bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Growth Inhibitory Effects of Highly Oxygenated Guaianolides Isolated from the Middle Eastern Indigenous Plant Achillea falcata in HCT-116 Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Tohme Rita , Al Aaraj Lamis , Ghaddar Tarek , Gali-Muhtasib Hala , Saliba Najat , Darwiche Nadine
Published: July 2013

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in traditional medicine and in the maintenance of human health worldwide. Sesquiterpene lactones represent an interesting group of plant-derived compounds that are currently being tested as lead drugs in cancer clinical trials. Achillea falcata is a medicinal plant indigenous to the Middle Eastern region and belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is known to be rich in sesquiterpene lactones. We subjected Achillea falcata extracts to bioassay-guided fractionation against the growth of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells and identified four secotanapartholides, namely 3-β-methoxy- isosecotanapartholide (1), isosecotanapartholide (2), tanaphallin (3), and 8-hydroxy-3-methoxyisosecotanapartholide (4). Three highly oxygenated guaianolides were isolated for the first time from Achillea falcata, namely rupin A (5), chrysartemin B (6), and 1β, 2β-epoxy- 3β,4α,10α-trihydroxyguaian- 6α,12-olide (7). These sesquiterpene lactones showed no or minor cytotoxicity while exhibiting promising anticancer effects against HCT-116 cells. Further structure-activity relationship studies related the bioactivity of the tested compounds to their skeleton, their lipophilicity, and to the type of functional groups neighboring the main alkylating center of the molecule.
Enhanced Stability of CaO and/or La2O3 Promoted Pd/Al2O3 Egg-Shell Catalysts in Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Yu Hongbo , Ma Zhen , Zhou Shenghu
Published: July 2013

An egg-shell Pd/Al2O3 catalyst showed higher activity than a regular Pd/Al2O3 catalyst in the partial oxidation of methane to syngas, but a common problem of this reaction is the catalyst deactivation on stream. We attempted to modify the egg-shell catalyst via impregnation with some metal oxide additives. Although the addition of MgO did not show any beneficial effect, the addition of CaO and/or La2O3 significantly improved the stability due to the suppression of carbon deposition and phase transformation of the Al2O3 support. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
The Genus Gnaphalium L. (Compositae): Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics
Authors: Zheng Xing , Wang Wei , Piao Huishan , Xu Weiqiang , Shi Haibo , Zhao Chengai
Published: July 2013

The genus Gnaphalium, a herb distributed worldwide, comprises approximately 200 species of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family that belongs to the tribe Gnaphalieae. Some species are traditionally used as wild vegetables and in folk medicine. This review focuses on the phytochemical investigations and biological studies of plants from the genus Gnaphalium over the past few decades. More than 125 chemical constituents have been isolated from the genus Gnaphalium, including flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, phytosterols, anthraquinones, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, and other compounds. The extracts of this genus, as well as compounds isolated from it, have been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal, anti-complement, antitussive and expectorant, insect antifeedant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antihypouricemic properties. The present review compiles the information available on this genus because of its relevance to food and ethnopharmacology and the potential therapeutic uses of these species.
Ultra-Precision Measurement and Control of Angle Motion in Piezo-Based Platforms Using Strain Gauge Sensors and a Robust Composite Controller
Authors: Liu Lei , Bai Yu-Guang , Zhang Da-Li , Wu Zhi-Gang
Published: July 2013

The measurement and control strategy of a piezo-based platform by using strain gauge sensors (SGS) and a robust composite controller is investigated in this paper. First, the experimental setup is constructed by using a piezo-based platform, SGS sensors, an AD5435 platform and two voltage amplifiers. Then, the measurement strategy to measure the tip/tilt angles accurately in the order of sub-μrad is presented. A comprehensive composite control strategy design to enhance the tracking accuracy with a novel driving principle is also proposed. Finally, an experiment is presented to validate the measurement and control strategy. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed measurement and control strategy provides accurate angle motion with a root mean square (RMS) error of 0.21 μrad, which is approximately equal to the noise level.
An Integrative Structural Health Monitoring System for the Local/Global Responses of a Large-Scale Irregular Building under Construction
Authors: Park Hyo , Shin Yunah , Choi Se , Kim Yousok
Published: July 2013

