bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for Lean Implementation in Government Enterprise
Authors: Labedz Chester S. , Gray John R.
Published: April 2013

This research explores the effects of implementing a lean production system in a government facility. The organization’s formal accounting practices delay recognition of production savings, but informally the facility promotes its lean efforts through attention-getting, off-the-books, “innovative” accounting. The authors state three propositions relating to customer effects of the lean improvements and the financial approaches. They then state four hypotheses relating to the measures’ unintended effects within the defense logistics enterprise as workload varies, and test the hypotheses employing a system dynamics simulation. Through review of qualitative data and a system dynamics simulation, the authors identify minor effects upon customer behavior and labor rates oscillation, thereby filling gaps in the literature relating to government productivity improvements, and expanding knowledge on lean-induced labor savings, work demand, and workplace effects of lean change in a government environment. They identify the greater effects of supplemental funding provided to such facilities, and begin the discussion of alternatives to current enterprise-wide government finance practices that may promote greater transformational behavior.
A System Dynamics Model of the American Collectable Comic Book Market
Authors: Wyburn John , Roach Paul Alun
Published: April 2013

The American collectable comic book is an unconventional investment of growing importance and cultural significance. Here the price history of the comic book is analysed into three markets, that of the new, the collectors’ market, and the investors’. System dynamics is employed to model these markets, and different dynamic hypotheses are employed to distinguish between them in structural, as well as historical, terms. The model is tested against real-world data, and used to identify factors other than supply and demand that are important determinants of goods value. Conclusions are drawn with respect to the more general market for collectables.
Capturing Structural Complexity of Innovation Diffusion through System Dynamics
Authors: Bhushan Sanjay
Published: April 2013

This paper shows the utility of systems approach by extending the traditional innovation models and incorporating and integrating into them selective critical structural variables to map their interaction and explain the inherent dynamism. Conventionally, the approaches in explaining the innovation diffusion process assume that the process takes place in a stable and homogeneous system in which the innovation diffuses or spreads without being affected by the system’s structural variables even under external influences. However, many studies have established that the presence of symmetry is not the general rule in innovation diffusion process. This work examines these models and recognizes that they need further modification to improve the holistic understanding of the dynamic structural complexities and forces driving the processes of innovation and diffusion. This paper shows the general but extended frameworks of innovation diffusion mainly propounded by Frank M. Bass, E. M. Roger, E. Muller, P. Milling, and Frank H. Maier and proves how the application of system dynamics modeling can contribute in a meaningful way to the area of innovation diffusion research. A proof-of-the-concept analysis has been done by calibrating a diffusion model of Indian foundry sector followed by discussion on simulation results and future direction.
The Moderating Effect of Organizational Safety Climate on Text Message Use and Work-Related Accidents
Authors: Kufner Brian E. , Plybon Laura E.
Published: April 2013

Employers’ increased acceptance and use of mobile technology has provided employees with the ability to be in constant contact with their employer and clients through multiple communication platforms. While mobile technology has increased employee productivity, research is beginning to show an association between an upward trend of mobile technology use to an increase of fatal and nonfatal accidents. The purpose of this study was to determine if organizational safety climate influences the relationship between text message use and work-related accidents. A significant relationship was found between text message use and work-related accidents. However, there was no statistically significant main effect of organizational safety climate on work-related accidents, or interaction effect of text message use and organizational safety climate on work-related accidents. Additional research is recommended to investigate the relationships between the variables – both quantitative with larger and more diverse samples and qualitative for more in depth information about the phenomenon.
The Global Dimension of Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Authors: Ramírez Gerardo Blanco
Published: April 2013

Quality assurance in higher education has become an endeavor of global proportions. Leaders within institutions of higher education are required to make choices about what quality assurance and self-regulation mechanisms to implement and how to respond to external pressures in an environment of increased accountability and competition. University leaders also need to make choices about what standards of quality their institutions will follow. This paper outlines the changing environment of international quality assurance and its implications for management practice and further research. Critical engagements with quality assurance are necessary in order to make decisions that are not only effective but also consistent with the institutional mission and the purposes of higher education. While quality in higher education becomes global, university leaders encounter new opportunities to exercise institutional agency.
International Student Collaboration and Experiential Exercise Projects as a Professional, Inter-Personal and Inter-Institutional Networking Platform
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: April 2013

There have been an increasing number of international collaboration agreements among universities, college, etc., to promote educative exchange programs, internationalization of teaching, research, and curricula, among other things. This paper has the aim to analyze and to reflect on the experiential exercise from the point of views of instructor and students attending University Center of Economic and Managerial Sciences at University of Guadalajara and participating in the “X-Culture International Student Collaboration Project” as a professional, inter-personal and inter-institutional networking platform.
Higher Education Collaboration in Kenya
Authors: Aggarwal Anita
Published: April 2013

