bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Translation Archaeology’ in Practice: Researching the History of Buddhist Translation in Tibet
Authors: Raine Roberta
Published: December 2014

This paper is a report on a 10-month period of archival research aimed at uncovering key data related to the translation of the Indian Buddhist canon into Tibetan, a remarkable achievement that took some 900 years to complete. Our previous research relying on secondary (English-language) sources found that much information was either missing or unsubstantiated. In particular, the seemingly simple question of how many translators were involved in producing the Tibetan canon could not be satisfactorily answered. Without this foundational data, it is impossible to determine how many texts each translator produced, or who the most prolific translators were in Tibet’s history. Thus, Phase 1 of the archival research was to record the names, dates, and other relevant data of all the translators listed in the Tibetan canon. Phase 2 focused on researching biographical materials of some of the translators discovered during Phase 1. Pym calls this type of work “translation archaeology,” which is concerned with answering questions such as “who translated what, how, where, when, for whom and with what effect” (Pym 1998: 5). The data gathered at the end of the research period is presented and analyzed, difficulties encountered are discussed, and areas of further research are suggested.
History and Policy of Translating Poetry: Azerbaijan and Its Neighbors
Authors: Isaxanli1 Hamlet
Published: December 2014

Throughout the history of civilization the art of translation has existed as a bridge that connects different cultures. The article focuses on the history of poetic (and other) translations in the Middle East and territories abutting Azerbaijan from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. It also explores the practice of translating holy books and its influence on the region, as well as the tradition of nezire, or writing a new book under the inspiration of an original one rather than simply translating the original. The second part of the article discusses the history of poetic translation into and from the Azerbaijani language, especially translation work from Abbas Sehhet and Samad Vurghun, two renowned translators in Azerbaijani history. Finally, important aspects of the art of translating poetry are reviewed and analyzed, such as poetic forms and metaphors, rhythm and rhyme schemes, and the style of the text. The article concludes by making the point that poetry should indeed be translated; however, translators must take many factors into account in their work so that the target text reflects as much as possible the beauty of the original.
Translators and Social Context: The Case Study of Slovakia
Authors: Djovčoš Martin
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the position of translators in Slovak society. It seeks an answer to the question who translates what, how and under which circumstances. To do so, it uses quantitative and qualitative methods of research. The quantitative analysis was performed with a questionnaire and data correlation analysis, whose results were then further tested via a qualitative analysis of 30 translations translated by 10 different translators (3 text types per each translator).1 The findings are juxtaposed with the ideas of Slovak and international translation scholars. The paper deals with translation as communication, the translation process, translator’s competences, the means by which these competences are acquired (formal education or practical experience) and how these factors influence the quality of translators’ output. This research paper presents results gained in the quantitative analysis.
Coagulation-floculation au sulfate d’aluminium de composés organiques phénoliques et effet de sels de calcium et de magnésium
Authors: Hecini Linda , Achour Samia
Published: December 2014

L’objectif de la présente étude est d’observer l’efficacité de la coagulation-floculation par le sulfate d’aluminium sur l’élimination des composés organiques à fonctions phénoliques (phénol et pyrogallol). L’intérêt s’est porté plus particulièrement sur l’incidence de sels minéraux constitutifs de la dureté « calcium et magnésium » et souvent présents dans la matrice minérale des eaux algériennes.

Des essais de Jar-Test ont été réalisés sur les deux composés phénoliques dissous dans l’eau distillée seule, puis enrichie en sels minéraux. Ces essais ont été réalisés sur des solutions synthétiques d’eau distillée enrichies par les ions de calcium et de magnésium introduits sous différentes formes (CaCl2•2H2O; CaSO4•2H2O; CaCO3; MgCl2•6H2O; MgSO4•7H2O) et, enfin, avec les eaux souterraines de la région. Différents paramètres réactionnels ont été variés (ex. : l’effet du pH et l’influence de la teneur en sels) et cette approche a permis une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes d’interactions composés phénoliques / sels calciques et magnésiens.

Les résultats obtenus indiquent que l’efficacité du procédé dépend du nombre et de la position des groupements phénoliques sur les molécules. Les principaux mécanismes seraient soit une adsorption physique, soit un échange de ligand ou une complexation à la surface des flocs d’hydroxydes d’aluminium. L’ajout de sels minéraux semble améliorer les rendements d’élimination de composés phénoliques testés et avoir un effet sur la gamme optimale de pH de coagulation. Une application de ce procédé à des eaux minéralisées (eaux de forage) de la région de Biskra, située au sud-est de l’Algérie, a abouti à une amélioration des rendements comparés à ceux dans de l'eau distillée.
Patrones metodológicos en la investigación española sobre evaluación de programas educativos
Authors: Expósito López Jorge , Olmedo Moreno Eva , Fernández-Cano Antonio
Published: December 2014

