bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time of Flight Sensor with a Flow Parallel Wire
Authors: Gerhardy Christof , Schomburg Werner Karl
Published: April 2012

A time of flight sensor has been equipped with a sensing wire parallel to the flow direction (flow parallel wire, FPW). A heat pulse is generated with a coil in the flow channel. The FPW has a center tap allowing its upstream and downstream parts to join in a half bridge. When a heat pulse passes the FPW, a large output peak is generated. The time between heat pulse generation and recording the peak maximum is only marginally affected by the properties of the fluid. With a combination of two FPWs, a measuring range of approximately 0.01–0.5 m/s can be achieved.
Inhibitory Effects of Acetylmelodorinol, Chrysin and Polycarpol from Mitrella kentii on Prostaglandin E2 and Thromboxane B2 Production and Platelet Activating Factor Receptor Binding
Authors: Saadawi Sakina , Jalil Juriyati , Jasamai Malina , Jantan Ibrahim
Published: April 2012

Acetylmelodorinol, chrysin and polycarpol, together with benzoic acid, benzoquinone and stigmasterol were isolated from the leaves of Mitrella kentii (Bl.) Miq. The compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production in human whole blood using a radioimmunoassay technique. Their inhibitory effect on platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor binding to rabbit platelet was determined using 3H-PAF as a ligand. Among the compounds tested, chrysin showed a strong dose-dependent inhibitory activity on PGE2 production (IC50 value of 25.5 µM), which might be due to direct inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymatic activity. Polycarpol, acetylmelodorinol and stigmasterol exhibited significant and concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on TXB2 production with IC50 values of 15.6, 19.1 and 19.4 µM, respectively, suggesting that they strongly inhibited COX-1 activity. Polycarpol and acetylmelodorinol showed strong dose-dependent inhibitory effects on PAF receptor binding with IC50 values of 24.3 and 24.5 µM, respectively.
Superconducting Fullerene Nanowhiskers
Authors: Takeya Hiroyuki , Miyazawa Kun’ichi , Kato Ryoei , Wakahara Takatsugu , Ozaki Toshinori , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Takahide , Takano Yoshihiko
Published: April 2012

We synthesized superconducting fullerene nanowhiskers (C60NWs) by potassium (K) intercalation. They showed large superconducting volume fractions, as high as 80%. The superconducting transition temperature at 17 K was independent of the K content (x) in the range between 1.6 and 6.0 in K-doped C60 nanowhiskers (KxC60NWs), while the superconducting volume fractions changed with x. The highest shielding fraction of a full shielding volume was observed in the material of K3.3C60NW by heating at 200 °C. On the other hand, that of a K-doped fullerene (K-C60) crystal was less than 1%. We report the superconducting behaviors of our newly synthesized KxC60NWs in comparison to those of KxC60 crystals, which show superconductivity at 19 K in K3C60. The lattice structures are also discussed, based on the x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses.
The Antimicrobial Efficacy of Elaeis guineensis: Characterization, in Vitro and in Vivo Studies
Authors: Vijayarathna Soundararajan , Zakaria Zuraini , Chen Yeng , Latha Lachimanan Yoga , Kanwar Jagat R. , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: April 2012

The urgent need to treat multi-drug resistant pathogenic microorganisms in chronically infected patients has given rise to the development of new antimicrobials from natural resources. We have tested Elaeis guineensis Jacq (Arecaceae) methanol extract against a variety of bacterial, fungal and yeast strains associated with infections. Our studies have demonstrated that E. guineensis exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo against the bacterial and fungal strains tested. A marked inhibitory effect of the E. guineensis extracts was observed against C. albicans whereby E. guineensis extract at ½, 1, or 2 times the MIC significantly inhibited C. albicans growth with a noticeable drop in optical density (OD) of the bacterial culture. This finding confirmed the anticandidal activity of the extract on C. albicans. Imaging using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy was done to determine the major alterations in the microstructure of the extract-treated C. albicans. The main abnormalities noted via SEM and TEM studies were the alteration in morphology of the yeast cells. In vivo antimicrobial activity was studies in mice that had been inoculated with C. albicans and exhibited good anticandidal activity. The authors conclude that the extract may be used as a candidate for the development of anticandidal agent.
Nelson Mandela and the Power of Ubuntu
Authors: Oppenheim Claire E.
Published: April 2012

Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting for the freedom of his South African kin of all colors against the institution of apartheid. He spent twenty-seven years fighting from within prison, only gaining his freedom when his fellow South Africans could claim it as well. This article demonstrates how his faith, his spiritual development and his noble purpose can be conceptualized through the lens of Ubuntu: the African ethic of community, unity, humanity and harmony.
Spiritual Pathology: The Case of Adolf Hitler
Authors: Scarlett W. George
Published: April 2012

