bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brigadier General James Stevens Simmons (1890–1954), Medical Corps, United States Army: a career in preventive medicine
Authors: Marble Sanders
Published: April 2012

James Simmons began his career in the US Army as a laboratory officer and his assignments progressed into tropical medicine research. His interests and work evolved into preventive medicine (PM, as the Army termed public health), and he took both a PhD and a Doctorate in Public Health. As the Army's leading PM officer he was appointed head of PM in 1940 and guided the Army's PM effort through World War II. His responsibility ran from gas masks through healthy nutrition and occupational health to an enormous variety of diseases; by the war's end, the breadth and importance of PM was reflected in the Preventive Medicine Division, having fully one-sixth of all military personnel at the Surgeon General's Office. Simmons used his strong professional credentials to tap into civilian medicine for expertise the Army lacked and he established organizations that survive to this day. After retirement, he sought to expand the field of public health and raise another generation of public health physicians.
Sir George Shuckburgh Evelyn (1751–1804): precision in thermometry
Authors: Pearn John
Published: April 2012

The universal clinical procedure of recording a patient's temperature depends upon the accuracy of thermometers. This in turn depends upon the accuracy of two fixed datum points (the freezing and boiling points of water) and subsequently on the fine calibration of the etched scale between them. Anders Celsius (1701–44) defined the boiling point of water as the upper fixed point of the thermometric scale, originally designated as 0°C but inverted by Carl Linnaeus (1707–78) to read 100°C. In 1724 Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736) had observed that the upper fixed point, that of boiling water, varied with changes in atmospheric pressure. An English scientist, Sir George Shuckburgh (after 1794 known as Sir George Shuckburgh Evelyn), addressed this problem and over the period 1774–79 he defined the relationship of the temperature of boiling water to barometric pressure. This latter variable changed both with the ambient meteorological conditions of the moment and the height above sea level at which the calibrations were made. Clinical thermometry depends on an accuracy of 0.1°C in both the baseline and the tracking of a patient's temperature but Shuckburgh's experiments showed that the upper fixed point of reference, that of boiling water, could change by up to 10°C. He demonstrated that these variables must be measured and controlled in the manufacture and calibration of thermometers. Sir George Shuckburgh Evelyn published his results in the Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society (1777–79) and made possible the accuracy of thermometry on which patient care depends.
Emergency department imaging protocol for suspected acute renal colic: re-evaluating our service
Authors: Patatas K , Panditaratne N , Wah T M , Weston M J , Irving H C
Published: April 2012

Objectives: The objective of our study is to determine the positive rate for urolithiasis in male and female patients, and evaluate whether there has been any change at our institution in the use and outcome of unenhanced multidetector CT (CT KUB) performed in the emergency department (ER) for patients presenting with suspected acute renal colic.

Methods: A retrospective review of all 1357 consecutive cases between August 2007 and August 2009 admitted to the ER and investigated with CT KUB.

Results: The positive rate for urolithiasis was 47.5% and the rate of other significant findings was 10%. Female patients had a significantly lower positive rate than male patients (26.8% vs 61.6%, p<0.001). Urological intervention was required in 37% and these patients had a larger average stone size. In young female patients with a significantly sized ureteric calculus (>4 mm), the presence of hydronephrosis vs no hydronephrosis was 83% vs 17%, respectively. Among them, only three patients required ureteroscopy for stone removal.

Conclusion: Contrary to other studies there has been no “indication creep” in the use of CT KUB at our institution. However, the young female patient presenting with suspected urolithiasis presents a particular diagnostic problem, and the significant percentage of negative examinations in females implies that an improvement in current practice is needed. The indiscriminate use of CT KUB in all female patients with flank pain should be avoided, and it is suggested that they should be initially evaluated with ultrasound to detect the presence of hydronephrosis.
Mitochondrial DNA: a blind spot in neuroepigenetics
Authors: Manev Hari , Dzitoyeva Svetlana , Chen Hu
Published: April 2012

Neuroepigenetics, which includes nuclear DNA modifications, such as 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and modifications of nuclear proteins, such as histones, is emerging as the leading field in molecular neuroscience. Historically, a functional role for epigenetic mechanisms, including in neuroepigenetics, has been sought in the area of the regulation of nuclear transcription. However, one important compartment of mammalian cell DNA, different from nuclear DNA but equally important for physiological and pathological processes (including in the brain), mitochondrial DNA has for the most part not had a systematic epigenetic characterization. The importance of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (particularly its mutations) in central nervous system physiology and pathology has long been recognized. Only recently have the mechanisms of mitochondrial DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, including the discovery of mitochondrial DNA-methyltransferases and the presence and functionality of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in mitochondrial DNA (e.g., in modifying the transcription of mitochondrial genome), been unequivocally recognized as a part of mammalian mitochondrial physiology. Here, we summarize for the first time evidence supporting the existence of these mechanisms and propose the term ‘mitochondrial epigenetics’ to be used when referring to them. Currently, neuroepigenetics does not include mitochondrial epigenetics – a gap that we expect to close in the near future.
Climate variability and silicoflagellate fluxes in Alfonso Basin (southern Gulf of California)
Authors: Martínez-López Aída , Álvarez-Gómez Irela G. , Durazo Reginaldo
Published: April 2012