Higher education in developing countries presents an opportunity both for investment and development, if specific challenges can be overcome. This article looks at the opportunities for higher education in a developing country, Kenya, and how these experiences have enabled an identification of issues that must be dealt with for higher education to grow both as an investment and capacity-building opportunity for developing countries. It offers a brief narrative on the history of higher education in Kenya, and the types of higher education collaborations. Using a case study of a long established transnational education collaborative partnership between INtel College, Kenya, and the University of Sunderland, UK, it explores the framework for such operations and challenges and perspectives of the partnership. Finally, it presents a view of the future of transnational education in a nation which indeed may have relevance in any developing country.
Overall Equipment Effectiveness Improvement through Total Productive Maintenance in Assembly Cell
Authors: Ismail Napsiah , Baharudin B. T. Hang Tuah , Musa Yusaini , Leman Zulkiflle
Published: April 2013

The Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is an established method to monitor and improve the effectiveness of manufacturing processes. OEE is frequently used as a key metric in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Lean Manufacturing environment. This paper focuses on the OEE measurement of the assembly line of steering gear in an automotive company (AGR Sdn Bhd) through the implementation of TPM. The average OEE measurement before implementation of TPM is 52.21% which is below the company’s target. The company used reactive maintenance, which is inherently “wasteful and ineffective. After the implementation of TPM, the OEE performance for the assembly department improved to 70.21%. The result shows that machine down time directly influence the OEE. The implementation of TPM enables the company to change their maintenance practices from reactive to proactive. The average availability percentage is 80.34% and performance efficiency average is 87.99%. This has directly contributed to a lower overall OEE performance compared to world standard. The rate of quality is maintained at an average of 99.54%.
PACALL
Authors: Hou Bin , Ogata Hiroaki , Kunita Toma , Li Mengmeng , Uosaki Noriko
Published: April 2013

The authors’ research defines a ubiquitous learning log (ULLO) as a digital record of what a learner has learned in the daily life using ubiquitous technologies. In their previous works, the authors proposed a model named LORE (Log – Organize – Recall – Evaluate) to describe the learning process of ULLO and developed a system named SCROLL to implement this model. This paper focuses on Log among 4 factors in LORE and proposed a passive way to log ULLOs. They use SenseCam to capture a learner’s learning activities and propose a system named PACALL to support reflection of what s/he has seen. This system filters bad photos that taken by SenseCam and helps learner find learning content. The author use this system in language learning and help learners learn the foreign name of objects around.
Understanding the Transformation Process Success Factors in Enterprise System Implementations
Authors: Mathrani Sanjay , Mathrani Anuradha
Published: April 2013

Enterprise system (ES) implementation has been a major investment by many organizations in the last two decades and realization of benefits from this investment is a critical issue. The benefit realization process involves transformation of ES data into practice knowledge by deployment of operational and managerial processes within the technology infrastructure. This study investigates the factors that influence the process for transforming ES data into successful outcomes from an Information Technology (IT) professionals’ perspective in three New Zealand hi-tech manufacturing companies. Findings highlight that ES data transformation is a holistic process that not only includes the essential data and technology factors, but also includes organizational strategy deployment, business process management, and development of skills and proficiency levels of IT professionals. This study contributes to practice discipline as insights are shared from IT professionals who routinely use the organization’s ES for benefit realization.
Actions towards Maturing the ICT Profession in Europe
Authors: Sherry Martin , Carcary Marian , McLaughlin Stephen , O’Brien Conor
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a framework and identifies a series of action points to support the maturing of the ICT profession in Europe. The paper stems from a research initiative launched by the European Commission to develop proposals for a European framework for ICT professionalism, with the intention of maturing the ICT profession within Europe and facilitating worker mobility.
Characterizing Smartphone Usage
Authors: Soikkeli Tapio , Karikoski Juuso , Hämmäinen Heikki
Published: April 2013

Mobile end user context has gained increasing attention in the mobile services industry. This article utilizes handset-based data, collected from 140 users, to examine smartphone usage in different place-related end user contexts. Smartphone usage is examined first on a high level by using smartphone usage session as a unit of analysis. Then the usage sessions are dismantled into application sessions for deeper analysis and application level study. According to the authors’ analysis, smartphone usage is highly diversified across users. For example, the daily smartphone usage time differs by orders of magnitude between users. They observed also that smartphones are used differently in different end user contexts. For example, some applications are clearly more context sensitive than others. The results imply that mobile services and applications need to adapt to user behavior in order to be personalized enough, and that context awareness can indeed be a worthwhile step towards this.
A Molecular Solution to the Three-Partition Problem
Authors: Nuser Maryam S.
Published: April 2013

Given a set of numbers, the three-partition problem is to divide them into disjoint triplets that all have the same sum. The problem is NP-complete. This paper presents an algorithm to solve this problem using the biomolecular computing approach. The algorithm uses a distinctive encoding technique that depends on the numbers values which omits the need to an adder to find the sum. The algorithm is explained and an analysis of its complexity in terms of time, the number of strands, number of tubes, and the longest library strand used is presented. A simulation of the algorithm is implemented and tested. This algorithm further proves the ability of molecular computing in solving hard problems.
Clock Drift Management Using Nature Inspired Algorithms
Authors: Tekchandani Prakash , Trivedi Aditya
Published: April 2013

