bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensor-Based Programming of Central Pattern Generators in Humanoid Robots
Authors: Shahbazi Hamed , Jamshidi Kamal , Monadjemi Amir Hasan
Published: April 2013

In the present article, a method for generating curvilinear bipedal walking patterns is proposed which is able to generate rhythmic and periodic trajectories for a Nao soccer player robot. To do so, a programmable central pattern generator was used which was inspired from locomotion structures in vertebrate animals. In this paper, the programmable central pattern generators were extended and new Equations were added to make a curvilinear pattern for walking Nao robots on a specified circular curve. In addition, some specific Equations were added to the model to control the arms and synchronize them with the movement of the feet. The model uses some sensory inputs to obtain some feedback from the movement and adjust it conforming to the potential perturbations. Input sensory values consist of accelerator values and foot pressure sensor values located on the bottom of each foot. Feedback values can adopt walking to some desired specifications and compensate the effects of some types of perturbations. The proposed model has many benefits including smooth walking patterns and modulation during walking. This model can be extended and used in the Nao soccer player both for the standard platform and the 3D soccer simulation leagues of Robocup SPL competitions to train different types of motions.
Capuchin: A Free-Climbing Robot
Authors: Zhang Ruixiang , Latombe Jean-Claude
Published: April 2013

This paper describes an integrated quasi-autonomous four-limbed robot, named Capuchin, which is equipped with appropriate sensing, planning and control capabilities to “free-climb” vertical terrain. Unlike aid climbing that takes advantage of special tools and/or engineered terrain features, free climbing only relies on friction at the contacts between the climber and the rigid terrain. While moving, Capuchin adjusts its body posture (hence, the position of its centre of mass) and exerts appropriate forces at the contacts in order to remain in equilibrium. Vision is used to achieve precise contacts and force sensing to control contact forces. The robot's planner is based on a pre-existing two-stage “stance-before-motion” approach. Its controller applies a novel “lazy” force control strategy that performs force adjustments only when these are needed. Experiments demonstrate that Capuchin can reliably climb vertical terrain with irregular features.
A Framework for the Implementation of RFID Systems
Authors: Ting S. L. , Tsang Albert H. C. , Tse Y. K.
Published: April 2013

There are an increasing number of organizations planning to implement Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems to enhance their competitiveness. Due to the novelty of the technology, many managerial challenges exist in determining and planning for the implementation of such systems. These challenges often lead to wasted efforts and resources, as well as to failed implementations. This paper presents a systematic and holistic RFID implementation framework which has been validated by both users and experts. The framework outlines the important tasks to be performed in each step of the implementation process. To enable practitioners to make informed go/no-go decisions, essential considerations of implementation are also discussed in this paper. Furthermore, the critical success factors for the deployment of such systems are also elaborated.
Trois observateurs de la condition indienne aux États-Unis durant la première moitié du XIXe siècle : Tocqueville, Beaumont et Gallatin
Authors: Delâge Denys
Published: April 2013

« La race des hommes rouges d’Amérique est devenue petite ; la race blanche est devenue grande et renommée » disait un chef Chéroki en 1831. Pourquoi ? Épidémies ? Retard technologique ? Puissance de l’envahisseur dont la population s’accroît par un facteur de 8 à 16 par siècle. Résistance impossible ? Réponse d’Adam Smith : le choc de l’âge de la chasse de l’enfance de l’humanité avec la civilisation l’âge adulte du commerce. Le Sauvage ne peut que disparaître. Pour Tocqueville cela est exact et inévitable. Pour Beaumont, voilà une tragédie qu’il faut comprendre de l’intérieur. Pour Gallatin, il faut agir, créer un État indien sur les rives du Pacifique et assurer d’urgence le passage à l’agriculture masculine et à la propriété privée. Les Indiens se fusionneront alors dans la république.
Energetics of Quantum Dot Formation and Relaxation of InGaAs on GaAs(001)
Authors: Pristovsek Markus , Kremzow Raimund , Kneissl Michael
Published: April 2013

We studied InGaAs quantum dots (QD) formation, the evolutions of QD density, and relaxation as function of indium content and layer thickness on GaAs(001). The results as well as literature show that deposition of InAs after QD formation increases linearly the QD density. This indicates a single constant energy is released per QD. The strain energy at the onset of QD formation and relaxation is constant, i.e., independent of the indium content. Thus relaxation and QD formation can be described better by using a constant critical strain energy of 4.0 eV/nm2 compared to theories based on balancing the energy/force of dislocations with the strain. QD were only found above 40–50% of indium, while for lower indium contents a dislocation network forms. The reason is a surface transition from c(4×4) to (2×4)-like which promotes nucleation and hence QD formation.
Effects of Hf Incorporation on Negative Bias-Illumination Stress Stability in Hf–In–Zn–O Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Kim Sangwook , Park Jae Chul , Kim Dae Hwan , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: April 2013

