbacks. Predictive modeling of C–P interactions will have important implications for the prediction of future carbon uptake and storage in tropical ecosystems and global climate change.
Consistent increase in Indian monsoon rainfall and its variability across CMIP-5 models
Authors: Menon A. , Levermann A. , Schewe J. , Lehmann J. , Frieler K.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The possibility of an impact of global warming on the Indian monsoon is of critical importance for the large population of this region. Future projections within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 (CMIP-3) showed a wide range of trends with varying magnitude and sign across models. Here the Indian summer monsoon rainfall is evaluated in 20 CMIP-5 models for the period 1850 to 2100. In the new generation of climate models, a consistent increase in seasonal mean rainfall during the summer monsoon periods arises. All models simulate stronger seasonal mean rainfall in the future compared to the historic period under the strongest warming scenario RCP-8.5. Increase in seasonal mean rainfall is the largest for the RCP-8.5 scenario compared to other RCPs. Most of the models show a northward shift in monsoon circulation by the end of the 21st century compared to the historic period under the RCP-8.5 scenario. The interannual variability of the Indian monsoon rainfall also shows a consistent positive trend under unabated global warming. Since both the long-term increase in monsoon rainfall as well as the increase in interannual variability in the future is robust across a wide range of models, some confidence can be attributed to these projected trends.