In this study, a practical and integrative SHM system was developed and applied to a large-scale irregular building under construction, where many challenging issues exist. In the proposed sensor network, customized energy-efficient wireless sensing units (sensor nodes, repeater nodes, and master nodes) were employed and comprehensive communications from the sensor node to the remote monitoring server were conducted through wireless communications. The long-term (13-month) monitoring results recorded from a large number of sensors (75 vibrating wire strain gauges, 10 inclinometers, and three laser displacement sensors) indicated that the construction event exhibiting the largest influence on structural behavior was the removal of bents that were temporarily installed to support the free end of the cantilevered members during their construction. The safety of each member could be confirmed based on the quantitative evaluation of each response. Furthermore, it was also confirmed that the relation between these responses (i.e., deflection, strain, and inclination) can provide information about the global behavior of structures induced from specific events. Analysis of the measurement results demonstrates the proposed sensor network system is capable of automatic and real-time monitoring and can be applied and utilized for both the safety evaluation and precise implementation of buildings under construction.
Role of Polycomb Proteins in Regulating HSV-1 Latency
Authors: Watson Zachary , Dhummakupt Adit , Messer Harald , Phelan Dane , Bloom David
Published: July 2013

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes a latent infection within sensory neurons of humans. Latency is characterized by the transcriptional repression of lytic genes by the condensation of lytic gene regions into heterochromatin. Recent data suggest that facultative heterochromatin predominates, and that cellular Polycomb proteins are involved in the establishment and maintenance of transcriptional repression during latency. This review summarizes these data and discusses the implication of viral and cellular factors in regulating heterochromatin composition.
Clinical audit for the tibial tuberosity advancement procedure
Authors: Corr S. A. , Proot J. L. J.
Published: July 2013

Objective To quantitatively assess the learning curve for the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) procedure performed by a single surgeon using the cumulative summation (CUSUM) technique and to determine if surgeon performance remained under control (i.e. within specified quality boundaries) after the learning curve had been climbed. Study design: Retrospective study.

Animals Dogs (n = 122) with cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifles (n = 167).

Methods Records of all dogs that had a TTA procedure performed by the same surgeon were reviewed. Cases were included if the following information was available: weight, breed, date of surgery, presence of partial or full cruciate rupture, meniscal pathology, occurrence and description of postoperative complications and treatment with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Patients were excluded if they had a concurrent illness. Major complications were defined as those requiring revision surgery. The CUSUM technique was used to determine the time taken for the surgeon to reach a pre-defined level of competency and to monitor ongoing performance.

Results Major complications occurred in 15 out of 167 procedures (9%) within 12 months of TTA surgery. The complication rate decreased as surgical experience was gained with the technique, however the learning curve continued until the 22nd procedure. Thereafter, despite the target complication rate being re-set at a lower level, the surgeon's performance remained acceptable, i.e. within the revised quality boundary.

Clinical significance The CUSUM technique was used for clinical audit, to determine the learning curve for the TTA procedure for a single surgeon, and to monitor ongoing performance. An experienced general practitioner had a learning curve of 22 procedures and complication rates were within the published ranges.
The effects of a novel lateral extracapsular suture system on the kinematics of the cranial cruciate deficient canine stifle
Authors: Lanz O. I. , Aulakh K. S. , Butler J. R. , McLaughlin R. M. , Harper T. A. , Werre S. R. , D´Amico L. L.
Published: July 2013

Objective To evaluate the relative position of the femur and tibia in cranial cruciate ligament- intact stifles, cranial cruciate ligamentdeficient stifles, and cruciate-deficient stifles following lateral extracapsular suture system (LESS) stabilization under load at specific joint angles.

Study design In vitro biomechanical study.

Methods Twenty pelvic limbs from 11 dogs were used to evaluate the relative position of the femur and tibia between three stifle conditions (cranial cruciate ligament-intact, cranial cruciate ligament-deficient, and LESSstabilized) at a load of 30% of body weight and stifle angles of 125°, 135°, and 145° using electromagnetic tracking sensors.

Results Cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifles had significantly greater (p <0.0001) cranial displacement and internal rotation of the tibia relative to the femur than cranial cruciate ligament-intact or LESS stifles at all stifle angles. Cranial displacement of the tibia relative to the femur for cranial cruciate ligament-intact and LESS stifles were not significantly different from one another at a stifle angle of 125°, but were significantly different at stifle angles of 135° (p = 0.0182) and 145° (p = 0.0012). There was no significant difference in internal rotation of the tibia relative to the femur between the cranial cruciate ligament-intact and LESS stifles at any of the stifle angles.

Clinical significance The LESS procedure effectively decreased cranial tibial displacement and eliminated internal rotation of the tibia relative to the femur in the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifles at stifle angles of 125°, 135°, and 145° in vitro.
Dipolar addition to cyclic vinyl sulfones leading to dual conformation tricycles
Authors: Wong Steven S Y , Brant Michael G , Barr Christopher , Oliver Allen G , Wulff Jeremy E
Published: July 2013

