bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a risk management approach for portfolio cost control
Authors: Al-Sulaiti Ahmed Hassan , Dawood Nashwan , Kassem Mohamad
Published: October 2012

The assessment and prediction of the impact of risks on the financial performance of portfolios is a very challenging task, and many portfolios in Qatar and worldwide are still suffering from cost overruns. This aspect is undeveloped in the body of literature on portfolio risk management, and very few studies have addressed this need. Therefore, organisations and portfolio managers are still looking for tools and techniques which enable them to incorporate the financial impacts of risks during the estimation of the cost and contract price of their portfolios.
In this paper, a risk management-based methodology for the prediction of the cost and the financial performance of portfolios is presented and tested on real case studies based at Qatar Gas. The methodology is based on calculating the combined effect of multiple risks on the different work packages composing part the portfolio project, while considering the probabilistic occurrence of each risk. The methodology was tested on four projects in Qatar Gas and proved to be able to predict the effect of the identified risks on financial performance related to each portfolio. It also helped to prioritize the risks and identify the risks that most affected the financial performance of the portfolio and, thus, provide valuable information for particular stages of response planning. One of the limitations of the proposed methodology is that it calculates the impact of risks on the financial performance of a portfolio at a specific date, where risk impacts have a defined probabilistic distribution. However, the dynamic nature of risk attributes could be reflected by changing the values of those attributes in the risk management model of the portfolio every time the risk register is updated.
Development of visualization models to guide the design of future generations of synthetic fuels from natural gas
Authors: Bohra Moiz , Rahman Jahanur , Elmalik Elfatih , Blank Jan , Elbashir Nimir
Published: October 2012

As part of the ambition to capitalize on Qatar's gas resources we investigated the potentials of gas-to-liquids (GTL) based jet fuels. These fuels consist of similar carbon cuts as oil-derived fuels, yet they are considered ultra-clean because of their extremely low sulfur and aromatics contents. However, because of this difference, GTL based jet fuel requires additional development to meet the strict aviation industry standards. The properties of synthetic fuels are determined by their formulation, where the paraffinic building blocks (normal-, iso-, cyclo-) in varying ratios and carbon numbers impact properties such as freezing point, heat content, density and others; all of which influence the fuel's combustion behavior and emissions. This has led us to develop a model capable of predicting the properties of a given blend of synthetic fuel, in order to tailor jet fuel hydrocarbon structure.
Due to highly complex interactions between the constituents of the blend, the resulting properties cannot be estimated easily. We overcame this problem by using artificial neural network (ANN) methodology, which handles statistical data in a way that is particularly useful for non-linear systems. The network is trained using experimental data from our own specialized fuel characterization lab to map the relationship between the jet fuel composition and its properties. Three rounds of experimental studies have been completed and translated into a working model using the ANN. We have subsequently validated this model to predict desired jet fuel blends that satisfy aviation industry standards. More importantly we developed visualization models through unique programs utilizing our supercomputer, which integrated experimental and statistical data. 2D- and 3D-contour plots were generated for visualization of blend compositions vs. property relationships (Figure 1). This allowed us to have a better understanding of component interactions and their effect on fuel characteristics, thereby increasing the market value of such fuels.
Carbon mineralization at low temperature: prospects and challenges
Authors: Al-Ahmed Karam , Benyahia Farid
Published: October 2012

Global warming and climate change has been linked to green house gas emissions into the atmosphere with an overwhelming scientific evidence supported by a variety of field measurements over a period of time. CO2 has been identified as a major contributor to global warming because of its high concentration in the atmosphere. The bulk of the recent CO2 increase in concentration in the atmosphere has been attributed to industrial activities, primarily power generation using fossil fuels. The international scientific community, through the IPCC, concluded that action needs to be taken urgently to mitigate carbon emissions before the point of no return in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is reached. In that respect, carbon capture and storage (CCS) was deemed to be the most effective solution to deal with large quantities of CO2 emitted. However, recent studies have shown that whilst this may be true where adequate geological storage site are available both in capacity and quality, many parts of the world simply are not blessed with this natural facility. It is imperative to seek alternatives to underground storage. This is even more important at the present time given that no real progress was made to manage carbon emissions on a large scale despite some CCS pilot studies conducted in Algeria, Norway, Canada, Australia and USA.
Our work focused on an alternative to CCS, namely carbon mineralization. This is a special form of carbon conversion that does not have the same disadvantage of energy intensity as catalytic conversion of carbon back into fuel or hydrocarbon feedstock. Our approach is based on a relatively low temperature mineralization exploiting salt in reject brines, thus potentially solving two environmental problems in one single solution. Our work is both experimental and computational and has shown that good salt and carbon conversion at around 30 C is feasible. However, computational simulation work using Excel has shown that this method cannot convert all captured CO2 because of the potentially huge amounts to be captured. Nevertheless, this method is an alternative and helps solve two environmental problems in the Arabian Gulf.
Enhancing seed germination of Acacia tortilis by breaking dormancy using different treatments
Authors: Elazazi Elsayed Mohamed , Sourour Mohamed Mahmoud , BELAL ABELFATAH , KHALIFA ELSAYED ALI
Published: October 2012

