bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Fluorescence Properties of 4-aminobenzo[f]Isoindole Derivatives
Authors: Levkov Igor V. , Voitenko Zoia V. , Zaporozhets Olga A. , Linnik Rostislav P. , Shishkina Svetlana V. , Shishkin Oleg V.
Published: May 2011

We report a new route to benzo[ f]isoindole derivatives that possess strong fluorescence. The structure of the newly synthesised compounds was confirmed by NMR, IR and mass spectra, along with X-ray crystallographic studies. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of the new compounds were recorded. It was established that tautomerism of 4-aminobenzo[ f]isoindoles defines the properties of these compounds. Also, the influence of substituents at the N-2 position on the luminescence properties was studied; the fluorescence intensity is dependent on the water content in organic solvents, and can be used to indicate their moisture content.
Convenient Synthesis of the Derivatives of Pyrazole Sulfides by Copper-Catalysed Coupling of 5-Chloropyrazole-4-Aldehydes with Disulfides
Authors: Yu Chuanming , Luo Wenjie
Published: May 2011

A cross-coupling reaction of diaryl disulfides with substituted 5-chloropyrazole-4-aldehydes has been developed using 10 mol% of copper powder as the catalyst and caesium carbonate as the base, in DMSO at 90°C for 5–15 h under an atmosphere of nitrogen to give a series of new functionalised pyrazole sulfides in good to excellent yields (71–94%).
An Efficient Catalytic Synthesis of Flavanones under Green Conditions
Authors: Jiang Heyan , Zheng Xuxu , Yin Zhongyi , Xie Jingjing
Published: May 2011

An efficient and “green” catalytic conversion of 2'-hydroxychalcones to flavanones in 15 min in the presence of a simple amino acid and a base at room temperature is reported. Liquiritigenin was also efficiently synthesised under these conditions.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (4bRS,9bRS)-5-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4b,9b-7,7-dimethyldihydroxy-4b,5,6,7,8,9b-hexahydroindeno[1,2-b] indole-9,10-dione
Authors: Lobo Gricela , Zuleta Elimar , Charris Katiuska , Capparelli Mario V. , Briceño Alexander , Angel Jorge , Charris Jaime
Published: May 2011

A highly regiospecific synthesis and crystal structure of (4b RS,9b RS)-5-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-7,7-dimethyl-4b,9b-dihydroxy-4b,5,6,7,8,9b-hexahydroindeno[1,2- b]indole-9,10-dione is reported. It was tested in vitro against six human tumour cell lines and two nontumourogenic cell lines. Their in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is also reported. In general, it was found to possess a marginal activity.
A Protecting Group-Free Synthesis of the Antineoplastic Agent Combretastatin A4
Authors: Guo Xiaotao , Zhang Dan , Yu Zhifang , Liu Tianzhen , Li Dachang , Li Chunbao
Published: May 2011

The synthesis of combretastatin A4 (CA4) from commercially available inexpensive materials has been achieved via the Wittig reaction followed by irradiation of the ( Z)/( E)-CA4 reaction mixture with sunlight. The method resulted in ( Z)-CA4 in high yield. This method does not require protection of the phenolic hydroxy group. The synthesis is operationally simple and cost-efficient.
Suzuki–-Miyaura Cross-Coupling and Heck–-Mizoroki reactions Catalysed by Palladium on Carbon Nanofibres
Authors: Yamamoto Kyoko , Thiemann Thies
Published: May 2011

Platelet, tubular and herringbone carbon nanofibres were doped with Pd under various conditions. The catalysts were analysed for their Pd-content and as to the size distribution of the Pd particles. The Pd-doped carbon nanofibres were screened for their catalytic activity in the Suzuki–-Miyaura cross coupling and in the Heck–-Mizoroki reaction.
Three-Component Reaction between alkyl(aryl) Isocyanides and Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates in the Presence of Ethyl Trifluoroacetate
Authors: Khandan–-Barani Khatereh , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher , Habibi-Khorasani Sayyed Mostafa , Hazeri Nourallah , Sajadikhah Seyyed Sajad
Published: May 2011

The 1:1 intermediate generated by the addition of alkyl(aryl) isocyanides to dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates is trapped by ethyl trifluoroacetate in the absence of a catalyst to form highly functionalized dialkyl 5-[alkyl(aryl)imino]-2-ethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran–-3,4-dicarboxylates in good yields.
Synthesis of 2,4-Diarylquinolines: Nickel-Catalysed Ligand-Free Cross-Couplings of 4-Chloro-2-Arylquinolines with Arylmagnesium Halides in 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Xu Lingmin , Su Weike
Published: May 2011

A ligand-free and room temperature protocol for the synthesis of 2,4-diarylquinolines is described. Treatment of 4-chloro-2-arylquinolines with arylmagnesium halides in the presence of a catalytic amount of nickel(II) chloride without ligands in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) afforded the corresponding cross-coupling products in good yields.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Novel N Substituted 2-Methylimidazo[1,2a]Pyridine-3-Carboxamides
Authors: Han Tao , Shi Zhichuan , Peng Yongle , Zhao Zhigang
Published: May 2011