In this study, highly reliable amorphous oxide semiconductor-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) were developed. The Hf concentration was systematically changed in the Hf-incorporated In–Zn–O (HIZO) TFTs, and Hf played an important role in determining the negative bias-illumination instability. The process parameters were optimized in order to obtain HIZO TFTs with an excellent stability. HIZO can be processed on a 6-in. wafer at low temperatures and is almost transparent in the visible range. Thus this material is promising for use in current TFTs as well as future transparent electronic device components with good electrical performance and excellent stability.
Effect of Defocusing on Ablated Volume of Gadolinium Oxide
Authors: Oba Masaki , Maruyama Yoichiro , Akaoka Katsuaki , Miyabe Masabumi , Wakaida Ikuo
Published: April 2013

We used nanosecond (ns) and femtosecond (fs) laser pulses to ablate gadolinium oxide samples and measured the ablated volume as a function of the laser pulse focal position. The effect of defocusing on the ablated volume, which decreases as the ablation pulse focal position approaches the sample surface, was observed for both ns and fs pulses.
Resistive Switching in Conductive-Bridging Random-Access Memory Structure with Nanocrystalline Silicon Films
Authors: Lin Jian-Yang , Wang Bing-Xun
Published: April 2013

In this work, intrinsic nanocrystalline silicon thin films were deposited on indium tin oxide/glass substrates by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and used as a conduction material for conductive-bridging random-access memory devices. The resistive switching characteristics of nanocrystalline silicon thin films were investigated. Experimental results show a stable bipolar resistive switching of the nanocrystalline silicon films with a retention time of over 1×104 s. In addition, the current conduction mechanism of the nanocrystalline silicon films was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Results clearly indicate that the conduction mechanism for resistive switching is the formation of metallic bridges due to the metal cation migration in the nanocrystalline silicon films.
Channel Length Scaling Effects on Device Performance of Junctionless Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Nagai Katsuyuki , Tsuchiya Hideaki , Ogawa Matsuto
Published: April 2013

We study channel length scaling effects on the device performance of junctionless field-effect transistors, based on a Monte Carlo approach. We found that impurity scattering due to ionized donors in the channel significantly decreases the drain current at a small gate overdrive for a long channel device, but the influence of impurity scattering gradually disappears on reducing the channel length. We discuss the mechanism behind these behaviors in terms of an increasing importance of the forward-scattering nature of ionized impurities in accordance with the channel length scaling.
Determination of Aluminium Mole Fraction in AlGaN Layers of GaN-Capped AlGaN/GaN Heteroepitaxial Wafers by Ultraviolet Reflection
Authors: Yanase Yoshihata , Shirai Hiroshi , Komiyama Jun
Published: April 2013

Ultraviolet reflection spectroscopy is applicable to the determination of the aluminium mole fraction of GaN-capped AlGaN/GaN heteroepitaxial wafers on silicon, while conventional photoluminescence is inapplicable. AlGaN peaks in the ultraviolet reflection spectra are clearly observed regardless of the cap, but the AlGaN photoluminescence peaks of the samples with a 2-nm-thick cap are difficult to observe clearly. For some capped samples, the quantum-well emission due to the cap is observed near the AlGaN peak.
Determination of Liquid Density and Viscosity Using a Self-Actuating Microcantilever
Authors: Hur Don , Lee Jeong Hoon
Published: April 2013

A sensor for determining liquid density and viscosity using a self-actuating microcantilever is proposed. A microcantilever incorporating piezoelectric thin films with seven multilayers was fabricated in order to acquire a direct electrical signal. As proof of the operating principle and sensitivity, the change in resonant frequency peak (f
res) and full width at half maximum (FWHM; Δf) values with liquid viscosity and density were we measured using the glycerol-water solutions with various glycerol concentrations. With increasing liquid viscosity from 1 to 600 cP, an increase in FWHM from 2920 to 10314 Hz was observed. Also, it was observed that shifts in the resonant frequency decreased with increasing liquid density. Using nonlinear regression fitting between liquid density and f
res
2, the presented self-sensing microcantilever could potentially provide a solid platform for real-time monitoring of liquid density.
Educational and Social Re-Orientation Needs of Internally Displaced Persons in Selected North-Central States of Nigeria
Authors: Oni Adesoji A. , Manafa Fausta
Published: April 2013