Dipolar addition of cyclic azomethine imines with cyclic vinyl sulfones gave rise to functionalized tricycles that exhibited fluxional behavior in solution at room temperature. The scope of the synthetic methodology was explored, and the origin of the fluxional behavior was probed by NMR methods together with DFT calculations. This behavior was ultimately attributed to stereochemical inversion at one of two nitrogen centers embedded in the tricyclic framework. Two tetracycles were also synthesized, and the degree of signal-broadening in the NMR spectra was found to depend on the presence of substitution next to the inverting nitrogen center.
The icaA gene in staphylococci from bovine mastitis
Authors: Rumi María Valeria , Huguet Miguel J , Bentancor Adriana B , Gentilini Elida R
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are frequently isolated from cows with mastitis. A main virulence factor of CNS is the ability to adhere and form biofilms. The intercellular gene cluster adhesion (ica) operon is one factor involved in biofilm production although ica-independent factors are also involved. Previous reports based on the results of S. epidermidis and S. aureus suggested that ica is highly conserved between species, but this detection decreases in other CNS biofilm producers. In this study we evaluated the presence of the icaA gene in strains of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the milk of bovines with mastitis. Methodology: Thirty-seven staphylococci strains were evaluated by detecting the icaA gene. A new set of PCR primers was designed by consensus region of eight staphylococci from GenBank. Species characterization was performed using the Kloos and Schleifer scheme. Results: We identified the presence of the gene in S. aureus (n:4), S. chromogenes (n:4), and S. sciuri strains (n:2). We also, identified the presence of the gene in S. xylosus (n:5) for the first time. The icaA gene was not detected in S. capitis (n:1), S. epidermidis (n:2), S. hominis (n:2), S. saccharolyticus (n:1), S. simulans (n:4) and S. saprophyticus (n:3). The icaA gene was detected in 40.54% (15/37) of the CNS evaluated. Conclusions: Our results confirm the presence of the ica operon in various species of CNS pointing to polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) as the most important component for the formation of biofilms.
Antibiogram and characterization of resistance markers among Escherichia coli Isolates from urinary tract infections
Authors: Kumar Yashwant , Sood Shivani , Sharma Anshu , Mani Kavaratty Raju
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Urinary tract infection is the most frequently diagnosed kidney and urologic disease, and Escherichia coli is by far its most common etiological agent. Uropathogenic E. coli are responsible for approximately 90% of urinary tract infections seen in individuals with ordinary anatomy therefore, it is essential to review the antibiogram of uropathogenic E. coli periodically to help clinicians decide on the appropriate therapy. Methodology: We evaluated E. coli isolated from urinary tract infections at the National Salmonella and Escherichia Centre for antibiogram, plasmid transferability and stability of resistance markers. Results: In total, 90.9% of the isolates were found to be sensitive to nitrofurantoin while the highest proportion of the isolates was found to be resistant to nalidixic acid. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of all antimicrobials for different isolates were well within the limits specified by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.  Resistance against tetracycline was not transferred either by conjugation and transformation. Streptomycin resistance was found to be lost in the maximum number of tested isolates showing loss at the 10th, 15th and 20th passages. Conclusion: Changing trends in antibiotic resistance necessitates the periodic generation of antibiogram data to help health authorities revise treatment strategies for urinary tract infections caused by E. coli.
Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) in Cote d'Ivoire: health-care providers’ knowledge of influenza and attitudes towards vaccination
Authors: Coulibaly Daouda , Nzussouo Ndahwouh T , Kadjo Hervé A , Traoré Youssouf , Ekra Daniel K , Chérif Djibril , Kouassi Paquin D , N’gattia Anderson K , Dagnan Simplice N
Published: July 2013

Introduction: During the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic (pH1N1), different methods were promoted to reduce the spread of influenza, including respiratory etiquette and vaccination. To identify knowledge gaps about influenza and to plan the vaccination campaign against the pandemic in Côte d’Ivoire, a survey was conducted among health-care providers (HCPs) to assess their knowledge about influenza and their willingness to be vaccinated. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was performed in the city of Abidjan on 16-18 February 2010, in the three university teaching hospitals, a randomly selected general hospital, and two randomly selected private clinics. In face-to-face interviews, 383 health-care professionals were asked questions about their knowledge of influenza, means of influenza prevention, and their willingness to be vaccinated. Data analysis, both univariate and multivariate, was performed using SPSS. Results: Willingness to be vaccinated against pH1N1 was 80% (n = 284), and 83% of the HCPs would recommend the vaccine to others. The respiratory mode of transmission of influenza was known by 85% (n = 295) of the participants and 50% (n = 174) believed that seasonal influenza virus and pH1N1 virus were different. In a multivariate model, the factors significantly associated with willingness to receive pH1N1vaccine were fear of pH1N1 disease (OR = 2.1; IC = 1.02-4.35), having only a high school education (OR = 8.28; IC = 2.04-33.60), and feeling at risk to contract pH1N1 (OR = 11.43; IC = 4.77-27.38). Conclusion: The willingness to be vaccinated against influenza A (H1N1) by health professionals is real.
First report of antibodies to Neospora caninum in Nigerian cattle
Authors: Ayinmode Adekunle B , Akanbi Ibikunle M
Published: July 2013