A series of novel N substituted 2-methylimidazo[1,2a]pyridine-3-carboxamides has been synthesised in high yield by a convenient method and characterised by 1H NMR, MS, IR and elemental analysis
Synthesis of Novel Arylhydrazide Molecular Tweezer Artificial Receptors based on Deoxycholic Acid using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Li Xiaorui , Zhao Zhigang , Cheng Yuyu , Li Hui
Published: May 2011

Eleven novel molecular tweezer anion receptors based on deoxycholic acid have been synthesised using microwave irradiation. Their structures were established by 1H NMR, IR, MS spectra and elemental analysis. Their binding properties were examined by UV-Vis spectra titration. The preliminary results indicate that these molecular tweezers show good recognition properties for H2PO4-, CH3COO- and NO3-.
Climate Signals on the Regional Scale Derived with a Statistical Method: Relevance of the Driving Model’s Resolution
Authors: Kreienkamp Frank , Baumgart Sonja , Spekat Arne , Enke Wolfgang
Published: May 2011

When assessing the magnitude of climate signals in a regional scale, a host of optional approaches is feasible. This encompasses the use of regional climate models (RCM), nested into global climate models (GCM) for an area of interest as well as employing empirical statistical downscaling methods (ESD). In this context the question is addressed: Is an empirical statistical downscaling method capable of yielding results that are comparable to those by dynamical RCMs? Based on the presented ESD method, the comparison of RCM and ESD results show a high amount of agreement. In addition the empirical statistical downscaling can be applied directly to a GCM or a GCM-RCM cascade. The paper aims at comparing the consequences of employing various CGM-RCM-ESD combinations on the derived future changes of temperature and precipitation. This adds to the insight on the scale dependency of downscaling strategies. Results for one GCM with several scenario runs driving several RCMs with and without subsequent empirical statistical downscaling are presented. It is shown that there are only small differences between using the GCM results directly or as a GCM-RCM-ESD cascade.
The Michaelis-Menten-Stueckelberg Theorem
Authors: Gorban Alexander N. , Shahzad Muhammad
Published: May 2011

We study chemical reactions with complex mechanisms under two assumptions: (i) intermediates are present in small amounts (this is the quasi-steady-state hypothesis or QSS) and (ii) they are in equilibrium relations with substrates (this is the quasiequilibrium hypothesis or QE). Under these assumptions, we prove the generalized mass action law together with the basic relations between kinetic factors, which are sufficient for the positivity of the entropy production but hold even without microreversibility, when the detailed balance is not applicable. Even though QE and QSS produce useful approximations by themselves, only the combination of these assumptions can render the possibility beyond the “rarefied gas” limit or the “molecular chaos” hypotheses. We do not use any a priori form of the kinetic law for the chemical reactions and describe their equilibria by thermodynamic relations. The transformations of the intermediate compounds can be described by the Markov kinetics because of their low density (low density of elementary events). This combination of assumptions was introduced by Michaelis and Menten in 1913. In 1952, Stueckelberg used the same assumptions for the gas kinetics and produced the remarkable semi-detailed balance relations between collision rates in the Boltzmann equation that are weaker than the detailed balance conditions but are still sufficient for the Boltzmann H-theorem to be valid. Our results are obtained within the Michaelis-Menten-Stueckelbeg conceptual framework.
Entropy Generation at Natural Convection in an Inclined Rectangular Cavity
Authors: Bouabid Mounir , Magherbi Mourad , Hidouri Nejib , Brahim Ammar Ben
Published: May 2011

Natural convection in an inclined rectangular cavity filled with air is numerically investigated. The cavity is heated and cooled along the active walls whereas the two other walls of the cavity are adiabatic. Entropy generation due to heat transfer and fluid friction has been determined in transient state for laminar natural convection by solving numerically: the continuity, momentum and energy equations, using a Control Volume Finite Element Method. The structure of the studied flows depends on four dimensionless parameters which are: the thermal Grashof number, the inclination angle, the irreversibility distribution ratio and the aspect ratio of the cavity. The obtained results show that entropy generation tends towards asymptotic values for lower thermal Grashof number values, whereas it takes an oscillative behavior for higher values of thermal Grashof number. Transient entropy generation increases towards a maximum value, then decreases asymptotically to a constant value that depends on aspect ratio of the enclosure. Entropy generation increases with the increase of thermal Grashof number, irreversibility distribution ratio and aspect ratio of the cavity. Bejan number is used to measure the predominance of either thermal or viscous irreversibility. At local level, irreversibility charts show that entropy generation is mainly localized on bottom corner of the left heated wall and upper corner of the right cooled wall.
Affects of Mechanical Milling and Metal Oxide Additives on Sorption Kinetics of 1:1 LiNH2/MgH2 Mixture
Authors: Anton Donald L. , Price Christine J. , Gray Joshua
Published: May 2011

