Chinese Media,Global Contexts,edited by Chin-Chuan Lee. London: RoutledgeCurzon, 2003. xii + 275 pp. $95.00 cloth. ISBN 0-415-30334-6

Abstract

Several information processing technologies which are capable of augmenting human performance in handling a range of emergency situations are featured in this discussion. Among the more sophisticated systems which have proven useful in enhancing information collection, transmission, and selective processing are packet radio networks, “expert planning systems,” multiple‐satellite technology, and such related emerging developments as “internetting” and “machine intelligence.”     

Death and Data

Research into the intelligence processes in two child murder cases shows that 'information management is no longer simply an administrative support function or technical service, but an integral part of the strategy of the organisation'. Consequently, its importance must be demonstrated in the organisation's structure and in the resources allocated to it. Problems were caused by the divide between information specialists and detectives. This illustrates the disadvantages of a detection system which fails to preserve either information or knowledge, the tensions between detectives and intelligence officers as members of separate, incompletely integrated teams, and the importance of incorporating tacit learning-by-doing into a knowledge base accessible to both detectives and intelligence staff.     

Globalization isn't New; Anti-globalization isn't Either: September 11 and the History of Nations

The September 11 attack on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center reveals, among other things, a colossal failure of intelligence and radical deficiencies in our understanding of communications in the modern world. The history of nations and the history of communications are continuous, though contradictory, since the eighteenth century, and those continuities and contradictions are revealed by way of analysis of September 11 and its aftermath.     

Machine‐mediated instruction for work‐force training and education

Abstract

This paper reviews developments in the work force as they bear on training needs from entry level skills through professional continuing education. It summarizes the state of the art in various categories of information technology as they apply to education and training, including interactive videodisc, satellite communications systems, videotex, and artificial intelligence methods. These technologies and their potential are illustrated through case study examples. Policy recommendations are presented for governmental, industrial, and higher educational institution initiatives.     

A perspective on natural and artificial intelligence

Abstract

Intelligence is an attribute that has, since time immemorial, drawn the line of distinction between man and machine. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the endeavor of the former to introduce some of this special faculty into the latter. Just as natural intelligence has undergone major changes as regards its definitions and understanding, so has the field of AI. In order to encompass the gamut of this fundamental capability and know its origins, AI researchers have often had to deal with psychological and philosophical viewpoints on the issue. From the point of view of cognitive psychology, the Information Processing (IP) paradigm and IP systems are of special interest, and we present a brief overview of these topics. While the AI community claims to have some understanding of the concept of knowledge, the idea of consciousness, which we consider of finer grain than any other, has received little practical attention. These related terms are discussed at length in the article. Further, of late there has been a movement toward incorporating a background of common‐sense reasoning in AI systems. We emphasize the importance of this trend, especially in distributed AI. The basics of adaptability and learning are also discussed. We sum up the ideas presented and link them to the current progress in AI research with specifics aimed at making it more dynamic.     

建设SCIE空白学科期刊提升科技期刊国际影响力

[目的]研究我国在SCIE空白学科领域的学术成果现状,指出在此领域建设SCIE期刊的方法。[方法]利用InCites和Scopus数据库,获取我国SCIE空白学科领域已发SCIE论文总量、占全球百分比等指标。从未有中国英文期刊和已有中国英文期刊两个视角,研究了我国空白学科领域的学术研究现状。[结果]我国多个SCIE空白学科领域已有大量高水平SCIE论文发表,并且多个学术机构在科研生产力、影响力、创新力和发展力上都领先或者接近全球平均水平。[结论]在SCIE空白学科领域,通过组建学会办刊、资助优势特色期刊等办法,可以建设一批高国际影响力的英文期刊。     

Data mining and influential analysis of gene expression data for plant resistance gene identification in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

BackgroundMolecular mechanisms of plant–pathogen interactions have been studied thoroughly but much about them is still unknown. A better understanding of these mechanisms and the detection of new resistance genes can improve crop production and food supply. Extracting this knowledge from available genomic data is a challenging task.ResultsHere, we evaluate the usefulness of clustering, data-mining and regression to identify potential new resistance genes. Three types of analyses were conducted separately over two conditions, tomatoes inoculated with Phytophthora infestans and not inoculated tomatoes. Predictions for 10 new resistance genes obtained by all applied methods were selected as being the most reliable and are therefore reported as potential resistance genes.ConclusionApplication of different statistical analyses to detect potential resistance genes reliably has shown to conduct interesting results that improve knowledge on molecular mechanisms of plant resistance to pathogens.     

