bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEW METHODOLOGY ON STRATEGIC PLANNING
Authors: Bütüner Hakan
Published: November 2014

A systematic method of strategic planning is anticipated to be easily understood and straightforward; based on fundamentals; and to be universally applicable for any type of business.  Accordingly, this methodology is generated for the purpose of assembling the disconnected and disorderly ideas, processes, and techniques (written on strategy and business development) under the same roof, in order to develop a systematic methodology that is easily understandable and applicable. As many sources exhort managers to“think strategically” or prescribe “strategic leadership” to helicopter out of tactical day-to-day management, only a few address how to make this happen.  Where strategic analysis tools are explained, this is most frequently done conceptually rather than practically on how to utilize the tools for strategic planning.  Moreover, as fondly as it may sound, there is an exact approach or systematic thinking on this issue; our intention is to bring in a new perspective to the reader and, more significantly, to provide a different benefit by the application of this systematic methodology.Systematic strategic planning (SSP) consists of a framework of phases through which each project passes, a pattern of procedures for straight-forward planning, and the fundamentals involved in any strategic planning project.
ANALYSIS OF VALUE ADDED DISTRIBUTION AND LEVEL OF TRANSACTION COSTS IN THE RUSSIAN CORPORATIONS
Authors: Pletnev Dmitri , Nikolaeva Ekaterina , Bitkulova Zinfira
Published: November 2014

Modern understanding of the corporation as an integrated system driven by a common goal of profit maximization has brought both economic theory and management practices to a deadlock. Incorrect understanding of the modern corporation’s core, as well as inability to adequately assess them, became one of the causes of the global economic crisis.  One of the promising “reanimation” options of the modern firm theory is the institutional approach. However, this approach is in dire need of measurable operational criteria and indicators that would tie business practices together with their basic theoretical categories: institute, contract, and transaction costs.The scope of this paper is to offer and demonstrate the possibilities of testing methodology for assessing the corporation as an institutional unit of an economic system. To do so, we propose a new approach in the assessment of institutional compliance of the corporations with the expectations of their major subjects.  It is based on estimating the distribution of the gross added value between the subjects.  Moreover, the technique of assessing the level of transaction costs in corporations, based on data accounting, is proposed.  The methods were tested on examples of real Russian metallurgical industry corporations as reported between 2003 and 2012.  The presence of a statistically significant negative connection between the share of value added revenue and level of transaction costs, as well as between the share of value added at the owners disposal and the transaction costs level, was established.  The presence of a statistically significant positive connection between the level of transaction costs and share of value added, at the disposal of workers, was established.
FRANCHISE EXPECTATIONS: CASE OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Kaziyeva Raissa
Published: November 2014

The purpose of the article is to provide a critical review of franchising development in Kazakhstan by focusing on the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee. We have conducted extensive research and communicated with lots of potential and existing Kazakhstani franchisors and franchisees, operating since 2003. Our findings show that the process of signing franchising agreements is quite challenging in Kazakhstan.  Thorough investigation of the differences between expectations and actual responsibilities from both two sides of franchising agreement allows us to overcome misconception and eliminate the aspirations of automatic success.  This article attempts to give practical implications for franchising development in Kazakhstan that will raise the effectiveness and enhance the credibility of franchising business through preliminary screening of subjective assumptions regarding franchising advantages and benefits, using a cross-comparative analysis, as well as provide recommendation to add addenda and clarifications to the agreement as necessary.
DOCTRINAL BASICS OF THE LEGAL TECHNIQUE: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITHIN THE EUROPEAN LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: Malko Alexander , Kostenko Margarita
Published: November 2014

The legal technique was initially developed as a kind of “interpreter” for the legislative will in the legal language using a specific ingenuity of legal engineering. Historically, the theoretical base of the legal technique was formed on a phased basis, essentially stimulated by state reforms, social transformations, and active legislation systematization. It should be mentioned here that legal technique is a distinctive category reflecting the political, economic, and legal situation in the historical period of a certain state development, but being extra-national in itself.The resource harmonization of the legal technique within the European legal framework means norm-setting regulations, coordination, and elaboration of common recommendations for the European countries. The cooperation in the legal technique standards harmonization will require the all-European cooperation to the new level as far as legal standards, human rights, democratic development, legitimacy and cultural cooperation are concerned.
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND AND ITS IMPACT ON IDEOLOGICAL STRUCTURING OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Authors: Lami Roland
Published: November 2014

One of the institutions that has played a very important role in the post-communist period in Albania, is the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For pragmatic reasons or for guaranteeing their legitimacy, political parties have found it indispensable to cooperate with this institution. But, if we consider the role of the IMF from ideological perspectives, we would find that regardless of which party was in power (Socialist Party or Democratic Party) the respective government still has to follow its instructions and recommendations of a neoliberal nature.  This behavior has prevented political parties, especially those of the left wing, to get structured from the perspective of ideological profile.  For this reason, the entire discussion is mainly focused on the left-wing political perspective, as the principles of the right wing are closer to the IMF’s neoliberal philosophy, from the ideological standpoint.
Negotiating meaning in the consumption of the past
Authors: Smith Fiona , Brown Mary
Published: November 2014