Este estudio pretende realizar inferencias sobre el campo de la Evaluación de Programas Educativos (E.P.E.), sintetizando ciertos patrones relativos a la metodología de sus investigaciones.En concreto, sobre el paradigma de fundamentación epistemológica, la metodologíade investigación específica, el modelo evaluativo empleado, las técnicas de muestreo, los instrumentos empleados para la recogida de información y las técnicas de análisis de datos, el diseños de investigación, las amenazas a su validez, los agentes evaluadores y otras características metodológicasconsideradas. Para ello, se revisaron 208 trabajos realizados y/o publicados en España desde el año 1975 al 2000, publicados la mayoría como artículos en revistas científicas especializadas. Obtenidos a partir de una búsqueda en diversas bases de datos, complementada con una búsqueda manual de referencias cruzadas
RELIEVE cumple 10 años pero... ¿cómo fue el primero?
Authors: Rodríguez Gómez Gregorio
Published: December 2014

El autor recuerda los inicios de RELIEVE, la primera revista electrónica que se autorizó en España. Se analiza también la evolución de las publicaciones electrónicas en estos diez años.
Reanalizando el rendimiento de los alumnos de cuarto grado en ma-temáticas en Chile: una aplicación de modelos jerárquicos lineales (HLM)
Authors: Cádiz Janet
Published: December 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el uso de Modelos Jerárquicos Lineales (HLM) para reanalizar el rendimiento en matemáticas de estudiantes de cuarto grado, usando datos del SIMCE (Sistema de Medición de la Calidad de la Educación de Chile) de 1996. Este artículo es parte de un estudio que representa una primera tentativa de explorar técnicas estadísticas más sofisticadas – diferentes de las técnicas comúnmente aplicadas hasta ahora - para obtener una mejor comprensión del logro de estudiante y del efecto escuela en Chile. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se analizan dos tipos de administración escolar : municipal y privada subvencionada, respectivamente, utilizando el Modelo de ANOVA de una vía y el Modelo Intercepto-Aleatorio como principales análisis de tipo jerárquico. Los resultados indican que hay diferencias significativas no sólo dentro de, sino también entre escuelas municipales y privadas subvencionadas en el rendimiento en matemáticas. Sin embargo, una variación significativa entre estudiantes y escuelas queda aún por ser explicada.
Dimensiones de análisis del diagnóstico en educación: el diagnóstico del contexto familiar
Authors: Ceballos Esperanza
Published: December 2014

El diagnóstico del contexto familiar ha sido un tema relativamente poco tratado en el ámbito del diagnóstico en educación, y cuya relevancia ha sido soslayada desde la perspectiva clásica del assessment. Sin embargo, se constata un interés creciente suscitado especialmente al hilo de las tendencias holísticas y ecológicas en el diagnóstico. Este artículo pretende ofrecer una síntesis de los tópicos más relevantes a tener en cuenta en el diagnóstico del contexto familiar, subrayando la importancia del análisis de este contexto para la aproximación a una evaluación auténtica.
La formación continua en España: balance y retos de futuro
Authors: Pineda Herrero Pilar
Published: December 2014

El artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio que pretende analizar la formación continua en España. El estudio describe la situación en que se halla este subsistema de formación, analiza como lo valoran los agentes implicados y apunta los retos de futuro que debe afrontar para ser una estrategia efectiva en el mantenimiento del empleo y la mejora de su calidad. La metodología utilizada es eminentemente cualitativa, centrada en la realización de entrevistas a los agentes clave de la formación continua. Los resultados muestran que, a pesar de que en la última década la formación continua ha mejorado notablemente tanto a nivel de cantidad como de calidad, aun queda mucho camino por recorrer, sobre todo en el caso de las empresas pequeñas y de los colectivos laborales con menos formación.
Análisis de la satisfacción del alumno con la docencia recibida: un estudio con modelos jerárquicos lineales
Authors: Pascual Gómez Isabel
Published: December 2014

Este artículo muestra que cuando se quiere conocer el grado de satisfacción del alumno con la docencia recibida, es aconsejable introducir en su análisis y estudio componentes contextuales. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren la necesidad de considerar los modelos jerárquicos lineales como alternativa metodológica al análisis de varianza tradicional, por su mejor adaptación a las estructuras de datos estudiados, agrupados o anidados en niveles o jerarquías.
Educación compensatoria. Efectos perdurables de la temprana implicación paterna (y III: el C.P.C)
Authors: López López Eduardo
Published: December 2014

En este artículo, después de describir brevemente el Programa de educación compensatoria temprana (de 3 a 9 años) llamado Chicago Child-Parent Centers (CPC), se recogen y analizan los estudios de evaluación de dicho programa desde una perspectiva longitudinal –Chicago Longitudinal Study (CLS)-, centrando primeramente la atención en los problemas metodológicos y posteriormente en los resultados de dicho programa tanto a corto como sobre todo a largo plazo, hasta que los destinatarios del programa alcanzan la edad de 24 años. Los estudios prueban que el programa tiene efectos duraderos de tipo educativo (más alto rendimiento y logros educativos) y social (mayor integración social). Posteriormente se analiza a qué elementos del programa son achacables los efectos beneficiosos, que son básicamente el ser temprano y la implicación de los padres en la educación de sus hijos. Se concluye que el programa es altamente rentable, finalizando con las implicaciones educativas que del estudio derivan.
Formación basada en competencias en educación sanitaria: aproximaciones a enfoques y modelos de competencia
Authors: Martínez-Clares Pilar , Martínez-Juárez Mirian , Muñoz-Cantero, Jesús Miguel
Published: December 2014

