bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phonon Response in the Infrared Region to Thickness of Oxide Films Formed by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Scarel Giovanna , Na Jeong-Seok , Gong Bo , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: October 2010

Experimental transmission infrared spectra of γ-Al2O3 and ZnO films are collected from heat-treated thin oxide films deposited with uniform thickness on Si(100) using atomic layer deposition. We show that the Berreman thickness, i.e. the upper limit for a linear relationship between oxide film thickness and phonon absorbance in the infrared region in transmission configuration, is a concept that applies to both transverse and longitudinal optical phonons. We find that for aluminum oxide films the Berreman thickness is 125 nm, and we estimate that it is around approximately 435 nm for zinc oxide films. Combining experiment and simulation, we also show that the Berreman thickness is the maximum distance allowed between interfaces for Snell's law and Fresnel's formulas to determine the optical properties in the infrared region and in transmission configuration for a layer system including an oxide film. Below the Berreman thickness, a Taylor series expansion of the absorbance coefficient determines the linear relationship between phonon absorbance and oxide film thickness t, so that as t → 0 absorption Ap ∝ 4πωph t, where ωph indicates optical phonon frequency. Above the Berreman thickness, field boundary conditions at the air/oxide film interface effectively contribute with a single interface in explaining optical phonon absorbance. Preliminary infrared spectra in reflection configuration for γ-Al2O3/Si(100) are discussed, and the obtained data support the conclusions reported for the transmission configuration.
Improved Discrimination between Monocotyledonous and Dicotyledonous Plants for Weed Control Based on the Blue-Green Region of Ultraviolet-Induced Fluorescence Spectra
Authors: Panneton Bernard , Guillaume Serge , Roger Jean-Michel , Samson Guy
Published: October 2010

Precision weeding by spot spraying in real time requires sensors to discriminate between weeds and crop without contact. Among the optical based solutions, the ultraviolet (UV) induced fluorescence of the plants appears as a promising alternative. In a first paper, the feasibility of discriminating between corn hybrids, monocotyledonous, and dicotyledonous weeds was demonstrated on the basis of the complete spectra. Some considerations about the different sources of fluorescence oriented the focus to the blue-green fluorescence (BGF) part, ignoring the chlorophyll fluorescence that is inherently more variable in time. This paper investigates the potential of performing weed/crop discrimination on the basis of several large spectral bands in the BGF area. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed on a set of 1908 spectra of corn and weed plants over 3 years and various growing conditions. The discrimination between monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants based on the blue-green fluorescence yielded robust models (classification error between 1.3 and 4.6% for between-year validation). On the basis of the analysis of the PLS-DA model, two large bands were chosen in the blue-green fluorescence zone (400–425 nm and 425–490 nm). A linear discriminant analysis based on the signal from these two bands also provided very robust inter-year results (classification error from 1.5% to 5.2%). The same selection process was applied to discriminate between monocotyledonous weeds and maize but yielded no robust models (up to 50% inter-year error). Further work will be required to solve this problem and provide a complete UV fluorescence based sensor for weed–maize discrimination.
Validation of Pharmaceutical Potency Determinations by Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry
Authors: Webster Gregory K. , Marsden Ian , Pommerening Cynthia A. , Tyrakowski Christina M.
Published: October 2010

With the changing development paradigms in the pharmaceutical industry, laboratories are challenged to release materials for clinical studies with rapid turnaround times. To minimize cost demands, many businesses are looking to develop ways of using early Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) materials of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology studies. To make this happen, the analytical laboratory releases the material by one of three scenarios: (1) holding the GLP release until full GMP testing is ready, (2) issuing a separate lot number for a portion of the GMP material and releasing the material for GLP use, or (3) releasing the lot of material for GLP using alternate (equivalent) method(s) not specified for GMP release testing. Many companies are finding the third scenario to be advantageous in terms of cost and efficiency through the use of quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (q-NMR). The use of q-NMR has proved to be a single-point replacement for routine early development testing that previously combined elements of identity testing, chromatographic assay, moisture analysis, residual solvent analysis, and elemental analysis. This study highlights that q-NMR can be validated to meet current regulatory analytical method guidelines for routine pharmaceutical analysis.
The oldest knownMassoutiera(Rodentia: Ctenodactylinae)
Authors: López-Antoñanzas Raquel , Knoll Fabien
Published: October 2010

No abstract available
Presence of Guayaquil squirrels on the central coast of Peru: an apparent introduction
Authors: Jessen Rosa R. , Merrick Melissa J. , Koprowski John L. , Ramirez Oswaldo
Published: October 2010

No abstract available
Das akakianische Schisma: Liberatus, Breviarium 15-18
Authors: Brennecke Hanns Christof
Published: October 2010