中文学术期刊学术诚信控制机制应用现状调查

[目的]反映我国中文学术期刊采用国际通用学术诚信控制机制的现状。[方法]依据《中文核心期刊要目总览(2011年版)》,采用简单随机抽样法,从各个一级学科中分别抽取20%的期刊(共401种)作为研究样本,以各个期刊2015年第1期印本及其官方网站为依据,调查各期刊采用作者贡献声明、采用潜在利益冲突声明、要求研究数据公开、要求责任编辑公开的情况。[结果]样本期刊中99%以上期刊没有提供作者贡献声明,98%以上期刊未提及任何原始数据信息,没有一种样本期刊提供潜在利益冲突声明,48.38%期刊给出了每篇论文的责任编辑。[结论]我国中文学术期刊很少采用国际通用的学术诚信控制机制。建议学术期刊应全面采用学术诚信控制机制,提高对学术诚信进行细化、可操作、可检验、可比较以及可问责的检验能力。     

学术期刊中的零被引论文特征分析——以编辑出版类核心期刊为例

【目的】为国内编辑出版类作者的选题及同行编辑组稿、选稿提供一定的参考依据,以期能对编辑出版类核心期刊学术影响力的提高有所裨益。【方法】 以7种编辑出版类核心期刊2009年刊发的文章在6年内(2009-2014年)的零被引论文为研究对象,从论文的不活跃性入手,参考相关高被引论文的研究思路,对这些论文的相关文本信息、相关作者信息、主题内容、基金资助情况、论文特征等进行统计分析。【结果】 零被引论文的出现与期刊的H指数、影响因子及其论文的语种、类型、学科分布等有着很大的相关性。【结论】期刊应该减少或避免零被引论文的出现,在注重基础理论的同时,要能够发现那些具有较大创新的优质稿件,提高期刊的学术影响力。     

Novel antimicrobial activity of a dichloromethane extract obtained from red seaweed Ceramium rubrum (Hudson) (Rhodophyta: Florideophyceae) against Yersinia ruckeri and Saprolegnia parasitica,agents that cause diseases in salmonids

BackgroundEnteric red mouth disease and Saprolegniasis, which are caused by the bacteria Yersinia ruckeri and the oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica, respectively, are important illnesses that affect salmonid farming. Sanitary problems in farms are addressed by the prevention of disease outbreaks or by the treatment of diseases with chemicals. Environmental and governmental restrictions, toxicity and high treatment costs limit the use of drugs. Marine organisms, such as algae, sponges and corals, have developed an antimicrobial defense strategy based on the production of bioactive metabolites. Among these organisms, seaweeds offer a particularly rich source of potential new drugs. Hence, many pharmacologically active substances have been isolated from seaweeds. In the Ceramium genus, Ceramium rubrum has been emphasized by several authors for its antimicrobial properties. Based on this background, the present study focused on the antimicrobial activity of a lipophilic extract of C. rubrum on Y. ruckeri and S. parasitica.ResultsThe alga, collected from the Pacific coast of Chile, underwent an ethanol extraction, and the concentrated extract was partitioned between water and dichloromethane. From the dichloromethane extract, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, one hydrocarbon and phytol were identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The antimicrobial study showed that the whole extract was more active than the individual components, which suggests a strong synergistic effect among the components.ConclusionsThese results may constitute a basis for promising future applied research that could investigate the use of C. rubrum seaweed as a source of antimicrobial compounds against fish pathogens.     

The effectiveness of surveillance technology: What intelligence officials are saying

In recent years, Western governments have come under sharp criticism for their use of surveillance technology. They have been accused of sweeping up massive amounts of information without evidence of the technologies being effective in improving security. The view of critics is clear, but what do intelligence officials themselves say? This paper analyzes statements of intelligence officials in the U.S. and U.K. from 2006 to 2016, examines what criteria officials use in their discourse on effectiveness, and investigates how considerations of cost and proportionality factor into the equation. It identifies seven measures of effectiveness in the statements of intelligence officials, and finds that cost, though rarely discussed, is the driver behind formalized evaluations of surveillance programs.     