Los grandes cambios que se están produciendo en la sociedad de hoy en día ponen en entredicho la formación tradicional, centrada en la transmisión de conocimientos y en el entrenamiento de ciertas habilidades. Algunos expertos apuntan que la introducción del enfoque de competencias ha significado para la formación una vía para la actualización y el acercamiento a necesidades del ambiente organizacional. El enfoque de Formación basada en Competencias (FBC, en adelante), más conocido en la literatura internacional como OutCome Based Education, es considerado uno de los cambios más importantes en la educación sanitaria para el siglo XXI. Este enfoque, es el enfoque educativo predominante en las instituciones de educación superior del mundo y el que recomiendan los principales organismos rectores y evaluadores de la educación sanitaria (o educación médica en un sentido mas restringido).
La tutoría en la enseñanza universitaria y la contribución de las TIC para su mejora
Authors: García-Valcárcel Ana
Published: December 2014

Los profesores universitarios intercambian opiniones sobre la tutoría en un seminario virtual desarrollado en la Universidad de Salamanca (marzo de 2007) en el marco del proyecto de investigación TICDUS, subvencionado por el Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, en el que está trabajando el grupo GITE-USAL (Grupo de Investigación- Innovación de Tecnología Educativa de la Universidad de Salamanca). Se analizan las aportaciones de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación para mejorar los procesos didácticos relacionados con el cambio metodológico que propugna el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior. La tutoría es considerada una estrategia básica para la orientación, la individualización y el seguimiento del aprendizaje de los estudiantes en cualquier modelo pedagógico pero aún más cuando se proponen metodologías que dan mayor autonomía a los alumnos, como es el caso de los créditos ECTS y las TIC son valoradas como importantes y valiosos recursos para conseguir los fines propuestos. Las buenas prácticas se contraponen con las dificultades de tiempo, espacios, número de alumnos, reconocimiento de la actividad docente, etc. que señalan los profesores como características de la situación actual y que pueden hacer inviable, en muchos casos, un verdadero cambio que se dirija hacia un mayor aprendizaje y un aumento de la eficacia didáctica.
Perfiles docentes para el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) en el ámbito universitario español
Authors: Álvarez-Rojo Víctor , Asensio-Muñoz Inmaculada , Clares José , Del-Frago Rakel , García-Lupión Beatriz , García-Nieto Narciso , García-García Mercedes , Gil Javier , González-González Daniel , Guardia Soledad , Ibarra Marisol , López-Fuentes Rafael , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , Rodríguez-Gómez Gregorio , Rodríguez-Santero Javier , Romero Soledad , Salmerón Purificación
Published: December 2014

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de una investigación llevada a cabo en cinco universidades españolas sobre los perfiles docentes que demanda el EEES. Utilizando procedimientos de corte cualitativo se han obtenido en dos momentos consecutivos las percepciones de grupos de profesores sobre las principales competencias docentes necesarias para la armonización de la educación superior en la UE. El análisis de los datos indica, por una parte, la discrepancia entre los tipos de profesores actualmente existentes y los percibidos como necesarios; por otra, ha posibilitado la descripción pormenorizada de los perfiles de competencias docentes que el profesorado percibe como fundamentales para el ejercicio de las nuevas funciones que se le demandan en estos momentos.
Aproximación holística versus aproximación comunicativa en la evaluación de la producción oral en inglés
Authors: Vivanco Verónica
Published: December 2014

El propósito de este artículo es mostrar el rendimiento comunicativo en las simulaciones en inglés en dos grupos contrastivos: estudiantes adiestrados en enseñanza integrativa en contraste con los que están siguiendo un curso de enfoque comunicativo. La evaluación de la producción oral mediante una aproximación por tareas a las actividades de simulación muestra que, aunque los estudiantes siguiendo el método comunicativo dominan mejor tales técnicas, los estudiantes del método integrativo son más aventajados en el dominio de la gramática. Sin embargo, la nota media de los alumnos del método integral no se encuentra demasiado alejada de la de los que han seguido el método comunicativo. La razón parece radicar en que el método holístico fomenta el uso de habilidades lingu?.sticas que interactúan entre sí.
Creencias de autoeficacia de estudiantes universitarios: un estudio empírico sobre la especificidad del constructo
Authors: Blanco Blanco Ángeles
Published: December 2014

Este trabajo evaluó en el ámbito educativo dos proposiciones derivadas de la Teoría Cognitiva Social: a) las creencias de autoeficacia son específicas de un ámbito de funcionamiento dado y, b) dado un ámbito específico, el constructo autoeficacia puede ser distinguido de otros constructos autorreferentes. La muestra, formada por 272 estudiantes universitarios, completó medidas de autoeficacia general, autoeficacia académica, autoeficacia estadística y actitudes hacia la Estadística (componentes cognitivo y afectivo). Se llevaron a cabo varios Análisis de Componentes Principales y Análisis Factoriales Confirmatorios, entre otros procedimientos. Tomados en conjunto, los resultados obtenidos apoyan las proposiciones de partida.
La planificación basada en competencias en los másteres oficiales: un reto para el profesorado universitario
Authors: Ibarra Sáiz Maria Soledad , Rodríguez-Gómez Gregorio , Gómez-Ruiz Miguel-Ángel
Published: December 2014

