bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitioning to Employment with a Rheumatic Disease: The Role of Independence, Overprotection, and Social Support
Authors: Jetha Arif , Badley Elizabeth , Beaton Dorcas , Fortin Paul R. , Shiff Natalie J. , Rosenberg Alan M. , Tucker Lori B. , Mosher Dianne P. , Gignac Monique A.M.
Published: October 2014

Objective.

To examine perceived independence, overprotection, and support, and their association with the employment participation of young adults with rheumatic disease.

Methods.

One hundred and forty-three young adults, ages 18 to 30 years, with systemic lupus erythematosus (54.5%) and juvenile arthritis (45.5%) completed a 30-min online questionnaire of their work and education experiences. Information collected was demographic, health (e.g., pain, fatigue, disease activity), work context (e.g., career satisfaction, helpfulness of job accommodation/benefits, and workplace activity limitations), and psychosocial (e.g., independence, social support, and overprotection). Log-Poisson regression analysis examined factors associated with employment status.

Results.

Over half of respondents were employed (59%) and 26% were enrolled in school. Respondents reported moderate to high perceptions of independence and social support. However, 27% reported that “quite a bit” to “a great deal” of overprotection characterized their relationships with those closest to them. At the bivariate level, employed participants and those indicating greater perceived independence reported greater social support and less overprotection. Multivariable analysis revealed that being employed was associated with older age, more job accommodations/benefits perceived as being helpful, and greater perceived independence.

Conclusion.

This is one of the first studies examining the employment of young adults with rheumatic diseases. Findings highlight the importance of psychosocial perceptions such as independence and overprotection, in addition to support related to working. Additional research is needed to better understand the role of those close to young adults with rheumatic diseases in supporting independence and encouraging employment.
Les investissements saoudiens dans la Corne de l'Afrique : l'exemple de Mohamed Al Amoudi, homme d'affaires saoudien en Ethiopie
Authors: Calvary Romain
Published: October 2014

Alors que les investissements du Golfe, en particulier saoudiens, dans la Corne de l’Afrique sont en augmentation, cet article propose une analyse du parcours et des activités économiques de l’homme d’affaires saoudien Mohammed Al Amoudi en Ethiopie, premier investisseur étranger dans ce pays. Cet article s’inscrit notamment en faux contre certaines analyses, qui en se focalisant sur les relations d’ Etats à Etats, interprètent cette intensification des flux économiques comme étant le seul fruit d’une « stratégie » délibérément suivie par Riyad. L’étude du parcours personnel de Mohammed Al Amoudi montre au contraire que ses investissements en Ethiopie sont le fruit d’une démarche personnelle et répondent d’une rationalité économique. Le succès de ses activités repose en grande partie sur les bonnes relations qu’il entretient avec le pouvoir politique éthiopien et sur le réseau personnel dont il dispose sur place. Du fait des relations anciennes entre la Corne de l’Afrique et la péninsule arabique, Al-Amoudi a ainsi pu s’appuyer sur ses liens personnels avec l’Ethiopie, son pays d’origine, pour y investir et prospérer dans ses affaires. Aujourd’hui, le renforcement de ces flux économiques repose sur la capacité et la volonté de l’Etat saoudien de renforcer ses relations diplomatiques avec l’Ethiopie, afin d’offrir un cadre et des garanties aux investisseurs qui ne disposent pas des mêmes appuis. Riyad pourra en cela s’appuyer sur Al-Amoudi, qui n’hésite pas à jouer, dans l’intérêt des deux partis, un rôle d’intermédiaire dans les relations diplomatiques et économiques.
Les origines africaines du droit au Maghreb
Authors: Ben Saad Safa
Published: October 2014

La méthodologie comparative permet de classifier les systèmes juridiques en différentes « familles ». Les systèmes juridiques des pays du Maghreb sont classifiés comme des systèmes mixtes. L’étude juridique du droit maghrébin s’inscrit généralement dans l’étude de l’histoire du droit musulman et de l’influence du droit civil. Pourtant, ces axes ne sont pas les seuls explorables ; juristes et historiens omettent souvent de replacer le Maghreb dans son milieu géographique et culturel africain et de voir en quoi ces régimes mixtes maghrébins le sont aussi par la présence d’autres influences, notamment africaines.
Liens bancaires et financiers entre le monde arabe et l'Afrique subsaharienne
Authors: Brack Estelle
Published: October 2014

Cet article dresse un panorama du développement bancaire et financier dans les pays arabes et africains liés par une histoire et des influences communes, et pointe l’attrait grandissant du monde subsaharien pour les acteurs arabes (banques marocaines, banques du Proche et Moyen-Orient, fonds d’investissement). Si des différences culturelles ou de niveau de développement perdurent, ces deux aires exercent des attraits réciproques et illustrent de façon assez marquée ce que peut être la coopération Sud-Sud entre acteurs privés.
La déconnexion aux technologies de géolocalisation
Authors: Bruna Yann
Published: October 2014