The Internet and social networking technologies have facilitated communication between groups of retrophiles or fans of the past. The article seeks to examine motivations for retrophilic action and to discuss these ideas within the present late capitalist culture. The article discusses how retrophiles seem to use the past in order to (re)construct their individual and collective identities and it examines two recent media representations that present retrophiles in discourses of consumption and acquisition.
The assessment of the reasons of students and parents' preference of elective courses for the 5 th grade glasses at secondary school
Authors: Karagözoğlu Nazike
Published: November 2014

It has been deemed suitable that the elective courses can be conducted for two lesson hours a week by beginning from first and fifth clases at all public and private schools by the Ministry of National Education with the Board Of Education meeting decision No. 124, dated 14.08.2012. By this research, factors in the selection of courses in elective courses application started in the academic year 2012-2013, preferred causes and practices in the courses and problems in the causes are evaluated according to students' and parents' opinions. The descriptive method has been used in the study. Student and parent questionnaires have been used as the data collection tool. It has been benefited from the program SPSS to analyze the data and the frequency and percentage calculations. According to the results of the research, the most frequently selected subjects are listed as Applications of Mathematics Course, Quran Recitation and Foreign Language Course. When students' reasons to choose elective courses are examined, according to students' opinions it has been found out that they make their choices according to their interests and skills; however in accordance with the opinion of parents in determining their choice, the contributions to the success of the compulsory courses has been found to be the cause.
Criptosistemas
Authors: Delgado Cascante Geovanny
Published: November 2014

Este trabajo presenta los principales aspectos de la seguridad en las comunicaciones haciendo uso de sistemas de encubrimiento de datos, comunmente conocidos como criptosistemas. Inicialmente se presentan algunas definiciones importantes de los criptosistemas, además de varios conceptos básicos para el cifrado de datos. Se analizan dos esquemas criptográficos: el convencional y el de llave pública. En la última parte se analiza un método de encripción en cada esquema: el DES para criptografía convencional y el RSA para criptografía con llave pública. El análisis de estos métodos se enriquece con un ejemplo particular en cada uno de ellos.
Técnicas de investigación urbana: el uso del suelo.
Authors: Salazar Palavicini Guillermo
Published: November 2014

El objeto de este trabajo es la presentación de las grandes posibilidades que ofrece dentro de las técnicas de investigación urbana la estrategia del estudio del uso del suelo.Exponemos cómo por medio del uso del suelo se nos ordena la realidad urbana y podemos analizar mejor la forma compleja como aparece a primera vista cualquier estudio urbano.Finalmente presentamos un ejemplo de un estudio histórico urbano con la aplicación de la estrategia uso del suelo.
Análise de Confiabilidade do SICOGEA - Sistema Contábil Gerencial e Ambiental
Authors: Limongi Bernadete , Soares Sandro Vieira , Freitas Claudio Luiz de
Published: November 2014

A área ambiental tem sido discutida por vários profissionais, porém pouco ainda se relata sobre a Contabilidade Ambiental. Assim, a fim de criar um sistema que pudesse fornecer dados ambientais e contabilizá-los, optou-se pela realização do SICOGEA - Sistema Contábil-Gerencial Ambiental. Antes, porém, fazia-se necessário realizar uma análise de confiabilidade. Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas com profissionais de diversas áreas. Foram enviados, via e-mail, 55 instrumentos de análise, dos quais 53 retornaram, em 30 dias. Na análise empreendida verificou-se, como vantagem inicial da gestão ambiental, o envolvimento da sociedade, pois, conhecendo a realidade local, as possibilidades de solução para as questões ambientais tornam-se mais exequíveis. Percebeu-se uma relação entre as respostas aos questionários e a atividade profissional e acadêmica dos inquiridos: aqueles envolvidos mais diretamente com a área ambiental não demonstraram preocupação com lucratividade, mas aqueles voltados à área econômica entenderam que a gestão ambiental somente terá sucesso quando trouxer vantagem econômica. Percebeuse, pois, entre estes últimos, uma clara preocupação com a sobrevivência no mercado. E é nesse contexto que se insere o SICOGEA, uma nova alternativa de gestão e Contabilidade Ambiental, pois é um sistema que pode ajudar a elucidar a problemática ambiental e possibilitar o uso de tecnologias simples e eficientes, visando à preservação, ao mesmo tempo em que atende às exigências da legislação vigente.
Integrating biorefinery and farm biogeochemical cycles offsets fossil energy and mitigates soil carbon losses
Authors: Adler Paul R. , Mitchell James G. , Pourhashem Ghasideh , Spatari Sabrina , Del Grosso Stephen J. , Parton William J.
Published: November 2014

