bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise espacial da mortalidade infantil e adequação das informações vitais: uma proposta para definição de áreas prioritárias
Authors: Rodrigues Mirela , Bonfim Cristine , Portugal José Luiz , Frias Paulo Germano de , Gurgel Idê Gomes Dantas , Costa Tadeu Rodrigues , Medeiros Zulma
Published: July 2014

Estudo ecológico que objetivou analisar a relação entre o comportamento espacial da mortalidade infantil e a adequação das informações vitais. Para avaliar a adequação das informações sobre nascimentos (Sinasc) e óbitos (SIM) do Ministério da Saúde foi utilizado um método, já validado, que é constituído por cinco indicadores calculados por município, segundo o porte populacional. Os municípios foram classificados em: informações vitais consolidadas, em fase de consolidação ou não consolidadas. Na análise espacial, foram gerados os Polígonos de Voronoi para minimizar os problemas de proximidade entre os municípios, e o índice de Moran local para identificação dos agregados espaciais de mortalidade infantil. Identificou-se que 76,6% dos municípios apresentaram informações vitais consolidadas. Houve formação de cluster para a mortalidade infantil em 34 municípios, formando três agregados espaciais. Verificou-se associação entre a adequação das informações vitais e o comportamento espacial da mortalidade infantil. As técnicas de geoestatística foram preditivas na identificação de agregados espaciais com informações vitais consolidadas. A proposta contribuirá para a melhoria da qualidade da informação e o planejamento de ações visando à redução da mortalidade infantil.
Utilização do métodolinkage na identificação dos fatores de risco associados à mortalidade infantil: revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Santos Sheila Lima Diógenes , Silva Ana Roberta Vilarouca da , Campelo Viriato , Rodrigues Fabiana Teles , Ribeiro José Francisco
Published: July 2014

A preocupação mundial em relação à mortalidade infantil ganhou visibilidade com a divulgação no ano 2000 dos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento do Milênio, em que sua redução ganha destaque com a meta de número quatro, que propõe diminuir em dois terços sua taxa para crianças menores de cinco anos, no período entre 1990 e 2015. Reduzir a mortalidade infantil tem sido uma das prioridades das políticas sociais de saúde do governo brasileiro. A identificação de fatores de risco relacionados com a mortalidade infantil pode auxiliar no planejamento de ações para a reestruturação e melhoria da assistência à gestante e aos recém-nascidos, visando à redução da mortalidade infantil. Nesta perspectiva, o presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a utilização do método de linkage na identificação de fatores de risco associados à mortalidade infantil. Utilizou-se a Revisão Integrativa da Literatura. Foram analisados oito artigos na íntegra publicados entre 2008 e 2013, através dos descritores: mortalidade infantil, fatores de risco e sistemas de informação. O uso da técnica de linkage mostrou-se bastante útil, permitindo a adequada investigação dos fatores mais fortemente relacionados à mortalidade infantil, mostrando sua relevância para o estudo de problemas de saúde pública.
People–plant interface training: targeting an industry fatal risk
Authors: Hobson Pam , Emery David , Brown Lorraine , Bashford Rob , Gill John
Published: July 2014

Over 300 pedestrians died in the UK after being struck by plant or vehicles over the last decade, with the construction industry being the worst offender. On ‘smart motorway' projects such as the M4/M5 scheme near Bristol, the narrow working area – in most locations only 3·6 m wide – adds more potential for conflict between people and plant. Following a number of near-miss incidents, the M4/M5 site team developed an innovative and highly effective ‘life-sized' training programme to change individual behaviours. The programme has proved a great success, both in the UK and internationally.
Zinc ferrite–PVA nanocomposite and removal of chromium from aqueous solution
Authors: Agarwal Sonal , Singh Nakshatra Bahadur
Published: July 2014

Nanosize zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) was prepared by coprecipitation of zinc and iron hydroxides and subsequent calcinations at 500°C. This was characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques. Nanosize ZnFe2O4 (5 wt%) was dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution and, on evaporation, a film of 1-mm thickness was formed. A PVA film of same dimension was also made. The film was characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrical conductivity measurement methods. This film was used to remove Cr6+ from dichromate solution and it was found that the method was quite effective and pH-dependent.
Reliability analysis of a gravity-based foundation for wind turbines: a code-based design assessment
Authors: VAHDATIRAD M.J. , GRIFFITHS D.V. , ANDERSEN L.V. , SØRENSEN J.D. , FENTON G.A.
Published: July 2014

