bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurship Education at Mtech, University of Maryland
Authors: Green James V. , Barbe David F.
Published: August 2012

As universities recognize that an entrepreneurial education is an enabler, entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as higher education’s ally. Today, more than 5,000 entrepreneurship courses are offered in over 2,000 college and universities in the United States (U.S.) (Kauffman, 2009). Entrepreneurship education is extending beyond its traditional business school offerings to engineering, arts, and sciences schools as educators develop specialized, experiential content most relevant to their student populations. The Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech), a unit of the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, is a global leader in entrepreneurship education (Barbe, Green, & Chang, 2010). Mtech’s award-winning programs are being replicated throughout the U.S. and abroad to serve entrepreneurial students in pursuit of new ventures. Mtech’s entrepreneurship courses and programs have more than 1,000 student enrollments annually. This chapter introduces Mtech’s approach to entrepreneurship education, defines the inner workings of Mtech’s entrepreneurship education initiatives, and discusses best practices and lessons learned.
Universities’ Role as Catalysts for Venture Creation
Authors: O’Neal Thomas , Schoen Henriette
Published: August 2012

Universities are being asked to play an increasingly larger role in communities as catalysts for venture creation. Some universities have embraced taking an active role, often filling gaps in the local entrepreneurial environment, to induce venture creation. This chapter discusses the role the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, USA, has taken when partnering with local economic development entities in academic to practitioner-based activities. Over the last 12 years, UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization (UCF ORC) has continuously worked on improving the process of getting ideas from the university laboratories and the community out to the market to help the community grow and flourish. UCF and a growing number of other universities are creating a suite of Entrepreneurial Support Entities (ESEs) that provide entrepreneurial help in all of a company’s development stages. This chapter presents the interactions among the ESEs, with UCF serving as an example to demonstrate the impact a university can have on its surroundings and on the community’s development. There are many examples of such interactions across the US at other universities as well.
Formal Technology Transfer in Context
Authors: Bruneel Johan , Moray Nathalie , Clarysse Bart
Published: August 2012

Collaboration between science and industry and the technology transfer activities of universities have been argued to be crucial in the development and sustainability of a competitive knowledge-based economy. Previous studies have mainly focused on indicators such as patents, license income and spin-offs to measure technology transfer activities. However patenting, licenses, and spin-off creation are argued to be only a small part of the technology transfer activities conducted at universities and have a smaller impact than traditional contract research. Very few studies systematically address the importance of contract research in general and service delivery in particular. This chapter addresses this gap by looking in concert and contextualised at the importance of contract research activities, patenting, and spin-off generation of public universities in a particular European region.
Alignment of Course Objectives and Assessment Items
Authors: Lightfoot Kenneth , Schwager David
Published: August 2012

This case study examines how achieving close alignment between course objectives and course assessments should be an essential goal in the course design/revision process regardless of what mode of delivery is involved. By examining the revision of two courses (Western Civilization I & II) offered at Thomas Edison State College, the authors demonstrate how the application of sound instructional design principles to achieve this alignment resulted in the measurable improvement of student learning outcomes. The major issue examined in this study is how to achieve a close correlation between what a course states that a student should be able to do after successful completion, what practice it offers them to achieve this proficiency, and how they are assessed to determine what level of proficiency they have attained.
Authentic Assessment Contribution to Competence Based Education
Authors: Pereira Alda , Tinoca Luís , Oliveira Isolina
Published: August 2012

The new adopted pedagogical model (Pereira et al., 2007) at a European distance teaching university called for the use of new assessment strategies aligned with the most recent paradigm for assessment design in online learning. This new scenario supported the introduction of new authentic assessment strategies (Gulikers, Bastiaens, & Kirschner, 2004) that allow learners to attain deeper levels of knowledge, professional development skills and thinking processes. In this case, the authors’ explored a tool (the Learning Contract) to facilitate assessment authenticity as a way to promote student learning. They explored the use of the Learning Contract to increase student’s responsibility and commitment for their own learning, while at the same time facilitating its alignment with their professional practice, and contributing to the development of their life-long learning competencies.
A Case Study Analysis of the Use of Online vs. Proctored Final Exams in Online Classes
Authors: Gold Stuart S.
Published: August 2012

This case study examines the results of an effort by a large regionally accredited institution to assure the integrity of its online final examination process. The question of whether the student outcomes achieved when administering an entirely online final exam are comparable to the outcomes achieved when administering proctored final exams for online (e-learning) university classes is the primary focus of this study. The results of an analysis of over 100 online courses and 1800 students indicate that it is possible to establish processes and procedures that allow the results achieved by students on their final exam to be comparable irrespective of whether the final exam is proctored or is a fully online examination.
Person-Centered Learning
Authors: Miller Christopher T.
Published: August 2012

