bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Inhibition of the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-Induced Response of Mutant MCF10A Cells with an Acoustic Sensor
Authors: Garcia Marcela , Shahid Ammar , Chen Jennifer , Xi Jun
Published: November 2012

Many cancer treatments rely on inhibition of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced cellular responses. Evaluating drug effects on such responses becomes critical to the development of new cancer therapeutics. In this report, we have employed a label-free acoustic sensor, the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), to track the EGF-induced response of mutant MCF10A cells under various inhibitory conditions. We have identified a complex cell de-adhesion process, which can be distinctly altered by inhibitors of signaling pathways and cytoskeleton formation in a dose-dependent manner. The dose dependencies of the inhibitors provide IC50 values which are in strong agreement with the values reported in the literature, demonstrating the sensitivity and reliability of the QCM-D as a screening tool. Using immunofluorescence imaging, we have also verified the quantitative relationship between the ΔD-response (change in energy dissipation factor) and the level of focal adhesions quantified with the areal density of immunostained vinculin under those inhibitory conditions. Such a correlation suggests that the dynamic restructuring of focal adhesions can be assessed based on the time-dependent change in ΔD-response. Overall, this report has shown that the QCM-D has the potential to become an effective sensing platform for screening therapeutic agents that target signaling and cytoskeletal proteins.
Optimization of Lipase Production by Burkholderia sp. Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Lo Chia-Feng , Yu Chi-Yang , Kuan I-Ching , Lee Shiow-Ling
Published: November 2012

Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the extracellular lipase production by Burkholderia sp. HL-10. Preliminary tests showed that olive oil, tryptone and Tween-80 exhibited significant effects on the lipase production. The optimum concentrations of these three components were determined using a faced-centered central composite design (FCCCD). The analysis of variance revealed that the established model was significant (p < 0.01). The optimized medium containing 0.65% olive oil (v/v), 2.42% tryptone (w/v) and 0.15% Tween-80 (v/v) resulted in a maximum activity of 122.3 U/mL, about three fold higher than that in basal medium. Approximately 99% of validity of the predicted value was achieved.
Extensional Information Articulation from the Universe
Authors: Yoshitake Makoto , Saruwatari Yasufumi
Published: November 2012

Information must have physical support and this physical universe comprisesphysical interactions. Hence actual information processes should have a description byinteractions alone, i.e., an extensional description. In this paper, such a model of the processof information articulation from the universe is developed by generalizing the extensivemeasurement theory in metrology. Moreover, a model of the attribute creation processis presented to exemplify a step of the informational articulation process. These modelsdemonstrate the valuableness of the extensional view and are expected to enhance theunderstanding of the extensional aspects of fundamentals of information.
Cell-Sized Liposomes and Droplets: Real-World Modeling of Living Cells
Authors: Hamada Tsutomu , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: November 2012

Recent developments in studies concerning cell-sized vesicles, such as liposomes with a lipid bilayer and water-in-oil droplets covered by a lipid monolayer, aim to realize the real-world modeling of living cells. Compartmentalization with a membrane boundary is essential for the organization of living systems. Due to the relatively large surface/volume ratio in microconfinement, the membrane interface influences phenomena related to biological functions. In this article, we mainly focus on the following subjects: (i) conformational transition of biopolymers in a confined space; (ii) molecular association on the membrane surface; and (iii) remote control of cell-sized membrane morphology.
Microstructure and Fatigue Characteristic of AM60B Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Taheri Farid , Lu You , Mehrzadi Morteza
Published: November 2012

This paper summarizes and reviews the findings of our research on AM60B magnesium alloy conducted in past 8 years. It essentially covers three categories: microstructural study, environmental effect, and fatigue crack growth rate of AM60B. The experimental and numerical studies on the influence of casting defects on this particular material’s properties are reviewed in the first part. It has been shown that the non-uniform solidification of the casting results in variations of the microstructure in different layers (skin and core) of the alloy which affects the mechanical properties in those regions. Moreover, the influence of microstructure on fatigue crack initiation and propagation response of the alloy is presented. The influence of several casting defects on the failure mechanism of the material are also numerically analyzed and discussed. The influence of elevated and cold temperatures on the fatigue response of the alloy is reviewed in the second part. Our findings show that the temperature does not have a significant effect on the number of cycles to failure. However, but at some stress level, this effect cannot be dismissed. The fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) response of the alloy at a wide range of stress ratios is also investigated in the last part. The FCGR of the alloy showed a noticeable dependency on the stress ratio. A model is proposed for estimating the FCGR of the alloy, which could provide a good prediction of alloy’s FCGR over a wide range of negative and positive stress ratios. The integrity of the new model is also compared against other models. Finally, the influence of compressive loading on fatigue life of the specimens under constant and random amplitude cyclic loading is investigated experimentally.
Talking Big: Lessons Learned from a 9000 Hectare Restoration in the Northern Tallgrass Prairie
Authors: Gerla Philip , Cornett Meredith , Ekstein Jason , Ahlering Marissa
Published: November 2012

