bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business Intelligence Enhances Strategic, Long-Range Planning in the Commercial Aerospace Industry
Authors: Ellis David
Published: November 2012

The world’s largest aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have traditionally been dominant in the commercial aerospace industry, but due to the rise of several smaller commercial aircraft companies and in spite of air travel increasing each year, it will be paramount for Boeing and Airbus to thoroughly understand past and current market conditions and be able to combine their understanding with the proper analytical tools to anticipate the market demands of the future if they are to remain the world leaders in their industry. This paper presents a discussion of industry factors such as airline routes, past passenger demands in different regions of the world and the sizes and types of aircraft that were required to support those demands, and more importantly, how analysis of that information is integral to the projection of future demands within the commercial aerospace market which will facilitate Boeing and Airbus positioning themselves to provide their airline customers with the right product at the right time.
Business Intelligence Should be Centralized
Authors: Johnson Brian
Published: November 2012

The implementation of BI into the business strategy and culture is laden with many potential points that could result in failure of the initiative, leaving BI to be underdeveloped and a source of wasted resources for the company. Due to the unique nature of BI in the business space, properly setting up BI within the organizational structure from the onset of integration minimizes the impact of the most common hurdles to BI implementation. Many companies choose to mitigate these problems by using a centralized approach by building a Center of Excellence, but their place in the company’s organizational structure needs to be well-defined and properly empowered to be effective. This paper also reviews how the concept of centralization is defined, how it relates to the implementation of BI, and how it can effectively in overcome the common implementation hurdles.
10 Principles to Ensure Your Data Warehouse Implementation is a Failure
Authors: Hill Adam , Ariyachandra Thilini , Frolick Mark
Published: November 2012

Demand for business intelligence solutions continues to grow in the industry at record rates to combat competitive pressures and to attain business agility. Still organizations continue to struggle on how to implement successful business intelligence solutions. Despite its growing popularity and maturity as a field, it appears that organizations follow key guidelines that ensure the failure of their business intelligence implementation. This paper highlights ten major principles that organizations follow to ensure the failure of their BI solution and in so doing describes how to avoid BI failure in terms of strategy and design, implementation management and communication, and technology and resource investment for BI solutions.
East and West, Past and Present
Authors: Zheng Connie
Published: November 2012

This paper explores the sayings and stories of the ancient Chinese philosophers Guanzi, Hanfeizi, Xunzi and Yanzi. Their way of ruling the state and managing the people are analysed and discussed in line with thoughts from the mainstream and modern Western management gurus, such as Warren Bennis, Peter Drucker, Mary Parker Follett, Douglas McGregor, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Elton Mayo, and Jeffrey Pfeffer. Striking similarities call for addressing key issues in human resource management. East and west thinkers across 3000 years are identified. The principles-based ruling and management were found difficult to be taken seriously in ancient times as it is today. However, these principles must be rekindled to protect organisations and the world from mischievous behaviour that has caused much human suffering.
Improving Small Firm Performance Through Collaborative Change Management and Outside Learning
Authors: Menkhoff Thomas , Wah Chay Yue
Published: November 2012

This empirical-exploratory article sheds light on the change management approaches used by Chinese owner-managers of small firms in Singapore and their openness toward strategic learning. The paper examines widespread common-sense assumptions that ethnic Chinese adopt mostly directive-coercive (autocratic) change management approaches, which may stifle innovation. Great diversity exists amongst small firm owners in Asia with regard to their change leadership practices, and respective change implementation approaches are contingent on both demographic variables and situational forces like the urgency of change, the degree of resistance to change, and/or the dynamics of the environment in which the firms operate. Data from a SME survey in Singapore (n = 101) serves to substantiate several propositions about change management of Chinese owner-managers of SMEs in Singapore. Three hypotheses about the openness of SME owner-managers to outside sources of learning are presented to ascertain the prediction that such knowledge can give SMEs a performance headstart by helping them to work smarter.
Development of Human Factors Ontology for Business Knowledge Management
Authors: Philippart Monica , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: November 2012

Employee knowledge and cognitive skills are key assets to achieving business success, yet are often mismanaged. By promoting the human-centered design approach, the discipline of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) can significantly contribute to optimizing business processes through effective management of employee knowledge. However, a comprehensive methodology is needed to help organizations integrate the HF/E principles across various business processes. This paper introduces a novel method for integrating HF/E principles into business processes through the application of HF/E ontologies.
Key Intangible Performance Indicators (KIPs) for Organisational Success
Authors: Ng Hee Song , Kee Daisy Mui Hung
Published: November 2012