Ever since, terrorist groups particularly the Boko Haram, have been exploding bombs in Borno, Maiduguri, Niger, Kaduna and Bayelsa States of Nigeria. Scores of people have become homeless – emotionally and physically displaced as a result of these terrorist acts. As these continue in the country, there is the need to research into how victims of the crises cope and particularly, to know the educational and social-re-orientation needs of the victims. Thus, this study examines the educational and social orientation needs of internally displaced persons in selected North-Central States of Nigeria. The population for the study comprised of all the internally displaced persons in the six (6) states constituting the North-Central geo-political zone of Nigeria. Random sampling technique was used to sample two states which are; Kogi and Kwara states. Subsequently, purposive sampling technique was used to sample a total of 212 internally displaced persons. Collected data were analyzed using percentages and chi-square statistics. Results show that 65.71% of male and 47.66% of female IDPs expressed need for reinstatement in the educational programme, 87.61% male and 43.92% of female IDPs expressed missing their course of study and 83.80% male and 36.44% female IDPs expressed nostalgia for learning in their former school. On the other hand, only1.90% of male, 15.88% of female, 9% of Christians and 10.75% of Muslims IDPs expressed the need to learn the culture of their new environment as their major social orientation needs. In addition to this, 73.33% of male, 85.04% of female, 88% of Christians and 86.02% of Muslim IDPs expressed to regain battered self-esteem as their social orientation needs. Based on the findings, it was concluded that internally Displaced Persons have varied education and social orientation needs that vary on the basis of their gender and religion. Thus, it was recommended that government and other stakeholders should make provisions in policies and infrastructures to meet the educational and social orientation needs of persons displaced across the Northern Nigeria as a result of political and religious crises. Keywords - Sociology, Education, Social Re-orientation, needs, internally displaced, Nigeria
Pre- and Post Tests Results of Teaching Learning Resource Package Applied on Children with Autism
Authors: Fazil Hina , Naz Shaista , Sulman Nasir
Published: April 2013

Autism is an extensively multifaceted clutter. The core deficits in the areas of communication, social behavior, and excessive repetitive behavior could incline children with autism spectrum disorders to present problem behavior. Children with autism are misdiagnosed in Pakistan and majorities are placed in schools for children with mental retardation. Special education teachers are not fully trained to teach children with autism according to their needs. The objectives of the study were to develop language and social skills of children with autism in Pakistan and to measure the efficacy of Teaching Learning Resource (TLR) for children with Autism in Pakistan. Researchers have developed a TLR package which focused on visual based learning and applied with Pre –Post design (ABA) to determine the effectiveness of its usability. Researchers have selected two groups (experimental group N=5, control group N=5). Only the experimental group took three months (15 hours per week) training. The qualitative research methods such as portfolio assessment and case study method were used to report developmental changes while paired samples t-test was applied to measure the effectiveness of TLR package with regards to performance of the children with autism. The results of the study showed significant improvement in the socialization and communication skills of children in the experimental group. This study concludes that after proper adaptation, TLR package is likely to be successful in training autistic children in particular and children with developmental disabilities in general at various situations like home, in a classroom situation and in distance training program.   Keywords - Special Education, Teaching Learning Resource Package for children with autism, Development of Language and social skills, Single subject design(ABA), Children with Autism in Pakistan.
The Role of Women in the Yakan Weaving the Maintenance and Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Salang Brenda Q.
Published: April 2013

The study was conducted in Highland Village, Upper Calarian Zamboanga City to analyze the role of women in the Yakan weaving particularly in the maintenance and preservation of cultural heritage. Specifically the study aimed to describe the role of women in the Yakan weaving, describe the Yakan weaving as it relates to the culture of the people in the Yakan village of Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City, determine the factors that preserve the Indigenous knowledge that is unique to the Yakan culture. Dtermine the perceived contribution of Yakan weaving to the social, economic and environmental aspects of the Yakan community; and Reommend development strategies and policies to ensure the sustainability of the weaving industry. Survey was used with a total enumeration of 52 household respondents in assessing the preservation of cultural heritage. An FGD with 15 weavers residing in the village was conducted. Questionnaire was administered on the Samal settlement to test the reliability of the instrument. Data was processed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Results of the study revealed that the continuous weaving activities of the local people developed the trait of the next generation. It developed a shared responsibility of maintaining the knowledge and preserving the endogenous craft in the Yakan tribe. Weaving portrays the condition and relevance of community life as well as understanding the nature and cultural characteristics of the Yakan people. Keywords - Cultural technology, Social capital, Cultural Heritage, Indigenous knowledge Cooperation and collaboration, self reliance and community control, Capacity building and Living with ecological limits
Building Students’ Avoidance Behavior in Plagiarism through Appreciative Pedagogy
Authors: Dapiton Ethelbert P.
Published: April 2013