Time Synchronization is common requirement for most network applications. It is particularly essential in a Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) to allow collective signal processing, proper correlation of diverse measurements taken from a set of distributed sensor elements and for an efficient sharing of the communication channel. The Flooding Time Synchronization Protocol (FTSP) was developed explicitly for time synchronization of wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we optimized FTSP for clock drift management using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Variant of PSO and Differential Evolution (DE). The paper estimates the clock offset, clock skew, generates linear line and optimizes the value of average time synchronization error using PSO, Variant of PSO and DE. In this paper we present implementation and experimental results that produces reduced average time synchronization error using PSO, Variant of PSO and DE, compared to that of linear regression used in FTSP.
Supporting Inter-Group Relationships in Human-Centered Chance Discovery
Authors: Oehlmann Ruediger , Gumbleton Luke
Published: April 2013

Human-centered chance discovery involves ad-hoc teams of experts who inspect the output of a chance discovery algorithm and develop scenarios for decision making. The team members typically are from different areas, such as product design or marketing, and have relationships to their own teams in these areas. Therefore the inter-team relationships affect the performance of the chance discovery team. The issue of how to support such relationships is addressed by reviewing an earlier team support system that supported intra-team relationships rather than inter-team relationships as well as the theoretical concept of relationality. It was found that both do not sufficiently consider inter-team relationships. Therefore an interview study with 10 practitioners in Japanese tea clubs has been conducted with the objective to enhance the relationality concept. The study equally focused on experience in the tea club and the life history of the interviewee. The result suggests five new characteristics of relationality. The paper concludes by describing a system that implements these characteristics and extends the previous system to inter-team relationships.
Reducing Interface Mutation Costs with Multiobjective Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Nobre Tiago , Vergilio Silvia Regina , Pozo Aurora
Published: April 2013

To reduce mutation test costs, different strategies were proposed to find a set of essential operators that generates a reduced number of mutants without decreasing the mutation score. However, the operator selection is influenced by other factors, such as: number of test data, execution time, number of revealed faults, etc. In fact this is a multiobjective problem. For that, different good solutions exist. To properly deal with this problem, a selection strategy based on multiobjective algorithms was proposed and investigated for unit testing. This work explores the use of such strategy in the integration testing phase. Three multiobjective algorithms are used and evaluated with real programs: one algorithm based on tabu search (MTabu), one based on Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and the third one based on Ant Colony Optimization (PACO). The results are compared with traditional strategies and contrasted with essential operators obtained in the unit testing level.
A Novel Cross Folding Algorithm for Multimodal Cancelable Biometrics
Authors: Paul Padma P. , Gavrilova Marina L.
Published: April 2013

Multimodal biometric systems have emerged as highly successful new approach to combat problems of unimodal biometric system such as intraclass variability, interclass similarity, data quality, non-universality, and sensitivity to noise. However, one major issue pertinent to unimodal system remains, which has to do with actual biometric characteristics of users being permanent and their number being limited. Thus, if a user’s biometric is compromised, it might be impossible or highly difficult to replace it in a particular system. The concept of cancelable biometric or cancelability is to transform a biometric data or feature into a new one so that the stored biometric template can be easily changed in a biometric security system. In this paper, the authors present a novel solution for cancelable biometrics in a multimodal system. They develop a new cancelable biometric template generation algorithm using random projection and transformation-based feature extraction and selection. Performance of the proposed algorithm is validated on a virtual multi-modal face and ear database.
Evaluating the Security Level of a Cryptosystem based on Chaos
Authors: Gonzalez Jesus D. Terrazas , Kinsner Witold
Published: April 2013

This paper presents tests specially-designed for a cryptosystem based on chaotic continuous cellular automata (CCA). The degree of the cryptosystem security is assessed by evaluating its (i) stationarity, (ii) spectral fractal dimension, and (iii) surrogate data. These tools are verified with known signals before applying them to test the cryptosystem. This paper introduces (i) a robust method to determine the minimum stationary window in a given time series, and (ii) a technique to conceal a chaotic attractor based on surrogate data. These new ideas are relevant because the stationarity of a signal can be determined rapidly, and the chaotic attractor concealment enhances the cryptosystem to increase its security degree.
Usability Evaluation of an Adaptive 3D Virtual Learning Environment
Authors: Ewais Ahmed , De Troyer Olga
Published: April 2013