Acacia tortilis (subsp. raddiana) Trees are very important in Qatar. The trees play an important role as a source for animals feed and for environmental enhancement by combating desertification and firewood. This study was carried out in the Genetic Resources Department, Biotechnology Center, Ministry of Environment, Qatar and Egyptian Deserts Gene Bank, Egypt. The aim of the study was to enhance the response of Acacia tortilis subspecies tortilis seeds when exposed to some chemical and physical treatments, such as mechanical scarification, chemical scarification, GA3 (Gibberellic acid), dry heat treatment, Potassium nitrate (KNO3) in solutions of water, sulphuric acid (H2SO4), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tap water and boiling water--all intended to increase germination percentage.
The obtained results revealed significant differences in the germination percentage of Acacia tortilis seeds exposed to different dormancy treatments. The highest germination percentage was 76 % achieved with boiling water treatment. Treating seeds with 98% concentrated sulphuric acid for periods of 10, 20, 25 and 30 minutes enhanced germination percentage by 33%, 67%, 70%, 75%, respectively. The lowest germination percentage was seen in untreated seeds, 25%.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Is Associated with Diastolic Filling Alterations in Normotensive Offspring of Hypertensive Nigerians
Authors: Kolo P. M. , Sanya E. O. , Omotoso A. B. , Soladoye A. , Ogunmodede J. A.
Published: October 2012

Contribution of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction to adverse events in patients with cardiovascular diseases is increasingly being recognized and individuals with pedigree for hypertension are thought to exhibit anatomic and or functional changes in their left ventricle before they become hypertensive. This study aimed at characterizing left ventricular diastolic function in normotensive offspring of hypertensive Nigerians. Sixty-five offspring of hypertensive parents aged 15–25 years (subjects) with 65-age and sex-matched offspring of normotensive parents (controls) were studied for early makers of hypertensive cardiovascular disease using Doppler echocardiogram. Mean mitral E velocity was reduced () in the subjects ( cm/s) compared with the controls ( cm/s). Similarly, mean S velocity of pulmonary venous flow was lower () in the subjects than in the controls. Left atrial dimension and mitral E/A ratio in the subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy were higher (, 0.004 respectively) than in the subjects without this abnormality. We concluded that normotensive offspring of hypertensive Nigerians showed early alterations in indexes of left ventricular diastolic filling and these abnormalities were exaggerated in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy.
Determination of Indoor Air Quality in Archives and Biodeterioration of the Documentary Heritage
Authors: Borrego Sofía , Lavin Paola , Perdomo Ivette , Gómez de Saravia Sandra , Guiamet Patricia
Published: October 2012

Documentary heritage is permanently subject to suffering from physical, chemical, and/or biological alterations. Biological deterioration by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) causes undesirable changes on material properties. Microorganisms affect different organic, natural or synthetic substrates (cellulose, polycarbonates), metals, and compounds of optical and magnetic devices (CD, VHS). Paper made by vegetal fibers, functional additives (glue, optical polishers, consolidating agents), and inks with organic bindings are used as sources of nutrients. The environmental microorganisms that form the microbial charge of indoor air at repositories (archives, libraries) storing cultural heritage can deteriorate the different supports of heritage importance and affect human health as allergies and skin affections. The aims of this research were to study microbial contamination of the environment and its influence on biodeterioration by the biofilm formation and to analyze the relationship between environment microbiota and biofilm formation in materials stored at three archives in Argentina and in two repositories of the National Archive of the Republic of Cuba.
Physical Activity, Health Benefits, and Mortality Risk
Authors: Kokkinos Peter
Published: October 2012

A plethora of epidemiologic evidence from large studies supports unequivocally an inverse, independent, and graded association between volume of physical activity, health, and cardiovascular and overall mortality. This association is evident in apparently healthy individuals, patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, regardless of body weight. Moreover, the degree of risk associated with physical inactivity is similar to, and in some cases even stronger than, the more traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The exercise-induced health benefits are in part related to favorable modulations of cardiovascular risk factors observed by increased physical activity or structured exercise programs. Although the independent contribution of the exercise components, intensity, duration, and frequency to the reduction of mortality risk is not clear, it is well accepted that an exercise volume threshold defined at caloric expenditure of approximately 1,000 Kcal per week appears to be necessary for significant reduction in mortality risk. Further reductions in risk are observed with higher volumes of energy expenditure. Physical exertion is also associated with a relatively low and transient increase in risk for cardiac events. This risk is significantly higher for older and sedentary individuals. Therefore, such individuals should consult their physician prior to engaging in exercise.
Pea, Lentil and Chickpea Protein Application in Bread Making
Authors: Aider Mohammed , Sirois-Gosselin Maxime , Boye Joyce Irene
Published: October 2012