Hitler had a noble purpose (to save the world) and a strong faith in the laws of Nature as he understood Nature. He was, then, a spiritual person, though his spirituality was pathological and destructive. Here, the example of Hitler, his faith, and his spiritual pathology is given to both understand spiritual pathology in general and, through contrast, to understand positive spiritual development.
Performance Evaluation of Fusing Protected Fingerprint Minutiae Templates on the Decision Level
Authors: Yang Bian , Busch Christoph , De Groot Koen , Xu Haiyun , Veldhuis Raymond N. J.
Published: April 2012

In a biometric authentication system using protected templates, a pseudonymous identifier is the part of a protected template that can be directly compared. Each compared pair of pseudonymous identifiers results in a decision testing whether both identifiers are derived from the same biometric characteristic. Compared to an unprotected system, most existing biometric template protection methods cause to a certain extent degradation in biometric performance. Fusion is therefore a promising way to enhance the biometric performance in template-protected biometric systems. Compared to feature level fusion and score level fusion, decision level fusion has not only the least fusion complexity, but also the maximum interoperability across different biometric features, template protection and recognition algorithms, templates formats, and comparison score rules. However, performance improvement via decision level fusion is not obvious. It is influenced by both the dependency and the performance gap among the conducted tests for fusion. We investigate in this paper several fusion scenarios (multi-sample, multi-instance, multi-sensor, multi-algorithm, and their combinations) on the binary decision level, and evaluate their biometric performance and fusion efficiency on a multi-sensor fingerprint database with 71,994 samples.
Evaluation of the Long-Term Effect of Air Filtration on the Occurrence of New PRRSV Infections in Large Breeding Herds in Swine-Dense Regions
Authors: Dee Scott , Cano Jean Paul , Spronk Gordon , Reicks Darwin , Ruen Paul , Pitkin Andrea , Polson Dale
Published: April 2012

Airborne transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a risk factor for the infection of susceptible populations. Therefore, a long‑term sustainability study of air filtration as a means to reduce this risk was conducted. Participating herds (n = 38) were organized into 4 independent cohorts and the effect of air filtration on the occurrence of new PRRSV infections was analyzed at 3 different levels from September 2008 to January 2012 including the likelihood of infection in contemporary filtered and non-filtered herds, the likelihood of infection before and after implementation of filtration and the time to failure in filtered and non-filtered herds. Results indicated that new PRRSV infections in filtered breeding herds were significantly lower than in contemporary non-filtered control herds (P < 0.01), the odds for a new PRRSV infection in breeding herds before filtration was 7.97 times higher than the odds after filtration was initiated (P < 0.01) and the median time to new PRRSV infections in filtered breeding herds of 30 months was significantly longer than the 11 months observed in non-filtered herds (P < 0.01). In conclusion, across all 3 levels of analysis, the long-term effect of air filtration on reducing the occurrence of new PRRSV infections in the study population was demonstrated.
Coastal Flooding in the Solent: An Integrated Analysis of Defences and Inundation
Authors: Wadey Matthew P. , Nicholls Robert J. , Hutton Craig
Published: April 2012

This paper demonstrates a methodology for integrating existing models for the rapid simulation of coastal flood events across a large and varied case study area on the UK south coast. Following validation against observations from real coastal floods, synthetic events driven by realistic waves and water levels and the full range of failure mechanisms were modelled for a range of loadings to generate peak flood water depths and an overview of impacts across this spectrum of possible floods. Overtopping is relatively important compared to breaching as coastal floodplains are small. This modelling system supports multiple potential applications, such as planning flood warnings, coastal defence upgrade, and land use, including under sea-level rise. The concepts drawn from this study are transferable to similar coastal regions.
La production des enquêtes quantitatives
Authors: Caveng Rémy
Published: April 2012

Dans la littérature consacrée à la qualité des enquêtes quantitatives et dans les arguments de vente des entreprises de sondage, la standardisation du recueil de données ainsi que la réduction de « l’effet enquêteur » tiennent une place centrale. Pour atteindre ces deux objectifs, il suffirait d’appliquer à la lettre un ensemble de règles. Or la réalité du terrain est bien éloignée de ces standards de production et les enquêteurs aménagent systématiquement le protocole de passation. Plusieurs raisons permettent d’en rendre compte : la passation d’un questionnaire, comme toute interaction sociale, ne saurait être purement standard ; le niveau de productivité attendu contrevient à la réalisation du travail tel qu’il est prescrit ; les conditions d’emploi, de travail et de rémunération des enquêteurs ne les incitent pas à se conformer à ces prescriptions. Une conception réaliste et pragmatique de la qualité des données impliquerait alors de prendre en compte ces trois dimensions.
La construction locale d’une base transnationale de données en botanique
Authors: Heaton Lorna , Proulx Serge
Published: April 2012

