bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dancing with Postmodernity
Authors: Eijkman Henk
Published: July 2010

This chapter addresses a significant theoretical gap in the Web 2.0 (or “Web 2.0+,” as it is referred to by the author) literature by analyzing the educational implications of the “seismic shift in epistemology” (Dede, 2008, p. 80) that is occurring. As already identified in Chapter 2, there needs to be a consistency between our own epistemic assumptions and those embedded in Web 2.0. Hence the underlying premise of this chapter is that the adoption of social media in education implies the assumption of a very different epistemology—a distinctly different way of understanding the nature of knowledge and the process of how we come to know. The argument is that this shift toward a radically altered, “postmodernist,” epistemic architecture of participation will transform the way in which educators and their students create and manage the production, dissemination, and validation of knowledge. In future, the new “postmodern” Web will increasingly privilege what we may usefully think of as a socially focused and performance-oriented approach to knowledge production. The expected subversion and disruption of our traditional or modernist power-knowledge system, as already evident in the Wikipedia phenomenon, will reframe educational practices and promote a new power-knowledge system, made up of new, social ways in which to construct and control knowledge across the Internet. The chapter concludes by advocating strategies for critical engagement with this new epistemic learning space, and posing a number of critical questions to guide ongoing practice.
Recent Developments in Simplified Sign-On
Authors: Curran Kevin , Caldwell Jennifer , Walsh Declan , Gallacher Marcella
Published: July 2010

Authentication is the process of determining whether a user is to be granted access and verifying that they are whom they claim to be. This is generally done via a login system; typically consisting of a user ID and a corresponding password. An intrinsic weakness of this system of authentication is that passwords are easily forgotten, accidentally revealed, can be second guessed, or even stolen. Users today have multiple email accounts; manage their financial affairs, buy, and even sell regularly online. Many sites offer the opportunity to sign up. This can be problematic for managing usernames and passwords and it encourages insecure practices, such as writing them down, storing them electronically, or reusing the same login data on multiple Web sites repeatedly. One of the most common online security issues faced today is that every Web site has its own diverse authentication system that significantly heightens the probability of online crime, such as fraud and identity theft and, furthermore, can compromise the privacy of the individual. A common network identity-verification method is Simplified Sign-On, which allows users to roam between sites without having to repeatedly enter identifying information. Privacy of user’s information should be maintained, as only relevant details are passed on to other sites. A number of organizations are already taking Simplified Sign-On on board and have had successful outcomes using this type of system. Some companies, such as Microsoft Passport, have used a Single Sign-On password system but they have had security and privacy issues after the launch. The future for most, if not all, users may be a secure and private single logon to access different sites and accounts on the Internet via Simplified Sign-On. This paper discusses Simplified Sign-On in more detail.
Dynamical Systems and their Chaotic Properties
Authors: Chlouverakis Kostas
Published: July 2010

This chapter describes the fundamental concepts of continuous-time chaotic dynamical systems so as to make the book self-contained and readable by fairly unfamiliar people with using simple chaotic systems and understanding their chaotic properties, but also by experts who desire to refine their knowledge regarding chaos theory. It will also define the sense in which a chaotic system is suitable for real-world applications such as encryption.
Synchronization of Uncertain Neural Networks with performance and Mixed Time-Delays
Authors: Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: July 2010

An exponential H8 synchronization method is addressed for a class of uncertain master and slave neural networks with mixed time-delays, where the mixed delays comprise different neutral, discrete and distributed time-delays. An appropriate discretized Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and some free weighting matrices are utilized to establish some delay-dependent sufficient conditions for designing a delayed state-feedback control as a synchronization law in terms of linear matrix inequalities under less restrictive conditions. The controller guarantees the exponential H8 synchronization of the two coupled master and slave neural networks regardless of their initial states. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the established synchronization laws.
Mathematical Treatment for Constructing a countermeasure against the one time pad attack on the Baptista Type Cryptosystem
Authors: Ariffin M.R.K. , Noorani M.S.M.
Published: July 2010

In 1998, M.S. Baptista proposed a chaotic cryptosystem using the ergodicity property of the simple lowdimensional and chaotic logistic equation. Since then, many cryptosystems based on Baptista’s work have been proposed. However, over the years research has shown that this cryptosystem is predictable and vulnerable to attacks and is widely discussed. Among the weaknesses are the non-uniform distribution of ciphertexts and succumbing to the one-time pad attack (a type of chosen plaintext attack). In this chapter the authors give a mathematical treatment to the phenomenon such that the cryptosystem would no longer succumb to the one-time pad attack and give an example that satisfies it.
Chaos Synchronization with Genetic Engineering Algorithm for Secure Communications
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sumona , Mitra Mala , Banerjee Santo
Published: July 2010