The paper reviews the concept and trend of Key Intangible Performance indicators (KIPs) for organisational success. Although KPIs are useful for tracking tangible performance drivers, KPIs cannot adequately measure intangible performance drivers. Therefore, organisations need to look for KIPs (which measure intangible drivers) in order to generate a complete picture of overall performance of organisations. Evidently, there is a significant shift of emphasis from measuring tangible to intangible performance measures in order to tap the full potential of intangible resources. It makes logical sense for organisations to unlock the intangible values for achieving and sustaining competitive advantage. In the face of globalisation, organisations need to transform themselves into highly competitive organisations to stay ahead of competition and at the forefront of their industries. The development and application of KIPs will be a strategic move to provide further insights and an impetus for continual improvement. From the literature review conducted, it is found that there are many diverse KIPs drivers which impact organisational success. And the most important drivers identified in this paper are leadership, innovation, company image and reputation, and employee satisfaction.
Capability Approach
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Dwivedi Prasoom , Seth Piyush
Published: November 2012

This paper acknowledges the role of entrepreneurship for the development of the process of sustained livelihood. The paper proposes a systematic usage of the ‘Capability’ approach (Sen, 2000) as the basis of the methodology applied by agencies having objectives in lieu with the process of sustained livelihood, because of the wider applicability and span of this approach. Taking examples of rural non-farm sector schemes of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), the proposition of the usage of ‘Capability’ approach emphasizes the emergence of better criterion for measuring the effectiveness of the implementation of such schemes.
Assessing Adequacy of Leisure and Recreation Facilities in KFUPM Campus
Authors: Aldosary Adel S. , Nahiduzzaman Kh. Md.
Published: November 2012

Leisure and recreation facilities are strongly intertwined due to their mutual dependencies. Thus, they build up invisible networks. Leisure and recreation facilities are one of the imperative components for socio-cultural, psychological, and economic development. In the spectrum of sustainable development, it is not possible to initiate development process without strategically planning for leisure and recreation activities. KFUPM was developed with specific leisure and recreation facilities for its community members. This paper examines their adequacy and possible set of actions to minimize the inadequacies in relation to growing and changing needs of the diversified-culture based community. Preparation of a proposed alterative (strategic) action plan to improve leisure and recreation facilities is based on conducting an internal assessment of current and forecasting amenities, and the need-gap analysis. The proposed action plan covers the estimated cost and urgency level for each of the alternative leisure and recreation improvement options. KFUPM must be committed to embracing the vision and strategies presented by this study, and allocate resources to implement strategic plans for improving leisure and recreation facilities that foster productivity and help shape systems for human resource development.
Philosophical Perspectives on Technology Leadership
Authors: Daugherty Jenny L. , Mentzer Nathan J. , Lybrook Daniel O. , Little-Wiles Julie
Published: November 2012

As an introduction to the concept of technology leadership, literature on the philosophy of leadership and technology is explored and synthesized to offer a perspective of the technology leader. After a review of the research, a technology leader is described as an individual who enables others to effectively and successfully use, manage, assess, and understand technologies of the designed world. The technology leader is critical as our complex, global society becomes increasingly dependent on technology. The technology leader is equipped within their particular context to make informed, value-laden decisions, and participate in guiding technological development.
Evaluation, Management, and Support
Authors: Conrad Dane
Published: November 2012

A technology leader’s day-to-day responsibilities and tasks can be divided into three basic categories: evaluation, management, and support. Evaluation involves making informed decisions and planning tasks when considering new technologies. Management not only maintains the infrastructure of technology systems, but also the data that flows through the system. Finally, support covers the responsibilities related to customer service for the technology leaders’ end-user environment. Each category poses a unique challenge to technology leaders and requires them to be both adaptable and consistent. This chapter explores these three areas giving detailed insights into topics and concerns within each.
New and Emerging Technology Purchase Considerations
Authors: Belk James Douglas
Published: November 2012

Periodic waves of new challenges almost always await those who are or seek to become school system technology directors. None are more apparent than when school or district personnel decide to purchase technology hardware or educational software for which no one is prepared, or at best, ill-prepared. In other words, there is sometimes an overwhelming tendency to “buy technology stuff now, then catch up later.” The chapter discusses issues that technology leaders in the school system may face when making technology purchasing decisions. The narrative account addresses some relevant considerations that this particular technology director had to confront in terms of technology acquisition. The author hopes that the narrative will enlighten future technology directors and coordinators on the mechanics and ramifications of technology purchases.
Securing External Funding
Authors: Styron Jennifer L. , Styron Ronald A.
Published: November 2012