The objective of the present study was to determine if wheat flour could be successfully substituted with lentil, pea, and chickpea (pulses) proteins in bread making and to study the characteristics of the breads produced. Results of the study showed that addition of pulse proteins affected bread mass volume, color and hardness. The highest bread mass volume (4.27 ± 0.07 mL/g) was obtained with the control (unsupplemented) bread. Mass volumes decreased at the 3% supplementation level for all supplemented breads and no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between the pulse proteins. At the 6% and 9% supplementation levels, significant differences were observed between the mass volumes of the breads. Chickpea protein gave the highest mass volume at both the 6% and 9% supplementation levels (3.72 ± 0.21 and 3.84 ± 0.27 mL/g, respectively) followed by lentil protein (3.43 ± 0.19 and 3.43 ± 0.07 mL/g, respectively). Breads supplemented with pea protein generally had the lowest mass volume. Bread crumb and white became darker as supplementation level was increased and in the lentil supplemented bread, a greener color appeared at the 6% and 9% supplementation levels. Hardness of the bread white for all supplemented samples was close to the control at the 3% supplementation level but significantly increased at the 9% supplementation level. Overall, pea proteins had the most significant effect on bread hardness and mass volume whereas chickpea protein concentrate showed the greatest potential for use as an ingredient in bread making.
Comparison of Chromatographic and Titrimetric Methods for the Determination of the a-amino Nitrogen in Standard Solution and Fish Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Zhang Fenglan , Cao Jin , Zhang Qingsheng , Chen Zhirong
Published: October 2012

Two analytical methods, reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and formol titration, were compared for their accuracy and precision for the determination of a-amino nitrogen (a-AN) concentration in fish protein hydrolysates. The result showed that, when tested with pure amino acid solutions, RP-HPLC method had a better standard deviation (S. D.), coefficient of variation (C. V.), and standard error (S. E.) but a poorer recovery rate compared with formol titration technique. The observed a-AN value by RP-HPLC has good coincidence with the actual a-AN value and their correlation coefficient (r) is 0.9981, which was close to the r value (0.9995) between the a-AN by formol titration and the actual a-AN. However, when tested with protein hydrolysates, the a-AN obtained from RP-HPLC technique were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that from formol titration for the same sample. Therefore, the formol titration method can be used as a quick screening method to assess the quality fish hydrolystaes.

 
Factors Influencing Crystallization of Erythritol in Aqueous Solutions: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tyapkova Oxana , Bader-Mittermaier Stephanie , Schweiggert-Weisz Ute
Published: October 2012

Erythritol – a new zero caloric sweetener – shows high potential for developing new sugar reduced or sugar free food formulations. Since the crystallization behavior of erythritol was not investigated so far, this study focused on factors influencing erythritol crystallization in aqueous solutions using a simple gravimetric method. The general features of the course of crystallization are a linear increase until a period of 2.5 h of storage followed by a decelerating phase and a phase which represents equilibrium. Additionally, different influencing factors (supersaturation level, storage temperature, storage period and cooling rate) on the crystallization process of erythritol were investigated. It was shown that crystallization value increased with increasing supersaturation level and the progress of crystallization was almost linear from the initial induction period until equilibrium. Therefore, a first-order kinetic for erythritol crystallization was proposed, because only supersaturation level correlated to the erythritol concentration in the solution influenced the course of crystallization. Calculated crystallization rate constants increased considerably with increasing supersaturation levels. Furthermore, at the same supersaturation levels crystallization of erythritol was independent from the storage temperature. Cooling rate influenced only crystal shapes and sizes, but not the crystallization values.
Comparison Study of the Rates of Manual Peripheral Blood Smear Review From 3 Automated Hematology Analyzers, Unicel DxH 800, ADVIA 2120i, and XE 2100, Using International Consensus Group Guidelines
Authors: Kim Sue Jung , Kim Yoonjung , Shin Saeam , Song Jaewoo , Choi Jong Rak
Published: October 2012

Context.—In the clinical laboratory, it is important both to reduce the number of peripheral blood slide reviews to save time and money and to avoid reporting false results.

Objective.—To determine differences in the slide review rates of 3 widely used automated hematologic analyzers, the Unicel DxH 800 (Beckman Coulter Inc, Fullerton, California), ADVIA 2120i (Siemens Diagnostics, Tarrytown, New York), and XE 2100 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan), using International Consensus Group for Hematology Review guidelines.

Design.—A total of 1485 samples were tested, and 300 were manually reviewed. Slide review rates, sensitivity, specificity, and false-positive and false-negative rates were estimated using consensus group rules and compared using χ2 tests, Fisher exact tests, or generalized estimating equations.

Results.—Unicel DxH 800, ADVIA 2120i, and XE 2100 showed 22.8%, 20.2%, and 28.6% slide review rates; 14.3%, 14.3%, and 9.7% false-negative rates; and 13.7, 11.3%, and 17.3% false-positive rates, respectively. All analyzers showed significantly higher false-negative rates than that of the consensus group (2.9%).

Conclusions.—False-negative rates were higher than the recommended levels. Among 3 automated hematologic analyzers, XE 2100 showed the highest rate of slide review. Because the present study clearly shows that the slide review rates have distinct characteristics among the studied analyzers, each individual laboratory should consider selecting the most appropriate analyzer according to clinical characteristics. Analyzers with high sensitivity may be advantageous in outpatient settings for screening patients, whereas analyzers with high specificity may be beneficial in inpatient settings for efficient patient care.
Teaching Laboratory Medicine to Medical Students: Implementation and Evaluation
Authors: Molinaro Ross J. , Winkler Anne M. , Kraft Colleen S. , Fantz Corinne R. , Stowell Sean R. , Ritchie James C. , Koch David D. , Heron Sheryl , Liebzeit Jason , Santen Sally A. , Guarner Jeannette
Published: October 2012

Context.—Laboratory medicine is an integral component of patient care. Approximately 60% to 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory results. Physicians in specialties that order the tests are teaching medical students laboratory medicine and test use with minimal input from laboratory scientists who implement and maintain the quality control for those tests.

