bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El término mamlūk y la condición de esclavo durante el sultanato mameluco
Authors: Yosef Koby
Published: July 2013

Los estudiosos del sultanato mameluco generalmente sostienen que todos los mamlūk formaban parte de una élite que se sentía orgullosa de su origen esclavo incluso después de ser liberados. En este artículo se argumenta que esas afirmaciones están basadas en una interpretación errónea del término mamlūk según su uso en las fuentes mamelucas. El término mamlūk tiene un doble significado: esclavo y sirviente, y expresa frecuentemente subordinación, obediencia y servidumbre. Nunca se utiliza como expresión de orgullo de la condición de esclavo o de un origen esclavo. No hay evidencias de que los mamlūk liberados se sintieran orgullosos de su anterior condición de esclavos; por el contrario, los esclavos liberados con aspiraciones hicieron grandes esfuerzos para borrar su pasado servil pretendiendo un origen elevado o creando lazos matrimoniales con las familias más tradicionales. Los mamlūk eran considerados como 《propiedades》 y carecían de una identidad legal en sí mismos. Por lo general eran liberados solo tras la muerte de su amo y se veían a sí mismos como esclavos por carecer de lazos familiares con sus amos. Solo unos pocos, excepcionalmente, conseguían una liberación completa de su estatus y conseguían convertirse en miembros de una élite dirigente con lazos familiares. Parece que desde el tercer reinado de al-Nāṣir Muḥammad b. Qalāwūn, la esclavización de los mamlūk turcos que habían sido vendidos por sus familias se convirtió en una formalidad. Por otro lado, los mamlūk que no eran turcos, generalmente cautivos de guerra cristianos, eran discriminados y despreciados; solo se les liberaba cuando eran ancianos y se les impedía establecer lazos matrimoniales con los Qalawuníes así como crear sus propias familias siendo jóvenes. Eran percibidos por sus contemporáneos como 《esclavos》 que los turcos mamlūk .
La cátedra (kursī ‘ilmī o kursī li-l-wa‘ẓ wa-l-iršād) en Marruecos
Authors: Erzini Nadia , Vernoit Stephen
Published: July 2013

Las mezquitas congregacionales en Marruecos suelen tener un almimbar (p?lpito) que se utiliza durante el sermón de los viernes. Muchas mezquitas de Marruecos cuentan también con una o más sillas, diferenciadas del almimbar en su forma y su función ya que son utilizadas por los profesores para ensenar a los estudiantes de la educación tradicional, y por eruditos que dan conferencias ocasionales al p?blico en general. Esta tradición de cátedras se introduce probablemente en Marruecos desde Próximo Oriente en el siglo XIII. La mayoría de las cátedras existentes parecen datar de los siglos XIX y XX, manteniéndose hasta nuestros días la fabricación y utilización de estas sillas. Las cátedras siempre tienen dos peldanos, un asiento, un respaldo y apoyabrazos. La forma de las sillas parece evocar el almimbar original del Profeta en Medina, tradición que se muestra como uno de los muchos aspectos del conservadurismo y de la evolución distinta del Malikismo marroquí.
Les innovations de Naffāṯ b. Naṣr ou le troisième schisme chez les ibadites
Authors: Prevost Virginie
Published: July 2013

[fr] En plus de la sécession des nukkārites et des ḫalafites, l’imam rustumide Aflaḥ (c. 823-871) doit affronter la dissidence de Naffāṯ b. Naṣr. Après s’être vu refuser le poste de gouverneur de Qanṭrāra, Naffāṯ se met à calomnier publiquement Aflaḥ, auquel il reproche principalement ses goûts de luxe et son manque de combativité face aux Aġlabides. La propagande anti-rustumide de Naffāṯ séduit rapidement de nombreux ibadites, tant dans le Djérid qu’au djebel Nafūsa. Cet engouement montre à quel point, pendant le règne d’Aflaḥ déjà, l’autorité rustumide est remise en cause par les populations ibadites. Bien qu’il ne provoque aucun conflit armé, ce schisme suscite de grandes inquiétudes au plus haut niveau de l’État rustumide. Nous avons réuni dans cet article toutes les éléments qui se rapportent à Naffāṯ, afin de tenter de reconstituer sa vie et de dresser la liste des nouvelles idées qu’il a proposées. Le mouvement naffatite est particulièrement intéressant, d’une part par sa longévité et son extension géographique, d’autre part par le grand nombre de documents qui s’y rapportent. Ces documents, apparaissant très progressivement au fil des siècles dans les sources ibadites, permettent de mieux comprendre la personnalité de Naffāṯ b. Naṣr., qui fut davantage un intellectuel que le chef d’un mouvement organisé.
Intelligent Randomize Round Robin for Cloud Computing
Authors: Yassein Muneer O. Bani , Khamayseh Yaser M. , Hatamleh Ali M.
Published: July 2013