Educational administrators and technology leaders are constantly battling limited resources to support the maintenance, improvement, and daily operations found within educational settings today. Many schools and school districts have discovered that external funding is an effective way to fill the gap between what funding is needed and what funding is currently available to support educational endeavors. This chapter provides readers with an overview of external funding and how to secure external funding through the development and submission of grant proposals. Readers will also find the components needed to develop an effective grant proposal. These components are grouped into three categories: the idea/solution, the quest for funding, and writing the proposal. After reading the chapter, educational administrators and technology leaders will have a better understanding of the time, efforts, and resources needed to develop and submit competitive grant proposals, thus increasing the probability of securing external funding.
On Pixels, Perceptions, and Personae
Authors: Frobish Todd S.
Published: November 2012

This chapter works toward a four-part model of online ethos connecting classical rhetorical theory to the new age of computer-mediated technology with particular attention paid to the challenges, complications, and possibilities of this evolving rhetorical environment. This model demonstrates the usefulness of updating our understanding of ethos and its place in computer-mediated communication (CMC). The proposed model allows for the assessment of digital ethos by examining others’ attempts to develop an online identity based upon: (1) Community Identification and Goodwill, (2) Moral Character and Virtue, (3) Intelligence and Knowledge, and (4) Verbal and Design Competence.
Online Credibility and Information Labor
Authors: Johnson Nathan
Published: November 2012

This chapter examines how information infrastructure influences ethos in information labor. The primary text is discourse about ACID3, a web page created by members of the Web Standards Project. ACID3 tests the compliance of infrastructural standards for web browsers. In addition to analyzing ACID3 code, several other related conference presentations, job announcements, and web pages are analyzed to theorize ACID3 as a rhetorical text. This chapter argues that three rhetorical commonplaces (mastery, purity, infallibility) are central for the credibility of ACID3 as a text of legitimacy. This study provides a better understanding of rhetoric and infrastructure. To understand rhetorics of infrastructural standardization is to understand the power structures embedded within the modern world. ACID3 is a significant case because of its criticality for standards that enable publics to publish Web content. This chapter contributes to literature in information infrastructural studies, science and technology studies, and the rhetoric of science.
The Credibility of Sources 2.0 in Journalism
Authors: Serra Paulo , Canavilhas João
Published: November 2012

This chapter addresses the use and credibility of news sources 2.0 in journalism. Starting with traditionally established views about the credibility of news sources in pre-Internet journalism as depicted by Gans (2004) and other authors, this chapter discusses the new situation that the Internet and, in particular, Web 2.0, brought about. More specifically, the authors intend to: i) Characterize the way Portuguese journalists use sources 2.0; ii) Study how Portuguese journalists assess the credibility of sources 2.0; iii) Compare the results obtained among Portuguese journalists with the results of other international studies in this field. To do this, the authors analyze and discuss the main results of a survey administered to Portuguese journalists, which is also compared with results from other international studies, in order to discuss its external validity. According to the data, Portuguese journalists, like journalists in other countries, consider news sources 2.0 to be unreliable, but the Portuguese journalists surveyed still use them, so the authors examine that discrepancy and other findings in light of other research.
Whose News Can You Trust?
Authors: Malleus Rick
Published: November 2012

This chapter proposes a framework for analyzing the credibility of online news sites, allowing diaspora populations to evaluate the credibility of online news about their home countries. A definition of credibility is established as a theoretical framework for analysis, and a framework of seven elements is developed based on the following elements: accuracy, authority, believability, quality of message construction, peer review, comparison, and corroboration. Later, those elements are applied to a variety of online news sources available to the Zimbabwean diaspora that serves as a case study for explaining the framework. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the framework in relation to some contextual circumstances of diaspora populations and presents some limitations of the framework as diaspora populations might actually apply the different elements.
Documentary at Play
Authors: Sørensen Inge Ejbye , Thorhauge Anne Mette
Published: November 2012

Docu-games designate a versatile group of games that have in common an attempt to depict and reflect on aspects of reality such as military conflicts, historical periods, or contemporary political and socio-cultural issues. As such, docu-games have become a new communication tool for individuals or organizations. This chapter explores different perspectives on games as documentaries, going beyond the mere subject matter and visualization of docu-games to approach questions about simulations as statements about reality and gameplay as a tool for communicating statements about reality. Combining cognitive documentary and games theory with content analysis, the chapter offers a theoretical framework for understanding how docu-games reference the relationship between reality and game, as well as how they establish credibility in relation to these representations.
Persuading for Change
Authors: Watts Sean , Räisänen Teppo , Halonen Sami
Published: November 2012