The analysis of Breviarium 15-18 shows the pro-chalcedonian, Western position of Liberatus. He stresses the impact of the bishop of Rome: Orthodoxy seems to mean obedience towards Rome. Liberatus expects an active role of the emperors in theological or ecclesiastical debates, so this cannot be regarded as a typically Eastern position. He reduces the theology of the debate to a couple of sentences and the Henotikon. The exact meaning of the Henotikon that is offered in a Latin version remains, however, unclear. Liberatus uses own sources that differ considerably from Ps.Zacharias Rhetor.
Liberatus' Polemik gegen die Verurteilung der drei Kapitel und seine alexandrinische Quelle. Einige Beobachtungen zu Breviarium 19-24
Authors: Gleede Benjamin
Published: October 2010

The analysis of Breviarium 19-24 shows that Liberatus inserts additional informations in the material stemming from the Alexandrina source he uses. Thus he offers an excursus about John II of Rome in chapter 19 and another excursus about the Roman bishops Agapet, Silverius and Vigilius in chapters 21f. For the excursus in chapter 19 the theopaschite sentences condemned by John II of Rome seem to contain real traces of the controversy between Severus and Makedonios (pace Schwartz). The excursus in chapters 21f. is clearly dominated by a North-African, polemical point of view. This becomes clear by various comparisons with the Liber Pontificalis, Facundus or Victor of Tunnuna. Especially the influence of Theodora seems to be exaggerated by Liberatus. The final chapters 23f. can be compared especially with Procopius. Liberatus pursues his critical perspective against the bishops of Rome and he leads the controversy about Paul of Tabennisi back to Theodoros Askidas (so Justinian seems to be not responsible for this).
Africa zwischen Vandalen, Mauren und Byzantinern (533-548 n.Chr.)
Authors: Vössing Konrad
Published: October 2010

The history of the Byzantine conquest of North-Africa reveals that the image of this conquest as liberation of the old Roman structures from the Vandalians was illusory. The new Byzantine administration tried to pursue this strategy, but regularly failed if it was not able to integrate the structures of the Vandalian time. Thus the restoration of the old, ante-Vandalian structures was nearly not possible. This seems to be even the case in ecclesiastical affairs, where the Byzantines tried to establish a new, prochalcedonian leadership.
Spurensuche: Beobachtungen zur Rezeption des Liberatus in der Karolingerzeit und im Hochmittelalter
Authors: Patzold Steffen
Published: October 2010

The manuscript tradition of the Breviarium must be rewritten, especially because of its dependence of the transmission of Ps.Isidore. Pace Schwartz even the pieces that follow the Breviarium in the collectio Sangermanensis belong to the collection before the 9th century. The question whether the author of the collection modified not only the Codex encyclius, but even the Breviarium, cannot be solved. In the 9th century Hinkmar of Reims used a manuscript of the Breviarium that contained Prospers Liber contra collatorem, too. In the 11th century Bernold of Konstanz used the Breviarium just for showing his extraordinary erudition. Perhaps he used manuscript W, stemming from the Reichenau.
Moisture Response of Sheathing Board in Conventional and Rain-Screen Wall Systems with Shiplap Cladding
Authors: Tariku F. , Ge H.
Published: October 2010

Building enclosures are subjected to a random climatic loading on the exterior surface and a relatively stable indoor condition on the interior. These loadings result in a transport of heat, air, and moisture across the building enclosure. In this paper, the drying and wetting of sheathing board in two exterior walls, more specifically 2×6 in.2 wood-frame conventional (no strapping between sheathing membrane and cladding) and a rain-screen wall system (with vertical strapping), are investigated through an experimental field study. The experiment is carried out at British Columbia Institute of Technology field exposure test facility, where the test walls are exposed to the coastal climate (Vancouver weather) on the exterior and controlled indoor temperature and relative humidity conditions in the interior. The field experimental results indicate significant moisture accumulation on the exterior sheathing boards (plywood) during the Winter period. During the 9-month monitoring period from March 13 to Dec. 6, 2009, the plywood underwent a process of drying and wetting. In both the conventional and rain-screen wall systems, the plywood dried to a comparable moisture level during the Summer before the wetting process started. For the wall systems considered in this study, the plywood in the rain-screen wall has a tendency of faster drying and wetting in the Spring and Fall seasons, respectively, in comparison to the plywood in the conventional wall, which is attributed to the presence of an air gap in the rain-screen wall between the sheathing membrane and the cladding. A similar trend is observed during the monitoring period from December 7 to June 15, 2010.
Laptop Computer–Induced Erythema ab Igne in a Child and Review of the Literature
Authors: Arnold Andreas W. , Itin Peter H.
Published: October 2010