Cloud computing is a recent scientific revolution in information technology, it is considered as the basic infrastructure of ubiquitous computing. It supports various features including, Internet based computing, and resources sharing. Delivery of services is provided to computers and other devices upon request. In other words, it is a technology based on the internet and central remote servers to maintain data and applications. This technology allows consumers and enterprises to use applications without the need of installing them or allowing access to their personal files at any computer with internet access. Among different users that may access the cloud data center, cloud computing must include job scheduling to organize and monitor these jobs, and to achieve fairness among all users. One of the most popular job scheduling algorithms is Round Robin (RR). This paper proposes an enhancement to the traditional RR, namely Randomized Round Robin (RRR). The enhanced version of RR algorithms is based on random selection for processes that come from different users to achieve near optimal selection of jobs to be served. A simulation has been carried out using CloudSim simulator V 3.0 to test the performance of the proposed scheme in terms of different evaluation metrics such as average throughput and average turnaround time.
K-Shell X-Ray Fluorescence Studies of Some Elements in the Atomic Number Range 26 = Z = 70
Authors: Sripathi Punchithaya K , Balakrishna K M
Published: July 2013

K-shell fluorescence yields of low, medium Z and rare earth elements were determined using Si(PIN) detector and HPGe detector employing reflection geometry set up. Target atoms were excited using 59.5 keV gamma rays emerging from Am-241 source of strength 300 mCi. Background radiation and multiple scattering effects were minimized by properly shielding the detector. The elemental foils of uniform thickness and 99.9% purity were used in the present investigation. The fluorescent spectra were recorded in an 8K and 16K multi channel analyzer. The data were carefully analyzed and total K-shell fluorescence yields were calculated. The resulting yield values are compared with the available experimental and theoretical values.
Application of Molecular Topology to the Prediction of the Reaction Yield and Anticancer Activity of Imidazole and Guanidine Derivatives
Authors: López Miguel Espinosa , Pitarresi Vincenzo La Franca , Valero Salvador Sayas , Gálvez Jorge , García-Domenech Ramón
Published: July 2013

In this study molecular topology based QSAR has been applied to predict the reaction yield and anticancer activity of 18 imidazole and guanidine derivatives. Four properties were evaluated, namely reaction yield, anti prostatic-cancer activity, anti breast-cancer activity and anti lung-cancer activity. The four models have been validated by both internal and cross validation, and also by randomness tests. The results obtained are in full agreement with the experimental results and confirm the precision, accuracy and robustness of the method followed. After carrying out a virtual screening upon such models, new imidazole and guanidine derivatives with potential anticancer activity are proposed.
Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium of the Ternary System Water/Formic Acid/1-Pentanol at T= 308.2 K
Authors: Ghanadzadeh Hossein , Asan Shahin , Sangashekan Milad
Published: July 2013

Liquid–liquid equilibrium data for the (water + Formic acid + 1-pentanol) ternary system were determined at T = (308.2) K in ambient pressure. This ternary system exhibits type-1 behavior of LLE. Distribution coefficients and separation factors were measured to evaluate the extracting capacity of the solvent. The consistency of the experimental tie-line data was determined through the Othmer–Tobias and Bachman equations. The raw experimental data were correlated using the NRTL and UNIQUAC models. The average root-mean-square deviation between the experimental and calculated mass fractions was 0.488% and 0.465%.
Modeling and Optimization of Poly Electrolyte Dosage in Water Treatment Process by GMDH Type- NN and MOGA
Authors: Akbarizadeh M. , Daghbandan A. , Yaghoobi M.
Published: July 2013

Coagulation-flocculation is the most important parts of water treatment process. Traditionally, optimum pre coagulant dosage is determined by used jar tests in laboratory. However; jar tests are time-consuming, expensive, and less adaptive to changes in raw water quality in real time. Soft computing can be used to overcome these limitations. In this paper, multi-objective evolutionary Pareto optimal design of GMDH Type-Neural Network has been used for modeling and predicting of optimum poly electrolyte dosage in Rasht WTP, Guilan, Iran, using Input - output data sets. In this way, multi-objective uniform-diversity genetic algorithms (MUGA) are then used for Pareto optimization of GMDH networks. In order to achieve this modeling, the experimental data were divided into train and test sections. The predicted values were compared with those of experimental values in order to estimate the performance of the GMDH network. Also, Multi Objective Genetic Algorithms (MOGA) are then used for optimization of influence parameters in pre coagulant (Poly electrolyte) dosage.
Modeling of Multi-Image/Video Flow on a Multiprocessor Surveillance System
Authors: Tsitsoulis Athanasios , Bourbakis Nikolaos
Published: July 2013