We conducted a study from January 2002 to February 2008 on silicoflagellate fluxes in Alfonso Basin at the entrance to the Gulf of California. Thirteen taxa were identified in sediment trap samples, with Octactis pulchra as the dominant species. Total flux climatology reached a maximum value of 5×106 skeletons m-2 day-1 in December and then sharply decreased to a minimum value in February (2.3×103 skeletons m-2 day-1) concurrently with the climatological sea surface temperature (SST) minimum. Subsequently, there was a positive trend with a second relative maximum of 1.6×106 skeletons m-2 day-1 in September coincident with a maximum in climatological SST. During this period, there was a similar increase to 1.4×106 skeletons m-2 day-1 in May. Factor analysis identified three patterns of variation: “subtropical oceanic,” “subarctic,” and “equatorial El Niño.” Factors had reasonable correlations with the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), North Pacific Gyre oscillation (NPGO), and El Niño Modoki indices (r=0.53, 0.67, and 0.63, respectively). The first and second modes were apparently linked to decadal climatic conditions correlated to PDO and NPGO, as suggested by the silicoflagellate species Dictyocha messanensis forma messanensis and the assemblage of D. epiodon and Distephanus speculum, respectively; the third mode was related to the presence of warm equatorial-oceanic waters identified by D. messanensis forma spinosa, which defines El Niño influence. These results demonstrate the importance of the region where there is a confluence of the low-frequency, high-latitude PDO, NPGO, and high-frequency El Niño signals.
Marine botany of the Gulf of California
Authors: Zertuche-González José A.
Published: April 2012

No abstract available
Higher Kronecker “limit” formulas for real quadratic fields
Authors: Vlasenko Maria , Zagier Don
Published: April 2012

For every integer k ≧ 2 we introduce an analytic function of a positive real variable and give a universal formula expressing the values ζ(ℬ, k) of the zeta functions of narrow ideal classes in real quadratic fields in terms of this function and its derivatives up to order k − 1 evaluated at reduced real quadratic irrationalities associated to ℬ. We show that our functions satisfy functional equations and use these to deduce explicit formulas for the rational numbers ζ(ℬ, 1 − k). We also give an interpretation of our formula for ζ(ℬ, k) in terms of cohomology groups of SL(2, ℤ) with analytic coefficients and describe a “twisted” extension of the main formula that allows one to treat zeta values of zeta functions of ray classes rather than just ideal classes. Finally, we use our formulas to compute some zeta-values numerically and test that they are expressible as combinations of higher polylogarithm functions evaluated at algebraic arguments.
An efficient synthesis of (±) solenopsin A
Authors: Arévalo-García Enzo B.
Published: April 2012

The efficient total synthesis of (±) solenopsin A (9) was achieved in a series of eight steps starting from readily available N-Bn-N-Boc alanine derivative 1.
One-pot three-component synthesis of 2-(3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles
Authors: Li Zheng , Shi Jinghong , Yang Jingya , Liu Chenhui , Niu Pengxian
Published: April 2012

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of 2-(3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles via one-pot three-component condensation of 1-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)hydrazines, acetophenones, and aromatic aldehydes is described. This protocol has advantages of mild conditions, high yield, and simple workup procedure.
The Characteristic Sequence and p-Orderings of the Set of d-th Powers of Integers
Authors: Fares Youssef , Johnson Keith
Published: April 2012

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Identification of a new mouse sperm acrosome-associated protein
Authors: Korfanty Joanna , Toma Agnieszka , Wojtas Aleksandra , Rusin Aleksandra , Vydra Natalia , Widlak Wieslawa
Published: April 2012

The binding of capacitated spermatozoa to the egg's extracellular coat and induction of acrosome reaction are necessary for successful fertilization in mammals. Biogenesis of acrosome is complicated, and not all proteins involved in this process are known. In this study, we have cloned a novel mouse gene,Spaca7, that is expressed exclusively in the testes. During the postnatal development, transcripts of the gene could be detected at a very low level in 18-day-old mouse testes and at a higher level in 21-day-old mouse testes and later, which corresponds to an expansion of round spermatids. In the stably transfected PT67 cells, SPACA7 fused with EGFP was predominantly localized in the Golgi apparatus. In transgenic mouse testes, the fusion protein was found in acrosome (starting from the first stages of acrosome formation in late pachytene spermatocytes and finally in spermatozoa isolated from caput and cauda of epididymis). Confocal microscopy studies revealed an intra-acrosomal not membrane-bound localization of SPACA7/EGFP, which suggests that the protein can be released during acrosome reaction and involved in fertilization. Acrosomal localization of endogenous SPACA7 protein was also found in human spermatozoa.
Hybrid SPEEK/Phosphonatedsilsesquioxanes membranes for PEMFC
Authors: de Aguiar Kelen Rossi , Batalha Guilherme Pelizzaro , Ramos Airton , Spinacé Estevam Vitorio , Linardi Marcelo , Geraldes Adriana N. , da Silva Dionisio F. , Pezzin Sérgio Henrique
Published: April 2012