We report here the case of a 12-year-old boy with erythema ab igne on his left thigh caused by the use of a laptop computer. This is the youngest of the 10 reported patients with this laptop-induced dermatosis since its first description in 2004. Erythema ab igne is a reticular, pigmented, sometimes telangiectatic dermatosis that is caused by prolonged exposure to a heat or infrared source. In laptop-induced erythema ab igne, the localization on the thighs and asymmetry are characteristic. The heat originates from the optical drive, the battery, or the ventilation fan of the computer.
A Rare Case of Serous Papillary Cystadenocarcinoma of the Testis
Authors: Leonardo C. , Franco G. , Michetti M. , de Nunzio C. , Zampelli A. , de Dominicis C.
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT: The serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma is a rare testicular neoplasm, which depending on the histological features can behave more or less aggressive, thus leading to a not always predictable prognosis. We present diagnosis and treatment of a case of serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the testis with associated adherent mass to the tunica albuginea, which compressed the parenchyma without infiltrating it.
Effects of Synthetic Androgens on Liver Function Using the Rabbit as a Model
Authors: Hild Sheri Ann , Attardi Barbara J. , Koduri Sailaja , Till Bruce A. , Reel Jerry R.
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine whether the rabbit was a suitable model to test new synthetic androgens for potential liver toxicity within a short dosing interval. Adult male rabbits were dosed orally daily on days 0–13 with 17α‐methyltestosterone (MT) as a positive control and testosterone (T) as a negative control to validate this model. Synthetic androgens tested were: 7α‐methyl‐19‐nortestosterone (MENT), dimethandrolone‐undecanoate (DMAU), and 11β‐methyl‐19‐nortestosterone‐17β‐dodecylcarbonate (11β‐MNTDC). Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), as well as clearance of intravenous injected bromsulfonphthalein (BSP) from serum on days 0, 7, and 14, were determined. As expected, T (10 mg/kg/d) did not adversely affect BSP retention or serum liver enzymes. MT (10 mg/kg/d) increased BSP retention, and AST, ALT, GGT, and SDH levels, indicating that this model could detect androgens known to be hepatotoxic. DMAU and MENT (10 mg/kg/d) increased BSP retention and all 4 serum liver enzymes as well, but the effects were less than those observed with MT at the same dose. All parameters returned to baseline 2 weeks after cessation of dosing. 11β‐MNTDC at 10 mg/kg/d did not have an effect on BSP retention or liver enzymes, but a slight increase in serum GGT levels was observed in rabbits treated with 25 mg/kg/d. For the androgens that exhibited liver toxicity at 10 mg/kg/d (MT, DMAU, and MENT), a no‐observed‐effect level of 1 mg/kg/d was established. Overall ranking of the synthetic androgens from most to least hepatotoxic on the basis of percent BSP retention was: MT & DMAU > MENT > 11β‐MNTDC. Hence, the rabbit appears to be a promising model for detection of potential liver toxicity by synthetic androgens using BSP clearance and serum liver enzyme levels as early indicators of injury.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Long‐Acting Testosterone Undecanoate Injections in Hypogonadal Men: An 84‐Week Phase III Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Christina , Harnett Mark , Dobs Adrian S. , Swerdloff Ronald S.
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT: Currently available testosterone (T) injections in the United States are administered at 2–3 weekly intervals. Less frequent injections with favorable serum T pharmacokinetics would benefit hypogonadal men. The objective of this study is to assess the pharmacokinetics of long‐acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) intramuscular (IM) injection in hypogonadal men. An unblinded, multicenter phase 3 clinical trial was conducted in 31 academic centers and contract research organizations. Males (130) more than 18 years of age with serum total T < 300 ng/dL were enrolled and received 750‐mg injections of TU at weeks 0 and 4 and every 10 weeks thereafter for 9 injections over 84 weeks. The main outcome variables were serum total T, free T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2) levels, and safety parameters. After the first injection, patients maintained average trough T concentrations in the adult male range (300–1000 ng/dL or 10.4–34.7 nmol/L) before each injection and at multiple time points measured after the third and fourth injections. Serum free T, DHT, and E2 levels and their ratios to serum T remained relatively consistent once steady state was attained. TU injections were generally well tolerated, with safety profiles similar to other T replacement. We conclude that hypogonadal patients treated for 84 weeks with a 750‐mg IM injection of TU every 10 weeks demonstrated average concentrations of T, its metabolites (DHT and E2), and ratios—DHT:T and E2: T—within the adult male reference range at all time points measured. TU injections would be an acceptable alternative to the currently available 2–3 weekly injectables.
Al‐Ghorab Shunt Plus Intracavernous Tunneling for Prolonged Ischemic Priapism
Authors: Lian Wenqing , Lv Jinxing , Cui Wanshou , Jin Zhe , Liu Tao , Li Weiren , Yuan Yiming , Xin Zhongcheng
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the corpus cavernosum–corpus spongiosum shunt (Al‐Ghorab Shunt) plus intracavernous tunneling (CC‐CSS+ICT) for prolonged ischemic priapism (PIP). Twelve patients with PIP were enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 38.3 ± 9.2 years old and the mean duration of PIP was 2.8 ± 1.0 days (range, 1.5–4 days). All patients received CC‐CSS+ICT for treating PIP. The penile hardness score (PHS) and pain visual analogue score (PVAS) were used to assess the efficacy of the surgery 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery. Color duplex Doppler ultrasonography, International Index of Erectile Function, and quality of life (QOL) were used for evaluating penile morphology, erectile function, QOL, and response to sildenafil treatment. The mean duration of follow up was 21.6 ± 10.1 months. Penile detumescence was successfully restored for all 12 patients postsurgery, with the mean PHS and PVAS significantly decreased compared with that presurgery at different time points (1, 3, 5 days postsurgery; P < .001). The cavernosal arterial blood flow observed with the mean PSV at 1, 3, and 5 days postoperation were 17.79 ± 2.04, 19.14 ± 1.58, and 7.73 ± 2.02 cm/s respectively. All patients suffered from corpus cavernosum fibrosis and erectile dysfunction postoperation; only 2 cases (16.7%) with a short duration of PIP (1.5 days) showed response to sildenafil treatment, and 3 cases (25.0%) with severe fibrosis were satisfied with sexual life after excision of penile corpus cavernosum scar and penile prosthesis implantation. The CC‐CSS+ICT could quickly reduce penile rigidity and pain for improving the symptoms of PIP and suggests a safe and effective therapeutic method for PIP.
Relationship Between Urine Bisphenol‐A Level and Declining Male Sexual Function
Authors: Li De‐Kun , Zhou Zhijun , Miao Maohua , He Yonghua , Qing Dandan , Wu Tongjun , Wang Jintao , Weng Xiaoping , Ferber Jeannette , Herrinton Lisa J. , Zhu Qianxi , Gao Ersheng , Yuan Wei
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT: The adverse effect of bisphenol‐A (BPA) on the male reproductive system observed in animal studies has not been well examined in human populations. BPA is potentially a serious public health problem because of its widely detected presence in the human body. This study was conducted among 427 male workers in regions where high levels of BPA exposure existed. All participants provided urine samples, which were tested for BPA concentration using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Male sexual dysfunction was ascertained using standard male sexual function inventories. Male sexual dysfunction was measured in 4 domains using 7 indices. After controlling for potential confounders using linear regression, increasing urine BPA level was associated with worsening male sexual function on a continuous scale. All 7 indices demonstrated this negative linear correlation. Increasing urine BPA level was associated with decreased sexual desire (P < .001), more difficulty having an erection (P < .001), lower ejaculation strength (P < .001), and lower level of overall satisfaction with sex life (P < .01). A similar negative correlation was also observed among participants exposed to BPA from only environmental sources (no occupational exposure to BPA), although the estimates in this group were less stable because of a smaller sample size. Our results reveal a correlation between a biological measure of urine BPA level and declining male sexual function. This finding may enhance the understanding of the BPA effect in human populations, and may have important public health implications given the widespread human exposure to BPA.
Relative Truth Definability of Axiomatic Truth Theories
Authors: Fujimoto Kentaro
Published: October 2010