Using 3D virtual environments for educational purposes is becoming attractive because of their rich presentation and interaction capabilities. Furthermore, dynamically adapting the 3D virtual environment to the personal preferences, prior knowledge, skills and competence, learning goals, and the personal or (social) context in which the learning takes place becomes interesting, as there is a bulk of research demonstrating that individualized instruction is superior to the uniform approach of more traditional and one-size-fits-all teaching approaches. However, although such adaptive 3D Virtual Learning Environments (3D VLE) seem to be promising, this needs to be evaluated in practice. Usability of adaptive 3D VLE could be a problem since the user interface could become relatively complex. In this paper, the authors describe an experiment performed to validate the issues of usability and acceptability of an adaptive 3D VLE. This pilot evaluation reveals some important recommendations and improvements.
Facilitating 3D Virtual World Learning Environments Creation by Non-Technical End Users through Template-Based Virtual World Instantiation
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhong Ying , Ozercan Sertac , Zhu Qing
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a template-based solution to overcome technical barriers non-technical computer end users face when developing functional learning environments in three-dimensional virtual worlds (3DVW). iVirtualWorld, a prototype of a platform-independent 3DVW creation tool that implements the proposed solution, facilitates 3DVW learning environment creation through semantics-based abstract 3DVW representation and template-based 3DVW instantiation. iVirtualWorld provides a wizard to guide the 3DVW creation process, and hide low-level programming and 3D design details through higher-level abstracts supported by pre-defined templates. Preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of iVirtualWorld showed positive results. The contribution of this study is threefold: 1) It provides a paradigm for investigating and developing 3DVW building tools from end users’ perspective; 2) It develops a prototype of a 3DVW building tool, which gives educators a framework to easily create educational virtual worlds using domain-specific concepts; 3) It conducts empirical research and collected preliminary experimental data for evaluation.
Plastination technology for anatomical studies in Nigeria: Opinion of teachers at medical institutions
Authors: Azu Onyemaechi O. , Peter Aniekan I. , Aquaisua Aquaisua N. , Ekandem Gabriel J.
Published: April 2013

Dr. Gunther von Hagens developed plastination as a technique of tissue preservation in 1977. He used a delicate method of forced impregnation with curable polymers like silicone, epoxy or polyester resins for preservation of anatomical specimens. With plastination, every part of a biological tissue is treated, preserving it for educational purposes. Hence, there are vast applications in the medical field. We set out to survey the knowledge and opinion of lecturers of anatomy about plastinated specimen use in medical schools through the administration of questionnaires to respondents who participated at the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (SECAN) conference in 2011. It was found that 50.0% and 23.75% of respondents respectively, had their masters and doctorate degrees in Anatomy. Less than 8.0% utilised plastination as a tool for teaching as against 40% (plastic models), 36.25% (cadavers) and 15.0% (pathology pots). Conventional methods such as fixation by immersion (15.0%) and embalming (52.5%) with formaldehyde were commonly used for long term preservation of tissues in their various institutions. These methods were found to be less costly (25.0%), easy to use (56.25%) and the only method (12.25%) available, even though they posed some health hazards (96.0%). Whilst only 6.25% of the respondents did not know anything about plastination, 93.75% were aware of it. The advocacy for preservation of tissues by plastination has been gradual in developed countries. We recommend the use of plastinates in medical schools in Nigeria.
Smoking Counteracts the Favorable Effect of Exercise Training on Endothelial Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sato Shinji , Nakayama Noriko , Otsuki Shingo , Tanaka Shiro , Nakamura Hajime , Koshiyama Hiroyuki , Nohara Ryuji
Published: April 2013

Background

Exercise training can improve endothelial function in patients with diabetes. We hypothesized that the favorable effect of exercise training on endothelial function in patients with diabetes is counteracted by cigarette smoking.

Purpose

To assess whether there is a difference in the effect of exercise on endothelial function in smokers and non-smokers with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We performed a 3-month controlled trial in 27 never-smoking and 17 smoking individuals with type 2 diabetes who participated in a home-based walking program. The percentage decrease in post-exercise ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), which is an index of endothelial function, was assessed at baseline and after 3 months.

Results

Compared to the smoking group, the never-smoking group showed a more significant improvement in post exercise ABI during the 3 months of home-based training (interaction, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

These results indicate that smoking may counteract the favorable effects of exercise training on endothelial function. Endothelial function plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease among patients with diabetes. Therefore, a Certified Diabetes Educator should strongly advise diabetic patients not to smoke.
Pregnancy Complicated by Cervical Varix and Low-Lying Placenta: A Case Report
Authors: Kurihara Yasushi , Tachibana Daisuke , Teramae Masatomo , Matsumoto Makiko , Terada Hiroyuki , Sumi Toshiyuki , Koyama Masayasu , Ishiko Osamu
Published: April 2013

We present a case of cervical varix and low-lying placenta. A cesarean section was performed because of the risk of bleeding with vaginal delivery; hemostasis was achieved using z sutures at the bleeding points. After delivery, the cervical varix decreased dramatically in size. It is important to recognize the clinical features and available treatments for cervical varix.
Cultivation Conditions for Phytase Production from Recombinant Escherichia coli DH5α
Authors: Ariff Rafidah Mohd , Fitrianto Anwar , Manap Mohd Yazid Abd. , Ideris Aini , Kassim Azhar , Suhairin Afinah , Hussin Anis Shobirin Meor
Published: April 2013