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Seasonality, clinical types and prognostic factors of Vibrio vulnificus infection
Authors: Tsao Chien-Han , Chen Chun-Chieh , Tsai Shih-Jei , Li Chi-Rong , Chao Wai-Nang , Chan Khee-Siang , Lin Ding-Bang , Sheu Kai-Lun , Chen Shiuan-Chih , Lee Meng-Chih , Bell William R.
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Vibrio vulnificus infection, an uncommon but life-threatening illness, manifests as two main types, primary septicemia and primary wound infections.  Little information regarding the seasonality of V. vulnificus infections in tropical areas and prognostic factors of primary V. vulnificus wound infections is available. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted to include 159 V. vulnificus-infected admissions at our institution in southern Taiwan, 63 with primary septicemia (Group 1) and 96 with primary wound infections (Group 2), from 1999 to 2008, for analysis. Results: The case-fatality rate was 24%. Eighty-eight percent of these cases occurred during April to November. During December to March, patients in Group 2 were less likely to have acquired the infection compared with those in Group 1. Group 1 was more likely to have comorbidities and a higher case-fatality rate compared to Group 2. In multivariate analysis, hemorrhagic bullous skin lesions/necrotizing fasciitis (P=0.024), lesions involving two or more limbs (P=0.043), and shock on admission (P=0.015) were related to an increased mortality risk, while surgery < 24 hours after admission (P=0.001) was related to a decreased mortality risk in Group 1; however, hemorrhagic bullous skin lesions/necrotizing fasciitis (P=0.045) was the only prognostic factor in Group 2. Conclusion: The presence of hemorrhagic bullous lesion/necrotizing fasciitis is the main prognostic factor for primary septicemia or primary wound infections caused by V. vulnificus. Persons with an underlying immunocompromised status should avoid consuming raw/undercooked seafood or exposing wounds to seawater and should wear clothing during handling of seafood/fishing, especially in warmer months.
Panorámica actual de los pavimentos de hormigón en los Estados Unidos
Authors: Fernández Sánchez Rafael , Jofré Ibáñez Carlos
Published: July 2013

Se incluyen en el presente artículo las novedades más interesantes en el campo de los pavimentos de hormigón en Estados Unidos, recogidas en un viaje realizado por un grupo de ingenieros españoles con motivo de la primera Conferencia Internacional sobre el Proyecto de Pavimentos de Hormigón, celebrada en la Universidad de Purdue (Indiana). El viaje se completó con una serie de visitas técnicas, entre las que merecen destacarse las efectuadas a la Portland Cement Association, al Laboratorio de Carreteras de California y a diversas autopistas, tanto construidas como en ejecución, en dicho Estado. Como es sabido. California ha desarrollado una técnica propia de firmes rígidos que ha sido aplicada en algunas recientes realizaciones españolas.
Game-Based Writing Strategy Practice with the Writing Pal
Authors: Roscoe Rod , Brandon Russell , Snow Erica L. , McNamara Danielle S.
Published: July 2013

In this chapter, the authors consider the value of educational games to support students’ writing strategy acquisition and practice. Sixty-five high school students participated in a summer program using the Writing Pal, an intelligent tutoring system designed to support adolescents’ persuasive writing across multiple phases of the writing process. Overall, students who interacted with the full W-Pal intelligent tutoring system (i.e., animated strategy lessons, game-based practice, and essay-based practice with feedback) were better able to articulate new writing strategies than students who engaged in intensive essay-based practice by writing and revising twice as many essays with feedback. Importantly, performance within several educational games was found to be a significant predictor of strategy acquisition. The authors argue that these strategy benefits arise from the ways in which strategy-specific, game-based practice activities support the decomposition of task goals, clear operations for achieving those goals, compensation for individual differences, and motivation to practice.
Building Awareness of Language Structures with Visual-Syntactic Text Formatting
Authors: Park Youngmin , Warschauer Mark , Collins Penelope , Hwang Jin Kyoung , Vogel Charles
Published: July 2013

The recently adopted Common Core State Standards emphasize the importance of language forms and structure in learning to write. Yet most language arts teachers have either downplayed the linguistic structure of writing in favor of process approaches or emphasized the teaching of grammatical structures outside of the context of authentic writing. Technology-supported writing activities tend to mimic these two approaches, with teachers using technology for either process-based writing or for grammar drills. Most teachers are not well prepared to teach linguistic structures in context or to deploy technology for that purpose. This chapter introduces a new tool called Visual-Syntactic Text Formatting (VSTF) that has powerful affordances for teaching linguistic and textual structures in the context of authentic written genres. Drawing on an empirical study and an action research project conducted by the authors, they share evidence for the value of using VSTF and point to ways that it can be used in the classroom to help students master language structures and employ them in their composition.
Using Digital Portfolios to Enhance Students’ Capacity for Communication about Learning
Authors: Kissel Brian , Putman S. Michael , Stover Katie
Published: July 2013