The present paper suggests relative truth definability as a tool for comparing conceptual aspects of axiomatic theories of truth and gives an overviewof recent developments of axiomatic theories of truth in the light of it. We also show several new proof-theoretic results via relative truth definability including a complete answer to the conjecture raised by Feferman in [13].
Developing the “Causes of Poverty in Developing Countries Questionnaire (CPDCQ)” in a Spanish-Speaking Population
Authors: Vázquez José Juan , Pascual Isabel , Panadero Sonia
Published: October 2010

From information supplied by 1,092 university students from countries with different levels of development, in this work we developed an up-to-date instrument to allow the causes of poverty in developing countries to be studied. Taking the Causes of Third World Poverty Questionnaire
(CTWPQ; Harper, 2002), the most widely used instrument for this purpose as the starting point, and taking into account contributions made by other authors, The Causes of Poverty in Developing Countries Questionnaire (CPDCQ) was developed. It is an instrument of 20 items organized into 5 factors:
“Blame causes within developing countries”, “Blame causes external to developing countries”, “Blame attributed to developing countries' populations”, “Blame attributed to developing countries' services”, and “Blame attributed to the poor
distribution of land in developing countries”.
The Socioemotionally Intelligent Self-Leader: Examining Relations Between Self-Leadership and Socioemotional Intelligence
Authors: Furtner Marco R. , Rauthmann John F. , Sachse Pierre
Published: October 2010