L’enquête ici présentée et menée auprès d’étudiants se servant de smartphones a permis de mesurer un double écart. Le premier écart réside entre, d’une part, l’utilité, la dimension pratique et la facilité des applications utilisant la géolocalisation et, d’autre part, la crainte diffuse que cette même géolocalisation suscite en matière de confidentialité et de préservation de la vie privée. Si la quasi-totalité des étudiants interrogés trouvent ces applications utiles et pratiques, les trois quarts d’entre eux pensent que la géolocalisation présente des risques, le sentiment d’être « pisté et surveillé » venant très majoritairement en premier. Le second écart renvoie à la distance entre, d’une part, l’auto-évaluation par les utilisateurs de leurs capacités à maîtriser les fonctions de géolocalisation et, d’autre part, l’effectivité de ces mêmes capacités. Le constat est que, pour certaines applications, cet écart est très important. Si la crainte de laisser des traces privées via la géolocalisation existe bien et se double de la croyance qu’une maîtrise est toujours possible, les capacités pratiques et le savoir-faire concret des utilisateurs ne sont en rien à la hauteur de cette croyance.
Nouvelles relations de travail en régime numérique
Authors: Maresca Sylvain
Published: October 2014

On assimile souvent le numérique à une révolution technologique. Certes, elle a transformé le matériel et affecté profondément les manières de travailler des professionnels de l’image que sont les photographes. Mais elle a eu également des répercussions importantes dans les relations de coopération, les rapports aux commanditaires, et par voie de conséquence l’organisation du travail. Cet article explore cet aspect plus proprement social du passage au numérique à partir des données d’une enquête conduite entre 2010 et 2012 auprès des photographes et de leurs partenaires professionnels. On constate ainsi que l’outil technologique a accentué le pouvoir des donneurs d’ordre sur leurs prestataires, dans le sillage d’une évolution économique initiée dans les années 1990.
L'improbable État kurde unifié
Authors: Billion Didier
Published: October 2014

Présentes sur les territoires de quatre États, les populations kurdes s’inscrivent dans des cadres et des référents nationaux différents. Il n’existe pas une seule communauté, ni un mouvement régional, ni même une simple structuration transnationale : on constate un enchevêtrement de facteurs et une pluralité d’acteurs. La question kurde est éminemment plurielle et chaque dynamique nationale, encore traversée par des lignes de fractures entre Kurdes éventuellement instrumentalisés par les États voisins, présente des caractéristiques qui lui sont propres. Les spécificités des situations turque, irakienne, syrienne et iranienne rendent ainsi improbable la proclamation d’un État kurde unifié et laissent à penser à un maintien du statu quo , d’autant que chaque mouvement a bien saisi l’importance d’investir le champ politique des États existants pour faire valoir des droits culturels et politiques.
Le Rwanda et la République démocratique du Congo
Authors: Jacquemot Pierre
Published: October 2014

Déjà dans les années 1930, l’argument du « trop plein – trop vide » a servi à justifier l’envoi de Rwandais en terres congolaises. Il en a résulté l’enracinement d’une minorité d’origine rwandophone en terres des Kivus, prétexte pour des incursions au motif sécuritaire. Les métastases du génocide rwandais se firent longtemps sentir. Les conséquences, humaines comme économiques, ont été terribles pour la République démocratique du Congo. Le contrôle des mines et des circuits de sortie a été, pour le Rwanda, une manière de continuer la guerre sous une autre forme et de créer une base d’accumulation du capital pour un pays sans ressources naturelles et enclavé. À présent, le Rwanda de Paul Kagamé, fort de ses réussites économiques, peut s’émanciper de ses deux rentes constitutives, celle de l’aide étrangère fondée sur la compassion et celle du secteur minier fondée sur l’exploitation du voisin.
L'impossible confiance mutuelle ? L'Iran et la communauté internationale, entre passé trouble et avenir incertain
Authors: Berche Hélène
Published: October 2014

La reconduction jusqu’en novembre 2014 du plan d’action conjoint (JPOA) signé entre l’Iran et le groupe 5 + 1 (États-Unis, Chine, Russie, France, Allemagne, Royaume- Uni) permet aux négociateurs de gagner du temps afin de conclure un accord final, qui pourrait mettre fin à plus d’une décennie de crise du nucléaire iranien. Mais les concessions faites dans le cadre de cet accord par l’Iran, qui a accepté le ralentissement de ses activités d’enrichissement et la mise sous contrôle renforcée de ses sites nucléaires, comme par la communauté internationale, qui a reconnu le droit iranien à enrichir de l’uranium et a consenti à l’abandon de certaines sanctions en échange du JPOA, ne suffisent pas à rétablir la confiance multilatérale. En effet, le poids du passé et les engagements sécuritaires de chaque camp compromettent l’aboutissement d’un accord final ambitieux, pourtant seule voie de sortie d’une confrontation qui dure depuis des années.
Les salles d'attente de l'universel
Authors: Veisse Arnaud
Published: October 2014

