bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Study on Service Oriented Enterprise Interoperability in Automobile Supply Chain
Authors: Zhang Yong , Liu Shijun , Jiao Yuchang , Sun Yuqing
Published: October 2010

Interoperability is an important issue in the supply chain management (SCM) systems that highly influence the productivity, especially in such complex automobile domain that many supplies take part in the activities and requirements are dynamically changed according to the market. In order to keep ahead in the competitive market, each enterprise in the supply chain should keep efficient interoperability with its partners. However, it is difficult for all of them to update their SCM systems in real time for collaboration especially for some small suppliers due to the expensive maintenance and complex technologies. In this paper, we propose a service-oriented approach to solve the above problem by providing an integrated platform, where interoperability is considered as utility-like capability and delivered in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS). Each enterprise in a supply chain could establish the interoperation activities with other partners in this platform and thus they could efficiently collaborate. We illustrate in detail how two SaaS-typed applications interact with each other.
Online-Oriented Service Quality
Authors: Swaid Samar I. , Wigand Rolf T.
Published: October 2010

Equipped with advancements in technology, multichannel retailers design multichannel servicing systems to meet their customers’ needs. A notable practice by multichannel shoppers is the online-oriented shopping, where shoppers search, purchase and pay online, while they go offline for products pickup/returns. Once multichannel retailers understand how shoppers evaluate service quality in the setting of online-oriented shopping, better servicing systems can be designed. This chapter is dedicated to understand how service quality is evaluated in online-oriented shopping. Because customer satisfaction is paramount, a service quality model incorporates customer satisfaction as an outcome. As this study is the first of its types focusing on service quality in the setting of “buy online, pickup in-store”, traditional retailers can consider our findings as guidelines of advancing into the online world. As such, pure online retailers can benefit from our findings in understanding the impact of establishing a physical presence on service quality models and customer satisfaction.
The Management of Knowledge Resources within Private Organisations
Authors: Ricceri Federica , Guthrie James , Coyte Rodney
Published: October 2010

National economies have rapidly moved from their industrial economic base and shifted towards a knowledge base, in which wealth creation is associated with the ability to develop and manage knowledge resources (KR) (see, among others, MERITUM, 2002; EC, 2006). Several national and international institutions have produced various Intellectual Capital (IC) frameworks1 and guidelines (e.g. MERITUM, 2002; SKE, 2007; EC, 2006) to guide in the management, measurement and reporting of IC. However, there appear to be few studies of private company practices (Guthrie & Ricceri, 2009). The above informed the following two research questions of our study: (1) In what ways, did the private companies express their strategy and the role of KR within it? (2) What tools, including ‘inscription devices’, were used for understanding and managing KR within a specific organisation? This chapter answers these questions by providing illustrations of KR and their management in practice in a variety of private companies.
Knowledge Management and Project Management in 3D
Authors: Russell Steve
Published: October 2010

Project management can be improved using modern interfaces that more naturally show work situations. Employees have deep real world knowledge that can be exploited, and a sense of common purpose among team members that can be enhanced. But, project efforts are currently guided only with structured charts and diagrams that show participants the state of their team’s work activities. These charting tools have become more colorful and visually clear over time to reduce any uncertainty regarding task assignments, interdependencies, and any important schedule delays. However, a three dimensional environment extends the range of vision dramatically. Any team member can see what is currently being developed, the status of the process, and any pertinent actions needing focus, all in persistent and prominent wall displays. Discussions among remote collaborators are facilitated, focused on common views of pressing circumstances. Knowledge retention and transfer is more robust, and is illustrated in more compelling contexts keyed to current work activities. The immediacy of three dimensional world immersion will allow even forgetful workers to see at a glance the state of their contribution as well as the completion progress of those upon whom they depend.
The Role of Statistics in Development Informatics
Authors: Steyn Jacques
Published: October 2010

ICT4D and Development Informatics literature and media reports often use statistics offered by the World Bank, ITU or CIA to make a case for the introduction of ICTs in developing contexts. Arguably the most widely used statistic is the claim of World Bank statistics that a very large proportion of the global population live on less than USD2 per day. When scrutinized, such claims are not based on solid methodology or logic. Such overgeneralized statistics seem to ride on media hype, and appeal to empathy rather than good science. Yet ICT4D evangelists, who present ICT as the holy grail to transform underdeveloped regions into global economic powerhouses, appeal to such statistics for justification of their cases. Here a brief analysis of some problems with statistics, such as ICT4D data, is presented. Claims and policy-making based on such data should be approached critically and interpreted with a large dose of skepticism. A consolidated table of CIA Yearbook data on the global penetration of landline phones, internet access and mobile phones is presented as an appendix.
Perceptions of Students and Teachers about the Use of E-Learning / Sharing Portal in Educational Activities
Authors: Isik Azad , Askun Cengiz S. , Ozden M. Yasar
Published: October 2010