DIAS is a distributed, multiprocessor picture information system architecture. It consists of four main cooperating parts (Input-Preprocessing; Planning-Control; Image Processing/Analysis/Understanding; Backend). The performance of the DIAS system is mainly based on the performance of the Image Processing/Analysis/Understanding (IA) section, which is a multiprocessor array structure. Thus, the functional modeling of the IA section can provide a satisfactory picture of the overall DIAS system function. The analytical model is used to evaluate what parameters are involved in the Image Analysis array structure. Experimental results demonstrate its performance in strenuous conditions and its ability to guarantee real-time constraints.
Macroeconomic Factors and Company Value in the Context of the Ohlson Residual Income Valuation Model
Authors: Vergos Konstantinos , Christopoulos Apostolos G. , Kalogirou Vasilios
Published: July 2013

Over the past decades the Ohlson Residual Income Model for equity valuation has drawn much attention concerning its advantages when compared to traditional models (DDM, FCFM). This paper attempts to empirically investigate the validity of the Ohlson Residual Income model using data from the Greek economy over the period 1969-2001. By using multiple regression analysis and by incorporating macroeconomic factors as explanatory variables, we investigate the link of accounting and macroeconomic factors in the market valuation of major Greek companies listed in the Athens Stock exchange. We find that the performance of the Ohlson Residual Income Model is quite satisfactory and the use of factors such as commodity prices, discount rates, and market level in some cases add to the explanatory power of the examined model. Our findings are important for both economists and fund managers, because they show that a relation between accounting and macroeconomic data is valid in the Greek market and economy, alongside more developed markets.
How Financial Crises Affect FDI and Related Macroeconomic Variables
Authors: Üvez Rukiye Ceyda , Aybars Asli
Published: July 2013

The new literature on the benefits and costs of financial globalization has increased in recent years because of the massive negative effects of the global financial crisis of 2008. While evidence based on microeconomic data shows some benefit of financial integration and the distortionary effects of capital controls, the macroeconomic evidence generally remains inconclusive. Also, some papers argue that financial globalization enhances macroeconomic stability especially in emerging economies, but others argue the opposite. The authors try to argue the effects of financial globalization and global financial crises on macroeconomic stability. This paper probes the effect of the financial crises since 2000 on specific Mediterranean economies including Greece and Turkey, comparatively. The main question to be answered in this paper is how selected macroeconomic variables affected the financial crises in these economies. Another question to be addressed is how macroeconomic variables have been affected by the last global financial crisis of 2008. Moreover, the research is focused on FDI (foreign direct investment) in these selected economies and examines the relationship between the macroeconomic variables and the financial crises. The relationship between relative macroeconomic variables, FDI and financial crises is determined using annual data from 2000 to 2010. The relationships between the indicators are analyzed using AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures), a structural equation modeling (SEM) software where the model is presented in an intuitive path diagram to show hypothesized relationships among variables easier than just using standard multivariate statistics or multiple regression models alone.
Creativity and Cultural Capital in the Periphery Evidence from Two Greek Cities
Authors: Stavroulakis Dimitrios , Mitoula Roido , Kaldis Panagiotis , Papagrigoriou Aristides
Published: July 2013

A comparative study of two Greek cities, Chania and Kalamata, has been conducted regarding their creative potential. The cities are similar in many ways, i.e. regarding climate, goods produced, dependence on tourism etc, yet their cultural capital has been created through different patterns, and also identity formation of local societies has been built on different foundations. Cultural policies of the municipalities have also been oriented to different goals. Municipality of Kalamata has launched an all-encompassing cultural campaign, having dance as its spearhead. On the other hand, municipality of Chania, while offering an integrated cultural program in summer, it focuses more on letters and local history. Since promotion of arts has been hindered due to austerity measures, municipalities had to re-orient their strategy according to the new unfavorable developments. Despite their rich cultural capital, it is questionable whether these cities could be designated as “creative” according to Florida’s criteria, mainly because of the tight bonding ties of local societies.
Selected Ideas and Methods in Knowledge Visualization
Authors: Ursyn Anna , Banissi Ebad
Published: July 2013

Selected themes presented in this article were presented at the 16th International Conference on Information Visualization (IV 2012) and the Computer Graphics, Imaging, and Visualization Conference (CGIV 2012), which gather artists, scientists, mathematicians, and other participants using digital imagery and data or involved in visual storytelling, art, and graphics. Figures show art works presented at an online virtual exhibition, the Symposium and Gallery of Digital Art (D-Art), which complements these events. The article examines selected theoretical approaches and recent technology sessions related to data, information, and knowledge visualization, among other current issues in the visualization domain.
“Il Gioco delle Forme”
Authors: Di Tore Stefano , Aiello Paola , Di Gennaro Diana Carmela , Sibilio Maurizio
Published: July 2013