Deterministic code-based designs proposed for wind turbine foundations are typically biased on the conservative side, and overestimate the probability of failure, which can lead to higher than necessary construction cost. In this study reliability analysis of a gravity-based foundation, concerning its bearing capacity, is used to calibrate a code-based design procedure. A probabilistic finite-element model is developed to analyse the bearing capacity of a surface footing on soil with spatially variable undrained strength. Monte Carlo simulation is combined with a re-sampling simulation technique to perform the reliability analysis. The calibrated code-based design approach leads to savings of up to 20% in the concrete foundation volume, depending on the target annual reliability level. The study can form the basis for future optimisation on deterministic-based designs for wind turbine foundations.
Seismic response of timber frames with cane and mortar walls
Authors: Málaga-Chuquitaype Christian , Kaminski Sebastian , Elghazouli Ahmed Y. , Lawrence Andrew
Published: July 2014

This paper describes an experimental study into the seismic behaviour of low-cost walls incorporating timber frames with composite cane and cement mortar panels. Five cyclic tests on full-scale wall specimens of different geometric and material characteristics are described. The test set-up, wall configurations and material properties are introduced, followed by a detailed account of the experimental results and observations. Based on the results from the tests, the main behavioural features are discussed and the salient response parameters such as stiffness, strength, energy dissipation and ductility are examined. Particular emphasis is given to the assessment of key construction provisions such as mortar strength, galvanised wire mesh reinforcement and the presence of windows. The cyclic tests reported offer direct information on the lateral force–displacement response of the walls and their energy dissipation characteristics. Finally, simple expressions for determining the overall stiffness and capacity of the timber frame composite cane and mortar walls are proposed. As well as providing essential information for the future validation of more detailed numerical procedures, the experimental results presented in this paper also demonstrate the suitability of this form of low-cost construction for resisting deformation demands typical of large-magnitude earthquakes.
The Impact of Attachment Style on the Family Drawings of School-Aged Children
Authors: Procaccia Rossella , Veronese Guido , Castiglioni Marco
Published: July 2014

Objective:

Primary school children's representations of themselves and their attachment figures were explored by assessing their family drawings. The main aim of the study was to empirically explore differences in the representations of children with secure versus insecure attachment. The study was theoretically informed by attachment theory and methodologically based on widely-used systems for analysing children’s drawings.

Method:

The Separation Anxiety Test was used to evaluate the attachment styles of 117 children (aged 6-10 years). This led to the identification of three groups, similar in age and gender distribution, with three different attachment styles (secure, anxious-ambivalent and avoidant). Each participant was asked to draw a family and the drawings produced were coded on 8 global scales and evaluated for the presence of 35 specific markers divided into five categories (characteristics of the figures; use of space; completeness of representation; emotional-affective tone; overall characteristics of the representation).

Results:

The drawings of securely attached children featured more positive markers, associated with a stable and well-integrated sense of self and others, whereas insecure children produced more markers of instability and negative emotion, with some interesting differences between anxious-ambivalent and avoidant attachment styles.

Conclusion:

Despite its limitations, the study confirmed that family drawings are a valid instrument for evaluating how children represent attachment, thereby facilitating early intervention to prevent later adjustment difficulties.
The Life Cycle of a Facebook Post
Authors: Fiebert Martin S. , Aliee Azadeh , Yassami Hoda , Dorethy Marcie D.
Published: July 2014

Social networking sites, such as Facebook, offer a fast-paced medium for social interaction. Consequently the amount of social engagement that users produce tends to be short-lived. The current study investigates the length of time a Facebook post continues to engage users. The posts of 100 participants, 50 men and 50 women, were followed for a 24-hour period. Results indicate that on average they receive the largest number of social engagements (i.e., likes and comments) within the first 2 to 4 hours (53%), and rarely after 24 hours.
A quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) study of peptide drugs based on a new descriptor of amino acids
Authors: Tong Jian-Bo , Chang Jia , Liu Shu-Ling , Bai Min
Published: July 2014

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) approach is used for
finding the relationship between molecular structures and the activity of
peptide drugs. In this work, stepwise multiple regression, was employed to
select optimal subset of descriptors that have significant contribution to
the drug activity of 21 oxytocin analogues, 48 bitter tasting threshold, and
58 angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. A new set of descriptor, SVWGM,
was used for the prediction of the drug activity of peptide drugs and then
were used to build the model by partial least squares method, for it?s
estimation stability and generalization ability was strictly analyzed by
both internal and external validations, with cross-validation correlation
coefficient, correlation coefficient and correlation coefficient of external
validation.
Mannose-Binding Lectin Is Required for the Effective Clearance of Apoptotic Cells by Adipose Tissue Macrophages During Obesity
Authors: Stienstra Rinke , Dijk Wieneke , van Beek Lianne , Jansen Henry , Heemskerk Mattijs , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Denis Simone , van Harmelen Vanessa , Willems van Dijk Ko , Tack Cees J. , Kersten Sander
Published: July 2014