This study examined the perceptions of the students and the teachers of METU Development Foundation Schools about the use of e-learning / sharing portal technology in their educational activities. Their perceptions were investigated in terms of three aspects: effects of the use of this technology on their perceived motivation, the perceived usefulness, and the perceived ease of use of this technology. A central server was installed for setting up an e-learning / sharing portal environment. Microsoft SharePoint, which is a Sharing Portal Software, was used to access to the central server. The study was conducted in the form of action research. The data were collected from 6th and 7th grade students by using a questionnaire. In addition to the questionnaire with students, interviews were conducted with the teachers. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and descriptive analysis methods were used to analyze the results. The findings of the study indicated that the students and the teachers perceived that e-learning / sharing portal technology is a useful and easy to use technology. It was found out that the students and the teachers are satisfied with advantages of the use of this new technology in their learning environment. Furthermore, the teachers and the students stated that using the system affected students’ perceived motivation towards the educational activities positively.
Social Networks
Authors: Hricko Mary
Published: October 2010

Online social networks (SNs) are dynamic Web 2.0 applications that can be used for teaching, learning, and research activities. These SNs offer a myriad of collaborative features for generating content and fostering interactive communication. Although many K-16 administrators tend to focus on the negative consequences of using such applications, online social networks, if managed effectively as instructional tools, can provide opportunities for educators to help students develop 21st century skills. This discussion provides an overview how online social networks can be used in education and offers guidelines for implementation.
The Momentum of the Technology of the Classroom
Authors: Reid Scott
Published: October 2010

This paper examines the viability of the concept of “technological momentum” from Thomas Hughes’ Technological Systems Theory in the context of the adoption and use of online courses in post-secondary education. A case study approach using qualitative interviews is used to explore the “technological momentum” of the classroom as professors adopt the use of online courses. The findings provide specific examples of how previous classroom practice influences professors’ attitudes and practice in relation to the adoption and use of online courses.
Comparison and Integration of IT Governance Frameworks to support IT Management
Authors: Looso S. , Goeken M. , Johannsen W.
Published: October 2010

Recent years have seen an unprecedented consolidation of best practice know-how in various areas of IT management. With it came a certain popularity of standards and reference models (COBIT, ITIL, CMMI, ISO/IEC 27000 family etc.) commonly classified as frameworks for IT governance. Each of these frameworks aims to support certain parts of IT management with best practice knowledge and enhances the quality of the delivered IT Services. But now we are facing a situation characterised by an abundance of these IT governance frameworks. In particular their combined or parallel usage increasingly creates redundancies and issues of complexity. To organise an efficient interaction between frameworks and to cope with their heterogeneity; e.g. in process semantics and description techniques; the application of these frameworks has become a lively issue of research. In this contribution the authors will reflect on the state of the art in comparing and integrating IT governance frameworks, analyse pros and cons of various approaches, and present their own approach based on metamodelling. The authors consider metamodelling a promising approach to close the gap between high-level comparison and detailed mapping as it allows an identification of redundancies and incoherent semantics on a framework-independent level. Promising an increasing return on investment, harmonisation is an important topic within IT departments (Siviy et al., 2007). This approach is a first step toward an integrated and harmonised handling of the meanwhile mandatory frameworks for IT management.
Process Assessment as a Means to Improve Quality in IT Services
Authors: Cortina Stéphane , Picard Michel , Solórzano Omar Valdés , Renault Alain
Published: October 2010

The main objective of this chapter is to present how a formal and standard process assessment - thanks to its repeatable approach and its comparable results - can be an invaluable contribution for improving the IT services in a continual way. This chapter introduces ISO/IEC 15504, the international standard for process assessment. As a generic process assessment framework, ISO/IEC 15504 can be used for determining the capability of processes of any domain. The authors of this chapter have applied this framework in the field of IT Service Management. Their works (described below) have enabled to develop the TIPA® methodology, based on ITIL® version 2. The chapter then discusses the impact that assessments can have on the quality of the assessed processes and, as a consequence, on the services supported by these processes. The chapter finishes by presenting an example of the results and the lessons learnt as perceived by adopters of TIPA.
Quality Management of Corporate Data Assets
Authors: Otto Boris
Published: October 2010

Corporate data assets such as customer, material, and supplier master data are critical when it comes to fulfilling business requirements such as compliance to regulations, integrated customer management and global business process integration. Surprisingly, companies do not treat corporate data as an asset, but rather focus on reactive quality management measures only. As a response to that, the chapter reports on the design of a reference model for Corporate Data Quality Management (CDQM). Following the principles of Design Science Research (DSR), the design process involved professionals of fourteen corporations headquartered in Germany and Switzerland. The reference model consists of six design areas which altogether comprise fifteen goals and 43 related practices. It supports practitioners during the establishment and optimization of their CDQM initiatives.
Focused Improvements of IT Service Processes in a Complex Environment
Authors: Herzwurm G. , Pietsch W.
Published: October 2010