Sumona Mukhopadhyay, Mala Mitra and Santo Banerjee have proposed a method of digital cryptography inspired from Genetic Algorithm(GA) and synchronization of chaotic delayed system. The chapter introduces a brief idea about the concept of Evolutionary Algorithm(EA) and demonstrates how the potential of dynamical system such as chaos and EA can be utilized in a reliable, efficient and computational cheaper method for secure communication. GA is a subclass of Evolutionary algorithm and as such is governed by the rules of organic evolution. In GA the selection mechanism and both transformation operators-crossover and mutation are probabilistic. In their proposed method for cryptography, the parameters and  keys of the system are secure since the synchronized dynamical system does not necessitate the transmission of keys over the communication channel. The random sequence obtained from chaotic generator further transforms it into a powerful stochastic method of searching the solution space in varied directions for an optimal solution escaping points of local optima. But randomicity can sometimes destabilize the system and there is no guarantee that it yields an improved solution. The authors have substituted the random and probabilistic selection operator of GA with problem specific operator to design the cryptosystem to control such random behavior otherwise it would lead to a solution which is uncorrelated with the original message and may also lead to loss of information. The way selection has been modified leads to two versions of the proposed genetic engineering algorithm for cryptography. Simulation results demonstrates that both the flavors of the proposed cryptography successfully recover the message. A comparison of their proposed method of cryptography with cryptography  developed from Comma-Based Recombination selection mechanism of Evolutionary Strategy shows a computational edge of their proposed work.
Examining the Impact of Tracking on Long-Term Student Outcomes
Authors: Fletcher Edward C. , Zirkle Chris
Published: July 2010

The focus of this chapter is to review the literature dealing with the impact of tracking on long-term student outcomes, such as postsecondary education attainment and earnings potential. As a result, this chapter will examine whether the goals of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990 have been met: that is, preparing CTE students for the workforce as well as for postsecondary education. This particular legislative initiative is critical since it was the first endeavor to expand the historical goal of preparing students solely for the workforce. The discussion ends with an articulation of future trends for practice and research.
Career and Technical Education Technology
Authors: Farmer Lesley
Published: July 2010

In the last three decades, the nature of technology incorporation into career and technical education (CTE) training has changed. Technology used in the field has been supplemented by technology used in training per se. Technology has increasingly infiltrated into today’s social arena, workplace, and education. In response, the use of technology in CTE reflects both educational philosophy and societal context. Teaching about technology differs from teaching with technology; the former focuses on content, and the latter focuses on process. The nature of CTE, instruction as a whole, and technology in particular, have shaped how CTE faculty teach with technology over the past three decades. In this period, technology-enhanced CTE instruction has moved from top-down to broad-based, from one-directional to two- and multi-directional communication, from static to dynamic, from programmer-dependent to content-dependent, and from administrative- to learning-oriented. Representative practices and a model of CTE technology-enhanced instruction are discussed.
Coastal Web Atlas Implementation
Authors: Haddad Tanya , O’Dea Elizabeth , Dunne Declan , Walsh Kuuipo
Published: July 2010

Coastal Web Atlas (CWA) design may be based around interactive maps that provide users with access to rich information about the geography of the coastal zone. There are few firm rules about what elements should make up a CWA, or how those elements should be developed. Developers seeking to build a successful product for their audience should begin with knowledge of the needs and capabilities of their users, and design the elements of their CWA accordingly. In general, principles of good web design and usability should be adhered to at all times.
Oregon, USA
Authors: Haddad Tanya , Bailey Robert J. , Wright Dawn J.
Published: July 2010

This coastal web atlas case study for Oregon, USA, featuring the Oregon Coastal Atlas (OCA), describes a web site where people interested in coastal and marine information for the Oregon coast can find, learn about, and utilize data about the various resources and management issues in the Oregon coastal zone. The OCA currently hosts an archive of over 3,700 individual coastal data layers (including orthophotographs) and serves a variety of static and dynamic map products as well as informational tools focused on coastal places and topics.
Virginia and Maryland, USA
Authors: Berman Marcia , McCall Catherine
Published: July 2010

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the largest estuary in the United States, spans 62,000 square miles and includes six states and the District of Columbia. A stewardship agreement exists among the three primary states; Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania that calls for a commitment to implement regulation and uphold practices that maintain or improve the Bay’s ecosystem as a whole. To meet these and other coastal challenges Virginia and Maryland have independently developed Internet based products through which data, maps, and information are served. This chapter will summarize some of the highlights of each state’s coastal web atlas. The type and format of resources available through each site will be reviewed. The user community will be defined. And a brief description of the site management structure will be presented. Both efforts have been spear- headed and supported by the states’ Coastal Zone Management Program, a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Making the Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) Flexible
Authors: Wolff Daniela , Singh Nishant
Published: July 2010

The Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) is a process modeling language which uses standard control constructs to define a workflow. But, today‘s enterprises need to be agile to cope with increasing change, uncertainty and unpredictability. Therefore, automating agile business processes is still a challenge as they are normally knowledge intensive and can be planned to a limited degree. The execution order depends heavily on the case, which has to be performed. So instead of modeling all possible cases and situations which might occur in a knowledge intensive process we introduced an approach which uses semantic technologies and rules. Business rules can be utilized to allow for case-specific adaptation of process steps. A component was developed which allow during run-time rules to automatically detect the state of the case and to determine the necessary process adaptations.
Planning Cooperation in Inter-Organizational Systems
Authors: Ponisio María Laura , van Eck Pascal , Riemens Lourens
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this chapter is to present a systematic reasoning framework (called e-Planning) to plan cooperation between organizations in a network. Thorough assessment of opportunities for and obstacles to cooperation is of paramount importance, as setting up electronic networks usually requires considerable up-front investments in information technology (IT) specific for this cooperation. E-Planning offers an action plan for decision makers to determine with whom to establish cooperation first, and on which topic to cooperate more closely. Following a method for critical problem solving, e-Planning provides guidance to analyze different potential partners and to reason about obstacles to and opportunities for cooperation. To illustrate and validate the framework, it is applied in the area of cooperation between customs organizations of member states of the European Union. Applying the reasoning framework in practice revealed several potential benefits, such as fast and successful assessment of cooperation needs that result in increased re-use of knowledge and software applications. In particular, this way of reasoning may prove to help decision makers cut down unnecessary expenses by, for instance, avoiding duplicated projects.
Personalized Web Service Provisioning to Mobile Users USING Policy-based Profile and QoS Management
Authors: Badidi Elarbi , Esmahi Larbi
Published: July 2010

In the last few years, a rising proportion of the workforce is becoming more and more mobile, meaning that organizations must consider this new trend in their corporate and IT strategies. The expectation of employees now is that they can retain access to their corporate services as they move to new locations, using various kinds of handheld devices. This chapter describes our proposed broker-based system for Web services provisioning to mobile users with quality of service (QoS) requirements. It describes a set of brokers collaborating to provide tailored services to mobile users while they move from one site to another in their corporate and partners’ networks. Access to QoS-enabled Web services complies with the policies of the user‘s home site. Policies are a key component of the system as they are involved at different levels: authorization, QoS specification, QoS service monitoring, and service selection.
Wiki-Dic 2.0
Authors: Theodorou Tryfon L. , Violettas George E. , Georgiadis Christos K.
Published: July 2010

We may define e-voting as the process of evaluating an article or ranking a translation of a specific scientific term in a relevant web site. This all process of participation and interaction is one of the Web 2.0 definitions, the collaborative knowledge. On-line dictionaries have to consider this factor in order to succeed. They have to be interactive and they have to attract and support the users’ participation and contribution. In the proposed e-dictionary, namely “Wiki-Dic”, some experts begin a dictionary, they start filling it with words and translations, and all users are allowed not only to look for the translation, but also to vote for it. The most voted translations go to the top. In addition, appropriate security countermeasures are used to deal efficiently with the “one vote per person” problem and to avoid malicious software. Furthermore, an intelligent algorithm that is giving weights to the voters is implemented. In this way, the weights are computed automatically from our application, based on quantitative and qualitative information as well.
Making Decisions in IS/IT Outsourcing
Authors: Huang Cheng-Chieh , Hsieh Ching-Cha
Published: July 2010

Making decisions in an IS/IT outsourcing project is complex and the outcome is unpredictable. Prior research on IS/IT outsourcing decisions simply assumed the decision-making process is rational, comprehensive and independent that is not descriptively accurate, and thus, cannot be prescriptively useful in such a complex environment. In order to gain a deeper understanding of decision-making in IS/IT outsourcing processes, this chapter creates an outsourcing decision framework, derived from a dynamic perspective, to illustrate the decision-making process and how the decisions impact outsourcing results. An in-depth case study methodology is used to interpret an e-strategy transformation outsourced project. The analysis indicates interwoven decisions, knowledge as power, decision-makers’ cognition, and ideologies should be the focus of future studies on IS/IT outsourcing.
An Investigation into the Adoption and Implementation of Electronic Commerce in Saudi Arabian Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Al-Somali Sabah A. , Clegg Ben , Gholami Roya
Published: July 2010

