bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piston-Boss and Wrist-Pin Design
Authors: Robinson J. E.
Published: January 2012

A brief survey is given of previous investigations into piston-boss and wrist-pin design, and it is concluded that although a theoretical stress analysis of the pin is possible, the use of such analysis is limited by assumptions which have to be made regarding the effect of case-hardening the pin surfaces. A description is then given of fatigue tests carried out by the author’s company on wrist pins to determine the effects of various materials and alternative heat-treatments. The result of the investigation enables lower-grade materials and cheaper methods of production to be used, while at the same time enhancing the overall life of the wrist pin. Investigations employing photoelastic and brittle-lacquer stress analysis of piston-boss and boss-support webs are described, leading to recommendations for the detail design of the boss, boss-support, and wrist-pin assembly. In view of the necessity for engine outputs to be increased in the near future, it is considered that there is a need for the wrist-pin assembly to be reconsidered in order to increase the load-carrying capacity. It is concluded that each piston design must be subjected to both rig and engine tests and that continued investigation will eventually lead to improved designs capable of withstanding higher gas loads without a proportionate increase in weight.
Cycles for Supplying Steam to Desalting Evaporators of Dual-Purpose Power-Generation Plants
Authors: Leung Paul , Moore Raymond E.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents and discusses the feasible cycles for supplying low-energy-level steam to the desalting flash evaporators of dual-purpose electric-generation and sea-water conversion plants. Cycles which generate electricity as the primary product and desalted water as the byproduct are compared with cycles which produce water as the predominant product and electricity as the byproduct. Investigations include fossil-fueled steam cycles and nuclear-fueled steam cycles at various pressures and temperatures. Determination of the most feasible cycles for various capacity ranges of water production and electrical generation are presented.
Bureau of Mines Progress in Developing Open and Closed-Cycle Coal-Burning Gas Turbine Power Plants
Authors: Smith J. , Strimbeck D. C. , Coates N. H. , McGee J. P.
Published: January 2012

Closed-cycle developments include tests of a turbocompressor with hydrodynamic gas bearings. The working fluid is inert gas, with turbine inlet temperatures to 1600 F. A refractory-metal turbine for tests at 1950 F is described. Open-cycle operations for 1963 hours with turbine blades specially designed to resist erosion by coal ash particles are described. Estimated life of the rotor and stator blading was 20,000 and 5000 hours, respectively. Efforts to increase blade life by reducing the amount of ash entering the turbine through improvements in combustion and ash separation systems are described.
Experimental investigation of the flow inside a saxophone mouthpiece by particle image velocimetry
Authors: Lorenzoni V. , Ragni D.
Published: January 2012

An experimental study of the flow inside a saxophone mouthpiece in playing conditions is carried out by means of particle image velocimetry at high acquisition rate. Planar velocity measurements on the midsection of a Plexiglas tenor saxophone mouthpiece are performed, respectively, in the mouthpiece baffle and in the reed channel. Sequences of velocity fields inside the mouthpiece baffle and around the reed tip are shown for one reed duty cycle. Maxima of the velocity fluctuations are observed at the upper surface of the mouthpiece at a distance between five and ten reed apertures from the tip. The proper orthogonal decomposition analysis reveals that almost 50% of the kinetic energy in the baffle is distributed in the first two modes displaying a periodic behavior at the fundamental frequency, the rest being turbulent flow behavior. The measured dynamical vena contracta coefficient at the inlet is reasonably constant around the value of 0.6 for reed positions far from closure. This is in agreement with existing steady flow analytical models and previous experimental results.
Propagation of Slow Slip Leading Up to the 2011
M
w
9.0 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake
Authors: Kato Aitaro , Obara Kazushige , Igarashi Toshihiro , Tsuruoka Hiroshi , Nakagawa Shigeki , Hirata Naoshi
Published: January 2012

Before Tohoku-Oki

Recordings by Japan's dense seismic network in the days and weeks before the 2011
M
w
9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake provide an opportunity to interrogate what caused the dynamic rupture of one of the largest earthquakes on record. Using a method to extract small earthquakes that are often obscured by overlapping seismic waves,

Kato
et al.

(p.
705
, published online 19 January) identified over a thousand small repeating earthquakes that migrated slowly toward the hypocenter of the main rupture. Based on the properties of these foreshocks, the plate interface experienced two sequences of slow slip, the second of which probably contributed a substantial amount of stress and may have initiated the nucleation of the main shock.
Plexins Are GTPase-Activating Proteins for Rap and Are Activated by Induced Dimerization
Authors: Wang Yuxiao , He Huawei , Srivastava Nishi , Vikarunnessa Sheikh , Chen Yong-bin , Jiang Jin , Cowan Christopher W. , Zhang Xuewu
Published: January 2012

Semaphorin-mediated growth cone collapse may result from the GTPase-activating protein activity of dimerized plexin receptors for Rap.
LRRK2 and Human Disease: A Complicated Question or a Question of Complexes?
Authors: Lewis Patrick A. , Manzoni Claudia
Published: January 2012