Comprehensive frameworks such as ITIL provide best practices in a context of IT Service Management but do not support the specific tailoring of processes in a practical setting. This problem has been attacked successfully for systematic IT Service improvement at a large telecommunication enterprise leading to a generalized approach for the improvement of IT Service Processes. In order to cope with multifaceted processes within a complex infrastructure an elected approach is necessary: key stakeholders must be identified and Quality Function Deployment may be used to elicit and prioritize requirements effectively. The requirements can be employed to focus the analysis on the most relevant parts of the given framework leading to a focused audit and yielding specific improvement measures. In combination with further analysis as Pareto and Portfolio analysis a well-thought-out solution portfolio could be proposed, dependent on the impact on the solution and the difficulty of implementation.
Application Management
Authors: Kociemba Marc-Oliver
Published: October 2010

Quality is about meeting the stakeholder‘s expectations: the subjective perception is often more important than hard facts. Therefore, a common understanding between all involved parties – especially business owners as well as service providers – concerning the quality of a service is mandatory. Application Management is defined as the concept and all required techniques to monitor, measure and record data for operating services. It has a significant impact on the quality of an IT service. Based on the so-called value chain – a phased approach starting with a business point of view followed by IT development and operation – necessary activities as well as quality indicators are identified and described for each step in the software development livecycle. The aspects of Application Management are illustrated by using a real world example of implementing an output management system within a bank.
Alignment of Perceptions in Information Technology Service Quality
Authors: Roses Luís Kalb
Published: October 2010

The chapter explains the importance of taking the expectations of customers and service providers into account with regard to IT service quality management. To do this, the author uses the SERVPERF method, which identifies expectations regarding service performance from the point of view of both the customer and the provider. Based on an empirical study, the author demonstrates the importance of aligning IT staff with staff from the customer company as far as quality management is concerned.
Framework for IT Service Value Engineering
Authors: Praeg Claus-Peter
Published: October 2010

Managing the business value of IT-Services is an important aspect in the context of IT-Service quality management. This chapter introduced a framework for IT-Service value engineering and closes gaps in research and practical management in IT value management. The concept illustrates aspects of IT service value engineering and IT business alignment and the relation to IT service quality management. The Framework for IT service value engineering is made up of different management levels and a value engineering process. It integrates various concepts from IT and business value management in order to evaluate and improve the contribution of IT services towards overall business value.
Design of the SEAI Self-Regulation Assessment for Young Children and Ethical Considerations of Psychological Testing
Authors: de la Fuente Jesús , Lozano Antonia
Published: October 2010

As knowledge in the area of self-regulated learning has progressively expanded, there is a perceived need for new methods and assessment instruments that are in line with the construct and with the subject. Computer-assisted assessment has been proposed as an excellent means for responding to these demands for new types of measurement. Nonetheless, new instruments and assessment processes must be submitted to the same ethical standards required elsewhere, whether in aspects relating to design or to usage. Development of the SEAI program was guided by a psychological model as well as a model for designing computer-aided assessment. This chapter presents the SEAI program design, and explains how both its design and use seek to meet ethical standards related to computer-aided assessment.
Activating a Self-Regulated Process
Authors: Mariotti M. Alessandra , Maffei Laura
Published: October 2010

This contribution is based on a research study which aims at investigating the benefits coming from the use of the Aplusix ICT environment in a remedial intervention in Algebra. The authors start from elaborating a theoretical reference frame for Self-Regulated Learning in order to make it suitable to reformulate and investigate the specific pedagogical problem of a remedial activity in Algebra (first year of the upper secondary school, 9th grade). Then, the authors present the design of a teaching intervention that has been carried out at school, centred around the use of Aplusix. Finally, they discuss some results from the analysis of the data collected during the experiment. The study’s results show clear evidence of the evolution of students’ awareness and self control, i.e. they have become self regulated learners.
Mark-UP
Authors: McMahon Mark
Published: October 2010

While reading skills are an accepted key skill both for life and study, the capacity to read critically and apply reading concepts to solve problems and develop higher order conceptual understandings requires a high level of cognitive self-regulation that students do not always have. This chapter describes the development of and research into an environment, Mark-UP, designed to promote the self-monitoring inherent in regulating reading comprehension. The environment consists of a range of tools to assist learners in monitoring their comprehension through annotation, discussion, problem-solving and so on. The tool was applied to a class of undergraduate students in Interface and Information Design at an Australian university. The research involved questionnaires of the whole cohort as well as case studies of a number of student experiences with the environment, using interview and analysis of the students’ portfolios. The study found that, concerning students with weak academic skills, Mark-UP provided some support for their learning, but for stronger students it replicated cognitive strategies that they had already developed. The product was most effective for those students with moderate existing academic skills as it articulated and modeled strategies for reading that they could apply and go beyond to develop their own cognitive regulatory strategies for reading.
Reference Course Model
Authors: Bergamin Per , Bettoni Marco , Ziska Simone , Eggs Cindy
Published: October 2010