Résumé Arnaud Veisse est l’un des médecins-coordinateurs du Comité médical pour les Exilés (COMEDE). Depuis 1979, cette association se consacre à la situation médicale des demandeurs d’asile, avec ou sans papiers. Elle anime un centre de santé à l’hopital du Kremlin-Bicêtre (consultations de médecine générale et de psychothérapie, actions de prévention-dépistage, accès aux droits sociaux), exercice concret du soin depuis lequel s’articule un travail juridique et politique.
Medusa Medley (chronique de l'incurable)
Authors: Loayza Daniel
Published: October 2014

Résumé De machines à faire des courbes, convenablement agencées, on peut tirer la ligne droite comme la plus folle des lignes de fuite
le paon du jour / qu'un baiser vous réveille
Authors: Chottin Ariane
Published: October 2014

Résumé « Qu’est-ce... que c’est... que ça ? « demanda la licorne. « C’est une petite fille ! » répondit allégrement Haigha. « Nous avons trouvé ça aujourd’hui même. C’est grandeur nature et deux fois plus vrai que nature ! » « J’avais toujours cru que c’étaient des monstres fabuleux ! s’exclama la Licorne. Est-ce vivant ? » « Ça sait parler » répondit, d’un ton de voix solennel Haigha. La Licorne, d’un air rêveur, regarda Alice, et ordonna : « Parlez, mon enfant. » Alice ne put empêcher ses lèvres d’ébaucher un sourire (...)
traduction de la Bible, enquête
Authors: Doppelt Suzanne
Published: October 2014

Résumé Nous avons adressé quatre questions à Marianne Alphant ( Ezéchiel ), Pascalle Monnier ( L’Évangile de Luc , les Actes des apôtres ) et François Bon ( L’Exode , Jérémie , Les lamentations , Néhémie ).
Le récipient d'argile
Authors: Gallienne Emmanuelle
Published: October 2014

Résumé Avant que les mots de la Bible et leur sens ne se précipitent et se figent en un discours d’autorité, les textes furent le véhicule fragile et incertain d’un sens tour à tour obscur et lumineux, qui se laissait apercevoir par tâtonnements et trébuchements. Il y a des chances qu’en s’affrontant aujourd’hui à la langue intime que parle la littérature, la lettre des Livres étranges nous revienne à vif, dans le souffle et le songe dont elle procède.
Répond le psaume
Authors: Mangeot Philippe
Published: October 2014

Résumé Dans l’entretien qui précède, Frédéric Boyer et Olivier Cadiot redoutent que le débat suscité par leur « nouvelle traduction » ne se cristallise autour de la question du droit, pour des écrivains, à se colleter avec les écritures bibliques. S’ils craignent juste, si se déclenche une querelle des légitimités, alors nos questions sont vieilles, et nos débats disent une ignorance. Soit le Psaume LI, et ce qu’en firent successivement Marot, Castellion, Baïf, Corneille, Claudel, Meschonnic et aujourd’hui Cadiot.
Le vieux pacifisme et la nouvelle guerre
Authors: Burde Dana
Published: October 2014

Résumé La première rencontre du groupe qui allait devenir New Yorkers Say No To War eut lieu le dimanche 16 septembre chez Eve Ensler.
Anatomie d'un rapport
Authors: Wajeman Lise , Renouard Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2014

Résumé Réalisateur et enseignant, Luc Moullet analyse la production française dans « Les lois secrètes du cinémargent ».
La baleine / une petite révérence
Authors: Chottin Ariane
Published: October 2014

Résumé (conte)
The effect of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei L. casei W8® on blood levels of triacylglycerol is independent of colonisation
Authors: Bjerg A.T. , Sørensen M.B. , Krych L. , Hansen L.H. , Astrup A. , Kristensen M. , Nielsen D.S.
Published: October 2014

Gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis has been linked to obesity and its metabolic complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). The risk of developing CVD increases with elevated concentration of serum triacylglycerol (TAG). In a blinded, randomised two-arm parallel human intervention study we have previously found that four weeks of supplementation with Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei L. casei W8® (L. casei W8) compared to placebo reduced the concentration of TAG in 64 young healthy adults, an effect, likely mediated by a decreased stearoyl- CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) activity. In the present study we analysed faecal samples obtained during the intervention study to investigate whether this effect was related to the ability of L. casei W8 to colonise the human gut after supplementation of L. casei W8 (1010 cfu daily) as determined by qPCR specific for L. paracasei and L. casei (L. casei group); whether L. casei W8 consumption affected GM composition as determined by 16S rRNA gene targeted 454/FLX amplicon sequencing; and whether these changes were associated with changes in TAG concentration and SCD1 activity. Faecal samples were collected at baseline, after four weeks supplementation and two weeks after the supplementation was ended, and fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks. Four weeks supplementation with L. casei W8 did not affect the overall composition of the GM; however, an increase in the relative abundance of the L. casei group from 8.48×10−6% of the total GM compared to 2.83×10−3% at baseline (P<0.001) was observed. Two weeks after supplementation ended, the relative abundance of the L. casei group was still increased 14 times compared to before the intervention (P<0.01). However, neither the increase in the abundance of the L. casei group nor overall GM composition correlated with changes in blood lipids or SCD1 activity.
Simultaneous determination of zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and their metabolites in bovine urine as biomarkers of exposure
Authors: Winkler J. , Kersten S. , Valenta H. , Hüther L. , Meyer U. , Engelhardt U. , Dänicke S.
Published: October 2014