The destabilized complex hydride system composed of LiNH2:MgH2 (1:1 molar ratio) is one of the leading candidates of hydrogen storage with a reversible hydrogen storage capacity of 8.1 wt%. A low sorption enthalpy of ~32 kJ/mole H2 was first predicted by Alapati et al. utilizing first principle density function theory (DFT) calculations and has been subsequently confirmed empirically by Lu et al. through differential thermal analysis (DTA). This enthalpy suggests that favorable sorption kinetics should be obtainable at temperatures in the range of 160 °C to 200 °C. Preliminary experiments reported in the literature indicate that sorption kinetics are substantially lower than expected in this temperature range despite favorable thermodynamics. Systematic isothermal and isobaric sorption experiments were performed using a Sievert’s apparatus to form a baseline data set by which to compare kinetic results over the pressure and temperature range anticipated for use of this material as a hydrogen storage media. Various material preparation methods and compositional modifications were performed in attempts to increase the kinetics while lowering the sorption temperatures. This paper outlines the results of these systematic tests and describes a number of beneficial additions which influence kinetics as well as NH3 formation.
Assessing Diet as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Pesticide Exposure
Authors: Oates Liza , Cohen Marc
Published: May 2011

The effects of pesticides on the general population, largely as a result of dietary exposure, are unclear. Adopting an organic diet appears to be an obvious solution for reducing dietary pesticide exposure and this is supported by biomonitoring studies in children. However, results of research into the effects of organic diets on pesticide exposure are difficult to interpret in light of the many complexities. Therefore future studies must be carefully designed. While biomonitoring can account for differences in overall exposure it cannot necessarily attribute the source. Due diligence must be given to appropriate selection of participants, target pesticides and analytical methods to ensure that the data generated will be both scientifically rigorous and clinically useful, while minimising the costs and difficulties associated with biomonitoring studies. Study design must also consider confounders such as the unpredictable nature of chemicals and inter- and intra-individual differences in exposure and other factors that might influence susceptibility to disease. Currently the most useful measures are non-specific urinary metabolites that measure a range of organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. These pesticides are in common use, frequently detected in population studies and may provide a broader overview of the impact of an organic diet on pesticide exposure than pesticide-specific metabolites. More population based studies are needed for comparative purposes and improvements in analytical methods are required before many other compounds can be considered for assessment.
Behavior of Phenols and Phenoxyacids on a Bisphenol-A Imprinted Polymer. Application for Selective Solid-Phase Extraction from Water and Urine Samples
Authors: Herrero-Hernández Eliseo , Carabias-Martínez Rita , Rodríguez-Gonzalo Encarnacion
Published: May 2011

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), obtained by precipitation polymerisation with 4-vinylpyridine as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker, and bisphenol-A (BPA) as template, was prepared. The binding site configuration of the BPA-MIP was examined using Scatchard analysis. Moreover, the behaviour of the BPA-MIP for the extraction of several phenolic compounds (bisphenol-A, bisphenol-F, 4-nitrophenol, 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol) and phenoxyacid herbicides such as 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and 2,4,5-TP has been studied in organic and aqueous media in the presence of other pesticides in common use. It was possible to carry out the selective preconcentration of the target analytes from the organic medium with recoveries of higher than 70%. In an aqueous medium, hydrophobic interactions were found to exert a remarkably non-specific contribution to the overall binding process. Several parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the BPA-MIP were evaluated to achieve the selective preconcentration of phenols and phenoxyacids from aqueous samples. The possibility of using the BPA-MIP as a selective sorbent to preconcentrate these compounds from other samples such as urine and river water was also explored.
Floridi’s “Open Problems in Philosophy of Information”, Ten Years Later
Authors: Dodig Crnkovic Gordana , Hofkirchner Wolfgang
Published: May 2011

In his article Open Problems in the Philosophy of Information [1] Luciano Floridi presented a Philosophy of Information research program in the form of eighteen open problems, covering the following fundamental areas: Information definition, information semantics, intelligence/cognition, informational universe/nature and values/ethics. We revisit Floridi’s program, highlighting some of the major advances, commenting on unsolved problems and rendering the new landscape of the Philosophy of Information (PI) emerging at present. As we analyze the progress of PI we try to situate Floridi’s program in the context of scientific and technological development that have been made last ten years. We emphasize that Philosophy of Information is a huge and vibrant research field, with its origins dating before Open Problems, and its domains extending even outside their scope. In this paper, we have been able only to sketch some of the developments during the past ten years. Our hope is that, even if fragmentary, this review may serve as a contribution to the effort of understanding the present state of the art and the paths of development of Philosophy of Information as seen through the lens of Open Problems.
Layer Transfer from Chemically Etched 150 mm Porous Si Substrates
Authors: Terheiden Barbara , Hensen Jan , Wolf Andreas , Horbelt Renate , Plagwitz Heiko , Brendel Rolf
Published: May 2011

We demonstrate for the first time the successful layer transfer of an epitaxially grown monocrystalline Si film from a purely chemically etched porous Si substrate of 150 mm diameter to a glass carrier. The surface conditioning for all Si layer transfer processes based on porous Si has been, up to now without exception, carried out by electrochemical etching. In contrast, our chemical stain etching process uses an aqueous HF-rich HF/HNO3 solution. The porosity increases with increasing doping concentration of the Si substrate wafer and with increasing porous layer thickness. In contrast to the electrochemically etched double layers, the porosity profile of the stain etched substrates is highest at the original wafer surface and lowest at the interface between the porous layer and the Si bulk. The epitaxy process is adapted to the high porosity at the surface with regard to the reorganization of the porous layer.
Effect of the Detector Width and Gas Pressure on the Frequency Response of a Micromachined Thermal Accelerometer
Authors: Garraud Alexandra , Combette Philippe , Courteaud Johann , Giani Alain
Published: May 2011