Since our mission is the collaborative cultivation of a university-wide media culture, in this chapter the authors propose to look at the relation between Self-regulated learning (SRL) and Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments (TELE) from the point of view of a learning organization. The goal is to clarify how to embed TELE-technologies in educational institutions in a collaborative way that sustains and continuously improves the quality of teaching and learning at a university. Our solution is focused around the concept of “university-wide media culture”, a corporate culture for new media that we hope to develop by means of a collaborative instrument called the “Reference Course Model”. The authors begin by screening and summarizing what they consider to be relevant aspects of components of the SRL theory (models, learning strategy, prompting) and continue by introducing the concepts of media culture, media literacy and their relation to TELE and SRL; based on this they then present their idea of what they call a “Reference Course Model”, explaining its theoretical foundation and developing its conceptual features. Finally, they conclude by showing how they have implemented this model in their university and reflect on the experiences collected to-date.
Fostering Self-regulated Learning in e-Health
Authors: Edirippulige Sisira , Marasinghe Rohana B.
Published: October 2010

Compared to other fields (such as media, banking and communication), the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in health has been slow. Among other factors, the lack of systematic education has been identified as a significant barrier. The use of ICT in healthcare delivery is widely known as e-Health. Evidence shows that if used in right context, e-Health can be efficient and cost effective. While designing e-Health curriculum, there are a number of factors to be considered. Due to the specific nature of the subject matter and the learners, the traditional teaching methods and pedagogical constructs may not be suitable. The choice of education methods must be based on the capacity of achieving the learning outcomes. E-Learning has proven to be an effective way of delivering education, particularly for rural and remote learners. Based on blended learning model, E-Health teaching at the Centre for Online Health University of Queensland, Australia has shown its capacity to provide a unique learning experience to students. While designing e-Health curriculum, a particular attention has been paid to aspects such as flexibility of learning processes, students’ control in learning, self observation and self evaluation. These are, in fact, core principles of self regulated learning (SRL) that have been incorporated in the teaching and learning process of e-Health. This chapter sets out to examine in details the elements of SRL embedded in e-Health teaching and the role of SRL in maximizing the learning outcomes.
SRL/SDL and Technology-Enhanced Learning
Authors: Pilling-Cormick Jane
Published: October 2010

When exploring the central role control plays in implementing technology-enhanced learning initiatives, it is essential to take into consideration self-regulated learning (SRL) and self-directed learning (SDL). Pilling-Cormick & Garrison’s (2007) work provides a research framework which includes a comprehensive overview of how SRL and SDL are integrally related. In this chapter, the connection is taken one step further by using the framework to explore SRL/SDL Technology-Enhanced learning. Implications for practice are derived from three exploratory studies using technology-enhanced learning (handheld, web-based, and online) with a focus on learner control. Solutions and recommendations arise, including considerations for designing instruction with a focus on learner control as it relates to technology.
Cochlear Implants
Authors: Kirtane MV , Mankekar Gauri , Mohandas Nishita , Patadia Rajesh
Published: October 2010

The treatment of bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss has been revolutionized over the past few decades by the development of cochlear implant technology. This review discusses the history, working of a cochlear implant, candidacy criteria for cochlear implant, surgical procedure and postoperative therapy.
Auditory Verbal Therapy
Authors: Chowdhry Jaspal
Published: October 2010