The kinase LRRK2 is genetically linked to diverse pathologies, including Parkinson’s and Crohn’s diseases.
ON THE ALGEBRAIC CLASSIFICATION OF PSEUDO-RIEMANNIAN SPACES
Authors: HERVIK SIGBJØRN , COLEY ALAN
Published: January 2012

We consider arbitrary-dimensional pseudo-Riemannian spaces of signature (k, k + m). We introduce a boost-weight decomposition and define a number of algebraic properties (e.g. the Si- and N-properties) and present a boost-weight decomposition to classify the Weyl tensors of arbitrary signature and discuss degenerate algebraic types (e.g. VSI spaces). We consider the four dimensional neutral signature space as an illustration.
PIEZORESISTIVE PROPERTIES OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE–POLY(DIMETHYLSILOXANE) COMPOSITES FOR LOW-PRESSURE-SENSING APPLICATIONS
Authors: KWON SU YONG , PARK YON KYU , KIM MIN SEOK
Published: January 2012

Low-pressure-sensitive composites using multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a conductive filler and poly(dimethylsiloxane) as a polymer matrix have been fabricated, and their electrical and piezoresistive properties have been studied. A large aspect ratio of the MWCNTs was used to achieve good electrical properties of the composite, which led to a significant decrease in the percolation threshold and an increase in the electrical conductivity for very low MWCNT loadings. The piezoresistive properties of the composites at < 1.2 MPa were studied, which showed that the resistance–pressure sensitivity of the composites could be modulated by varying the MWCNT loading in the PDMS matrix.
Matched work high-intensity interval and continuous running induce similar increases in PGC-1α mRNA, AMPK, p38, and p53 phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Bartlett Jonathan D. , Hwa Joo Chang , Jeong Tae-Seok , Louhelainen Jari , Cochran Andrew J. , Gibala Martin J. , Gregson Warren , Close Graeme L. , Drust Barry , Morton James P.
Published: January 2012

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that acute high-intensity interval (HIT) running induces greater activation of signaling pathways associated with mitochondrial biogenesis compared with moderate-intensity continuous (CONT) running matched for work done. In a repeated-measures design, 10 active men performed two running protocols consisting of HIT [6 × 3-min at 90% maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) interspersed with 3-min recovery periods at 50% V̇o2maxwith a 7-min warm-up and cool-down period at 70% V̇o2max] or CONT (50-min continuous running at 70% V̇o2max). Both protocols were matched, therefore, for average intensity, duration, and distance run. Muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were obtained preexercise, postexercise, and 3 h postexercise. Muscle glycogen decreased ( P < 0.05) similarly in HIT and CONT (116 ± 11 vs. 111 ± 17 mmol/kg dry wt, respectively). Phosphorylation (P-) of p38MAPKThr180/Tyr182(1.9 ± 0.1- vs. 1.5 ± 0.2-fold) and AMPKThr172(1.5 ± 0.3- vs. 1.5 ± 0.1-fold) increased immediately postexercise ( P < 0.05) in HIT and CONT, respectively, and returned to basal levels at 3 h postexercise. P-p53Ser15(HIT, 2.7 ± 0.8-fold; CONT, 2.1 ± 0.8-fold), PGC-1α mRNA (HIT, 4.2 ± 1.7-fold; CONT, 4.5 ± 0.9-fold) and HSP72 mRNA (HIT, 4.4 ± 2-fold; CONT, 3.5 ± 1-fold) all increased 3 h postexercise ( P < 0.05) although neither parameter increased ( P > 0.05) immediately postexercise. There was no difference between trials for any of the above signaling or gene expression responses ( P > 0.05). We provide novel data by demonstrating that acute HIT and CONT running (when matched for average intensity, duration, and work done) induces similar activation of molecular signaling pathways associated with regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, this is the first report of contraction-induced p53 phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle, thus highlighting an additional pathway by which exercise may initiate mitochondrial biogenesis.
A Phase II Study of Gefitinib for Aggressive Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Lewis Carol M. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Feng Lei , Wan Fiona , Tang Ximing , Wistuba Ignacio I. , El-Naggar Adel K. , Rosenthal David I. , Chambers Mark S. , Lustig Robert A. , Weber Randal S.
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To determine the disease control rate and toxicity of treating patients with aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) with neoadjuvant gefitinib.

Experimental Design: A prospective phase II clinical trial evaluating neoadjuvant gefitinib given prior to standard treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy. Patients with stable disease after one cycle received escalated doses. Patients who responded were given gefitinib during radiation therapy, as well as maintenance therapy after definitive treatment. We analyzed the correlation between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, mutation status, and gene copy number on available tissue samples and clinical response.