Objective.—To develop, implement, and evaluate a 1.5-day medical student clinical laboratory experience for fourth-year medical students in their last month of training.

Design.—The experience was devised and directed by laboratory scientists and included a panel discussion, laboratory tours, case studies that focused on the goals and objectives recently published by the Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists, and medical-student presentations highlighting salient points of the experience. The same knowledge quiz was administered at the beginning and end of the experience and 84 students took both quizzes.

Results.—A score of 7 or more was obtained by 16 students (19%) on the initial quiz, whereas 34 (40%) obtained the same score on the final quiz; the improvement was found to be statistically significant (P  =  .002; t  =  3.215), particularly in 3 out of the 10 questions administered.

Conclusions.—Although the assessment can only measure a small amount of knowledge recently acquired, the improvement observed by fourth-year medical students devoting a short period to learning laboratory medicine principles was encouraging. This medical student clinical laboratory experience format allowed teaching of a select group of laboratory medicine principles in 1.5 days to an entire medical school class.
Bioprinted Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells Accelerate Healing of Large Skin Wounds
Authors: Skardal Aleksander , Mack David , Kapetanovic Edi , Atala Anthony , Jackson John D. , Yoo James , Soker Shay
Published: October 2012

Stem cells obtained from amniotic fluid show high proliferative capacity in culture and multilineage differentiation potential. Because of the lack of significant immunogenicity and the ability of the amniotic fluid-derived stem (AFS) cells to modulate the inflammatory response, we investigated whether they could augment wound healing in a mouse model of skin regeneration. We used bioprinting technology to treat full-thickness skin wounds in nu/nu mice. AFS cells and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were resuspended in fibrin-collagen gel and “printed” over the wound site. At days 0, 7, and 14, AFS cell- and MSC-driven wound closure and re-epithelialization were significantly greater than closure and re-epithelialization in wounds treated by fibrin-collagen gel only. Histological examination showed increased microvessel density and capillary diameters in the AFS cell-treated wounds compared with the MSC-treated wounds, whereas the skin treated only with gel showed the lowest amount of microvessels. However, tracking of fluorescently labeled AFS cells and MSCs revealed that the cells remained transiently and did not permanently integrate in the tissue. These observations suggest that the increased wound closure rates and angiogenesis may be due to delivery of secreted trophic factors, rather than direct cell-cell interactions. Accordingly, we performed proteomic analysis, which showed that AFS cells secreted a number of growth factors at concentrations higher than those of MSCs. In parallel, we showed that AFS cell-conditioned media induced endothelial cell migration in vitro. Taken together, our results indicate that bioprinting AFS cells could be an effective treatment for large-scale wounds and burns.
Évolution des écarts entre les salaires des hommes francophones et anglophones âgés de 25 à 54 ans selon le bilinguisme au Nouveau-Brunswick de 1970 à 20001
Authors: Béland Nicolas , Forgues Éric , Beaudin Maurice
Published: October 2012

Cette étude mesure l’évolution du lien entre le salaire, l’appartenance linguistique et le bilinguisme au sein des groupes francophone et anglo­­­phone du Nouveau-Brunswick, de 1970 à 2000. La population visée est formée de salariés masculins de 25 à 54 ans ayant fréquenté l’école durant au moins neuf ans et occupant un emploi régulier et stable dans les secteurs secondaire et tertiaire. Cette population forme une population type pour l’analyse de l’évolution des inégalités entre les francophones et les anglophones au Canada. Trois tendances ont été observées dans la présente étude. De 1970 à 2000, un lien histo­rique entre l’origine ethnolinguistique et le salaire se maintient au Nouveau-Brunwick. Il y a, de 1970 à 2000 toujours, un contraste entre un apport faible et non significatif du bilinguisme au salaire des anglophones et une forte rentabilité du bilinguisme pour les franco­phones. Par ailleurs, la proportion de francophones au sein de la main-d’oeuvre détenant un emploi régulier et stable a doublé de 1970 à 1990. Depuis cette date, cette proportion se situe à environ un tiers, soit l’équivalent du poids des francophones dans la population de la province.
Trente ans et mille personnes diplômées en 2007 : l’enseignement de la common law en français à l’Université d’Ottawa
Authors: Bélanger-Hardy Louise , St-Hilaire1 Gabrielle
Published: October 2012