Cet article décrit le travail d’une équipe de cinq personnes se consacrant à la numérisation de spécimens de plantes contenus dans un vaste herbier à Montpellier, projet ayant pour objectif la production de données numériques devant être insérées dans une banque de données d’envergure mondiale. Notre analyse descriptive met en lumière, d’une part, l’invisibilité associée aux contraintes d’une infrastructure informationnelle transnationale qui sépare les données de leur lieu de production locale : le travail de ces personnes constitue un travail fantôme, un travail de « petites mains », un travail rendu invisible du fait de l’envergure mondiale du projet qui suppose une standardisation des tâches d’exécution et l’anonymat des exécutants. D’autre part, nous nous interrogeons sur l’importance des valeurs politiques et morales associées à la configuration d’un dispositif sociotechnique cherchant à valoriser à la fois la production scientifique et les individus qui en sont responsables. Enfin, le cas présenté ici donne à voir la transposition en mode numérique de données scientifiques déjà existantes. Cette transformation matérielle restreint certaines possibilités de production des savoirs tout en ouvrant la porte à de nouveaux possibles cognitifs.
La chambre froide
Authors: Yi Mi-Kyung
Published: April 2012

Résumé La frigidité féminine est comme l’impuissance masculine, mais en « plus bruyante ». Cette affirmation laconique de Freud témoigne de la perplexité que suscite ce trouble dans la théorie comme dans la pratique. À la fois, évidence et énigme. En effet, l’émergence de la question de la frigidité ne se produit jamais sans faire des histoires , sans ouvrir des questions jusque-là confinées dans l’ombre, comme celle de la passivité. L’auteur propose de cerner ce pouvoir d’interrogation de la frigidité féminine, tel qu’il se révèle dans l’histoire de la sexualité et la théorie psychanalytique, tout comme dans la cure psychanalytique.
L'inhibition psychosexuelle
Authors: Lepastier Samuel
Published: April 2012

Résumé Dans cet article, l’auteur, plutôt que de dresser une liste des symptômes faisant obstacle à une vie sexuelle heureuse, préfère considérer que ceux-ci sont des expressions différenciées au sein d’un continuum commun : l’inhibition psychosexuelle. Celle-ci se manifeste aussi bien par des limitations du plaisir amoureux que par des difficultés à maintenir un lien privilégié avec l’objet élu. Dans cette perspective, il apparaît vain de prôner la recherche du plaisir par des recettes mécaniques.
What is this thing called love ?
Authors: Denis Anne
Published: April 2012

Résumé La vie amoureuse, qui suppose « la totalité » de la force pulsionnelle, dépend de la levée du clivage du moi, qui peut être traumatique : le passage à la génitalité adulte avec l’abandon du primat du phallus et la perte des limites narcissiques provoquent une déstructuration de l’appareil psychique. « Plaisir négatif », comme tous les plaisirs élevés, l’état amoureux et sa réalisation orgastique sont apparentés au sentiment océanique par les poètes qui y voient une « connaissance » dont le modèle peut servir à la communication des esprits.
Le tabou de la frigidité. Le silence des alcôves
Authors: Schaeffer Jacqueline
Published: April 2012

Résumé Au-delà des pathologies avérées, les angoisses et les troubles de la sexualité peuvent être explorés au niveau de la pratique de la vie sexuelle ordinaire, tout autant que par les fantasmes et le transfert. La sexualité adulte n’est pas l’objet de l’intérêt des psychanalystes au même titre que la sexualité infantile et le réveil du deuxième temps du diphasisme à l’adolescence. Cependant, ce qui peut être dit dans la cure de la sexualité effective est révélateur de la profondeur de la vie psychique, des fantasmes sexuels et bisexuels inconscients, de l’élaboration de la différence des sexes et de la relation à l’objet. La frigidité n’est-elle que féminine, et l’impuissance uniquement masculine ?
Un premier amour ne s'oublie jamais (ou presque)
Authors: Balsamo Maurizio
Published: April 2012

Résumé La clinique borderline montre une « indésirable » fidélité à l’objet primaire, de sorte que le problème pourrait être : comment passer d’une mémoire à une autobiographie, infléchir le grumeau de réel en l’empêchant de s’imposer comme destin, introduire une migration ? Comment travailler la haine et le sentiment de possession qui caractérisent ces patients ? L’auteur propose que c’est aussi grâce à la haine envers le nouvel objet qu’un mouvement rend possible des modulations différentes, des transformations par rapport à la configuration originelle, en réalisant un processus de désidentification. Les problèmes théoriques et techniques relatifs à cette complexe dynamique sont posés à partir de deux cas cliniques.
L'encadrement juridique des rappels et des retraits de produits de consommation
Authors: Arbour Marie-Ève , Johnson-Bégin Simon
Published: April 2012

Résumé Phénomène en pleine expansion, les rappels de produits de consommation nécessitent de connaître l’encadrement juridique en la matière. Un tel exercice est d’autant plus pertinent que le Canada s’est tout récemment doté de la Loi canadienne sur la sécurité des produits de consommation, laquelle prévoit expressément la possibilité pour Santé Canada de procéder au rappel de certains produits s’ils s’avèrent dangereux pour la santé des personnes. Après avoir présenté cette nouvelle loi, l’article décrit trois études de cas afin de traiter des balises juridiques propres aux industries de l’automobile, des instruments médicaux et des aliments. Finalement, au-delà du respect des lois, nous parlons des responsabilités des employeurs et de l’État en matière de gestion des rappels et des retraits de produits.
Comment minimiser les effets négatifs des rappels de produits?
Authors: Pons Frank , Souiden Nizar
Published: April 2012