Large tracts (>1000 ha) of prairie are essential to the sustainability of grassland ecosystem services, yet in many ecoregions only small fragments remain. Glacial Ridge is among the largest prairie-wetland restorations ever attempted. Started in 2000, the 9000 ha project in northwest Minnesota, USA, was initiated to reconnect 14 small tallgrass prairie remnants. In all, 15,200 ha of contiguous habitat comprise the project's direct accomplishment. We created a partnership of more than 30 organizations, filled 177 km of drainage ditch, restored 1240 ha of wetland, and replanted 8100 ha. Flooding has been mitigated, water quality improved, and native vegetation reestablished. Animals not documented for decades have again occupied the site. Despite these accomplishments, the project would have been unnecessary if the land had been purchased in the 1970s, prior to conversion to agriculture, at one-tenth the restoration cost. Our challenges related to funding, differences in partners' restoration philosophy, community concerns about floods and tax losses, difficulties in obtaining seed, and follow-up management of invasive weeds. We summarize the restoration process and share basic principles that will help others to develop large-scale prairie restoration projects in the future.
Lire en guerre. La lecture de la presse chez les combattants français entre 1914 et 1918
Authors: Gilles Benjamin
Published: November 2012

Résumé La large diffusion de la presse quotidienne dans les tranchées vient nuancer l’idée communément admise d’un rejet massif de celle-ci par les combattants. Malgré la censure particulière qui s’exerce dans la zone des armées, les journaux sont lus dans des proportions très voisines à celles de l’avant-guerre. En 1914, l’état-major français a une attitude très méfiante à l’égard des usages de la presse. Mais progressivement, la lecture est intégrée dans sa stratégie de mobilisation. Cette évolution ne fait néanmoins qu’intégrer la réalité des pratiques de lecture chez les soldats, que le contact de la guerre n’a pas modifié en profondeur. En revanche, lire la presse dans les tranchées répondait à des attentes particulières et immédiates. Elle permettait de façonner l’expérience vécue, de donner sens à l’engagement des hommes et à légitimer socialement celui-ci.
Agri-food in search of sustainability: cognitive, interactional and material framing
Authors: Zwartkruis Joyce V. , Moors Ellen H.M. , Farla Jacco C.M. , van Lente Harro
Published: November 2012

The agri-food sector is under pressure to move towards sustainability and broad socio-technical changes are needed. In such encompassing innovation processes that concern the whole agri-food chain, actors with different institutional backgrounds are confronted with each others interests, ideas and perspectives. Framing, then, may both support and hinder the alignment of actors and interests. In this paper we investigate how framing occurs in multi-actor innovation projects and how it facilitates or hinders the continuity of these projects. We first review the broad literature on framing, which leads to a typology of three levels of framing: face-to-face interaction (between individuals), global discourse (within society) and localised collective (in projects). In addition, we add a third category to the traditional distinction between ‘cognitive’ and ‘interactional’ framing. We argue that in socio-technical innovations also ‘material’ framing occurs. In an empirical case study, based on in-depth interviews and document analysis of the Roundel project (2004-2010), a Dutch innovation project aimed at sustainable egg production and marketing, we trace and analyse these different forms of framing. The project survived several critical episodes, due to changes in framing. Our study yields general lessons about framing in complex innovation projects, both conceptual and practical.
Emerging strategic corporate social responsibility partnership initiatives in agribusiness: the case of the sustainable agriculture initiative
Authors: Poetz Katharina , Haas Rainer , Balzarova Michaela
Published: November 2012

Over the past 20 years the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained momentum in business practices and strategies. In the agribusiness sector, the need for CSR integration has recently triggered a number of private sector led initiatives that should contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Consequently we emphasize that for managing innovation processes for sustainability and their institutional context, the food sustainability discourse also needs to investigate the state of the art of CSR in agribusiness. Based on a model to compare and contrast accountability standards we analyse the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) platform and its principles. We conclude that over the past 5 years agribusiness corporations have become more pro-active in addressing sustainability concerns, and mainstream initiatives start to compete with the traditional niche markets. The SAI was founded by three big players in the food industry, and represents a global initiative among a number of private-sector driven institutional innovations for the sustainability transformation of the mainstream parts of the sector. In order to evaluate and exploit their potential for sustainable development, we advise scholars, policy makers, and managers to not only address questions about legitimacy and stakeholder involvement, but also take strategic objectives into account.
Anorexia Nervosa in
DSM-5
Authors: Freidl Eve K. , Hoek Hans W. , Attia Evelyn
Published: November 2012

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Describe the core clinical features of anorexia nervosa (AN).

2.