In the present work, the design and the environmental conditions of a micromachined thermal accelerometer, based on convection effect, are discussed and studied in order to understand the behavior of the frequency response evolution of the sensor. It has been theoretically and experimentally studied with different detector widths, pressure and gas nature. Although this type of sensor has already been intensively examined, little information concerning the frequency response modeling is currently available and very few experimental results about the frequency response are reported in the literature. In some particular conditions, our measurements show a cut-off frequency at −3 dB greater than 200 Hz. By using simple cylindrical and planar models of the thermal accelerometer and an equivalent electrical circuit, a good agreement with the experimental results has been demonstrated.
A Regioselective Synthesis of E-Guggulsterone
Authors: Ham Jungyeob , Chin Jungwook , Kang Heonjoong
Published: May 2011

We have successfully prepared E-guggulsterone from 16,17-epoxy-pregnenolone in 84% yield over two steps via a hydrazine reduction and Oppenhauer oxidation. Additionally, isomerization was induced by heat, light (hn) and acid catalysis to convert E- guggulsterone into the corresponding Z isomer.
Cytotoxicity and Pro-Apoptotic Activity of 2,2´-Bis[4,5-bis(4-hydroxybenzyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclopent-4-en-1,3-dione], a Phenolic Cyclopentenedione Isolated from the Cyanobacterium Strain Nostoc sp. str. Lukešová 27/97
Authors: Vacek Jan , Hrbáč Jan , Kopecký Jiří , Vostálová Jitka
Published: May 2011

The cytotoxicity of the polyphenol 2,2´-bis[4,5-bis(4-hydroxybenzyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclopent-4-en-1,3-dione], nostotrebin 6 (NOS-6), was tested under in vitro conditions using mouse fibroblasts (BALB/c cells). Identification of NOS-6 and its uptake into fibroblasts was examined by multi-stage mass spectrometry analysis with the following fragmentation pattern: MS (m/z) [M+H]+ 799.1 → MS2 399.1 → MS3 305.1 → MS4 277.1. Using several cell viability assays, the IC50 of NOS-6 after 24 h incubation was found to be 8.48 ± 0.16/12.15 ± 1.96 µM (neutral red/MTT assay) which was higher than that of doxorubicin. It was found that NOS-6 is capable of inducing both types of cell death, apoptosis and necrosis in a dose-dependent manner. The biological activities of the cyclopentenediones and preliminary data on NOS-6 cytotoxicity are discussed.
Transformation of Geniposide into Genipin by Immobilized β-Glucosidase in a Two-Phase Aqueous-Organic System
Authors: Yang Yi-Shun , Zhang Tong , Yu Shai-Cheng , Ding Yue , Zhang Li-Ying , Qiu Chen , Jin Duo
Published: May 2011

Genipin is the bioactive compound of geniposide and a natural cross-linking agent. In order to improve the preparation process of genipin, the hydrolysis of geniposide to genipin by immobilized β-glucosidase in an aqueous-organic two-phase system was studied. β-Glucosidase was immobilized by the crosslinking-embedding method using sodium alginate as the carrier. The optimum reaction temperature, pH value and time were 55 °C, 4.5 and 2.5 h, respectively. To reduce genipin hydrolysis and byproduct production the reaction was carried out in an aqueous-organic two-phase system comprising ethyl acetate and sodium acetate buffer. The product was analyzed by HPLC, UV, IR, and NMR. The yield of genipin was 47.81% and its purity was over 98% (HPLC).
Lactobacillus Adhesion to Mucus
Authors: Van Tassell Maxwell L. , Miller Michael J.
Published: May 2011

Mucus provides protective functions in the gastrointestinal tract and plays an important role in the adhesion of microorganisms to host surfaces. Mucin glycoproteins polymerize, forming a framework to which certain microbial populations can adhere, including probiotic Lactobacillus species. Numerous mechanisms for adhesion to mucus have been discovered in lactobacilli, including partially characterized mucus binding proteins. These mechanisms vary in importance with the in vitro models studied, which could significantly affect the perceived probiotic potential of the organisms. Understanding the nature of mucus-microbe interactions could be the key to elucidating the mechanisms of probiotic adhesion within the host.
Prediction of Positions of Active Compounds Makes It Possible To Increase Activity in Fragment-Based Drug Development
Authors: Fukunishi Yoshifumi
Published: May 2011