The pressing issue of plagiarism in academia pervaded the very fiber of ethical behavior among students. Plagiarism detection software may only go as far as detecting strings of words that were copied from the Net; nevertheless, the problem still remains apparent due to lack of students’ affective ability to comprehend the consequences of plagiarism and its underlying ethical misdemeanor. Appreciative pedagogy was introduced in this context to permeate among students’ mindset the importance of directing the teachinglearning process into a track of profound collective thought to create a positive image of an ideal pedagogical mechanism impressing among students what is right and appropriate. Appreciative pedagogy is a creative method to solve the problem of plagiarism that touches the foundation of the issue rather than merely treating the problem at its tip. It is expected that through appreciative pedagogy of elucidating plagiarism and its consequences, students will have a better output away from the usual copy-paste behavior. The recent development of plagiarism detection software is a good initiative to distinguish copied works from the original, however, it would only gone that far enough. Without affecting the value system of the students about the consequences of plagiarism the issue will never stop.   Keywords - plagiarism, appreciative pedagogy, idea stealing, creative methodology, plagiarism detection, Philippines
Teachers’ Attitudes toward Inclusive Education in Public Elementary Schools in the Northern Part of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
Authors: Marzo Maricris A. , Pascua Juanita B.
Published: April 2013

Inclusive education means that students with disabilities are members of the general education classes and do not belong to any other separate, specialized environment based on the characteristics of their disability. This study is conducted to determine the teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education in public elementary schools in the northern part of Nueva Vizcaya. The study used descriptivecorrelational survey method of research. The researchers used structured questionnaire in gathering the needed data. The study found out that the teachers have a high acceptance of the idea of inclusive education. The overall attitude of the teachers towards inclusive education was comparable regardless of age, class size and length of service. Teachers who were handling bigger class sizes possess more favorable attitude or they feel so fortunate to be a great help to children with disabilities to feel important and accepted by their non – disabled peers. Teachers who were newer in service were more reluctant on the inclusion of inclusive education probably because they have not been trained or have not acquired the variety and latitude of experiences that were vital in teaching children with disabilities as compared to their counterparts who have rendered more years of services in teaching special children.   Keywords - inclusive education, attitudes, descriptive–correlation, northern part of Nueva Vizcaya
Research and Development Implementation in the Kalinga-Apayao State College, Philippines
Authors: Buen Perfelia R.
Published: April 2013

This study looked into the Implementation of Research and Development Program of KASC from 2007 to 2011. The R and D profile of KASC was analyzed based on documents along Manpower Resources, Financial Capability, Facilities Development, Administrative Support and Research Outputs. KASC has a strong manpower resource for research with 75 faculty and non-teaching staff who are conducting researches. There were budgetary allocations for R and D activities which were released following accounting and auditing rules. On research outputs, the KASC R and D garnered 46 awards from its 458 researches conducted within the period and published in regular publications by the institution. Four technologies were issued registration by the Bureau of Patents. On the level of attainment of the goals and objectives of the R and D programs of KASC, majority of the research goals and objectives were perceived to be moderately attained. For the degree of seriousness of the problems encountered by the researchers, the Problems on financial capability were perceived to be much serious while other areas were perceived to be moderately serious.   Keywords - research, development, profile responsiveness
Integration of Culture in English Courses for Korean Students in the Philippines
Authors: Wa-Mbaleka Safary , Chureson Orathai
Published: April 2013

Culture, a complex interdisciplinary topic, has never been exhausted. One of the most recent topics that have gained attention in the field of applied linguistics is the integration of second cultures in English as a second language (ESL) courses. Studies, on the integration of culture in ESL courses, continue to show that not much attention has been given to the explicit instruction of culture as an integral part of teaching English to speakers of other languages. The Philippines, a country in the Outer Circle, presents an even more interesting case because English is used, not as a second or foreign language, but rather as a lingua franca to help bridge communication between Filipinos from varied linguistic backgrounds. The goal of this study was to investigate the current instructional practices of integrating culture in English languages courses and how teachers learn these practices. This paper presents the findings of a quantitative descriptive study that investigated how English teachers integrate culture in their courses in the Philippines, and how they learn to do so. A survey of 64 teachers, most of whom were nonnative speakers of English, revealed limited current practices of culture integration in the teaching of English courses for Korean students. Based on the findings, this paper proposes some instructional implications for this unique and intricate setting where English is used as a lingua franca. Keywords - Quantitative methods, survey, applied linguistics, Manila, Philippines, Asia, contact zone, culture shock, EAP, EFL, EIL, ESL, ESP, expanding circle, Filipino teachers, inner circle, Korean, language learning, lingua franca, outer circle, target culture
Problems encountered by the MNLF Combatants of Basilan and Zamboanga: Prior, During and After Integration
Authors: Concepcion Nerlyne C.
Published: April 2013