There is a clear consensus that students need to be proficient in the use of digital technologies to help them become knowledgeable participants in an era of global information sharing (International Reading Association, 2009). Acknowledging this, the current study was situated in the belief that writers, when engaged in online composition and the creation of digital portfolios, engage in processes that differ from traditional pencil-paper types of writing. A qualitative approach was utilized to examine student writing samples and reflections over a two-year timeframe as the students transitioned from traditional writing portfolios to those created and maintained digitally on a wiki. The results demonstrated that digital portfolios provide a platform for students to communicate, express their ideas, share their understandings, and collaboratively construct meaning with an authentic audience. Correspondingly, it also demonstrates the necessity of adjusting teaching practices to accommodate for conditions that arise from the unique opportunities presented by the digital environment.
Illuminating Change
Authors: Hunt-Barron Sarah , Colwell Jamie
Published: July 2013

Using the method of a formative experiment, this investigation examines how the use of peer revision and collaboration in an online environment, specifically a social network, could be implemented in a middle school classroom to increase revision over multiple drafts and improve the quality of student expository writing. Thirty-six students in two sections of a seventh-grade English language arts class participated in the study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected prior to, during, and after the intervention to establish baseline data, as well as determine progress toward the pedagogical goal. Analyses reveal improvement in the amount of student revision and quality of student writing, as well as improved peer feedback using an online community for peer revision and collaboration. The enhancing and inhibiting effects of technology in this intervention is examined, as well as the unanticipated effects of the intervention.
Situating Technology-Facilitated Feedback and Revision
Authors: McCarthey Sarah J. , Magnifico Alecia Marie , Woodard Rebecca , Kline Sonia
Published: July 2013

In this chapter, the authors present a case study of one writer, Tom, to uncover how his writing was mediated by school-level and individual factors. The online writing environment had three major affordances for Tom in this 8th grade classroom: the online writing environment increased Tom’s access to peer response, motivated him write to a higher standard for an audience, and both scaffolded and increased his response repertoire. However, the larger policy context in which Tom’s writing was embedded placed constraints on the classroom and school. Other constraints included Tom’s lack of access to a computer at home, the teacher’s highly structured task, and the online tool’s assignment of random reviewers that forced Tom to continually write to a new audience of peers who lacked the previous context. In light of the situated nature of Tom’s writing and responses in this classroom, the authors make recommendations for policy, research, and instruction.
“Write Me Back!”
Authors: Honeyford Michelle A.
Published: July 2013

This chapter addresses the disconnect between in- and out-of-school writing spaces. Drawing from a larger study of the writing of bilingual Latino immigrant youth in a middle school English language class, the author examines the epistolary community created through an exchange of emails with a group of first-generation Latino university students. The author draws on an ecologies of writing framework to explore writing and place-based identities and the notion of writing across digital and cultural communities in order to analyze the relational, locational, and collective work the students were engaged in. The chapter suggests implications for creating new spaces for writing in school, drawing on social and digital media to participate in imaginative and intellectual literacy work.
Classroom Digital Interaction
Authors: Higgs Jennifer , Miller Catherine Anne , Pearson P. David
Published: July 2013

As Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is increasingly adopted for literacy instruction in K-12 classrooms, careful attention should be paid to its instructional benefits and challenges. In this chapter, the authors take a careful look at how the metaphors of social interaction guiding teacher translation of CMC into their lessons mask the full range of affordances and limitations of CMC. Using a linguistic lens, they analyze teacher interviews and student online discussion data to make a case that using Classroom Digital Interaction (CDI) as a pedagogical tool requires a close look at the aims of literacy instruction and the constraints and affordances of computer mediated discussion.
Online Content Construction
Authors: O’Byrne W. Ian
Published: July 2013

It is increasingly clear that this generation of adolescents is almost always connected to online information (Horrigan, 2010; Pew Research Center, 2010). Indeed, the Internet has quickly become this generation’s defining technology for literacy, in part due to facilitating access to an unlimited amount of online information and media (Rideout, Foehr, & Roberts, 2010). Yet it is a paradox that history’s first generation of “always connected” individuals (Pew Research Center, 2010) is not taught how to effectively and authentically use the digital texts and tools that permeate society. As society has incorporated dynamic and new media in everyday life, educators are required to expand traditional understandings of text and literacy that have replaced many of the ways that we communicate, create, and socialize (Sutherland-Smith, 2002; Alvermann, 2002). Put simply, there is a need to value and construct different kinds of texts, learning, and interactions within the classroom (Beach & Myers, 2001). To achieve this goal, this chapter presents a synthesis of theoretical perspectives and research into a new instructional model known as Online Content Construction (OCC). OCC is defined as the skills, strategies, and dispositions necessary as students construct, redesign, or reinvent online texts by actively encoding and decoding meaning through the use of digital texts and tools.
“What Up” and “TQM”
Authors: Stewart Mary Amanda
Published: July 2013