For the first time, the associations among the relatively new construct of self-leadership (SL; Neck & Houghton, 2006) and socioemotional intelligence (SEI; Riggio & Reichard, 2008) are examined. One hundred and sixty-eight participants gave self-reports on SL and SEI. Generally,
SL and subfacets correlated positively with SEI and subfacets, however, strong associations were found for social sensitivity and emotional expressivity, but no associations were found for emotional control. Findings are discussed in light of SL regulation strategies concerning cognition,
emotion, and behavior.
Discretionary Disclosure in Financial Reporting: An Examination Comparing Internal Firm Data to Externally Reported Segment Data
Authors: Bens Daniel A. , Berger Philip G. , Monahan Steven J.
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT: We use confidential, U.S. Census Bureau, plant-level data to investigate aggregation in external reporting. We compare firms’ plant-level data to their published segment reports by grouping a firm’s plants that share the same four-digit SIC code into a “pseudo-segment.” We then determine whether each pseudo-segment is disclosed as an external segment, or whether it is subsumed into a different business unit for external reporting purposes. We show that a pseudo-segment is more likely to be aggregated when the agency and proprietary costs of separately reporting the pseudo-segment are higher and when firm and pseudo-segment characteristics allow for more discretion in the application of segment reporting rules. For firms reporting multiple external segments, aggregation of pseudo-segments is driven by both agency and proprietary costs. For firms reporting a single external segment, we find no evidence of an agency cost motive for aggregation.
Do Physical Activity and Aerobic Fitness Moderate the Association Between Birth Weight and Metabolic Risk in Youth?
Authors: Ridgway Charlotte L. , Brage Soren , Anderssen Sigmund A. , Sardinha Luis B. , Andersen Lars Bo , Ekelund Ulf
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE

Lower birth weight has been associated with a greater risk of metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was examine whether physical activity and aerobic fitness may modify associations between birth weigh and metabolic risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The European Youth Heart Study is a population-based study of 9 and 15 year olds (n = 1,254). Birth weight was maternally reported. Skin fold measures were used to calculate body fat and fat mass index (FMI = fat mass [kilograms]/height2). Insulin was measured using fasting blood samples. Physical activity was measured using a hip-worn accelerometer (MTI Actigraph) for >600 min/day for ≥3 days and is expressed as “average activity” (counts per minute) and time spent in above moderate intensity activity (>2000 cpm). Aerobic fitness was assessed using a maximal cycle ergometry test (watts per kilogram fat-free mass).

RESULTS

Higher birth weight was associated with higher FMI (β = 0.49 [95% CI 0.21–0.80]; P = 0.001) and greater waist circumference (0.90 [0.32–1.47]; P < 0.001), adjusted for sex, age-group, sexual maturity, height, and socioeconomic status. Lower birth weight was associated with higher fasting insulin only after further adjustment for adolescent waist circumference and height (−0.059 [−0.107 to −0.011]; P = 0.016). There was no evidence for any modification of the associations after adjustment for physical activity or aerobic fitness.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study did not find any evidence that physical activity or aerobic fitness can moderate the associations among higher birth weight and increased fat mass and greater waist circumference or between lower birth weight and insulin resistance in healthy children and adolescents.
Buyer–Seller Negotiations: A Comparison of Domestic and International Conditions in a Pilot Study with International Business Students
Authors: Yurtsever Gülçlimen , Kurt Gizem , Hacioglu Gungor
Published: October 2010

This study examined the differences and similarities between domestic and international negotiations, using Kelley's Negotiation Game to measure the profit achieved. There were 58 participants in the international negotiation sample, 29 Turkish and 29 European students. There were 62 Turkish students in the domestic negotiations. All participants studied business or related topics at a university in Izmir. Student t tests indicated statistically significant differences in scores on misrepresentation of information, interpersonal attraction, peer evaluation of misrepresentation information, and satisfaction between domestic and international negotiations.
Notes on the Determinants of Suicide Rates in Italy's Regions: A Reply to Voracek (2009)
Authors: Felice Emanuele
Published: October 2010

This article is a review of Voracek's report (2009) of aggregate intelligence and suicide rates in Italy's regions, contending some findings and proposing new evidence and suggestions for further research. Voracek did not use intelligence data, but educational attainment, which in Italy's regions is affected by sharp imbalances in the quality of public schools and may not reflect differences in intelligence. The statistical analyses were inadequate given the small number of cases; the resulting correlation could be meaningless or even misleading. The paper shows that when the analysis is extended to other variables (latitude) or historical periods (1911) the correlations reported by Voracek are not significant. This criticism is based on perspectives among different branches of psychology and cognitive sciences, economic and social history, and economic geography.
Comment on Merydith and Phelps (2009): “Convergent Validity of the MMPI–A and MACI Scales of Depression”
Authors: Brophy Alfred L.
Published: October 2010

In 2009, Merydith and Phelps reported convergent validity of scales in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Adolescent (MMPI–A) and the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) that assess depression with a sample of adolescent psychiatric inpatients. This comment addresses analysis of these data, cites selected research on sex and the two inventories, and restates the recommendation that researchers routinely examine such data separately by sex before proceeding with combined-sex analyses.
Comment on kesici and Şahin (2009): Measurement of Negative Consequences of Internet Use
Authors: Ceyhan A. Aykut
Published: October 2010