In this work, the production and characterization of hybrid membranes of sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone; SPEEK) and phosphonated copolysilsesquioxanes (PCs) and its application in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) were studied. To improve the proton conduction and thermal stability of the polymer SPEEK, PCs were synthesized from diethylphosphatoethyltriethoxysilane (Ph-TEOS) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES), 90/10 mol/mol, by a hydrolysis/condensation procedure. The PCs were characterized by infrared thermal analysis. Hybrids membranes produced from SPEEK and 20 wt% PC were submitted to further hydrolysis to give semiinterpenetrating copolysilsesquioxanes networks. The hybrid membranes were also characterized according to their thermal behavior, proton conductivity, electrochemical performance in fuel cell, and oxidative stability. The proton conductivities (σ) of the membranes in the hydrated state at room temperature were determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was verified that the proton conductivities of the hydrolyzed hybrid membranes were about 370% higher than the σ of plain SPEEK. The hydrolyzed membranes with 20% (90:10) PC showed the best performance in a PEMFC working with H2/O2at 60°C.
Validation of Self-Image of Aging Scale for Chinese Elders
Authors: Bai Xue , Chan K. S. , Chow Nelson
Published: April 2012

Researchers are increasingly interested in the “image of aging” concept. Models on the image of aging abound, but few have rigorously tested measures that are culturally sensitive and domain-specific. This study first translates Levy et al.‘s (2004) Image of Aging Scale into the Chinese language and revises it into the Chinese Version of the Self-Image of Aging Scale (SIAS-C). Based on the results of a survey of 445 elderly people in Wuhan-China, it then reports the factorial structure of SIAS-C and some of its psychometric properties. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supports a conceptually meaningful five-factor model, as suggested in an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The 14-item SIAS-C vindicates an acceptable level of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Its criteria-referenced validity is demonstrated by its correlation with several criteria in expected directions. In conclusion, the SIAS-C is a psychometrically sound instrument which is recommended for use among Chinese older people.
The occurrence of aspergillosis in flock of turkey poults
Authors: Kureljusic B. , Radanovic O. , Kureljusic J. , Jezdimirovic N. , Maslic-Strizak D. , Prodanovic R. , Ivetic V.
Published: April 2012

Aspergillosis is frequent fungal disease of different avian and mammal
species, caused by infection by the fungi of genus Aspergillus. The disease
is characterized by inflammatory changes in the respiratory system and
sometimes has generalized onset when more organ systems are affected. In this
paper, we examined a flock of turkey poults, 21 days old, at one farm in
Serbia. Clinical signs of central nervous system in the form of ataxia,
torticollis, paresis and paralysis of legs and wings were observed. The
mortality rate in the flock was 7,2 %. In ten out of twelve necropsied turkey
poults multiple yellowish-white granulomas, one to three millimeters in
diameter on lungs were found. In nine out of twelve necropsied turkey poults
solitary yellowish-white granuloma, three to five millimeters in diameter on
sagital section of the cerebrum or cerebellum were found. Mycological finding
revealed fungi Aspergillus fumigatus. For the evaluation of histopathological
changes in lung and brain and demonstration of fungal hyphae, three stain
methods were used: haematoxylin-eosin (HE), Grocott methenamine silver and
periodic acid Schiff (PAS) method. Microscopic examination of lung and brain
has revealed the presence of granulomatous foci and caseous necrosis with
surrounding region of proliferation including giant cells, macrophages,
heterophils and lymphocytes and outer capsule of connective tissue. The
fungal hyphae were hardly or not visible in HE stained sections, while septed
and arborized hyphae were easily demonstrated by Grocott and PAS stain
predominantly in central parts of granuloma. For diagnostic of mycotic
infection is necessary to use different histochemical methods for evaluation
of histopathological changes and detection of etiological agent, including
isolation to obtain etiological diagnosis.
The evolution of the relative position of 15 EU member states regarding organic agriculture
Authors: Bagiatis Vasilis , Oxouzi Eleni
Published: April 2012

The negative environmental impact of modern agricultural practices, the
increased use of non-renewable resources and the long-term productivity of
high external inflows in cultivation systems has led many governmental and
non-governmental organizations to take various initiatives in order to
promote the adoption and expansion of more sustainable agricultural
technologies such as the organic agriculture. The purpose of this study is to
investigate the degree of organic agriculture practices adoption in 15 EU
member states during 1998-2008. To succeed in this purpose, the methods of
Data Analysis, Factorial Correspondence Analysis and Hierarchical
Classification were used. The research results showed that although organic
agriculture is implemented in all member states of the EU, there are many
deviations among them concerning the degree of adopting. Moreover, findings
revealed that Austria, Sweden and Finland were the countries with the highest
performance concerning both their degree of adopting organic agriculture
practices and the rates of holdings that integrated into the organic
agriculture program.
The Teaching and Learning of English as an Additional Language in Primary School
Authors: Withey Linda
Published: April 2012