Saudi Arabian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will face fierce competition from new entrants to local markets as a result of their accession to the Word Trade Organisation (WTO), and electronic commerce (e-commerce) technologies can reinforce SME’s competitive edge. This study investigates the state of e-commerce adoption and analyses the factors that determine the extent to which SMEs in Saudi Arabia are inclined towards deploying e-commerce technologies. This could assist future firms in designing effective implementation projects. Seven SMEs’ e-commerce adoption levels are studied as a case. The Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework was used as the major source of inspiration in our analysis of e-commerce adoption amongst Saudi SMEs. In addition to advancing research on e-commerce in Saudi Arabia, this chapter also highlights several directions for future inquiry and implications for managers and policymakers.
A Conceptual Model of a Knowledge Warehouse
Authors: Levy Meira
Published: July 2010

A firm’s capability to transfer its existing knowledge to various stakeholders and translate knowledge into action determines its success in today‘s volatile global business environment. However, while many firms systematically manage data and information, managing knowledge remains a controversial issue. One of the reasons for this is inconclusiveness about what knowledge is and whether it can be managed. In order to more precisely define knowledge and its management, a knowledge warehouse conceptual model (KW-CM) is proposed for practically and systematically assimilating of knowledge within organizational business processes. This conceptual model integrates aspects of knowledge that encompass business processes, stakeholders and other organizational information systems within the existing data warehouse (DW) conceptual model. In addition, the paper presents a formal architecture, definitions and guidelines that describe the KW components and processes for leveraging data and information into knowledge. The proposed KW-CM is demonstrated with an example of a DW which handles information regarding customer product usage.
The Needed Adaptability for ERP Systems
Authors: Almeida Ricardo , Azevedo Américo
Published: July 2010

The new market trends are forcing companies to constantly reorganize their business processes so that they can react quickly to the new economic challenges. Although not always, enterprise information systems provide an appropriate response to these situations due to several reasons, such as technology failure, lack of adaptable configuration tools or even the financial investment required, which makes it unaffordable to companies. This article presents a functional model for ERP Systems (called FME) that would guarantee a baseline structure to build solutions which would provide a complete configuration and, therefore, a timely reaction to market fluctuations. This model also summarizes some of the most used functionalities of the available ERP Systems.
Factors Influencing Users‘ Intention to Continue Using ERP Systems
Authors: Elragal Ahmed , Birry Dalia
Published: July 2010

There has been an increasing interest in ERP systems in both research and practice in the last decade. But unfortunately in many occasions a lot of companies have stopped using these systems after they went-live with the implementation. This study is an attempt to reveal the factors influencing users‘ intention to continue using the ERP system. A survey was sent to respondent gaining a number of 223 responses. A hypothesized model was developed based on three theories; TAM, ECT, and TPB. The model was tested using regression analysis of the collected responses. Results showed that users‘ intension to continue using the ERP systems are affected by: perceived usefulness, satisfaction, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control. Meanwhile, perceived usefulness is affected by confirmation and subjective norm while satisfaction is affected by perceived usefulness and confirmation.
ERP System Selection Criteria
Authors: Pucihar Andreja , Lenart Gregor , Sudzina Frantisek
Published: July 2010

The chapter proposes a possible model of criteria for ERP system selection. The proposed model consists of four groups of ERP system selection criteria: the ERP systems benefits criteria, the system quality criteria, the vendor related criteria and the ERP system package criteria. The data was collected in companies in Slovenia. Research results have confirmed internal consistency of ERP selection criteria in each group. For each criterion the importance is evaluated by small, medium-sized and large companies. Beside that also company size, implemented information strategy, representation of the IT department on the board level in the company and turnover impact on importance of each criterion is evaluated and presented. The model presented in this chapter could be useful for ERP system providers to better understand companies’ needs and to provide systems tailored for individual needs of the company. The model could also be useful for companies considering ERP system implementation to avoid high costs of failed implementations.
INOVA Framework
Authors: Enríquez L. Borrajo , Saco Pedro , Cotos José M. , Casal Alberto , Larsson Christian
Published: July 2010

Nowadays, the WWW is playing a vital role in the business world. Most enterprises are becoming digital. Content management systems provide an effective method to improve the development of web applications and make the maintainer’s job easier. The purpose of this work is to study the benefits that the use of web technologies can suppose for a SME company when they are applied to integrate their work techniques and procedures. The authors have also tried to use it to provide their customers with several services, and to make easier the company expansion process. The framework developed includes a security system for the access to the contents based on the RBAC model. The use of the INOVA framework has provided a benefit as much for INOVA itself, as for its customers, by including in a centralized way document resources and toolkits that can be accessed remotely.
The Social Cost of Social Value Creation
Authors: Jelen Jonatan , Kolakovic Marko
Published: July 2010