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the cultivation conditions for the production of phytase by recombinant Escherichia coli DH5α. The optimum predicted cultivation conditions for phytase production were at 3 hours seed age, a 2.5% inoculum level, an L-arabinose concentration of 0.20%, a cell concentration of 0.3 (as measured at 600 nm) and 17 hours post-induction time with a predicted phytase activity of 4194.45 U/mL. The model was validated and the results showed no significant difference between the experimental and the predicted phytase activity ( P = 0.305). Under optimum cultivation conditions, the phytase activity of the recombinant E. coli DH5α was 364 times higher compared to the phytase activity of the wild-type producer, Enterobacter sakazakii ASUIA279. Hence, optimization of the cultivation conditions using RSM positively increased phytase production from recombinant E. coli DH5α.
Measurements of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and acetylene (C2H2) from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)
Authors: Duflot V. , Hurtmans D. , Clarisse L. , R'honi Y. , Vigouroux C. , De Mazière M. , Mahieu E. , Servais C. , Clerbaux C. , Coheur P.-F.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and acetylene (C2H2) are ubiquitous atmospheric trace gases with medium lifetime, which are frequently used as indicators of combustion sources and as tracers for atmospheric transport and chemistry. Because of their weak infrared absorption, overlapped by the CO2 Q branch near 720 cm−1, nadir sounders have up to now failed to measure these gases routinely. Taking into account CO2 line mixing, we provide for the first time extensive measurements of HCN and C2H2 total columns at Reunion Island (21° S, 55° E) and Jungfraujoch (46° N, 8° E) in 2009–2010 using observations from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI). A first order comparison with local ground-based Fourier transform infraRed (FTIR) measurements has been carried out allowing tests of seasonal consistency which is reasonably captured, except for HCN at Jungfraujoch. The IASI data shows a greater tendency to high C2H2 values. We also examine a nonspecific biomass burning plume over austral Africa and show that the emission ratios with respect to CO agree with previously reported values.
Selective measurements of NO, NO2 and NOy in the free troposphere using quantum cascade laser spectroscopy
Authors: Tuzson B. , Zeyer K. , Steinbacher M. , McManus J. B. , Nelson D. D. , Zahniser M. S. , Emmenegger L.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. A quantum cascade laser based absorption spectrometer for continuous and direct measurements of NO and NO2 was employed at the high-altitude monitoring site Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l., Switzerland) during a three-month campaign in spring/summer 2012. The total reactive nitrogen, NOy, was also measured in the form of NO after conversion on a gold catalyst. The aim was to assess the suitability of the instrument for long-term monitoring of the main reactive nitrogen species under predominantly free tropospheric air conditions. A precision (1σ) of 10 and 3 ppt for NO and NO2 was achieved under field conditions after 180 s averaging time. The linear dynamic range of the instrument has been verified for both species from the detection limit up to 45 ppb. The spectrometer shared a common sampling inlet with a chemiluminescence-based analyzer. The comparison of the time series shows excellent agreement between the two techniques and demonstrates the adequacy of the laser spectroscopic approach for this kind of demanding environmental applications.
The mid-Pliocene climate simulated by FGOALS-g2
Authors: Zheng W. , Zhang Z. , Chen L. , Yu Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Within the framework of Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP), the mid-Pliocene (3.264–3.025 Ma) climate simulated by the Flexible Global Ocean-Atmosphere-Land System model grid-point version 2 (FGOALS-g2) are analyzed in this study. Results show that the model reproduces the large-scale features of the global warming over the land and ocean. The simulated mid-Pliocene global annual mean surface air temperature (TAS) and sea surface temperature (SST) are 4.17 and 2.62°C warmer than the pre-Industrial simulation, respectively. In particular, the feature of larger warming over mid-high latitudes is well captured. In the simulated warm mid-Pliocene climate, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) become weaker.
La muerte me da y su representación literaria de lo (in)visible: una aproximación alternativa a la violencia del género
Authors: Newland Rachel
Published: April 2013

La violencia física y simbólica representa uno de los temas candentes del México actual con su reflejo más patente en la producción literaria contemporánea.  El desplazamiento de espacios físicos y discursivos refleja esta dimensión violenta y potencialmente desconstructiva del poder que subyace las relaciones del género en el sentido tanto literario como social.  Una de las autoras mexicanas que se encuentra en una posición estratégica de mediar este complejo terreno sociocultural es la matamorense, Cristina Rivera Garza.  Su novela, La muerte me da (2007), representa una mina de lapsos temporales, imágenes rotas y citas intertextuales que crean un espacio literario distópico que deja que el lector cuestione la estabilidad o hasta la existencia misma de las categorías fijas, la realidad vivida y las lecturas exactas de un texto.  Será el propósito de esta investigación explorar la aplicación literaria de la teoría radical de Judith Bulter sobre el género, la violencia y la (in)visibilidad de sus víctimas para analizar el ámbito literario garziano como una de las manifestaciones inesperadas de la violencia reflejada textualmente.
Archiveras anarquistas: Corporal Testimony in the Work of Diamela Eltit
Authors: Corbin Megan
Published: April 2013