Desde la planificación docente, centrar la atención en las competencias supone un giro radical. Es uno de los elementos en los que se aspira a que se introduzcan cambios efectivos para dar respuesta a las demandas que plantea el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior. La investigación que aquí se presenta pretende comprobar cómo se conciben las competencias en la planificación de los másteres oficiales. Se analizan las competencias de 87 másteres de 9 universidades españolas. Los resultados reflejan que la mayoría de másteres no explicitan sus competencias, que las más comunes están referidas a la aplicación de conocimientos y que existe una gran heterogeneidad a la hora de clasificar los tipos de competencias.
Factores moduladores de la percepción de la calidad docente
Authors: Casero Antonio
Published: December 2014

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar una revisión sobre los hallazgos existentes en relación a la investigación de los factores supuestamente implicados en la valoración que el alumnado universitario realiza sobre la tarea docente de sus profesores, pudiendo suponer una amenaza a la validez de dicho constructo. La revisión se presenta organizada en torno a las tres fuentes implicadas en el proceso perceptivo del alumno, siendo éstas el propio alumno, el profesor y el contexto. La revisión concluye que, a pesar de efectos menores, los factores analizados no representan una amenaza substancial a la validez del sistema. El debate infructuoso que se ha producido durante décadas sobre las garantías en la valoración del personal docente ha sido usado en gran parte para encubrir la falta de deseo de institucionalizar este tipo de sistemas de evaluación.
Análisis de las actitudes de los jóvenes universitarios hacia la discapacidad: un enfoque desde la teoría de la acción razonada
Authors: Novo-Corti Isabel , Muñoz-Cantero Jesús-Miguel , Calvo-Porral Cristina
Published: December 2014

Los valores democráticos presentes mayoritariamente en occidente han impulsado normas sociales favorables a la inclusión de colectivos en riesgo de exclusión social. Esta investigación se centra en la inclusión de colectivos con discapacidad en el ámbito de la universidad, para lo cual se realizó una encuesta a jóvenes estudiantes universitarios matriculados en la Universidad de A Coruña, en diferentes estudios y niveles, pertenecientes a las ramas de Economía y Empresa. Posteriormente, se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo y un análisis factorial basado en la Teoría de la Acción Razonada. Los resultados alcanzados muestran que los valores sociales prevalentes se presentan como la variable más importante y con mayor influencia sobre la intención de ayudar a las personas con discapacidad, mientras que las actitudes personales, así como el control percibido, aunque predisponen de manera favorable a prestar ayuda la persona con discapacidad, no han mostrado una influencia significativa. Asimismo, las respuestas sobre la intención de ayudar a la inclusión de las personas con discapacidad indican que los estudiantes prefieren que esta labor recaiga sobre las instituciones.
Seguimiento y evaluación en la UNED del sistema de prácticas de los alumnos en empresas
Authors: Ballesteros Velázquez Belén , Manzano Soto Nuria , Moriano Juan Antonio
Published: December 2014

En este artículo se presentan las líneas básicas de trabajo iniciadas por el Centro de Orientación, Información y Empleo (COIE) de la UNED para la evaluación de uno de los  ámbitos de actividad que resulta cada vez más solicitado por los alumnos: la gestión de convenios de cooperación educativa para la realización de prácticas en empresas. La necesidad de supervisar su desarrollo, establecer mecanismos de seguimiento y, en definitiva, diseñar procedimientos para su mejora, constituyen el punto de partida de esta investigación. Se presentan los resultados conseguidos en la evaluación de prácticas, tanto desde el punto de vista de las empresas como de los alumnos, que han tenido lugar en los cursos académicos 1998/99 y 1999/00, junto con las conclusiones obtenidas y medidas de mejora propuestas.
El enfoque metacognitivo en la educación
Authors: Barrero González Narciso
Published: December 2014

Editorial
EDUCAweb
Authors: Maquilón Sánchez Javier J.
Published: December 2014

Recensión
Sesgos relativos al género en las políticas editoriales de revistas científicas españolas del campo de la Educación
Authors: Vallejo Ruiz Mónica , Rojas Barahona Cristian , Fernández Cano Antonio
Published: December 2014

Este estudio analiza el estatus del género existente en los equipos o consejos editoriales de las revistas científicas españolas de Educación. A priori, se indaga el estatus de la eminencia científica en el campo de la Educación; con el fin de detectar los posibles sesgos de género. Como análisis complementario se considera la nacionalidad o procedencia de los miembros de los consejos editoriales de las revistas de Educación. El hallazgo principal testimonia un fuerte sesgo contra las mujeres cuando éstas son consideradas editoras.
Educación y conocimiento: ¿eje de la transformación productiva con equidad? El caso de Chile
Authors: Silva-Peña Ilich , Chelme-Bustos Alexis , Salgado-Labra Isabel
Published: December 2014