A feeding trial with 30 dairy cows which were fed rations with three different concentrations of zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) contaminated maize was carried out to examine the ZEA and DON concentration in urine. German Holstein cows (n=30) were divided into three groups (n=10 in each) which received diets with following toxin concentrations: CON (0.02 mg ZEA and 0.07 mg DON, per kg dry matter (DM)), FUS-50 (0.33 mg ZEA and 2.62 mg DON, per kg DM), FUS-100 (0.66 mg ZEA and 5.24 mg DON, per kg DM). For urine analysis, a reliable, cost-efficient and sensitive method for simultaneous determination of ZEA, DON and their metabolites was developed. The method comprises a solid phase extraction clean-up on Oasis HLB cartridges followed by LC-MS/MS measurement. ZEA, α-zearalenol, β-zearalenol, DON and de-epoxydeoxynivalenol (DOM) could be detected in the urine samples of the feeding trial. Thereby, DON was almost completely metabolised to DOM (83-98%) independent of the DON exposure. Moreover, conjugated toxins were the major urinary metabolites based on results of the analysis with β-glucuronidase treated and untreated samples. Furthermore, relationships between toxin intake and urinary toxin concentration could be established. In conclusion, increased urine toxin concentrations may hint on toxin exposure through the diets and thus the mycotoxins ZEA and DON and their detected metabolites could be used as biomarkers of exposure.
Biotecnología, sociedad y economía: una visión personal
Authors: Muñoz Emilio
Published: October 2014

Las relaciones entre biotecnología, sociedad y economía en los contextos europeo y español se han explorado desde una perspectiva evolucionista e integradora a partir de tres espacios: el de las políticas científicas y tecnológicas, el social y el de los impactos socioeconómicos. Se concluye que la(s) biotecnología(s) supone(n) un reto y una esperanza. Un reto por su complejidad, por su riqueza conceptual y por la exigencia de combinar cualidades y recursos. Una esperanza porque estas propiedades permiten plantear estrategias basadas en los conocimientos científicos y técnicos y en los recursos humanos que pueden representar una alternativa de desarrollo industrial al predominio del actual apoyado en lo financiero. Todo ello debe articularse sobre la base de un espacio social que integre la cultura científica, la valoración de la información y la comunicación con la repercusión socioeconómica. Curiosamente, España ocupa una posición favorable para afrontar los retos y para avanzar por la esperanza gracias a la combinación de una serie de factores: políticas científicas inspiradas en un proceso de modernización del país, potencial científico con disposición creativa y emprendedora, junto a la implicación de un conjunto de actores reflejada en la actitud y el desarrollo empresarial con la colaboración público-privada como eje.
Biología sintética: aspectos científicos y sociales
Authors: Alonso Carlos , Soto Manuel
Published: October 2014

El 20 de Mayo de 2010 Craig Venter anunció que se había creado el primer genoma sintético auto-replicativo capaz de controlar el comportamiento metabólico de las células huésped. La reacción al anuncio de Venter fue de sorpresa y asombro, pero levantó toda una gama de alarmas desde entusiasmos alumbrados a exclamaciones de incertidumbre: ¿Qué quería decir este anuncio? La biología entraba en la era digital y afirmaciones sobre potenciales riesgos y beneficios invadieron el mundo científico. ¿Estamos acercándonos a la “creación de vida” mediante diseño? ¿Se podría crear materia viva a partir de materia no viva? ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre materia viva y no-viva? ¿El organismo que se había generado por síntesis química era el que se había diseñado? El reto estaba en saber diseñar las condiciones para que los genomas y los huéspedes funcionaran al unísono. El reto es, por tanto, científico, pero lo es igualmente técnico. ¿Tenemos los conocimientos suficientes para diseñar las interacciones entre unidades biológicas capaces de generar organismos nuevos? ¿Podría la biología sintética jugar algún papel en la clínica?.
Biotecnología agrícola
Authors: Melgarejo Paloma , Romagosa Ignacio , Duran Núria
Published: October 2014

La domesticación de plantas, primera manipulación genética de los organismos vivos y origen de la Agricultura, representa la mayor contribución de la biotecnología al desarrollo de la humanidad. Los retos a superar en las próximas décadas para el sector agrario están determinados por el aumento demográfico y la demanda de materias primas para alimentación humana y animal, por las preferencias en el consumo, por aspectos medioambientales y legales, y por la globalización de la economía. Las aplicaciones de la biotecnología agrícola van a jugar un papel incuestionable en el logro de estos retos. Nuestro país posee unos buenos grupos en investigación básica y aplicada, con amplios conocimientos de la agrobiotecnología. El traslado de las necesidades del sector empresarial a la investigación, coordinando los departamentos de I+D+I de las empresas y los grupos de investigación de las universidades y organismos públicos de investigación es una finalidad a conseguir en el futuro.
Biocatálisis y biotecnología
Authors: Arroyo Miguel , Acebal Carmen , De la Mata Isabel
Published: October 2014