As the distance grows between the instructor and student within education it becomes necessary to explore new ways of addressing the instruction that goes into distance education. This chapter will describe a distance-based instructional model, the person-centered model of instruction, as well as a case study implementation of the person-centered model of instruction in a web-based course. The case study will focus on an investigation of whether differences in significant learning occurred between a group that used the person-centered model of instruction and a group participating in a constructivist learning experience.
A Framework to Analyze Teaching-Learning Objects (T-LO)
Authors: Nunes Ingrid Kleist Clark , Mallmann Elena Maria
Published: August 2012

The pedagogical mediation in Distance Education (DE) is sustained by hypermediatic didactic materials, which are marked by principles of autonomy, interaction, interactivity, motivation and cooperation. The main thought in this article is to know if the developed Teaching-Learning Objects (T-LO) are potentially meaningful answering these principles. The planning and elaboration of the T-LO are highlighted processes in Brazil. Therefore, the authors present the conceptual singularities of the T-LO; the Instructional Design (ID) processes and the importance of the Instructional Project (IP) elaboration to guarantee a meaningful potentiality of the T-LO. As a research result, the authors center attention on the contribution of a framework (called the T-LO List), which is used to analyze the T-LO developed, implemented, and evaluated in a specific context of a didactic module elaboration. In conclusion, it is important to realize that the usage of a framework to analyze the T-LO can orient theoretical methodological steps of planning, developing, implementing, observing, reflecting, and re-planning, all carried out by multidisciplinary teams.
Enhancing Intelligence, English and Math Competencies in the Classroom via e@Leader Integrated Online Edutainment Gaming and Assessment
Authors: Dickinson Anthony R. , Hui Diane
Published: August 2012

Whether online edutainment gaming can enhance intelligence, student learning, or scholastic performance remains hotly debated in education research circles. In response to this academic issue, and in order to address a number of educational policy questions asked of the authors by several government organisations, the authors have developed the online e@Leader edutainment gaming platform as a solution. Their e@Leader program is the first comprehensive ‘learning by gaming’ system to also be designed according to the findings of advanced machine learning and cognitive developmental neuroscience research. In 2008, the first empirical evidence was generated with its use, and together with its built-in assessment system, integrated into the school curriculum. Beyond this existence proof of concept, and practical program application for educational use, results of beta-testing with the e@Leader system across primary schools in two countries support the claim for tutored online educational gaming in enhancing intelligence, active student learning, and scholastic performances in English and math.
Balanced Assessment of Flexible E-Learning vs. Face-to-Face Campus Delivery Courses at an Australian University
Authors: Strang Kenneth David
Published: August 2012

This case study reminded researchers of the value in using formal methodologies to gain an objective balanced perspective of actual practice. By using models and survey instruments that gathered objective input from key stakeholders in the higher education market, several of the true underlying factors were revealed. The key instrument used in the case study allowed us to objectively measure if flexible e-learning was at least as effective as campus delivery mode. More so, the assessment was not just performance and not just student satisfaction – instead the outcomes assessed included six factors that were linked to Australian university accreditation: Industry focus, resources/content materials, critical thinking activities, teaching quality, student satisfaction, and student performance (including completion). One of the most interesting aspects of the case study was that we are seeing history in the making to some degree in that as a result of the 2008 global economic crises, the international student market is changing which will force universities to change what and how they offer higher education in the future. More countries (and their populations) in the world are seeking a credible university higher education and they do not always want to travel to holiday destinations to obtain that… the world economic model is changing, continuing to increase the demand for education, yet changing how that product/service must be delivered. Successful higher education institutions around the world are already showing the followers how to do that. This case study provides some ideas and benchmarks for becoming more competitive in higher education, and while the model was developed and used in Australia, likely it can be applied elsewhere since the majority of students feeding into this model and research were international.
Distance Education and ICT-Supported Learning in Lesotho
Authors: Khoro Angelina
Published: August 2012

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are regarded as a major contributor to the transforming of distance learning. The researcher assumed that education practitioners in developing countries like Lesotho, have limited, or no access at all to ICT for supporting instruction, since they still rely heavily on print and tutor/learner meetings as their distance mode of course delivery. The study assessed the feasibility of introducing ICT-mediated education for tutors and learners on a Distance Education Programme in Lesotho. The paper specifically focused on issues relating to the place of ICT in teaching and learning at a distance, ICT policy initiatives and challenges of infrastructure, human resource capacity, and cost as they affect provision of, and access to computer-mediated learning. Interventions critical to alleviating the situation are also discussed. Policy-makers and distance education practitioners require this type of feedback to be able to effect meaningful improvements in ODL programmes.
Flooding, flood risks and coping strategies in urban informal residential areas: The case of Keko Machungwa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Sakijege Tumpale , Lupala John , Sheuya Shaaban
Published: August 2012