Previous scholarship demonstrates that immigrant students are using digital technologies for unique purposes in their out-of-school writing. This study explores the writing on Facebook of four Latina/o immigrant youth who are English Learners. The findings show that the participants write on Facebook to further their English acquisition and express their Latina/o identities in ways not accessible to them in school. Their purposes for writing demonstrate there is much academic potential in leveraging social networking for in-school writing instruction for immigrant students.
Multimodality in Action
Authors: Shanahan Lynn E. , McVee Mary B. , Bailey Nancy M.
Published: July 2013

In this chapter, the authors present two classroom portraits of a 5th and 9th grade classrooms as activity systems where teachers and learners are engaged in multimodal composing. In their analysis, they are most interested in how principles of design, affordances of modes, and multimodality become internalized as psychological tools that shape learning in the context of activity. The authors ask two research questions: What are the mediational artifacts (both ideal and material) in these activity settings? What does this reveal about multimodality as a socially situated process? Conclusions drawn from the two different cases lead the authors to suggest that multimodality must be carefully understood as part of an activity system.
Writing For Social Action in Our Digital Age
Authors: Kesler Ted
Published: July 2013

In this chapter, the author first describe the literacy pedagogy that he implements each year with a cohort of pre-service graduate students across two semesters to develop their social justice awareness, based in progressive education and critical literacy principles. The author then describes the social action writing unit of study that arises from this work, emphasizing multimodal forms of expression and especially the use of digital technologies. The author next focuses on two students who represent the digital composing process and products for social justice that students have created. Using multimodal systems of analysis, the author shows how designing multimodal texts informs pre-service students’ understandings of social justice issues. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the convergence of multimodality and social action writing and implications for pre-service writing instruction and action research with classroom teachers in school settings.
The Multimedia Memoir
Authors: Werderich Donna E. , Manderino Michael
Published: July 2013

In this case study, two teacher educators in literacy education examine preservice teachers’ (N = 20) Multimedia Memoirs, focusing specifically on their learning of multimodal writing processes during a language arts methods course. Data analyzed for this study includes a set of Multimedia Memoirs and written reflections. The researchers find that preservice teachers navigate between writing their memoirs traditionally and digitally by drawing on their knowledge and experiences with the writing process and with technology integration. Multimedia Memoirs and reflections demonstrate that preservice teachers’ knowledge about the writing process and the use of multimodality increases for their own writing and their future writing pedagogy. Implications for teacher education programs include a need to provide scaffolded digital writing instruction using a variety of genres.
Aspect Adapted Sculpting
Authors: Mohan Garg Rachit
Published: July 2013

This chapter enables the learners to envisage the prevailing glitches of concern in programming and enables them to identify the concerns that may be incurred in the development of the software. How the designing phase of the product is molded separates these concerns from the core business logic, thereby providing a product with an ability to incorporate any change without actually touching the core business logic unless necessary. Moreover, creating a good design leads to less rework in the latter stages of the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle).
Model-Driven Applications
Authors: Yu Tong-Ying
Published: July 2013

How to bridge the gap between business and Information Technology (IT) has always been a critical issue for both the developers and IT managers. The individualized, differentiated demands by different customers and situations, the constantly changing in both business and IT are great challenges to the applications for enterprises. In this chapter, the authors respectively discuss the left side (computer) in software engineering, with Object-Orientation (OO), Model-Driven Engineering (MDE), Domain-Driven Development (DDD), Agile, etc., and the right side (the business) in Enterprise Engineering (EE) with Enterprise Modeling (EM), and Enterprise Architecture (EA) of the gap. It is shown there are some fundamental problems, such as the transforming barrier between analysis and design model, the entanglement of business change and development process, and the limitation to the enterprise engineering approaches such as EA by IT. Our solution is concentrated on the middle, the inevitable model as a mediator between human, computer, and the real world. The authors introduce Model-Driven Application (MDApp), which is based on Model-Driven Mechanism (MDM), operated on the evolutionary model of the target thing at runtime; it is able to largely avoid the transforming barrier and remove the entanglement. Thus, the architecture for Enterprise Model Driven Application (EMDA) is emerged, which is able to strongly support EE and adapts to the business changing at runtime.
Using Model-Driven Architecture Principles to Generate Applications based on Interconnecting Smart Objects and Sensors
Authors: García Cristian González , Espada Jordán Pascual
Published: July 2013