Obesity is accompanied by the presence of chronic low-grade inflammation manifested by infiltration of macrophages into adipose tissue. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a soluble mediator of innate immunity, promotes phagocytosis and alters macrophage function. To assess the function of MBL in the development of obesity, we studied wild-type and MBL−/− mice rendered obese using a high-fat diet (HFD). Whereas no gross morphological differences were observed in liver, an HFD provoked distinct changes in the adipose tissue morphology of MBL−/− mice. In parallel with increased adipocyte size, MBL−/− mice displayed an increased influx of macrophages into adipose tissue. Macrophages were polarized toward an alternatively activated phenotype known to modulate apoptotic cell clearance. MBL deficiency also significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in adipose tissue. Consistent with these observations, recombinant MBL enhanced phagocytic capacity of the stromal vascular fraction isolated from adipose tissue and modulated uptake of apoptotic adipocytes by macrophages. Despite changes in macrophage abundance and polarity, the absence of MBL did not affect systemic insulin resistance. Finally, in humans, lower levels of circulating MBL were accompanied by enhanced macrophage influx in subcutaneous adipose tissue. We propose a novel role for MBL in the recognition and clearance of apoptotic adipocytes during obesity.
The Effectiveness and Distributional Effects of the Tax Credit for Public Transit
Authors: Chandler Vincent
Published: July 2014

This article studies the impact of a non-refundable tax credit for public transit introduced in July 2006 in Canada. I find no evidence that this tax credit increased the number of trips made using public transit. There is, however, some suggestive evidence that it did induce commuters to purchase monthly passes. Finally, the article discusses the distributional effect of this tax credit.
Microalgae Harvest through Fungal Pelletization—Co-Culture of Chlorella vulgaris and Aspergillus niger
Authors: Gultom Sarman , Zamalloa Carlos , Hu Bo
Published: July 2014

Microalgae harvesting is a labor- and energy-intensive process and new approaches to harvesting microalgae need to be developed in order to decrease the costs. In this study; co-cultivatation of filamentous fungus (Aspergillus niger) and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) to form cell pellets was evaluated under different conditions, including organic carbon source (glucose; glycerol; and sodium acetate) concentration; initial concentration of fungal spores and microalgal cells and light. Results showed that 2 g/L of glucose with a 1:300 ratio of fungi to microalgae provided the best culturing conditions for the process to reach >90% of cell harvest efficiency. The results also showed that an organic carbon source was required to sustain the growth of fungi and form the cell pellets. The microalgae/fungi co-cultures at mixotrophic conditions obtained much higher total biomass than pure cultures of each individual strains; indicating the symbiotic relationship between two strains. This can benefit the microbial biofuel production in terms of cell harvest and biomass production.
The Medicinal Chemistry of Imidazotetrazine Prodrugs
Authors: Moody Catherine , Wheelhouse Richard
Published: July 2014

Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard first line treatment for malignant glioma, reaching “blockbuster” status in 2010, yet it remains the only drug in its class. The main constraints on the clinical effectiveness of TMZ therapy are its requirement for active DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins for activity, and inherent resistance through O6-methyl guanine-DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) activity. Moreover, acquired resistance, due to MMR mutation, results in aggressive TMZ-resistant tumour regrowth following good initial responses. Much of the attraction in TMZ as a drug lies in its PK/PD properties: it is acid stable and has 100% oral bioavailability; it also has excellent distribution properties, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and there is direct evidence of tumour localisation. This review seeks to unravel some of the mysteries of the imidazotetrazine class of compounds to which TMZ belongs. In addition to an overview of different synthetic strategies, we explore the somewhat unusual chemical reactivity of the imidazotetrazines, probing their mechanisms of reaction, examining which attributes are required for an active drug molecule and reviewing the use of this combined knowledge towards the development of new and improved anti-cancer agents.
On the Use of CFRP Sheets for the Seismic Retrofitting of Masonry Walls and the Influence of Mechanical Anchorage
Authors: Bischof Patrick , Suter René , Chatzi Eleni , Lestuzzi Pierino
Published: July 2014

This work reports the outcomes of an extensive experimental campaign on the retrofitting of masonry walls by means of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets, carried out at University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Fribourg. In the first stage, static-cyclic shear tests were conducted on the masonry walls, followed by a second stage of tensile tests on alternative configurations of mechanical anchorage so as to assess the effects on the structural response and to identify the associated limits. In the static-cyclic shear tests, it was found that the resistance of masonry walls retrofitted with CFRP sheets was improved by up to 70%, and the deformability was improved by up to 10% in comparison to the un-retrofitted specimens. The experimental tests conducted on alternate configurations of mechanical anchorages indicate that the tested materials and configurations rely heavily on details. The sensitivity of CFRP sheets to edges, non-uniformities on any adherend, and bonding defects can cause premature CFRP failure and, hence, pose problems for the efficient design of a retrofitting scheme. As indicated by the results of this investigation, effective anchorage can be achieved when eccentric loading of the mechanical anchorage is avoided and a smooth bonding surface is guaranteed.
AN INTEGRATED FUZZY MULTI CRITERIA GROUP DECISION MAKING MODEL FOR HANDLING EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Authors: Yazdani-Chamzini Abdolreza
Published: July 2014