Persuasion happens when somebody tries to change someone else’s attitudes or behavior without using coercion or force. In different cultures, different persuasion principles seem to work better than others. This has to be taken into account in marketing and design. It is especially true when developing persuasive systems, i.e. systems that aim at changing the user. In this chapter, the authors study the role of culture in the context of authority and social proof. This was examined through positivist survey conducted by South Korean and Finnish College Students. The received results suggest that authority plays a bigger role in the Republic of Korea than in Finland. Ergo, the authors conclude that the implications of culture should be regarded when designing systems that aim at any kind of change.
Technology Advancement and E-Procurement in the US
Authors: Steinfeld Joshua M. , Thai Khi V.
Published: November 2012

E-procurement has had a tremendous impact on the modernization of government and administration. In the U.S., the relationship between technology and e-procurement is central in determining the ability to adopt successful e-procurement. Significant investment in technology and human capital is required for the implementation of e-procurement systems. Despite widespread efforts to initialize e-procurement through direct investment in information and component technologies, a substantial portion of administrations’ efforts at achieving e-governance have failed. The need for customized solutions and managerial intervention has challenged government at all levels. Furthermore, technological advancement has not been welcomed by all administrations. Nonetheless, the advantages of e-procurement typically justify the effort required to implement and maintain such systems. Reductions in transaction costs, increased transparency, and improved relationships between government and businesses are all advantages of e-procurement. While there are significant challenges to e-procurement not limited to corruption, the benefits of e-procurement far outweigh the costs.
European Union Public Procurement Remedies Regimes
Authors: Krüger Kai
Published: November 2012

The chapter explores the Nordic statutory EU-based remedy regimes. Due to the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, the EU commitments do not vary between EU member states, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden and (non-members) Norway and Iceland. The legislation on procurement remedies is assumed to be EU/EEA compliant. There are however material differences in the set up for handling disputes and complaints—also subsequent to the 2010-2012 Nordic adaptation of EU Directive 2007/66/EC on enhanced procurement remedies. The pending issue is whether the EU “sufficiently serious breach” principle on treaty infringements applies on liability for procurement flaws. Loss of contract damage has been awarded in all Nordic countries, whereas cases on negative interest (costs in preparing futile tender bids) seem more favorable to plaintiffs. Per mid-2012, there are no Nordic rulings on the effect of the recent somewhat ambiguous EU Court of Justice Strabag and Spijkers 2010 rulings.
Conditions Determining the Success of Public E-Procurement
Authors: Dorasamy Nirmala
Published: November 2012

The dynamic global environment has necessitated governments to adopt a systems approach of integrating suppliers, customers, and information linkages in an endeavor to create and sustain value for public services. The evolution of the concept “the customer is king” has placed the customer foremost in public management thinking. As a result, optimizing customer value in the public domain has become a focal point in managing procurement. The large quantity of public resources used for service delivery points to the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in expenditures as well as accountability. E-Procurement systems provide mechanisms for controlling, simplifying, and automating goods and services from different suppliers. While benefits like stricter control over spending authorization, easier transaction processing and elimination of redundant stock are achieved through automated procurement processes; the viability and success of e-procurement for the public sector is determined by various conditions. The conditions for successful implementation of an e-procurement system are explored as every government activity involves the spending of public monies on goods and services. Any failings in e-procurement practices can create possibilities for large-scale losses through incompetence, waste, and fraud, which directly impact the public.
The Architecture of the EU Structural Instruments in Romania
Authors: Gherghinescu Oana , Rinderu Paul , Lupu-Visanescu Demetra
Published: November 2012

The present chapter, after a short introduction presenting basic information about the European Union cohesion policy, presents the seven operational programmes that have been negotiated by Romania with the European Commission for the current programming period. The difficulties deriving from public procurement-acquisition procedures in Romania are identified; such difficulties are encountered during the implementation of European projects, thus questioning the effectiveness of the Electronic Public Procurement-Acquisition System. Although it was created with a view to securing the transparency of public funds distribution, it does not allow for tracking the concluded contracts compliance with procurement-acquisition terms. It is at this stage that the most serious problems related to public funds effective use arise. Emphasis is also placed on innovative tools used for submitting, evaluating, and monitoring projects, emphasizing the role of Management Authorities, as public bodies for managing this process. For each operational programme, an econometric model GARCH-like has been developed and applied for realizing this analysis at the level of NUTS2. Bucharest-Ilfov region has been chosen as a case study. Conclusions emphasize the beneficial role of such models especially for assessing the current status of absorbing the structural funds as well as for formulating suggestions for improvement as regards the next programming period. The chapter also pays special attention to the potential use of innovative tools in the application and implementing process as drivers for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the process.
Public Sector Transformation in Malaysia
Authors: Siti-Nabiha A.K. , Salleh Danilah
Published: November 2012