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo realizar una revisión de los resultados de políticas educativas en Chile, que han tenido  como eje central el concepto de “transformación productiva con equidad”. Se establece una mirada desde los aspectos de la productividad y la distribución de ingresos en los distintos estratos socioeconómicos, realizando una comparación de los niveles educativos alcanzados de acuerdo al nivel de ingreso. Dentro de las principales conclusiones y resultados se encuentra que, si bien es cierto, la productividad ha tenido un aumento, esto no ha sido así en los aspectos de equidad, lo cual podría señalar algunos inequívocos del desarrollo educativo en Chile.
Upcraft, M. L., & Schuh, J. H. (2001). Assessment Practice in Student Affairs. An applications manual. San Francisco: Jossey-bass
Authors: Vieira Aller M. José
Published: December 2014

Recensión de libros
Dynamic recruitment of the curvature-sensitive protein ArhGAP44 to nanoscale membrane deformations limits exploratory filopodia initiation in neurons
Authors: Galic Milos , Tsai Feng-Chiao , Collins Sean R , Matis Maja , Bandara Samuel , Meyer Tobias
Published: December 2014

In the vertebrate central nervous system, exploratory filopodia transiently form on dendritic branches to sample the neuronal environment and initiate new trans-neuronal contacts. While much is known about the molecules that control filopodia extension and subsequent maturation into functional synapses, the mechanisms that regulate initiation of these dynamic, actin-rich structures have remained elusive. Here, we find that filopodia initiation is suppressed by recruitment of ArhGAP44 to actin-patches that seed filopodia. Recruitment is mediated by binding of a membrane curvature-sensing ArhGAP44 N-BAR domain to plasma membrane sections that were deformed inward by acto-myosin mediated contractile forces. A GAP domain in ArhGAP44 triggers local Rac-GTP hydrolysis, thus reducing actin polymerization required for filopodia formation. Additionally, ArhGAP44 expression increases during neuronal development, concurrent with a decrease in the rate of filopodia formation. Together, our data reveals a local auto-regulatory mechanism that limits initiation of filopodia via protein recruitment to nanoscale membrane deformations.
An intracellular anion channel critical for pigmentation
Authors: Bellono Nicholas W , Escobar Iliana E , Lefkovith Ariel J , Marks Michael S , Oancea Elena
Published: December 2014

Intracellular ion channels are essential regulators of organellar and cellular function, yet the molecular identity and physiological role of many of these channels remains elusive. In particular, no ion channel has been characterized in melanosomes, organelles that produce and store the major mammalian pigment melanin. Defects in melanosome function cause albinism, characterized by vision and pigmentation deficits, impaired retinal development, and increased susceptibility to skin and eye cancers. The most common form of albinism is caused by mutations in oculocutaneous albinism II (OCA2), a melanosome-specific transmembrane protein with unknown function. Here we used direct patch-clamp of skin and eye melanosomes to identify a novel chloride-selective anion conductance mediated by OCA2 and required for melanin production. Expression of OCA2 increases organelle pH, suggesting that the chloride channel might regulate melanin synthesis by modulating melanosome pH. Thus, a melanosomal anion channel that requires OCA2 is essential for skin and eye pigmentation.
Differential effects of light and feeding on circadian organization of peripheral clocks in a forebrain Bmal1 mutant
Authors: Izumo Mariko , Pejchal Martina , Schook Andrew C , Lange Ryan P , Walisser Jacqueline A , Sato Takashi R , Wang Xiaozhong , Bradfield Christopher A , Takahashi Joseph S
Published: December 2014

In order to assess the contribution of a central clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to circadian behavior and the organization of peripheral clocks, we generated forebrain/SCN-specific Bmal1 knockout mice by using floxed Bmal1 and pan-neuronal Cre lines. The forebrain knockout mice showed >90% deletion of BMAL1 in the SCN and exhibited an immediate and complete loss of circadian behavior in constant conditions. Circadian rhythms in peripheral tissues persisted but became desynchronized and damped in constant darkness. The loss of synchrony was rescued by light/dark cycles and partially by restricted feeding (only in the liver and kidney but not in the other tissues) in a distinct manner. These results suggest that the forebrain/SCN is essential for internal temporal order of robust circadian programs in peripheral clocks, and that individual peripheral clocks are affected differently by light and feeding in the absence of a functional oscillator in the forebrain.
Enhanced homology-directed human genome engineering by controlled timing of CRISPR/Cas9 delivery
Authors: Lin Steven , Staahl Brett T , Alla Ravi K , Doudna Jennifer A
Published: December 2014

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a robust genome editing technology that works in human cells, animals and plants based on the RNA-programmed DNA cleaving activity of the Cas9 enzyme. Building on previous work (Jinek et al., 2013), we show here that new genetic information can be introduced site-specifically and with high efficiency by homology-directed repair (HDR) of Cas9-induced site-specific double-strand DNA breaks using timed delivery of Cas9-guide RNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. Cas9 RNP-mediated HDR in HEK293T, human primary neonatal fibroblast and human embryonic stem cells was increased dramatically relative to experiments in unsynchronized cells, with rates of HDR up to 38% observed in HEK293T cells. Sequencing of on- and potential off-target sites showed that editing occurred with high fidelity, while cell mortality was minimized. This approach provides a simple and highly effective strategy for enhancing site-specific genome engineering in both transformed and primary human cells.
What can we learn from the dark chapters in our history?
Education about the Holocaust in Poland in a comparative perspective.
Authors: Ambrosewicz-Jacobs Jolanta , Büttner Elisabeth
Published: December 2014