The article seeks to investigate the methods of teaching and learning English as an additional language in primary education, and to identify the most appropriate and effective means of achieving this. The study tracks a cohort of children from reception to Year 2. Data collection draws on the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative paradigms and combines observations of children and staff, interviews with staff, and focus groups with parents. Alongside these are assessments of children and a review of records and policy documents. This is an ongoing longitudinal study spanning three years; the researcher is currently in the final year of data collection.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis in HIV-Exposed and Nonexposed Infants: Clinical Presentation and Histopathological Features
Authors: Chokoe Mmaphuti J. , Wright Colleen A. , Bezuidenhout Juanita , Moore Samuel W. , Smith Johan
Published: April 2012

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in neonates and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. An association between HIV-positive maternal status and increased risk of NEC in preterm infants has been described, and antiretroviral therapy has been proposed as an independent risk factor. Our aim was to compare the clinical presentation and histopathological features of necrotizing enterocolitis in HIV-exposed and unexposed infants. A retrospective study of archival material from the National Health Laboratory Services Histopathology Laboratory in Tygerberg Hospital/Stellenbosch University from 1992 to 2008 was conducted. All surgical specimens from infants who presented to pediatric surgery for a laparotomy and bowel resection for NEC and in whom the HIV status was known were included in the study. In the 37 cases that fulfilled these criteria, male gender was overrepresented in the study population (67%). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appeared to play a significant role in the development of surgical NEC in infants who were not exposed to HIV, but HIV-exposed infants had a significantly poorer survival rate. There was no significant difference in the histopathology between HIV-exposed and nonexposed infants, and Cytomegalovirus infection was not identified in any of the cases studied.
Synthesis of nitrogen-doped diamond films using vibrational excitation of ammonia molecules in laser-assisted combustion flames
Authors: Fan L. S. , Xie Z. Q. , Park J. B. , He X. N. , Zhou Y. S. , Jiang L. , Lu Y. F.
Published: April 2012

Nitrogen-doped diamond was synthesized in open air using laser-assisted combustion flame method. A wavelength-tunable CO2 laser was used to resonantly excite the vibration modes of ammonia molecules, which were added into the diamond forming combustion flame. The wavelength of the CO2 laser was tuned to match frequencies of the NH wagging mode of the ammonia molecules. High efficiency energy coupling was achieved at laser wavelengths of 9.219, 10.35, and 10.719 μm, which are related to a rotational–vibrational transition (1084.63 cm−1), and splitting of the NH wagging mode (υ2+, 932.51 cm−1 and υ2−, 968.32 cm−1). Vibrational excitations of the ammonia molecules under these wavelengths actively intervenes the reaction courses, which steers the chemical reaction in the combustion flame and eventually promotes nitrogen concentration in the deposited diamond films. Concentration of the doped nitrogen atoms reaches up to 1.5 × 1020 atoms/cm3 in the diamond films deposited with a laser wavelength of 9.219 μm. Optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry were used to study the evolution of chemical reactions with and without laser excitations.
Cretaceous Ichthyosaurs: Dwindling Diversity, or the Empire Strikes Back?
Authors: Zammit Maria
Published: April 2012

Recent descriptions of new taxa and recognition of survivorship of Jurassic genera across the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary bring the total number of Cretaceous ichthyosaur genera to eight. Taxa currently known from the Cretaceous include Ophthalmosaurus, Caypullisaurus, Aegirosaurus, Platypterygius, Maiaspondylus, Athabascasaurus, Sveltonectes, and Acamptonectes. This review summarizes the occurrence of all Cretaceous genera. A discussion of morphological diversity demonstrates the different, though overlapping, ecological niches occupied by the different taxa, while the comparison of phylogenetic hypotheses shows the problems inherent in understanding the evolutionary relationships between Cretaceous genera. The Late Jurassic radiation indicated in the competing phylogenetic hypotheses may correlate with the opening of the Atlantic Ocean or additional dispersal routes established by the breakup of Gondwana. Inclusion of the stratigraphically oldest Platypterygius species may aid in resolving these evolutionary relationships.
Comparative Study of Essential Oils Extracted from Algerian Myrtus communis L. Leaves Using Microwaves and Hydrodistillation
Authors: Berka-Zougali Baya , Ferhat Mohamed-Amine , Hassani Aicha , Chemat Farid , Allaf Karim S.
Published: April 2012