This article presents findings from a study carried out in Keko Machungwa informal settlement in Dar es Salaam under the auspices of the Disaster Management Training Centre of Ardhi University, Tanzania. The settlement has experienced frequent flooding in the past five years, and this study explores the causes, risks, extent of flooding and coping strategies of residents as well as municipality and city officials. Key methods employed in capturing empirical evidence included mapping of zones by severity of flooding, interviews with households, sub-ward leaders, and municipal and city officials. Non-participant observation, primarily taking photographs, complemented these methods. Laboratory tests of water samples taken from shallow wells in the settlement were performed to establish the level of pollution. In addition, records of prevalence of water-borne diseases were gathered from a dispensary within the settlement to corroborate flooding events, water pollution and occurrence of such diseases. Findings show that flooding is contributed to by the lack of a coordinated stormwater drainage system; haphazard housing development within the valley; and blocking of the water stream by haphazard dumping of solid waste and construction. Risks associated with flooding include water and air pollution, diseases, waterlogging and blocked accessibility. The most common coping strategies at household level are use of sandbags and tree logs; raised pit latrines and doorsteps; provision of water outlet pipes above plinth level; construction of embankments, protection walls and elevation of house foundations; seasonal displacement; and boiling and chemical treatment of water. Recommendations for future action at household, community and city level are made.
Reading for empowerment: Intertextuality offers creative possibilities for enlightened citizenry
Authors: Kalua Fetson
Published: August 2012

Julia Kristeva coined the term ‘intertextuality’ to explain her utter belief in the mutability and movement of texts, in contradistinction to the time-honoured popular idea that a text is an autonomous and self-evident object. For Kristeva, any text implies the existence and embedding of other texts, also known as sub-texts, within it. This has far-reaching implications for the way we read, engage with, and interpret various texts. This article describes the concept of intertextuality as a model of reading which puts the reader at the centre of the reading process. It goes on to link intertextuality to other domains of literacy, notably the notion of ‘spheres of literacy’. Central to intertextuality and spheres of literacy is their privileging of the reader, as opposed to the author, in the reading process. Finally, the article explores the ways in which our awareness and use of intertextuality can help to develop a literate and free-thinking citizenry who derive utmost autonomy and empowerment from various cultural texts accessible to them.
An integrated EHR at Northern California Kaiser Permanente
Authors: Bornstein S.
Published: August 2012

As legacy information systems age, transition to newer systems is inevitable, but at times fraught with challenge. This brief article addresses some of the pitfalls, challenges, and benefits we experienced at Kaiser Permanente as we transitioned several key clinical information systems to Epic Systems for our integrated comprehensive Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Indicadores da produção científica e co-autoria: análise do departamento de ciências da informação da UFRGS
Authors: Costa Josiane Gonçalves da , Vanz Samile Andrea de Souza
Published: August 2012