Public sector governance relates to accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and also effectiveness and efficiency of governmental organizations. Such objectives have been the intended outcome of some of the public transformation and reformation programs in Malaysia. However, even after the various improvement initiatives, there are still complaints made against public organizations, especially against local authorities regarding their lack of good governance and accountability. Thus, the question that needs to be answered is why local governance is still a problematic issue even after all the initiatives that have been implemented over the years. As such, the various challenges facing local authorities that constrains them from achieving the intended outcomes of transformation programs is discussed in this chapter. In so doing, a contextual description of the local governmental system and the contemporary reformation programs of public organizations, specifically the local authorities, are explained. In addition, the recommendations to overcome those challenges and to achieve good governance are explained in this chapter as well.
Appreciating Rapid Technology Integration in Creating Value in Enterprises
Authors: Mupepi Mambo G. , Mupepi Sylvia C.
Published: November 2012

The primary objective of this chapter is about innovation within specific social organizations, which compacts with the division of labor, knowledge creation, and the use of technology such as e-enterprise in social economy aimed at improving productivity. A significant proportion of the world’s economy is organized to make profits not only for investors but to sustain the employment of many disadvantaged people throughout the world. It includes cooperative organizations, foundations, and many other social enterprises that provide a wide range of products and services across the globe and generate sustainable employment. Productivity tends to increase when the job is divided into manageable portions and then performed by adequately skilled personnel. In order to succeed in an environment in which other businesses fiercely compete along with social enterprises, it is imperative to take into account innovative systems such as e-enterprise to leverage competition and increase productivity.
Social Entrepreneurial e-Empowerment
Authors: Morales-Gutiérrez Alfonso C. , Ariza-Montes J. Antonio , Muniz Noel M.
Published: November 2012

Muhammad Yunus, micro-lending advocate and founder of the Bank of the Poor, defines social enterprises as doing business to solve social, economic, and environmental adversities. The complexity of today global context hinders the emergence of innovative endeavors; this inner enhancement of capabilities springs out from worldwide entrepreneurs that reveal procuring the best environmental conditions and technologies to nourish new ingenious ventures whether of social or any capitalist profile. Social entrepreneurs noticeably understand that making an intensive use of new technologies engenders innovation and scales impact effects in society; that is why ICTs, and especially the Web 2.0, have constituted catalysts to accelerate collaborations for social change: social innovation labs, social e-enterprise incubators, social innovation centers, social innovation park, et cetera. This chapter reviews the main experiences of social entrepreneurial empowerments, pinpointing those pioneering projects that exploit new technologies to provide services and get access, with no boundaries, to a significant number of communities. It is structured as follows: it starts analyzing the emergence and development of social enterprise, its encouragement and empowerment. Later, some key initiatives for social entrepreneurs are examined, in particular those offered virtually (e-empowerment). The chapter concludes with a brief summary of final thoughts.
The Role of ICT in Supporting Transnational Diaspora Entrepreneurship
Authors: Achtenhagen Leona , Henoch Bengt , Luong Quang
Published: November 2012

Millions of people around the world live in other countries than their countries of origin. In many developing countries, remittances sent home by migrants are a vital part of the economy. Transnational entrepreneurial activities by migrant entrepreneurs, also called diaspora entrepreneurs, involving resources from both the home and the host countries, can contribute to socio-economic value creation of both countries. ICT solutions can play an important role in facilitating and supporting such entrepreneurial activities. This chapter outlines the relevant context of migration, remittances, transnational diaspora entrepreneurship, and innovation systems, and discusses prerequisites and challenges of such ICT solutions.
ICT Adoption in the Small and Medium-Size Social Enterprises in Spain
Authors: Estapé-Dubreuil Glòria , Torreguitart-Mirada Consol
Published: November 2012

The chapter analyzes the actual use of Information and Communication Technologies in the social economy in Spain, focusing on the ICT-related management of its organizations. Although ICT adoption is increasingly present in all areas of the so called Information Society, the perception of how and why the effective adoption of ICT takes place is relevant to the performance both of the social economy as whole and to their organizations. This study shows that the analyzed sample of social economFy enterprises has, on the overall, a good ICT positioning in the Spanish business framework. ICT adoption has been a priority of many social economy enterprises, allowing them to reach a fair level of ICT infrastructures and Internet presence. Furthermore, ICT adoption is seen as an opportunity to enhance their competitive advantage in the markets, mainly through electronic commerce. For a sector, it is also an opportunity to improve internal management, taking advantage of the integration of electronic procedures.
Occult Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Secretion: Diagnostic Dilemma and Infective Consequence
Authors: Momah Njideka , Koroscil Thomas
Published: November 2012