Two different extraction methods were used for a comparative study of Algerian Myrtle leaf essential oils: solvent-free-microwave-extraction (SFME) and conventional hydrodistillation (HD). Essential oils analyzed by GC and GC-MS presented 51 components constituting 97.71 and 97.39% of the total oils, respectively. Solvent-Free-Microwave-Extract Essential oils SFME-EO were richer in oxygenated compounds. Their major compounds were 1,8-cineole, followed by α-pinene as against α-pinene, followed by 1,8-cineole for HD. Their antimicrobial activity was investigated on 12 microorganisms. The antioxidant activities were studied with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging method. Generally, both essential oils showed high antimicrobial and weak antioxidant activities. Microstructure analyses were also undertaken on the solid residue of myrtle leaves by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM); it showed that the SFME-cellular structure undergoes significant modifications compared to the conventional HD residual solid. Comparison between hydrodistillation and SFME presented numerous distinctions. Several advantages with SFME were observed: faster kinetics and higher efficiency with similar yields: 0.32% dry basis, in 30 min as against 180 min for HD.
Magnetic Resonance Characterization of Porous Media Using Diffusion through Internal Magnetic Fields
Authors: Cho Hyung Joon , Sigmund Eric E. , Song Yiqiao
Published: April 2012

When a porous material is inserted into a uniform magnetic field, spatially varying fields typically arise inside the pore space due to susceptibility contrast between the solid matrix and the surrounding fluid. As a result, direct measurement of the field variation may provide a unique opportunity to characterize the pore geometry. The sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to inhomogeneous field variations through their dephasing effects on diffusing spins is unique and powerful. Recent theoretical and experimental research sheds new light on how to utilize susceptibility-induced internal field gradients to quantitatively probe the microstructure of porous materials. This article reviews ongoing developments based on the stimulated echo-pulse sequence to extend the characterization of porous media using both spatially resolved and unresolved susceptibility-induced internal gradients that operate on a diffusing-spin ensemble.
Honey: A Novel Antioxidant
Authors: Erejuwa Omotayo O. , Sulaiman Siti A. , Ab Wahab Mohd S.
Published: April 2012

The global prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cancer and Alzheimer's disease is on the rise. These diseases, which constitute the major causes of death globally, are associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is defined as an “imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants, potentially leading to damage”. Individuals with chronic diseases are more susceptible to oxidative stress and damage because they have elevated levels of oxidants and/or reduced antioxidants. This, therefore, necessitates supplementation with antioxidants so as to delay, prevent or remove oxidative damage. Honey is a natural substance with many medicinal effects such as antibacterial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, reproductive, antihypertensive and antioxidant effects. This review presents findings that indicate honey may ameliorate oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), liver, pancreas, kidney, reproductive organs and plasma/serum. Besides, the review highlights data that demonstrate the synergistic antioxidant effect of honey and antidiabetic drugs in the pancreas, kidney and serum of diabetic rats. These data suggest that honey, administered alone or in combination with conventional therapy, might be a novel antioxidant in the management of chronic diseases commonly associated with oxidative stress. In view of the fact that the majority of these data emanate from animal studies, there is an urgent need to investigate this antioxidant effect of honey in human subjects with chronic or degenerative diseases.
Multiple Classifier System for Remote Sensing Image Classification: A Review
Authors: Du Peijun , Xia Junshi , Zhang Wei , Tan Kun , Liu Yi , Liu Sicong
Published: April 2012

Over the last two decades, multiple classifier system (MCS) or classifier ensemble has shown great potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of remote sensing image classification. Although there are lots of literatures covering the MCS approaches, there is a lack of a comprehensive literature review which presents an overall architecture of the basic principles and trends behind the design of remote sensing classifier ensemble. Therefore, in order to give a reference point for MCS approaches, this paper attempts to explicitly review the remote sensing implementations of MCS and proposes some modified approaches. The effectiveness of existing and improved algorithms are analyzed and evaluated by multi-source remotely sensed images, including high spatial resolution image (QuickBird), hyperspectral image (OMISII) and multi-spectral image (Landsat ETM+).Experimental results demonstrate that MCS can effectively improve the accuracy and stability of remote sensing image classification, and diversity measures play an active role for the combination of multiple classifiers. Furthermore, this survey provides a roadmap to guide future research, algorithm enhancement and facilitate knowledge accumulation of MCS in remote sensing community.
Advances in Sensors-Centric Microprocessors and System-on-Chip
Authors: Gómez-Pulido Juan A. , Vega-Rodríguez Miguel A.
Published: April 2012

Sensors-based systems are nowadays an extended technology for many markets due to their great potential in the collection of data from the environment and the processing of such data for different purposes. A typical example is the wireless sensor devices, where the outer temperature, humidity, luminosity and many other parameters can be acquired, measured and processed in order to build useful and fascinating applications that contribute to human welfare. In this scenario, the processing architectures of the sensors-based systems play a very important role. The requirements that are necessary for many such applications (real-time processing, low-power consumption, reduced size, reliability, security and many others) means that research on advanced architectures of Microprocessors and System-on-Chips (SoC) is needed to design and implement a successful product. In this sense, there are many challenges and open questions in this area that need to be addressed. [...]
Comparative floral development in Lithospermum (Boraginaceae) and implications for the evolution and development of heterostyly
Authors: Cohen James I. , Litt Amy , Davis Jerrold I.
Published: April 2012

• Premise of the study: The evolution and development of floral developmental patterns were investigated in three heterostylous and three homostylous species of Lithospermum to determine whether species that independently acquired the same floral form follow the same pattern of development or different patterns.

