A multi-analytical approach to the examination of nineteenth-century European wallpapers in Vasiq-Ansari House in Isfahan,Iran

In the nineteenth century, imported wallpapers covered interior walls of Persian palaces and mansions, of which Vasiq-Ansari House in Isfahan, Iran, exhibits very highly elaborated examples. In this study, micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and light microscopy were used to identify pigments and other materials used in the wallpapers of Vasiq-Ansari House. Results indicated that chrome yellow, artificial ultramarine blue, brass metallic leaf, an organic red dyestuff (probably cochineal), and a copper-based green were used as colourants in the wallpapers. Different shades of brown were achieved by mixing various combinations of red lead, carbon black, and calcium carbonate. The white calcium carbonate was also used as a ground layer, applied to a paper support composed of bast and softwood fibres. Based on knowledge of the materials used, these wallpapers are most probably manufactured from the mid- to late-nineteenth century.     

Biomechanical characterization of the Junzuki karate punch: indexes of performance

The aims of this study were: (i) to determine kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic characteristics of Junzuki karate punch in professional karate athletes; (ii) to identify biomechanical parameters that correlate with punch force and lead to a higher punching performance; (iii) to verify the presence of muscle co-activation in the upper limb, trunk, and lower limb muscles. Data were collected from nine experienced karatekas from the Accademia Italiana Karate e Arti Marziali during the execution of the specific punch. Mean punch forces (181.2?N) delivered to the target, the range of motion of both right and left knees (1.13 and 0.82?rad) and right elbow (1.49?rad) joints, and the angles at impact (knee: 0.81 and 0.91?rad; elbow: 1.19?rad) in the sagittal plane were computed. Furthermore, the trunk rotational angular acceleration (63.1?rad^?s^?2), force related to the lower limbs (550.2 and 425.1?N), and co-activation index for the upper limb (36.1% and 34.7%), trunk (24.5% and 16%), and lower limbs (16.0% and 16.1%) muscles were evaluated bilaterally. Significant positive correlations were found between the punch force and both right and left knee flexion at the instant of impact and right and left leg force. Significant negative correlation was found between the punch force and maximum trunk angular acceleration. Significant differences (p?=?.03) in the co-activation index among the upper limb, trunk, and lower limbs muscles highlighted a rostro-caudal gradient on both body sides. This research could be of use to performers and coaches when considering training preparations.     

The impact of virtual technologies on knowledge-based processes: An empirical study

This study examines the organizational knowledge creation processes in two highly virtual teams involved in new product development projects in the automotive industry. Using Nonaka's model of knowledge creation, we explore how the virtualization of knowledge-based processes, i.e. the intensive exploitation of information and communication technologies (ICTs), has led to new forms of knowledge creation at both the individual and organizational levels. In contrast to previous studies that identify knowledge codification as the main contribution of ICTs, this study provides detailed micro-level evidence about the ability of virtual technologies to support the transfer and the creation of new knowledge – both explicit and tacit – and offers some implications for scholars and practitioners.     

Conceptions of Connectivity: How Swiss Teachers,Trainers and Apprentices Perceive Vocational Learning and Teaching Across Different Learning Sites

The integration of learning across different learning sites is an important and challenging task for each vocational education and training system. Although various integrative teaching and learning models have been developed and many reforms have been undertaken, their implementation is complicated by several factors. In particular, individual ways of understanding the relationship between the learning sites could be considered filters that may potentially influence the communications and actions of protagonists in this learning context. This study aimed to explore different ways of conceptualising learning and teaching across learning sites in the Swiss vocational education and training system. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 vocational school teachers, company trainers and apprentices in apprenticeship programmes in industry and business and administration in the Canton of Tessin. Data were analysed by combining data-driven (phenomenography) and theory-driven (content analysis) text analysis procedures. By adopting a phenomenographic method, four ways of conceptualising vocational learning across multiple learning sites were found: as separate learning experiences, as complementary learning experiences, as experiences mediated by intercompany training centres and as experiences integrated at the school level. Content analysis showed qualitative differences among the conceptions in relation to what extent they included socio-cultural key claims of school-workplace connectivity. Conclusions regarding potential implications for teachers, trainers and apprentices are drawn, and suggestions for future research are made.     