We have developed a computational method that predicts the positions of active compounds, making it possible to increase activity as a fragment evolution strategy. We refer to the positions of these compounds as the active position. When an active fragment compound is found, the following lead generation process is performed, primarily to increase activity. In the current method, to predict the location of the active position, hydrogen atoms are replaced by small side chains, generating virtual compounds. These virtual compounds are docked to a target protein, and the docking scores (affinities) are examined. The hydrogen atom that gives the virtual compound with good affinity should correspond to the active position and it should be replaced to generate a lead compound. This method was found to work well, with the prediction of the active position being 2 times more efficient than random synthesis. In the current study, 15 examples of lead generation were examined. The probability of finding active positions among all hydrogen atoms was 26%, and the current method accurately predicted 60% of the active positions.
A Rapid Method to Regenerate Piezoelectric Microcantilever Sensors (PEMS)
Authors: Loo LiNa , Wu Wei , Shih Wan Y. , Shih Wei-Heng , Borghaei Hossein , Pourrezaei Kambiz , Adams Gregory P.
Published: May 2011

Piezoelectric microcantilever sensors (PEMS) can be sensitive tools for the detection of proteins and cells in biological fluids. However, currently available PEMS can only be used a single time or must be completely stripped and refunctionalized prior to subsequent uses. Here we report the successful use of an alternative regeneration protocol employing high salt concentrations to remove the target, leaving the functional probe immobilized on the microcantilever surface. Our model system employed the extracellular domain (ECD) of recombinant human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) as the probe and anti-human EGFR polyclonal antibodies as the target. We report that high concentrations of MgCl2 dissociated polyclonal antibodies specifically bound to EGFR ECD immobilized on the sensor surface without affecting its bioactivity. This simple regeneration protocol both minimized the time required to re-conjugate the probe and preserved the density of probe immobilized on PEMS surface, yielding identical biosensor sensitivity over a series of assays.
A History of Quebec—Branded: The Staging of the New France Festival
Authors: Arellano Alexandra
Published: May 2011

Festivals are now well-established city positioning tools and destination branding instruments. Often developed within parameters of identity, lifestyle, and image management, branding through festivals can also be successfully achieved through the involvement of history and politics
of memory. This article explores the New France Festival that stages the “Quebec's New France” brand as the renewal of Frenchness. By looking at the staging of the festival in the space of the city, performances, and references to local identities, it is argued that primarily targeting
local residents for regional tourism can efficiently be done through the use of history. In addition to raising the city's cultural profile and visibility, encouraging international repositioning, and fostering economic development, festivals that celebrate history create a resonance with
people, which stimulates a sense of belonging, and can contribute to a strong branding process.
A Taste of Tourism: Visitors' Motivations to Attend a Food Festival
Authors: Chang Wanching , Yuan Jingxue (Jessica)
Published: May 2011

Food festivals can offer a whole host of sensory experiences for visitors while engaging with a destination and its people. Understanding visitors' motivations to attend a specific food festival is beneficial for both community developers and festival professionals when implementing
an effective marketing strategy in order to promote the event. This study applied a festival motivation framework incorporating three interacting components as the foundation to study food festival motives. The factor analysis results revealed six delineated motivational dimensions of visitors
attending a regional food festival in Texas. Findings indicated patrons attended the food festival for generic leisure and travel needs, event-specific experiences, and extrinsic motives. Marketing implications are discussed along with the findings.
Sporting Events and the Use of Alcohol by University Students: Managing the Risks
Authors: Pegg Shane , Patterson Ian , Axelsen Megan
Published: May 2011

Recent media releases have highlighted the increasing problem that binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption is creating among Australian youth. Yet despite these concerns, it would appear that little attention has been given to this core problem by many sport event organizers
beyond the standard security measures. The Australian University Games, the largest event of its type held annually in the Southern Hemisphere, attracts more than 6,500 participants as well as 1,700 different teams and support staff for 1 week of scheduled sporting and social activities. Despite
its size and complexity, only limited research had been undertaken to date with respect to the motivations, behavior, and perspectives of young adults attending this type of university-related sport tourism event. The primary aim of this exploratory study was to identify the underlying motivations
for students to participate in the Australian University Games in Brisbane, Australia, and their subsequent use of alcohol during the event. Importantly the study also sought to determine whether a relationship existed between the participants' motivations and their predisposition to engage
in alcohol consumption. Study results found that socializing and being with friends were critical factors for the participants. It was also found that alcohol consumption figured prominently in the lives of the majority of attendees. These findings have provided strong support for the provision
of a cohesive and purposeful social program as a major component part of the wider sporting based activities, and needs to be seen as a critical factor in the successful staging of future sports events such as the University Games. Results also highlighted the need for event organizers to
schedule more social activities, which are paramount when seeking to effectively reduce the level of risk as well as need for better profiling of event participants, which needs be implemented by management in the event preplanning stage.
Segmenting Event Attendees Based on Travel Distance, Frequency of Attendance, and Involvement Measures: A Cluster Segmentation Technique
Authors: Warnick Rodney B. , Bojanic David C. , Mathur Apurv , Ninan Deepak
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to conduct a postevent evaluation for the Great New England Air Show to apply a cluster segmentation technique using travel distance, purchase decision involvement, and frequency of attendance among its current visitors as measures to improve marketing
applications and to further examine the economic significance of the event. A cluster analysis procedure identified four groups of attendees: 1) Locals, 2) Highly involved enthusiasts, 3) First timers/nonloyals, and 4) Fringe attendees. Significant differences were identified across the four
cluster segments on individual involvement, number of times attended, distance from the event, length of trip, likelihood to return, expenditures per person, average age, and income. A graphic mapping technique was provided to visually depict the dispersion of the markets. Market applications
suggestions were made as these segments were identified and to provide this segmentation method as a strategy to more accurately measure the economic significance of the event.
Les effets de la crise des subprimes sur le marché financier mexicain
Authors: Dufrénot Gilles , Mignon Valérie , Péguin-Feissolle Anne
Published: May 2011