A 42-year-old male presented with polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss. His initial physical exam showed a paucity of cushingoid features. Diagnostic work up was consistent with an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. Imaging studies showed a small anterior mediastinal lesion without additional metabolically active tumors. Fine needle aspiration was consistent with a thymic neuroendocrine tumor. Following radical thymectomy, plasma ACTH and cortisol levels remained elevated. Despite medical management, he died within 2 months of presentation of disseminated intracranial aspergillosis. This case underscores the diagnostic dilemma of occult ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors and the fatal consequence of opportunistic infections.
Dengue: a new challenge for neurology
Authors: Puccioni-Sohler Marzia , Orsini Marco , Soares Cristiane N.
Published: November 2012

Dengue infection is a leading cause of illness and death in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Forty percent of the world’s population currently lives in these areas. The clinical picture resulting from dengue infection can range from relatively minor to catastrophic hemorrhagic fever. Recently, reports have increased of neurological manifestations. Neuropathogenesis seems to be related to direct nervous system viral invasion, autoimmune reaction, metabolic and hemorrhagic disturbance. Neurological manifestations include encephalitis, encephalopathy, meningitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, polyneuropathy, mononeuropathy, and cerebromeningeal hemorrhage. The development of neurological symptoms in patients with positive Immunoglobulin M (IgM) dengue serology suggests a means of diagnosing the neurological complications associated with dengue. Viral antigens, specific IgM antibodies, and the intrathecal synthesis of dengue antibodies have been successfully detected in cerebrospinal fluid. However, despite diagnostic advancements, the treatment of neurological dengue is problematic. The launch of a dengue vaccine is expected to be beneficial.
A case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with massive ascites
Authors: Yonal Ipek , Nazlıgul Esra , Tas Gulsum , Agan Mehmet Ramazan , Yenerel Mustafa Nuri , Nalcaci Meliha
Published: November 2012

An 81-year old woman with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was admitted with night sweats and abdominal distension. A complete blood count showed hemoglobin 5 g/dL, white blood cell (WBC) count 28.5×109/L and platelets 38.4×109/L. Peripheral blood smear examination showed a large number of smudge cells and lymphocytosis composed of mature-looking lymphocytes with clumped nuclear chromatin. Computed tomography scan demonstrated enlarged cervical, axillary, paraaortic, retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymph nodes with concomitant omental thickening and ascites. Also, the liver and the spleen were enlarged in the presence of multiple ill-defined hypoechoic areas in the latter. Histopathological analysis of the cervical lymph node biopsy was consistent with CLL. Bone marrow examination showed diffuse infiltration of the marrow with small lymphocytes. Analysis of the ascitic fluid revealed an exudate with WBC 1220 cells/mL. Cytocentrifuge preparation of the ascitic fluid showed small mature lymphoid cells containing hyperchromatic nuclei with coarsely granular chromatin. On flow cytometric analysis of the ascitic fluid, expression of CD5, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD45 and HLA-DR was compatible with a diagnosis of CLL, in accordance with the results of the peripheral blood analysis. The patient was treated with chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone but died within one month after development of non-chylous ascites.
Systemic therapy in primary angiosarcoma of the spleen
Authors: Ferreira Bruna Pellini , Rodler Eve T. , Loggers Elizabeth T. , Pollack Seth M. , Jones Robin L.
Published: November 2012

Primary splenic angiosarcoma is a very rare neoplasm with a high propensity for metastatic disease and poor prognosis. There is a paucity of literature concerning this specific sarcoma subtype and the role of systemic therapy is not well defined. A retrospective review of the prospectively maintained University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Sarcoma Unit database was performed to identify patients with splenic angiosarcoma treated between 2007 and 2012. In total there were 19 patients with angiosarcoma treated at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance from 2007 to 2012. The number of patients with splenic angiosarcoma was 2 (11%). The first patient was a woman aged 57 years who was referred with metastatic splenic angiosarcoma to the liver, post-splenectomy. She was treated with 4 cycles of weekly paclitaxel prior to metastatic resection and 4 cycles of the same drug in an adjuvant scenario, achieving a pathological complete response to treatment. She is alive and on third-line systemic therapy. The second patient was a male patient aged 30 years who presented with metastatic high-grade splenic angiosarcoma and was treated with 3 lines of systemic therapy, including doxorubicin, paclitaxel and gemcitabine+docetaxel, but developed a gastrointestinal metastasis with subsequent gastrointestinal bleeding. Splenic angiosarcoma is a very rare neoplasm. Surgery remains the mainstay of management for localized disease. Paclitaxel administered weekly proved to be well-tolerated and resulted in a good radiological response in one of our patients, enabling resection of metastatic disease. Durable clinical benefit can be achieved in metastatic splenic angiosarcoma with multi modality management.
History of Orbivirus research in South Africa
Authors: Verwoerd Daniel W.
Published: November 2012