This study examined the Integration Program of the Philippine Government for former MNLF members into the AFP, particularly in Basilan and Zamboanga. Its aim is to bring former fighters to the mainstream of society and to promote peace and order in Mindanao. The objectives are to determine how the GRP and the MNLF implement provisions of the JPA and examine the awareness of the recruits; and to find out problems encountered by the integrees before, during and after their integration to the AFP. Descriptive method was used through FGD, KI interviews, and passive observation. Questionnaire checklist was utilized for sociodemographic profile. The sixty five respondents answered that the greatest problems prior, during and after integration were the following: enforced integration, unfair distribution of quota, no clearcut qualifications and lack of proper dissemination of information; no assistance to education and fixed monthly salary; unclear instructions, bureaucratic system; complicated mental training, discrimination, abuse of authority by the trainers; not permitted to go home, and low quality firearms; fake MNLF fighters, bribery; no respect for religious beliefs and discrimination from the PA; delay of salary, unfair release of coupon and mess, no scholarship for EM and no implementation of livelihood programs. Majority of these problems are structural in nature with primary attitudinal problems and it is to understand that with these problems there is a great need to rediscover the values of cultural solidarity and to reemphasize the positive and relevant roles that each should take to achieve a lasting and relevant national commitment for peace. Keywords - Peace and Order, Moro National Liberation Front, Armed Forces of the Philippines , Government of the Republic of the Philippines, Descriptive Method, Basilan and Zamboanga, Philippines,
Comprehensive Trace Processing: A Qualitative Innovation in Social Science Case Study Analysis
Authors: Kendall Wesley
Published: April 2013

This paper proposes a new social science oriented methodological approach to examining the behaviour of different policymaker’s actions in the process of shaping and implementing public policies. Under this new model, the policymakers behavior constitutes the dependent variable under observation in the study, while various external mechanisms are treated as independent variables acting to manipulate policy outcomes. Each of the objects studied in their respective models, as well as each of the external mechanisms, are inextricably intertwined in the political systems which enact, adjudicate, and ultimately implement policy. As complex organizations, these dependent variables are infinitely complicated and their behavioural patterns subject to multiple independent variable impacts. This proposed case study model will focus on individual cases that allow for an in depth examination of events and draw inferential causal connections using a number of innovative techniques. The mechanisms of policy change, or the independent variables, will additionally be explored using a case study analysis and intervening causal factors will be carefully examined by using within case analysis to plot interrelationships among event observations. The validity of a hypothesis would be rigorously tested by both within-case analyses which examine different elements of the case for intervening causes, and will be supplemented by a comparative cross-case analysis when appropriate, and further bolstered by a novel interview process to reject or reinforce inferential assumptions drawn from the model. This unique combination of qualitative testing methodologies, when applied in linear sequence, creates a rigorous analytical framework with enhanced internal and external model validity that can be utilized across social science disciplines. Keywords - Social Sciences, Qualitative Innovation, comprehensive trace processing, policy change, Vietnam
Underdevelopment and Ethnic Conflict in the States of Northeast India
Authors: Guite L.T. Sasang
Published: April 2013

Conflict has been a feature of human society since time immemorial and global phenomena. Disputes that arise may be organized around social class, ethnicity, religion, competition for land. The struggle can be over economic opportunities like employment as well as an aspiration to dominate the space. In this situation, the status of being an indigenous group becomes a contestable issue. Ethnic conflict is not necessarily irrational, but a product of fulfilling aspirations and asserting identity, therefore, a balanced debate is required in its analysis. Conflicts make poverty reduction and growth difficult to achieve. Many contemporary conflicts have an ethnic dimension, such as ethnic territory as ethnicity is a strong uniting force. The author studies the underlying factors for the cause of conflicts in the Northeast India, one of the most backward and underdeveloped region in the country and represents a diverse ethnic group belonging to mongoloid race. Mapping the distribution and composition of population in the region as well as socio-economic conditions, would identify space dimension of the ethnic groups. The land based occupation and education would give great impetus in studying the cause of conflicts. Keywords - Social Sciences, ethnic territory, conflicts, mapping, India
The Dawn of Social Enterprise as Economic Model
Authors: Golosino Ernesto O.
Published: April 2013

The plunge of giant economies around the world brought about by the notorious financial crisis created a scenario of despair, anxiety, anguish and uncertainty. Such is the complete turnaround of what capitalism advocated. In his famous book “The Wealth of the Nations” Adam Smith seemed madly in love with free enterprise as a new weapon to advance societies and depart from antiquity. His passion was later on proved wrong by the emergence and resurrection of two horrific U.S Financial Crisis. So, what lies ahead for capitalistic economies? On the other end, cooperatives steadily carve its name under the shade of capitalism. It runs unnoticed due to its unique approach. With the fall of free enterprise, society started to admire the humble yet persevering paradigm of cooperation. With this exciting phenomenon, the researcher wish to ascertain the primordial role played by cooperatives as it shape simple communities into selfreliant enterprise and determine the economic contributions of social enterprise. The researcher utilized qualitative method benchmarked from the contentions of many scholars. The results indicated that cooperative is a thriving industry with holistic intent; that is capability building for its members and setting aside profit as individual pursuit.   Keywords - Economics, social enterprise, new economic model, cooperatives, Philippines
Integration of Kalinga Indigenous Law in the Implementation of Modern Criminal Law in Tabuk City
Authors: Lang-Ay Pinky Larcelle D. , Martin Jessie Grace S. , Doctor Joy Grace P. , Guidangen James S.
Published: April 2013