Crop residues are potentially significant sources of feedstock for biofuel production in the United States. However, there are concerns with maintaining the environmental functions of these residues while also serving as a feedstock for biofuel production. Maintaining soil organic carbon (SOC) along with its functional benefits is considered a greater constraint than maintaining soil erosion losses to an acceptable level. We used the biogeochemical model DayCent to evaluate the effect of residue removal, corn stover, and wheat and barley straw in three diverse locations in the USA. We evaluated residue removal with and without N replacement, along with application of a high‐lignin fermentation byproduct (HLFB), the residue by‐product comprised of lignin and small quantities of nutrients from cellulosic ethanol production. SOC always decreased with residue harvest, but the decrease was greater in colder climates when expressed on a life cycle basis. The effect of residue harvest on soil N2O emissions varied with N addition and climate. With N addition, N2O emissions always increased, but the increase was greater in colder climates. Without N addition, N2O emissions increased in Iowa, but decreased in Maryland and North Carolina with crop residue harvest. Although SOC was lower with residue harvest when HLFB was used for power production instead of being applied to land, the avoidance of fossil fuel emissions to the atmosphere by utilizing the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of crop residue to produce ethanol (offsets) reduced the overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions because most of this residue carbon would normally be lost during microbial respiration. Losses of SOC and reduced N mineralization could both be mitigated with the application of HLFB to the land. Therefore, by returning the high‐lignin fraction of crop residue to the land after production of ethanol at the biorefinery, soil carbon levels could be maintained along with the functional benefit of increased mineralized N, and more GHG emissions could be offset compared to leaving the crop residues on the land.
An open‐population hierarchical distance sampling model
Authors: Sollmann Rahel , Gardner Beth , Chandler Richard B. , Royle J. Andrew , Sillett T. Scott
Published: November 2014

Modeling population dynamics while accounting for imperfect detection is essential to monitoring programs. Distance sampling allows estimating population size while accounting for imperfect detection, but existing methods do not allow for estimation of demographic parameters. We develop a model that uses temporal correlation in abundance arising from underlying population dynamics to estimate demographic parameters from repeated distance sampling surveys. Using a simulation study motivated by designing a monitoring program for Island Scrub‐Jays (Aphelocoma insularis), we investigated the power of this model to detect population trends. We generated temporally autocorrelated abundance and distance sampling data over six surveys, using population rates of change of 0.95 and 0.90. We fit the data generating Markovian model and a mis‐specified model with a log‐linear time effect on abundance, and derived post hoc trend estimates from a model estimating abundance for each survey separately. We performed these analyses for varying numbers of survey points. Power to detect population changes was consistently greater under the Markov model than under the alternatives, particularly for reduced numbers of survey points. The model can readily be extended to more complex demographic processes than considered in our simulations. This novel framework can be widely adopted for wildlife population monitoring.
Speed sensoless robust control of permanent magnet synchronous motor based on second-order sliding-mode observer
Authors: Fezzani Amor , Drid Said , Makouf Abdesslam , Chrifi-Alaoui Larbi , Ouriagli Mohamed
Published: November 2014

This paper is devoted to the study of the performances of a robust speed
sensorless nonlinear control of permanent magnet synchronous machine. In the
first part, the controllers are designed using two methods: the first one
using the input output feedback linearization control and the second is a
nonlinear control based on Lyapunov theory combined with sliding mode
control. This second solution shows good robustness with respect to parameter
variations, measurement errors and noises. In the second part, the high order
sliding mode speed observer is used to overcome the occurring chattering
phenomena. The super twisting algorithm is modified in order to design a
speed and position observer for PMSM. Finally, simulation results are given
to demonstrate the effectiveness and the good performance of the proposed
control methods.
Linear peristaltic pump based on electromagnetic actuators
Authors: Maddoui Lotfi , Kadid Zohra , Abdessemed Rachid
Published: November 2014

In this paper a study and design of a linear peristaltic pump are presented.
A set of electromagnetic (solenoid) actuators is used as the active tools to
drag the liquid by crushing an elastic tube. The pump consists of six
serially-connected electromagnetic actuators controlled via an electronic
board. This may be considered as a simulated peristalsis action of
intestines. The dynamic performances of the pump are investigated
analytically and experimentally.
Adaptive algorithm for mobile user positioning based on environment estimation
Authors: Grujovic Darko , Simic Mirjana
Published: November 2014