The article investigates what research tells us about the dynamics of educational practice in both formal and informal education about the Holocaust. It poses questions such as whether it is possible to identify good practices on a political and/or educational level, whether there are links between education about the Holocaust and human rights education, and how education about the Holocaust relates to attitudes toward Jews. Examples of both international studies (such as those by the Fundamental Rights Agency of the EU and the American Jewish Committee) and some national surveys on education about the Holocaust are discussed, followed by an analysis of empirical studies from Poland based on focus group interviews and individual interviews with educators. The choice of case study was based on the historical fact that occupied Poland was the site of the murder of almost 5 million Jews, including 3 million Polish Jews.In many cases a strong association with a Polish sense of victimhood based on the memory of the terror and the murder of almost 2 million ethnic Poles during WWII creates conflicting approaches and generates obstacles to providing education about Jewish victims. Nevertheless, following the fall of communism, the number of educational initiatives designed to teach and learn about the Shoah is steadily increasing. The article presents tips for successful programmes of education about the Holocaust which can be generalised for any type of quality education, but are primarily significant for education about tolerance and education aimed at reducing prejudice, counteracting negative stereotypes and preventing discrimination.
Systems Design Perspective of Healthcare Provision in Humanitarian Aid
Authors: Santos Ana Laura , Wauben Linda S.G.L.
Published: December 2014

This study focuses on the role of Systems Design in addressing the challenges of healthcare provision by international emergency relief organizations in developing countries. More specifically the challenges related to the safety and performance of medical equipment that is transferred in the aftermath of a humanitarian crisis. The aim of this paper is to describe the transfer of medical equipment and its associated challenges from a systems perspective and to reflect on the value of Systems Design as an approach to humanitarian innovation, addressing the identified systemic challenges. The concepts of Human Factors and Ergonomics, and Product-Service Systems will be presented as valuable contributions to support designers in handling a larger degree of complexity throughout the design process and to support them to make informed choices regarding this particular context.
Framing children through observation practices: using art theory to re-think ways of looking at children.
Authors: MacRae Christina
Published: December 2014

This paper looks at methodological questions that are raised through the practice of observation to consider how researchers ‘keep an eye on the world’, and particularly how early years practitioners keep an eye on children. Drawing on notions of perspective in art history and theory as methodological resources it asks questions about the frames through which children have been conventionally seen in both research and Early Years Settings. In particular I have chosen to focus on the Target Child Observation System, as it was the system that I was first trained to use both as an Early Years Teacher and as a researcher. By referring to perspective as a method to represent what is observed, the paper contrasts two different models of perspective. Alberti’s use of the window and grid to project the observed is contrasted with Brunelleschi’s mirror play. Questions are raised about how observation as procedure acts to limit vision by organising the gaze. Brunelleschi’s demonstration of perspective can be useful in order to remind us of ways in which the objects of our gaze might escape verification through observation.
Organic Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Deen M. Jamal
Published: December 2014

In the past few decades, the applications of organic or polymeric semiconductors in photonics, electronics and optoelectronics have advanced significantly. This has been primarily because of improvements in the quality organic/polymeric materials after processing, as well as the processing techniques and technologies. For example, roll‐to‐roll, sheet‐to‐sheet or printing technologies are being proposed as suitable manufacturing candidates because they can be carried out at room temperature, do not require the kind of clean room environment needed for traditional semiconductor manufacturing, and are very suitable for very low‐cost, high volume production. In this article, we concentrated on four types of organic semiconductor devices. Because of their huge commercial potential, a significant part of the article is devoted to light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) made either with polymers or organic semiconductor materials. To improve the linewidth and enhance the efficiency of the LEDs, microcavities are discussed And for active display driver transistors and other electronic applications, thin‐film transistors with organic semiconductors and all‐organic transistors are described. Finally, photovoltaic cells, photodiodes, and metal–organic semiconductor junctions are discussed.
Magnetic Modeling, Hysteresis
Authors: Della Torre Edward , ElBidweihy Hatem
Published: December 2014

Magnetic modeling can be carried out at the physical level or the phenomenological level. At both levels, the models are coupled to Maxwell's equations, which characterize the working relationships in the fields. In physical modeling, the parameters are dependent upon the choice of materials and the physical principles involved. In phenomenological modeling, the material behavior is identified parametrically using mathematical formulas which characterize the material's behavior. The latter method gives general physical insights into the magnetization process and is computationally much more efficient, but not every parameter has a physical meaning.
Ferroresonance: Systems, Analysis and Modeling
Authors: Milicevic Kruno
Published: December 2014

The paper describes the phenomenon of ferroresonance, types of ferroresonant steady‐states, and typical cases of ferroresonance in electrical power network. Ferroresonance can occur under normal operational conditions leading to overvoltages several times the normal equipment ratings with subsequent catastrophic damage to electrical equipment affecting the reliability of power networks. Most important properties of ferroresonance and usual methods for its analysis are presented, as well as the most important modeling options and issues.
Superjunction
Authors: Napoli Ettore
Published: December 2014

Power semiconductor devices control the energy flow in virtually every electric and electronic system. Most commonly recognized applications are: automotive, traction, consumer electronics, air conditioning, electric engines. The improvement in power devices results in improved power management circuits with increased efficiency. Reduced environmental pollution, reduced cost, reduced size, and longer battery life are only few of the advantages that derive from advancements in the design of power semiconductor devices.