Hearing impairment leaves a wide ranging impact on young children and their parents. Early identification and intervention is crucial to a child's development of speech and language. Today, with advanced technology development, we can work from a developmental prospective rather than remedial and corrective. This approach is called auditory verbal therapy (AVT). The aim of this approach is to develop spoken language. So that children can become independent, participating and contributing citizens of mainstream society. Parents play a significance role in individualized auditory verbal therapy as parents and family members are the best people to develop spoken language in the natural listening environment at home. Auditory verbal therapy is an applied science. Objectively measured goals in the areas of audition, speech, language and cognition are set and achieved in individualized sessions with parents as partners in therapy.
Aerosol fluxes and dynamics within and above a tropical rainforest in South-East Asia
Authors: Whitehead J. D. , Gallagher M. W. , Dorsey J. R. , Robinson N. , Gabey A. M. , Coe H. , McFiggans G. , Flynn M. J. , Ryder J. , Nemitz E. , Davies F.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol measurements were conducted near Danum Valley, in the Malaysian state of Sabah, North-East Borneo, as part of the OP3 and ACES projects, in April and June/July 2008. Here, aerosol fluxes and diurnal variability in and above the rainforest canopy were examined in order to gain an understanding of their behaviour in the surface layer of the South-East Asian rainforest. Aerosol fluxes were calculated by eddy covariance from measurements above the rainforest canopy on the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) tower. Upward fluxes were seen on most mornings between 09:00 and 11:00 local time and this could be attributed to venting of the nocturnal boundary layer as it broke up in the morning. Measurements were also conducted within the canopy and trunk space at a nearby site. Profiles in aerosol number concentrations were investigated using GRIMM Optical Particle Counters (OPCs) at various levels within the rainforest canopy and trunk space, as well as a single OPC on a vertically moving platform. These showed an overnight increase in larger particles (1–20 μm) at all levels, but much more prominently near the top of the canopy, which could be attributed to fog formation. At ground level, number concentrations in this size range correlated with enhancements in biological aerosol concentrations, measured using a Wide Issue Bioaerosol Spectrometer (WIBS) located near the forest floor, suggesting that coarse particle number concentrations were dominated by biological aerosols. A comparison of particle number concentrations (in the size range 0.5–1.0 μm) between above canopy and the trunk space showed correlations, despite turbulence data suggesting persistent decoupling between the two measurement sites. These correlations often relied on a shift of the particle time-series against each other, implying a time delay in observations between the sites, which varied according to time of day. This lag time was shortest during the middle of the day by a significant margin. This was not observed for aerosols larger than 1.0 μm. Further evidence of daytime coupling between above canopy and the trunk space in terms of aerosol measurements is implied by comparison of measurements from an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) at the GAW tower and simultaneous bag sampling at the in-canopy site, subsequently analysed with the AMS. Transport of particles through the canopy seems to occur through large-scale, sporadic turbulent events, suggesting that the coupling between the canopy space and the air above is due to these ventilation events.
A new CF-IRMS system for quantifying stable isotopes of carbon monoxide from ice cores and small air samples
Authors: Wang Z. , Mak J. E.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. We present a new analysis technique for stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ18O) of atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) from ice core samples. The technique is an online cryogenic vacuum extraction followed by continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF-IRMS); it can also be used with small air samples. The CO extraction system includes two multi-loop cryogenic cleanup traps, a chemical oxidant for oxidation to CO2, a cryogenic collection trap, a cryofocusing unit, gas chromatography purification, and subsequent injection into a Finnigan Delta Plus IRMS. Analytical precision of 0.2‰ (±1δ) for δ13C and 0.6‰ (±1δ) for δ18O can be obtained for 100 mL (STP) air samples with CO mixing ratios ranging from 60 ppbv to 140 ppbv (~268–625 pmol CO). Six South Pole ice core samples from depths ranging from 133 m to 177 m were processed for CO isotope analysis after wet extraction. To our knowledge, this is the first measurement of stable isotopes of CO in ice core air.
Air-sea CO2 fluxes on the Bering Sea shelf
Authors: Bates N. R. , Mathis J. T. , Jeffries M. A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. There have been few previous studies of surface seawater CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) variability and air-sea CO2 gas exchange rates for the Bering Sea shelf which is the largest US coastal shelf sea. In 2008, spring and summertime observations were collected in the Bering Sea shelf as part of the Bering Sea Ecological Study (BEST). Our results indicate that the Bering Sea shelf was close to neutral in terms of CO2 sink-source status in springtime due to relatively small air-sea CO2 gradients (i.e., Δ pCO2) and sea-ice cover. However, by summertime, very low seawater pCO2 values were observed and much of the Bering Sea shelf became strongly undersaturated with respect to atmosphere CO2 concentrations. Thus the Bering Sea shelf transitions seasonally from mostly neutral conditions to a strong oceanic sink for atmospheric CO2 particularly in the "green belt" region of the Bering Sea. Ocean biological processes dominate the seasonal drawdown of seawater pCO2 for large areas of the Bering Sea shelf, with the effect partly countered by seasonal warming. In small areas of the Bering Sea shelf south of the Pribilof Islands and in the SE Bering Sea, seasonal warming is the dominant influence on seawater pCO2, shifting localized areas of the shelf from minor/neutral CO2 sink status to neutral/minor CO2 source status, in contrast to much of the Bering Sea shelf. We compute that the Bering Sea shelf CO2 sink in 2008 was 157 Tg C yr−1 (Tg = 1012 g C) and a stronger sink for CO2 than previously demonstrated by other studies.
Hydrologic response of a semi-arid watershed to spatial and temporal characteristics of convective rain cells
Authors: Yakir H. , Morin E.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Rain can be measured and represented in many ways such as point data from rain gauges, grid data from meteorological radar, or interpolated data. In this paper we represent rain fields by implementing a rain cell model of convective rain cells. The rain fields are used as an input to a hydrological model to test the watershed response to spatial and temporal characteristics of the rain cells. As a case study we tested an extreme storm event over a semi-arid watershed in southern Israel. The rain cell model was found to simulate the rain storm adequately. The use of these modeled cells allowed us to test the sensitivity of the watershed hydrological response to rain cell characteristics and it was found that the watershed is mainly sensitive to the starting location of the rain cell. Relatively small changes in the rain cell's location, speed and direction may increase watershed peak discharge by three-fold.
Capillary rise quantification by field injection of artificial deuterium and laboratory soil characterization
Authors: Grünberger O. , Michelot J. L. , Bouchaou L. , Macaigne P. , Hsissou Y. , Hammecker C.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. In arid contexts, water rises from the saturated level of a shallow aquifer to the drying soil surface where evaporation takes place. This process plays important roles in terms of plant survival, salt balance and aquifer budget. A new field quantification method of this capillary rise flow is proposed using micro-injections (6 μL) of deuterium-enriched solution (δ value of 63 000‰ vs. V-SMOW) into unsatured soil at 1 m depth. Evaluation of peak displacement from a profile sampling 35 days later, delivered estimates that were compared with outputs of numerical simulation based on laboratory hydrodynamic measurements. A rate of 3.7 cm y−1 was observed in a Moroccan site where the aquifer level was 2.44 m deep. This value was higher, than other estimates based on natural diffusion with the same depth of aquifer, but lower than the estimates established using integration of van Genutchen closed-form functions for soil hydraulic conductivity and retention curve.
Electrically Adjustable, Super Adhesive Force of a Superhydrophobic Aligned MnO2 Nanotube Membrane
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Dan , Fan Hai‐Ming , Luo Jun , Ding Jun , Liu Xiang‐Yang , Zou Bing‐Suo , Feng Yuan‐Ping
Published: October 2010