The study presented here concerns the results obtained from the development and the experimentation of a didactic exergame realized by the University of Salerno. The aim of this exergame, called “Gioco delle Forme”, is to evaluate, measure and “train”, by means of a playful activity with a high degree of body involvement, the skills of visual and motor integration, skills that for scientific literature are strictly linked to learning processes and considered very important in recent pedagogic debate as concerns the visual and spatial component present in specific learning difficulties. The focus of the study is on the design and development of an exer-game essentially based on manipulation of shapes involving the whole body, fundamental aspect both for the assessment of visual-motor integration skills or for the emotional participation of the user because “motor activity – not representationalist verisimilitude - holds the key to fluid and functional crossings between virtual and physical realms”(Hansen, 2006, p.2); this activity can also be considered as a preparatory skill for the spatial acquisition of concepts like geometrical forms, graphemes, etc. The exer-game is based on the following skills: grabbing, turning, shifting geometrical forms to make them matching with figures on screen.
Digital Umwelt
Authors: Di Tore Pio Alfredo , Carlomagno Nadia , Di Tore Stefano , Sibilio Maurizio
Published: July 2013

The spread of Natural Interfaces, based on devices which allow the retrieval to the Human Computer Interaction of natural paradigms of human interaction (sound, voice, touch, movement), limiting graphic interfaces: the interaction doesn’t occur “through the mirror” (Carroll, 2012) of the screen, but it takes place through movement, in the natural space of the user, in relation to an augmented (digital) umwelt that inter-acts continuously with the user’s whole body. The aim of this work is to present natural interfaces as the tool that constitutes the effective place of convergence between body and movement, manipulation of spatial reference systems and man-machine interaction, and inquire the possible didactic declinations.
New Technologies for Writing and Drawing Evaluation
Authors: Vastola Rodolfo , Carlomagno Nadia , Sgambelluri Rosa , Sibilio Maurizio
Published: July 2013

Movement analysis is generally considered the analysis of walking, with the first workshops not by chance being called Gait Analysis Laboratories. Improvement of the technical specifications of these tools and the simplification of user interfaces have allowed these tools to be applied to other motor actions apart from walking. Simple or complex movements of the upper or lower limbs have become the object of movement analysis. The areas of interest range from sports to the clinical. This possibility to refer to several motor actions as well as different areas has meant that these laboratories are now known as Movement Analysis Laboratories. Is it possible to consider the use of these systems in the evaluation of the writing skills of the child. The specific research is part of the screening of special needs education, highlighting important information that is subject to the planning and production of the drawing. The project starts from the desire to investigate the possible integration of the traditional rating scales with digital systems, for this reason, and in order to be a predictive tool of the writing skills of children, the VMI test has been adopted as a working basis. In particular, attention has been given to the first page of the test.
A Primary Market for Optimizing Power Peak-Load Demand Limits
Authors: Altaleb Hesham , Brodsky Alexander
Published: July 2013

In this paper the authors propose a market-based mechanism for organizational units of Commercial and Industrial power consumers or companies in a consortium to reduce their peak power demand. The market mechanism requires participants’ bids to indicate the value they associate with power needed to run various services, and the power quantity requirement for these services over a time horizon. The market resolution produces peak demand allocation, i.e., determination of the peak demand and the associated cost that the units need to pay. The global peak-demand is then derived by optimizing individual participants’ peak demand. The market mechanism is based on decision optimization, and guarantees the formally defined properties of Pareto optimality, Nash equilibrium and benefit distribution fairness.
Brand Presence in Digital Space
Authors: Rowley Jennifer , Edmundson-Bird David
Published: July 2013

With the growing importance of digital spaces as arenas in which organisations and consumers interact, brand owners can no longer afford to regard digital, online, or i-branding as an optional add-on to branding through other channels. After an introduction, this article reviews some of the principles that need to underpin any brand strategy. The article then reviews the key considerations for organisations as they seek to manage their brand presence in digital spaces. Next, it examines recent developments associated with the social media era, in which consumers expect to have a key role in co-creating the brand. The article concludes with an agenda for the future development of branding in digital space.
Business Driven User Role Assignment
Authors: Dia Ousmane Amadou , Farkas Csilla
Published: July 2013

The authors propose a business-oriented approach to support accurate and dynamic user-role assignments for the Role Based Access Control (RBAC) model. Their model, called Business-Driven Role Based Access Control (BD-RBAC), is composed of three layers. The first layer extends the RBAC model with the concepts of business roles, system roles, credentials, and users’ capabilities. The second layer dynamically assigns users to business and system roles, and filters outdated (abnormal) user-role assignments. The third layer supports exception handling and partial authorization. The novel aspect of the work is the adaptation of RBAC-based access control systems to changes in organizational needs, while reducing the burden of security administration. To this end, the authors have developed (1) a series of algorithms to compute internal and external user-role assignments based on organizational policies, users’ requests and capabilities, (2) and shown that their outputs are permissible, i.e., a legitimate user is authorized to activate the role, complete, i.e., a legitimate user can activate the roles necessary to perform all the requested tasks, and minimal, i.e., a legitimate user does not receive any non-authorized or not-needed privileges.
Computational Complexity Analysis for a Class of Symmetric Cryptosystems Using Simple Arithmetic Operations and Memory Access Time
Authors: Zibideh Walid Y. , Matalgah Mustafa M.
Published: July 2013