Abstract: There exists a constant within the trajectory of Diamela Eltit’s contributions to New Chilean Fiction: the turn to the body’s revelatory capacity as a corporal archive of human existence. Simultaneously exploring and rejecting the confines of the traditional testimonial reliance on language, Eltit moves the reader to a re-consideration of the truth-telling function of the biological materiality of the body, placing imperfect corporalities on display as a means of speaking, even where the voice itself may falter.  This essay locates Eltit’s move to the corporal within the trajectory of feminist criticism, the traumatic realities of the Chilean dictatorship and post-dictatorship periods, and the search for the recuperation of those bodily knowledges represented by the disappeared.  Next, it turns to Eltit’s Impuesto a la carne as her most recent re-visioning of the importance of corporal textualities, whether or not the subject-matter of the body’s denunciation is connected to the dictatorship.  Lastly, this essay reconsiders the rejective power of the traditional archive, analyzing the effect set models have on those who seek to tell their stories outside of the traditional testimonial model. I argue that the case of Diamela Eltit is an example of the way writers and producers of cultural texts which actively inscribe alternative memories of the past are resisting the authoritative power of the archive and subversively inscribing narrative memory onto bodily materialities, re-orienting the view of the corporal from an evidentiary showing to an active process of re-telling the past. Eltit’s novels, inscribed with her corporal textual model, give voice to survivors, articulating an alternate historical model for the archive, embracing the biological and making it speak against the rigid abuses of authoritarianism.
Use of Arteriovenous Fistulae for Home Parenteral Nutrition – a Review of the Literature
Authors: Al-Amin Azzam , Wood Jonathan , Atturu Gnanesh , Gouda Mohammed R. , Donnellan Clare F. , Burke Dermot A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Delivery of home parenteral nutrition (HPN), traditionally via tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) is associated with several complications, the commonest being catheter related bloodstream infections. We have reviewed the literature to investigate the use of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) as a viable alternative to traditional routes for long-term parenteral nutrition (PN).

Methods

A literature search was performed using the Medline database, PubMed and a Google Scholar search. Search terms (keywords) used were: parenteral AND nutrition AND arteriovenous AND fistula for Title and Abstract. Our search yielded 12 articles (1972-2012). Two were excluded because of foreign language and difficult retrieval. The final yield was 10 papers.

Results

There were four case reports, six original papers (one Swedish, one French – both excluded), one abstract and one letter to the editor. There were 19 native AVF, 11 bovine grafts (BG), four synthetic grafts (SG) and 10 autologous venous grafts (AVG). The maximum recorded length of use was 86, 54, 16.7 and 300 months, respectively. Complication rates per fistula calculated from literature were 0.47, 1.18, 2.0 and 0.3 respectively. Apart from these results, a recent retrospective study ( 13 ) of 62 AVFs for HPN patients revealed an infection rate far lower than all types of CVC and a slightly higher occlusion rate than long-term CVCs.

Conclusions

There is relatively little data regarding this method. AVFs have been used successfully for HPN in patients with poor vasculature, on hemodialysis or recurrent line sepsis. This technique perhaps warrants more thorough exploration. Further research is required.
Editorial
Authors: Targa Leonardo Vieira
Published: April 2013

Os determinantes de saúde apresentam diferenças nos meios rural e urbano. Isto gera diferentes resultados de saúde entreestes meios, o que está bastante documentado, seja nos indicadores clássicos de saúde como mortalidade infantil1, seja nafrequência de alguns agravos2. Além disso, os diferentes níveis de acessibilidade ao sistema de saúde em seus diversos serviçose recursos, as dificuldades para o cuidado longitudinal, integral e coordenado somam-se para as diferenças encontradas entrea saúde urbana e rural3 e ajudam a determinar uma pior autopercepção de saúde2.Entre os fatores responsáveis por estas dificuldades, está a carência de profissionais de saúde, em especial médicos, forados grandes centros urbanos4. Ampla literatura revisa as estratégias e políticas de diversas partes do mundo que procuramreduzir este déficit5-7. Uma combinação de fatores pessoais, com estratégias de acesso à universidade, acrescentada a políticas demelhoria das condições de vida e trabalho do profissional e sua família, o que inclui possibilidades de carreira e aproximaçãoacadêmica, parecem ser a melhor combinação e constam nas recomendações da Organização Mundial de Saúde4.A Associação Mundial de Médicos de Família (Wonca), através de seu grupo de trabalho em medicina rural (WorkingParty on Rural Practice), vem produzindo conhecimento e estimulando reflexões relacionadas a esta problemática em nívelmundial. Este suplemento procura ajudar na divulgação especialmente nos países de língua portuguesa dos principaisdocumentos deste grupo, ao qual o Grupo de Trabalho em Medicina Rural da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina de Famíliae Comunidade está associado.Estes documentos ajudam a suprir uma grande deficiência de material em português sobre os temas saúde rural e medicinarural e servirá de referência importante para futuras produções. Inicialmente, membros do GT rural da SBMFC resenhamos documentos que traduziram e, numa segunda parte, os documentos na íntegra estão disponíveis. Esperamos com istocontribuir para fortalecer o entendimento das especificidades desta área de atuação dos profissionais de saúde, em especialdos médicos de família e comunidade e ajudar a despertar o interesse para as discussões na área.
Política para Médicas de Família em Áreas Rurais
Authors: WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice
Published: April 2013

Esse documento foi desenvolvido a partir de extensa pesquisa entre médicas de área rural e estudantes de medicina de países desenvolvidos. Ele reconhece que uma nova etapa deste estudo deve incluir um processo de pesquisa com mulheres médicas em países em desenvolvimento, particularmente África, Ásia e América do Sul. Esse processo requererá um processo de comunicação especificamente desenhado para conhecer as visões e experiências das médicas que trabalham em ambientes sem a facilidade de acesso como e-mail, fax e outros meios práticos de comunicação.
Consumer ability to detect the taste of total dissolved solids
Authors: Dietrich Andrea M. , Gallagher Conor D.
Published: April 2013