Understand the concerns surrounding the
DSM-IV
criteria for AN.

3.

Delineate the changes in the diagnostic criteria for AN recommended for
DSM-5
.

The clinical descriptions of anorexia nervosa by Richard Morton in 1689 remains remarkably similar to the condition we recognize as anorexia nervosa today.
1
In fact, the medical history of Mary, Queen of Scots, born in 1542, is thought to be compatible with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.
2
Long-Term Care in the United States and Finland: Policy Lessons to be Learned
Authors: Markkanen Pia , Abdallah Lisa M. , Lee A. James , Gautam Ramraj
Published: November 2012

Gerontological nurses are crucial members of long-term care (LTC) policy development teams as they work toward the provision of quality, equitable, seamless, and affordable LTC for all. When developing LTC policies in the United States, it is useful to explore such services in other countries. This policy brief provides an overview of LTC services in Finland to examine possible policy lessons for U.S. LTC service and delivery. Finland provides LTC to its older adult population under a universal program whereby services are provided as part of their universal health care and social services coverage. The U.S. system provides LTC primarily under Medicaid along with some coverage financed under Medicare. The challenges in the U.S. system include fragmented LTC delivery and financing, increasing LTC costs, and maintaining quality of care. Although difficult to compare the LTC costs in these two countries, available data suggest that Finland spends less on LTC the older adult population.
Recognizing Hospital-Acquired Disability among Older Adults
Authors: D’Ambruoso Sarah , Cadogan Mary
Published: November 2012

Approximately one third of hospitalized older adults develop a new disability by discharge, which places them at risk for readmission, institutionalization, and death. Various risk factors, both modifiable and nonmodifiable, coalesce in the acute care setting. As frontline health care providers, nurses are crucial to the process of altering modifiable risk factors by assessing patients’ risk for functional decline during hospitalization using a standardized instrument and treating risk with evidence-based interventions. Barriers to meeting this goal must be overcome, such as a lack of evidence to recommend use of one functional assessment tool over another, as well as the paucity of evidence-based interventions. Other obstacles such as the tacit acceptance of functional decline by health care providers and a lack of resources for mobilizing older adults contribute to the ongoing problem. Nurses are encouraged to develop new innovations to prevent the widespread and frequently untreated problem of hospital-acquired disability.
Code-51: Keeping Suicidal Veterans Safe in the Emergency Department
Authors: Eisenzimmer Rhonda K.
Published: November 2012

Safety of suicidal veterans is a national issue. Veterans have a higher rate of depressive disorder than the general population, which puts them at higher risk for suicide. The staff in the emergency department (ED) of one Department of Veterans Affairs hospital developed and implemented an innovative process that increases the safety of suicidal veterans in the hospital setting. This process is called Code-51 and is similar to a military unit watch. This is one of the first unit watches implemented throughout an entire Veteran Affairs hospital, not only in the ED. The Code-51 process is a model for other EDs in both public and private sectors to help keep suicidal patients safe.
Correlation Between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Visual Field Sensitivity: Diffuse Atrophy Imaging Study
Authors: Kim Seok Hwan , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho , Kim Tae-Woo , Kim Dong Myung
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To identify the correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and visual field sensitivity in healthy eyes with preperimetric and perimetric glaucoma and to estimate the functional RNFL loss in eyes with pre-perimetric glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

One hundred and two eyes with glaucoma and diffuse RNFL atrophy and 102 healthy eyes were enrolled. The correlation between optical coherence tomography (OCT)-measured RNFL thickness of the superior (clock-hour segments 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, and 3) and inferior (clock-hour segments 5, 6, 7, and 8) area and the average total deviations of the inferior and superior hemifields in standard automated perimetry (SAP) were evaluated using the simple linear model, respectively. The OCT-measured RNFL thickness was assumed to comprise functional and residual thicknesses; the residual thickness was calculated from the simple linear model and the eyes with severe diffuse RNFL atrophy. Functional RNFL thickness was compared between groups.

RESULTS:

Twenty-seven eyes had preperimetric and 75 eyes had perimetric glaucoma. The coefficient of determination (R
2
) of the simple linear model was 0.71 to 0.77 for the correlation between RNFL thickness and total deviation of SAP. The estimated residual thickness was 50.4 to 56.5 μm. On comparison with normal eyes, eyes with preperimetric glaucoma were estimated to have 37% to 41% functional RNFL loss.

CONCLUSION:

The correlation between RNFL thickness and SAP sensitivity was well explained by the simple linear model. Approximately 40% loss of the functional RNFL was found in preperimetric glaucoma.
Contrast Sensitivity and Color Vision in Eyes With Retinitis Pigmentosa and Good Visual Acuity: Correlations With SD-OCT Findings
Authors: Yioti Georgia G. , Kalogeropoulos Chris D. , Aspiotis Miltiadis B. , Stefaniotou Maria I.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the morphological substrate of the changes in visual function in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa and good visual acuity using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A total of 30 eyes of 17 patients with retinitis pigmentosa and visual acuity of 20/40 or better underwent contrast sensitivity and color vision testing. The retinal thickness at the fovea and macula and the length of the photoreceptor inner/outer segment (IS/OS) junction were assessed by SD-OCT. Structural-functional correlations were investigated.