Dating from the invention of the tranistor, a continuous research and development activity, driven by the huge market request, provided new device concepts, advanced design techniques, and new materials that largely improved the performance of the power semiconductor devices.

A big step towards the ideal device is the introduction of the SuperJunction (SJ) concept in 1997 with inherent drastic reduction of the ON state resistance and of the conduction losses for power devices. SJ is not an improvement due to the use of a new material. It is an improvement derived by an innovative design concept for the sustaining layer that, instead of exhibiting a one dimensional structure, is manufactured with a complex two or three dimensional structure. SJ design technique is therefore applicable to different power devices but requires a design approach that differs from the one used for conventional power devices.
Magnetic Tunnel Junctions for Spintronics: Principles and Applications
Authors: Peng S.Z. , Zhang Y. , Wang M.X. , Zhang Y.G. , Zhao Weisheng
Published: December 2014

Spintronics has received a great attention and considerable interest within the past decades. As a core device in this discipline, magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) evolved rapidly and already be used in applications such as hard disk drive (HDD) read head and magnetic random access memory (MRAM) etc. In this article, we review some basic effects related to MTJ, for example, giant magnetoresistance (GMR), tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) and spin transfer torque (STT). Based on these theories, two kinds of MTJs, in‐plane and perpendicular MTJs, are introduced. Then, several magnetization switching methods, which include field‐induced switching, thermally assisted switching, STT switching and recent voltage‐controlled switching, are proposed. In the end, some important applications of MTJs are presented.
Silicon Carbide Junction Field‐Effect Transistors (SiCJFETs)
Authors: Veliadis Victor
Published: December 2014

Wide bandgap semiconductors like silicon carbide (SiC) are currently being developed for high‐power/high‐temperature applications. Silicon carbide (SiC) is ideally suited for power switching because of its high saturated drift velocity, its high critical field strength, its excellent thermal conductivity, and its mechanical strength. For power devices, the 10‐fold increase in critical field strength of SiC relative to Si allows high‐voltage blocking layers to be fabricated significantly thinner than those of comparable Si devices. This reduces device ON‐state resistance and the associated conduction and switching losses, while maintaining the same high‐voltage blocking capability. The specific ON‐state resistance of 4H‐SiC is approximately 400 times lower than that of Si at a given breakdown voltage. This allows for high current operation at relatively low forward voltage drop. In addition, the wide bandgap of SiC allows operation at high temperatures where conventional Si devices fail.

In this article, we will review the SiC single‐implant no epitaxial regrowth vertical channel junction field‐effect transistor (JFET). The feasibility of efficient 1200 V normally OFF JFET operation will be investigated. The all‐SiC JFET‐based cascode switch will be introduced and aspects of its operation evaluated. High‐temperature direct‐current (dc) characteristics of JFETs and 1200 V normally OFF cascode switches will be discussed. Large‐area high‐current JFETs and their current sharing and switching performances will be presented. Aspects of JFET fabrication, including their edge termination, will be provided. JFET wafer yields and parameter uniformities will be presented. Hard and unclamped inductive JFET switching evaluations will be introduced. Finally, a 9‐kV JFET will be introduced and its reliability under bipolar stress will be examined.
Wireless Endoscopy
Authors: Yuce Mehmet Rasit , Alici Gursel , Than Trung Duc
Published: December 2014

Wireless endoscopy device is a miniature medical device that travels through the digestive system to collect images or physiological data and transfers them to an external console worn by patients or to a nearby TV/computer for display and monitoring. The current commercial devices have a dimension of approximately 11 × 26 mm with the shape of a pill so as to reach areas such as the small intestine to obtain video images. These devices record and transmit images over approximately an eight hour journey through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

A video‐based capsule device produces a large amount of data from high‐resolution cameras, which is delivered over a high capacity wireless link. The commercially available capsules operate based on passive motion with no control over its position or orientation. These devices operate using small batteries with limited energy source. This article discusses implementation issues and presents details of techniques for design of wireless capsule systems. In addition, it outlines new studies involving motion control, localization and wireless energy transfer to increase the battery life of current wireless capsule devices. These new features will enable the next generation wireless capsule endoscopy devices to actively navigate within the GI tract of the human body and enable new therapeutic operations. Finally, the limitations of current devices are discussed and future directions and design challenges are highlighted for designers and researchers.
Semiconducting Polymers: Poly(thiophenes)
Authors: Magurudeniya Harsha D. , Huang Peishen , Gunathilake Samodha S. , Rainbolt Elizabeth A. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: December 2014