Résumé L’objet de cet article est de répondre à la question suivante : dans quelle mesure le fort accroissement constaté de la volatilité sur le marché financier mexicain, suite à la crise de 2007-2008, peut-il s’expliquer par la dégradation de l’environnement financier sur les marchés américains ? À cette fin, nous recourons à un modèle à changement de régime avec probabilités de transition variables dans lequel les périodes de crise et de calme sont identifiées de façon endogène. Utilisant des données quotidiennes de janvier 2004 à avril 2009, nos résultats vont dans le sens d’un rejet de l’hypothèse d’un découplage financier, puisque la dynamique de la volatilité sur le marché financier mexicain n’est pas indépendante de la situation financière des États-Unis.
Un contrat à obligation d'exécution peut-il résoudre le problème du hold-up ?
Authors: Fares M’hand
Published: May 2011

Résumé Cet article cherche à déterminer les conditions sous lesquelles un contrat à obligation d’exécution peut résoudre le problème classique du hold-up. Nous mettons en évidence deux résultats. D’une part, dans un environnement très général, la solution efficace ne peut être obtenue que si le contrat contrôle aussi le processus de renégociation. D’autre part, dans un environnement spécifique où les fonctions de bénéfice et de coût satisfont une condition de séparabilité, la solution efficace est implémentée parce qu’il existe une équivalence entre cette condition et l’hypothèse d’indépendance à l’état du monde. Dans ce cas, le contrat d’obligation d’exécution n’est pas nécessaire car un contrat volontaire est tout aussi efficace.
Effets de réputation dans un problème de hold-up
Authors: Marlats Chantal
Published: May 2011

Résumé Nous considérons deux partenaires économiques engagés dans une relation de long terme où l’un d’eux, le vendeur, doit choisir de faire un investissement spécifique. Une fois réalisé, l’autre partenaire, l’acheteur, peut s’accaparer une partie de cet investissement. Il s’agit d’une situation de hold-up : dans la version non dynamique de ce jeu, i.e. avec une seule phase d’investissement et une seule phase de négociation, l’investissement n’est pas réalisé, conduisant à une situation sous-optimale. Une littérature récente montre que, dans des situations de hold dynamique, il existe des équilibres efficaces (Che et Sakoviks [2004]). Nous explorons les effets de réputation dans un tel jeu en introduisant une asymétrie d’information sur les types des joueurs. Nous montrerons que seul le vendeur peut tirer profit de cette asymétrie d’information. Dans ce cas, le vendeur investit de manière sous-optimale. L’asymétrie d’information pouvant être arbitrairement petite, ce résultat suggère que l’efficacité induite par un cadre dynamique n’est pas robuste en un certain sens, tout du moins dans le cadre étudié.
Les dates de bans de vendange à Dijon : établissement critique et révision archivistique d'une série ancienne
Authors: Labbé Thomas , Gaveau Fabien
Published: May 2011

Résumé La date d’ouverture des bans de vendange est depuis longtemps considérée comme un indicateur de première importance pour l’histoire du climat. Les archives de la ville de Dijon possèdent la plus longue série de ce type connue à ce jour dans le monde, permettant de couvrir une période allant de 1385 à 1906 sans grandes lacunes. Très célèbre, l’établissement de cette série, effectué en grande partie par Jules Lavalle en 1855, repris par Alfred Angot qui l’augmenta de la fenêtre 1842-1879 n’avait pourtant jamais été révisé depuis, alors que les normes de critique du xix e  siècle ne correspondent pas toujours aux exigences actuelles. Le nouveau travail de compilation proposé ici, selon des critères plus stricts, s’est achevé sur la mise en évidence de 132 divergences plus ou moins notables entre cette nouvelle et l’ancienne série. Nous nous sommes attachés également à caractériser les grandes respirations de l’histoire sociale, propres aux pratiques de la viticulture dijonnaise sur ce temps long. Sont apparues des vendanges sans doute ouvertes de manière artificiellement précoce jusqu’au milieu du xvi e  siècle, des vendanges ouvertes à maturité générale entre xvii e et xviii e  siècles, et un retour à des cueillettes à plus grande précocité après la Révolution. Les conclusions climatiques s’en trouvent affinées. En outre, le coefficient de corrélation moyen ( R  = 0,630) entre les dates d’ouverture des vendanges à Dijon et les données thermométriques (avril à septembre) disponibles de 1676 à 1905 confirme la bonne fiabilité en ce sens de l’indicateur constitué par les bans.
Knowledge Management Processes
Authors: Land Frank , Amjad Urooj , Nolas Sevasti-Melissa
Published: May 2011