Results: Twenty-three patients were accrued and 22 patients were evaluable for response prior to definitive local treatment; complete responses were attained by 18.2% of patients and partial responses by 27.3%. Grades 2 to 3 toxicities were observed in 59.1% of patients experiencing class-specific effects during induction therapy. After induction, 11.8% underwent surgery alone, 17.6% had definitive radiation, 11.8% were treated with radiation and concurrent gefitinib, and 47% had surgery with postoperative radiation and concurrent gefitinib. Median follow-up for the censored observations was 32 months. Two-year overall, disease-specific, and progression-free survival rates were 72.1%, 72.1%, and 63.6%, respectively. No EGFR-activating mutations were identified in tumor samples available from 10 patients. No associations between EGFR correlative studies and patient outcomes were identified.

Conclusions: Gefitinib, in the neoadjuvant setting, was active and well tolerated in patients with aggressive CSCC and did not interfere with definitive treatment. In view of the 18% complete response rate we observed, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors should be further explored in the treatment of aggressive CSCC. Clin Cancer Res; 18(5); 1435–46. ©2012 AACR.
The Relationship between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Coronary Artery Calcification in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Turkmen Kultigin , Ozbek Orhan , Kayikcioğlu Hatice , Kayrak Mehmet , Solak Yalcin , Nayman Alaaddin , Anil Melih , Babur Huseyin , Tonbul Halil Zeki
Published: January 2012

Background: Atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and left ventricular hypertrophy are the most commonly encountered risk factors in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease patients. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is the true visceral fat depot of the heart. The relationship between coronary artery disease and EAT has been shown in healthy subjects and patients with a high risk of coronary artery disease. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between EAT and CAC in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Patients and Methods: Forty-five PD patients (18 females, 27 males, with a mean age of 50.6 ± 15 years) and 25 healthy subjects (12 females, 13 males, with a mean age of 52.4 ± 10.7 years) were enrolled in the study. EAT and CAC score (CACS) measurements were performed by a multidetector computed tomography scanner. Results: EAT of the PD patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy subjects (p = 0.02). When patients were divided into two subgroups (group 1: CACS ≤10, n = 20; group 2: CACS >10, n = 25), EAT was also significantly higher in group 2 patients than in group 1 patients and healthy subjects. Age and EAT were also found to be correlated with CACS ≧10. Conclusion: There is a relationship between the anatomic assessment of coronary artery lesions by multidetector computed tomography and EAT in PD patients. This relationship might be attributed to increased inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines in uremic patients.
Rheology of Discrete Failure Regimes of Anisotropic Sea Ice
Authors: Wilchinsky Alexander V. , Feltham Daniel L.
Published: January 2012

A rheological model of sea ice is presented that incorporates the orientational distribution of ice thickness in leads embedded in isotropic floe ice. Sea ice internal stress is determined by coulombic, ridging and tensile failure at orientations where corresponding failure criteria are satisfied at minimum stresses. Because sea ice traction increases in thinner leads and cohesion is finite, such failure line angles are determined by the orientational distribution of sea ice thickness relative to the imposed stresses. In contrast to the isotropic case, sea ice thickness anisotropy results in these failure lines becoming dependent on the stress magnitude. Although generally a given failure criteria type can be satisfied at many directions, only two at most are considered. The strain rate is determined by shearing along slip lines accompanied by dilatancy and closing or opening across orientations affected by ridging or tensile failure. The rheology is illustrated by a yield curve determined by combining coulombic and ridging failure for the case of two pairs of isotropically formed leads of different thicknesses rotated with regard to each other, which models two events of coulombic failure followed by dilatancy and refreezing. The yield curve consists of linear segments describing coulombic and ridging yield as failure switches from one lead to another as the stress grows. Because sliding along slip lines is accompanied by dilatancy, at typical Arctic sea ice deformation rates a one-day-long deformation event produces enough open water that these freshly formed slip lines are preferential places of ridging failure.
ESR1, HK3 and BRSK1 gene variants are associated with both age at natural menopause and premature ovarian failure
Authors: Qin Yingying , Sun Mei , You Li , Wei Deying , Sun Jielin , Liang Xiaoyan , Zhang Bo , Jiang Hong , Xu Jianfeng , Chen Zi-Jiang
Published: January 2012

Background

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder that is influenced by multiple genetic components. Numerous candidate gene studies designed to identify POF susceptibility loci have been published, but most positive findings have not been confirmed in follow up studies. We sought to determine if sequence variants previously associated with age at natural menopause (AANM) or early menopause (EM) contribute as well to genetic susceptibility to POF.

Methods

Our study was performed on 371 unrelated idiopathic women with POF and 800 women controls, all Chinese Han. Thirty six SNPs from previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) responsible for AANM or EM and 3 additional SNPs in ESR1, and 2 additional SNPs in PTHB1 were tested using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform for genotyping.

Results

Three SNPs - rs2278493 in HK3, rs2234693 in ESR1 and rs12611091 in BRSK1 - showed nominally significant association with POF. Thus, a plausible relationship could exist between ESR1, BRSK1, HK3 and POF.