Minerals, as measured by total dissolved solids (TDS), are a major source of taste in drinking water. Consumers report taste differences in their water supplies when mineral content changes as a result of anthropogenic activities or treatment techniques such as desalination or blending. Using sensory analysis, panels of consumers compared binary combinations of room‐temperature water samples containing different TDS concentrations and reported when they could detect differences. Results demonstrate that the amount of change in TDS (Δ TDS) is an important parameter in a consumer's ability to discern differences in taste. With the same Δ TDS, panelists more readily discerned differences between low and moderate TDS concentrations than between moderate and high TDS concentrations. When water with low TDS concentrations (< 100 mg/L) becomes saltier, consumers will more readily detect a difference. Conversely, treatment to reduce high TDS concentrations will require substantial TDS removal to improve taste.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of (Z)‐3‐Arylthioacrylic Acids and Thiochromenones
Authors: Palani Thiruvengadam , Park Kyungho , Song Kwang Ho , Lee Sunwoo
Published: April 2013

The three‐component reaction of aryl halides, sodium sulfide pentahydrate (Na2S⋅5 H2O), and propiolic acid in the presence of 2.5% bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium chloride [Pd(PPh3)2Cl2], 5% 1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) and 2 equivalents of 1,8‐diazabicycloundec‐7‐ene (DBU) produces stereoselectively (Z)‐3‐arylthioacrylic acids in good yields. A study of the reaction pathway suggested that the CS bond formation between aryl halides and Na2S⋅5 H2O proceeded first, and the resulting intermediate reacted with propiolic acid to produce the desired product. In addition, when the resulting product was treated with acid, the respective thiochromenones were formed in good yields.
Reversal of Stereoselectivity in Lithiation of Ferrocenyl‐imidazolones: Epimeric Substrates lead to Planar Chiral Enantiomers
Authors: Metallinos Costa , John Joshni , Nelson Jonathan , Dudding Travis , Belding Lee
Published: April 2013

Diastereoselective induction of planar chirality in ferrocenes often employs chiral sulfur‐, carbon‐ or phosphorus‐based directing groups. The origin of stereoselectivity in these reactions may be classified as (a) cyclopentadiene (Cp) ring‐controlled or (b) base‐controlled. These two categories are represented by auxiliaries that typically have stereogenic centers α or γ to the ferrocene core, respectively. In this study, it is shown that (−)‐2‐ferrocenyl‐1S‐triethylsilyloxy‐7aS‐hexahydropyrrolo[1,2‐c]imidazol‐3‐one, the anti‐epimer of the previously reported syn‐(1R,7aS) substrate, induces lithiation of the pro‐Rp rather than the pro‐Sp Cp hydrogen in >95:5 dr, leading to enantiomers of the syn‐derived planar chiral imidazolones upon electrophile quench and elimination. This outcome provides a practical way to prepare planar chiral enantiomers in this series without having to synthesize a more expensive D‐proline‐derived starting material, since both the syn and anti starting materials are available from a common L‐proline‐derived intermediate. The origin of stereoselectivity in lithiation of the syn and anti epimers, which have β,γ‐stereogenic centers, appears to be driven primarily by the conformational bias exerted by the β‐silyloxy moiety in each chiral auxiliary, which positions the urea carbonyl within the proximity of one of the two prochiral ortho Cp hydrogens. As such, stereoselectivity is likely Cp ring‐controlled for both compounds despite their lack of α‐ferrocenyl stereogenic centers. This conclusion is supported by the insensitivity of lithiation selectivity to the bulkiness of the base, comparisons of enantiomers, deuteration experiments, nOe difference studies, and computational modeling of the ground states and lithiation transition states for both substrates.
Preparation and evaluation of radioiodinated thermoresponsive polymer based on poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) for radiotherapy
Authors: Karir Tarveen , Sarma Haladhar D. , Samuel Grace , Hassan Puthusserickal A. , Padmanabhan D. , Venkatesh Meera
Published: April 2013

A thermoresponsive polymer based on poly N‐isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) was synthesized and radioiodinated to explore its potential use in localized radiotherapy. The synthesized PNIPAM polymer was functionalized with L‐tyrosinamide to facilitate radioiodination. The content of tyrosinamide groups in the polymer was assayed spectrophotometrically (λ = 275nm). The functionalized polymer showed a cloud point temperature of 29–31°C and phase separation at 35°C, as revealed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The phase transition temperature is conducive for preferential localization of the polymer at the site of injection due to changes in the polymer conformation at body temperature. For in vivo demonstration, the biodistribution studies of radioiodinated polymer were carried out in Swiss mice bearing fibrosarcoma tumor. Biodistribution studies showed a retention of 30% of the injected labeled polymer, PNIPAM‐125I‐tyrosinamide, in the solid tumor tissues after 2 h of intratumoral injection. Although the activity decreased with time, 3–4% of the injected dose (i.d) was found to be retained in the tumor on 5 d post injection. The results suggest the potential use of thermosensitive polymer based on poly N‐isopropylacrylamide for locoregional radionuclide therapy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 860‐868, 2013
Chiral Selectivity in the Binding of [4]Helicene Derivatives to Double‐Stranded DNA
Authors: Kel Oksana , Fürstenberg Alexandre , Mehanna Nathalie , Nicolas Cyril , Laleu Benoît , Hammarson Martin , Albinsson Bo , Lacour Jerôme , Vauthey Eric
Published: April 2013