Résumé Devant le nombre grandissant de rappels de produits et la surmédiatisation de ces derniers, il devient essentiel pour les entreprises de savoir gérer ce type de crise afin d’en limiter les impacts à court terme et d’assurer la pérennité à long terme de la marque et de l’entreprise. Les rappels de produits ont des coûts directs importants dus aux défis logistiques, aux pertes de clients et de revenus, à l’indemnisation des consommateurs ou aux amendes imposées. Ils ont aussi des coûts indirects liés aux perceptions négatives des consommateurs à l’égard de l’entreprise et donc à la détérioration de l’image de marque, du capital de marque et de la réputation. Cet article décrit de nombreux facteurs susceptibles de minimiser les effets négatifs des rappels de produits.
Le rappel de fromages au lait cru au Québec : quelles leçons en tirer?
Authors: Turgeon Normand , Loudyi Sara
Published: April 2012

Résumé En 2008, les fromagers québécois ont vécu un rappel spectaculaire de produits. Des entrevues réalisées auprès de certains d’entre eux ont permis de sonder les causes de ce rappel et d’en évaluer la gestion afin d’en tirer des leçons au regard de l’adoption de procédures de prévention et de prévoyance de rappels de produits. Ces procédures comprennent notamment une amélioration marquée de la gestion de la qualité, la mise en place de systèmes de contrôle et une simulation d’un rappel de produits. Ces apprentissages sont applicables à tous les secteurs d’affaires, peu importe le pays où se trouve une entreprise qui doit gérer un rappel de produits.
Extending the Technology Acceptance Model to Investigate the Utilization of ERP Systems
Authors: Mouakket Samar
Published: April 2012

The implementation of Enterprise Recourse Planning (ERP) systems has grown rapidly, but limited research has been conducted to investigate the utilization of ERP systems. By extending the Technology Acceptance Model, this paper provides a research model for examining the impact of computer self-efficacy and ERP systems design features on the utilization of ERP systems. To test the proposed research model, data are collected through a questionnaire survey distributed among employees in different organizations that have implemented an ERP system in the United Arab Emirates. Structural equation modeling techniques are used in this study to verify the causal relationships between the variables. The results strongly support the extended TAM in understanding employees’ utilization of ERP systems. The implications of this study and further research opportunities are also discussed.
E-Business and ERP
Authors: Srinivasan Mahesh
Published: April 2012

The blending of Internet technologies and traditional business concerns impacts all industries and is the latest phase in the ongoing evolution of business. In this changing business environment, the most successful companies are those that leverage their investment in Web-based technologies by implementing e-business solutions supported by sound existing infrastructures based on well-functioning Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Companies must also forge tighter links in the supply chain, from raw materials to customers and have increasingly turned to the Internet and Web-based technologies to do so. This paper presents a framework for understanding e-business opportunities within the context of a traditional enterprise and its infrastructure and examines the evolving relationship between e-business and ERP. These developments are moving businesses toward the concept of e-Supply Chain to achieve true supply chain integration. The issues and challenges faced by organizations in moving to such a complete e-business environment are discussed and suggestions are offered for businesses to navigate this challenging transformation.
Critical Success Factors in Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation
Authors: Zarei Behrouz , Naeli Mina
Published: April 2012

Although introducing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to an organization has enormous benefits, it may entail new hazardous challenges if it cannot be well managed. This research focuses on the critical ERP success factors from a case study involving the Esfahan Steel Company, which started ERP implementation in September 2002. An in-depth research of ERP implementation processes and the level of adhering to five chosen ERP critical success factors—project management, top management supports, business process reengineering, and change management and Training—are conducted. Research results revealed that the five critical success factors (CSFs) are highly interdependent and the strengths and weaknesses of each have influenced the quality of ERP implementation to a large extent.
Factors that Determine the Adoption of Cloud Computing
Authors: Arinze Bay , Anandarajan Murugan
Published: April 2012

Cloud computing has spread within enterprise faster than many other IT innovations. In cloud computing, computer services are accessed over the Internet in a scalable fashion, where the user is abstracted in varying degrees from the actual hardware and software and pays only for resources used. This paper examines the adoption of cloud computing in various regions of the world, as well as the potential of cloud computing to impact computing in developing countries. The authors propose that cloud computing offers varying benefits and appears differently in regions across the world, enabling many users to obtain sophisticated computing architectures and applications that are cost-prohibitive to acquire locally. The authors examine issues of privacy, security, and reliability of cloud computing and discuss the outlook for firms and individuals in both developing and developed countries seeking to utilize cloud computing for their computing needs.
A Good Role Model for Ontologies
Authors: Pradel Michael , Henriksson Jakob , Aßmann Uwe
Published: April 2012