Metaphonological abilities of Japanese children

Linguists generally conceive of speech as a sequence of elementary soundunits or phones. On the other hand, cognitive psychologists have established the existence of a close link between segmental awareness (SA) and alphabetic literacy: the best speech segmenters are also the best readers; conversely, the lack of SA leads to lagging in the acquisition of the written code. Studies carried out with illiterate adults and preliterate children suggest that SA does not arise outside the context of learning to read and write. Furthermore, cross-cultural studies have so far supported the hypothesis that SA is promoted by alphabetic literacy only, and not by logographic or syllabic literacy. The present study is inspired by Mann's (1986) research and aims at studying the phonological (i.e. syllabic and phonemic) analysis abilities of Japanese first-graders who are learning to read in a syllabic writing system. The relatively poor performance of subjects tends to confirm the starting hypothesis that SA is closely linked to alphabetic literacy. Moreover, the subjects apparently resorted to spelling-based strategies to accomplish the tasks presented. This comes to support the general idea that the written characters used to transcribe a language tend to exert a strong influence on the conscious perceptual representation of the phonology of this language.This study would not have been possible without the precious help of Miss T. Yamamoto for the construction of the experimental items. We are also much indebted to Mrs. A. M. Van Craen for her good advice and for having introduced one of us (Carmela Spagnoletti) to the Japanese School of Brussels. We also wish to thank the Director of the Japanese School of Brussels for his permission to carry out the experimental work with his pupils, and to all the professors for having invited the parents to cooperate and provided us with many useful information. We are especially grateful to the children who participated to the experinmental sessions as well as to their parents. The present work has been partially supported by the Belgian Fonds de la Recherche fondamentale collective (convention n° 2.4562.86) and the Ministry of scientific Policy (Action de Recherche concertée: Processus cognitifs dans la lecture).     

Corporate dynamic transparency: the new ICT-driven ethics?

The term “corporate transparency” is frequently used in scholarly discussions of business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR); however, it remains a volatile and imprecise term, often defined incompletely as “information disclosure” accomplished through standardized reporting. Based on the results of empirical studies of organizational behaviors, this paper identifies a new set of managerial practices based on the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and particularly Internet-based tools. These practices are resulting in what can be termed “dynamic transparency.” ICT allows for an informational environment characterized by two-way exchange between corporations and their stakeholders, which fosters a more collaborative marketplace. It is proposed that such dynamic information sharing, conducted by means of ICT, drives organizations to display greater openness and accountability, and more transparent operations, which benefit both the corporations and their constituents. One of the most important outcomes that will accrue to consumers and other individuals is the “right to know,” especially about corporate strategies and activities that might directly affect their quality of life. This paper demonstrates that dynamic transparency is more desirable and more effective than the more common “static transparency” where firms’ information disclosure is one-way, usually in response to government regulation. We present three ethical arguments to justify the implementation by business firms of dynamic transparency and demonstrate that their doing so is related to CSR and to augment and complement stakeholder engagement and dialogue. The paper concludes with a summary of the possible limits to and the problems involved in the implementation of dynamic transparency for corporations, and suggests some strategies to counter them.     

The Evolution of Business Models and Marketing Strategies in the Music Industry

This article provides a strategic analysis using a services marketing framework of 3 business models in the music industry: the traditional music industry; renegade peer-to-peer music file trading; and new, legitimate online downloading services. Key recommendations are made on how new, legitimate services can succeed using convergent marketing strategies. Finally, a conclusion is provided addressing the future of the music industry and other media-related industries.     

A model for designing hypervideo-based instructional scenarios

In this article, we provide a conceptual model for the design of instructional scenarios integrating hypervideo as an instructional tool. The model provides a structural aid for making design decisions about using hypervideo in instruction. We start by introducing the theoretical rationale for hypervideo as a tool, exploiting three different interactivity functions. We then examine the cognitive and socio-cognitive theories that can inform the design and usage of hypervideo. Next, we present the instantiation of these functions and theories in a software interface, after which we present the model, which is based on the following two layers of design decisions: the first pertains to the interactivity features and the second is connected with the instructional strategy. Three main design steps are presented in the form of guidelines, corresponding to a preparation phase, a production phase, and a use phase. Finally, a set of cases exhibiting exemplary implementations of a hypervideo-based instructional scenario are described.