In all societies, it is common for people to look to shared substantive norms to resolve problems rather than to resort to legal norms, whether or not there is also a strong formal system of law. The operations of both formal and informal justice systems should ideally be complementary. In the mountains of Cordillera, the Kalinga “Bodong” institution governs the lives of the Kalinga ethno linguistic group. This paper determined the agreement on the integration of Kalinga indigenous laws in the implementation of modern criminal law in the City of Tabuk, Kalinga. The study was conducted among the Personnel of the Philippine National Police stationed in Tabuk City during the period 2011-2012. Descriptive Statistics were used to analyze the research data. Interviews were also conducted to validate the data collected. The study revealed that the PNP Personnel strongly agreed on the integration of Kalinga indigenous law in the implementation of modern criminal law in Tabuk City but there are still problems that must be resolved in order to attain full integration. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that some provisions should be amended to become relevant and complementary with the provisions of the laws of the land. Keywords - Social Sciences, Indigenous Laws, Kalinga Bodong, Northern Philippines
A Model of Catholicity for Catholic Schools
Authors: Tudy Randy A.
Published: April 2013

Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this study was designed to establish a model of the Catholicity of Catholic Basic schools in Davao Provinces, Philippines. The outputs of focus group discussions were analysed and used to construct the framework of the study and the basis for the survey instrument. The data gathered were subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) which produced four factors on Catholicity and seven factors for External Factors. The identified factors were loaded into the proposed model and analyzed using Structural Equation Model (SEM). The findings revealed a significant influence of the External Factors to Catholicity affirming the study’s theoretical foundation. All seven observed variables showed positive contribution to External Factors(Latent Variable). Moreover, the findings showed significant contributions of the four observed variables to Catholicity (Latent Variable). Thus, the model measures Catholicity looking at the four observed variables and is further influenced by External Factors measured in terms of the seven observed variables. Based on the SEM findings which were supported by related literature and studies, the model of the Catholicity of Catholic Basic Education Schools in Davao Provinces will help schools remain faithful to their identity and mission as Catholic institutions.   Keywords - Basic Education Catholic Culture, Catholicity, Structural Equation Mode, Digos City, Philippines
Adrenaline and Noradrenaline: Introduction
Authors: Stanford S Clare
Published: April 2013

Adrenaline and noradrenaline belong to a family of molecules known as ‘catecholamines’. They are both released from the adrenal gland and neurons in the central nervous system. Noradrenaline is also released from the majority of postganglionic, sympathetic neurons in the peripheral (autonomic) nervous system. Conversion of the amino acid, tyrosine, to
l
‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine is the rate‐limiting step in the pathway for synthesis of both of these catecholamines. This biosynthetic pathway is regulated by several hormones and neurotransmitters, which act through intracellular messengers and help to ensure that the rate of catecholamine synthesis matches the rate of their release. Adrenaline and noradrenaline have important roles in mediating peripheral autonomic function and the maintenance of a stable internal body state (‘homoeostasis’). In the brain, their distribution and functional interactions underlie their strong influence on arousal state (attention/vigilance/alarm) and its integration with the autonomic system.

Key Concepts:

Adrenaline and noradrenaline are members of the catecholamine family of neurotransmitters and hormones.

In the brain, the cell bodies of noradrenergic and adrenergic neurons are clustered in the brainstem and are the source of an extensive network of diffuse projections to nearly all other brain regions and the spinal cord.

The rate of synthesis of adrenaline and noradrenaline is highly regulated and ensures that their intracellular store is maintained under normal physiological conditions.

In the periphery, release of noradrenaline and adrenaline from postganglionic sympathetic neurons and the adrenal medulla mediate sympathoadrenal (autonomic) responses in the target organs.

In the brain, adrenaline and noradrenaline contribute to the integration of autonomic, cognitive and emotional arousal.
Caenorhabditis elegansEmbryo: Establishment of Asymmetry
Authors: Espiritu Eugenel B , Rose Lesilee S
Published: April 2013

InCaenorhabditis elegans, asymmetry is established in the one‐cell embryo in response to the position of the sperm provided centrosome. Asymmetric contraction of actin and myosin at the cortex leads to the localisation of the conserved PAR (partitioning defective) polarity proteins into anterior and posterior cortical domains. The PAR proteins and associated protein kinases generate cytoplasmic gradients of polarity mediators, which in turn regulate the anterior/posterior cytoplasmic localisation of downstream cell fate regulators. The PAR proteins also regulate a conserved G protein pathway that coordinates the division plane with the anterior/posterior axis. Thus, the first division is asymmetric and the daughter cells have different developmental fates. During the next few divisions, anterior/posterior asymmetries and cell–cell signalling events establish the dorsal/ventral and left–right axes of the embryo and further refine cell fates.