In the early colonial history of South Africa, horses played an important role, both in general transportation and in military operations. Frequent epidemics of African horsesickness (AHS) in the 18th century therefore severely affected the economy. The first scientific research on the disease was carried out by Alexander Edington (1892), the first government bacteriologist of the Cape Colony, who resolved the existing confusion that reigned and established its identity as a separate disease. Bluetongue (BT) was described for the first time by Duncan Hutcheon in 1880, although it was probably always endemic in wild ruminants and only became a problem when highly susceptible Merino sheep were introduced to the Cape in the late 18th century. The filterability of the AHS virus (AHSV) was demonstrated in 1900 by M’Fadyean in London, and that of the BT virus (BTV) in 1905 by Theiler at Onderstepoort, thus proving the viral nature of both agents. Theiler developed the first vaccines for both diseases at Onderstepoort. Both vaccines consisted of infective blood followed by hyper-immune serum, and were used for many years. Subsequent breakthroughs include the adaptation to propagation and attenuation in embryonated eggs in the case of BTV and in mouse brains for AHSV. This was followed by the discovery of multiple serotypes of both viruses, the transmission of both by Culicoides midges and their eventual replication in cell cultures. Molecular studies led to the discovery of the segmented double-stranded RNA genomes, thus proving their genetic relationship and leading to their classification in a genus called Orbivirus. Further work included the molecular cloning of the genes of all the serotypes of both viruses and clarification of their relationship to the viral proteins, which led to much improved diagnostic techniques and eventually to the development of a recombinant vaccine, which unfortunately has so far been unsuitable for mass production.
Seemingly ‘impossible’ art forms: Strijdom van der Merwe’s land art in the context of the South African art market
Authors: Le Clus-Theron Jean
Published: November 2012

This article explored the work of Strijdom van der Merwe, the concept of land art and the notion of the artist’s book in the context of the historical and contemporary art market. The premise of the article is the view that if something can be called art, it can also be sold, even if it is an art form that seems ‘impossible’ to sell, such as land art. This article considers the position of Van der Merwe, the pre-eminent South African land artist, in the somewhat unlikely context, of the South African art market. Van der Merwe is a successful full-time land artist, which is a rare phenomenon in the South African art scene. Indeed in the 1960s, land art was deemed impossible to sell anywhere, and this article explored the extent to which this is still the case today. The research method of the article comprised semi-structured interviews and a literature review. It was argued, in view of Van der Merwe’s work, that whilst it may be true that if something can be called art, it can be sold, then the proviso ‘somehow’ must be added when referring to seemingly ‘impossible art’.
Alienation in Leora Farber’s The futility of writing 24-page letters (2009)
Authors: Swanepoel Rita M.C. , Goosen Moya
Published: November 2012

This article investigates the concept of alienation in Leora Farber’s The futility of writing 24-page letters(as an extension of a work titled Between Cup and Lip as part of the Dis-Location/Re-Location, 2007/2008 exhibition). This is done from a feminist-postcolonial framework in order to investigate the layered complexities surrounding alienation that arise during the oppression of the marginalised. The postcolonial theoretical discourse with its emphasis on the ’other’ and the psychic alienation of the marginalised influences the feminist discourse regarding the estrangement of the woman. In feminist discourses, ‘alienation’ refers to the estrangement women experience in a patriarchal society. We argue that these letters indicate oppressed psychic alienation and self alienation which are the result of stereotyping, cultural domination and sexual objectification. We further argue that Farber’s The futility of writing 24-page letters reveals complex layers of alienation.
Investigating the appropriateness of the theory of organisational knowledge creation as a management model for practice-led research
Authors: Marley Ian R.
Published: November 2012