This paper analyzes the challenges to realize an infrastructure independent
and a low-cost positioning method in cellular networks based on RSS (Received
Signal Strength) parameter, auxiliary timing parameter and environment
estimation. The proposed algorithm has been evaluated using field
measurements collected from GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
network, but it is technology independent and can be applied in UMTS
(Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems) and LTE (Long-Term Evolution)
networks, also.
Parasitic contamination of urban and rural environments in the Slovak Republic: dog’s excrements as a source
Authors: Papajová I. , Pipiková J. , Papaj J. , Čižmár A.
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the possibility of soil contamination with propagative stages of intestinal endoparasites at different public places (public parks, playgrounds, sandpits, sidewalks, road sides). In a one-year-study, totally 578 dog’s faecal samples from 8 towns (Košice, Trebišov, Veľké Kapušany, Prešov, Snina, Levoča, Zvolen and Trenčín) and 3 villages (Dlhé Stráže, Dravce, Valaliky) were examined for the presence of parasitic germs. 29.9 % of faecal samples were positive. Eight different species of intestinal parasites with following incidence were detected: Toxocara canis (11.9 %), Trichuris vulpis (8.5 %), Ancylostomatidae (8.1 %), Taenia spp. (4.0 %), Toxascaris leonina (3.1 %), Capillaria spp. (1.0 %), Dipylidium caninum (0.2 %) and Coccidia oocysts (0.2 %). Additionally 285 sandpits were examined. Sand samples were collected from Košice (136), Zvolen (38), Trenčín (36), Prešov (30), Veľké Kapušany (24), Snina (15), and village Valaliky (6). The parasitic eggs occurence in the sandpits was as follows: Toxocara spp. (11.8 %), Ancylostomatidae (1.1 %), Taenia type (0.7 %) and Trichuris spp. (0.4 %). The occurrence of Toxocara spp. varied between the urban and rural environments. The highest number of Toxocara spp. was found in village Valaliky (33.3 %) whereas cities showed lesser prevalence (Prešov — 10 %, Košice — 7.4 %, Trenčín — 5.6 %, Zvolen — 5.3 %, Veľké Kapušany — 4.2 %). The epidemiological aspects and health risk factors are also discussed.
Larval strigeoid trematodes in anurans from southern Nigeria
Authors: Edo-Taiwo O. , Ovwah E. , Imasuen A. , Aisien M.
Published: November 2014

Anurans from locations in the rainforest, derived savannah and a monoculture plantation in Nigeria were examined for infection with strigeoid trematode larvae. Two types of metacercarial cysts were recovered. The cyst type I (rounded with fringe projections) occurred in tree frogs from the Okomu National Park, at Usen (derived savannah) and the Okomu Oil Palm Plantation (OOPP). The cyst type II was recovered from A. dorsalis and Ptychadena bibroni collected at OOPP. The cysts were ovoid in shape, devoid of projections at the fringes and were not subject to trypsin action. An unencysted metacercaria was found in A. dorsalis collected at Usen while mesocercaria of Alaria occurred in the lungs of Pty. pumilio at OOPP. The finding of Alaria mesocercaria in Pty. pumilio is of public health importance in view of the fact that many ranid frogs are consumed in Nigeria and other West African countries.
New data on Malayometastrongylus diardinematus (Gibbons and Krishnasamy, 1986) (Metastrongyloidea: Angiostrongylidae) a lungworm occurring in Rattus tanezumi (Temminck, 1844) from South-East Asia
Authors: Veciana M. , Chaisiri K. , Phuphisut O. , Morand S. , Ribas A.
Published: November 2014

A survey of rodents from Luang Prabang Province (Lao PDR) in February 2010 and May 2012 allowed examining lungs of 95 rodents belonging to 7 different genera (Bandicota, Berylmys, Cannomys, Leopoldamys, Maxomys, Mus, Rattus). The helminth Malayometastrongylus diardinematus (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) was identified in Rattus tanezumi living in close contact with humans, being the first report after its original description in R. tanezumi from Malaysia. A molecular study using mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of M. diardinematus placed the genus Malayometastrongylus in a separate clade in comparison with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (subgenus Parastrongylus) and other representatives of the genus, both present in rodents of South East Asia.
Kinetics of thermal degradation of wood biomass
Authors: Hrablay Ivan , Jelemenský Ľudovít
Published: November 2014

Pyrolysis kinetics of a hardwood representative, beech (Fagus sylvatica), was investigated by two different kinetic approaches: model-free isoconversional method and model-fitting method. The model-free isoconversional method was used for the determination of apparent kinetic parameters, i.e. the activation energy and pre-exponential factor. The model fitting method was used for the optimization of kinetic parameters of the reaction pathways of three selected reaction mechanisms: one-step, two-step, and three-step one. In both approaches, thermo-gravimetric data were used at five heating rates: 2°C min−1, 5°C min−1, 10°C min−1, 15°C min−1 and 20°C min−1. As the most suitable mechanism, the three-step mechanism containing the intermediate degradation step was chosen. This selection was supported by experimental results from the 13C NMR analysis of solid residues prepared at the key temperatures within the range of 230–500°C. The progress of mass fraction values of each component in this mechanism was simulated. Conclusions from the simulation were confronted with experimental results from the 13C NMR.
Intensification of heat transfer in a liquid film evaporator
Authors: Timár Pavol , Nemsilová Lenka , Timár Pavel , Stopka Ján , Štibrányi Ladislav , Báleš Vladimír
Published: November 2014

Influence of the heat exchanger shape on the heat transfer efficiency investigated. Heat transfer efficiency of two vertical pipe-in-pipe heat exchangers, one with a straight wall and the other with a twisted wall were compared. Both heat exchangers worked on the principle of liquid falling film. Electric transformer oil was used as the heated liquid and water vapor at atmospheric pressure was used as the heating agent. Oil was just heated, not evaporated during the experiments. Oil inlet and outlet temperature were measured at six different oil mass flows. Heat flux and heat flux density in the straight- and twisted-wall heat exchangers were compared. Mathematical model was built to verify the possibility of the oil outlet temperature prediction.
The Need for Indigenous Voices in Discourse about Introduced Species: Insights from a Controversy over Wild Horses
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jonaki , Larson Brendon M.H.
Published: November 2014

