An Explanatory Approach to the Political Uses of ICT Initiatives for Participation : Institutions, Context, and Characteristics of the Actors

Political actors use ICTs in a different manner and in different degrees when it comes to achieving a closer relationship between the public and politicians. Usually, political parties develop ICT strategies only for electoral campaigning and therefore restrain ICT usages to providing information and establishing a few channels of communication. By contrast, local governments make much more use of ICT tools for participatory and deliberative purposes. These differences in usages have not been well explained in the literature because of a lack of a comprehensive explanatory model. This chapter seeks to build the basis for this model, that is, to establish which factors affect and condition different political uses of ICTs and which principles underlie that behaviour. We consider that political actors are intentional and their behaviour is mediated by the political institutions and the socioeconomic context of the country. Also, though, the actor¿s own characteristics, such as the type and size of the organization or the model of e-democracy that the actor upholds, can have an influence in launching ICT initiatives for approaching the public.

Imaging polarimetry of the fogbow: polarization characteristics of white rainbows measured in the high Arctic

The knowledge on the optics of fogbows is scarce, and their polarization characteristics have never been measured to our knowledge. To fill this gap we measured the polarization features of 16 fogbows during the Beringia 2005 Arctic polar research expedition by imaging polarimetry in the red, green and blue spectral ranges. We present here the first polarization patterns of the fogbow. In the patterns of the degree of linear polarization p, fogbows and their supernumerary bows are best visible in the red spectral range due to the least dilution of fogbow light by light scattered in air. In the patterns of the angle of polarization α fogbows are practically not discernible because their α-pattern is the same as that of the sky: the direction of polarization is perpendicular to the plane of scattering and is parallel to the arc of the bow, independently of the wavelength. Fogbows and their supernumeraries were best seen in the patterns of the polarized radiance. In these patterns the angular distance δ between the peaks of the primary and the first supernumerary and the angular width σ of the primary bow were determined along different radii from the center of the bow. δ ranged between 6.08° and 13.41° , while σ changed from 5.25° to 19.47° . Certain fogbows were relatively homogeneous, meaning small variations of δ and σ along their bows. Other fogbows were heterogeneous, possessing quite variable δ- and σ-values along their bows. This variability could be a consequence of the characteristics of the high Arctic with open waters within the ice shield resulting in the spatiotemporal change of the droplet size within the fog

Electrical characteristics of eddy current position sensor

In the thesis the principle of work of eddy current position sensors and the main cautions that must be taken into account while sensor design process are explained. A way of automated eddy current position sensor electrical characteristics measurement is suggested. A prototype of the eddy current position sensor and its electrical characteristics are investigated. The results obtained by means of the automated measuring system are explained.

Occlusal and dentofacial characteristics of the deciduous dentition and treatment effects of the eruption guidance appliance in the early mixed dentition

The aim of this investigation was to analyze the dental occlusion in the deciduous dentition, and the effects of orthodontic treatment carried out in the early mixed dentition with the eruption guidance appliance. The deciduous occlusion and craniofacial morphology of 486 children (244 girls and 242 boys) were investigated at the onset of the mixed dentition period (mean age 5.1 years, range 4.0-7.8 years). Treatment in the treatment group and follow-up in the control group were started when the first deciduous incisor was exfoliated (T1) and ended when all permanent incisors and first molars were fully erupted (T2). The mean age of the children was 5.1 years (SD 0.5) at T1 and 8.4 years (SD 0.5) at T2. Treatment was carried out with the eruption guidance appliance. Occlusal changes that took place in 167 children were compared with those of 104 untreated control children. Pre- and post-treatment cephalometric radiographs were taken, and the craniofacial morphology of 115 consecutively treated children was compared with that of 104 control children. The prevalence of malocclusion in the deciduous dentition was 68% or 93% depending on how the cut-off value between the acceptable and non-acceptable occlusal characteristic was defined. The early dentofacial features of children with distal occlusion, large overjet and deepbite differed from those with normal occlusion. However, the skeletal pattern of these three malocclusions showed considerable similarity each being characterized by a retrusive mandible, small maxillo-mandibular difference, convex profile, retrusive lower incisors, and large interincisal angle. In the treatment group, overjet and overbite decreased significantly from T1 to T2. Following treatment, a tooth-to-tooth contact was found in 99% of the treated children but only in 24% of the controls. A Class I molar relationship was observed in 90% of the children in the treatment group, and in 48% in the control group. Good alignment of the incisors was observed in 98% of the treated children, whereas upper crowding was found in 32% and lower crowding in 47% of the controls. A significant difference between the groups was found in the mandibular length, midfacial length and maxillo-mandibular differential. The occlusal correction, brought about by the eruption guidance appliance, was achieved mainly through changes in the dentoalveolar region of the mandible. In addition, the appliance seemed to enhance the growth of the mandible. Treatment in the early mixed dentition using the eruption guidance appliance is an effective method to normalize occlusion and reduce further need of orthodontic treatment. Only few spontaneous corrective changes can be expected without active intervention.