Although ontologies are gaining more and more acceptance, they are often not engineered in a component-based manner due to, among various reasons, a lack of appropriate constructs in current ontology languages. This hampers reuse and makes creating new ontologies from existing building blocks difficult. We propose to apply the notion of roles and role modeling to ontologies and present an extension of the Web Ontology Language OWL for this purpose. Ontological role models allow for clearly separating different concerns of a domain and constitute an intuitive reuse unit.
Linguistics-Based Modeling Methods and Ontologies in Requirements Engineering
Authors: Lautenbacher Florian , Bauer Bernhard , Sieber Tanja , Cabral Alejandro
Published: April 2012

Developing new software based on requirements specifications created by business analysts often leads to misunderstanding and lack of comprehension, because of the different backgrounds of the people involved. If requirements specifications instead have a clearly defined structure and comprehensive semantics, this obstacle can be resolved. Therefore, we propose to structure the requirements specifications using existing linguistics-based modeling methods and annotate the used terms with ontologies to enhance the understanding and reuse of these documents during the software engineering process.
Drivers of Organizational Participation in XML-Based Industry Standardization Efforts
Authors: Mendoza Rubén A. , Ravichandran T.
Published: April 2012

XML-based vertical standards are an emerging compatibility standard for describing business processes and data formats in specific industries that have emerged in the past decade. Vertical standards, typically implemented using eXtensible Markup Language (XML), are incomplete products in constant evolution, continually adding functionality to reflect changing business needs. Vertical standards are public goods because they are freely obtained from sponsoring organizations without investing resources in their development, which gives rise to linked collective action dilemmas at the development and diffusion stages. Firms must be persuaded to invest in development without being able to profit from the output, and a commitment to ensure the diffusion of the standard must be secured from enough potential adopters to guarantee success. In this paper, the authors explore organizational drivers for participation in vertical standards development activities for supply- and demand-side organizations (i.e., vendors and end-user firms) in light of the restrictions imposed by these dilemmas.
Homo Virtualis
Authors: Jarmon Leslie
Published: April 2012

This article previews the emergence of homo virtualis. Drawing on data from seven research studies, peer-reviewed published research articles, and selected excerpts of 30 months of field notes taken in Second Life, the article examines virtual learning environments and embodiment through the lens of interactions of avatars with other avatars, virtual objects, landscapes, sounds, and spatial constructs. Analysis is grounded in the polyvocal evidence provided by select participants who experienced a sense of embodied co-presence and connection with others across geo-physical distances. The discourse ranges from that of high school girls, professional retirees, toxicology and design undergraduates, interdisciplinary graduate students, to educators and researchers from K-12 through university full professors collaborating in SL. In an ecology of virtual contexts, learners inhabit a broader landscape of their own and others’ making that allows them to be teachers, designers, researchers, communicators, and collaborators.
Second Life as a Surrogate for Experiential Learning
Authors: DeMers Michael N.
Published: April 2012

Second Life is increasingly being used as a venue for education, especially for delivery of online instruction where social presence and community building are essential components. Despite its robust 3-D modeling tools and powerful scripting language, many educational uses of Second Life are limited to passive forms of content delivery that often mimic some variety of Victorian style lecture setting. This article demonstrates a series of exercises designed around a more active learning model for my geography courses based on Kolb’s (2005) theory of experiential learning. Active class exercises encourage hands-on interaction with components of the virtual world, but are linked explicitly to real subject matter content. By providing fun pre-exercise training and promoting learning by discovery, the exercises are designed to encourage the four fundamental components of the experiential learning environment: involvement, reflection, analysis, and problem solving. Beyond providing an excellent educational environment, such approaches can act as surrogates for real-world experiences that are either impossible or logistically problematic.
Low-Cost Virtual Laboratory Workbench for Electronic Engineering
Authors: Achumba Ifeyinwa E. , Azzi Djamel , Stocker James
Published: April 2012

The laboratory component of undergraduate engineering education poses challenges in resource constrained engineering faculties. The cost, time, space and physical presence requirements of the traditional (real) laboratory approach are the contributory factors. These resource constraints may mitigate the acquisition of meaningful laboratory experiences by students, which is especially true in developing countries. Virtual laboratories can be used to complement the traditional laboratory to enhance students’ laboratory experience. In extreme cases of lack of resources, the virtual lab can be used as an alternative laboratory . Although some research on the implementation of virtual laboratories has occurred, more efforts are required because of the diverse experiential needs and requirements of the engineering curriculum. This paper presents a low-cost, web-based virtual laboratory workbench for use as part of undergraduate electronic engineering courses. Some distinguishing features of the virtual workbench are that students can undertake curriculum-based laboratory activities in a realistic manner; it integrates a Bayesian Network-based assessment structure for the assessment of students’ performance; and it affords the instructor flexibility in designing laboratory exercises.
A Framework for the Assessment of Wiki-Based Collaborative Learning Activities
Authors: Meishar-Tal Hagit , Schencks Mat
Published: April 2012