A superhydrophobic membrane of MnO2 nanotube arrays on which a water droplet can be immobilized by application of a small DC bias, despite a large contact angle, is reported. For a 3 μL water droplet, the measured adhesive force increases monotonically with increasing negative voltage, reaching a maximum of 130 μN at 22 V, 25 times the original value. It follows that the nearly spherical water droplet can be controllably pinned on the substrate, even if the substrate is turned upside down. Moreover, the electrically adjustable adhesion is strongly polarity‐dependent: only a five‐fold increase is found when a positive bias of 22 V is applied. This remarkable electrically‐controlled adhesive property is ascribed to the change in contact geometry between the water droplet and MnO2 nanotube array, on which water droplets exhibit the different continuities of three‐phase contact line. As the modulation in this manner is in situ, fast, efficient and environmentally‐friendly, this kind of smart material with electrically adjustable adhesive properties has a wide variety of applications in biotechnology and in lab‐on‐chip devices.
Klimawandel und die Chemie der Atmosphäre – wie wird sich die stratosphärische Ozonschicht entwickeln?
Authors: Dameris Martin
Published: October 2010

Die Entdeckung des Ozonlochs über dem antarktischen Kontinent überraschte 1985 die Wissenschaft. Wenige Jahre wurde über die Ursachen für die Entstehung des Ozonlochs spekuliert. Bald wurde klar, dass durch die dort vorherrschenden meteorologischen Bedingungen eine besondere Situation entsteht: Sehr niedrige Temperaturen setzen chemische Prozesse in Gang, an deren Ende ein drastischer Abbau von Ozon in Höhen zwischen etwa 15 und 30 km steht. Dabei spielen so genannte polare Stratosphärenwolken eine Schlüsselrolle. Diese Wolken entstehen erst bei Temperaturen unterhalb von etwa 195 K. Heterogene chemische Reaktionen auf den Wolkenpartikeln führen letztlich dazu, dass Ozonmoleküle zerstört werden. Die zukünftige Entwicklung der Ozonschicht hängt aber nicht nur davon ab, wie sich die Konzentrationen Ozon zerstörender Substanzen weiterentwickeln, sondern sie wird in hohem Maße auch vom Klimawandel beeinflusst werden.
The Design of α/β‐Peptides: Study on Three‐Residue Turn Motifs and the Influence of Achiral Glycine on Helix and Turn
Authors: Sharma Gangavaram V. M. , Chandramouli Nagula , Basha Shaik Jeelani , Nagendar Pendem , Ramakrishna Kallaganti V. S. , Sarma Akella V. S.
Published: October 2010