Profiles of Second Language Learners in Bilingual Education: A Comparative Study of the Characteristics of Finnish and American Students

The purpose of this comparative study is to profile second language learners by exploring the factors which have an impact on their learning. The subjects come from two different countries: one group comes from Milwaukee, US, and the other from Turku, Finland. The subjects have attended bilingual classes from elementary school to senior high school in their respective countries. In the United States, the subjects (N = 57) started in one elementary school from where they moved on to two high schools in the district. The Finnish subjects (N = 39) attended the same school from elementary to high school. The longitudinal study was conducted during 1994-2004 and combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A Pilot Study carried out in 1990-1991 preceded the two subsequent studies that form the core material of this research. The theoretical part of the study focuses first on language policies in the United States and Finland: special emphasis is given to the history, development and current state of bilingual education, and the factors that have affected policy-making in the provision of language instruction. Current language learning theories and models form the theoretical foundation of the research, and underpin the empirical studies. Cognitively-labeled theories are at the forefront, but sociocultural theory and the ecological approach are also accounted for. The research methods consist of questionnaires, compositions and interviews. A combination of statistical methods as well as content analysis were used in the analysis. The attitude of the bilingual learners toward L1 and L2 was generally positive: the subjects enjoyed learning through two languages and were motivated to learn both. The knowledge of L1 and parental support, along with early literacy in L1, facilitated the learning of L2. This was particularly evident in the American subject group. The American subjects’ L2 learning was affected by the attitudes of the learners to the L1 culture and its speakers. Furthermore, the negative attitudes taken by L1 speakers toward L2 speakers and the lack of opportunities to engage in activities in the L1 culture affected the American subjects’ learning of L2, English. The research showed that many American L2 learners were isolated from the L1 culture and were even afraid to use English in everyday communication situations. In light of the research results, a politically neutral linguistic environment, which the Finnish subjects inhabited, was seen to be more favorable for learning. The Finnish subjects were learning L2, English, in a neutral zone where their own attitudes and motivation dictated their learning. The role of L2 as a means of international communication in Finland, as opposed to a means of exercising linguistic power, provided a neutral atmosphere for learning English. In both the American and Finnish groups, the learning of other languages was facilitated when the learner had a good foundation in their L1, and the learning of L1 and L2 were in balance. Learning was also fostered when the learners drew positive experiences from their surroundings and were provided with opportunities to engage in activities where L2 was used.

Molecular Characteristics of Neuroblastoma with Special Reference to Novel Prognostic Factors and Diagnostic Applications