La Biocatálisis ha surgido como un área de gran riqueza dentro de la Biotecnología, y ha permitido la aplicación de las enzimas en un amplio número de industrias dedicadas a la fabricación de fármacos y otros compuestos químicos, así como alimentos o biocombustibles. Este sorprendente desarrollo de la Biocatálisis se debe a nuevas tecnologías como la bioinformática, el cribado de alta resolución, la evolución dirigida, así como otras técnicas arraigadas como la inmovilización de enzimas y la ingeniería de proteínas o del medio de reacción. La fabricación sostenible de productos de consumo es uno de los objetivos principales de la Biocatálisis, y supondrá muchos desafíos y oportunidades en el futuro. En este artículo, se han revisado algunos de los principales métodos empleados en tecnología enzimática, así como varios ejemplos de aplicaciones de las enzimas en la industria. Finalmente, se indica un breve comentario sobre la situación actual de los grupos de investigación y empresas dedicados a la Biocatálisis en España.
Acerca de la biotecnología ambiental
Authors: Blasco Pla Rafael , Castillo Rodríguez Francisco
Published: October 2014

La Biotecnología ambiental trata de corregir los desequilibrios causados en el medio ambiente por actividades industriales que alteran los ecosistemas naturales mediante contaminación química o biológica y que también afectan a los grandes ciclos biogeoquímicos en la biosfera, mayoritariamente catalizados por seres vivos, entre los que los microrganismos juegan un papel esencial. Las desviaciones en los balances de compuestos carbonados, nitrogenados y azufrados atmosféricos pueden causar fenómenos de gran complejidad como el calentamiento global, la destrucción de la capa de ozono, la contaminación ambiental o la lluvia ácida. Por otra parte, las interacciones de los microorganismos entre sí y con el medio, desconocidas en su mayor parte, tiene importantes repercusiones en la generación y persistencia de especies químicas que, depositadas en las cadenas tróficas, son altamente tóxicas para los organismos vivos. Para atajar estos problemas es necesario avanzar en el conocimiento a nivel molecular de la ecología microbiana y del funcionamiento de los ciclos biogeoquímicos, aunque no es menos necesario desarrollar tecnologías para la eliminación de contaminantes industriales in situ y ex situ, evitar su producción y utilización incontroladas así como corregir las actuaciones desequilibrantes, actuales o futuras, de la biogeoquímica planetaria.
Esteganografía lingüística en lengua española basada en modelo N-gram y ley de Zipf
Authors: Muñoz Muñoz Alfonso , Álvarez Irina Argüelles
Published: October 2014

La esteganografía lingüistica es una ciencia que se aprovecha de la lingüistica computacional para diseñar sistemas útiles en la protección y la privacidad de las comunicaciones digitales y en el marcado digital de textos. En los últimos años se han documentado múltiples formas de alcanzar este objetivo. En este artículo se analiza la posibilidad de generar automáticamente textos en lenguaje natural en lengua española que oculten una información dada. Se proponen una serie de hipótesis y se experimenta mediante la implementación de un algoritmo. Las pruebas realizadas indican que es factible utilizar modelos N-Gram y peculiaridades derivadas de la ley de Zipf para generar estegotextos con una calidad lingüistica tal que un lector humano podría no diferenciarlo de otro texto auténtico. Los estegotextos obtenidos permitirán la ocultación de al menos 0,5 bits por palabra generada.
Collaborative Development of Dependable Cyber-Physical Systems by Co-Modeling and Co-Simulation
Authors: Fitzgerald John , Pierce Ken , Larsen Peter Gorm
Published: October 2014

The pace of innovation in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) drives the need for multi-disciplinary methods and tools to support rapid and accurate assessment of design alternatives. In this chapter, the authors describe collaborative models (co-models) that link Discrete-Event (DE) models of control software with Continuous-Time (CT) models of controlled plant. They present methods and tools for co-modeling using VDM as the DE formalism, and bond graphs on the CT side, using the Crescendo platform to link existing simulators (Overture for VDM and 20-sim for bond graphs). The authors discuss the exploitation of co-models within the design flow, including their use with SysML, and the roles of Software-in the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation on the way to realising co-models in cyber and physical media. The authors identify research challenges in providing sufficient model fidelity and the evidence needed to support the engineering of certifiably dependable systems.
Optimized System-Level Design Methods for NoC-Based Many Core Embedded Systems
Authors: Ying Haoyuan , Hofmann Klaus , Hollstein Thomas
Published: October 2014