Novel three‐residue helix‐turn secondary structures, nucleated by a helix at the N terminus, were generated in peptides that have ‘β‐Caa‐L‐Ala‐L‐Ala,’ ‘β‐Caa‐L‐Ala‐γ‐Caa,’ and ‘β‐Caa‐L‐Ala‐δ‐Caa’ (in which β‐Caa is C‐linked carbo‐β‐amino acid, γ‐Caa is C‐linked carbo‐γ‐amino acid, and δ‐Caa is C‐linked carbo‐δ‐amino acid) at the C terminus. These turn structures are stabilized by 12‐, 14‐, and 15‐membered (mr) hydrogen bonding between NH(i)/CO(i+2) (i+2 is the last residue in the peptide) along with a 7‐mr hydrogen bond between CO(i)/NH(i+2). In addition, a series of α/β‐peptides were designed and synthesized with alternating glycine (Gly) and (S)‐β‐Caa to study the influence of an achiral α‐residue on the helix and helix‐turn structures. In contrast to previous results, the three ‘β–α–β’ residues at the C terminus (α‐residue being Gly) are stabilized by only a 13‐mr forward hydrogen bond, which resembles an α‐turn. Extensive NMR spectroscopic and molecular dynamics (MD) studies were performed to support these observations. The influence of chirality and side chain is also discussed.
Toxic effect of gestational exposure to nonylphenol on F1 male rats
Authors: Jie Xu , Yang Wang , Jie Yu , Hashim Jamal Hisham , Liu Xiao‐Yun , Fan Qi‐Yuan , Yan Li
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether gestational exposure to major environmental endocrine‐disrupting chemicals, nonylphenol (NP), would lead to nerve behavioral and learning and memory capacity alterations in the male offspring of rats, and reproductive development alterations in the male offspring of rats. METHODS: Dams were gavaged with NP at a dose level of 50 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day daily from gestational day 9 to 15, and at a dose level of 40 mg/kg/day, 80 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day daily from gestational day 14 to 19 (transplacental exposures). RESULTS: Exposure to 200 mg/kg/day NP produced a significant decrease in learning and memory functions in offspring rats (P<0.05) in Morris water maze task, as demonstrated by the increased escape latency and number of error. In Step‐down Avoidance Test, offspring rats exposed to NP spent more reaction time (RT) and presented lower latency to first step‐down than the control offspring (P<0.01). In utero exposure to 80 and 200 mg/kg/day NP produced a significant decrease in the number of live pups per litter and ratio of anogenital distance to body length on PND 0 (P<0.05), and also testes and prostate weight, activities of ALP, plasma testosterone concentration, cauda epididymis sperm counts, daily sperm production et al. respectively on PND 90 (P<0.05). Histopathological examination of the brain biopsy illustrates that exposure to NP at high dose induces the presence of abnormal distribution of spermatozoa showed in lumina of the seminiferous tubules, and absence of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis. CONCLUSION: Gestational exposure to nonylphenol might induce neurotoxic and reproductive toxic effects on F1 male rats. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:418–428, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AdaptiveDc‐optimal designs for dose finding based on a continuous efficacy endpoint
Authors: Padmanabhan S. Krishna , Dragalin Vladimir
Published: October 2010

We introduce a new optimal design for dose finding with a continuous efficacy endpoint. This design is studied in the context of a flexible model for the mean of the dose–response. The design incorporates aspects of bothD‐ andc‐optimality and can be used when the study goals under consideration include dose–response estimation, followed by identification of the target dose. Different optimality criteria are considered. Simulations are shown with results comparing our adaptive design to the fixed allocation (without adaptations). We show that both the estimation of dose–response and identification of the minimum effective dose are improved using our design.
Safe and unsafe school spaces: Comparing elementary school student perceptions to common ecological interventions and operationalizations
Authors: Langhout Regina Day , Annear Lori
Published: October 2010

There is a burgeoning literature on school safety in the United States. Often, researchers determine the problem and intervention. Few studies, however, examine how students understand school safety. In this study, elementary school students in the United States (n = 225) marked safe and unsafe school places; this was correlated with other commonly used school safety measures. Results indicate that children have different perceptions of safety based on school location. Additionally, for older children, unsafe places correlated with injury data, adult absence and low levels of territoriality. For younger children, unsafe places were associated with adult absence and referrals. Safe places were places that were more likely to have an adult. Results bring into question some common safety interventions. Implications include working with children to determine what is meant by ‘safe’ and interventions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Series of Vanadogermanates from 1D Chain to 3D Framework Built by Ge–V–O Clusters and Transition‐Metal‐Complex Bridges
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zhang Jie , Fang Wei‐Hui , Yang Guo‐Yu
Published: October 2010

Three novel extended vanadogermanates, {[(en)2Cd2Ge8V12O40(OH)8(H2O)][Cd(en)2]2}⋅6 H2O (1), {[Zn2(dap)3][Zn(dap)]2Ge6V15O48(H2O)}[Zn(dap)2(H2O)]2⋅3 H2O (2), and {[Cd3(μ‐dien)2(Hdien)2(H2O)2]Ge4V16O42(OH)4(H2O)}⋅2 H2O (3; en=ethylenediamine, dap=1,2‐diaminopropane, dien=diethylenetriamine), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, and single‐crystal XRD. Their Ge–V–O cluster anions are derived from the V18O42 cluster shell by replacing VO5 square pyramids with Ge2O7 groups. Compound 1 exhibits a 1D sinusoidal chain built up from rare inorganic–organic hybrid dicadmium‐substituted vanadogermanate {[Cd(en)]2V12O40(GeOH)8(H2O)} clusters and [Cd(en)2] complexes. Compound 2 is the first example of a 2D network based on linkage of the unusual {Ge6V15O48(H2O)} clusters and two types of Zn complex fragments. Compound 3 is an unprecedented 3D framework built by {Ge4V16O42(OH)4(H2O)} clusters and rare trinuclear bridging complex cations [Cd3(μ‐dien)2(Hdien)2(H2O)2]8+. Magnetic measurements illustrate that both 1 and 2 have antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between metal centers, whereas 3 exhibits ferrimagnetic behavior, which is rare in polyoxovanadate complexes.
Metal‐Complex/DNA Conjugates: A Versatile Building Block for DNA Nanoarrays
Authors: Ghosh Sumana , Defrancq Eric
Published: October 2010