• Methods: Using light and scanning electron microscopy, we observed developmental patterns in flowers at different stages of maturity. These patterns were compared within individual species, between heterostylous morphs, and among heterostylous and homostylous species.

• Key results: Although heterostyly has been determined by phylogenetic analysis to have originated independently in each of the heterostylous species, flowers of the long‐style morph of each species follow similar patterns of gross development, as do those of the short‐style morph. In addition, the flowers of each morph develop in a manner similar to those of their respective homostylous, herkogamous relatives. However, the developmental patterns of the stylar epidermal cells differ among these species and between heterostylous and homostylous species.

• Conclusions: Floral developmental patterns in homostylous species provide evidence that modification of specific traits, such as patterns of stylar growth, can lead to the evolution of heterostyly. The developmental changes that affect the positions of the stigmas and anthers in each morph likely involve either temporal or spatial modifications of gene function. The floral developmental patterns described here and the occurrence of multiple types of herkogamy within some species of Lithospermum provide evidence that heterostylous species in the genus have originated via distinct evolutionary developmental pathways.
END IN SIGHT? ON THE (UN)SUSTAINABILITY OF PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUDAPEST REGION / ARTĖJA PABAIGA? APIE (NE)DARNIĄ NT PLĖTRĄ BUDAPEŠTO APYLINKĖSE
Authors: Kauko Tom
Published: April 2012

Sustainable development is defined in environmental, social and economic terms. In the post-socialist countries the sustainability of urban property developments has experienced various destinies amid changing institutional circumstances. Since the regime changes of 1990 the tendency of the land use and real estate economy in Hungary has been an extreme variant of neoliberal, opportunistic and large-scale developments together with project planning. As a result of this, urban regeneration in metropolitan Budapest is almost exclusively based on private investment, with the possible exception of ‘mega-projects’ where government has an interest in securing the provision of infrastructure. In this contribution, first the proposition of flexible and context dependent government intervention in the property development is outlined. After that a description of urban regeneration and other property development in the Budapest region is provided. A brief review of comparable post-socialist cities is also provided. The paper concludes with an evaluation of sustainability and a critical comment on the state of affairs in this context.

Santrauka

Darni plėtra apibrėžiama aplinkosaugos, socialiniais ir ekonominiais aspektais. Kintant institucinėms aplinkybėms, miestų NT plėtros darna posocialistinėse šalyse buvo įvairi. 1990 m. pasikeitus režimui Vengrijoje, žemės naudojimas ir NT ekonomika paprastai buvo kraštutinis neoliberalaus, oportunistiško ir plataus masto plėtros bei projektų planavimo variantas. Dėl to miesto atnaujinimas Budapešto priemiesčiuose beveik išskirtinai remiasi privačiomis investicijomis, galbūt išskyrus ,,stambius projektus“, kai vyriausybė suinteresuota užtikrinti aprūpinimą infrastrūktua. Šiame darbe pirmiausia pasiūloma, kaip lanksčiai ir atsižvelgdama į kontekstą vryriausybė turi prisidėti prie NT vystymo. Pateikiamas miesto atnaujinimo ir kitokio NT vystymo aprašymas Budapešto apylinkėse, trumpai apžvelgiami panašūs posocialistiniai miestai. Darbas baigiamas darnos įvertinimu ir kritiniu komentaru apie padėtį šiame kontekste.
Apprentissage, croissance et développement : conférence en l'honneur de Sir Partha Dasgupta
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph E.
Published: April 2012

Résumé Dans cet article, l’auteur explique que ce qui compte en matière de développement c’est l’apprentissage et, plus généralement, le progrès technique et une transformation développementale. Il se concentre sur un modèle d’apprentissage simple doté d’un seul facteur de production (le travail) et insiste sur les transferts d’apprentissage intersectoriels. Il fournit des arguments en faveur des politiques industrielles ainsi qu’un essai d’analyse de la conception optimale de telles politiques.
Histoires personnelles et pièges de pauvreté
Authors: Dasgupta Partha
Published: April 2012

Résumé Cet article développe une théorie expliquant les raisons pour lesquelles une pauvreté profonde a une forte tendance à persister à travers des générations. L’auteur montre que les coûts de maintenance élevés de la bonne santé physique et émotionnelle, qui sont des manifestations de la complémentarité entre les apports dont les humains ont besoin pour survivre, sont à la base de l’existence de pièges de pauvreté. Ainsi, les atteintes nutritionnelles pendant les premiers stades de la vie d’une personne peuvent avoir des conséquences irréversibles sur sa capacité future à acquérir le capital humain.
Condiciones de confort en el proyecto en forma gráfica para diferentes ambientes y climas españoles
Authors: Rubio Requena Pedro María
Published: April 2012