Owing to the excellent optoelectronic properties and ease of synthesis, poly(3‐alkylthiophenes) (P3ATs) have been extensively studied as one of the best conjugated semiconducting polymeric materials for organic electronic applications, such as organic field effect transistors (OFETs), bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells, and organic light emitting diodes. The asymmetric structure of the 3‐alkylthiophene monomer leads to the formation of three different regioisomers due to the different coupling possibilities and generate (P3AT) polymers with different regioregularities, which affect the optoelectronic properties. The current review highlights the evolution of the synthetic methods utilized for the synthesis of regioregular poly(3‐alkylthiophene) homopolymer and block copolymers, their charge transport properties, the effects of regioregularity, molecular weight, processing techniques on the charge transport properties, and their applications in OFETs and BHJ solar cells.
History of Polymer Science
Authors: Morawetz Herbert
Published: December 2014

This article presents the early history of synthetic polymers and biological macromolecules up to 1960. Important milestones on polymer synthesis and characterization as well as the beginnings of polymer industry are overviewed.
Predicting the long‐term fate of buried organic carbon in colluvial soils
Authors: Wang Zhengang , Van Oost Kristof , Govers Gerard
Published: December 2014

A significant part of the soil organic carbon (SOC) that is eroded in uplands is deposited and buried in colluvial settings. Understanding the fate of this deposited soil organic carbon is of key importance for the understanding of the role of (accelerated) erosion in the global C cycle: the residence time of the deposited carbon will determine if, and for how long, accelerated erosion due to human disturbance will induce sequestration of SOC from the atmosphere to the soil. Experimental studies may provide useful information, but, given the time scale under consideration, the response of the colluvial SOC can only be simulated using numerical models which need careful calibration using field data. In this study, we present a depth explicit SOC model including soil profile evolution due to sedimentation to simulate the long‐term C dynamics in colluvial soils. The SOC profile predicted by our model is in good agreement with field observations. The C burial efficiency (the ratio of current C content of the buried sediments to the original C content at the time of sedimentation) of deposited sediments exponentially decreases with time and gradually reaches an equilibrium value. This equilibrium C burial efficiency is positively correlated with the sedimentation rate. The sedimentation rate is crucial for the long‐term dynamics of the deposited SOC as it controls the time that buried sediments spend at a given soil depth, thereby determining its temporal evolution of C input and decomposition rate during the burial process: C input and decomposition rate vary with depth due to the vertical variation of root distribution and soil environmental factors such as (but not limited to) humidity, temperature, and aeration. The model demonstrates that, for the profiles studied, it takes circa 300 years for the buried SOC to lose half of its C load. It would also take centuries for the SOC accumulated in colluvial soils over the past decades due to soil redistribution under mechanized agriculture to be released to the atmosphere after the application of soil conservation measures such as conservation tillage.
Current Electrospray Mass Spectrometry: an Overview. Part A. Analyte Atomization
Authors: Verkerk Udo H.
Published: December 2014

Electrospray ionization(ESI) is an atomization and ionization method through which a solution‐phase analyte can be transferred via minute charged droplets into the gas‐phase as an ion. The first part of this two‐part review on electrospray mass spectrometry considers the formation of these minute charged droplets. Atomization of liquids can take place through mechanical or electrostatic breakup of a liquid jet. In the absence of an electric field, charged droplets of both polarities are formed because of the disruption of the electrical double layer at the air–water interface. Addition of an electric field results in the formation of charged droplets of a single polarity. At sufficiently high electric field strength, mechanical jet disruption is replaced by electrostatic jet disruption giving the highest yield of charged droplets; this is the commonly used conductive DC electrospray. More recent means of forming charged droplets by DC or AC electric fields are discussed in the following sections. Mechanisms for reducing the droplet electrostatic stress such as droplet fragmentation are reviewed in the final section. These processes form the basis for the creation of charged gas‐phase analytes that is described in Current Electrospray Mass Spectrometry: an Overview. Part B. Analyte Charging.
Raman Optical Activity
Authors: Mutter Shaun T. , Pour Saeideh O. , Blanch Ewan W.
Published: December 2014

Raman optical activity(ROA) measures a small intensity difference in the Raman scattering from chiral molecules using right‐ and left‐circularly polarized light and is now a powerful analytical technique. The sensitivity of ROA spectra to stereochemistry provides a wealth of detailed information about both structure and conformational dynamics. This article presents the theoretical background to the subject and a summary of the different forms of ROA measurement. We then review the application of ROA spectroscopy to a diverse range of molecules, in order to highlight the level of structural detail that can be obtained. Although ROA is still a specialized analytical technique, the ROA community has recently grown leading to new applications and developments, and we present significant results to illustrate how ROA is opening new opportunities in many disciplines. Computational modeling of ROA spectra is making increasingly significant impact by allowing the sensitivity of ROA to molecular conformation to be fully exploited, and we explore the increasing synergy between experiment and theory. We hope that this article helps to inform other scientists about the analytical capabilities of ROA.