The problem of handling equipment selection plays a significant role in the total cost of a mining project; so that it can affect the activity and continuity of the project and is a strategic problem. In this study, an integrated model based on two fuzzy multi-criteria decision making techniques for handling equipment selection is proposed. The proposed evaluation model is derived from group decision making, fuzzy set theory, analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and Technique to Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. The fuzzy AHP (FAHP) method is utilized to calculate the relative importance of the evaluation criteria, then, fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) is applied for evaluating the feasible handling equipment in order to select the best handling system among a pool of the possible alternatives. The model is applied for a real world case study to demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed model. To investigate the result sensitiveness to the changes of the criteria weights, a sensitivity analysis is finally conducted.
Caractéristiques récentes de la fécondité des couples mariés et non mariés en Roumanie
Authors: Hoem Jan M. , Mureşan Cornelia , Hărăguş Mihaela
Published: July 2014

Jusqu’à la fin des années 1980, l’union libre était rare en Roumanie. Après la chute du régime socialiste, cette proportion a progressivement augmenté pour atteindre environ 10 % en 2005, évolution qui a eu des conséquences sur la fécondité. Cet article présente certaines caractéristiques de la fécondité des couples mariés et non mariés entre 1985 et 2005 à partir des données de l’enquête GGS réalisée en Roumanie en 2005, par le calcul des taux de fécondité par durée de l’union et l’utilisation d’un paramètre synthétique basé sur la somme de ces taux toutes durées d’union confondues, indépendamment de la parité. L’analyse met en évidence les catégories de femmes qui ont eu particulièrement tendance à avoir des enfants sans être mariées : les femmes à faible niveau d’instruction et celles d’origine rurale. Dans ces deux groupes, les femmes qui vivaient en union libre ont été fortement affectées par les changements considérables de la politique familiale dans les années 1990, après quoi leur fécondité totale hors mariage est devenue du même ordre de grandeur que celle des femmes mariées. Pour les femmes de ces deux catégories, le fait d’être mariée ou non ne semble guère avoir d’influence sur leur fécondité.
Corriger les indices de scolarisation par la standardisation des structures par âge
Authors: Barakat Bilal F. , Durham Rachel E. , Rodrigues Clarissa Guimarães
Published: July 2014

La fréquentation scolaire dépend de l’âge. La composition par âge de la population, par un pur effet de structure, influe sur la valeur des indices agrégés de présence dans le système scolaire tels que les ratios de scolarisation. Ce phénomène n’est généralement pas reconnu et a fortiori pris en compte dans les statistiques scolaires. Au mieux, la question de la structure par âge est simplement considérée comme une source d’erreur de mesure quand on compare des données administratives avec des données d’enquête. En recourant à une technique de standardisation des structures par âge, les auteurs montrent comment cet outil très courant en démographie peut facilement être appliqué aux indicateurs de scolarisation, et comment cela affecte les résultats. Ils observent que l’impact sur les ratios nets et bruts de scolarisation est généralement modéré ; mais quand on compare des contextes différents en termes de croissance des effectifs des générations successives ou de fréquentation scolaire, ne pas tenir compte des structures par âge pourrait biaiser les conclusions.
AT90s8535D CHIP APPLICATION FOR HEART RATE VARIABILITY DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS
Authors: Kim Whi-Young , Kim Jun-Hyoung , Kim Jun-Il
Published: July 2014

By using wireless mobile communications and mobile information terminals, Internet and the linking of computers and information technology to human bodies effectively, mobile computing can play an important role in modern technology that can be used by anybody anytime, anywhere, and can reconsider new technology with physiological measurements and reconstruct it creatively. In particular, mobile computing can intervene in the process of inducing biometric changes before diseased symptoms develop into diseases in an aging society. Nevertheless, there are difficulties, such as data, treatment by many parameters, ambiguity of data standardization and difficulty of the simultaneous collection of data etc. Therefore, in this study, a system was embodied by excluding time limiting factors using mobile computing and selecting the mobile neural dynamic coding method based on bioelectric signals. As a result of the experiment, it could be a model for biomedical Signal Mobile Analysis Devices and mobile biometric measuring devices, whose self-measurement can be made possible by an academic approach. Furthermore, it became the research foundation of the atypical characteristics of the formation of bioelectrical signals based on mobile applications and could be modeled in the structure circuit form of a biosignal.
Integrated Architecture Framework for E-Government
Authors: Ruhode Ephias
Published: July 2014