Google, eBay, Amazon, Facebook, Myspace, Craig’s List and their foreign equivalents, such as the Chinese QQ and Baidu, for example, are ostensibly complex, and – more troublesome - their attitudes are becoming increasingly contradictory, controversial, and conflicted: For one, Tom Malone’s decade-old predictions of a decentralized network of a multitude of small, cooperating firms did not materialize; to the contrary and counter to the spirit of the democratic nature of information and information technology, these e-giants are defining their own industries and defying regulation, submitting the participants in their respective markets to proprietary rules via three central tenets: regulatory capture, regulatory arbitrage, and regulatory opportunism. In the present critical chapter the authors explore these traits of the Complex Information Technology-Intensive firms and formulate elements of a framework for their ambiguous nature that may lead to social cost exceeding their initially glorified social value creation.
Amendments to the legislation: 1989‐2009
Authors: Doughty Julie
Published: July 2010

This review sets out the legislative amendments that have been made to the Children Act 1989 since it was implemented in 1991. It highlights the most significant changes to the original wording of the Act, with brief summaries of the relevant background and references to comment by leading figures in law and social work. The review follows the structure of the Act, beginning with the welfare principle and covering: private law provisions; local authority duties to children in need; care orders; and child protection. It is concluded that the majority of the amendments have arisen through increased recognition of the impact of domestic violence on children, campaigning by the fathers' rights movements and the economic pressures on local authorities that have prevented the provision of adequate services to children in need.
The Children Act 1989 in the highest courts
Authors: Hale Brenda
Published: July 2010

This article gives an account of the cases in which the Children Act 1989 has been interpreted and applied by the highest courts in the UK, the appellate committee of the House of Lords until October 2009 when their jurisdiction was taken over by the new Supreme Court of the UK. It explains the reasoning behind those decisions and how they did, or did not, reflect the thinking of the original framers of the Act. It concludes that, by and large, the Act has stood up well to judicial scrutiny but that the Human Rights Act 1998 has brought new challenges to which it must respond.
The concept of significant harm in law and practice
Authors: Harwin Judith , Madge Nicola
Published: July 2010

This article examines the value of the concept of significant harm some 20 years after its introduction in the Children Act 1989. It introduces the concept of significant harm and then discusses the profile of children and families in care proceedings, the decision‐making process, the interpretation of significant harm in case law, ‘panic’ and its impact on patterns of referrals for case proceedings, and the issue of resources. An alternative model of the problem‐solving court is outlined. It is suggested that ‘significant harm’ has largely stood the test of time. However, the absence of a clear operational definition is both its strength and its weakness. It allows necessary professional discretion but is vulnerable to external pressures affecting its interpretation. A more confident workforce and sufficient resources are required, but the future role of the court and compulsory care is more contentious. The problem‐solving court model may offer a helpful way forward for the scrutiny of significant harm.
Interpreting the cloud cover – aerosol optical depth relationship found in satellite data using a general circulation model
Authors: Quaas J. , Stevens B. , Stier P. , Lohmann U.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Statistical analysis of satellite data shows a positive correlation between aerosol optical depth (AOD) and total cloud cover (TCC). Reasons for this relationship have been disputed in recent literature. The aim of this study is to explore how different processes contribute to one model's analog of the positive correlation between aerosol optical depth and total cloud cover seen in the satellite retrievals. We compare the slope of the linear regression between the logarithm of TCC and the logarithm of AOD, or the strength of the relationship, as derived from three satellite data sets to the ones simulated by a global aerosol-climate model. We analyse model results from two different simulations with and without a parameterisation of aerosol indirect effects, and using dry compared to humidified AOD. Perhaps not surprisingly we find that no single one of the hypotheses discussed in the literature is able to uniquely explain the positive relationship. However the dominant contribution to the model's AOD-TCC relationship can be attributed to aerosol swelling in regions where humidity is high and clouds are coincidentally found. This finding leads us to hypothesise that much of the AOD-TCC relationship seen in the satellite data is also carried by such a process, rather than the direct effects of the aerosols on the cloud fields themselves.
Violent storms within the Sea: dense water formation episodes in the NW Mediterranean
Authors: Salat J. , Puig P. , Latasa M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Heat and water exchanges in the ocean occur almost exclusively at the surface. As water compressibility is very low, stratification of the fluid is expected and horizontal motion is predominant in the sea interior. Among the few processes that may introduce a vertical component in the water motion are those that increase surface water density by freezing, cooling or evaporation. Those processes triggering convective motion are enhanced by cold surface air, dry wind and low solar radiation. Therefore, convective cells are more likely to occur when the temperature of the air at the sea surface is lower than sea surface temperature. Conversely, rain, river runoff, solar heating, calm and condensation at surface enhance stratification. Convective motion at sea has several scales ranging from few meters at the upper ocean, causing the surface mixed layer, to the entire water column, in what is known as deep convection. Only few places in the world ocean are suitable for deep convection, and only under particular weather conditions. In this paper, a brief review of the response to these particular conditions in the NW Mediterranean is presented in what is known as dense water formation. The violent sinking and spreading of water parcels that reach the deep sea floor in few hours is described. These are "hidden" mediterranean storms, occurring under the sea surface, "on the other side of the mirror".
Hydrological changes in the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean, DYFAMED site) during 1995–2007 and biogeochemical consequences
Authors: Marty J. C. , Chiavérini J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Data obtained during the monthly cruises of the DYFAMED time-series study (northwestern Mediterranean Sea) in the period 1995–2007 were compiled to examine the hydrological changes and the linked variation of some biogeochemical characteristics (nutrients and pigments). A regular increase of temperature and salinity (0.005 °C y−1, 0.0022 psu y−1) was recorded in deep waters of the NW Mediterranean Sea (2000 m depth) during 1995–2005. In February 2006 an abrupt increase in T (+0.1 °C) and S (+0.03 psu) was measured at 2000 m depth as the result of successive intense winter mixing events during the 3 previous years. The February 2006 event led to the mixing of the whole water column (0 to >2000 m) and increased salt and heat content of the Western Mediterranean Deep Water by mixing with saltier and warmer Levantine Intermediate Water. The deficit in fresh water inputs to the western Mediterranean basin in three successive years (2003–2005) was suspected to be the major cause of this event since an increase of salinity in surface waters was monitored during these years. The measured phytoplankton biomass was specifically high after the periods of intense mixing. Chlorophyll a integrated biomass reached 230 mg m−2 in 1999, 175 mg m−2 in 2003, and 206 mg m−2 in 2006. The high levels of biomass were related to the particularly high increases in nutrients content in surface layers following the intense water column mixing and the subsequent development of a diatom bloom (as seen by fucoxanthin content). The occurrence of extreme events (high mixing, high nutrients, and high biomass) increased in recent drought years (2003 to 2006). Our results indicated that the NW Mediterranean Sea productivity is increasing.
Texturation of Ni–Co–Mn–In Ribbons by Melt Spinning
Authors: Li Zonbin , Wang Jijie , Zhang Yudong , He Kezhun , Zhao Xiang , Zuo Liang , Hofer Gerhard , Esling Claude
Published: July 2010