Double codes: Community radio in Bolivia

Abstract

In this article, we report results of interviews conducted with 20 informants at 8 community radio stations across the major regions of Bolivia. We explore the activism and community practices that have energized Bolivian community radio stations over a sustained period. We are in particular interested in the bottom-up networking by these community stations to interlink with each other. These networks actualize the goals of horizontal and participatory communication called for by Latin American theorists. We seek to learn from these endeavors and also contribute to their continued flourishing by analyzing potential threats to them.     

Simple synthesis of photoluminescent carbon dots from a marine polysaccharide found in shark cartilage

BackgroundFor more than a decade, water-soluble, eco-friendly, biocompatible, and low-toxicity fluorescent nanomaterials have received considerable attention for their numerous in vivo and in vitro applications in biomedical imaging, disease diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Owing to their tunable photoluminescence properties, carbon-based luminescent nanomaterials have shown great potential in bioimaging, photocatalysis, and biosensing among other applications.ResultsMarine environments provide excellent resources for the fabrication of these nanomaterials, because many marine organisms contain interesting trigger organic compounds that can be used as precursors. Herein, we synthesize multi-color emissive carbon dots (CDs) with an intrinsic photoluminescence quantum yield of 20.46%. These nanostructures were achieved through the one-step hydrothermal treatment of marine polysaccharide chondroitin sulfate, obtained from shark cartilage, in aqueous solution.ConclusionsWe successfully demonstrate the low toxicity of our marine resource-derived CDs in zebrafish, and provide an initial assessment of their possible use as a bioimaging agent. Notably, the newly synthesized CDs localize in the intestines of zebrafish larvae, thereby indicating their biocompatibility and potential use as in vivo dyes.How to cite: Kim KW, Choi TY, Kwon YM, et al. Simple synthesis of photoluminescent carbon dots from a marine polysaccharide found in shark cartilage. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.07.003.     

Pleiotropic effects of the sdw1 locus in barley populations representing different rounds of recombination

BackgroundIn the present study populations, representing different rounds of recombination were used for the analysis of phenotypic effects associated with the sdw1/denso locus. Other studies have mostly focused only on one type of population. Many different QTLs mapped at the same position as the sdw1/denso locus may indicate a pleiotropy of this gene or a tight linkage between genes conditioning quantitative traits. To date, results of studies have not unequivocally proven either of these two phenomena.ResultsBoth breeding and molecular mapping experiments were undertaken to examine 200 single seed descent (SSD) and 60 doubled haploid (DH) lines obtained from the Maresi (with a semi-dwarfing gene) and Pomo cross combination. They were evaluated for the type of juvenile growth habit and certain agronomic traits were measured after harvesting. The estimates of mean values, standard errors and significance of effects were analyzed. In terms of the analyzed characteristics, the greatest variability was obtained for genotypes with the prostrate growth habit. Microsatellite markers (SSR) were also used to identify co-segregation with the sdw1/denso locus and Bmag0013, Bmag0877, Bmag0306b markers were linked the closest. A partial linkage map of chromosome 3H with the sdw1/denso semi-dwarfing gene was constructed and QTLs were identified.ConclusionsOur experiments confirmed the impact of the semi-dwarfing gene on plant height, heading and flowering date both in SSD and DH populations, which may indicate pleiotropy. Moreover, a partial linkage between sdw1/denso locus and grain weight per spike and 1000-grain weight was found in the SSD population.     