In an ongoing discussion regarding use of the concept of Internet addiction, it does not seem reasonable to use the concept in studies which are conducted in nonclinical settings and describe negative situations experienced by the general population during Internet use. It may be more appropriate to discuss problematic Internet use. Dimensional rather than categorical measures would be more appropriate than Young's diagnostic criteria alone to specify whether Internet use is within a healthy range.
A Comparison of Difficulty Levels of Vocabulary in First Grade Basal Readers for Preschool Dual Language Learners and Monolingual English Learners
Authors: Leung Cynthia B. , Silverman Rebecca , Nandakumar Ratna , Qian Xiaoyu , Hines Sara
Published: October 2010

The present study investigated preschoolers’ knowledge of vocabulary that appears in first grade basal readers by applying Rasch modeling to data from a researcher-developed receptive picture vocabulary assessment administered to 238 children. Levels of word difficulty for dual language learners (DLLs) and monolingual English learners (MELs) were compared. A total of 60 target words were selected from the glossaries of basal readers, and two test forms of 30 words each were created with four illustrations per word plate. Rasch analyses carried out on the entire preschool sample and on separate samples of DLLs and MELs showed that the ranking of target words by difficulty was similar for DLLs and MELs, but the groups differed in mastery of target words. Language status and level of general vocabulary knowledge were stronger predictors of word difficulty than age for this sample of preschoolers. Findings suggest MELs and DLLs learn English words in a similar order, but further research is needed to support this conclusion.
Habitatbäume im Wirtschaftswald: ökologisches Potenzial und finanzielle Folgen für den Betrieb
Authors: Niedermann-Meier Sarah , Mordini Manuela , Bütler Rita , Rotach Peter
Published: October 2010

Habitat trees are important elements to maintain forest biodiversity. An effective way to provide habitats for species depending on old growth structures may be the conservation of a certain number of habitat trees integrated in managed forests. It has been suggested to maintain at least five such habitat trees per hectare for this purpose. In order to evaluate the number of existing potential trees as well as the financial consequences for the forest owner, we sampled all trees greater than 40 centimetres at breast height on sample plots of the forest inventory in the forest of Baden, Switzerland. Based on a catalogue of important traits of old trees which are important for the survival of five groups of organisms (insects, birds, bats, lichen, fungi), we assessed the ecological value of all trees. We also estimated their economic value in terms of net wood value for each tree. Results show that the conservation of five currently existing habitat trees per hectare would cause significant financial losses for the owner, amounting to 850 Swiss francs per hectare or 170 francs per tree in our example. Moreover, ecological values of many of these trees would be rather low because there are not enough suitable trees to select from. Ecologically valuable trees most likely were removed during tending of stands. Instead of general demands like for example five trees per hectare it seems more effective to concentrate on the currently existing ecologically valuable trees only. Financial losses may need to be covered by public funding in cases where they are high. Moreover, management of habitat trees needs to be planned on a long-term basis. Conservation and promotion of a certain number of habitat trees need to be integrated in tending concepts from early developmental stages.
Alternatives in malacostracan evolution
Authors: Dahl Erik
Published: October 2010

The Malacostraca appear to have been derived from epibenthic ancestors with many caridoid features. Despite their very long palaeontological record the Phyllocarida differ in so many respects from the basic eumalacostracan morphological and functional plan that they are regarded as unlikely ancestors and more probably an early diverging branch. The general morphology of the malacostracan cephalothorax and carapace is discussed and it is shown that the concept of a maxillary segment carapace common to all Crustacea is not valid. The malacostracan dorsal shield is produced by a fusion of terga and a free carapace fold is sometimes formed at its posterior margin. Some functional systems of the various caridoid Malacostraca are discussed. Attention is drawn to the unsolved problem of secondary segmentation after the alleged loss of a cephalothorax, e.g. in the Syncarida. The unsatisfactory status of the diagnosis of the superorder Peracarida is pointed out and a revision recommended.
Compression of Surface Meshes
Authors: Payan Frédéric , Antonini Marc
Published: October 2010

The modelling of three-dimensional (3D) objects with triangular meshes represents a major interest for medical imagery. Indeed, visualization and handling of 3D representations of biological objects (like organs for instance) are very helpful for clinical diagnosis, telemedicine applications, or clinical research in general. Today, the increasing resolution of imaging equipments leads to densely sampled triangular meshes, but the resulting data are consequently huge. In this chapter, we present one specific lossy compression algorithm for such meshes that could be used in medical imagery. According to several state-of-the-art techniques, this scheme is based on wavelet filtering, and an original bit allocation process that optimizes the quantization of the data. This allocation process is the core of the algorithm, because it allows the users to always get the optimal trade-off between the quality of the compressed mesh and the compression ratio, whatever the user-given bitrate. By the end of the chapter, experimental results are discussed and compared with other approaches.
Innovation in New Technology and Knowledge Management
Authors: Wu Sean Tung-Xiung
Published: October 2010