RESULTS:

Contrast sensitivity correlated well with IS/OS length (Spearman r = 0.719,
P
< .001) and foveal thickness (r = 0.672,
P
< .001) and moderately with macular thickness (r = 0.422,
P
= .025). Moreover, color vision correlated significantly with IS/OS length (r = −0.725,
P
< .001) and foveal thickness (r = −0.661,
P
< .001).

CONCLUSION:

In eyes with retinitis pigmentosa and good visual acuity, the structural changes observed on OCT scans correspond well to subtle measures of central visual function, complementary to visual acuity testing.
Dynamic Gonioscopy Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Matonti Frederic , Chazalon Elodie , Trichet Elodie , Khaled El Samak , Denis Danièle , Hoffart Louis
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To describe the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in studying the dynamic changes of the anterior chamber angle by corneal indentation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In a prospective observational study, the anterior segments of 21 eyes were imaged using AS-OCT. After the initial scan, a second scan was executed on the same areas with a central corneal indentation. An evaluation of the reopening of the angle and its measurement were performed.

RESULTS:

With AS-OCT, the indirect signs were accurate enough to guide the diagnosis in all plateau iris confirmed by ultrabiomicroscopy. The angle widths were significantly increased after indentation.

CONCLUSION:

This method would appear to offer a convenient and rapid method of assessing the configuration of the anterior chamber; it may help during the routine clinical assessment and treatment of patients with narrow or closed angles, particularly when gonioscopy is difficult to interpret.
Rates of Abnormal Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Ganglion Cell Layer OCT Scans in Healthy Myopic Eyes: Cirrus Versus RTVue
Authors: Mwanza Jean-Claude , Sayyad Fouad E. , Aref Ahmad A. , Budenz Donald L.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare rates of abnormal peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell layer scans acquired with Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA) and RTVue-100 (Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA) in healthy myopic eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Forty-one non-glaucomatous myopic eyes (41 individuals) were scanned with Cirrus to measure RNFL and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and with RTVue to measure peripapillary RNFL and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thicknesses. Rates of abnormal scans were calculated and compared between devices. Inter-device agreement in falsely classifying scans as abnormal was also assessed.

RESULTS:

The rate of abnormal average and four-quadrant RNFL was 4.8% to 7.3% on Cirrus and 2.4% to 9.7% on RTVue (
P
> .05). The overall rate of abnormal scans was 19.2% on Cirrus and 29.3% on RTVue (
P
= .3). Rates of abnormal Cirrus average and segmental GCIPL (12.2% to 17%) were similar to those of RTVue average and segmental GCC (9.7% to 14.6%) (
P
> .05). The overall rate of abnormal GCIPL (36.6%) was higher than that of GCC (14.6%) (
P
= .023). The inter-device agreement was poor for average RNFL (κ = −0.09), very good for average ganglion cell (κ = 0.81), and fair for overall RNFL (κ = 0.35) and overall ganglion cell (κ = 0.34).

CONCLUSION:

The high rates of abnormal RNFL and ganglion cell layer scans on both devices call for caution, particularly when attempting to diagnose glaucoma in myopic eyes using these devices. The RNFL and ganglion cell layer analyses may not be interchangeable on either of these devices. These two devices are not interchangeable for classifying healthy myopic eyes based on RNFL or ganglion cell layer analysis.
Intraoperative Use of AS-OCT During Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment Implantation
Authors: Kucumen Raciha Beril , Gorgun Ebru , Yenerel Nursal Melda , Utine Canan Asli
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate femtosecond laser-created tunnels intraoperatively by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) during intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The study prospectively examined 13 eyes of 11 patients who underwent intrastromal corneal ring segment surgery with the aid of femtosecond laser. All eyes had keratoconus as the primary diagnosis. Eyes were examined by AS-OCT to image the tunnel immediately after femtosecond laser and before ring segment implantation. Tunnel depth was calculated automatically using the software’s flap tool and calipers.

RESULTS:

The presence of air bubbles demonstrated the tunnel successfully by AS-OCT. Tunnel depth was measured at eight locations in four cross-sections of high-resolution cornea images. An overall evaluation was also made by changing the scan direction 360°. After confirmation that a uniform tunnel was satisfactorily created at the aimed depth, surgery proceeded with segment implantation.