Emerging trends in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in governments around the globe suggest that developing countries should embrace e-government as an enabler of efficient and effective service delivery. The Government of Zimbabwe, which is a case study in this chapter, is acutely aware of the critical role that ICTs play in socio-economic development. This chapter discusses Zimbabwe's e-government policies and programmes and maps them against the e-government architecture framework by Ebrahim and Irani (2005). The e-government architecture framework defines the standards, infrastructure components, applications, technologies, business models, and guidelines for electronic commerce among and between organisations that facilitate the interaction of the government and promote group productivity. The study is theoretically based upon the socio-technical theory, whose view suggests the existence of a technical sub-system and a social sub-system in an organisation. This theory has been adopted in this study to explain the complex relation between the government as an institution and e-government as an artifact. Drawing from the e-government architecture framework and the social-technical theory, an integrated e-government assessment framework is developed to explain the nature of relationships among government, citizens, and technology.
E-Governance as a Paradigm Shift in Public Administration
Authors: Islam Muhammad Muinul , Ehsan Mohammad
Published: July 2014

The ICT-blessed e-governance is transforming public administration systems worldwide and forcing a paradigm shift. E-governance renders a new way and style in each and every aspect of public administration. It brings about changes in the structure, functions, and processes of public service delivery, ushering transformation in the system through effectively connecting, engaging, and streamlining the relations among government, businesses, citizens, and other relevant stakeholders. Irrespective of certain obvious limitations and challenges, it not only attempts to ensure economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in service delivery, but also offers unlimited potential for combating corruption and many other bureau-pathologies in public administration. Based on secondary sources, this chapter offers brief theoretical discussions on e-governance, including, among others, its emergence, types of service delivery, and transformation stages.
Articulating Wider Smartphone Emerging Security Issues in the Case of M-Government in Turkey
Authors: de Kervenoael Ronan , Yfantis Vasileios
Published: July 2014

For the last several years, mobile devices and platform security threats, including wireless networking technology, have been top security issues. A departure has occurred from automatic anti-virus software based on traditional PC defense: risk management (authentication and encryption), compliance, and disaster recovery following polymorphic viruses and malware as the primary activities within many organizations and government services alike. This chapter covers research in Turkey as a reflection of the current market – e-government started officially in 2008. This situation in an emerging country presents the current situation and resistances encountered while engaging with mobile and e-government interfaces. The authors contend that research is needed to understand more precisely security threats and most of all potential solutions for sustainable future intention to use m-government services. Finally, beyond m-government initiatives' success or failure, the mechanisms related to public administration mobile technical capacity building and security issues are discussed.
Understanding ICT
Authors: Mahtab Nazmunnessa , Mahtab Nehal
Published: July 2014

This chapter focuses on how e-Governance empowers women, specifically poor rural women. ICT for Development emerged as a new area of work in the mid-1990s at a time when the potential of new technologies was starting to be better understood. In poor countries, particularly rural women in Bangladesh, access to ICTs is still a faraway reality for the vast majority of these women as they are further removed from the information age, as they are unaware of the demonstrated benefit from ICTs to address ground-level development challenges. The barriers they face pose greater problems for the poor rural women, who are more likely to be illiterate, not know English, and lack opportunities for training in computer skills. Access to ICT can enable women to gain a stronger voice in their government and at the global level. ICT also offers women flexibility in time and space and can be of particular value to women who face social isolation, especially the women in the rural areas in Bangladesh. To represent the use of ICT, this chapter focuses on the use of “Mobile Phone” by the rural women of Bangladesh and how the use of mobile phones have helped in empowering rural poor women in Bangladesh.
Developing a Citizen-Centric eGovernment Model for Developing Countries
Authors: Jahankhani Hamid , Dastbaz Mohammad , Shareef Shareef M. , Pimenidis Elias
Published: July 2014

This chapter presents an enhanced eGovernment stage model based on citizens' participation for improvements in the delivery of governmental services by putting citizens' insights and their requirements in the context of e-government development and the potential use of a multi-channel delivery of services for regional governments in developing countries. The model proposed is based on research done in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This research identified missing elements in traditional eGovernment models that would prove essential for implementation in developing countries. These models usually propose five stages of development spanning from emergence to integration. The proposal here considers most of the limitations in two stages, namely initial and an enhancement stage with the advantage of decreasing the uncertainty of e-government implementation in the public sector by recognising the consequence of the institutional readiness, adoption processes, the needs of ICT tools, and the factors that influence the implementation process.
Different Divisions
Authors: Bannister Frank , Leahy Denise
Published: July 2014