Ni45Co5Mn36.6In13.4 ribbons were prepared by the melt spinning technique. They are in the austenitic state at the room temperature with a Cubic L21 structure and are composed of columnar grains growing perpendicular to the ribbon plane. A nearly single {001}〈100〉 cube component is formed at low wheel‐rotating speed due to the preferential growth of nuclei in the ribbon plane normal and length directions. Appropriate control of the melt spinning condition offers a promising solution to the texturation of polycrystalline ferromagnetic shape memory alloys.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Cascade for Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2‐a:2′,1′‐c]‐/Pyrido[2,1‐c]pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalinones
Authors: Zhou Yu , Ji Xun , Liu Guannan , Zhang Dengyou , Zhao Linxiang , Jiang Hualiang , Liu Hong
Published: July 2010

An efficient and convenient method was developed for the one‐pot construction of the complex polycyclic heterocycles pyrrolo[1,2‐a:2′,1′‐c]‐/pyrido[2,1‐c]pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalinones from two simple starting materials via a gold(I)‐catalyzed domino reaction. This strategy presents an atom economical and environmentally friendly transformation, in which two new CN bonds and one new CC bond are formed in a one‐pot reaction process.
Modeling solid–liquid equilibrium of NH4Cl‐MgCl2‐H2O system and its application to recovery of NH4Cl in MgO production
Authors: Wang Daoguang , Li Zhibao
Published: July 2010

A new method to recover NH4Cl from NH4Cl‐rich aqueous solutions generated in the magnesia (MgO) production is developed on the basis of modeling the solid–liquid equilibrium (SLE) for the NH4Cl‐MgCl2‐H2O system with the Pitzer model embedded in Aspen Plus™ platform. The SLE values for the ternary system were determined from 278.15 to 348.15 K. The new standard‐state chemical potentials of NH4Cl and MgCl2·6H2O were judicially obtained. The resulting equilibrium constants were used to determine new interaction parameters for the NH4Cl‐H2O and MgCl2‐H2O systems. These new parameters, together with the mixing parameters determined from correlating the experimental values, were used to correlate the equilibrium constant for NH4MgCl3·6H2O, which plays a key role in NH4Cl recovery. The results could extend SLE calculation for the NH4Cl‐MgCl2‐H2O system from 278.15 to 388.15 K, satisfying the process identification and simulation requirement involved in the recovery process. The phase‐equilibrium diagram generated by modeling was illustrated to identify the process alternatives for recovering NH4Cl. The resulting course to recover NH4Cl by three fractional crystallization operations was finally proved feasible. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011.
Surveillance of fatal occupational injuries in France: 2002–2004
Authors: Brière Julien , Chevalier Anne , Imbernon Ellen
Published: July 2010

Background

Insufficient use is made of available information about workplace and commuting accidents covered by social insurance workers compensation funds in France. We sought to determine whether these data could be used to calculate national indicators for surveillance of fatal occupational injuries for 2002–2004.