Conclusions

This largest association study undertaken to determine correlation between POF and AANM/EM revealed three significant SNPs (rs2278493, rs2234693, and rs12611091). All are associated with not only AAWM and EM but also POF. Insights into shared genetic susceptibility between POF and AANM/EM will provide novel entry points for unraveling genetic mechanism involved in ovarian reserve and oocyte aging processes.
A conserved membrane-binding domain targets proteins to organelle contact sites
Authors: Toulmay Alexandre , Prinz William A.
Published: January 2012

Membrane contact sites (MCSs), where the membranes of two organelles are closely apposed, are regions where small molecules such as lipids or calcium are exchanged between organelles. We have identified a conserved membrane-binding domain found exclusively in proteins at MCSs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The synaptotagmin-like-mitochondrial-lipid binding protein (SMP) domain is conserved across species. We show that all seven proteins that contain this domain in yeast localize to one of three MCSs. Human proteins with SMP domains also localize to MCSs when expressed in yeast. The SMP domain binds membranes and is necessary for protein targeting to MCSs. Proteins containing this domain could be involved in lipid metabolism. This is the first protein domain found exclusively in proteins at MCSs.
Probing DNA assembly into nanoparticles with short DNA
Authors: Chandran Preethi L. , Dimitriadis Emilios K. , Horkay Ferenc
Published: January 2012

DNA is an anionic polyelectrolyte, which occupies a large volume in salt free solution due to the coulomb repulsion between the charged groups. In the presence of high valence cations, DNA condenses into nanoparticles. DNA nanoparticles have generated a lot of interest as a preferred vehicle for delivering therapeutic DNA in gene therapy. The efficiency of gene delivery is determined by stability and compactness of the particles. However not much is known about the organization of DNA within the particles. The large polymer cations condense DNA rapidly, with no distinct intermediate stages that give insight into the arrangement of DNA within the nanoparticle. In our work, we form nanoparticles with short DNA strands to slow down the condensation process. The polymer cation is polyethyleneimine with grafted sugar moieties. Distinct intermediate stages are observed with Atomic Force Microscopy. The assembly occurs via the formation of fiber condensates, which appear to be the unit of DNA condensation. Nanoparticles form by compaction of interweaving networks of fiber condensates.
'Religion', Religious Identity and the Frustrations of Modernity
Authors: Raman Srilata
Published: January 2012

This review discusses Arvind-Pal S. Mandair’s Religion and the Specter of the West: Sikhism, India, Postcoloniality, and the Politics of Translation (hereafter RSW), published in 2009 by Columbia University Press.
Toxoplasma gondii: humoral and cellular immune response of BALB/c mice immunized via intranasal route with rTgROP2
Authors: Igarashi Michelle , Zulpo Dauton Luiz , Cunha Ivo Alexandre Leme da , Barros Luiz Daniel , Pereira Vanessa Figueredo , Taroda Alessandra , Navarro Italmar Teodorico , Vidotto Odilon , Vidotto Marilda Carlos , Jenkins Mark Christopher , Garcia João Luis
Published: January 2012

TgROP2 is an intracellular protein associated with rhoptries of Toxoplama gondii and an antigen component of a candidate vaccine for toxoplasmosis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of rTgROP2 to stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice via intranasal injection. TgROP2 partial coding sequence was (196-561) amplified by PCR from genomic T. gondii RH strain DNA and cloned into the pTrcHis expression vector. Escherichia coli Rosetta 2 cells transformed with pTrcHis-TgROP2 showed high levels (~1 mg.mL-1) of recombinant protein after 4 hours of IPTG induction. Recombinant TgROP2 exhibited an apparent Mr equal to 54 kDa. In order to test immunogenicity of the recombinant protein, 10 BALB/c mice received 10 µg of rROP2 protein + 10 µg of Quil-A via intranasal injection. Doses were administered at days 0, 21, and 42. Three animals were euthanized and used to evaluate cell-ular immune response on day 62. Five (50%) and two (20%) out of ten animals produced IgG (DO mean = 0.307; cut-off = 0.240) and IgA (DO mean = 0.133, cut-off = 0.101), respectively, by ELISA on day 62. The proliferation of splenocytes revealed high stimulation index (SI) when co-cultured with 5, 10 and 15 µg.mL-1 of rTgROP2. These results indicate that intranasal immunization with recombinant protein ROP2 plus Quil-A can elicit both cellular and humoral immune responses in BALB/c mice.
Isospora coerebae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the bananaquit Coereba flaveola (Passeriformes: Coerebidae) in South America
Authors: Berto Bruno Pereira , Flausino Walter , Luz Hermes Ribeiro , Ferreira Ildemar , Lopes Carlos Wilson Gomes
Published: January 2012

The present study describes a new isosporoid coccidian parasite from the bananaquit Coereba flaveola, in Brazil. This new species is similar to I. cagasebi, but it can be distinguished by the size and shape of Stieda and susbstieda bodies. Isospora coerebae n. sp. oocysts are spheroidal to sub-spheroidal, 24.8 × 23.3 µm, with a smooth and bi-layered wall, ~1.2 µm. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are elongate ovoidal, 17.9 × 10.9 µm. Stieda and substieda bodies are present. Sporocyst residuum is present and sporozoites have a posterior refractile body.
The geometry of Hrushovski constructions, II. The strongly minimal case
Authors: Evans David M. , Ferreira Marco S.
Published: January 2012