This article explores ways in which current practice of conducting multipractitioner practiceled research projects in the creative disciplines (Graphic Design, History of Art and Creative Writing) at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, may benefit from the application of a specific managerial theory which focuses on knowledge creation. To this end, the concepts propounded in the theory of organisational knowledge creation, as conceptualised by Nonaka and colleagues, are investigated and a number of compatible and complementary aspects shared by this theory and practice-led research are highlighted. Guiding this article was the argument that the conceptualisation of knowledge as a subjective and socially constructed phenomenon is central to both this theory and research mode. Furthermore, I argue that an integration of tacit and explicit knowledge provides for a holistic view of knowledge that would not be possible if one were to view knowledge in reductively scientific terms. Consequently, the transdisciplinary practice-based research project, Transgressions and boundaries of the page is analysed in terms of the socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation(SECI) knowledge conversion modes, which are the driving force, facilitating the move from tacit to explicit knowledge by means of social interaction. The aim of the Transgressions and boundaries of the page project was to create an exhibition of artists’ books, which would form the beginning of a knowledge creation cycle. Forty artists were invited to create artists’ books for exhibitions held in Stellenbosch, Potchefstroom and Johannesburg in 2010. Those artists involved were selected from various fields of arts as well as related fields. It is concluded that the utilisation of knowledge management in multipractitioner practice-led research projects such as this one, within the creative disciplines at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, will facilitate a better understanding of knowledge management and will yield more effective knowledge creation in that both tacit and explicit knowledge is utilised optimally.
Safety and Efficacy of Sorafenib in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Edeline Julien , Vauléon Elodie , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , Perrin Christophe , Bensalah Cécile Vigneau Karim , Laguerre Brigitte
Published: November 2012

This article reviews data on sorafenib use in renal cell carcinoma. Mechanisms of actions and pharmacokinetics are briefly described. Major clinical trials are presented, summarizing efficacy and safety of sorafenib. Its place in current treatment of renal cell carcinoma is discussed. Sorafenib is likely to remain one of the mainstays of RCC treatment in coming years.
Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in carrot production on Prince Edward Island
Authors: Sanderson K. R. , Fillmore S. A. E.
Published: November 2012

Sanderson, K. R. and Fillmore, S. A. E. 2012. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in carrot production on Prince Edward Island. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1223–1228. The impact of nitrogen management using slow-release fertilizers has not been examined for carrot (Daucus carota L.) production in Atlantic Canada. To assess the effects of such products, we evaluated five slow-release fertilizers over a 3-yr period. Treatments consisted of sulphur coated urea (SCU) (42–0–0), isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) (31–0–0), Nutralene® (methylene urea) (40–0–0), Sirflor® (urea formaldehyde) (38–0–0), UFLEXX™ (urea, dicyandiamide, N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide) (46–0–0) compared with industry standard (ammonium nitrate) (34–0–0). All slow-release fertilizer treatments supplied N at 50 kg N ha–1 pre-plant. Slow-release fertilizer treatments were compared with the industry standard of 50 kg N ha−1 pre-plant plus 50 kg N ha–1 as a top dress. UFLEXX™ increased biological and marketable yield by 7.5 and 18.7%, respectively, compared with the industry standard. Sirflor® produced the lowest yield. GreenSeeker® NDVI reading and LECO N were correlated at the mid-season sample. GreenSeeker® technology has potential as an in-field crop health assessment tool, however, further research is required to develop GreenSeeker® algorithms appropriate for carrot production in Prince Edward Island.
Inheritance of stem rust resistance derived from Aegilops triuncialis in wheat line Tr129
Authors: Ghazvini Habibollah , Hiebert Colin W. , Zegeye Taye , Fetch Tom
Published: November 2012

Ghazvini, H., Hiebert, C. W., Zegeye, T. and Fetch, T. 2012. Inheritance of stem rust resistance derived from Aegilops triuncialis in wheat line Tr129. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1037–1041. Stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), is a devastating disease of wheat that can cause serious grain yield reduction. The emergence of Pgt race TTKSK (Ug99) and new variants in Africa is considered a threat to wheat production worldwide. Among the primary gene pool of wheat, only a few stem rust resistance (Sr) genes confer resistance to TTKSK. Wild relatives of common wheat are an important source of disease resistance. A preliminary study indicated that the common wheat line Tr129, which contains one or more Aegilops triuncialis translocations, is resistant to race TTKSK. The goal of this study was to elucidate the inheritance of resistance to Pgt in line Tr129 and investigate the novelty of the gene(s) conferring resistance. A population was generated by crossing RL6071 with Tr129 and F2 and F3 progeny were inoculated with Pgt race MCCF at the first leaf stage. Segregation of F2 plants fit a 15:1 ratio ([Formula: see text]=1.48, P=0.22) indicating two dominant genes in Tr129 conditioned stem rust resistance to race MCCF. Segregation of F3 families also fit a 7:8:1 ratio ([Formula: see text]= 3.28, P=0.19) confirming the presence of two dominant genes. This is first report of stem rust resistance transferred to wheat from Ae. triuncialis.