Culture, livelihoods and political-economic status all influence people's perception of introduced and invasive species, shaping perspectives on what sort of management of them, if any, is warranted. Indigenous voices and values are under-represented in scholarly discourse about introduced and invasive species. This paper examines the relationship between the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation (one of six Tsilhqot'in communities) and wild or free-roaming horses in British Columbia, Canada. We outline how Xeni Gwet'in people value horses and experience management actions, contextualising the controversy over wild horses amidst power imbalances in the expression of environmental values. We suggest that Indigenous voices are vital to include when evaluating impacts of controversial species and developing management strategies.
The Case for Tetrahedral Oxy-subhydride (TOSH) Structures in the Exclusion Zones of Anchored Polar Solvents Including Water
Authors: Oehr Klaus , LeMay Paul
Published: November 2014

We hypothesize a mechanistic model of how negatively-charged exclusion zones (EZs) are created. While the growth of EZs is known to be associated with the absorption of ambient photonic energy, the molecular dynamics giving rise to this process need greater elucidation. We believe they arise due to the formation of oxy-subhydride structures (OH−)(H2O)4 with a tetrahedral (sp3) (OH−)(H2O)3 core. Five experimental data sets derived by previous researchers were assessed in this regard: (1) water-derived EZ light absorbance at specific infrared wavelengths, (2) EZ negative potential in water and ethanol, (3) maximum EZ light absorbance at 270 nm ultraviolet wavelength, (4) ability of dimethyl sulphoxide but not ether to form an EZ, and (5) transitory nature of melting ice derived EZs. The proposed tetrahedral oxy-subhydride structures (TOSH) appear to adequately account for all of the experimental evidence derived from water or other polar solvents.
Inferring a Drive-Response Network from Time Series of Topological Measures in Complex Networks with Transfer Entropy
Authors: Ai Xinbo
Published: November 2014

Topological measures are crucial to describe, classify and understand complex networks. Lots of measures are proposed to characterize specific features of specific networks, but the relationships among these measures remain unclear. Taking into account that pulling networks from different domains together for statistical analysis might provide incorrect conclusions, we conduct our investigation with data observed from the same network in the form of simultaneously measured time series. We synthesize a transfer entropy-based framework to quantify the relationships among topological measures, and then to provide a holistic scenario of these measures by inferring a drive-response network. Techniques from Symbolic Transfer Entropy, Effective Transfer Entropy, and Partial Transfer Entropy are synthesized to deal with challenges such as time series being non-stationary, finite sample effects and indirect effects. We resort to kernel density estimation to assess significance of the results based on surrogate data. The framework is applied to study 20 measures across 2779 records in the Technology Exchange Network, and the results are consistent with some existing knowledge. With the drive-response network, we evaluate the influence of each measure by calculating its strength, and cluster them into three classes, i.e., driving measures, responding measures and standalone measures, according to the network communities.
Correction: Whiley, H., et al. Detection of Legionella, L. pneumophila and Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) along Potable Water Distribution Pipelines. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11, 7393–7405
Authors: Whiley Harriet , Keegan Alexandra , Fallowfield Howard , Bentham Richard
Published: November 2014

The authors wish to add the following amendments and corrections to their paper published in IJERPH [1].Page 7398, Table 1: The average water temperature measured in summer is 24.3 °C not 4.3 °C. The correct Table 1 should therefore be: [...]
Predictive Value of Decoy Receptor 3 in Postoperative Nosocomial Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Liu Yong-Juan , Shao Li-Hua , Wang Qian , Zhang Jian , Ma Rui-Ping , Liu Hai-Hong , Dong Xiao-Meng , Ma Li-Xian
Published: November 2014

Nosocomial bacterial meningitis requires timely treatment, but what is difficult is the prompt and accurate diagnosis of this disease. The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) levels in the differentiation of bacterial meningitis from non-bacterial meningitis. A total of 123 patients were recruited in this study, among them 80 patients being with bacterial meningitis and 43 patients with non-bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis was confirmed by bacterial culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the level of DcR3 in CSF. CSF levels of DcR3 were statistically significant between patients with bacterial meningitis and those with non-bacterial meningitis (p < 0.001). A total of 48.75% of patients with bacterial meningitis received antibiotic >24 h before CSF sampling, which was much higher than that of non-bacterial meningitis. CSF leucocyte count yielded the highest diagnostic value, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of 0.928, followed by DcR3. At a critical value of 0.201 ng/mL for DcR3, the sensitivity and specificity were 78.75% and 81.40% respectively. DcR3 in CSF may be a valuable predictor for differentiating patients with bacterial meningitis from those with non-bacterial meningitis. Further studies are needed for the validation of this study.
A New Prenylated Indole Diketopiperazine Alkaloid from Eurotium cristatum
Authors: Zou Xianwei , Li Ying , Zhang Xiaona , Li Qian , Liu Xuan , Huang Yun , Tang Tao , Zheng Saijing , Wang Weimiao , Tang Jintian
Published: November 2014