Addressing the problem of the digital divide is not, per se, a matter for e-government policy. Nonetheless, the existence of such a divide within society has a number of implications for such policy. E-government policy can also be an exemplar and/or act as a catalyst for actions in other public and private spheres. In this chapter, a five-way classification of the digital divide is proposed and the implications of each of these different forms of divide are examined. This taxonomy is then used to explore how e-government policy and practice need to be adapted to deal with the problems such a divide presents.
To Participation and Beyond?
Authors: Burton Paul , Hilton Stephen
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides a case study of local developments in e-democracy in the city of Bristol, UK. Although some of these developments relate to periodic local elections, most are concerned with supporting new forms of engagement between local citizens and local government institutions and processes in the times between these. Starting with the coordination of its own consultation activities, then encouraging greater participation in council-run activities, and finally supporting grass roots engagement activities, Bristol City Council embarked on a local program of e-democracy activities from 2000 onwards. This grew into a national pilot scheme that enabled a number of valuable comparative evaluations of e-democracy in practice. The chapter draws on the results of a number of evaluations of these local and national developments and highlights the more widespread and enduring challenges of trying to broaden the scope and the effectiveness of local democracy and improve the practices of social inclusion.
E-Governance and Social Inclusion
Authors: Magno Francisco A.
Published: July 2014

This chapter presents a case study of community e-Centers in the Philippines. Developed as part of the pilot multi-purpose community centres program in the late 1990s and expanded as part of Philippine Development Plans, the centres were envisaged as local entry points for residents to access information and services, especially in rural areas of the country. The case study touches on the problems when content lags behind the provision of hard infrastructure, a problem associated with many e-government projects, especially in less-developed countries.
Attack Graph Analysis for Network Anti-Forensics
Authors: Chandran Rahul , Yan Wei Q.
Published: July 2014

The development of technology in computer networks has boosted the percentage of cyber-attacks today. Hackers are now able to penetrate even the strongest IDS and firewalls. With the help of anti-forensic techniques, attackers defend themselves, from being tracked by destroying and distorting evidences. To detect and prevent network attacks, the main modus of operandi in network forensics is the successful implementation and analysis of attack graph from gathered evidences. This paper conveys the main concepts of attack graphs, requirements for modeling and implementation of graphs. It also contributes the aspect of incorporation of anti-forensic techniques in attack graph which will help in analysis of the diverse possibilities of attack path deviations and thus aids in recommendation of various defense strategies for better security. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time network anti-forensics has been fully discussed and the attack graphs are employed to analyze the network attacks. The experimental analysis of anti-forensic techniques using attack graphs were conducted in the proposed test-bed which helped to evaluate the model proposed and suggests preventive measures for the improvement of security of the networks.
Investigation of Determinants of Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Samoilenko Sergey , Osei-Bryson Kweku-Muata
Published: July 2014

The limited resources of Transition Economies (TE) accentuate the need for formulating effective and efficient policies for investments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). However, the empirical evidence required for sound decision making is scarce, thus prompting a call for additional studies in the area of macroeconomic impact of investments in ICT. Using two time series data sets, one for the period from 1993 to 2002, and another for the period from 2003 to 2008, we investigate the impact of investments in telecoms on Total Factor Productivity (TFP) in the context of the TEs of Central Europe. Results suggest that while all TEs exhibited overall growth in productivity, the annual growth of the majority was inconsistent and not determined by the increase in the levels of investments in telecoms and full-time telecom labor. Further, a comparison of the two periods suggests that the most significant difference between those periods is that the dominant source of growth in productivity in the later transition period (2003-2008) is efficient utilization of the already available technology, while in the former transition period it was technological changes.
A Conceptual Proposition
Authors: Ashtiani Ahmad Vazehi , Jayasingam Sharmila
Published: July 2014

This conceptual paper proposes social capital as a possible moderator of the relationship between commonly identified knowledge sharing enablers in the literature and knowledge sharing (KS). A literature review was carried out to determine the contextual influence of the level of social capital within communities of practice (CoPs). Propositions were developed based on a review of past studies addressing KS enablers and KS. The literature review revealed that prior studies built on resource-based theory (RBT) and knowledge-based view of the firm (KBV) focused on organizational enablers of KS without any concern for the contextual influence such as the level of social capital of CoPs. Further analysis indicated that social capital could possibly moderate the impact of commonly identified KS enablers. These insights are presented as propositions in this conceptual paper. This paper addresses a gap in the area of KS. It questions the results of past studies and proposes the needs to consider the level of social capital when identifying appropriate KS enablers.
Adipocyte IL-15 Regulates Local and Systemic NK Cell Development
Authors: Liou Yae-Huei , Wang Szu-Wen , Chang Chin-Ling , Huang Po-Lin , Hou Mau-Sheng , Lai Yein-Gei , Lee Gilbert Aaron , Jiang Si-Tse , Tsai Ching-Yen , Liao Nan-Shih
Published: July 2014