Knowledge management (KM), as a topic for academic research and practical implementation, has had a short history dating back only to the early 1990s. Due to knowledge management’s recent debut as we know it, it is not surprising that much of the writing and research on the subject is controversial. In this article we note the need of a critical awareness of desirable and undesirable shades of knowledge management processes (Land, Nolas, & Amjad, 2005).
Knowledge Patterns
Authors: Rech Jörg , Feldmann Raimund L. , Ras Eric
Published: May 2011

Knowledge patterns are one way to formalize and describe lessons learned and best practices (i.e., proven experiences) about structuring knowledge, the design of KM systems, or the development of underlying ontologies. Such patterns capture aspects that positively or negatively influence the KM activities. In the later case, where negative influences are described, such patterns are denoted as anti-patterns. Knowledge patterns and anti patterns support practitioners and researchers in their knowledge management (KM) activities and can help in developing KM systems as well as improving the quality of the systems themselves and that of the knowledge within (i.e., the quality of the knowledge). Thereby, patterns in KM represent a way of structuring knowledge as well as a form of language that helps knowledge engineers to communicate about knowledge and KM systems.
Knowledgeable Navigation in Virtual Environments
Authors: Sadeghian Pedram , Kantardzic Mehmed , Rashad Sherif
Published: May 2011

Virtual environments provide a computer-synthesized world in which users can interact with objects, perform various activities, and navigate the environment as if they were in the real world (Sherman & Craig, 2002). Research in a variety of fields (i.e., software engineering, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, human computer interactions, electrical engineering, psychology, perceptual science) has been critical to the advancement of the design and implementation of virtual environments. Applications for virtual environments are found in various domains, including medicine, engineering, oil exploration, and the military (Burdea & Coiffet, 2003). Despite the advances, navigation in virtual environments remains problematic for users (Darken & Sibert, 1996). Users of virtual environments, without any navigational tools, often become disoriented and have extreme difficulty completing navigational tasks (Conroy, 2001; Darken & Sibert, 1996; Dijk et al., 2003; Modjeska & Waterworth, 2000). Even simple navigational tools are not enough to prevent users from becoming lost in virtual environments. Naturally, this leads to a sense of frustration on the part of users and decreases the quality of human-computer interactions. In order to enhance the experience of users of virtual environments and to overcome the problem of disorientation, new sophisticated tools are necessary to provide navigational assistance. We propose the design and use of navigational assistance systems that use models derived through data mining to provide assistance to users. Such systems formalize the experience of previous users and make them available to new users in order to improve the quality of new users’ interactions with the virtual environment.
Framework of Agent-Based Intelligent System for Distributed Virtual Enterprise Project Control
Authors: Chen Yee Ming , Wang Shih-Chang
Published: May 2011

Virtual enterprise oriented projects need the support of distributed project management system which concerns the collaboration of different departments and enterprises. In this chapter, we propose a multiagent system with negotiation strategies for project schedule control - a collaborative system framework wherein a distributed project can be scheduled dynamically by agents in the virtual enterprise environment. A prototype of the multiagent systems with the negotiation strategies is implemented by Java, JADE, FIPA-ACL, and the negotiation strategies are experimentally validated. It successfully demonstrates on the online coordination and resolution of scheduling dynamically while encountering unexpected events to meet each project participant’s requirements.
Building Virtual Communities Through a De-Marginalized View of Knowledge Networking
Authors: Vat Kam Hou
Published: May 2011

The chapter investigates an actionable context of knowledge networking, from the perspective of sustainable development which should accommodate the building of communities in cyberspace so much exemplified in today’s Internet and World Wide Web. The premise of this exploration is that members, or participants, in any community are engaged in learning that is critical to the survival and reproduction of that community. Through community participation, learners find and acquire models and have the opportunity themselves to become models and apprentices of others. This investigation provides a basis for thinking about the possibilities of a virtual community and the dynamics of its construction across a variety of computer-based contexts. The design and refinement of technology as the conduit for extending and enhancing the possibilities of virtual community building is an essential issue, but the role of the individuals as participants in such a community is as important. The idea of sustainable knowledge networking is to bring about continual learning and change for the community in need. The emergent challenge of such a mission is to de-marginalize many of the non-technical issues of building virtual communities for knowledge transfer and learning. The chapter concludes by reiterating the challenge of expositing what it means to create an appropriate context of knowledge networking through which purposeful actions can be supported with the elaboration of suitable information technologies.
The Virtual Twin
Authors: Gachet Alexandre , Haettenschwiler Pius
Published: May 2011

As peer-to-peer computing finally reaches a critical mass, it triggers changes in the IT landscape that traditional network infrastructures, based on centralized, client/server topologies, cannot manage. Consequently, the ad hoc, self-organized, and loosely controlled nature of peer-to-peer networks needs to be supported by a new coordination layer representing the interests of the user. In order to define this new abstraction layer, this paper introduces the concept of the virtual twin — a kind of anthropomorphic representation of the networked person with whom the user can identify and feel comfortable. We discuss the inner structure of the virtual twin, first in an intuitive and informal way with an emphasis on its social aspect, then in a more detailed way with the analysis of its main components.
A Virtual Museum Where Students Can Learn
Authors: Blas Nicoletta Di , Paolini Paolo , Poggi Caterina
Published: May 2011