Key Concepts:

TheC. elegansembryo exhibits an invariant pattern of asymmetric cell divisions that generates diverse cell types.

Asymmetric divisions are regulated by the conserved PAR proteins, which become localised in anterior and posterior cortical domains during polarity establishment after fertilisation.

Polarity establishment occurs in response to an unknown cue associated with the sperm centrosome, which causes an actomyosin cortical flow that localises the anterior PAR proteins.

PAR polarity cues create a cytoplasmic gradient of the polarity mediators MEX‐5 and MEX‐6, which act together with other polarity mediators to generate the asymmetric localisation of cell fate determinants.

Asymmetric localisation of cell fate determinants is accomplished mainly through protein degradation and translational regulation.

The localisation of cell fate determinants combined with cell–cell signalling events leads to specification of different developmental programmes in cells of the early embryo.

A conserved G protein pathway functions with the microtubule motor dynein to position the mitotic spindle on the polarity axis during asymmetric divisions.
Brachiopoda
Authors: Bitner Maria Aleksandra , Cohen Bernard L
Published: April 2013

Brachiopods are predominantly sessile, filter‐feeding marine invertebrates, with a ciliated, tentaculate feeding and respiratory organ called the lophophore. Their body is enclosed in a shell consisting of two unequal valves oriented dorsally and ventrally. Brachiopods appeared first in the Lower Cambrian and were dominant members of Palaeozoic benthic communities until the Permo–Triassic mass extinctions. Today represented by approximately 110 genera, brachiopods are considered a minor phylum; they live in all oceans, from the poles to the tropics, in a broad depth range from intertidal to abyssal. Brachiopods make up the two main clades: the articulate rhynchonelliforms with calcitic valves joined by a mineralised hinge, and the inarticulate linguliforms and craniiforms, whose valves are joined only by soft tissues. Articulated forms give the phylum its common name: ‘lamp shells’. In some recent molecular analyses, inarticulate brachiopods and phoronids form a single clade.

Key Concepts:

Brachiopods are sessile, filter‐feeding marine invertebrates with a bivalved shell and are quite distinct from bivalve molluscs.

Brachiopods first appeared in the Lower Cambrian and were dominant members of Palaeozoic benthic communities until the Permo–Triassic mass extinctions.

Brachiopods are considered to be a relict group but live in all oceans and in a broad depth range.

Brachiopods are divided into two main groups according to the presence or absence of a mineralised tooth‐and‐socket hinge between the two valves.

A lophophore in the form of two arms lined with ciliated tentacles serves as a feeding and respiratory organ.

Based on some molecular analyses, phoronids may belong within Brachiopoda, forming a single clade with inarticulate brachiopods.
Mitochondrial Genome: Evolution
Authors: Stoneking Mark
Published: April 2013

Mitochondria, organelles that are responsible for producing energy for cell metabolism and also involved in cell death and ageing, contain their own genome. This genome has several unusual properties including a high copy number, a maternal and haploid mode of inheritance and a rapid rate of evolution. Recent advances in next‐generation sequencing methods have made it feasible to obtain complete
mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA)
genome sequences quickly and at low‐cost, providing new insights into human mtDNA variation and evolution. These methods also enable much more detailed studies of heteroplasmy across the entire mtDNA genome, which may be important in mtDNA‐associated diseases and cancer. It is also feasible to obtain complete mtDNA genome sequences from Neanderthals and other archaic humans, thereby providing further insights into human evolution.

Key Concepts:

Mitochondria have their own genome, which has a separate origin from the nuclear genome.

The mitochondrial genome has several unusual properties compared with the nuclear genome, including high copy number, maternal and haploid mode of inheritance and a rapid rate of evolution.

Next‐generation sequencing and other technical advances make it feasible to obtain complete mtDNA genome sequences rapidly and at low cost from large samples of individuals and are providing new insights into mtDNA variation and heteroplasmy.

MtDNA analyses support the hypothesis of a recent African origin of modern humans.

Archaic humans, such as Neandertals and Denisovans, did not contribute mtDNA to modern humans.
Roma (Gypsies): Genetic Studies
Authors: Morar Bharti , Azmanov Dimitar N , Kalaydjieva Luba
Published: April 2013

The Roma, also known as Gypsies, are a transnational founder population, resembling a mosaic of socially and genetically divergent groups. Common origins from a small group of related founders result in sharing of maternal and paternal lineages and of ancient disease‐causing mutations across endogamous Romani groups in different countries. Genetic differentiation between groups, with an impact on genetic epidemiology, is the product of bottleneck events, random genetic drift and differential admixture and correlates with the migrational history of the Roma in Europe. Genetic studies are concordant with linguistic data, which provide support for the Indian origins of the Gypsies and suggest a single founding population that originated in north/northwestern India.