Methods

We calculated the number of deaths, mortality rate, and years of potential life lost from workplace and commuting accidents (by sex, age, economic activity, and cause of accident) for employees by collecting data from eight social insurance funds in France. The number of deaths, the mortality rates, and the attributable fraction of accidental deaths due to work were estimated for both employees and self‐employed workers.

Results

The mean annual number of employee deaths from workplace and commuting accidents reached 1,330 in 2002–2004. The mortality rate from workplace accidents (6.0 per 100,000) increased with age among men and was especially high in three sectors: agriculture–forestry–fishing, transportation, and construction.Overall, for employees and the self‐employed combined, the mean annual number of deaths from workplace and commuting accidents was estimated at 1,557 (95% CI: 1,478–1,640). The attributable fraction of accidental deaths due to work for those aged 15–59 years was estimated at almost 20% among men.

Conclusions

Despite data limitations, it was possible to calculate previously unknown national indicators of fatal workplace and commuting accidents and to compare them with other work‐related health problems. These results are consistent with those observed in comparable industrialized countries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1109–1118, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure to anesthetic gases and congenital anomalies in offspring of female registered nurses
Authors: Teschke Kay , Abanto Zenaida , Arbour Laura , Beking Kris , Chow Yat , Gallagher Richard P. , Jong Ben , Le Nhu D. , Ratner Pamela A. , Spinelli John J. , Dimich‐Ward Helen
Published: July 2010

Background

Studies of offspring of mothers exposed to anesthetic gases have shown associations with congenital anomalies reported by the mothers, but rarely in studies with objectively ascertained outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine associations between registry‐ascertained congenital anomalies in offspring and anesthetic gas exposure of mothers employed as nurses.

Methods

A cohort of registered nurses in British Columbia, Canada, was linked to records of births and congenital anomalies from 1990 to 2000. Exposures were assessed via a survey of anesthetic gas use in all hospitals in the province and records of nurses' jobs, departments, and hospitals.

Results

Departments most frequently reporting anesthetic gas use were operating rooms, post‐anesthetic recovery rooms, and maternity units. In the cohort of 15,317 live‐borne children of 9,433 mothers, 1,079 had congenital anomalies. Anomalies were associated with ever and probable maternal exposure to halogenated gases (ORs: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.04–2.13; and 2.61, 95% CI: 1.31–5.18, respectively) and to nitrous oxide (ORs: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05–1.94; and 1.82, 95% CI: 1.11–2.99). Anomalies most frequently associated with exposure were those of the heart (OR, halogenated gases: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.07–4.97) and integument (OR, halogenated gases: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.53–8.32; OR, nitrous oxide: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.37–6.64). Gases most frequently associated with anomalies were halothane (predominantly used early in the study period), isoflurane, and sevoflurane (predominantly used later in the period).

Conclusions

In this study, where both exposures and outcomes were assessed objectively, certain congenital anomalies were associated with estimated anesthetic gas exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:118–127, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familial syndrome resembling Aarskog syndrome
Authors: Xu Mingzhi , Qi Ming , Zhou Huali , Yong Jing , Qiu Huiqing , Cong Peikuan , Hong Xutao , Li Chengjiang , Jiang Yan , Chen Xiao , Yu Yunsong
Published: July 2010

Aarskog(–Scott) syndrome (AAS) is characterized by short stature, and facial, limb, and genital anomalies. AAS can be an X‐linked condition caused by mutations in the FGD1 gene, but there is evidence that an autosomal dominant or recessive form also exists. We report on a Chinese family in whom several members have manifestations of AAS, but differ in limb anomalies and show additional characteristics. FGD1 sequencing and linkage analysis excluded FGD1 as the cause in this family. A common known submicroscopic chromosome imbalance is less likely. Both autosomal dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance remain possible. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A General Evaluation Model for An Information Storage and Retrieval System
Authors: Keith Nathan R.
Published: July 2010

The problem of choosing the best information storage and retrieval system involves a consideration of the operational characteristics of information storage and retrieval systems relative to information requirements. Using these considerations, evaluations can be based upon decision theoretical considerations. The lack of such a decision theoretical basis for the study of the operation of these systems makes it difficult to evolve a well‐defined approach even to the gathering of evidence upon which to base a choice of a particular system.