A new prenylated indole diketopiperazine alkaloid, cristatumin F (1), and four known metabolites, echinulin (2), dehydroechinulin (3), neoechinulin A (4) and variecolorin O (5), were isolated from the crude extract of the fungus Eurotium cristatum. The structure of 1 was elucidated primarily by NMR and MS methods. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned using Marfey’s method applied to its acid hydrolyzate. Cristatumin F (1) showed modest radical scavenging activity against DPPH radicals, and exhibited marginal attenuation of 3T3L1 pre-adipocytes.
Fibre Coupled Photonic Crystal Cavity Arrays on Transparent Substrates for Spatially Resolved Sensing
Authors: Scullion Mark , Fischer Matthias , Krauss Thomas
Published: November 2014

We introduce a photonic crystal cavity array realised in a silicon thin film and placed on polydimethlysiloxane (PDMS) as a new platform for the in-situ sensing of biomedical processes. Using tapered optical fibres, we show that multiple independent cavities within the same waveguide can be excited and their resonance wavelength determined from camera images without the need for a spectrometer. The cavity array platform combines sensing as a function of location with sensing as a function of time.
Examining Land Use and Land Cover Spatiotemporal Change and Driving Forces in Beijing from 1978 to 2010
Authors: Tian Yichen , Yin Kai , Lu Dengsheng , Hua Lizhong , Zhao Qianjun , Wen Meiping
Published: November 2014

Land use and land cover (LULC) datasets for Beijing in 1978, 1987, 1992, 2000 and 2010 were developed from Landsat images using the object-oriented classification approach. The relationships between social-economic, demographic and political factors and time-series LULC data were examined for the periods between 1978 and 2010. The results showed the effectiveness of using the object-oriented decision tree classification method for LULC classification with time series of Landsat images. Combined with anthropogenic driving forces, our research can effectively explain the detailed LULC change trajectories corresponding to different stages and give new insights for Beijing LULC change patterns. The results show a significant increase in forest and built-up areas, but a decrease in arable lands, due to urbanization and reforestation. Large ecological projects result in an increase of forest areas and population, and economic conditions result in urban expansion. The anthropogenic driving forces analysis results further prove that both population increase and economic development played important roles in the expansion of built-up areas. Both the qualitative and quantitative anthropogenic driving forces analysis methods were helpful for better understanding the mechanisms of LULC change.
DEnKF–Variational Hybrid Snow Cover Fraction Data Assimilation for Improving Snow Simulations with the Common Land Model
Authors: Xu Jianhui , Shu Hong , Dong Lin
Published: November 2014

This study assesses the analysis performance of a hybrid DEnKF-variational data assimilation (DA) method (DEnVar) for assimilating the MODIS snow cover fraction (SCF) into the Common Land Model (CoLM). Coupling a deterministic ensemble Kalman filter (DEnKF) with a one-dimensional variational DA method (1DVar), DEnVar without observation perturbations is a two-step DA method. That is, the analysis ensemble mean and analysis error covariance of DEnKF are introduced into the 1DVar hybrid cost function, and the analysis mean of DEnKF is replaced by the 1DVar analysis. The analysis performance of DEnVar was experimentally compared with DEnKF, 1DVar, and EnVar (hybrid ensemble-variational DA) at five sites in the Altay region of China from November 2008 to March 2009. From our results, it is shown that the four DA experiments can improve snow simulations at most sites when the available MODIS SCF is assimilated. The DEnVar experiment using the hybrid error covariance shows the best analysis performance among the four DA experiments at most sites. Furthermore, sensitivity tests show that DEnVar is slightly sensitive to the weighting coefficient, which controls the respective weights of ensemble- and (National Meteorological Center) NMC-based error covariances, but is highly sensitive to the observation error. DEnVar obtains better analysis performance when using the ensemble-based analysis error covariance rather than the hybrid error covariance coupling ensemble-based analysis and static NMC-based error covariances. The inaccurate distribution of observation error may invalidate the DEnVar method.
Assessing Band Sensitivity to Atmospheric Radiation Transfer for Space-Based Retrieval of Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence
Authors: Liu Xinjie , Liu Liangyun
Published: November 2014