Através da Bibliometria, investigam-se as características de 248 documentos publicados pelos docentes do Departamento de Ciências da Informação da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul entre 2000 e 2008. O objetivo do estudo foi delinear o perfil de publicação departamental em relação aos seguintes indicadores: tipologia dos documentos, assunto, idioma, ano e local de publicação, redes de colaboração, títulos de periódicos e eventos utilizados como canais de comunicação científica. Os resultados indicam uma tendência à pesquisa colaborativa entre os docentes investigados, seus colegas e alunos da faculdade (74,3%), e revelam que anais de eventos e periódicos nacionais são os canais mais utilizados pelos professores para comunicação científica. Destaca como eventos mais utilizados para publicação o CBBD e INTERCOM e aponta a revista Em Questão (publicação eletrônica da faculdade) como principal periódico. Reforça a ideia de que a Ciência da Informação no Brasil ainda é um campo em formação, sem padrões próprios de comportamento em relação à comunicação científica. Conclui que a Bibliometria é um método eficiente para coleta de subsídios à tomada de decisões no âmbito das políticas cientificas e da gestão de bibliotecas, mas requer atenção quanto à interpretação dos resultados.
Continuous standalone controllable aerosol/cloud droplet dryer for atmospheric sampling
Authors: Sjogren S. , Frank G. P. , Berghof M. I. A. , Martinsson B. G.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. We describe a general-purpose dryer designed for continuous sampling of atmospheric aerosol, where a specified relative humidity (RH) of the sample flow (lower than the atmospheric humidity) is required. It is often prescribed to measure the properties of dried aerosol, for instance for monitoring networks. The specific purpose of our dryer is to dry highly charged cloud droplets (maximum diameter approximately 25 μm) with minimum losses from the droplet size distribution entering the dryer as well as on the residual dry particle size distribution exiting the dryer. This is achieved by using a straight vertical downwards path from the aerosol inlet mounted above the dryer, and removing humidity to a dry closed loop airflow on the other side of a semi-permeable GORE-TEX membrane (total area 0.134 m2). The water vapour transfer coefficient, k, was measured to 4.6 × 10−7 kg m−2 s−1% RH−1 in the laboratory and is used for design purposes. A net water vapour transfer rate of up to 1.2 × 10−6 kg s−1 was achieved in the field. This corresponds to drying a 5.7 L min−1 (0.35 m3 h−1) aerosol sample flow from 100% RH to 27% RH at 293 K (with a drying air total flow of 8.7 L min−1). The system was used outdoors from 9 May until 20 October 2010, on the mountain Brocken (51.80° N, 10.67° E, 1142 m a.s.l.) in the Harz region in central Germany. Sample air relative humidity of less than 30% was obtained 72% of the time period. The total availability of the measurement system was > 94% during these five months.
Organic molecular composition of marine aerosols over the Arctic Ocean in summer: contributions of primary emission and secondary aerosol formation
Authors: Fu P. Q. , Kawamura K. , Chen J. , Charrière B. , Sempéré R.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Organic molecular composition of marine aerosol samples collected during the MALINA cruise in the Arctic Ocean was investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. More than 110 individual organic compounds were determined in the samples and were grouped into different compound classes based on the functionality and sources. The concentrations of total quantified organics ranged from 7.3 to 185 ng m−3 (mean 47.6 ng m−3), accounting for 1.8–11.0% (4.8%) of organic carbon in the marine aerosols. Primary saccharides were found to be dominant organic compound class, followed by secondary organic aerosol (SOA) tracers formed from the oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as isoprene, α-pinene and β-caryophyllene. Mannitol, the specific tracer for airborne fungal spores, was detected as the most abundant organic species in the samples with a concentration range of 0.052–53.3 ng m−3 (9.2 ng m−3), followed by glucose, arabitol, and the isoprene oxidation products of 2-methyltetrols. Biomass burning tracers such as levoglucosan are evident in all samples with trace levels. On the basis of the tracer-based method for the estimation of fungal-spore OC and biogenic secondary organic carbon (SOC), we estimate that an average of 10.7% (up to 26.2%) of the OC in the marine aerosols was due to the contribution of fungal spores, followed by the contribution of isoprene SOC (mean 3.8%) and α-pinene SOC (2.9%). In contrast, only 0.19% of the OC was due to the photooxidation of β-caryophyllene. This study indicates that primary organic aerosols from biogenic emissions, both from long-range transport of mid-latitude aerosols and from sea-to-air emission of marine organics, as well as secondary organic aerosols formed from the photooxidation of biogenic VOCs are important factors controlling the organic chemical composition of marine aerosols in the Arctic Ocean.
Improving evapotranspiration in a land surface model using biophysical variables derived from MSG/SEVIRI satellite
Authors: Ghilain N. , Arboleda A. , Sepulcre-Cantò G. , Batelaan O. , Ardö J. , Gellens-Meulenberghs F.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Monitoring evapotranspiration over land is highly dependent on the surface state and vegetation dynamics. Data from spaceborn platforms are desirable to complement estimations from land surface models. The success of daily evapotranspiration monitoring at continental scale relies on the availability, quality and continuity of such data. The biophysical variables derived from SEVIRI on board the geostationary satellite Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) and distributed by the Satellite Application Facility on Land surface Analysis (LSA-SAF) are particularly interesting for such applications, as they aimed at providing continuous and consistent daily time series in near-real time over Africa, Europe and South America. In this paper, we compare them to monthly vegetation parameters from a database commonly used in numerical weather predictions (ECOCLIMAP-I), showing the benefits of the new daily products in detecting the spatial and temporal (seasonal and inter-annual) variability of the vegetation, especially relevant over Africa. We propose a method to handle Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) products for evapotranspiration monitoring with a land surface model at 3–5 km spatial resolution. The method is conceived to be applicable for near-real time processes at continental scale and relies on the use of a land cover map. We assess the impact of using LSA-SAF biophysical variables compared to ECOCLIMAP-I on evapotranspiration estimated by the land surface model H-TESSEL. Comparison with in-situ observations in Europe and Africa shows an improved estimation of the evapotranspiration, especially in semi-arid climates. Finally, the impact on the land surface modelled evapotranspiration is compared over a north–south transect with a large gradient of vegetation and climate in Western Africa using LSA-SAF radiation forcing derived from remote sensing. Differences are highlighted. An evaluation against remote sensing derived land surface temperature shows an improvement of the evapotranspiration simulations.
Preparing Graduates for Work in the Creative Industries
Authors: Turnbull Morag , Littlejohn Allison , Allan Malcolm
Published: August 2012