À l’approche du 30e anniversaire du programme de common law en français, quatre chercheuses et chercheurs ont entrepris de dresser le bilan des investissements sur le plan des études de common law en fran­çais et du rayonnement subséquent des juristes ainsi formés sur la scène canadienne. L’objet était de mesurer les effets que ces juristes ont eus sur la profession juridique, dans les communautés de langue offi­cielle en situation minoritaire et, plus généralement, sur l’accès à la justice en français. Ce texte présente les résultats de cette recherche en insistant sur le profil des personnes diplômées, sur leur contribution à l’essor des services juridiques en français, enfin sur le rôle du gouverne­ment et du programme dans la vitalité des communautés de langues officielles. Malgré les obstacles qui persistent, les personnes diplômées de ce programme jouent indéniablement un grand rôle auprès des franco­phones qui cherchent à se prévaloir de leurs droits à des services juridiques dans leur langue.
Le droit et la langue française au Canada : évolution et perspectives
Authors: Foucher Pierre
Published: October 2012

Le présent texte explore les avancées et les défis que présentent les droits linguistiques au Canada par rapport à la promotion de la langue française. Y sont abordées les questions relatives au fédéralisme, à l’interprétation juridique et aux nouveaux chantiers où le droit pourrait jouer un rôle utile dans la structuration des rapports sociaux.
Être pauvre en période d’abondance : développement économique et communautés francophones depuis 1945
Authors: Martel Marcel
Published: October 2012

Ce texte explore le rapport de la francophonie à l’économie et surtout aux discours élaborés pour justifier, expliquer ou contester la réalité économique des francophones au Québec et dans les milieux minoritaires. Depuis 1945, les discours mis en place reflètent le zeitgeist, ou l’air du temps, mais soulignent aussi une volonté de faire entendre leur différence. Par ailleurs, ces discours traduisent une peur, celle du sous-développement et de l’incapacité de maîtriser le développement économique.
Écrire en français en Amérique : de quelques enjeux
Authors: Gauvin Lise
Published: October 2012

Dans l’espace francophone, les sentiments d’appartenance – ou de non-appartenance – à un ensemble donné sont autant de variables qu’il est nécessaire d’interroger si l’on veut comprendre le fonctionnement du littéraire dans une perspective pragmatique, soit celle qui met en relation la production des textes et le contexte de leur réception. Ces relations sont d’autant plus importantes que les littératures francophones sont les seules, en Amérique, à n’avoir pas renversé en leur faveur la dialectique du centre et de la périphérie. Dans ce contexte, la question de leur statut, ou si l’on préfère de leur désignation, ne saurait être éludée. Les littératures francophones ont été désignées tour à tour de littérature régionale, périphérique ou mineure. Mais le concept de littérature mineure, au sens que Gilles Deleuze et Félix Guattari lui ont donné, est un curieux amalgame de diverses réflexions de Franz Kafka concernant les littératures alors en émergence et sa propre situation d’écrivain juif vivant à Prague et écrivant en allemand. Cet article reprend et discute ce concept, ainsi que celui de petite littérature mis de l’avant par Kafka et ensuite par Milan Kundera, notion à laquelle il paraît nécessaire d’ajouter celle de littérature minoritaire de façon à mettre en évidence certains points communs, mais aussi certaines disparités dans les situations des littératures francophones d’Amérique.
Espérance de vie : diagnostics et pronostics concernant l’avenir des communautés francophones en Amérique
Authors: Aunger Edmund A.
Published: October 2012

Quel est l’avenir des communautés francophones en Amérique ? Cet article présente les principales communautés francophones, documente l’évolution de leurs effectifs et fait des projections à partir des tendances observées. Il évalue également la condition actuelle de ces communautés en examinant les trois grands déterminants de la vitalité linguistique : les facteurs démographiques, les structures institutionnelles et les politiques linguistiques. Au Québec, la convergence positive de ces éléments inspire l’optimisme : les francophones jouissent d’une concentration territoriale, d’une complétude institutionnelle et d’un appui politique. Ailleurs au Canada, l’avenir reste incertain ; aux États-Unis, il est sombre.
Le déclin de l’Empire américain et l’avenir des francophonies en périphérie : le cas de la Saskatchewan
Authors: Denis Wilfrid B.
Published: October 2012

La survie et l’épanouissement de la langue française au Canada aujourd’hui sont influencés par des tendances opposées : l’épanouissement et l’étiolement linguistiques. Ces tendances contradictoires sont autant mondiales que nationales. Ainsi dans certaines régions du Canada, et dans quelques parties du monde, le nombre de personnes parlant le français augmente. Au Canada, les droits des francophones s’accroissent sans cesse depuis les années 1960. Mais plusieurs régions à l’extérieur du Québec subissent des tendances démographiques inquiétantes qui conduisent à l’affaiblissement général des communautés et à la perte de la langue française. L’étude de cas type d’une région menacée, comme la Saskatchewan, devrait tenir compte de facteurs extérieurs qui influent sur les tendances internes de cette communauté. En particulier, ces facteurs doivent tenir compte des tendances mondiales concernant la langue française et de l’insertion de la Saskatchewan dans les contradictions du capitalisme avancé sous l’hégémonie américaine.
Le discours socialiste dans la francophonie antillaise
Authors: Delpêche Bernard
Published: October 2012