Factors influencing electronic health record adoption by physicians: A multilevel analysis

In Canada, the healthcare system remains paper-laden, and EHR adoption by physicians lags behind many other industrial countries. Recent reviews identified individual and organizational factors as having the most important influence on EHR adoption and proposed taking a multidimensional perspective to study these adoption determinants. However, most studies have focused on physician EHR adoption measured at the individual level.ObjectivesFirst, we used a multilevel regression model to assess whether organizations' characteristics influenced physician behavioral intention to use EHR. Second, we sought to identify individual and organizational factors that explain physician intention.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cross-sectional study among physicians in 49 primary healthcare organizations in four regions of the province of Quebec (Canada). We first analyzed relationships between individual and organizational variables and intention. Second, we performed multilevel modeling to explore organizational characteristics' impact on physician intention to use EHR.Results278 completed questionnaires were returned from the 31 organizations that had at least 5 participants (response rate: 39.8%). Questionnaires showed satisfactory psychometric properties. The multilevel modeling found no significant overall influence of organizational level on physician intention to use EHR. Second, six of the individual level constructs had a positive and strongly significant impact on physician intention.ConclusionIn the Quebec context, organization-level seems to have no significant impact on EHR adoption by physicians. Hence, particular strategies are more likely to succeed if they target individual physicians rather than organizations.     

Callus culture development of two varieties of Tagetes erecta and carotenoid production

BackgroundThe properties of natural pigments, such as antioxidants, functional, medical, and nutraceutical, have demonstrated the advantages of these natural compounds over synthetic ones. Some products are accepted only when they are pigmented with natural, food-quality colorants: for example poultry products (manly marigold flower extracts). Carotenoids such as β-carotene, β-criptoxanthin and lutein are very attractive as natural food colorants due to their antioxidant and pro-vitamin activities which provide additional value to the target products. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is an Asteraceous ornamental plant native to Mexico, and it is also important as a carotenoid source for industrial and medicinal purposes but nowadays its production is destined mainly for ornamental purposes.ResultsFriable callus of T. erecta yellow flower (YF) and white flower (WF) varieties was induced from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 9.0 μM 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 8.8 μM benzyladenine (BA). Calluses developed from both varieties were different in pigmentation. Extract characterization from callus cultures was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This analytical process detected several carotenoids; the main pigments in extracts from YF callus were lutein and zeaxanthin, whereas in the extracts of the WF callus the main pigments were lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. Callus cultures of T. erecta accumulated pigments even after several rounds of subculture.ConclusionsWF callus appeared to be a suitable candidate as a source of different carotenoids, and tested varieties could represent an alternative for further studies about in vitro pigment production.     

IBM's Chess Players: On AI and Its Supplements

This article investigates the ways in which the reporting of technological developments in artificial intelligence (AI) can serve as occasions in which Occidental modernity's cultural antinomies are played out. It takes as its reference point the two chess tournaments (in 1996 and 1997) between the then world champion Gary Kasparov and the IBM dedicated chess computers Deep Blue and Deeper Blue and shows how these games of chess came to be seen as an arena where fundamental issues pertaining to human identity were contested. The article considers the dominant framing of these encounters in terms of a conflict between two opposed categories—“human” and “machine”—and argues the essential role of human agency, the human supplement, in the performances of machine intelligence.     

Communication Gone Wired: Working Toward a "Practiced" Cyberfeminism

Abstract

Numerous environmental forces exist today that contribute to changing industry and market segments. The least studied of these is the impact of information systems which transcend traditional company boundaries. One of the subtle impacts of contemporary developments in information systems technology is the redefinition of traditional organizational and industrial boundaries. Examples of these interorganizational systems (referred to as IOS), reviewed by the author, imply that a wide range of organizations may have an opportunity to use these systems to improve their operations, services to their customers, and their competitive position.

Some of these systems raise public policy issues that are not well understood, nor are they being addressed in a comprehensive manner. This article is designed to provide a conceptual framework for thinking about these systems.     

文献检索统计中易被漏检和错误归类的高校学报

【目的】更加准确地检索统计和分类高校学报,对认识高校学报的范畴和数量、统计和分析高校学报起到帮助。【方法】 通过使用不同索引词、检索后去除干扰项、人工核对检索结果等方法,列举和分析易影响检索统计的高校学报。【结果】得出7类易被漏检、多检或错误归类的高校学报,分别为具有2种名称的学报、刊名中高校名称简写的学报、xx大学xx学报、易被错误归入本科层次的学报、特殊名称高校主办的学报、主办高校与刊名中校名不一致的学报和科学院"学报"等。分析出不同方法检索高校学报时查全率和查准率等的差异。【结论】特殊名称的高校学报对于检索统计存在干扰,研究者应在检索统计时关注这些学报,并采取更加科学严谨的检索统计方法。