Interest in the use of collaborative learning strategies in higher education is growing as educators seek better ways to prepare students for the workplace. In design education, teamwork and creativity are particularly valued; successful collaborative learning depends on knowledge sharing between students, and there is increasing recognition that the goals of individuals affect their perception of the costs and benefits of knowledge sharing. In a team that is functioning well, members commit to the collaborative achievement of the group's goals; however, students see knowledge as a personal resource that is often used to assess their performance and this may affect their goals. In this paper the authors describe a learning intervention, developed to support creative design by collaborative processes, which has been modelled on the knowledge-sharing practices of design experts. A design-based research methodology, which blends empirical data with the theory-driven design of learning, has been adopted; real-world evidence from experts has also been considered. In evaluating this intervention, iterative cycles have been applied and the motivations and goals of students have been considered. The patterns and principles that characterize this educational intervention are described.
Strengthening the University–Industry Relationship
Authors: Liodakis George , Vardiambasis Ioannis O. , Kartsonakis Evangelos , Kaliakatsos Ioannis A.
Published: August 2012

The Department of Electronics of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete (DoE/TEI Crete) enjoys good approval ratings from the market and its graduates have a high rate of employability. However, survey data collected over the last ten years from graduates and from the enterprises in which they have been employed, or have carried out their workplace learning, indicate the strong and weak aspects of the Department's curriculum from the viewpoint of the job market. The authors identify issues that may improve the access of their graduates to the market and which may also bring enterprises closer to the DoE, thus offering both parties the opportunity to establish internships for research. It is proposed that the time is now right for a next step to be made towards achieving cooperative engineering education and the authors offer suggestions as to how this might be achieved.
Empirical Study on Factors Affecting Biogas Production
Authors: Prasad Ravita D.
Published: August 2012

In Fiji, biogas has a huge potential to be one of the energy providers for cooking in rural areas but currently its use is very minimal. Main component of biogas is methane which releases energy when combusted. This paper mainly presents the factors that affect biogas production using experimental study. The first section presents an overview on what is biogas, types of biogas digesters present, and some background on the current use of biogas in Fiji. The second section of the paper describes the methodology in brief of the experimental work carried out. The third section of the paper presents results that were achieved in the experiment, discussion, and interpretation of the results and how Fiji could benefit from this study. It was evident that cow + Pig mix manure produces high rate of biogas at mesophilic temperature and cow dung manure is best for biogas production at room temperature.
Fluorescence Rejection by Shifted Excitation Raman Difference Spectroscopy at Multiple Wavelengths for the Investigation of Biological Samples
Authors: Sowoidnich Kay , Kronfeldt Heinz-Detlef
Published: August 2012

Shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) was applied for an effective fluorescence removal in the Raman spectra of meat, fat, connective tissue, and bone from pork and beef. As excitation light sources, microsystem diode lasers emitting at 783 nm, 671 nm, and 488 nm each incorporating two slightly shifted excitation wavelengths with a spectral difference of about 10 cm−1 necessary for SERDS operation were used. The moderate fluorescence interference for 783 nm excitation as well as the increased background level at 671 nm was efficiently rejected using SERDS resulting in a straight horizontal baseline. This allows for identification of all characteristic Raman signals including weak bands which are clearly visible and overlapping signals that are resolved in the SERDS spectra. At 488 nm excitation, the spectra contain an overwhelming fluorescence interference masking nearly all Raman signals of the probed tissue samples. However, the essentially background-free SERDS spectra enable determining the majority of characteristic Raman bands of the samples under investigation. Furthermore, 488 nm excitation reveals prominent carotenoid signals enhanced due to resonance Raman scattering which are present in the beef samples but absent in pork tissue enabling a rapid meat species differentiation.
Distribution of Nidogen in the Murine Eye and Ocular Phenotype of the Nidogen-1 Knockout Mouse
Authors: May Christian Albrecht
Published: August 2012

Distribution and lack of nidogen-1, part of numerous basement membranes, were studied in the mouse eye. For that purpose, eyes of C57BL/6 and nidogen-1 knockout mice were stained immunohistochemically for nidogen-1, and intraocular pressure measurements and light- and electron microscopy were used to study the nidogen-1 knockout animals. In normal mice, nidogen-1 was present in many basement membranes, but showed irregularities underneath the corneal epithelium, in Bruch’s membrane and in the iris. Homozygous knockout of nidogen-1 in the mouse showed only mild pathological changes. In the anterior eye segment, small interruptions were noted in the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium without further consequences. In the posterior eye segment, interruptions of the inner limiting membrane led to small retinal ectopias and subsequent changes in the optic nerve. In summary, the knockout of nidogen-1 showed mild but significant morphological changes pointing to the importance of this protein which can in part, but not completely; be replaced by nidogen-2.
A Green, Expeditious, One-Pot Synthesis of 3, 4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones Using a Mixture of Phosphorus Pentoxide-Methanesulfonic Acid at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Borse Amulrao , Patil Mahesh , Patil Nilesh , Shinde Rohan
Published: August 2012