A secure cryptosystem could be very complicated, time consuming and hard to implement. Therefore, the complexity of the cryptosystem should be taken into account during design and implementation. In this work, the authors introduce a comprehensive and platform independent complexity analysis for a class of symmetric block cryptosystems, by which it will be easier to evaluate the performance of some used cryptosystems. Previous works lacked the comprehensiveness in their analysis, due to the fact that the memory access time was completely ignored, which greatly degrades the accuracy of the analysis and limits it to one data block only. In this paper the authors analytically compute the complexity for a class of symmetric cryptosystems in terms of the number of the clock cycles required and in terms of the required time for encryption/decryption, independently of the hardware or software used in the encryption/decryption process. Moreover, this is the first complexity analysis that considers the required time to access and retrieve information from memory, which makes the analysis more comprehensive and accurate than previous work as well as being general for any number of encryption data blocks. In addition, computer simulations are used to truly evaluate the accuracy of the analysis and to show how the analytical results match the simulation results.
The Tree of Knowledge Project
Authors: Gui Dean A. F. , AuYeung Gigi
Published: July 2013

The virtual Department of English at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, also known as the Tree of Knowledge, is a project premised upon using ecology and organic forms to promote language learning in Second Life (SL). Inspired by Salmon’s (2010) Tree of Learning concept this study examines how an interactive ecological environment – in this case, a tree – might offer numerous learning possibilities via every segment of the structure. Third-party billboard and sculpt modeling techniques, SL building tools and mega prim applications (which are more effective for organic shapes) were used to develop a three dimensional textured trunk, two-faced layered leaves and size-locked branches, crown, and roots. Preliminary student survey responses to the various elements of the virtual department architecture included an appreciation for creativity, innovation, and attractiveness in the design; challenges included a sense of dizziness when maneuvering around, difficulty in controlling the avatar, slow computer system responses, and lack of instruction in how to navigate through the structure.
Facilitating Art Education
Authors: Hearns Merle , Jegathesan Jegatheva (Jay Jay)
Published: July 2013

Art and design students in SL experience the advantages of a visually rich environment where they can take a leading role in their own learning, have the opportunity to create objects that defy real world limitations, are immersive and interactive, and where they are able to collaborate with a community of global art practitioners. The 3D Art Challenges started at the University of Western Australia in Second Life in 2009. Since that time, UWA has rapidly emerged as a central hub of art activity in SL. The story of UWA’s journey into Second Life and a recent survey of past and present participants of the UWA Art Challenges indicate that the environment of a virtual world is well suited to the teaching of art and design skills. The UWA Art Challenges have the potential to be valuable resources for educators and students.
We Learn as We Go
Authors: Schutt Stefan , Linegar Dale
Published: July 2013

The authors’ team has been working with virtual worlds since 2006, deploying them in diverse contexts including secondary schools, special schools, vocational education and training, higher education and the community sector. Here the authors outline their operational experience of the complex web of interrelated factors involved in running virtual world projects. The authors discuss project development models, institutional politics, activity types and working with teachers and students. They conclude that embedding virtual worlds in education can be rewarding but also difficult at times, with qualities of nimbleness and self-reinvention required of project teams.
Instructional Scaffolding
Authors: Cunningham Merrilee , Robbins Ruth
Published: July 2013

This article addresses the use of embedded scaffolding to enhance web-based learning in an online course which covers an introduction to multiple programming languages, utilizing selected resources and strategies as scaffolding techniques. This programming languages class is taught at the junior level in the Information Systems discipline as an online elective class, in a public institution located in a large, urban setting. Low to high knowledge learners are guided in the development of programs and implementation of systems through the use of four different programming languages. Learners with various experience levels were surveyed to determine if they thought these reinforcing scaffolding techniques were effectively used to provide all students with their own success producing pathway through the course. While finding out which scaffolding sections actually added to student success may not be absolutely necessary in designing a successful course, embedding hypermedia fostering a systematic improvement of learning options requires the constant “redesign” and encompasses web-based scaffolding processes as a very real advantage.
Identifying and Addressing Cultural Barriers to Faculty Adoption and Use of a Learning Management System in a Ghanaian University
Authors: Asunka Stephen
Published: July 2013