The research on which this chapter is based monitors the evolution of IT innovations and their effect on human emotions, including longitudinal influential factors, and examines some of the resulting syndromes, which are termed Computer Fear Syndrome (CFS) and User Alienation Syndrome (UAS). The research involves an analysis of the empirical data derived from several case studies and concludes with a funnel model that explains appropriate management action and puts forward new ideas for developing knowledge management systems in a variety of organizations that may alleviate or prevent such syndromes in the work place.
Knowledge Management Profile
Authors: Gaál Zoltán , Szabó Lajos , Obermayer-Kovács Nóra , Kovács Zoltán , Csepregi Anikó
Published: October 2010

For knowledge-intensive organizations, it is important to carry out an objective assessment of their current position in the area of knowledge management activities and processes. Uncertainty presents a barrier to the introduction of suitable activities for improving knowledge management. We believe that the results of the research will be significant to practice and will provide substantial support for leaders and managers. Moreover the right knowledge management activities can help push thinking beyond the everyday in a way that spurs innovative creativity. To ensure success and long-term existence of any organizations effective application of organizational knowledge and knowledge management practice is of critical importance. Besides simply assessing the benefits inherent in knowledge management, the organizations must learn to recognize and manage the different areas of their knowledge management practice. Our innovative solution, the “Knowledge Management Profile” is devoted to the formulation of a new knowledge management maturity model, which is believed to be of vital importance in the quest of the successful knowledge management practice.
Information Communication Technology and Its Impact on Rural Community Economic Development
Authors: Pigg Kenneth
Published: October 2010

Much rhetoric has been expended by researchers and advocates alike regarding the transformational effects of information communication technology (ICT) on economic and social conditions. Most such rhetoric posits very positive outcomes from the impending changes, economic development being just one of several. This research reports the findings of a three-year effort to determine whether such claims are actually being experienced in rural areas where access is often restricted because of public and private policies. The research findings highlight the importance of social conditions on the capacity of rural communities to effectively harness the potential of ICT for beneficial purposes.
International ICT Spillover
Authors: Moshiri Saeed , Nikpoor Somaieh
Published: October 2010

Recent developments in information and communication technology (ICT) have affected all economic activities across the world. Although there is ample evidence for the direct impact of ICT on productivity, the spillover effect of ICT has so far not been sufficiently investigated, especially in the international context. This chapter discusses ICT and its spillover effects on labor productivity using an empirical growth model and panel data for 69 countries over the period 1992-2006. The results show that ICT and its spillover have positive impacts on productivity worldwide, but the effects are much stronger in developed countries than those in the less developed countries.
Understanding the Policy Implications of ICT for Development
Authors: Clarke Matthew
Published: October 2010

Information and communication technologies are thought by some to offer a new solution to world poverty. It is argued that information and communication technologies (ICT) allow poor countries to ‘leap-frog’ traditional stages of development and become immediately engaged with the ‘new economy’. Such an optimistic view requires appropriate government policies to facilitate this shift. Interventions required would include improving access levels and quality of telecommunication and electricity infrastructure, improved quality of education and numbers of those accessing education, and providing both direct and indirect support to encourage local firms to become engaged with the global economy. Ironically, these policies are consistent with current orthodox development policies currently pursued within the ‘traditional’ economy. This chapter therefore considers what exactly is new about ICT in terms of its potential impact on the poor.
A Roadmap to the Introduction of Pervasive Information Systems in Healthcare
Authors: Kitsios Fotis , Papadopoulos Thanos , Angelopoulos Spyros
Published: October 2010

Pervasive healthcare is an emerging research discipline, which focuses on the development of pervasive and ubiquitous computing technology for healthcare environments. Information and Communication Technologies have dramatically evolved during the last decade, laying a solid foundation for the future generation of Ubiquitous Internet access. As a result, current efforts in research and development in the areas of pervasive healthcare, promote the formation of inter-disciplinary international teams of experts, scientists, researchers and engineers to create a new generation of applications and technologies that will facilitate the fully automated information cyberspace systems. The authors discuss the current state-of-the-art in the world of Telecommunications and Internet Technologies as well as new technological trends in the Internet and Automation Industries, while promoting research and development in the interdisciplinary projects conducted by multinational teams worldwide.
Application of Computational Intelligence Techniques in Managing Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: El Emary Ibrahiem Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: October 2010

This chapter gives a brief background on network management and how it is integrated into sensor network as well as the application of computational intelligence techniques in managing wireless sensor networks. Also discussed how Genetic Algorithms work in common and how they can be applied to sensor networks. Among the major management tasks rely on consumption power management, so there are many challenges associated with sensor networks but the primary challenge is energy consumption. Sensor networks are typically have little human interaction and are installed with limited battery supplies. This makes energy conservation a critical issue in deployed WSNs. All types of networks require monitoring and maintenance. A service that supplies a set of tools and applications that assist a network manager with these tasks is network management. It includes the administration of networks and all associated components. While all networks require some form of network management, different types of networks may stress certain aspects of network management. Some networks may also impose new tasks on network management. There are different types of network management architectures: centralized, hierarchical and distributed. In a centralized approach, one central server performs the role of the network management application. A hierarchical architecture will include multiple platforms, typically one server and several clients, performing network management functions.
Transactional Properties of Complex Web Services
Authors: Li Li , Liu Chengfei , Zhao Xiaohui , Wang Junhu
Published: October 2010