An expeditious, one-pot method for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones using a mixture of phosphorus pentoxide-methanesulfonic acid (Eaton’s reagent) at room temperature under solvent-free conditions is described. The salient features of this method include short reaction time, green aspects, high yields, and simple procedure.
Mechanical Characteristics of 6063 Aluminum-Steel Dust Composite
Authors: Adeosun S. O. , Akpan E. I. , Sekunowo O. I. , Ayoola W. A. , Balogun S. A.
Published: August 2012

Studies on the effect of steel dust (EAF dust) addition on the mechanical properties of 6063 Aluminium alloy have been carried out. The cast composite samples contain steel dust from 2–20 wt% produced in sand mould. These cast samples were homogenized, cold rolled, and solution-treated. The solution treated samples were normalized in still air, some quenched in water while some were tempered after quenching. Tensile and hardness responses were determined in all these processed samples. The results obtained reveal that 10 wt% steel dust in aluminium 6063 improved the ultimate tensile strength to 111.09 MPa and a corresponding hardness of 51.2 HV. Microstructural analysis shows iron containing intermetallics which are well distributed in the matrix with its morphology depending on the heat treatment and deformation imposed on them. Tensile strength and hardness of the composites was also found to depend on the volume fraction of intermetallics in the matrix.
Single-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Using the Innovative E. K. Glove Port: Our Experience
Authors: Khiangte Elbert , Newme Iheule , Patowary Karabi , Kalita Hitesh
Published: August 2012

The technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy continues to evolve with a trend towards decreasing use of working ports. One of the emerging concepts of 21st century is single-port surgery. It has further minimized the minimally invasive surgery. However, the main drawbacks of this technique are the lack of “triangulation” to which the laparoscopic surgeons have grown accustomed to, the clustering of instruments, and the costly multichannel ports, which are very costly and, in fact, are not affordable by the majority of the population in a developing country like India.
From September 2009 to December 2011, 210 patients identified as having biliary colic, chronic cholecystitis, and previous biliary pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice due to stones (managed by ERCP) underwent single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the E. K. glove port. The operating time was reasonable and can be lessened with experience. Excellent exposure of the critical view was obtained in all cases. This technique is safe, feasible, reproducible, cheap, and easy to learn. It may be an alternative to the currently available single-port access system, especially in a developing country like India. If required, placement of the remaining two to three ports for a more conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be done.
Evaluation of the Effects of Sativex (THC BDS: CBD BDS) on Inhibition of Spasticity in a Chronic Relapsing Experimental Allergic Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: A Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hilliard A. , Stott C. , Wright S. , Guy G. , Pryce G. , Al-Izki S. , Bolton C. , Giovannoni G.
Published: August 2012

This study investigated the antispasticity potential of Sativex in mice. Chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis was induced in adult ABH mice resulting in hind limb spasticity development. Vehicle, Sativex, and baclofen (as a positive control) were injected intravenously and the “stiffness” of limbs assessed by the resistance force against hind limb flexion. Vehicle alone caused no significant change in spasticity. Baclofen (5 mg/kg) induced approximately a 40% peak reduction in spasticity. Sativex dose dependently reduced spasticity; 5 mg/kg THC + 5 mg/kg CBD induced approximately a 20% peak reduction; 10 mg/kg THC + 10 mg/kg CBD produced approximately a 40% peak reduction in spasticity. Sativex has the potential to reduce spasticity in an experimental mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Baclofen reduced spasticity and served as a positive control. Sativex (10 mg/kg) was just as effective as baclofen, providing supportive evidence for Sativex use in the treatment of spasticity in MS.
Needle Damage Development in Norway Spruce Seedlings as Affected by Humidity, Temperature, and Gray Mold: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Petäistö Raija-Liisa , Heiskanen Juha
Published: August 2012

Botrytis cinereainoculation on 3- and 6-month-old Norway spruce seedlings was tested in combinations of temperature (15 and 25°C) and relative humidity (50 and 80%) in a growth chamber. Occurrence of needle damage was examined 11 days after the inoculation. Damage occurred more on inoculated than on control seedlings. Needle damage tended to occur proportionally more on the older seedlings and concentrating more on the tops of the shoot in the younger seedlings. The higher temperature suggested slightly more damage occurrence than the lower temperature did. The relative humidity did not appear to correlate with the damage outbreak. Surface wetness tended to increase the damage occurrence but so did also the vapour pressure deficit. At the lower relative humidity, the seedlings had to be irrigated more frequently, which increased the surface wetness. Thus, the results suggest that any irrigation method or other condition control that can provide low surface wetness on seedlings decreases needle damage byB. cinereain forest nurseries.
Global Stability of Predator-Prey System with Alternative Prey
Authors: Sahoo Banshidhar
Published: August 2012