This study adopted a participatory action research (PAR) approach to identify and address the various cultural factors that contribute in hindering faculty adoption and use of a Learning Management System (LMS) for online collaborative learning (OCL) at a private university in Ghana. This followed a realization that an LMS that the university deployed for OCL purposes, and had been available for over five years, remained largely unused by faculty members despite that they have been trained, motivated and appropriately resourced to do so. With a preliminary investigation revealing the possible role of cultural factors, this study drew on some aspects of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory to develop and conceptualize a research framework, and subsequently engaged 10 faculty members in a semester-long action study. Findings show that by collectively identifying the cultural underpinnings, and conscientiously working on them, faculty members can ultimately change their attitudes (as well as those of their other colleagues) significantly, and be better predisposed to using online collaborative tools and resources for OCL.
Accessible Button Interfaces
Authors: Colman Jason , Gnanayutham Paul
Published: July 2013

The number of people with brain injuries is increasing, as more people who suffer injuries survive. Some of these patients are aware of their surroundings but almost entirely unable to move or communicate. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) can enable this group of people to use computers to communicate and carry out simple tasks in a limited manner. BCIs tend to be hard to navigate in a controlled manner, and so the use of “one button” user interfaces is explored. This one button concept can not only be used brain injured personnel with BCIs but by other categories of disabled individuals too with alternative point and click devices. A number of accessible button interfaces are described, some of which have already been implemented by the authors.
Web Information System Platforms for Publishing Spatial Data
Authors: Gallo Crescenzio , Malatacca Franco , Fratello Angelo
Published: July 2013

The best tools to manage the exchange of information and services between heterogeneous subjects through new technological tools with particular reference to information systems are certainly the Web-based information systems. Leveraging the infrastructure of the Web, these systems may be able to handle multimedia data, to perform distributed and cooperative applications based on service, in addition to customizing applications and related data. This paper provides an overview on Web Information Systems with particular reference to GIS, presenting a description of the usage scenarios and a comparison between two significant platform for publishing spatial data.
Gamification in Instruction and the Management of Intersubjectivity in Online University Courses
Authors: Nahl Diane , James Leon
Published: July 2013

Technology integration with twelve online undergraduate and graduate courses over four semesters provided the occasion for experimenting with effective ways of managing student learning at a distance. Students had online access to the publicly available applications used for communicating and coordinating activities with each other. Gamification principles guided some of the course procedures, such as a point system, feedback, awards and penalties, social networking, team tasks, individual options. A theoretical framework is proposed for understanding how to manage instructional intersubjectivity for students meeting online. Student thinking and motivation is observed to be higher under conditions of intersubjectivity in comparison to doing the same tasks alone. Learning from each other through participation promotes intersubjectivity when the instructional strategy installs technological affordances that keep each student informed of what the others are doing in context, and how they are reacting or responding to each other.
Structural Dynamics Analysis of Rotating Blades Using Fully Intrinsic Equations, Part I: Formulation and Verification of Single-Load-Path Configurations
Authors: Sotoudeh Zahra , Hodges Dewey H.
Published: July 2013

As part of an ongoing investigation into potential advantages of so-called fully intrinsic formulations, this paper presents an application of the fully intrinsic equations of motion and kinematics for beams to rotor blades. A fully intrinsic formulation is devoid of displacement and
rotation variables. Although the governing equations are geometrically exact, they are free of the attendant singularities and infinite-degree nonlinearities found in other types of formulations. These nonlinear, first-order partial differential equations are suitable for analyzing initially
curved and twisted, anisotropic beams and thus are very attractive for analysis of both helicopter and wind turbine blades. This two-part paper is devoted to the structural dynamics modeling of rotor blades with a wide variety of boundary conditions—in particular hingeless and bearingless
rotor configurations. In Part I, the theory and the formulation are presented, along with verification of single-load-path configurations. Part II is devoted to the verification of dual-load-path configurations.
Canadian Triassic ammonoid faunas
Authors: Tozer E T
Published: July 2013

Data are given on the morphology and distribution of all known Canadian Triassic Ammonoidea, except the Arcestaceae. Material is described from about 850 localities in the Arctic Islands, Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta. Localities in the Arctic Islands are
in the Sverdrup Basin. Except for one collection from a well in northwest Alberta, all specimens from Western Canada are from exposures in the Cordillera. A biochronology is proposed covering the whole of the Triassic, from the earliest (Early Griesbachian) to latest (Late Norian). Fifty -six
divisions (zones, subzones, horizons) are recognized, grouped within stages and substages as follows: Lower Griesbachian (2), Upper Griesbachian (2), Dienerian (4), Smithian (3), Spathian (2), Lower Anisian (3), Middle Anisian (3), Upper Anisian (2), Ladinian (10), Lower Carnian (3), Upper Carnian
(4), Lower Norian (7), Middle Norian (7), Upper Norian (4). The ammonoids are classified as 522 species (243 new) in 256 genera (46 new).
Lense op spiritualiteit en kerkwees: Die pad vorentoe vir die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA)
Authors: Van der Merwe Jacobus C.
Published: July 2013