The interaction of a series of chiral cationic [4]helicene derivatives, which differ by their substituents, with double‐stranded DNA has been investigated by using a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including time‐resolved fluorescence, fluorescence anisotropy, and linear dichroism. Addition of DNA to helicene solutions results to a hypochromic shift of the visible absorption bands, an increase of fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime, a slowing down of fluorescence anisotropy decay, and a linear dichroism in flow‐oriented DNA, which unambiguously points to the binding of these dyes to DNA. Both helicene monomers and dimeric aggregates, which form at higher concentration, bind to DNA, the former most probably upon intercalation and the latter upon groove binding. The binding constant depends substantially on the dye substituents and is, in all cases, larger with the M than the P enantiomer, by factors ranging from 1.2 to 2.3, depending on the dye.
Four‐Center Oxidation State Combinations and Near‐Infrared Absorption in [Ru(pap)(Q)2]n (Q=3,5‐Di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐aryl‐1,2‐benzoquinonemonoimine, pap=2‐Phenylazopyridine)
Authors: Das Dipanwita , Agarwala Hemlata , Chowdhury Abhishek Dutta , Patra Tuhin , Mobin Shaikh M. , Sarkar Biprajit , Kaim Wolfgang , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: April 2013

The complex series [Ru(pap)(Q)2]n ([1]n–[4]n; n=+2, +1, 0, −1, −2) contains four redox non‐innocent entities: one ruthenium ion, 2‐phenylazopyridine (pap), and two o‐iminoquinone moieties, Q=3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐N‐aryl‐1,2‐benzoquinonemonoimine (aryl=C6H5 (1+); m‐(Cl)2C6H3 (2+); m‐(OCH3)2C6H3 (3+); m‐(tBu)2C6H3 (4+)). A crystal structure determination of the representative compound, [1]ClO4, established the crystallization of the ctt‐isomeric form, that is, cis and trans with respect to the mutual orientations of O and N donors of two Q ligands, and the coordinating azo N atom trans to the O donor of Q. The sensitive CO (average: 1.299(3) Å), CN (average: 1.346(4) Å) and intra‐ring CC (meta; average: 1.373(4) Å) bond lengths of the coordinated iminoquinone moieties in corroboration with the NN length (1.292(3) Å) of pap in 1+ establish [RuIII(pap0)(Q.−)2]+ as the most appropriate electronic structural form. The coupling of three spins from one low‐spin ruthenium(III) (t2g5) and two Q.− radicals in 1+–4+ gives a ground state with one unpaired electron on Q.−, as evident from g=1.995 radical‐type EPR signals for 1+–4+. Accordingly, the DFT‐calculated Mulliken spin densities of 1+ (1.152 for two Q, Ru: −0.179, pap: 0.031) confirm Q‐based spin. Complex ions 1+–4+ exhibit two near‐IR absorption bands at about λ=2000 and 920 nm in addition to intense multiple transitions covering the visible to UV regions; compounds [1]ClO4–[4]ClO4 undergo one oxidation and three separate reduction processes within ±2.0 V versus SCE. The crystal structure of the neutral (one‐electron reduced) state (2) was determined to show metal‐based reduction and an EPR signal at g=1.996. The electronic transitions of the complexes 1n–4n (n=+2, +1, 0, −1, −2) in the UV, visible, and NIR regions, as determined by using spectroelectrochemistry, have been analyzed by TD‐DFT calculations and reveal significant low‐energy absorbance (λmax>1000 nm) for cations, anions, and neutral forms. The experimental studies in combination with DFT calculations suggest the dominant valence configurations of 1n–4n in the accessible redox states to be [RuIII(pap0)(Q.−)(Q0)]2+ (12+–42+)→[RuIII(pap0)(Q.−)2]+ (1+–4+)→[RuII(pap0)(Q.−)2] (1–4)→[RuII(pap.−)(Q.−)2]− (1−–4−)→[RuIII(pap.−)(Q2−)2]2− (12−–42−).
Potent Antimalarial 1,2,4‐Trioxanes through Perhydrolysis of Epoxides
Authors: Hao Hong‐Dong , Wittlin Sergio , Wu Yikang
Published: April 2013

Perhydrolysis of a sterically congested multifunctional epoxide was achieved in ethereal H2O2 with the aid of a recently developed Mo catalyst. The resulting hydroperoxide cyclized to give a 1,2,4‐trioxane, which could be readily elaborated into qinghaosu and a range of novel analogues. Some of the compounds with two such trioxane moieties showed in vitro antimalarial activity comparable to or even better than that of artesunate or chloroquine.