This paper discusses the pedagogical and technological aspects of assessing wiki-based collaborative learning activities. The first part of the paper presents a general framework of collaborative learning assessment. The framework is based on four aspects of assessment, characterized by four questions: who, what, how and by whom. The second part of the paper concentrates on the analysis of the applicability of the assessment framework in wikis. A systematic analysis of MediaWiki’s reports is conducted in order to discuss the requisite information required for a well-balanced and effective assessment process. Finally, a few suggestions are raised for further improvements of the wiki’s reports.
The Significance of the Ethics of Respect
Authors: Esquirol Josep M.
Published: April 2012

In this paper, the author examines the idea of respect and makes this the cornerstone of a new approach to ethics that is particularly well suited to addressing the challenges society faces in an age shaped so profoundly by technology. The author uncovers a wealth of meaning in the notion of ‘respect’ and shows how this relates to the gaze. The attentive gaze is seen as the essence of respect. This thought-provoking analysis is presented in a straightforward way and is certainly open to further development and refinement in fields such as ecology, medicine, education and the promotion of civic-mindedness.
How Can the Problems of An Ethical Judgment on Science and Technology Be Correctly Approached?
Authors: Agazzi Evandro
Published: April 2012

Two opposite positions are currently dividing the field of discussion regarding the ethical evaluation of science and technology. On the one hand, many people maintain that such a judgment must not be introduced or, less radically, that it needs not be looked for; on the other hand, several scholars maintain that such a judgment is legitimate or, more radically, mandatory. Therefore, it is advisable to examine the arguments of both parties in order to see not so much which viewpoint is right but, perhaps, to what extent both might be right.
Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Quilici-Gonzalez J. A. , Kobayashi G. , Broens M. C. , Gonzalez M. E. Q.
Published: April 2012

In this article, the authors investigate, from an interdisciplinary perspective, possible ethical implications of the presence of ubiquitous computing systems in human perception/action. The term ubiquitous computing is used to characterize information-processing capacity from computers that are available everywhere and all the time, integrated into everyday objects and activities. The contrast in approach to aspects of ubiquitous computing between traditional considerations of ethical issues and the Ecological Philosophy view concerning its possible consequences in the context of perception/action are the underlying themes of this paper. The focus is on an analysis of how the generalized dissemination of microprocessors in embedded systems, commanded by a ubiquitous computing system, can affect the behaviour of people considered as embodied embedded agents.
The Regulation of Gaze and Capture
Authors: Ibrahim Yasmin
Published: April 2012

The increasing use of the body for embedding technology as well as the convergence of multiple features in mobile telephony have made image capture an important phenomenon that presents new ways to capture events and their constructs, which cast new forms of gaze into everyday life. The ways in which one captures and gazes has increasing ethical, legal and social implications for societies. The civilian gaze through mobile recording devices can be empowering in terms of holding authorities accountable, but it can equally debilitate societies by transgressing privacy and enabling new forms of voyeurism and deviance. In recognition of this, many governments and authorities are restricting the ways in which we capture and upload images. This paper looks at how this image economy is creating new ways of looking and how the new rules are, for different reasons, seeking to curb this architecture of capture.
Cyberbullying
Authors: Neves José , Pinheiro Luzia de Oliveira
Published: April 2012

Cyberbullying has become a major social concern because it raises questions about technoethics. It has been the subject of research, information and prevention activities for different groups to protect against the misuse of technology, and because of that, this paper is based on an exploratory study about the sociological phenomenon of cyberbullying among Portuguese university students. The paper stresses the connection between the concepts of bullying and cyberbullying while promoting a flexible epistemological model that highlights the emerging nature of these phenomena based on the theoretical contribution of Gregory Bateson. In the end, the authors present the main conclusions of the empirical study.
Reclaiming the Green Continent
Authors: Iannone A.Pablo
Published: April 2012

This essay examines Latin American technological development and its connections with regional economic development, ecological deterioration, political freedoms’ fluctuations, and globalization processes—understood as the spreading interconnectedness of business, science, technology, politics, and culture through large regions or the entirety of the world. The essay investigates how policy and decision issues resulting from Latin American technological development and its correlates can be plausibly addressed and argues for several theses, most notably, that in dealing with the issues, national legislation and international treaties have attained and are likely to attain their purposes only to a limited extent and in a mixed manner; that less legislation-dependent procedures evidence greater effectiveness and political feasibility; and that some globalization processes help fuel the environmental issues, while others help facilitate their resolution. The essay provides some concrete examples of how the issues can be soundly addressed.
Amateur vs. Professionals
Authors: Alonso Andoni , Lafuente Antonio
Published: April 2012

Scientific and technological expertise is currently experiencing a crisis. The public shows a growing distrust in many aspects related to the techno-scientific development. The birth of that suspicion begins after World War II but has transformed in the past few decades. In this paper, the authors examine how that doubt has specific features in the present moment. Also, there is a reaction to propose another way to make scientific and technological research where there is a more participative spirit. These changes reshape traditional ideas on science, technology and progress. Amateur efforts in science and technology maybe are opening the possibility of a change for these activities and information technology seems to support these efforts. If these can be considered, a consistent trend is difficult to predict.
Shaping the Ethics of an Emergent Field
Authors: Anderson Alison , Petersen Alan
Published: April 2012