In contrast to ground-based solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (Fs) detection, the influence of atmospheric radiation transfer is the major difficulty in Fs retrieval from space. In this study, we first simulated top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance using FluorMODgui3.1 and MODTRAN5 code. Based on the simulated dataset, we analyzed the sensitivities of five potential Fs retrieval bands (Hα, K I, Fe, O2-A, and O2-B) to different atmospheric transfer parameters, including atmosphere profile, aerosol optical depth (AOD550), vertical water vapor column (H2O), vertical ozone column (O3), solar zenith angle (SZA), view zenith angle (VZA), relative azimuth angle (RAA) and elevation. The results demonstrate that the Hα, O2-A and O2-B bands are the most sensitive to these atmospheric parameters. However, only the O2-A and O2-B bands were found to be sensitive to the imaging geometric parameters. When the spectral resolution was sufficient, the K I and Fe bands proved to have the best potential for space-based Fs retrieval given the current available accuracies of atmospheric products, while the O2-A band was shown to perform better at lower spectral resolutions. The band sensitivity analysis presented here will be useful for band selection and atmospheric correction for space-based Fs retrieval.
An SVM-Based Classifier for Estimating the State of Various Rotating Components in Agro-Industrial Machinery with a Vibration Signal Acquired from a Single Point on the Machine Chassis
Authors: Ruiz-Gonzalez Ruben , Gomez-Gil Jaime , Gomez-Gil Francisco , Martínez-Martínez Víctor
Published: November 2014

The goal of this article is to assess the feasibility of estimating the state of various rotating components in agro-industrial machinery by employing just one vibration signal acquired from a single point on the machine chassis. To do so, a Support Vector Machine (SVM)-based system is employed. Experimental tests evaluated this system by acquiring vibration data from a single point of an agricultural harvester, while varying several of its working conditions. The whole process included two major steps. Initially, the vibration data were preprocessed through twelve feature extraction algorithms, after which the Exhaustive Search method selected the most suitable features. Secondly, the SVM-based system accuracy was evaluated by using Leave-One-Out cross-validation, with the selected features as the input data. The results of this study provide evidence that (i) accurate estimation of the status of various rotating components in agro-industrial machinery is possible by processing the vibration signal acquired from a single point on the machine structure; (ii) the vibration signal can be acquired with a uniaxial accelerometer, the orientation of which does not significantly affect the classification accuracy; and, (iii) when using an SVM classifier, an 85% mean cross-validation accuracy can be reached, which only requires a maximum of seven features as its input, and no significant improvements are noted between the use of either nonlinear or linear kernels.
Virtual Kitchen Test
Authors: Oliveira J. , Caires C. , Morais D. , Brito R. , Lopes P. , Saraiva T. , Soares F. , Sottomayor C. , Barata F. , Picareli F. , Prates M. , Santos C. , Gamito P.
Published: November 2014

Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “New Methodologies for Patients Rehabilitation”.

Background: The ecological validity of paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests is currently a matter of debate. Arguments in favor of alternatives indicate that paper-and-pencil forms are unable to account for both mental and functional aspects of cognitive functioning.

Objectives: In this study we developed a new neuropsychological evaluation test – the Virtual Kitchen Test (VKT) – devised to evaluate frontal brain functioning in cognitively impaired individuals. We designed this test according to the rationale of the Trail Making Test (TMT), in order to capture frontal lobe abilities during a more ecologically valid task.

Methods: Forty-nine participants, 25 from a clinical sample of patients diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome, plus 24 healthy participants.

Results: Execution errors and task completion time were significantly higher in the clinical sample. Also, scores on the new VKT showed moderate to high positive correlations with scores on the TMT. Furthermore, the overall discriminant performance of the VKT was high for both of its indicators.

Conclusions: Overall results support the ability of the VKT to evaluate frontal lobe functions. The best cut-off scores based on this sample are discussed.
A molecular identification protocol for roots of boreal forest tree species
Authors: Randall Morgan J. , Karst Justine , Pec Gregory J. , Davis Corey S. , Hall Jocelyn C. , Cahill James F.
Published: November 2014

• Premise of the study: Roots play a key role in many ecological processes, yet our ability to identify species from bulk root samples is limited. Molecular tools may be used to identify species from root samples, but they have not yet been developed for most systems. Here we present a PCR‐based method previously used to identify roots of grassland species, modified for use in boreal forests.

• Methods: We used repeatable interspecific size differences in fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphisms of three noncoding chloroplast DNA regions to identify seven woody species common to boreal forests in Alberta, Canada.

• Results: Abies balsamea, Alnus crispa, Betula papyrifera, Pinus contorta, and Populus tremuloides were identifiable to species, while Picea glauca and Picea mariana were identifiable to genus. In mixtures of known composition of foliar DNA, species were identified with 98% accuracy using one region. Mixed root samples of unknown composition were identified with 100% accuracy; four species were identified using one region, while three species were identified using two regions.

• Discussion: This methodology is accurate, efficient, and inexpensive, and thus a valuable approach for ecological studies of roots. Furthermore, this method has now been validated for both grassland and boreal forest systems, and thus may also have applications in any plant community.
Development of multiplex microsatellite PCR panels for the seagrass Thalassia hemprichii (Hydrocharitaceae)
Authors: van Dijk Kor‐jent , Mellors Jane , Waycott Michelle
Published: November 2014

• Premise of the study: New microsatellites were developed for the seagrass Thalassia hemprichii (Hydrocharitaceae), a long‐lived seagrass species that is found throughout the shallow waters of tropical and subtropical Indo‐West Pacific. Three multiplex PCR panels were designed utilizing new and previously developed markers, resulting in a toolkit for generating a 16‐locus genotype.