Se presenta la versión gráfica de un trabajo de investigación, que también aborda el cálculo analítico sobre condiciones de «comfort» a establecer en distintos ambientes con diferente uso, destino y ocupación y situados en los diferentes climas templados españoles. Se estudia la adaptación/aclimatización de tipo estacional de las personas y se proponen valores de confort normales para cada caso. Se incluye, por último, una breve muestra gráfica seleccionada de zonas de confort con variación estacional y específica para algunos locales edificatorios.
Designing a New Assertion Constraints Model for Mobile Databases
Authors: Zaqaibeh Belal Mohammad , Albalas Firas Ali , A Awajan W
Published: April 2012

In this paper a new assertion constraint model is proposed and implemented. The model is designed to enforce and maintain the integrity constraints in mobile database and object data model environments. It has an object assertion model for integrity constraints which it is used to create classes and collect attributes and their constraints that are derived from multiple composition or inheritance hierarchies. Also it has a compile-time model which keeps the derivation path along with the attributesâ?? relationships. Furthermore, the run-time model enforces integrity constraints, enforcing the logical integrity constraints during the run-time. And a new technique is designed to check the object metadata to detect the object violation before it occurs. However, the model is implemented and tested over set of definitions that check attribute values validity and objects for object-oriented and mobile databases.
The Influence of the Characteristics of Mathematical Outdoor Activities in Mobile Environments on Students' Emotions
Authors: Daher Wajeeh M.
Published: April 2012

This research attempted to find out how the characteristics of outdoor activities carried out with the mobile phone influence students' emotions. The research findings point at the following components related to the activity as influencing students' emotions: The activity novelty, the activity theme (related to everyday life, related to a new subject related to the students themselves or to an issue or a subject that the students like to do, etc.), the activity conditions (its physical part is easy/uneasy to perform, resources are available, etc.), the outer environment conditions (hot, warm, cold, etc.), the roles which the activity enables (these roles may or may not satisfy a student), the learning method enabled in the activity (exploring mathematical ideas independently, exploring mathematics collaboratively, etc.), the challenge or competition associated with the activity (it needs persistence, attention, etc.). These components show that taking care of students' leaning emotions in outdoor mathematical activities can be achieved through paying attention to different aspects of the activity which are outlined above.
Digital Economy and Knowledge Economics
Authors: Khumalo Bhekuzulu
Published: April 2012

The digitization of information has been one of the greatest stories of the last two decades. This paper seeks to explain the meaning of this process and how it affects already established models concerning trade and knowledge economics. This paper is based on the simple premise that knowledge is the most important resource, without which nothing can be done. The paper starts by looking at the competitive advantage theory that was largely promoted by Michael Porter whose works have greatly influenced the first part of this paper. The paper then discusses the ever more important role of knowledge due to competitive advantage theory and the digitalization of information. Finally the implications and discrediting the comparative advantage theory, this theory has no place in modern economic thinking. As we have more tools in our disposal, we must investigate the importance of wave theory as well as the true meaning of competition. It also looks into the greater role collaboration will play in the future. The paper briefly discusses the effects that the digitization of information will have over time.
Direct Taxation and E-Commerce
Authors: Basu Subhajit
Published: April 2012

E-commerce poses significant challenges for existing tax rules. One of the most important effects of e-commerce has been to de-emphasise the significance of the place where economic activity is carried out, which makes it difficult to determine which jurisdiction has the right to tax. It has also blurred the traditional distinction between the form of delivery and the substance of what is delivered. Thus, the specific tax implications of e-commerce and the threat it imposes on the established tax systems can be examined by reference to how much e-commerce tends to disrupt the concepts and principles of direct taxation and international tax treaty rules. This article explores the effect of e-commerce on the principles of direct taxation. The question is should the tax system of the future be developed at a national or an international level?
Knowledge Management Solution to Challenges of Higher Education in South Africa
Authors: Mutula Stephen M. , Jacobs Daisy
Published: April 2012

This article presents challenges facing higher education in South Africa and how knowledge management can be applied to ameliorate the situation. Some of these challenges include internal and external pressures for accountability and transparency in the management of the institutions; declining state subsidies; stiff competition from global counterparts; low graduate throughput; declining enrolments; inadequate facilities (e.g. space, ICTs and equipment); ill-prepared graduates for the job market; limited partnership with industry and government; brain drain; bureaucracy and general poor service delivery. The authors submit that South African universities have largely not embraced knowledge management practices and argue that KM integration within the universities’ strategic processes and operations can help address the challenges facing them. The paper is largely based on authoritative secondary and primary sources complemented by the authors’ experiences working within university environments in Southern Africa.
Opportunities and Challenges of Emerging Technologies in Higher Education
Authors: Thomas P.
Published: April 2012