Due to the growing demand on high performance and low power in embedded systems, many core architectures are proposed the most suitable solutions. While the design concentration of many core embedded systems is switching from computation-centric to communication-centric, Network-on-Chip (NoC) is one of the best interconnect techniques for such architectures because of the scalability and high communication bandwidth. Formalized and optimized system-level design methods for NoC-based many core embedded systems are desired to improve the system performance and to reduce the power consumption. In order to understand the design optimization methods in depth, a case study of optimizing many core embedded systems based on 3-Dimensional (3D) NoC with irregular vertical link distribution topology through task mapping, core placement, routing, and topology generation is demonstrated in this chapter. Results of cycle-accurate simulation experiments prove the validity and efficiency of the design methods. Specific to the case study configuration, in maximum 60% vertical links can be saved while maintaining the system efficiency in comparison to full vertical link connection 3D NoCs by applying the design optimization methods.
Model-Based Analysis and Engineering of Automotive Architectures with EAST-ADL
Authors: Tucci-Piergiovanni Sara , Chen DeJiu , Mraidha Chokri , Lönn Henrik , Mahmud Nidhal , Reiser Mark-Oliver , Kolagari Ramin Tavakoli , Yakymets Nataliya , Librino Renato , Torchiaro Sandra , Lanusse Agnes
Published: October 2014

Modern cars have turned into complex high-technology products, subject to strict safety and timing requirements, in a short time span. This evolution has translated into development processes that are not as efficient, flexible, and agile as they could or should be. Model-based design offers many potential solutions to this problem. This chapter presents the main aspects and capabilities of a rich model-based design framework, founded on EAST-ADL, and developed during the MAENAD project. EAST-ADL is an architecture description language specific to the automotive domain and complemented by a methodology compliant with the ISO26262 standard. The language and the methodology set the stage for a high-level of automation and integration of advanced analyses and optimization capabilities to effectively improve development processes of modern cars.
Industrial Applications of Emulation Techniques for the Early Evaluation of Secure Low-Power Embedded Systems
Authors: Druml Norbert , Menghin Manuel , Steger Christian , Krieg Armin , Genser Andreas , Haid Josef , Bock Holger , Grinschgl Johannes
Published: October 2014

Embedded systems that follow a secure and low-power design methodology are, besides keeping strict design constraints, heavily dependent on comprehensive test and verification procedures. The large set of possible test vectors and the increasing density of System-on-Chip designs call for the introduction of hardware-accelerated techniques to solve the verification time problem. As already described earlier, emulation-based methodologies based on FPGA evaluation platforms prove capable of providing a solution compared to traditional system simulation. This chapter gives an introduction into a multi-disciplinary emulation-based design evaluation and verification methodology that is based on various techniques that have been presented in chapter 5. Test and verification capabilities are enhanced by the augmentation of this approach using model-based analysis units: gate-level-based power consumption models, power supply network models, event-based performance monitors, and high-level fault modes. The feasible usage of this verification methodology in the field of contactlessly powered smart cards is finally demonstrated using several industrial case studies.
Industrial Experiments in IMS, ATC, and SDR Projects of Property Verification Techniques
Authors: Gaudin Emmanuel
Published: October 2014

The increasing complexity of embedded systems calls for verification techniques to make sure the systems behave properly. When it comes to safety-critical systems, this aspect is even more relevant and is now taken into consideration by certification authorities. For that matter, property verification is accepted to be done not only on the system itself but also on a representative model of the system. This chapter first introduces the different properties and how they could be expressed. Then associated modeling languages characteristics are discussed to describe the systems on which the properties can be verified. Finally, different technologies to verify the properties are presented, including some practical examples and existing tools. This last part is illustrated by several research projects such as the PRESTO ARTEMIS European project and the exoTICus System@tic Paris Region competitiveness cluster project.
Health Information Technology
Authors: Palmieri Patrick Albert , Peterson Lori T. , Noeding Miguel Noe Ramirez
Published: October 2014

Healthcare organizations are increasingly willing to develop more efficient and higher quality processes to combat the competition and enhance financial viability by adopting contemporary solutions such as Health Information Technology (HIT). However, technological failures occur and represent a contemporary organizational development priority resulting from incongruent organization-technology interfaces. Technologically induced system failure has been defined as technological iatrogenesis. The chapter offers the Healthcare Iatrogenesis Model as an organizational development strategy to guide the responsible implementation of HIT projects. By recognizing the etiology of incongruent organizational interfaces and anticipating patient safety concerns, leaders can proactively respond to system limitations and identify hidden process instabilities prior to costly and consequential catastrophic events.
A Survey on Health Care Services Using Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Manvi Sunilkumar S. , R. B. Manjula
Published: October 2014

Although the present technology has aided in development of high-technology-based disease detection machines, potential medicines and devices, the well-being of the individual remains a challenge. Human beings are struggling to control diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, hypertension, insomnia, heart disease, and diabetes due to non-availability of patient's real-time data for comprehensive study and analysis. Smart health centre environments represent the evolutionary developmental step towards intelligent health care. The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) with pervasive and ubiquitous computing may be a solution for this predicament. WSNs are a key technology for ambient assisted living. The concept of WSN is used to measure the various health parameters like blood pressure, blood clot, allergy, ECG, cholesterol, RBCs, etc. In this chapter, the authors highlight the importance of WSNs with respect to health care services and discuss some of its challenging applications for diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, asthma, and heart disease. They delineate the challenges that researchers face in this area that may lead to future research.
Policies on Telemedicine-Enhanced Hospital Services
Authors: Mori Angelo Rossi , Contenti Mariangela , Verbicaro Rita
Published: October 2014