CONCLUSION:

AS-OCT can be used intraoperatively to assess femtosecond laser-created tunnel in intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the intrastromal tunnel by AS-OCT before implantation of the ring segments is a practical intraoperative approach that may offer a safer surgery.
On the intraspecific variation in morphometry and shape of sagittal otoliths of common sardine, Strangomera bentincki, off central-southern Chile
Authors: Curin-Osorio Sandra , Cubillos Luis A. , Chong Javier
Published: November 2012

Size and shape of fish otoliths are species-specific, but some species also display intraspecific variations. The common sardine, Strangomera bentincki, is a small pelagic fish inhabiting a seasonal upwelling ecosystem off central-southern Chile, having two discrete spawning sites along its latitudinal distribution. Otoliths of specimens were collected from commercial catches in Talcahuano and Corral, representing the central and south spawning zones. On the basis of otolith images, size-based shape descriptors were used to detect ontogenetic variation, and morphometric variables (length, breadth, area, perimeter and weight) were used to detect geographical differences in size and shape of otoliths. Outline analysis was studied on the basis of elliptic Fourier descriptors through multivariate statistical procedures. Size-based shape descriptors showed that otolith shape starts to be stable for fish larger than 12 cm total length, which keep an elliptical form. Morphometric variables for fish larger than 12 cm revealed intraspecific variation between central and south zones, which were associated with otolith weight and breadth. Outline analysis did not reveal significant spatial differences, but extreme intraspecific variation was due to the antirostrum, excisure, and posterior part of otoliths. Intraspecific variation in otolith size could be linked to differences in each spawning habitat and related to geographical origin, whose differences are not clearly identified. It is concluded that intraspecific variability in morphometric variables of sardine otoliths revealed geographic differences in size that are not attributable to allometric effects, and that otolith shape was similar between specimens from different geographic origin.
Java Based Symbolic Circuit Solver For Electrical Engineering Curriculum
Authors: Amarin Ruba Akram , Shoubaki Ehab , Batarseh Issa
Published: November 2012

The interactive technical electronic book, TechEBook, currently under development at the University of Central Florida (UCF), introduces a paradigm shift by replacing the traditional electrical engineering course with topic-driven modules that provide a useful tool for engineers and scientists. The TechEBook comprises the two worlds of classical circuit books and interactive operating platforms such as iPads, laptops and desktops. The TechEBook provides an interactive applets screen that holds many modules, each of which has a specific application in the self learning process.

This paper describes one of the interactive techniques in the TechEBook known as Symbolic Circuit Solver (SymCirc). The SymCirc develops a versatile symbolic based linear circuit with a switches solver. The solver works by accepting a Netlist and the element that the user wants to find the voltage across or current on, as input parameters. Then it either produces the plot or the time domain expression of the output. Frequency domain plots or Symbolic Transfer Functions are also produced. The solver gets its input from a Web-based GUI circuit drawer developed at UCF. Typical simulation tools that electrical engineers encounter are numerical in nature, that is, when presented with an input circuit they iteratively solve the circuit across a set of small time steps. The result is represented as a data set of output versus time, which can be plotted for further inspection. Such results do not help users understand the ultimate nature of circuits as Linear Time Invariant systems with a finite dimensional basis in the solution space. SymCirc provides all simulation results as time domain expressions composed of the basic functions that exclusively include exponentials, sines, cosines and/or t raised to any power.

This paper explains the motivation behind SymCirc, the Graphical User Interface front end and how the solver actually works. The paper also presents some examples and results to better explain the concept.
Network Performance and Quality of Experience of Remote Access Laboratories
Authors: Kist Alexander A. , Maxwell Andrew D
Published: November 2012

Remote Access Laboratories (RAL) have become important learning and teaching tools. This paper presents a performance study that targets a specific remote access architecture implemented within a universities operational environment. This particular RAL system provides globally authenticated and arbitrated remote access to virtualized computers as well as computer controlled hardware experiments. This paper presents system performance results that have been obtained utilizing both a set of automated and human subject tests. Principle objectives of the study were: To gain a better understanding of the nature of network traffic caused by experimental activity usage; to obtain an indication of user expectations of activity performance; and to develop a measure to predict Quality of Experience, based on easily measurable Quality of Service parameters. The study emulates network layer variation of access-bandwidth and round-trip-time of typical usage scenarios and contrasts against user perception results that allow classifying expected user performance. It demonstrates that failure rate is excellent measure of usability, and that round-trip-time predominantly affects user experience. Thin-client and remote desktop architectures are popular to separate the location of users and the actual data processing and use similar structures, hence results of this study to be applied in these application areas as well.
Evidence of Songbird Intoxication From Rozol® Application at a Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Colony
Authors: Vyas Nimish B. , Hulse Craig S. , Meteyer Carol U. , Rice Clifford P.
Published: November 2012