Key Concepts:

The Roma/Gypsies are a European population of Asian descent (most likely from the north‐western part of the Indian subcontinent), with origins documented by the presence of Indian maternal, paternal and autosomal lineages in parallel with admixture from autochthonous Europeans.

The genetic history of the Roma is a string of bottleneck events starting with the founding of the proto‐Roma by a small group of Asian ancestors and followed by more recent population fissions reflecting the early migrations within Europe and the splits into multiple endogamous groups.

The current genetic profile of the Roma has been shaped by founder effects, genetic drift and differential admixture. The social organisation, similar to thejatisof India, with limited gene flow between Romani groups, has resulted in marked genetic substructure.

Autosomal recessive disorders occur at relatively high frequency and are usually characterised by limited mutational heterogeneity. They include disorders caused by mutations ‘imported’ from surrounding populations, which may reach high frequencies due to founder effect and drift as well as ‘private’ population‐specific mutations leading to novel rare disorders.

The socially defined Romani group is the basic unit and starting point for medical genetic research due to limited diversity and common sharing of founder disease‐causing mutations between apparently unrelated families.
Chlorophyll Metabolism
Authors: Brzezowski Pawel , Grimm Bernhard
Published: April 2013

The two pathways of chlorophyll biosynthesis and chlorophyll catabolism in plants are located in distinct cellular compartments. Although the entire biosynthesis of chlorophyll from the formation of the first committed metabolic precursor, 5‐aminolevulinic acid, occurs in plastids, chlorophyll breakdown starts in plastids and ends with the storage of nonfluorescent breakdown products in vacuoles. Photosynthetic organisms developed a complex control over chlorophyll metabolism to adapt the need for chlorophyll to continuously changing environmental conditions and to avoid damage caused by intermediates accumulation. The balance between the most efficient way of harvesting the light energy available to the organism and damage or death caused by excess light energy or accumulating chlorophyll intermediates due to deregulation of the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway, seems to employ one of the most sophisticated regulatory mechanisms seen in nature. Chlorophyll metabolism in the broad range of photosynthetic organisms including photosynthetic bacteria, algae and higher plants is outlined in the following report.

Key Concepts:

Chlorophyll (Chl)
a
is the key pigment involved in the primary reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis requires chlorophyll for light absorption, excitation energy transfer and photooxidative charge separation to ultimately provide primary biomass and energy for almost all living beings and, additionally, supply oxygen for respiration.

Chlorophyll is always bound to chlorophyll‐binding proteins of the photosynthetic core complexes of photosystem I and II and their antenna complexes.

Chlorophyll biosynthesis always ensures the appropriate supply of the pigment, and chlorophyll catabolism prevents the accumulation of free chlorophyll during breakdown of photosynthetic complexes.

Control of chlorophyll metabolism avoids accumulation of photoreactive metabolic and catabolic intermediates and free chlorophyll.
Ultraconserved Elements (
UCEs
) in the Human Genome
Authors: Lee Alison P , Venkatesh B
Published: April 2013

Ultraconserved elements (UCEs) are
deoxyribonucleic acid
sequences of at least 200 base pairs in length and perfectly conserved in human, mouse and rat genomes. Exonic UCEs are significantly associated with splicing regulator genes, whereas nonexonic UCEs are significantly associated with transcriptional regulator genes. UCEs are highly conserved among all jawed vertebrates, with primitive instances having originated in the ancestral vertebrate genome and subsequently constrained in jawed vertebrates. UCEs are under extreme purifying selection and are implicated in functions such as transcriptional enhancers, exons of noncoding
ribonucleic acid
transcripts, alternatively spliced ‘poison cassette exons’ and cryptic introns that regulate the expression of certain classes of proteins. UCEs may have maintained their perfect identity over a long period of evolution due to the layering of multiple functions on the same element and increased selective constraint.

Key Concepts:

Human genome contains ultraconserved elements (UCEs) that are 200 bp or longer and 100% identical in mouse and rat genomes.

The majority of UCEs were present in the last common ancestor of jawed vertebrates.

UCEs have experienced high purifying selection, possibly due to the ‘multiplexing’ of multiple functions on the same element.

UCEs are depleted among segmental duplications and copy number variants in the human genome.

UCEs may be protein‐coding sequence, transcriptional enhancers, exons of noncoding RNA, alternatively spliced ‘poison cassette exons’ and/or adjacent flanking sequence of cryptic introns.

The majority of UCEs are transcribed as either protein‐coding transcripts or ncRNA transcripts.

A fraction of transcribed UCEs are aberrantly expressed in human cancers. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in UCEs are associated with increased risk to human diseases.