Recent unprecedented advances in digital technologies and their concomitant affordances in education seem to be a great opportunity to adequately address burgeoning demand for high quality higher education (HE) and the changing educational preferences. It is increasingly being recognised that using new technology effectively in HE is essential to prepare students for its increasing demand. E-learning is an integral component of the University of Botswana’s teaching and learning culture, however, teachers who are from a traditional educational system are often ill-prepared to change their role from the all-knowing “sage on the stage” who operated under the “transmission” model, to the “guide on the side” which adopts new technologies effectively for student learning. Therefore, this paper argues that one of the ways to achieve substantial pedagogical innovations is to bring a significant change in the understanding of the processes of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). This paper explores new directions for conducting scholarly activities at the University of Botswana (UB) to address the needs of today’s students, concluding with a call for a collaborative approach to teaching, research, and publishing to enhance student learning experience in diversified and socially rich collaborative learning contexts.
Universal Broadband
Authors: Yates David J. , Weiss Joseph W. , Gulati Girish J.
Published: April 2012

A new digital divide is emerging both within and between nations that is due to inequalities in broadband Internet access. To bridge the global broadband divide, organizations and individuals must collaborate to provide broadband access to a converged high-speed Internet for both rich and poor citizens worldwide. The authors argue that addressing this global problem is an ethical imperative that requires bridging the perspectives of multiple stakeholders and applying their collective resources, power and will. This paper develops a comprehensive framework, using stakeholder theory, which identifies the global stakeholders as well as the roles and responsibilities that these stakeholders must assume to balance their self-interest with serving the common good. The authors’ framework also highlights relationships between key stakeholders, namely governments and their citizens, businesses in the information and communication technology (ICT) industries, and other organizations. This paper makes four important observations that can guide governments and other stakeholders in bridging the broadband divide in pursuit of the common good.
Deconstructing the ‘Digital Divide’ In Africa
Authors: Mutula Stephen
Published: April 2012

The debate about whether the digital divide between Africa and the developed world is narrowing or widening has intensified over the last five years. Some believe that access to technology is positively correlated to economic development and wealth creation, however, since the dawn of the last century, the gap between the rich and the poor within and between developed and developing countries has continued to grow. The protagonists in this debate do not seem to appreciate the notion that the digital divide is not about a single technology, and is driven by a complex set of factors that exist beyond wires. This paper attempts to deconstruct the concept of the digital divide beyond access to PCs, telephones, Internet, cable TV, etc… The authors argue that the phenomenon as currently conceived is misleading and flawed, and so are the indices for its measurement. Suggestions that a new model for mapping the phenomenon is made in order to bridge the divide between developed and developing countries. In deconstructing the digital divide, the authors use the Declaration of Principles of the World Summit on Information Society and the indices used to measure e-readiness, information society, digital opportunity, and e-government.
Outsourcing Contract Success
Authors: Yadav Vanita , Metri B.A.
Published: April 2012

Despite the phenomenal growth in outsourcing of various business functions like Enterprise Systems outsourcing, IT outsourcing, and Business Process outsourcing, there has been relatively less attention given to the high-risk area of outsourcing contracts. In this regard, contract has been the conventional medium for governing outsourcing relationships. This study aims to bring forward the importance of quality in the entire contracting process, involving contract planning, pre-contract negotiation, contract formulation, and post-contract management. Specifically, the objective of this paper is to posit a quality framework for planning and analyzing outsourcing contracts that will in turn help in achieving outsourcing success. The framework proposed can be a useful guiding lens for practitioners and researchers associated with outsourcing work.
The Use of Structuration Theory and Actor Network Theory for Analysis
Authors: Iyamu Tiko , Roode Dewald
Published: April 2012

In the current climate of global competitiveness, many organisations are increasingly dependent on their IT strategy – either to increase their competitiveness, or often just to survive. Yet little is known about the non-technical influencing factors (such as people) and their impact on the development and implementation of IT strategy. There would therefore seem to be prima facie evidence that there is a need for a new approach to examining the relationships between social factors, technology and the organisation with respect to the development and implementation of IT strategy. This article seeks to make a contribution in this regard. Structuration Theory and Actor-Network Theory were employed to analyse how non-technical factors influence IT strategy. Structuration Theory holds that human actions are enabled and constrained by structures. Structures are rules and resources that do not exist independently of human action, nor are they material entities. Giddens describes them as ‘traces in the mind’ and argues that they exist only through the action of human beings. Actor Network Theory (ANT) provides a fresh perspective on the importance of relationships between actors that are both human and non-human. By their very presence, actors work to establish, maintain and revise the construction of organisational networks of aligned interests and gradually form stable actor-networks. ANT emphasises the heterogeneous nature of actor-networks which consist of and link together both technical and non-technical elements.