The use of DNA networks as templates for forming nanoarrays of metallic centres shows an exciting potential to generate addressable nanostructures. Inorganic units can be photoactive, electroactive and/or can possess magnetic and catalytic properties and can adopt different spatial arrangements due to their varied coordination nature. All these properties influence both the structure and function of passive DNA scaffolds and provide DNA nanostructures as a new platform for new materials in emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology, biosensing or biocomputing.
Switchable Selectivity during Oxidation of Anilines in a Ball Mill
Authors: Thorwirth Rico , Bernhardt Franziska , Stolle Achim , Ondruschka Bernd , Asghari Jila
Published: October 2010

A solvent‐free method for the direct oxidation of anilines to the corresponding azo and azoxy homocoupling products by using a planetary ball mill was developed. Various oxidants and grinding auxiliaries were tested and a variety of substituted anilines were investigated. It was possible to form chemoselectively either azo, azoxy, or the nitro compounds from reaction of aromatic anilines. The selectivity of the solvent‐free reaction is switchable by applying a combination of oxidant and grinding auxiliary. Furthermore, a comparison with other methods of energy input (microwave, classical heating, and ultrasound) highlighted the advantages of the ball mill approach and its high energy efficiency.
Complexation and Extraction of PAHs to the Aqueous Phase with a Dinuclear PtII Diazapyrenium‐Based Metallacycle
Authors: Blanco Víctor , García Marcos D. , Terenzi Alessio , Pía Elena , Fernández‐Mato Antonio , Peinador Carlos , Quintela José M.
Published: October 2010

New palladium and platinum metallacycles have been synthesized by reaction between a 2,7‐diazapyrenium‐based ligand and PdII and PtII complexes. The inclusion complexes between the metallacycles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in CD3NO2 and D2O were studied by NMR spectroscopy. The structures of the inclusion complexes of the Pt metallacycle as host with pyrene, phenanthrene, and triphenylene were confirmed by single crystal X‐ray crystallography. The association constants between the Pt metallacycle and the selected PAHs were determined in CH3CN following the characteristic charge‐transfer band displayed in their UV/Vis absorption spectrum. Although in aqueous solution all the complexes showed a 1:1 stoichiometry, in CH3CN the Job plot indicated a 2:1 stoichiometry for complexes with triphenylene and benzo[a]pyrene. The estimated association constants in water correlate with the hydrophobicity of the PAH, indicating that hydrophobic forces play an important role in the complexation process.
Fusion Intermediates of HIV‐1 gp41 as Targets for Antibody Production: Design, Synthesis, and HR1–HR2 Complex Purification and Characterization of Generated Antibodies
Authors: Mzoughi Olfa , Gaston Fabrice , Granados Giovana C. , Lakhdar‐Ghazal Faouzi , Giralt Ernest , Bahraoui Elmostafa
Published: October 2010

The objective of this project was to study the interaction between HR1 and HR2, the stability of the complex formed, and to characterize the antibodies produced against monomeric HR1 and HR2 peptides as well as the HR1–HR2 complex. In this work, HR1 was mimicked by peptide N36, and HR2 was mimicked by peptide C34L and its analogues C34M2, C34M3, and C34D. Whereas C34M2 and C34M3 are partially composed of D‐amino acids, C34D has same sequence as C34L, but is assembled entirely of D‐amino acids. Using CD analysis, SPR assays, and gel filtration chromatography, we demonstrate the physical interaction between N36 and C34L and its analogues C34M2 and C34M3, but not C34D. We show that the HR1–HR2 complex is formed rapidly (<1 min) and remains stable, as demonstrated by its inability, in contrast to each free peptide, to inhibit the formation of syncytia. To generate antibodies with predetermined specificity against the transiently exposed intermediate that corresponds to the six‐helix bundle structure, purified preformed HR1–HR2 complex was used, in parallel with monomeric HR1 and HR2 peptides, as immunogens in mice. Although the produced antibodies recognize total HIV‐1 envelope glycoproteins in ELISA, they are unable to neutralize HIV‐1‐mediated fusion at 37 °C. However, if the incubation with these antibodies is carried out at 27 °C, a temperature that allows stabilization of the transient intermediate complex, anti‐peptide antibodies are able to bind their corresponding domains in HeLa cells expressing HIV‐1 gp41 in co‐culture with HeLa CD4‐CCR5/CXCR4 during the dynamic mechanism of membrane fusion. In agreement with the latter results, these antibodies, if previously incubated for 2 h at 27 °C, are able to strongly neutralize HIV‐1 entry by membrane fusion, as shown by their ability to block the formation of syncytia.