The development of the parameters for a system evaluation model used in the selection of an information storage and retrieval system is considered here. The parameters used by the general evaluation model are the major operational characteristics of a system, and their costs are, related to the user's information storage and retrieval requirements. Each major function of an information storage and retrieval system that is considered in the general evaluation model is discussed. The evaluation of the operational characteristics of an information storage and retrieval system can come only after all aspects of a system have been considered and there is evidence on which to base a judgment. If any functional area is left out of the evaluation model, then the evaluation of a system cannot be completed.
Administrative and Financial Aspects of Computers in Education
Authors: Rush James E.
Published: July 2010

This paper discusses in a general way the acquisition of computing facilities. Guidelines are given for how to start in computing, what factors to consider in the acquisition of one's own equipment, where to get advice, who should use the facilities, and how to provide security and privacy for the user and for the facility.
Opinion Paper. Information in an Informationless World or The Making of an Information Scientist
Authors: Tague Jean , Carroll John
Published: July 2010

The dynamic and heterogeneous nature of information requirements in today's world calls for a new approach to information science education. A curriculum involving a truly generalist approach at the under‐graduate level and a work‐study program at the graduate level would provide the range of experience needed by the next generation of information scientists.
Cost‐Benefit Model of Library Acquisitions in Terms of Use: Progress Report
Authors: Montgomery K. Leon , Bulick Stephen , Fetterman John , Kent Allen
Published: July 2010

A project has been undertaken to study the use of library materials: to evaluate acquisition decisions in terms of subsequent use and to derive a cost‐benefit model for use in purchasing and resource sharing and in the weeding and retirement of little‐used materials.

This first progress report considers only circulating books and monographs. Data derived from circulation records are analyzed in terms of the number of uses per individual item.

A surprising result is the nearly straight‐line plot (semi‐log scale) that exhibits consistent halving of the number of items circulated with each successive increase in number of uses. These results are consistent over each of five years studied. The phenomenon is not yet explained.

In addition, it is observed that only half of the collection is circulated one or more times over a five‐year period.
Lotka's Law and Computer Science Literature
Authors: Radhakrishnan T. , Kernizan R.
Published: July 2010

An experiment to verify the satisfaction of Lotka's law, with the papers published in the area of computer science, is reported. It is seen that the estimates of this law deviate considerably from the observations. Need for further experiments to verify Lotka's law in the area of applied sciences and engineering is emphasized.
Pricing Policy for Library Services
Authors: Casper Cheryl A.
Published: July 2010

Many library services, which generally have been provided free to users, are likely to acquire price tags in the near future. This article addresses two aspects of this issue of vital concern to both library managers and users. First, the pros and cons of user fees for library services are discussed. Economic theory provides sound arguments in support of both sides of the debate in favor of and against user fees. Second, some models for setting user fees embodying two possible choices of objectives for library pricing policy‐profit maximization and maximization of user net benefits‐are discussed and the informational requirements of these models are outlined.
Air Pollution Technical Information Network: A Revised Approach
Authors: Halpin Peter , Knight John E.
Published: July 2010

Technical information services which match the needs of the air pollution control community are now being provided. EPA studied alternatives for one month before settling on this new approach which relies on a multiplicity of existing technical information services. A file of more than 82, 000 abstracts was transferred from EPA's computer and information retrieval system in Research Triangle Park, NC, to those of Lockheed in Palo Alto, CA. That file is being built at the new rate of 2500–4000 abstracts per year. EPA may resume publication of an abstract bulletin from that file and other files which contain the needed information. A quarterly catalog of all EPA reports, including those on air pollution, is for sale at NTIS. EPA is sponsoring literature searches from multiple files for an exclusive clientele. EPA's offices may make the abstracted documents accessible at their locations nationwide. Both personnel reductions and cost savings were achieved. The new computer and information retrieval system is satisfactory.
A Notation for Describing the Components of Library Information Systems
Authors: Momenee Karen
Published: July 2010

A variety of query forms used in library information systems are expressed in a generalized notation. The formal notation is based on a set‐theoretic application of the theory of relations. Three relations, the FIELD, the inverse FIELD, and the RECORD, and several compositions of these relations are defined on different sets to express the file access operations in known‐item and subject searches, browsing, and the clustering operation. Truncation and word proximity searching are also discussed, with some examples of structural choices available for implementing these operations. Advantages in development of a general notation include (1) the provision of a meta‐language for comparison of the capabilities of different information systems, and (2) the division of basic library query forms into smaller components which are related directly to the computer systems analyst's design choices of file structure and access methods.
Computers and the Postindustrial Society: Symbiosis or Information Tyranny?
Authors: Artandi Susan
Published: July 2010

We are moving toward a postindustrial society in which knowledge and information are strategic resources. Central to this society are information, communication, and computer technology implying social changes, which in turn imply major policy questions. There is a need to consider the present and future effect of large‐scale computerization on the individual's rights, style of life, method of work, and the ways in which society and institutions operate.