Lenses on spirituality and being church; the road ahead for the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCA). At this point of time the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCA) is facing the seemingly unsolvable dilemma of not being able to handle diversity in a positive manner. By applying three lenses to the current impasse with regards to the church’s struggle with diversity, this article aims at providing an answer to the question of how to proceed. The first lens addresses the challenge to maintain spiritual health and harmony in the midst of differences and tension in the church. The theory behind systems sensitive leadership as lens serves as the guideline to achieve the necessary spiritual health that the church needs in such challenging times. The second lens explores the inner Christian spiritual path in a both developmental and comprehensive way. Drawing on the work of Paul Smith this lens sets forth the developmental framework by which Christians grow inwardly in their understanding of Jesus and his teachings. The third lens is a view on a practice whereby the validity of intellectual positions, statements, or ideologies could be appraised as an innate quality in any subject. This lens opens a unique perspective which provides not only a new understanding of humanity’s journey in the universe, but also serves as a guide to were we and the whole cosmos are on our personal journeys to become who we could be. The vision that is provided by these three lenses has the capacity not only to serve as guidelines, but also to provide the tools to handle the challenges the church has to face on the road a head.
Okanese poplar
Authors: Schroeder William , Soolanayakanahally Raju , Lindquist Carl
Published: July 2013

Schroeder, W., Soolanayakanahally, R. and Lindquist, C. 2013. Okanese poplar. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1281–1283. Okanese poplar is a male, winter-hardy and drought-resistant hybrid poplar tree released by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Agroforestry Development Centre (ADC) for the Canadian prairies and United States northern Great Plains. Okanese is named for the Cree Chief Okanis founding chief of Okanese First Nation located in the File Hills area of southern Saskatchewan.
Dracunculiasis Eradication: And Now, South Sudan
Authors: Hopkins Donald R. , Ruiz-Tiben Ernesto , Weiss Adam , Withers P. Craig , Eberhard Mark L. , Roy Sharon L.
Published: July 2013

This report summarizes the status of the global Dracunculiasis Eradication Program as of the end of 2012. Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) has been eliminated from 17 of 21 countries where it was endemic in 1986, when an estimated 3.5 million cases occurred worldwide. Only 542 cases were reported from four countries in 2012, and 103 villages still had indigenous transmission. Most remaining cases were reported from the new Republic of South Sudan, whereas Chad, Ethiopia, and Mali each reported 10 cases or less. Political instability and insecurity in Mali may become the main obstacles to interrupting dracunculiasis transmission forever.
Institutional Attributes Associated With Innovation and Improvement: Results of a Multisite Study
Authors: Philibert Ingrid , Johnston Mary Joyce , Hruska Laura , Shapiro Jane A. , Friedmann Paul , Gardent Paul B. , Batalden Paul B. , Leach David C.
Published: July 2013

Background

To date, no studies have explored why some teaching hospitals and health systems appear to offer a more fertile environment for innovation and improvement in the learning environment. As a consequence, little is known about the role of organizational attributes and culture in fostering innovation and improvements in settings where residents learn and participate in care, though these have been studied extensively in the general literature on organizations.

Aims

The goals of our study entailed (1) gathering ground-level observations on processes and common attributes; (2) disseminating this information for adoption and adaptation; and (3) exploring whether the current accreditation model may present barriers to institution- and program-level innovation.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study of 4 institutions, successful in innovation and improvement in their learning environment, and sought to replicate the findings with a second group of 5 institutions.

Results

Three themes emerged from the interviews and site visits of the participants in the alpha phase: (1) a structure and culture that promote integration and inclusion; (2) a recognition of the value of resident education to the institution; and (3) a learning organization rooted in the extensive use of data and ongoing change, improvement, and innovation.

Conclusions

Some of the concepts identified in our small sample of “innovative” institutions could be relatively easily adopted or adapted by others that seek to enhance innovation and improvement in the learning environment. In contrast, the structural factors that characterized 3 of the 4 alpha participants, particularly the organization and compensation of faculty, may not be generalizable to many other institutions.
Residency Programs' Evaluations of the Competencies: Data Provided to the ACGME About Types of Assessments Used by Programs
Authors: Holt Kathleen D. , Miller Rebecca S. , Nasca Thomas J.
Published: July 2013

Background

In 1999, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Outcome Project began to focus on resident performance in the 6 competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal communication skills, and professionalism. Beginning in 2007, the ACGME began collecting information on how programs assess these competencies. This report provides information on the nature and extent of those assessments.

Methods

Using data collected by the ACGME for site visits, we use descriptive statistics and percentages to describe the number and type of methods and assessors accredited programs (n  =  4417) report using to assess the competencies. Observed differences among specialties, methodologies, and assessors are tested with analysis of variance procedures.

Results

Almost all (>97%) of programs report assessing all of the competencies and using multiple methods and multiple assessors. Similar assessment methods and evaluator types were consistently used across the 6 competencies. However, there were some differences in the use of patient and family as assessors: Primary care and ambulatory specialties used these to a greater extent than other specialties.