We investigate the isomorphism types of combinatorial geometries arising from Hrushovski's flat strongly minimal structures and answer some questions from Hrushovski's original paper.
Getting Kinky Inside and Outside: A Conversation with Trey Anthony
Authors: Dénommé-Welch Spy
Published: January 2012

This article explores how one comes to discover and develop their artistic voice. By using an interview format, Spy Dénommé-Welch engages in a conversation with Trey Anthony who discusses a range of topics, including representation and identity in Canadian theatre. While reflecting on her own artistic trajectory, Anthony shares some insights into the impacts that art and storytelling have had on her artistic development.
Queer Women's Performance Symposium
Authors: Newman Laine
Published: January 2012

This article is a transcription of Queer Women's Performance Symposium, an event organized by artist Moynan King in July 2011. The symposium initiated a conversation on the lack of resources for queer women creators, the necessity for a discourse on queer women's performance, and the lexical gap in terminology for queer performers. The event was an opportunity not only to identify barriers, but also to celebrate the accomplishments of a vibrant theatre community.
Online mentoring and peer support: using learning technologies to facilitate entry into a community of practice
Authors: Lockyer Lori , Patterson John , Rowland Gregg , Hearne Doug
Published: January 2012

A vital aspect of any professional education is the opportunity for students to engage in meaningful practical experiences. In pre-service teacher education in Australia, this vital teaching practice component has undergone challenges in recent years due to increasing student numbers (linked to the increasing demand for new teachers) and limited resources in university and school sectors. As such, initiatives to enhance the practical component of this professional degree have been sought. This paper details the methodology and outcomes associated with a pilot project that utilized asynchronous Web-based communication tools to facilitate mentoring and peer support through the teaching practice experience. Analysis of the online discussions and interviews with participants provides an indication of the nature of the interactions and the perceived value of the intervention, and informs the potential for larger-scale implementation.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100105
Metadata in the changing learning environment: developing skills to achieve the blue skies
Authors: Foster-Jones Juanita , Beazleigh Hazel
Published: January 2012

This short paper will examine the importance of metadata and its role in the changing learning environment, beginning with an introduction about what metadata is, and the benefits to be gained from applying it to all academic resources. Two Open University projects, Portfolio and the Reusable Educational Software Library, will be described and used to illustrate how the IMS Learning Resource Metadata scheme is being applied, and the issues that have been encountered by the Open University and how it is attempting to resolve them. The need for change in organizational culture so that metadata becomes part of the creation process, rather than an afterthought, will then be discussed The paper concludes with a glimpse into the blue skies of the future - where all resources will have metadata as standard practice, and institutions can share and utilize their resources effectively.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100108
Reviews
Authors: Barker Philip , Fowell Sue , Funnell Peter , Ingraham Bruce , Mogey Nora , Goodison Terry , O'Donoghue John
Published: January 2012

The utility of computers as learning resources is now well established. They can be used as standalone devices to explore various localized phenomena or they can be networked together to facilitate the creation of global learning communities. Between these two extremes, a variety of possibilities exist for using computer and communications technologies for the support of teaching and learning processes. More often than not, some form of courseware material will usually be needed to facilitate these pedagogic applications of computers. The creation of this educational software is no simple task and, if it is to be effective, requires careful design. This book by Alan Clarke discusses some of the important issues that need to be considered when designing computer-based learning (CBL) materials for use in different contexts.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100112
The importance of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) - a response
Authors: Draper Steve
Published: January 2012

In Issue 11.2, Nicol and Coen (2003) argue for developing a cost-benefit analysis model for learning technology. However, there are three substantive issues with this approach. First, it is problematic because it involves comparing different things; second, because by understanding the purpose of the analysis, it may be possible to justify the necessary simplifications for special cases and limited applications while being explicit about the limitations; and third (and conversely), this can expose errors and omissions in the analysis even after accepting its general principles.DOI:10.1080/0968776030110310
Implementing a learning technology strategy: top–down strategy meets bottom–up culture
Authors: Lisewski Bernard
Published: January 2012

Using interview-based ‘insider case study’ research, this paper outlines why the University of Salford has adopted a Learning Technologies Strategy and examines the factors which are likely to lead to its successful implementation. External reasons for the adoption focused on the need to: respond to ‘increased Higher Education (HE) competition’, meet student expectations of learning technology use, provide more flexibility and access to the curriculum, address the possible determining effect of technology and establish a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) presence in this ‘particular area of the HE landscape’. Internal drivers centred on the need to: continue a ‘bottom– up’ e-learning pilot project initiative, particularly given that a VLE is a ‘complex tool’ which requires effective strategic implementation, and promote the idea that learning technology will play an important role in determining the type of HE institution that the University of Salford wishes to become. Likely success factors highlighted the need to: create ‘time and space’ for innovation, maintain effective communication and consultation at all levels of the organization, emphasize the operational aspects of the strategy, establish a variety of staff development processes and recognize the negotiatory processes involved in understanding the term ‘web presence’ in local teaching cultures. Fundamentally, the paper argues that policy makers should acknowledge the correct ‘cultural configuration’ of HE institutions when seeking to manage and achieve organizational change. Thus, it is not just a question of establishing ‘success factors’ per se but also whether they are contextualized appropriately within a ‘correct’ characterization of the organizational culture.DOI: 10.1080/0968776042000216228
E-learning rhetoric, creativity and innovation
Authors: Seale Jane
Published: January 2012