SEE, Shrine Educational Experience, represents an example of how Internet and multimedia technologies can effectively be exploited to deliver complex scientific and cultural concepts to middle and high school students. SEE (a project by Politecnico di Milano and the Israel Museum, Jerusalem) is based on a shared online 3-D environment, where students from four possibly different countries meet together to learn, discuss and play, visiting the virtual Israel Museum with a guide. The educational experience combines online engagement and cooperation to “traditional” off-line learning activities, spread across six weeks. Data from an extensive two-year-long evaluation of the project, involving over 1,400 participants from Europe and Israel, prove the educational effectiveness of this innovative edutainment format.
Believe It or Not
Authors: George Susan E.
Published: May 2011

This paper considers the development of virtual communities focusing upon virtual religion and its impact on humanity. It is important that religion is expressed communally and socially, and the Internet has provided a new community context for religiosity, linking people from geographically, socially, and culturally disparate backgrounds, facilitating interactivity as never before in an intriguing anthropological development. We find examples of “online religion” that are already occurring and see technology as playing a crucial positive role in humanity in the 21st century. While there are limitations with virtual interaction compared to face-to-face engagement, there are benefits, primarily that such technology starts to answer the deeper philosophical questions associated with technology, especially the question of how technology cannot rob people of the essence of what it is to be human. By facilitating virtual religion, technology assists the uniquely human pursuit of religiosity, and merely provides a new “meeting place” for exchange.
Virtual Teams
Authors: Pinsonneault Alain , Caya Olivier
Published: May 2011

This chapter reviews the extant empirical literature on virtual teams and presents what we know and what we don’t know about them. Drawing upon the literature from both Organization Behavior and IS, we propose a framework that integrates the most important variables affecting virtual teams. The framework is then used to assess the effects of virtual teamwork on group processes and outcomes. The paper also discusses the challenges facing researchers studying virtual teams and presents an agenda for future research.
A Security Requirements Engineering Tool for Domain Engineering in Software Product Lines
Authors: Rodríguez Jesús , Fernández-Medina Eduardo , Piattini Mario , Mellado Daniel
Published: May 2011

The concepts of Service-Oriented Architectures and Software Product Lines are currently being paid a considerable amount of attention, both in research and in practice. Both disciplines promise to make the development of flexible, cost-effective software systems possible and to support high levels of reuse, and may sometimes be complementary to each other. In both paradigms, security is a critical issue, although most of the existing product line practices do not comprise all the security requirements engineering activities or provide automated support through which to perform these activities, despite the fact that it is widely accepted that the application of any requirements engineering process or methodology is much more difficult without a CARE (Computer-Aided Requirements Engineering) tool, since it must be performed manually. Therefore, this chapter shall present a tool denominated as SREPPLineTool, which provides automated support through which to facilitate the application of the security quality requirements engineering process for software product lines, SREPPLine. SREPPLineTool simplifies the management of security requirements in product lines by providing us with a guided, systematic and intuitive manner in which to deal with them from the early stages of product line development, thus simplifying the management and the visualization of artefact variability and traceability links and the integration of security standards, along with the management of the security reference model proposed by SREPPLine.
An Aspect-Oriented Framework to Model Non-Functional Requirements in Software Product Lines of Service-Oriented Architectures
Authors: Alférez Salinas Germán Harvey , Alférez Salinas Edward Mauricio
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents and applies an extended version of an aspect-oriented framework for SPLs that exploits aspect-oriented software development (AOSD) techniques in order to model variability of NFRs in SPLs of SOAs from early development stages. The aspect-oriented framework for SPLs is related to the Core Asset Development and Product Development activities in product line development proposed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) of Carnegie Mellon University. The analysis is driven by a SPL where metrics were applied in order to assess the performance of the framework.
Fuzzy Electronic Supply Chain System
Authors: Fazlollahtabar Hamed , Hajmohammadi Hamed , Mahdavi Iraj , Mahdavi-Amiri Nezam , Mohajeri Amir
Published: May 2011

A supply chain is a network of suppliers, factories, warehouses, distribution centers and retailers, through which raw materials are acquired, transformed, produced and delivered to the customer. An effective and efficient way of managing this network is called a supply chain management system. The authors’ purpose here is to design a capable electronic supply chain system in an electronic market. The authors consider a supply chain composed of supplier, plant, and customer. The aim is to optimize a real time web-based fuzzy order-delivery system for which customer satisfaction is emphasized. As such, a comprehensive web-based order-delivery system in an electronic market is proposed and optimized applying fuzzy mathematical programming.
Are Nurses Prepared for Engagement to Evidence-Based Practice with New Technologies?
Authors: Saranto Kaija , Jylhä Virpi , Kinnunen Ulla-Mari
Published: May 2011

Capability in the domain of nursing informatics at least a beginner level is essential for all nursing graduates. The components of the domain are unpacked and explored along with a consideration of competency frameworks and the educational support needed to move toward specialist and advanced levels of informatics practice in nursing. The frontiers of nursing practice and education that involve social media and virtual worlds are explored.