Concerns about avian poisonings from anticoagulant rodenticides have traditionally focused on secondary poisoning of raptors exposed by feeding on contaminated mammalian prey. However, ground foraging songbirds can be directly poisoned from operational applications of the anticoagulant rodenticide Rozol® (0.005% chlorophacinone, active ingredient) applied as a grain bait, at black-tailed prairie dog Cynomys ludovicianus colonies. A dead western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta recovered from the study prairie dog colony displayed hemorrhaging in brain and pectoral muscle tissue, and it contained chlorophacinone residue concentrations of 0.59 and 0.49 µg/g (wet weight) in the liver and intestinal contents, respectively. Chlorophacinone residues from two Rozol-colored songbird droppings found at the study colony were 0.09 and 0.46 µg/g (wet weight). The timing of the meadowlark mortality and the occurrence of discolored droppings show that songbird exposure and poisoning can occur weeks after a Rozol application.
Demand Analysis by Modeling Choice of Internet Access and IP Telephony
Authors: Kurosawa Takeshi , Bolduc Denis , Ben-Akiva Moshe , Inoue Akiya , Nishimatsu Ken , Iwashita Motoi
Published: November 2012

In Japan, demands for broadband Internet access and IP telephony have increased dramatically in recent years. According to official sources, as of September 2009, there are 30.9 million users of broadband Internet access and 20.9 million of IP telephony. This study evaluates and estimates the market share of fiber-optic Internet connection, which is becoming the major player in broadband services, paying specific attention to IP telephony. A comprehensive combined choice model of Internet access line, IP telephony, and awareness of IP telephony is presented. The most suitable parameters for the model were determined by using an original market research survey conducted in Japan during 2004 with stated-preference choice experiments of both Internet access and IP telephony. The results indicate that increasing awareness has the potential to dramatically increase the penetration of IP telephony. The results also indicate a great variability in price sensitivity across income groups for the choices of Internet access line and IP telephony. The fiber optic share is shown to change with a change in its own monthly usage charge, indicating that market share gains are possible through reduced usage fees.
Using Business Intelligence in College Admissions
Authors: Amburgey W. O. Dale , Yi John
Published: November 2012

Higher education often lags behind industry in the adoption of new or emerging technologies. As competition increases among colleges and universities for a diminishing supply of prospective students, the need to adopt the principles of business intelligence becomes increasingly more important. Data from first-year enrolling students for the 2006-2008 fall terms at a private, master’s-level institution in the northeastern United States was analyzed for the purpose of developing predictive models. A decision tree analysis, a neural network analysis, and a multiple regression analysis were conducted to predict each student’s grade point average (GPA) at the end of the first year of academic study. Numerous geodemographic variables were analyzed to develop the models to predict the target variable. The overall performance of the models developed in the analysis was evaluated by using the average square error (ASE). The three models had similar ASE values, which indicated that any of the models could be used for the intended purpose. Suggestions for future analysis include expansion of the scope of the study to include more student-centric variables and to evaluate GPA at other student levels.
BI’s Impact on Analyses and Decision Making Depends on the Development of Less Complex Applications
Authors: Sawyer Robert
Published: November 2012

This paper addresses where BI developers have failed to create applications suited for the common end-user and provide a conceptual roadmap to address these shortfalls. It is argued that BI’s impact on analyses and decision-making depends on the development of less complex applications. Research conducted for this paper finds that BI lacks a commo n definition and standard, that BI tools are too complex for the common user, and that a shortage of analytical literacy relevant to BI among business professionals is a barrier to BI adoption. The paper suggests that until BI analysis tools become more “human-centric, design-oriented” and less from a “technology-centric, engineering-oriented perspective”, BI will continue to fail in its objective to routinely improve business decision-making.
The Future Talent Shortage Will Force Global Companies to use HR Analytics to Help Manage and Predict Future Human Capital Needs
Authors: Worth Carey W.
Published: November 2012

During the recent recession the number of jobs lost has been widely publicized. However, lurking among this obvious and simple metric of how human capital is involved in the workforce, there is the need to analyze and predict future talent. As economic conditions are slow to improve, decisions to simply cut the traditional costs, benefits, compensation and headcount are no longer enough. Companies have already started using business intelligence (BI) to transform and maximize the potential of their human capital. The use of human capital based business intelligence (BI) has increasingly become one of the vital strategic components for world-class companies. This paper will focus on why companies should use analytics (a subset of Business Intelligence (BI)) to transform and maximize the potential of their human capital.
Strategies for Improving the Efficacy of Fusion Question Answering Systems
Authors: Robles-Flores José Antonio , Schymik Gregory , Smith-David Julie , St. Louis Robert
Published: November 2012