Modern telemedicine offers to hospitals a whole range of opportunities to improve the appropriateness of their care provision, to offer new services to primary care and to contribute to patient engagement. In this chapter, the authors briefly discuss their approach to facilitate the collaborative production of region-wide telemedicine roadmaps involving the hospitals, explicitly based on national and regional healthcare strategic priorities. In addition, as an operational contribution to support their approach, they introduce a conceptual frame for evaluating and prioritizing multiple ICT-enhanced innovation interventions, within an all-inclusive plan. The proposed frame captures relevant evaluation criteria belonging to four broad categories: the systemic benefits related to the quality of care; direct economic factors; the cultural viability; and the technological feasibility. As an example, the authors simulate an application of our conceptual frame to the comparative assessment of three kinds of telemedicine-enhanced interventions: (i) to improve the care processes driven by the hospital, (ii) to support health professionals, and (iii) to promote citizen's engagement.
Modeling Uncertain and Dynamic Casualty Health in Optimization-Based Decision Support for Mass Casualty Incident Response
Authors: Wilson Duncan T. , Hawe Glenn I. , Coates Graham , Crouch Roger S.
Published: October 2014

When designing a decision support program for use in coordinating the response to Mass Casualty Incidents, the modelling of the health of casualties presents a significant challenge. In this paper we propose one such health model, capable of acknowledging both the uncertain and dynamic nature of casualty health. Incorporating this into a larger optimisation model capable of use in real-time and in an online manner, computational experiments examining the effect of errors in health assessment, regular updates of health and delays in communication are reported. Results demonstrate the often significant impact of these factors.
Agent-Based Wellness Indicator
Authors: Soomlek Chitsutha , Benedicenti Luigi
Published: October 2014

An agent-based wellness indicator is an information visualization system designed to present wellness and decision-support information to individuals and their caregivers by elaborating the data provided by measuring devices utilizing the unique characteristics of software agents. The wellness indicator is constructed from an operational wellness model we developed. The model allows an automatic measuring system to calculate the wellness level for a number of indicators resulting in an overall wellness level. These results can be presented in a simple graphical format. The software has been evaluated by following the steps provided in the framework for testing a wellness visualization system. The evaluation is carried out by both general users and healthcare professionals. The results show positive feedback on various aspects of the indicator; and confirm that the wellness indicator can assist people to have a better understanding of their personal state of well-being and can support caregivers in delivering their services.
Risk Management Information System Architecture for a Hospital Center
Authors: Costa Fábio , Santos Patrícia , Varajão João , Pereira Luís Torres , Costa Vitor
Published: October 2014

In modern day's institutions, risk management plays a crucial role as it aims to minimize the likelihood of adverse events and contributes to improve the quality of services delivery. In health care, an effective risk management is only possible if supported by information systems that can produce high quality measures and meaningful risk indicators. These indicators will then allow the healthcare organization to self-assess by identifying critical gaps and opportunities for improvement in several frontiers. Such an organizational thrust is not only warranted for competitiveness but also fundamental for the purpose of benchmarking, accreditation and certification. Additionally, monitoring of specific indicators is often required by the tutelage. However, the development of a risk management system can be an arduous process due to the inherent complexity of clinical systems. This paper presents an architecture for the implementation of a risk management information system, using as example the case of CHTMAD, a Portuguese hospital center.
ICT Use and Multidisciplinary Healthcare Teams
Authors: Scholl Juliann C. , Olaniran Bolanle A.
Published: October 2014

In this chapter, the authors discuss ICTs in the medical field as well as identify the advantages and disadvantages of their use. By applying Retchin's (2008) conceptual framework for interprofessional and co-managed care—one that considers the impact of temporality, urgency of care, and structure of authority—the authors provide guidelines and recommendations for how physicians and other crucial health practitioners can use technology to work with each other. More importantly, they explain how information communication technologies can impact overall patient health care and delivery.
Educational Paradigm Change and Fostering Sustainable Success of Healthcare Organization with the Aid of Web-Based Interactive Training
Authors: Zgodavová Kristina , Bourek Aleš
Published: October 2014

This chapter focuses on improving the existing education process and presents comprehensive insight into the methodology of acquiring skills for managing healthcare organizations for sustained success through interactive Web-based training with special attention to simulations in­ a virtual learning environment. The authors describe functions and properties of the IMPROHEALTH® portal, as well as services pertaining to integrated e-learning, e-implementation of the specific management system with the added bonus of role play simulation, e-improvement of provided healthcare services, and present the way knowledge can be presented in the form of a Web-log book. Moreover, the purpose of this chapter is seen in addressing the obtained experience with regards to the utilization of information and communication technologies among the knowledgeable community. It is intended for professional educators involved in managing healthcare organizations, in e-health management, and for all people keen on modern digital ways of caring about their health status and on improving their sense of well-being, further supported by the so-called e-laboratory. Several innovative approaches augmenting the possibilities of traditional e-learning options are presented.
Users' Perception towards the “Safe Medication through Pharmacovigilance and Compliance Monitoring (Pharmacov)” Service
Authors: Karagiannis George E. , Tzachani Lida , Stamatopoulos Vasileios G. , Lazakidou Athina , Iliopoulou Dimitra , Petridou Maria , Gatzoulis Michael A.
Published: October 2014

A feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of the “Safe medication through pharmacovigilance and compliance monitoring (PharmacoV)” service, an Internet-based interactive information tool that assists physicians in identifying potential Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) or contraindications when they are prescribing medicinal products to patients. The users' perception was assessed by the means of a structured questionnaire containing Likert type responses ranging from 1 to 5. Five hundred eighty nine (n=589) healthcare professionals were enrolled during an eight (8) month trial of the service in London, UK during 2007. The vast majority of the healthcare professionals who participated in the study was very enthusiastic about the PharmacoV concept and perceived clear benefits in terms of accessing drug information. The authors' results suggest that a well-designed intervention study is possible. This will allow the evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention in the context of the different European healthcare systems, and may gradually shape an optimal health care system. Their study is limited to the specific extend that the pilot trial of the service could not be implemented as part of the routine clinical practice of the participating physicians mainly because of the need to continuously update the service functionality during the execution of the study.
A Wireless System for Secure Electronic Healthcare Records Management
Authors: Belsis Petros , Skourlas Christos , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: October 2014

Recent advances in wireless computing and in the hardware of wireless devices has opened new directions in many domains; for example in the medical domain the medical personnel in hospitals is able to use wireless devices to gain ubiquitous access to medical related information. However the sensitivity of medical related data poses many challenges in the effort to securely manage these data. In this paper the authors present an agent based architecture for efficient management of medical data. The authors present the security choices and also provide experimental details about the flexibility of our approach.
Not Just Meaningful Data but Coordinated Data!
Authors: Kazandjian Vahé A.
Published: October 2014

The era of data collection about health systems' performance is entering the new phase of timely and simultaneous access to diverse data sources in a systematic and coordinated approach. The concepts of harmonization and the measurement of the continuum of care have laid the ground for the pursuit of collecting, organizing, accessing, and sharing treatment and outcomes results. Service industries, faced with the need for access to multiple data sources, have adopted Information Technologies ranging from localized measurement of performance to regional monitoring of services, and finally into global networking via Cloud Computing. This chapter explores the benefits and challenges of Cloud Computing to the amelioration of medical and healthcare services given the idiosyncrasies of medicine and healthcare. A special focus is given to the extent of readiness healthcare systems manifest to measuring their performance, sharing the findings with patients and communities, and the accountability these systems demonstrate for the promises, implicitly or explicitly, they made about quality and safety of care. The implications of these promises in shaping patient expectations leading to patient and community evaluation of the healthcare services is a central theme running through this chapter.
Commitment to Change and Action
Authors: Catelli Linda A. , Jackson Valerie , Marino Judith , Perry S. Marshall
Published: October 2014

Professional Development School (PDS) partnerships in Race to the Top (RttT) states, as well as those in other states that have instituted education reforms and new legislation, are now in a unique position to promote their partnerships as transformative models of change and action. This chapter presents a successful, longitudinal, and holistically grounded PDS partnership and its research aimed at instituting integrative change for the purpose of improving student learning and achievement. Although small in size, the partnership has at its roots the audacious goal of changing and improving P-12 education integrated with professional education (13-20), with a vision of a new P-20 system of education directed at learning and simultaneous renewal of institutions. Academic and administrative leaders come together in this chapter to present the partnership's holistic nature and essential transformative practices, its empirical and practical work, lessons learned, and future directions for new career ladders for educators along with new research to influence state policy.
Removing Barriers
Authors: Putman S. Michael , Cassady Jerrell C. , Smith Lawrence L. , Heller Monica L.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to articulate the success of a partnership facilitated by a PDS relationship in serving at-risk students in a collection of schools proximal to a university in the Midwest. The authors begin by describing characteristics of community partnerships, including professional development schools, which both enable and hinder schools and stakeholders when they attempt to build innovative partnerships promoting positive school and community outcomes. They then discuss how they leveraged the resources of the local community, a teacher education program, and the local schools to develop and implement an afterschool academic support program targeting students at-risk for school failure. In addition to explaining the procedural elements that were found to be useful in breaking down traditional barriers to effective partnerships (e.g., space, finance, staff, quality curriculum support), the authors present the results of their study that demonstrate student gains in both math and reading.
Learning Theory and Online Learning in K-12 Education
Authors: Kumi-Yeboah Alex
Published: October 2014

Several questions need to be asked about how the applications of learning theories in online learning and how it impacts student learning. Online learning has the ability to promote rapid growth of student academic performance using instructional strategies such as differentiated instructions to meet the specific needs of students. However, less is known about the integration of learning theory and online learning in K-12 schools and its impact on student learning. This chapter seeks to demonstrate the integration of learning theories, online learning and its effects on student academic performance. In this chapter, researchers trace the trend of online learning in K-12 schools, discuss how instructional models are used to promote online learning in K-12 education, and provide discussion on the prospects and challenges facing online learning in the United States. Recommendation for future studies and conclusion are discussed.