NK cell development and homeostasis require IL-15 produced by both hematopoietic and parenchymal cells. Certain hematopoietic IL-15 sources, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, are known, whereas the source of parenchymal IL-15 remains elusive. Using two types of adipocyte-specific Il15−/− mice, we identified adipocytes as a parenchymal IL-15 source that supported NK cell development nonredundantly. Both adipocyte-specific Il15−/− mice showed reduced IL-15 production specifically in the adipose tissue but impaired NK cell development in the spleen and liver in addition to the adipose tissue. We also found that the adipose tissue harbored NK progenitors as other niches (e.g. spleen) for NK cell development, and that NK cells derived from transplanted adipose tissue populated the recipient’s spleen and liver. These findings suggest that adipocyte IL-15 contributes to systemic NK cell development by supporting NK cell development in the adipose tissue, which serves as a source of NK cells for other organs.
Idiopathic spontaneous perforation of the upper urinary tract. A presentation of 4 cases
Authors: Katafigiotis Ioannis , Adamakis Ioannis , Zormpala Alexandra , Pournaras Christos , Stravodimos Konstantinos
Published: July 2014

Spontaneous perforation of the collecting system constitutes a rare entity masked by the presentation of a typical renal colic. However, it should not be forgotten when managing patients with colic, since missed diagnoses may carry significant morbidity. We herein present a series of spontaneous perforation of the collecting system without an apparent obstruction site evident in helical CT urography. Four consecutive patients who presented with typical renal colic were initially subjected to KUB and renal ultrasound imaging and were ultimately diagnosed with perforation of the collecting system via contrast enhanced- helical CT urography. Despite thorough evaluation, the cause responsible obstructive was not discovered and an exclusion diagnosis of idiopathic collecting system perforation was assigned to all patients. Due to the rarity of a spontaneous perforation traditional retrograde urography was performed in an effort to identify the possible cause but was also unrevealing. All patients were successfully treated with endourological means. Perforation of the collecting system without an evident obstructive cause is a rare entity with obscure etiology. A reasonable but yet unconfirmed speculation is that of a transient obstruction capable of a significant increase of intraluminal pressures.
A rare complication of ESWL: Focal metastatic multiple organ abscesses in a horseshoe kidney
Authors: Kuyumcuoglu Ugur , Eryildirim Bilal , Tuncer Murat , Faydaci Gokhan , Aktoz Tevfik , Akdere Hakan , Sarıca Kemal
Published: July 2014

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is an effective treatment modality in the minimal invasive management of urinary system stone disease. Although the majority of the complications occuring after ESWL are minor (most common ones are gross haematuria, pain, perinephritic hematoma); bacteriuria may also occur in some cases which sometimes can lead to sepsis and even metastatic abscess formation in a very rare part of the cases treated. In this rare situation infection agent spreads quickly via hematogenous route and causes abscess formation in different parts of the body. Majority of such cases usually have an underlying systemic disease like diabetes mellitus (DM), malignancy, HIV or steroid use which lead to disruption of immune system functions. Abscess formation following ESWL is extremely rare and usually limited with some case reports published in the literature. Herein, we present a diabetic case with formation of multiple abscess foci in kidney, as well as in lungs and liver following ESWL. The patient was first admitted to our emergency department with high fever and respiratory distress and misdiagnosed as metastatic tumor foci based on radiologic findings. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first one in the literature in whom simultanous abscess formation in multiple organ systems has been documented following an otherwise uneventful ESWL.
Ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy: Is this procedure safe in pregnant women with ureteral stones at different locations?
Authors: Adanur Senol , Ziypak Tevfik , Bedir Fevzi , Yapanoglu Turgut , Aydın Hasan Riza , Yılmaz Mehmet , Aksoy Mehmet , Ozbey Isa
Published: July 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of ureteroscopy and Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet lithotripsy for the treatment of ureteral stones with different localizations in symptomatic pregnant women. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 19 pregnant patients referred to our center between January 2005 and December 2012 with symptomatic hydronephrosis requiring surgical intervention. 7.5 F and 9.5 F semirigid ureterorenoscopy with Holmium laser lithotripsy was used for treatment in all patients. Complications were stratified according to modified Clavien criteria. Results: The mean age of patients was 25.4 (18-41) years, and the mean gestation duration was 24.8 (7-33) weeks. Six cases (31.5%) had a history of stone. Solitary kidney secondary to previous nephrectomy was observed in 2 patients and 1 patient had a hypoplastic kidney. Abdominal ultrasonography was used as the main diagnostic tool. Mean stone size was 9.2 mm (6-13). The location of the stones was the lower, middle, and upper ureter in 8 (42.1%), 5 (26.3%) and 6 (31.5%) cases, respectively. All stones were fragmented with Holmium laser lithotripsy. Of the 19 patients, 11 (57.8%) required doublr J stent insertion peroperatively. Intraoperative urological and obstetric complications were not observed. Postoperatively two complications were noted. According to Clavien criteria a complication was level 1, and the other was level 2. Conclusions: For treatment of pregnant women with symptomatic ureteral stones in every location, Holmium laser lithotripsy with a semirigid ureteroscopy can be used as judicious treatment. This approach is effective and safe with an acceptable complication rate.
Evaluation of Ankle Tightrope Syndesmosis Fixation
Authors: Al-azzani Waheeb AK , Sabah Tarique , Paringe Vishal , O'Doherty Declan
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Ankle sprains are among the most common of bone and joint injuries. Historically, distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries have been treated using syndesmotic metal screws to prevent diastasis. However, the use of screws meant that physiological micro-movement between the tibia and fibula was lost which often results in loosening and breaking of the screws. Tightrope fixation was a new technique that has been developed to overcome these complications and allowed some degree of flexibility similar to that offered by natural ligaments. The aim of our study was to evaluate such injuries.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective study reviewing all clinical records of cases of patients with injuries of the distal tibofibular syndesmosis treated with the ankle tightrope (Arthrex Inc) in our institution between January 2008 and January 2011.