In this issue of ALT-J we have five papers that cover a range of policy, evaluation and development issues. The first paper, by Smith, sets the scene for the remaining papers with its focus on policy and how this may be influenced by rhetoric, and in turn may influence creativity and innovation. In ‘From flowers to palms: 40 years of policy for online learning’, Smith presents a review of learning technology-related policy over the past 40 years. The purpose of the review is to make sense of the current position in which the field finds itself, and to highlight lessons that can be learned from the implementation of previous policies.DOI: 10.1080/09687760500104039
Learning architectures and negotiation of meaning in European trade unions
Authors: Creanor Linda , Walker Steve
Published: January 2012

As networked learning becomes familiar at all levels and in all sectors of education, cross-fertilisation of innovative methods can usefully inform the lifelong learning agenda. Development of the pedagogical architectures and social processes, which afford learning, is a major challenge for educators as they strive to address the varied needs of a wide range of learners. One area in which this challenge is taken very seriously is that of trade unions, where recent large-scale projects have aimed to address many of these issues at a European level. This paper describes one such project, which targeted not only online courses, but also the wider political potential of virtual communities of practice. By analysing findings in relation to Wenger’s learning architecture, the paper investigates further the relationships between communities of practice and communities of learners in the trade union context. The findings suggest that a focus on these relationships rather than on the technologies that support them should inform future developments.DOI: 10.1080/09687760500104070
Tutorial chat: a case study of synchronous communication in a learning environment
Authors: Rutter Malcolm
Published: January 2012

This case study describes the use of a web-based synchronous chat application, run during computing tutorials. The chat room was moderated by a paid demonstrator, who assisted and encouraged students whenever possible. Most of the discussion was banter, which acted as a lubricant for relevant factual communication. Students were permitted a degree of anonymity, but nevertheless learned to treat the facility in a useful manner. The application and its mode of employment were found to be both motivating and supportive. Use was evaluated by questionnaire and an analysis of student input. As a result of the experience, it is suggested that abuse will certainly occur and may be minimised by technical improvements, but never eliminated. The Rogerian approach adopted was found to have transferred emphasis from teaching a topic to the learning of generic skills.DOI: 10.1080/09687760600668594
The influence of communication technologies and approaches to study on transactional distance in blended learning
Authors: Wheeler Steve
Published: January 2012

This paper explores the role played by communication technologies and study orientations in the amplification and reduction of transactional distance in blended learning. Factor analysis and structural equation modelling of different communication modes (face to face, email and telephone) revealed that students experience at least some transactional distance when separated from their tutors. Email was found to facilitate the highest levels of immediacy of dialogue for most students. The conclusion is that strategic students are best placed to benefit from blended learning, and that the effects of transactional distance could be analysed more deeply if two subvariables of dialogue were recognised. These are social presence (the perception of connectedness between students and their tutors) and immediacy (the temporal effects of dialogue).DOI: 10.1080/09687760701470924
The tipping point: a response
Authors: Moule Pam
Published: January 2012

I am grateful to Gilly Salmon for providing further personal insight into the five-stage model for e-learning, reviewed in my recent paper (Moule, 2007). Professor Salmon plots the development and use of the model, first conceived some 12 years ago, and encourages us to reflect further on a model that has been so widely adopted. The longevity of its use in a fast-changing field is testament to its appeal to educators, developers and learners. It is clear that a number of ALT-J readers will know of, and have used, the model and may want to express thoughts on its current applicability, as Salmon invites.DOI: 10.1080/09687760701482358
The cathedral and the bazaar of e-repository development: encouraging community engagement with moving pictures and sound
Authors: Wong Denis , Shephard Kerry L. , Phillips Peter
Published: January 2012

This paper offers an insight into the development, use and governance of e-repositories for learning and teaching, illustrated by Eric Raymond’s bazaar and cathedral analogies and by a comparison of collection strategies that focus on content coverage or on the needs of users. It addresses in particular the processes that encourage and achieve community engagement. This insight is illustrated by one particular e-repository, the Education Media On-Line (EMOL) service. This paper draws analogies between the bazaar approach for open source software development and its possibilities for developing e-repositories for learning and teaching. It suggests in particular that the development, use and evaluation of online moving pictures and sound objects for learning and teaching can benefit greatly from the community engagement lessons provided by the development, use and evaluation of open source software. Such lessons can be underpinned by experience in the area of learning resource collections, where repositories have been classified as ‘collections-based’ or ‘user-based’. Lessons from the open source movement may inform the development of e-repositories such as EMOL in the future.Keywords: repositories; community; video; audio; collections; open sourceDOI: 10.1080/09687760701850182
Issues in making courseware exploitable
Authors: Siviter Douglas , Siviter Phil
Published: January 2012