Conclusion

Residency programs are emphasizing the competencies in their evaluation of residents. Understanding the scope of evaluation methodologies that programs use in resident assessment is important for both the profession and the public, so that together we may monitor continuing improvement in US graduate medical education.
Internal Medicine Residents' Acceptance of Self-Directed Learning Plans at the Point of Care
Authors: Smith Susan J , Kakarala Radhika R , Talluri Siva K , Sud Parul , Parboosingh J
Published: July 2013

Objectives

We implemented a curriculum using self-directed learning plans (SDLPs) based on clinical questions arising from the residents' practice, and we report on perceptions and attitudes from residents in internal medicine regarding the use of SDLPs conceived at point of care.

Methods

Internal medicine residents at a single community hospital in the Midwest were surveyed in 2006 regarding SDLPs. We report their perceived effectiveness in identifying knowledge gaps, the processes used to fill those gaps, and the resident outcomes using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 26 out of 37 residents (70%) responded. Most (24 of 26; 92%) perceived SDLPs helped them to identify and fill knowledge gaps and that their skills in framing questions (23 of 26; 88%), identifying resources (21 of 26; 81%), and critically appraising the evidence (20 of 26; 77%) improved through regular use. They also felt these plans led to a meaningful change in their practice or provided further direction for learning (17 of 26; 65%). Most (21 of 26; 81%) reported their intent to include point-of-care learning in their continuing education after residency. We found no significant differences in the responses of first-year compared with second- or third-year residents.

Conclusions

Questions arising during patient care are strong motivators for physician self-directed learning. The residents' responses indicated that they accepted the SDLPs and intend to use them in practice. Embedding the discussion of the SDLPs in preclinic conferences has ensured sustainability during the past 5 years and has enabled us to demonstrate teaching of practice-based learning and improvement.
Opportunities in Global Health Education: A Survey of the Virtual Landscape
Authors: Castillo Jonathan , Castillo Heidi , DeWitt Thomas G
Published: July 2013

Background

A new generation of medical students is seeking residency programs offering global health education (GHE), and there is growing awareness of the benefits this training provides. However, basic factors that have an impact on its implementation and its effect on the residency match are insufficiently understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent of online information on GHE available to potential US pediatric residency program applicants.

Methods

Pediatric residency programs' websites were systematically examined in 2007, 2008, and 2009 to extract available information on GHE.

Results

In 2007, 147 websites (76.2%) had no information available on GHE; 40 (20.7%) mentioned international opportunities; and 6 (3.1%) provided evidence of a global health track or program. In 2008, 123 websites (63.1%) had no information available on GHE; 57 (29.2%) mentioned international opportunities; and 15 (7.7%) had a formal program. In 2009, 105 websites (53.6%) had no information available on GHE; 70 (35.7%) mentioned international opportunities; and 21 (10.7%) had a formal program. Between 2007 and 2009, the percentage of pediatric residency programs with information on GHE available nearly doubled from 23.8% to 46.4%. Within the same period, the number of formal GHE programs offered more than tripled.

Conclusions

By the 2009–2010 academic year, the websites for nearly half of the residency programs mentioned international experiences, yet only a small number of these residencies appeared to have developed a formal GHE program. Further, the websites for many residency programs did not include information on the international opportunities they offered, with programs running the risk of failing to attract and ultimately match global health–minded applicants.
A Pilot Study of a “Resident Educator And Life-long Learner” Program: Using a Faculty Train-the-Trainer Program
Authors: Pien Lily C , Taylor Christine A , Traboulsi Elias , Nielsen Craig A
Published: July 2013

Purpose

We sought to create a resident educator program using a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) approach with adaptable curricula at a large tertiary health care center with a medical school and 60 accredited residency programs.

Methods

The Resident Educator And Life-long Learner (REALL) Program was designed as a 3-phase model. Phase 1 included centralized planning and development that led to the design of 7 teaching modules and evaluation tools for TTT and resident sessions. Phase 2 entailed the dissemination of the TTT modules (Learning Styles, Observational Skills, Giving Feedback, Communication Skills: The Angry Patient, Case-Based Teaching, Clinical Reasoning, Effective Presentations) to faculty trainers. In phase 3, specific modules were chosen and customized by the faculty trainers, and implemented for their residents. Evaluations from residents and faculty were collected throughout this process.

Results

A total of 45 faculty trainers representing 27 residency programs participated in the TTT program, and 97% of trainers were confident in their ability to implement sessions for their residents. A total of 20 trainers from 11 residency programs implemented 33 modules to train 479 residents, and 97% of residents believed they would be able to apply the skills learned. Residents' comments revealed appreciation of discussion of their roles as teachers.

Conclusion

Use of an internal TTT program can be a strategy for dissemination of resident educator and life-long learner curricula in a large academic tertiary care center. The TTT model may be useful to other large academic centers.