Web services have become a dominating technology for business integration. For operation reliability and robustness, transactional support is an important issue for Web service system design and development. Yet, most existing Web services protocols, like WS-BPEL which sticks to the compensation-based recovery strategy, only provide very limited supports for Web services in certain circumstances. As Web service systems are scaling up, more advanced transactional supports beyond traditional compensation-based solutions are required to catch up with the increasing complexity of composite Web services. This chapter looks into the problem of transactional support for composing and scheduling those Web services that may have different transactional properties. The transactional properties of workflow constructs, which are fundamental to the composition of Web services, are thoroughly investigated. The concept of connection point is introduced to derive the transactional properties of composite Web services. The scheduling issue of composite Web services is also discussed.
Demand Driven Web Services
Authors: Sun Zhaohao , Dong Dong , Yearwood John
Published: October 2010

Web services are playing a pivotal role in e-business, service intelligence, and service science. Demand-driven web services are becoming important for web services and service computing. However, many fundamental issues are still ignored to some extent. For example, what is the demand theory for web services, what is a demand-driven architecture for web services and what is a demand-driven web service lifecycle remain open. This chapter addresses these issues by examining fundamentals for demand analysis in web services, and proposing a demand-driven architecture for web services. It also proposes a demand-driven web service lifecycle for the main players in web services: Service providers, service requestors and service brokers, respectively. It then provides a unified perspective on demand-driven web service lifecycles. The proposed approaches will facilitate research and development of web services, e-services, service intelligence, service science and service computing.
Where Are We Looking? A Practical Approach to Managing Knowledge Captured from Eye-Tracking Experiments
Authors: Mariano Stefania , Simionato Nicola
Published: October 2010

This chapter contributes to organizational innovation theory and provides a practical approach to promote companies and create relationships with their customers. This research study investigates the primary visual attention of customers in online flight booking and uses interviews, think-aloud protocols, and eye-tracking tools to collect data. Findings show that the visual structure of the webpage strongly influences the overall effectiveness of the booking process and that participants ignore peripheral information when it does not appear relevant or associated with the main task. It is also found that the effective segmentation of different elements of the webpage helps direct attention and guides participants to the relevant section. Implications from these findings are discussed, and a general framework to help practitioners to manage knowledge collected from their customers is presented.
Information and Communication Technologies in Administrative Reform for Development
Authors: Virkar Shefali
Published: October 2010

This chapter critically examines the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in governmental reform processes in development through a case study of the Indian State of Karnataka. This study explores the increasing use of ICTs for property taxation and its impact on municipal government reform processes within this developing world context. The case study is focused on a collaboration between the government of the Indian state of Karnataka and the eGovernments Foundation (a non-profit private sector organisation) between 2002 and 2006. This collaboration was designed to reform existing methods of property tax collection by establishing an online system across the municipalities of 56 towns and cities within the state. The case study describes the interactions between new technologies and changing information flows in the complexities of public administration reform. In doing so, this paper examines the interplay of local and external factors shaping the project’s implementation. On the basis of this analysis, this case study suggests that disjunctions in these local and external relationships have inhibited more effective exploitation of ICTs in this development context.
Why Institutional Partnerships Matter
Authors: Kumar Rajendra
Published: October 2010

This chapter examines the role of institutional partnerships in making the ICT for development projects more successful and sustainable in developing countries. Employing a regional innovation systems (RIS) perspective, I examine this issue in the context of lessons drawn from the failure of telecenters in Melur taluka of Tamil Nadu under the Sustainable Access in Rural India (SARI) project. These telecenters aimed at delivering a host of services such as email, voice chat, health, e-government, and agricultural and veterinary services to the rural community. They were operated by two sets of operators: self-employed local entrepreneurs and a local NGO. After operating for nearly three years, most of the kiosks run by the self-employed entrepreneurs had closed down by mid-2005, whereas those run by the NGO were still operating. Using primary data from interviews with the kiosk owners and operators, I argue that the failure of the kiosks to sustain themselves was due to weak institutional linkages and networking among actors in the local and regional innovation systems, and the inability of the RIS to evolve and respond effectively and quickly to the changing preferences and needs of the rural community. I conclude that ensuring a project’s success and sustainability requires the presence of an effective regional innovation system with strong but flexible and dynamic linkages among the relevant actors such as the state, universities, private sector, civil society organizations, the user community, and the funding organizations.