There has been a rise in the quantity of Smart Things present in our daily life: Smartphones, smart TVs, sensor networks, smart appliances, and many other home and industry automation devices. The disadvantage is that each one is similar but very different from the others because they use different kinds of connections, different protocols, different hardware, and different operative systems; even if they belong to a similar kind, and depending on the manufacturer, two Smartphones or two humidity sensors can be totally different. In spite of this, they all have something in common: All can be connected to Internet. This fact is what gives power to objects, because it allows them to interact with each other and with the environment by intercommunication, a joint and synchronized work. That is why the key resides in creating connections among different objects. This requires technical and qualified personal, although the majority of people who use it do not meet these conditions. These people require objects that are easy to interact with and with as many automations as possible.
A Context-Aware MDA Approach for Content Personalization in User Interface Development
Authors: Bacha Firas , Marçal de Oliveira Káthia , Abed Mourad
Published: July 2013

User Interface (UI) personalization aims at providing the right information, at the right time, and on the right support (tablets, smart-phone, etc.). Personalization can be performed on the interface elements’ presentation (e.g. layout, screen size, and resolution) and on the content provided (e.g., data, information, document). While many existing approaches deal with the first type of personalization, this chapter explores content personalization. To that end, the authors define a context-aware Model Driven Architecture (MDA) approach where the UI model is enriched by data from a domain model and its mapping to a context model. They conclude that this approach is better used only for domains where one envisions several developments of software applications and/or user interfaces.
The Human Role in Model Synthesis
Authors: Gibson Steven
Published: July 2013

This chapter highlights one concept representing the human role in requirements engineering and analysis for model synthesis. The production of design documentation to support model development requires elicitation of user requirements. The process of requirement elicitation plays a primary role in all Model-Driven Software Engineering (MDSE). Issues addressed include how requirements are gathered by the use of surveys, interviews, and questionnaires, and the importance of using validated constructs when gathering user information during requirement elicitation. Survey constructs, as used in requirements engineering, are analogues to the models in the final engineering product. A solution to improving the use of survey methods in the gathering of requirements is introduced. A small application is shown that suggests an example use of this proposed solution. This review of current practices explores areas where challenges are faced in the field with a concluding discussion that points to future trends in this research field.
A Rigorous Approach for Metamodel Evolution
Authors: Pereira Claudia , Favre Liliana , Martinez Liliana
Published: July 2013

Model-Driven Development (MDD) is an initiative proposed by the Object Management Group (OMG) to model centric software development. It is based on the concepts of models, metamodels, and automatic transformations. Models and metamodels are in constant evolution. Metamodel evolution may cause conforming models to become invalid. Therefore, models must be migrated to maintain conformance to their metamodels. Metamodel evolution and model migration are typically performed manually, which is an error-prone task. In light of this, the authors propose a framework for metamodel evolution and model migration that combine an operator-based approach with refactoring and specification matching techniques. They combine classical metamodeling techniques with formal specifications to reason about transformations, metamodels, and their evolution. The authors describe foundations for MDA-based metamodel evolution that allow extending the functionality of the existing CASE tools in order to improve the MDA-based process quality.
Rosetta Composition Semantics
Authors: Peck Megan , Alexander Perry
Published: July 2013

The Rosetta specification language aims to enable system designers to abstractly design complex heterogeneous systems. To this end, Rosetta allows for compositional design to facilitate modularity, separation of concerns, and specification reuse. The behavior of Rosetta components and facets can be viewed as systems, which are well suited for coalgebraic denotation. The previous semantics of Rosetta lacked detail in the denotational work, and had no firm semantic basis for the composition operators. This thesis refreshes previous work on the coalgebraic denotation of Rosetta. It then goes on to define the denotation of the composition operators. Several Rosetta examples using all types of composition serve as a demonstration of the power of composition as well as the clean modular abstraction it affords the designer.
Consistency Checking of Specification in UML
Authors: Sapna P. G. , Mohanty Hrushikesha , Balakrishnan Arunkumar
Published: July 2013

The increasing use of software is giving rise to the development of highly complex software systems. Further, software systems are required to be of high quality as a defect can have catastrophic effect on business as well as human life. Testing is defined as the process of executing a program with the intention of finding errors. Software testing is an expensive process of the software development life cycle consuming nearly 50% of development cost. Software testing aims not only to guarantee consistency in software specification but also to validate its implementation meeting user requirements. On the whole, it is observed that in general, errors in software systems set in at the early stages of the software development cycle (i.e. while gathering user requirements and deciding on specification of intended software). Even though formal specification in B and Z assures a provable system, its use has become less popular due to mathematical rigor. The Unified Modeling Language (UML), a semi-formal language with graphical notations consisting of various diagrams has caught software developers’ imaginations and, it has become popular in industry. UML, with its several diagrams, helps to develop a model of intended software, and the model behaviour is simulated and tested to the satisfaction of both developer as well as users. As a UML model includes specifications of different aspects of a software system through several diagrams, it is essential to maintain consistency among diagrams so that quality of the model is maintained, and through inconsistency checking and removal, the model moves toward completeness. The works reported in literature on this topic are reviewed here.
Modeling and Design for a Intelligent Three-Level Boost Converter
Authors: Lu Da Yong , Li Chao Wei , Shi Jing Tian
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the circuit topology and operating principle of the three level converter Boost converter was modeled, and its working mode was also analyzed, then, a practical circuit was established, through Simulink and experiment, the theoretical analysis result was verified. The hardware and software of the three-level Boost converter adopted modular design, the module function was detected after completing each module design, which has efficiently improved the its efficiency, readability, portability and versatility. The ideal function of the three-level Boost converter was realized, which is easy to control, high-precision, Stable and reliable operation.
Stress Calculation of a Spherical Tank on Settled Ground Based on FEM
Authors: Gao Hong Li , Li Wei Jun , Li Zhi Hai
Published: July 2013