Web search engines typically retrieve a large number of web pages and overload business analysts with irrelevant information. One approach that has been proposed for overcoming some of these problems is automated Question Answering (QA). This paper describes a case study that was designed to determine the efficacy of QA systems for generating answers to original, fusion, list questions (questions that have not previously been asked and answered, questions for which the answer cannot be found on a single web site, and questions for which the answer is a list of items). Results indicate that QA algorithms are not very good at producing complete answer lists and that searchers are not very good at constructing answer lists from snippets. These findings indicate a need for QA research to focus on crowd sourcing answer lists and improving output format.
Uncovering Actionable Knowledge in Corporate Data with Qualified Association Rules
Authors: Jukic Nenad , Nestorov Svetlozar , Velasco Miguel , Eddington Jami
Published: November 2012

Association rules mining is one of the most successfully applied data mining methods in today’s business settings (e.g. Amazon or Netflix recommendations to customers). Qualified association rules mining is an extension of the association rules data mining method, that uncovers previously unknown correlations that only manifest themselves under certain circumstances (e.g. on a particular day of the week), with the goal of improving action results, e.g. turning an underperforming campaign (spread too thin over the entire audience) into a highly targeted campaign that delivers results. Such correlations have not been easily reachable using standard data mining tools so far. This paper describes the method for straightforward discovery of qualified association rules and demonstrates the use of qualified association rules mining on an actual corporate data set. The data set is a subset of a corporate data warehouse for Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, INC. The experiments described in this paper illustrate how qualified association rules supplement standard association rules data mining methods and provide additional information which can be used to better target corporate actions.
Mitigating Risk
Authors: Lozito Ken
Published: November 2012

Business Intelligence (BI) has often been described as the tools and systems that play an essential role in the strategic planning process of a corporation. The application of BI is most commonly associated with the analysis of sales and stock trends, pricing and customer behavior to inform business decision-making. There is a growing trend in utilizing the tools and processes used in the analysis of data and applying them to security event management. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) has emerged within the last 10 years providing a centralized source to enable both real-time and deep level analysis of historical event data to drive security standards and align IT resources in a more efficient manner.
IT and Business Can Succeed in BI by Embracing Agile Methodologies
Authors: Gann Alex
Published: November 2012

While the potential benefits from BI are vast, organizations have struggled to successfully deploy it. BI applies myriad advanced techniques, performed by the firm’s Information Technology (IT) group, to fulfill the reporting, analysis, and decision-support needs of the Lines of Business. Two of the greatest challenges in BI are accurately and continuously communicating requirements from the business to IT and quickly yet affordably delivering the requested functionality from IT to the business. Companies can overcome these challenges by embracing a prescribed set of Agile development methodologies for BI. This paper examines the history of selected systems development approaches, weighs the advantages and disadvantages of prevailing practices, and ultimately recommends a path forward to succeeding in BI through the application of Agile methodologies.
Forecasting Inflation in India
Authors: Pradhan Rudra P.
Published: November 2012

This paper presents an application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to forecast inflation in India during the period 1994-2009. The study presents four different ANN models on the basis of inflation (WPI), economic growth (IIP), and money supply (MS). The first model is a univariate model based on past WPI only. The other three are multivariate models based on WPI and IIP, WPI and MS, WPI, and IIP and MS. In each case, the forecasting performance is measured by mean squared errors and mean absolute deviations. The paper finally concludes that multivariate models show better forecasting performance over the univariate model. In particular, the multivariate ANN model using WPI, IIP, and MS resulted in better performance than the rest of other models to forecast inflation in India.
Chinese Manufacturing
Authors: Zhu Valerie , Sun Linyan
Published: November 2012

In the past three decades, Chinese economy has been arresting the worldwide attention for its double-digit growth rate. Playing a leading part in general economic development, Chinese manufacturing has been contributing a substantial portion in the total GDP growth. However, a national key project, the Research of China National Manufacturing Strategy, has found in the last several years that Chinese manufacturing has already lost its competitiveness due to the void of cheap labor force (New Labor Law in China), the rising costs of raw materials and energies, and the more rigid requirements for environmental protection. Chinese manufacturing has met its Waterloo and calls for an urgent business transformation if it wants to survive and sustain its development. Based on fundamental research, authors of this paper propose a new business conceptual model, SERVICE-MANUFACTURING, which focuses on the seamless marriage of service and manufacturing and how this new model can be implemented in real business practices.
The Factors Affecting Successful Implementation of ERP in Nanjing Manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Chen Xi , Techakittiroj Rapeepat
Published: November 2012

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in companies can be implemented to Multi National Corporation (MNC), Larger Enterprise, and Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). In China, 99% of all companies can be categorized as SMEs. With a decade of high-speed economy development after entering the 21st century, traditional Chinese SMEs want to find a new management model to improve work efficiency and increase business opportunities. This study finds the factors affecting the diffusion and successful implementation of ERP in Chinese Nanjing manufacturing SMEs. It will lead to the conclusion that ERP investment and implementation, which could be used as project guideline by the management of SMEs or companies that adopt ERP in intend to implement them. The objective is to provide Nanjing’s SMEs implementing ERP with knowledge about ERP implementation factors.
Impact of Structures on Knowledge Contribution in Virtual Organizations
Authors: Zhang Xi
Published: November 2012