There are currently substantial investments being made in courseware development in the UK, in particular in the HÈFCs' Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP), and the hope which underpins these development efforts is that Higher Education institutions will eagerly adopt and exploit the freely available courseware which emerges from them. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why this is probably going to be an over-optimistic assumption (Laurillard et al, 1993). The bottlenecks which can impair the successful exploitation of courseware range from cultural to technical, and are quite diverse. In this paper we discuss some of these bottleneck issues and suggest approaches to dealing with them. We deliberately restrict our discussion to technical bottlenecks, and therefore discuss issues of courseware design, courseware development, and courseware management.DOI:10.1080/0968776950030104
The implementation of a multimedia learning environment for graduate civil engineers
Authors: Smith Chris , Jagodzinski Peter
Published: January 2012

Underlying our approach to the development of a Multimedia Learning Environment (MLE) is the proposition that conventional learning needs analysis, for Computer-Based Learning does not address the richness of delivery possible with MLEs. We propose that knowledge-engineering techniques (from the field of Artificial Intelligence) can provide a richer understanding of the domain, thus enabling a better MLE to be produced. The knowledge-engineering approach we have used, outlined in this paper, involved acquiring knowledge from a range of sources, then analysing this knowledge so that individual knowledge items could be categorized according to identified underlying knowledge-representation paradigms which each imply their own, most suitable, presentation style. This knowledge engineering analysis was then used to select an instructional model capable of conveying all the acquired types of knowledge in their paradigmatic styles, and detailed and adaptable enough to be implemented on a computer. The chosen model, the Cognitive Apprenticeship Model (CAM), was explicitly used as the basis for the architecture of the MLE.DOI:10.1080/0968776950030105
QUILT: a case study in the impact of a staff development programme
Authors: Donovan Kevin , Atwere Daniel
Published: January 2012

The QUILT programme was designed and delivered on the basis of a major FE sector survey of 15,000 college staff and a series of consultation events during 1996. The survey results were included in FEDA's submission for funding for the QUILT programme to the FEFC. The events, to which a senior manager and the member of staff responsible for IT in every sector college were invited, took place in every English region and in Wales. Theseestablished training and other needs, the extent of technological readiness in colleges, and preferred training methods. QUILT was launched in Wales in 1996 and in England during the following year. Its design has been adjusted to account for a follow-up survey in 1998 and an impact study in 1999. Both of these (like the original survey report) were unpublished FEDA documents; data from them was used in internal reports to the FEFC and its Information and Learning Technology Committee (FEILTC). Other evidence for change was provided by (for example) comments from delegates at events and from members of the FEILTC. Subsequent initiatives also accounted for adjustments to the programme to avoid duplication and to maximize synergy.DOI:10.1080/0968776000080308
Reviews
Authors: Barker Philip , Boullier Brian , Garland Kate , Ingraham Bruce , Robertson John , Yorke Mantz
Published: January 2012

Most people involved in teaching and learning will have a number of Websites that they use in order to store and disseminate electronic materials. In my own case, for example, I have a research Website, several personal sites, an organizational Web location and several intranets. I use the latter for providing controlled access to both my teaching and learning materials and my library of 'cherished' electronic documents. Increasingly, as people move from paper-based to electronic writing, there will be a growing need actively to promote those sites that they feel are important for other people to know about. This useful 'little book' by Martin Kenprovides a number of helpful suggestions for achieving this.DOI:10.1080/0968776000080311
A Study of the Long Atmospheric Waves on the Basis of Zonal Harmonic Analysis
Authors: Eliasen E.
Published: January 2012

Characteristic features of the long atmospheric waves at middle latitudes are discussed on the basis of zonal harmonic analyses of hemispherical weather charts. In the first section mean values of the amplitudes of the waves with wavenumbers from 1 to 10 are presented for the 500-mb and the 1000-mb levels. Spectral distributions of the kinetic energy for the eastward and the northward components of the geostrophic wind at the 500-mb level are computed. In section 2 the semi-permanence of the waves with wavenumbers from 1 to 4 is illustrated. The meridional variation of the waves is investigated in relation to the question about the meridional transport of momentum. On the basis of the vertical variations of the waves of the January and July normal charts the causes of the semi-permanent waves are discussed. The traelling waves with wavenumbers 5, 6, and 7 are treated in section 3. Mean speeds of the waves are considered in relation to the mean velocity of the zonal flow. The vertical structure of the waves is investigated by means of the heights of the 1000-mb and 500-mb levels and the temperature field at the 500-mb level. Finally the speed and vertical structure of the waves are determined theoretically from the solutions of the linear equations in a two-level approximation.
The Release of Latent Heat in Tropical Storms Due to the Fall-Out of Sea-Salt Particles
Authors: Woodcock A. H.
Published: January 2012