A predator-prey model in presence of alternative prey is proposed. Existence and local stability conditions for interior equilibrium points are derived. Global stability conditions for interior equilibrium points are also found. Bifurcation analysis is done with respect to predator’s searching rate and handling time. Bifurcation analysis confirms the existence of global stability in presence of alternative prey.
Notes on the self-pollination in Dendrobium biflorum (Orchidales, Dendrobiinae)
Authors: Kowalkowska Agnieszka K. , Margońska Hanna B.
Published: August 2012

The conditions favouring self-pollination are determined for a species of Dendrobium Sw. A survey of gynostemium micro­morphology in collected flowers of Dendrobium biflorum revealed two stages of a unique form of autogamy: on germination of pollen tetrads, pollen tubes reached the stigmatic region without the pollen being displaced from the anther locules. This is the first time for this type of autogamy to be reported in Dendrobium biflorum. Pollen grains germinated directly from the locules, bypassing the stigma or falling or sliding down onto the stigmatic surface. The pollen tubes were long and reached the stylar canal. On The Society Islands, differences in exposure of the habitats to weather conditions and altitude gradients influence both composition and form of the vegetation, as well as the occurrence of pollinators. The form of autogamy described here may be the usual method of pollination found on The Society Islands (and even the whole of French Polynesia), where suitable pollinators are absent and/or growth conditions stressful.
13th Birthday/No Triskaidekaphobia Here!
Authors: Lancaster Ron
Published: August 2012

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. The three clips this month all concern calendar questions surrounding the occurrences of Friday the 13th.
Teaching Geometry to Visually Impaired Students
Authors: Pritchard Christine K. , Lamb John H.
Published: August 2012

Teaching a visual subject to a visually challenged student inspires strategies that benefit all students in a class.
Fifteen: Combining Magic Squares and Tic-Tac-Toe
Authors: Yeo Joseph B. W.
Published: August 2012

The game Fifteen can motivate students to develop problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking.
Quick Reads: Posters: More Than Just for Looks
Authors: Winicki-Landman Greisy , Latulippe Christine
Published: August 2012

Posters, commonly employed for decoration, can be used to introduce and practice new concepts and help assess student learning.
Palette of Problems
Authors: Rock David , Amidon Joel
Published: August 2012

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Launching Complex Tasks
Authors: Jackson Kara J. , Shahan Emily C. , Gibbons Lynsey K. , Cobb Paul A.
Published: August 2012

Consider four important elements of setting up challenging mathematics problems to support all students' learning.
Discuss Similarity Using Visual Intuition
Authors: Cox Dana C. , Lo Jane-Jane
Published: August 2012

Incorporate simple and complex figures, distortion and proportion, and visual reasoning into your discussion of similarity.
Strange Geometry in Football
Authors: Tan Paulo
Published: August 2012

Field goal geometry provides the real-life tie-in to this activity involving angles.
You take the cake
Authors: Columba Lynn
Published: August 2012

These themed-based problems tempt us to dive into the sweetness of problem-solving mathematics throughout the grade levels. Enjoy exploring, problem solving, patterning, data collection, and data analysis to lead your students to the recipe for mathematical success.
Hungry for Early Spatial and Algebraic Reasoning
Authors: Cross Dionne I. , Adefope Olufunke , Yeon Lee Mi , Pérez Arnulfo
Published: August 2012

Kindergartners and first-grade students listen excitedly to a modified storybook to guide their geometry activities.
I-Touch enlightens students' data analysis
Authors: Cassel Darlinda , Vincent Dan
Published: August 2012

One of the more challenging aspects of trying to integrate technology into the classroom is finding phenomenon-based activities that can be enriched by technology applications. This article describes a mathscience-technology activity combining students' collection of data with mathematical and scientific analysis that is enhanced by using the iPod Touch (iTouch). The activity focuses on measuring shadow lengths throughout the school year and then organizing and evaluating the data by using the Planets app on the iTouch. Although this particular lesson was created for fifth graders, it could be adapted for students in other grades as well.
How did you get your answer?
Authors: Albina Maria Eugenia “Genie”
Published: August 2012

My second graders recently experienced a new math assessment designed to represent the ideas from the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSI 2010). In reviewing their responses, I determined that my students suffered from a lack of comfort or familiarity with solving math problems that demand critical-thinking skills. In an effort to increase their capacity to think through complex problems in the context of one of our secondgrade curricular goals involving coins, I presented a problem. I had never modeled this type of multistep problem for them. I was interested in discovering their solution strategies. After allowing students to work through the problem independently, I displayed the problem on a document projector, and class members shared their mathematical thinking and reasoning.
Flexible, Multifunctional, Magnetically Actuated Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Sotiriou Georgios A. , Blattmann Christoph O. , Pratsinis Sotiris E.
Published: August 2012