Nanotechnologies present significant new challenges for the study of technoethics. While they are surrounded by high expectations there is considerable uncertainty about their impact. Discussions about their likely ethical implications have often assumed that ethical issues and standpoints are relatively clear. The commonly held narrow utilitarian conception of benefits versus risks tends to overlook broader issues concerning the operation of power in problem definition, unimagined or unknown effects, and accountability. Drawing upon data from a recent UK-based study, this article examines how scientists’ and policymakers’ representations of nanotechnologies contribute to shaping thinking about the ‘ethics’ of this field. It suggests that their particular framing of the field is likely to constrain debate on a range of important matters in need of urgent deliberation, including the direction of current research efforts and whether the investments in particular lines of research are likely to bring about the promised economic and social benefits or have deleterious impacts. Overall, the study found that most of the respondents were optimistic about the perceived benefits of nanotechnologies and sought to distance their work from wider non-technical questions. Scientists and policymakers, it is argued, need to reflect much more upon their own assumptions and consider how these may influence the trajectory of technology development and public responses.
Yoga for persons with severe visual impairment: a feasibility study
Authors: Jeter Pamela E. , Dagnelie Gislin , Khalsa Sat Bir S. , Haaz Steffany , Bittner Ava K.
Published: April 2012

This exploratory study aims to establish the feasibility of an Ashtanga-based Yoga Therapy (AYT) program for improving sleep disturbances, balance, and negative psychosocial states, which are prevalent issues for visually impaired (VI) individuals. Ten legally blind adult participants were randomized to an 8-week AYT program. Four subjects in the 1st cohort and three in the 2nd cohort successfully completed the AYT program. They convened for one session per week with an instructor and performed two home-based sessions per week using an audio CD. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered at baseline and post-intervention. A Timed One-Leg balance measure, respiratory rate (RR), and the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) were assessed in the 2nd cohort. Both groups completed a qualitative exit survey. Positive exit survey responses (all subjects were extremely or mostly satisfied, and wanted to continue AYT) and good participation rates (7 subjects attended at least 7 of the 8 weekly sessions) support the feasibility of the AYT. PSQI, PSS, BAI and BDI scores changed in the direction of reduced negative symptoms after AYT for the 1st cohort. Changes in PSQI and PSS for the 2nd cohort were varied. Balance, RR and PHLMS awareness trended toward improvement for each individual. This preliminary study provides proof of concept for potential benefits of AYT that may be observed in VI subjects. Larger studies and an active control group are needed to determine efficacy.
A Case of Cutaneous Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Legs Appearing as Chronic Venous Ulceration
Authors: Carlesimo Marta , Orsini Diego , Narcisi Alessanrdra , Abruzzese Claudia , Cortesi Giorgia , De Marco Gabriella , Rossi Alfredo
Published: April 2012

We report here a case of a woman with a cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma of the legs. She had a plaque lesion, superficially ulcerated and necrotized with tumorous borders situated on the posterior side of the right leg and two red or bluish-red nodular lesions. A skin biopsy from both nodular and plaque lesion showed a diffuse infiltrate of atypical large B cells CD20+ and CD79a+, spanning epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. A therapeutic approach containing anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) was suggested.
Adrenal Extramedullary Hematopoiesis Associated with β-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Keikhaei Bijan , Soltani Shirazi Ahmad , Mohammad Pour Mahboob
Published: April 2012

The presence of apparently normal hematopoietic tissue outside of bone marrow cavity is defined as extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). EMH is a rare complication in thalassemia major (TM) and adrenal gland as well. This report describes a case of adrenal EMH in a 26-year-old man with β-TM. He has been transfused with regular blood transfusion since 9 months. During the routine physical examination he was incidentally found to have a hypoechoic mass at his abdominal ultrasonography. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a right well-defined suprarenal mass 7.7 × 7.3 × 5.8 cm in size. The diagnosis of EMH was confirmed with ultrasonographic-guided fine needle biopsy. Treatment options which include intensified regular blood transfusion and hydroxyurea have been started.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Bacteremia: Clinical and Microbiological Epidemiology in a Health Area of Southern Spain
Authors: Cobo Fernando , Cabezas-Fernández Maria Teresa , Cabeza-Barrera Maria Isabel
Published: April 2012