• Methods and Results: Through the use of microsatellite enrichment and next‐generation sequencing, 16 new, validated, polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated. Diversity was between two and four alleles per locus totaling 36 alleles. These markers, plus previously developed microsatellite markers for T. hemprichii and T. testudinum, were tested for suitability in multiplex PCR panels.

• Conclusions: The generation of an easily replicated suite of multiplex panels of codominant molecular markers will allow for high‐resolution and detailed genetic structure analysis and clonality assessment with minimal genotyping costs. We suggest the establishment of a T. hemprichii primer convention for the unification of future data sets.
Flipping the Classroom: A Data-Driven Model for Nursing Education
Authors: McGowan Brian S. , Balmer Jann T. , Chappell Kathy
Published: November 2014

Structured, blended learning models have been developed to help participants more actively engage in learning experiences, as opposed to traditional didactic sessions. A flipped classroom model allows learners to build on self-directed online prework in an interactive and collaborative learning laboratory.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(11):477–478.
Reverse Engineering of Object-Oriented Code
Authors: Favre Liliana , Martinez Liliana , Pereira Claudia
Published: November 2014

Software modernization is a new research area in the software industry that is intended to provide support for transforming an existing software system to a new one that satisfies new demands. Software modernization requires technical frameworks for information integration and tool interoperability that allow managing new platform technologies, design techniques, and processes. To meet these demands, Architecture-Driven Modernization (ADM) has emerged as the new OMG (Object Management Group) initiative for modernization. Reverse engineering techniques play a crucial role in system modernization. This chapter describes the state of the art in the model-driven modernization area, reverse engineering in particular. A framework to reverse engineering models from object-oriented code that distinguishes three different abstraction levels linked to models, metamodels, and formal specification is described. The chapter includes an analysis of technologies that support ADM standards and provides a summary of the principles that can be used to govern current modernization efforts.
Mobile Interaction in Real Augmented Environments
Authors: David Bertrand , Chalon René
Published: November 2014

In this chapter, the authors describe a real augmented environment and its associated mobile interactions based on wearable computers with appropriate interaction devices that can be either classical computer interaction devices or real objects augmented with computer interfaces called tangible objects. After presenting the main principles, they describe a concrete platform, related models, formalisms, and MDA development processes, as well as several applications. These examples are contextual collaborative maintenance of industrial appliances and associated just-in-time mobile learning, a nutritional coaching system supporting practice and learning of management of nutritional decisions in relation to specific requirements in health or high-level sport, and a serious game helping to master lean manufacturing.
Mobile Agents for a Mobile World
Authors: Urra Oscar , Ilarri Sergio , Trillo Raquel , Mena Eduardo
Published: November 2014

Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have become very popular and together with the enhancements on mobile networks have changed the way the users interact. New applications and paradigms (such as social and collaborative networks) have appeared, and their development is now more important than ever. In this scenario, the technology of mobile software agents is an adequate option, since mobile agents can be used to overcome the difficulties and limitations of such an environment. Mobile software agents need a middleware (the agent execution platform) that allows them to exist and provides them the means to develop their potential. There exist a number of such platforms with different features but also some limitations. In this chapter, the authors discuss in detail all these questions and survey the most popular agent platforms from the point of view of their potential use in mobile environments.
A Generic Architectural Model Approach for Efficient Utilization of Patterns
Authors: Markkula Jouni , Mazhelis Oleksiy
Published: November 2014

A software pattern describes the core of the solution to a problem that tends to (re-)occur in a particular environment. Such patterns are commonly used as a means to facilitate the creation of an architectural design satisfying the desired quality goals. In this chapter, the practical challenges of efficient usage of patterns in domain-specific software development are presented. The specific domain considered here is the mobile domain, for which is given a sample collection of potentially useful patterns. After that, a novel generic architectural model approach for organizing patterns is presented. In this approach, the identification of relevant patterns is considered as the process of reducing the set of candidate patterns by domain-implied constraints. These constraints can be incorporated in a domain-specific generic architectural model that reflects the commonalities in the solutions of the particular domain. This approach has been validated with a real company application development case.
Adaptations to Climate Change and Climate Variability in the Agriculture Sector in Mauritius
Authors: Deenapanray Prakash N. K. , Ramma Indoomatee
Published: November 2014

Like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Mauritius is highly vulnerable to the impacts of Climate Change (CC) and Climate Variability (CV). Particularly vulnerable are small-scale farmers who carry out rain-fed agriculture. While adaptation to CC and CV has taken place among small planters, the first methodological assessment of the technology needs for adaptation in the agriculture sector took place in Phase II of the global GEF-UNEP Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) project. In addition to providing a systematic approach for identifying and prioritizing adaptation technologies, the TNA project also sought to increase the preparedness of Mauritius for leveraging international climate financing and support for technology transfer. Since Mauritius was the only SIDS participating in Phase II of the TNA project, this chapter shares with other SIDS the methodology and lessons learned. The climate change-agriculture-food security nexus is also discussed.