Filler nanoparticles greatly enhance the performance of polymers and minimize filler content in the resulting nanocomposites. At the same time, they challenge the manufacturing of such nanocomposites by filler agglomeration and non‐uniform spatial distribution. Here, multifunctional nanocomposite films are made by capitalizing on flame‐synthesis of ceramic or metal filler nanoparticles followed by rapid, in situ deposition on sacrificial substrates, resulting in a filler film with controlled porosity. The polymer is then spin‐coated on the porous film that retained its stochastic but uniform structure, resulting in nanocomposites with homogeneous filler distribution and high filler‐loading. By sequential repetition of this procedure, sophisticated, multilayer, free‐standing, plasmonic‐ (Ag‐Fe2O3) and phosphorescent‐superparamagnetic (Y2O3:Eu3+‐ Fe2O3) actuators are made by precisely tuning the polymer thickness between each functional nanostructured layer. These actuators are quite flexible, have fast response times, and exhibit superior superparamagnetism due to their high filler content and homogeneous spatial distribution.
Bottom‐Up Tailoring of Plasmonic Nanopeapods Making Use of the Periodical Topography of Carbon Nanocoil Templates
Authors: Qin Yong , Vogelgesang Ralf , Eßlinger Moritz , Sigle Wilfried , van Aken Peter , Moutanabbir Oussama , Knez Mato
Published: August 2012

Au nanoparticle chains embedded in helical Al2O3 nanotubes (“nanopeapods”) are synthesized by annealing carbon nanocoils coated with Au by sputtering and Al2O3 by atomic layer deposition. Regular spacing between nanoparticles with a sharp size distribution is achieved by fragmentation of the Au coating in agreement with the pitch of the nanocoils arising from three‐dimensional periodical topography of the carbon nanocoil templates. A strong plasmonic resonance behavior of the fabricated nanopeapods manifests itself in confocal laser scanning microscopy by a clear polarization contrast at red wavelengths, which is absent in the blue. Numerical simulations confirm an incisive resonance enhancement for longitudinal polarization and suggest the nanopeapods as promising candidates for highly efficient, ultrathin waveguides. The waveguiding properties of the nanopeapods are investigated by electron energy‐loss spectroscopy and energy‐filtered TEM imaging.
Mouse models of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Roberson Erik D.
Published: August 2012

The pace of discovery in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has accelerated dramatically with the discovery of new genetic causes and pathological substrates of the disease. MAPT/tau, GRN/progranulin, and C9ORF72 have emerged as common FTD genes, and TARDBP/TDP‐43, VCP, FUS, and CHMP2B have been identified as less common genetic causes. TDP‐43 and FUS have joined tau as common neuropathological substrates of the disease. Mouse models provide an important tool for understanding the role of these molecules in FTD pathogenesis. Here, we review recent progress with mouse models based on tau, TDP‐43, progranulin, VCP, and CHMP2B. We also consider future prospects for FTD models, including developing new models to address unanswered questions. There are also opportunities for capitalizing on conservation of the salience network, which is selectively vulnerable in FTD, and the availability of FTD‐related behavioral paradigms to analyze mouse models of the disease. Ann Neurol ANN NEUROL 2012;72:837–849
Mortality rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: Drug‐specific comparisons in the Swedish Biologics Register
Authors: Simard Julia F. , Neovius Martin , Askling Johan ,   for the ARTIS Study Group
Published: August 2012

Objective

To determine whether the differences in the modes of action and safety profiles of individual tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) translate into differential mortality risks, as investigated in etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab.

Methods

Data on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) identified in the Swedish Biologics Register (Anti‐Rheumatic Therapy in Sweden [ARTIS]) in whom first‐ever treatment with a biologic agent (etanercept [n = 2,686], infliximab [n = 2,027], or adalimumab [n = 1,609]) was initiated between 2003 and 2008 were linked to national Swedish registers to get information on deaths from any cause, demographic features, RA characteristics, comorbid conditions, and concurrent treatment at the start of TNFi treatment. Hazard ratios (HRs) were modeled using multivariable adjusted and weighted Cox models.

Results

During 19,118 person‐years of followup, 211 patients died (3.3%; 1.1 deaths per 100 person‐years); 85% of the deaths occurred among patients who had been exposed to only one TNFi. We found no statistically significant difference in overall mortality rates across the exposure groups, regardless of adjustment and modeling approach (for infliximab versus etanercept, HR 1.1 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.7–1.7], and for adalimumab versus etanercept, HR 1.3 [95% CI 0.9–2.0]).

Conclusion

Overall, we noted no statistically significant difference in mortality rates between the 3 TNF inhibitors under study. Further studies need to examine whether certain subsets of patients are at increased risk of death with specific TNFi.