Observations of atmospheric sea salt in a hurricane are used to estimate the weight of salt in the clear air at cloud levels. These quantities are then used to determine the rate of release of heat in the moist air layers below, due to condensation on this salt as it falls from the relatively dry air at higher levels. This rate is found adequate to alter significantly the distribution of heat and water vapor in the cloud-layer air and to explain much of the observed potential temperature increase in the lower air converging upon the central regions of hurricanes.
A Numerical Prediction Experiment Involving Data Paucity and Random Errors
Authors: Jess Edward O.
Published: January 2012

500-mb prognoses computed with a barotropic model from progressively lessening amounts of data, showed increasing statistical differences. These differences also grew with the passage of time. With increasing paucity of data, the smaller meteorological features disappeared, while larger features were smoothed and suffered a change in speed of motion. Random errors, which simulated a natural error source, were added to the data. This appeared to intensify and decelerate the features on the prognostic charts.
Maximum Simplification of the Dynamic Equations
Authors: Lorenz Edward N.
Published: January 2012

When the dynamic equations are to be used to further our understanding of atmospheric phenomena, it is permissible to simplify them beyond the point where they can yield acceptable weather predictions. Through the use of double Fourier series, and with the omission of all but the largest scales of motion, the barotropic vortidty equation may be reduced to a system of three ordinary nonlinear differential equations. The analytic solutions of these equations are elliptic functions of time. The equations may also be solved rapidly by numerical integration. Particular solutions of the equations picture the motion of finite disturbances on a zonal flow, with exchanges of kinetic energy between the zonal flow and the disturbances accompanying the meridional transport of zonal momentum by the disturbances. Other solutions picture the initial growth and eventual cessation of growth of small disturbances on an unstable zonal current. Still further solutions picture the destruction of a stable zonal flow by large disturbances, and lead to a plausible hypothesis concerning index cycles in the atmosphere. Less extreme simplifications of the dynamic equations may be used when more complicated atmospheric phenomena are to be studied.
Standard Errors at Harmonic Analysis on Cosmic Ray Data
Authors: Dyring Eric , Rosén Bengt
Published: January 2012

Standard errors of harmonic analysis have been calculated by three different methods. These methods are discussed and numerical calculations have been carried out from the results of harmonic analyses made on data from the neutron monitors in Uppsala and Murchison Bay. Periods covering from single days up to the mean of three years have been used for the comparison between the results. Although the standard error calculated according to the three methods include different types of variations, the results show good similarity. One of the methods also gives indications that only in some cases the addition of a second harmonic will be an improvement of the fit.
Atmospheric Effects on the Meson Intensity Recorded by the International Standard Cube at a High Latitude Station
Authors: Lindgren S. , Lindholm F.
Published: January 2012

Cosmic ray data and upper air data recorded at Murchison Bay during the IGY have been used to estimate the atmospheric effects on the sea level meson intensity recorded by the standard cube. The pressure corrected nucleonic intensity has been used to eliminate variations due to fluctuations in the primary intensity. It is shown that the regression equations proposed by Duperier and Dorman lead to practically identical corrections for the atmospheric effects.
Ozone Measurements during Solar Eclipse
Authors: Stranz D.
Published: January 2012

Ozone measurements during a solar eclipse at Bunia Observatory, Belgian Congo, showed an increase by about 4 % of total amount from 20 minutes before the maximum phase with its highest value shortly after it.
On the Vertical Velocity Field in a Steady Symmetric Hurricane
Authors: Krishnamurti T. N.
Published: January 2012

It is shown how a system of equations (motion, mass continuity and the first law of thermodynamics) can be integrated for a steady symmetric vortex with a prescribed tangential motion. The method of characteristics is used to obtain a solution for the vertical-velocity field. For the normally observed characteristic lines in a hurricane no vertical velocity is possible for a frictionless atmosphere, and therefore numerical experiments are carried out with different magnitudes of the momentum exchange coefficients. It is also shown that as long as the ratio of the lateral and the vertical exchange coefficients is kept fixed, one calculation of the vertical velocity field enables an examination of a wide range of variation of the individual coefficients. A consistent structure of an Atlantic hurricane is constructed from the National Hurricane Research Project data.
Theory of Very Long Waves in a Zonal Atmospheric Flow
Authors: Welander Pierre
Published: January 2012

A derivation is given of the general wave equation for small quasi-static adiabatic perturbations in a zonal atmospheric flow. This equation is then specialized to the case of very long waver (wave-length 10,000 km or more). The proper modelling is obtained by assuming the (non-dimensional) wave number to be of order unity and by the assumptions of strong rotational constraint (Ro ⩽ 1), strong dynamic stability (Ri ⩾ 1) but weak stratification (ΔΘ/Θ ⩽ 1). The long waves obtained by the present model move at a speed that, to the first order, is independent of the wave number but dependent on the product Ro · Ri. A solution is worked out in the β-plane approximation, assuming a basic wind and potential temperature that vary linearly with pressure. The existence of stationary waves in this case is demonstrated. The effect of different boundary conditions is discussed. Some consequences of the theory of interest in connection with numerical weather prediction are pointed out.