Cette étude analyse l’influence des idées socialistes sur la francophonie des Amériques et plus particulièrement sur la francophonie du Sud, qui a émergé des sociétés de plantations dans les Caraïbes. Elle explore certaines tendances littéraires qui maintiennent ou rejettent les vestiges de tout dogmatisme social en faveur d’une francophonie plus ouverte.
L’enchevêtrement des histoires littéraires dans la francophonie d’Amérique vu à travers le renouvellement épistémologique de l’histoire littéraire
Authors: Cambron Micheline
Published: October 2012

Les transformations récentes des modèles épistémologiques de l’histoire littéraire conduisent à renouveler les pratiques en littérature. Ces changements, d’abord liés à la multiplication et au fractionnement des récits, naissent également d’un nouveau regard posé sur les questions d’archives, sur la matérialité des médias. Ces transformations mettent aussi en relief le contexte d’énonciation des oeuvres et réintroduisent la figure du lecteur. Ultimement, ces changements conduisent à placer les littératures francophones d’Amérique en interaction, à permettre la reconstruction, réelle et imaginaire, du lien social dans chacune des communautés et à favoriser l’élaboration d’un véritable processus de reconnaissance.
Valeurs identitaires et linguistiques dans l’industrie touristique patrimoniale (Ontario et Alberta)
Authors: Moïse Claudine , Roy Sylvie
Published: October 2012

En Alberta et en Ontario français, la valorisation du patrimoine est liée à l’élaboration d’une authenticité, historique et linguistique, et sert une production de sens identitaire en même temps qu’un développement économique. Par l’intermédiaire d’écrits et d’entrevues, émanant du secteur public et officiel, nous avons essayé de comprendre comment se construisent et s’interprètent les discours portant sur l’authenticité en Alberta et Ontario français. La vision authentique se trouve confrontée, dans une tension inéluctable, à un tourisme mondialisé qui s’appuie parfois sur les compétences multilingues et tente aussi d’échapper à une francophonie traditionnelle, tout en l’utilisant.
La santé et les minorités linguistiques : l’approche canadienne au regard de cas internationaux
Authors: Traisnel Christophe , Forgues Éric
Published: October 2012

Dans notre article, nous présentons une analyse comparative de l’approche canadienne de l’enjeu de la santé pour les communautés francophones en situation minoritaire (CFSM). Nous montrons que l’État canadien a favorisé une démarche de concertation avec les acteurs communautaires. Notre analyse comparative nous a permis de dégager une typologie des politiques linguistiques en matière de santé destinées aux CFSM. Cette typologie permet de situer l’expérience canadienne par rapport à d’autres expériences, parfois proches, mais présentant des perspectives différentes, comme le montrent les cas finlandais, belge et états-unien. La « voie » canadienne paraît originale dans la mesure où elle semble se situer entre un modèle communautaire, à l’instar des pays européens, et un modèle individualisé, à l’instar de ce qui se fait aux États-Unis.
Littératie en matière de santé : des moyens novateurs de stimuler la prise en charge par la population francophone du nord-est du Nouveau-Brunswick
Authors: Boivin Nathalie ,   Réseau Communauté en santé de Bathurst
Published: October 2012

L’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) définit la promotion de la santé comme le processus qui confère aux populations les moyens d’assurer une plus grande maîtrise de leur propre santé et de l’améliorer. Or, comment parler de prise en charge de sa santé alors qu’une partie importante de la population francophone du nord-est du Nouveau-Brunswick ne possède pas le niveau minimal d’alphabétisation requis pour fonctionner dans notre société actuelle ? Une démarche habilitante auprès de cette population a été menée. Les résultats préliminaires sont exposés, dévoilant les avantages et les obstacles d’une campagne médiatique.
Questions de temps : regards sur un recueil de poèmes de Gilles Lacombe
Authors: Yergeau Robert
Published: October 2012

La première partie de cet article met en relief quelques éléments majeurs liés à la notion protéiforme du temps. L’auteur questionne ensuite le rapport problématique du temps et de l’espace dans la littérature franco-ontarienne. Suit l’analyse du recueil de poèmes de Gilles Lacombe Petites heures qui s’avancent en riant paru en 1998, qui témoigne d’un temps qui n’est ni sacralisé, ni éclaté, ni résigné en fonction de conceptions temporelles particulières aux cultures minoritaires.
L’intégration de l’Amérique francophone dans l’espace touristique européen : le cas de la Maison Champlain à Brouage (France)
Authors: Vasquez-Parra Adeline
Published: October 2012

Cet article se concentre sur la Maison Champlain fondée dans la ville de Brouage en Charente-Maritime (France), à l’occasion du 400eanniversaire de la relation France-Canada célébré en 2004. Située entre l’espace culturel et le musée, la Maison Champlain est marquée d’une empreinte à la fois idéologique, de par sa virtualisation de l’objet muséal transformé ici en écran télévisuel, et politique, comme le confirme l’absence de réflexion autour du rapport qui lie la France à son histoire coloniale. Cet article se propose ainsi d’interroger images et représentations de l’Amérique francophone renvoyées aux visiteurs dans ce lieu unique de partage et de connaissance interculturels.
Molecular architecture of human polycomb repressive complex 2
Authors: Ciferri Claudio , Lander Gabriel C , Maiolica Alessio , Herzog Franz , Aebersold Ruedi , Nogales Eva
Published: October 2012

Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) is essential for gene silencing, establishing transcriptional repression of specific genes by tri-methylating Lysine 27 of histone H3, a process mediated by cofactors such as AEBP2. In spite of its biological importance, little is known about PRC2 architecture and subunit organization. Here, we present the first three-dimensional electron microscopy structure of the human PRC2 complex bound to its cofactor AEBP2. Using a novel internal protein tagging-method, in combination with isotopic chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry, we have localized all the PRC2 subunits and their functional domains and generated a detailed map of interactions. The position and stabilization effect of AEBP2 suggests an allosteric role of this cofactor in regulating gene silencing. Regions in PRC2 that interact with modified histone tails are localized near the methyltransferase site, suggesting a molecular mechanism for the chromatin-based regulation of PRC2 activity.
Sequence specific detection of bacterial 23S ribosomal RNA by TLR13
Authors: Li Xiao-Dong , Chen Zhijian J
Published: October 2012

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) detect microbial infections and trigger innate immune responses. Among vertebrate TLRs, the role of TLR13 and its ligand are unknown. Here we show that TLR13 detects the 23S ribosomal RNA of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. A sequence containing 13 nucleotides near the active site of 23S rRNA ribozyme, which catalyzes peptide bond synthesis, was both necessary and sufficient to trigger TLR13-dependent interleukin-1β production. Single point mutations within this sequence destroyed the ability of the 23S rRNA to stimulate the TLR13 pathway. Knockout of TLR13 in mice abolished the induction of interleukin-1β and other cytokines by the 23S rRNA sequence. Thus, TLR13 detects bacterial RNA with exquisite sequence specificity.
New ideas on how drivers perceive speed emerge from the fog
Authors: Culham Jody C
Published: October 2012

Experiments with a driving simulator contradict previous results by showing that car drivers slow down in fog. However, other forms of reduced visibility can cause drivers to speed up.
Enseñar periodismo para leer y narrar la sociedad del siglo XXI
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Cali (Colombia), MANRIQUE GRISALES JORGE
Published: October 2012

Este artículo de reflexión recoge algunas preguntas en torno al periodismo y su impacto en la sociedad. Se hace un rastreo de los debates que se han planteado en Latinoamérica desde escenarios como Felafacs, Claep, SIP, Fnpi y Unesco, entre otros. De igual forma, se confrontan distintas visiones desde la academia, los medios y los investigadores que indagan por el lugar del oficio de informar en el complejo mundo de la Comunicación y las Ciencias Sociales. Se exponen algunas propuestas y tendencias en la formación de periodistas, teniendo como retos los nuevos contextos sociales y la emergencia de los formatos asociados al uso de las TIC, el rol de los docentes, los componentes curriculares y los nuevos espacios de formación generados entre medios y academia
Estrategias lingüístico-discursivas en el tratamiento informativo de un conflicto intercultural: la guerra de Irak en la prensa venezolana
Authors:   Universidad del Zulia (Venezuela), FERNÁNDEZ FRANCO SYLVIA , FRANCO MARTÍNEZ ANTONIO ,   Universidad del Zulia (Venezuela)
Published: October 2012

En este trabajo se analizan las estrategias lingüístico-discursivas empleadas por los periodistas en la recontextualización de la guerra de Irak. Se propone un modelo lingüístico-comunicativo para el análisis del tratamiento informativo de los conflictos interculturales y se demuestra su validez mediante su aplicación en el estudio de una muestra de dos textos publicados por los diarios venezolanos Panorama y El Nacional. Se concluye que en el tratamiento informativo de los conflictos interculturales deben integrarse estrategias lingüísticas y discursivas con un sustrato axiológico, que promuevan la cortesía verbal, la acción comunicativa y el entendimiento, para evitar las barreras en la comunicación, la polarización de las partes enfrentadas y la espectacularización de las situaciones conflictivas
La muerte de Bin Laden en fotografías de portada de la prensa española: ¿Sin cuerpo no hay imagen icónica?
Authors:   Universitat de Lleida (España), VISA BARBOSA MARIONA , SOTO MEROLA JOANA ,   Universitat de Lleida (España)
Published: October 2012

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las portadas de seis periódicos españoles del día en que se publicó la noticia de la muerte de Osama Bin Laden, para establecer si se creó una imagen icono global que pueda ser asociada con esta noticia, a pesar de no contar con una imagen del cuerpo muerto de Bin Laden. El estudio demuestra que la ausencia de imágenes de la muerte del terrorista provocó que los medios de comunicación impresos ilustrasen esta noticia con fotografías de temática muy diversa (imágenes de archivo, reacciones de la clase política, celebraciones del pueblo...), pero sin encontrar un referente común que devenga en icono y quede ligado para siempre a la noticia.
El peso de la hipertextualidad en el periodismo digital: estudio comparativo
Authors:   Universitat Abat Oliba CEU (España), FRANCESC FONDEVILA JOAN , SEGURA JIMÉNEZ HERLAYNNE ,   Universidad de Antioquia (Colombia)
Published: October 2012