As multi-culture virtual teams become more prevalent in organizations, it becomes increasingly imperative to understand knowledge sharing dynamics. This paper uses Adaptive Structuration Theory extended to address proactive structuration as a foundation from which a model is developed to include aspects of knowledge sharing. Propositions are established, and evidence is provided based on a project involving 119 participants comprising 13 teams of nominally nine members. Each team was composed of three sub-teams of nominally three participants from three locations: The Netherlands, Hong Kong and Beijing. The discussion focuses on managing conflict and maximizing contribution.
The Essential Leadership Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita
Authors: Low Patrick Kim Cheng , Muniapan Balakrishnan
Published: November 2012

The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata composed more than 5,000 years ago by Vyasa, is a timeless leadership classic and its wisdom is highly relevant to leaders of today. Here, in this paper, the authors examine the various tenets of the Bhagavad Gita and provides its wisdom to contemporary leadership. Some of these teachings will certainly inspire the leaders to change from within and transform their leadership from transactional to transformational and towards transcendental. In presenting this wisdom, the authors have employed hermeneutics, which is a method to interpret ancient texts combined with some qualitative inputs received from leadership seminar participants. This paper is significant for both leadership theory and practice.
Asian Leadership Wisdom
Authors: Muniapan Balakrishnan , Low Patrick Kim Cheng
Published: November 2012

This paper is on comparative leadership philosophy. It explores the ancient Asian wisdom for leadership development from the Kautilyan and Confucian perspectives. Every now and then, there is a need for us to look and re-look at ancient wisdoms to be applied effectively in the modern context. In this paper, the authors provide an inside-out leadership development approach. This has practical implications and lessons for contemporary leadership development from an Indian and Chinese cultural perspective. It is also becoming highly relevant due to the growth of both the Indian and Chinese economy. The reference in the Indian context is made from the Arthashastra by Kautilya, while reference in the Chinese context is made from the teachings of Confucius.
Psycho-Social Impact of Shift Work
Authors: Goswami Rupashree , Jena R. K. , Mahapatro B. B.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of work related problem on shift workers’ attitude, aptitude and job satisfaction. A total of 240 shift workers in five Ferro-alloy industries of Orissa working in rotating three shift systems were participated in this study. The findings indicated that shift work has major adverse impact on psychological, social, family and conjugal life of shift worker. It has also seen that the shift work schedule curtails leisure activities, affects sleep and causes various health problems.
Introduction to Technology Integration and Leadership
Authors: Hartsell Taralynn , Wang Shuyan
Published: November 2012

An effective technology leader is a public advocate of the mission-driven use of technology, capable of providing guidance in various aspects of using technologies such as technology plans, professional development, dissemination of pertinent information, and other related responsibilities. This chapter defines technology integration and technology leadership that support the central themes of the book, followed with a synopsis of the issues described in the proceeding chapters. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce readers to the discussions that will emerge throughout the book and link the topics raised back to the central themes of effective technology integration and its leadership.
Women’s Roles
Authors: Lawrence Heshium R.
Published: November 2012

Women have played a significant role in the birth and history of technology, yet their roles have diminished in recent decades and their voices have often gone unheard. Slocum (1975) states that though “women were probably its first inventors” (pp. 36-50), their roles are largely unrecognized and acknowledged. Lois Mossman, for example, one of the first women to play an active role in the pedagogy of the field now known as Industrial Technology, is rarely mentioned in contemporary literature or in discussion about the field of Industrial Technology. The myriad of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs are found throughout academia and the professions in the United States; however, women in these programs and fields are still underrepresented and their roles relegated to the margins. This chapter identifies and discusses the apparent inequality of the roles of women in the field of technology. Additionally, it offers several potential solutions for addressing the inequality, and offers recommendations on how women can assume, retain, and provide service in roles as technology leaders.
Overview of Technology Plans
Authors: Chapman Debra L.
Published: November 2012

The incorporation of technology into the classroom is intended to have a positive impact on teaching and learning. Technology planning is a necessary component of this process to make certain all technology benefits are realized. Technology cannot be an add-on component in education; it needs to be fully incorporated into the entire educational process. This requires the development and implementation of a comprehensive technology plan. This plan is created by a technology planning committee and supports all related vision and mission statements, including those for the school, district, and municipality. A needs assessment will be used to determine the current state of the technology and infrastructure. Budgetary considerations, including total cost of ownership, are evaluated to help verify feasibility of the plan. A technology plan is a working document that is evaluated and updated on a continual basis. The development, implementation, and revision of the technology plan help ensure the effective implementation of technology in the educational institution.