Streptococcus pneumoniae remains an important cause of bacteremia worldwide. Last years, a decrease of S. pneumoniae penicillin-resistant isolates has been observed. The objective of this study was to describe the episodes of bacteremia due to S. pneumoniae during a period of 11 years. Epidemiological and clinical data, serotypes causing bacteremia, antibiotic susceptibility and prognosis factors were studied. Over a period of 11 years, all the episodes of S. pneumoniae bacteremia were analysed. Their clinical and microbiological features were recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out to determine risk factors for pneumococcal bacteremia and predictors of fatal outcome. Finally, 67 S. pneumoniae bacteremia episodes were included in this study. The majority of cases were produced in white men in the middle age of their life. The main predisposing factors observed were smoking, antimicrobial and/or corticosteroids administration, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease and HIV infection, and the most common source of bacteremia was the low respiratory tract. The main serotypes found were 19A, 1, 14 and 7F. Seventy-seven percent of these isolates were penicillin-susceptible, and the mortality in this serie was really low. Statistical significance was observed between age, sex and race factors and the presence of bacteremia, and there was relationship between the patient’s condition and the outcome. In our study, S. pneumoniae bacteremia is mainly from community-acquired origin mainly caused in men in the median age of the life. 40% of bacteremias were caused by serotypes 19A, 1, 7F and 14. During the period of study the incidence of bacteremia was stable and the mortality rate was very low.
Out-of-Hospital Noninvasive Ventilation: Epidemiology, Technology and Equipment
Authors: Baird John Scott , Ravindranath Thyyar M.
Published: April 2012

Noninvasive ventilation has been utilized successfully in the pre- and out-of-hospital settings for a variety of disorders, including respiratory distress syndrome in neonates, neurologic and pulmonary diseases in infants and children, and heart failure as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adults. A variety of interfaces as well as mechanical positive pressure devices have been used: simple continuous positive airway pressure devices are available which do not require sophisticated equipment, while a broad spectrum of ventilators have been used to provide bilevel positive airway pressure. Extensive training of transport teams may be important, particularly when utilizing bilevel positive airway pressure in infants and children.
Belangrike meta-teoretiese riglyne betreffende die emosioneel verwonde persoon
Authors: Coetzer Wentzel C. , Snell Lutricia
Published: April 2012

Important meta-theoretical guidelines regarding the emotionally wounded person. This article examines the relationship between emotional woundedness and faith estrangement. Trust issues towards God often emerge in the heart of the believer when left vulnerable and in shock due to unforeseen trauma. The dilemma is that this condition leaves the wounded person more vulnerable. With a view to bringing healing and deeper faith, different trauma intervention models are evaluated and the role of forgiveness, retribution and faith are examined. In conclusion, some guidelines regarding a holistic approach in the pastoral counselling of the traumatised faith-estranged person are presented.
Pictorial essay: Interventional radiology in the management of hemodialysis vascular access - A single-center experience
Authors: Mammen Suraj , Keshava Shyamkumar N , Moses Vinu , Babu Surendra , Varughese Santhosh
Published: April 2012

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The majority of patients with CKD stage 5 (CKD-5), who cannot undergo renal transplant, depend on maintenance hemodialysis by surgically created access sites. Native fistulae are preferred over grafts due to their longevity. More than half of these vital portals for dialysis access will fail over time. Screening procedures to select high-risk patients before thrombosis or stenosis appears have resulted in aggressive management. These patients are referred for angiographic evaluation and/or therapy. We present the patterns of dialysis-related interventions done in our institution.
Percutaneous transhepatic embolization of biliary leakage with N-butyl cyanoacrylate
Authors: Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Ierardi Anna Maria , Piacentino Filippo , Cardim Larissa N
Published: April 2012

Biliary leakage is a known complication after biliary surgery. In this report, we describe an uncommon treatment of a common biliary complication, wherein we used percutaneous transhepatic injection of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) to treat a biliary leak in an 83-year-old patient.
Case report: Percutaneous treatment of multiple honeycomb-like liver hydatid cysts (type III CE2, according to WHO classification)
Authors: Corona Mario , Cannavale Alessandro , Bruni Antonio , Boatta Emanuele , Allegritti Massimiliano , Lucatelli Pierleone , Fanelli Fabrizio , Pucci Armando , Paciotti Carolina , Salvatori Filippo Maria
Published: April 2012

Percutaneous treatment has been developing as a reliable and effective alternative to surgery in the treatment of liver hydatid cysts. However, percutaneous treatment is strongly recommended only for some types of hydatid cysts (types I and II). We report a patient with type III (CE2, according to the WHO classification) multiple liver hydatid cysts treated with the PAIR (puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration) technique. The patient developed a secondary biliary ﬁstula, which ultimately healed.
Bursae around the knee joints
Authors: Chatra Priyank S
Published: April 2012

A bursa is a fluid-filled structure that is present between the skin and tendon or tendon and bone. The main function of a bursa is to reduce friction between adjacent moving structures. Bursae around the knee can be classified as those around the patella and those that occur elsewhere. In this pictorial essay we describe the most commonly encountered lesions and their MRI appearance.
Myositis ossificans imaging: keys to successful diagnosis
Authors: Lacout Alexis , Jarraya Mohamed , Marcy Pierre-Yves , Thariat Juliette , Carlier Robert Yves
Published: April 2012

Myositis ossificans (MO) is an inflammatory pseudotumor of the muscle that may be mistaken clinically and even histologically for a malignant soft tissue tumor. The aim of this article is to report the imaging characteristics of MO, the emphasis being on the early diagnostic clues. USG can be used at an early stage to reveal the ′zone phenomenon,′ which is highly suggestive of MO. A short course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy may be an efficient treatment for early MO.