Results

A total of 42 patients were reviewed. We encountered five cases with complications (12%). Of those: three required removals due to prominent knot, one soft-tissue irritation and one with uncomplicated wound infection.

Conclusion

Our study, one of the largest so far evaluating complications of tightrope fixation, demonstrates that one in eight patients treated with tightrope will experience complication.

How to cite this article

Al-azzani WAK, Sabah T, Paringe V, O'Doherty D. Evaluation of Ankle Tightrope Syndesmosis fixation. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2014;1(1):1-4.
Impacts of spectroscopic errors on O2 measurement requirements for the ASCENDS mission
Authors: Crowell S. , Rayner P. , Zaccheo S. , Moore B.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Remotely sensed observations of atmospheric composition require an estimate of surface pressure. This estimate can either come from an instrument with sensitivity in an O2 absorption feature in the spectrum, or it can be provided by a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. In this work, the authors outline a information-based methodology for setting measurement requirements for an active measurement of O2 in the context of the Active Sensing of Carbon Emissions over Nights, Days and Seasons (ASCENDS) mission. The results indicate that the impacts of correlations in the spectroscopic errors between CO2 and O2 measurements are nontrivial, and actually tighten the requirement for the O2 measurement by 5–10%.
Simulating last interglacial climate with NorESM: role of insolation and greenhouse gases in the timing of peak warmth
Authors: Langebroek P.M. , Nisancioglu K. H.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The last interglacial (LIG, ~130–116 ka, ka = 1000 yr ago) is characterized by high-latitude warming and is therefore often considered as a possible analogue for future warming. However, in contrast to predicted future greenhouse warming, the LIG climate is largely governed by variations in insolation. Greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations were relatively stable and similar to pre-industrial values, with the exception of the early LIG when, on average, GHGs were slightly lower. We performed six time-slice simulations with the low-resolution version of the Norwegian Earth System Model covering the LIG. In four simulations only the orbital forcing was changed. In two other simulations, representing the early LIG, additionally the GHG forcing was reduced. With these simulations we investigate (1) the different effects of GHG versus insolation forcing on the temperatures during the LIG; (2) whether reduced GHGs can explain the low temperatures reconstructed for the North Atlantic; and (3) the timing of the observed LIG peak warmth. Our simulations show that the insolation forcing results in seasonal and hemispheric differences in temperature. In contrast, a reduction in the GHG forcing causes a global and seasonal-independent cooling. Furthermore, we compare modelled temperatures with proxy-based LIG sea-surface temperatures along a transect in the North Atlantic. The modelled North Atlantic summer sea-surface temperatures capture the general trend of the reconstructed summer temperatures, with low values in the early LIG, a peak around 125 ka, and a steady decrease towards the end of the LIG. Simulations with reduced GHG forcing improve the model–data fit as they show lower temperatures in the early LIG. Furthermore we show that the timing of maximum summer and winter surface temperatures is in line with the local summer and winter insolation maximum at most latitudes. Two regions where the maximum local insolation and temperature do not occur at the same time are Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The austral summer insolation has a late maximum at ~115 ka. In contrast the austral summer temperatures in Antarctica show maxima at both ~130 ka and ~115 ka, and the Southern Ocean temperatures peak only at ~130 ka. This is probably due to the integrating effect of the ocean, storing heat from other seasons and resulting in relatively warm austral summer temperatures. Reducing the GHG concentrations in the early LIG (125 and 130 ka) results in a similar timing of peak warmth, except over Antarctica. There, the lower austral summer temperatures at 130 ka shift the maximum warmth to a single peak at 115 ka.