Uno de los parámetros para analizar la madurez del periodismo digital es la hipertextualidad. Son pocos los estudios sobre casos reales de uso de enlaces, y menos sobre tipos de enlaces según su componente semántico. A tal efecto llevamos a cabo un estudio comparativo de diarios colombianos y españoles para determinar la cantidad (número de enlaces por unidad de contenido) y la calidad (tipos de enlace en función de sus implicaciones semánticas) del uso del hipertexto. Se contabilizan las unidades de contenido publicadas en el front page del diario, el número de enlaces existentes en el total de unidades de contenido, y la cantidad de enlaces contextuales, relacionales y recomendados. Se observa un mayor uso del hipertexto en los diarios españoles que en los colombianos, y, en general, un predominio de los enlaces más superficiales
Rutinas productivas de un cibermedio nativo digital
Authors:   Universidad de Alicante (España), IGLESIAS GARCÍA MAR
Published: October 2012

Esta investigación estudia el funcionamiento de la redacción de VilaWeb, un cibermedio nativo digital de información general, escrito en catalán, que nació en 1995. La metodología empleada es la observación participante, durante dos meses, en la redacción del ciberperiódico, como parte de un estudio etnográfico más amplio. Así, se ha podido comprobar in situ cómo trabaja la redacción de un medio exclusivamente digital. La investigación concluye que se trata de una redacción colaborativa, donde hay un diálogo permanente entre sus miembros. Además, muestra que la espontaneidad, la versatilidad y la intuición marcan muchas de las rutinas de trabajo, porque cada noticia requiere un planteamiento diferente, en función de las declaraciones obtenidas, las fotografías o los vídeos capturados. La inmediatez y la actualización continuada son valores establecidos en la redacción, pero no comportan una falta de rigor, ya que la información es contrastada por varias fuentes
Editores chilenos y rutinas periodísticas: revisión y propuesta para un estudio sobre el cambio en la sala de redacción
Authors:   Universidad de los Andes (Chile), JOSÉ LECAROS MARÍA , GREENE FRANCISCA ,   Universidad de los Andes (Chile)
Published: October 2012

El siguiente artículo se inicia con una revisión crítica de la propuesta de rutinas periodísticas hecha por la sociología de los medios y evalúa su vigencia para el estudio de las rutinas periodísticas en Chile. A través de entrevistas en profundidad a un grupo de editores chilenos, se investigan las rutinas utilizadas y en qué medida estas se ven afectadas por el cambio al interior de la empresa informativa y por los nuevos comportamientos de las audiencias. Se concluye que la propuesta de la sociología norteamericana sigue siendo válida en su diagnóstico, aunque requiere ponerse al día en la nueva problemática de los medios tradicionales. La aparición de nuevos escenarios para los periodistas hace necesario el replanteamiento de estas rutinas.
Consumo musical: tensiones entre emisoras musicales juveniles y dispositivos portátiles
Authors:   Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores (Colombia), CUESTA ÓSCAR JULIÁN
Published: October 2012

El artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación que tuvo como objetivo caracterizar las estrategias utilizadas por las emisoras musicales juveniles de Bogotá para mantener o aumentar el número de oyentes en el marco de las nuevas lógicas de consumo musical en dispositivos de audio portátiles. Se efectuaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a directores y programadores de cinco estaciones musicales de FM de la ciudad, con el fin de establecer las estrategias que ellos utilizan. Luego, se realizaron grupos focales con jóvenes de 14 a 17 y de 21 a 25 años, para determinar qué los lleva a sintonizar emisoras musicales cuando tienen acceso a la música que les gusta en estos dispositivos, como MP3 o iPod. La investigación estableció que la innovación en contenidos y la interacción con los oyentes a través de redes sociales son las principales estrategias para convocar a los oyentes. Estos sintonizan las emisoras porque presentan novedades informativas y temáticas, abren espacios de intercambio de opiniones vía redes y generan la sensación de cercanía y afinidad con los locutores.
Una interpretación socio-semiótica de la representación televisiva de la política: la oportunidad de la TV digital
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, FUENZALIDA VALERIO
Published: October 2012

Este artículo se focaliza en la oportunidad que aparece con la TV digital para perfeccionar la representación política desde la comunicación televisiva. La calidad de la comunicación política por TV no puede ser medida solo por la cantidad de horas del género en el Noticiario Central. Una información con el atributo de completa se cumple a través de la oferta de géneros complementarios que profundizan en el acontecer, como entrevistas y debates, revistas semanales, reportajes en profundidad, y otros. El ambiente digital permitirá la segmentación informativa, imposible para los actuales canales generalistas. La tecnología es apenas una oportunidad, la cual debe ser socialmente encausada hacia el perfeccionamiento de la representatividad política; es, pues, una oportunidad de policy making.
Cost Sharing for Preferred Branded Drugs in Medicare Part D
Authors: Trish Erin , Blaylock Barbara , Van Nuys Karen
Published: February 2025

This study uses data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Public Use Files to examine the use of co-payments and co-insurance for preferred brand-name drugs among Medicare Part D plans from 2020 to 2024 and characterize beneficiary exposure to these trends.
What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Authors: Lieu Kevin , Smollin Craig G. , LeSaint Kathy T.
Published: February 2025

This JAMA Patient Page describes carbon monoxide poisoning, its causes, symptoms and complications, diagnosis, treatment, and risk reduction measures.