In this paper, a model of a LGP spherical tank supported by 8 equator tangent-type supporting on settled ground was built.The stress on the shell,on the pillars and on the connection of pillars with shell were calculated,the stress distribution on shell,pillars and the connection of pillars with shell were obtained, the influence of foundation settlement to the stress of shell and pillars were studied. The results showed that the differential settlement produced a less affect on the shell,but a greater impact on the pillars. The maximum stress arose at the connection between pillars and shell ,there is a big stress area in the connectors area.
Research on Arc Fault Characteristics and Detection Method
Authors: Ma Shao Hua , Bao Jie Qiu , Cai Zhi Yuan , Meng Chui Yi
Published: July 2013

According to the arc fault mechanism of production and refer to UL1699 standard,arc fault testing system is set up,and the current waveform of arc fault and electrical equipment are collected. By analyzing time-frequency characteristics of arc fault current,paper indicates the boundedness of traditional arc fault detection method and present a brand new arc fault detection method based on fractal theory.The effectiveness and accuracy of this method is tested and verified with simulation.
Fractal Study on Rabinowitch Fluid Flow in a Capillary
Authors: Yun Mei Juan
Published: July 2013

Fractal models for flow rate, velocity and effective permeability of Rabinowitch fluid in a capillary are proposed based on the fractal properties of tortuous capillary. There is no empirical constant and each parameter in the proposed expressions has clear physical meaning. The effective permeability is expressed as a function of radius of capillary, straight distance of capillary, tortuosity fractal dimension, fluid characteristic parameters and pressure difference, and it relate the properties of Rabinowitch fluid with the structural parameters of fractal capillary. The presented analytical expressions reveal and improve the understanding of the physical principles of Rabinowitch fluid transport through a capillary.
Stress Distribution Analysis on Alloy Layer of High Power Marine Diesel Engine Bearing Bush
Authors: Zhao Xiu Xu , Hu Zhi Xiang , Huang An Jian
Published: July 2013

According to the characteristics of large size, small clearance ratio, high oil film pressure and thin oil film thickness in the actual conditions of high power marine diesel engine bearing, this Paper analyzes oil film pressure distribution on inner surface of bearing bush based on the finite difference method, uses finite element method to establish the hierarchical model, and analyzes stress and strain distribution on bearing alloy. In addition, this Paper researches the changes of stress and strain distribution on bearing alloy layer when alloy layer thickness changes for the optimization design of high power marine diesel engine bearing bush.
Analysis of Flow Field in the KYF Flotation Cell by CFD
Authors: Dong Gan Guo , Zhang Ming , Yang Li Jun , Wu Feng
Published: July 2013

The characteristics of flow field in the KYF-0.2 flotation cell are studied by CFD, and PIV test is also carried out to verify CFD simulation results. CFD simulation results show that there is a vortex near the slurry-ward surface of impeller blades in the direction against the rotation direction, there appears the maximum velocity which is higher than the speed at blade tips. Both PIV measuring results and CFD simulation results indicate that high velocity region appears near the exterior of stator blades,where the velocity value is about 1.5 m/s. Comparison between CFD and PIV show that there are good consistency in velocity change trend and velocity value.
Numerical Simulation of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Multi-Impeller Pre-Oxidation Reactor
Authors: Lai Mao He , Chen Dong , Han Deng Feng , Li Qiang
Published: July 2013

Numerical simulation of gas-liquid two-phase flow in the tank of multi-impeller pre-oxidation reactor was studied in this article. The dispersion of gas phase in liquid phase without agitator mixing and the distribution of gas-liquid two-phase flow with agitator mixing were simulated. The characteristics of gas-liquid two-phase flow and the regularities of the gas distribution in the reactor were achieved through analyzing the numerical simulation results. The dissolved oxygen in different cross sections of the reactor without agitator mixing was measured in the water test, which was used to verify the numerical simulation results. And the test results were almost the same with the simulation results, which can provide a reference for determining the optimum design parameter of this type of reactor.