Molecular Characteristics of Neuroblastoma with Special Reference to Novel Prognostic Factors and Diagnostic Applications Department of Medical Biochemistry and Genetics Annales Universitatis Turkuensis, Medica-Odontologica, 2009, Turku, Finland Painosalama Oy, Turku, Finland 2009 Background: Neuroblastoma, which is the most common and extensively studied childhood solid cancer, shows a great clinical and biological heterogeneity. Most of the neuroblastoma patients older than one year have poor prognosis despite intensive therapies. The hallmark of neuroblastoma, biological heterogeneity, has hindered the discovery of prognostic tumour markers. At present, few molecular markers, such as MYCN oncogene status, have been adopted into clinical practice. Aims: The aim of the study was to improve the current prognostic methodology of neuroblastoma, especially by taking cognizance of the biological heterogeneity of neuroblastoma. Furthermore, unravelling novel molecular characteristics which associate with neuroblastoma tumour progression and cell differentiation was an additional objective. Results: A new strictly defined selection of neuroblastoma tumour spots of highest proliferation activity, hotspots, appeared to be representative and reliable in an analysis of MYCN amplification status using a chromogenic in situ hybridization technique (CISH). Based on the hotspot tumour tissue microarray immunohistochemistry and high-resolution oligo-array-based comparative genomic hybridization, which was integrated with gene expression and in silico analysis of existing transcriptomics, a polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and poorly characterized amplicon at 12q24.31 were discovered to associate with outcome. In addition, we found that a previously considered new neuroblastoma treatment target, the mutated c-kit receptor, was not mutated in neuroblastoma samples. Conclusions: Our studies indicate polysialylated NCAM and 12q24.31 amplicon to be new molecular markers with important value in prognostic evaluation of neuroblastoma. Moreover, the presented hotspot tumour tissue microarray method together with the CISH technique of the MYCN oncogene copy number is directly applicable to clinical use. Key words: neuroblastoma, polysialic acid, neural cell adhesion molecule, MYCN, c-kit, chromogenic in situ hybridization, hotspot

The influence of crystallization conditions on the filtration characteristics of sulphathiazole suspensions

Cooling crystallization is one of the most important purification and separation techniques in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The product of the cooling crystallization process is always a suspension that contains both the mother liquor and the product crystals, and therefore the first process step following crystallization is usually solid-liquid separation. The properties of the produced crystals, such as their size and shape, can be affected by modifying the conditions during the crystallization process. The filtration characteristics of solid/liquid suspensions, on the other hand, are strongly influenced by the particle properties, as well as the properties of the liquid phase. It is thus obvious that the effect of the changes made to the crystallization parameters can also be seen in the course of the filtration process. Although the relationship between crystallization and filtration is widely recognized, the number of publications where these unit operations have been considered in the same context seems to be surprisingly small. This thesis explores the influence of different crystallization parameters in an unseeded batch cooling crystallization process on the external appearance of the product crystals and on the pressure filtration characteristics of the obtained product suspensions. Crystallization experiments are performed by crystallizing sulphathiazole (C9H9N3O2S2), which is a wellknown antibiotic agent, from different mixtures of water and n-propanol in an unseeded batch crystallizer. The different crystallization parameters that are studied are the composition of the solvent, the cooling rate during the crystallization experiments carried out by using a constant cooling rate throughout the whole batch, the cooling profile, as well as the mixing intensity during the batch. The obtained crystals are characterized by using an automated image analyzer and the crystals are separated from the solvent through constant pressure batch filtration experiments. Separation characteristics of the suspensions are described by means of average specific cake resistance and average filter cake porosity, and the compressibilities of the cakes are also determined. The results show that fairly large differences can be observed between the size and shape of the crystals, and it is also shown experimentally that the changes in the crystal size and shape have a direct impact on the pressure filtration characteristics of the crystal suspensions. The experimental results are utilized to create a procedure that can be used for estimating the filtration characteristics of solid-liquid suspensions according to the particle size and shape data obtained by image analysis. Multilinear partial least squares regression (N-PLS) models are created between the filtration parameters and the particle size and shape data, and the results presented in this thesis show that relatively obvious correlations can be detected with the obtained models.

Performance characteristics of bioassay UV-spectrophotometry and high perfomance liquid chromatographic determination of gatifloxacin in tablets

The microbiological bioassay, UV-spectrophotometry and HPLC methods for assaying gatifloxacin in tablets were compared. Validation parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantitation were determined. Beer's law was obeyed in the ranges 4.0-14.0 μg/mL for HPLC and UV-spectrophotometric method, and 4.0-16.0 μg/mL for bioassay. All methods were reliable within acceptable limits for antibiotic pharmaceutical preparations being accurate, precise and reproducible. The bioassay and HPLC are more specific than UV-spectrophotometric analysis. The application of each method as a routine analysis should be investigated considering cost, simplicity, equipment, solvents, speed, and application to large or small workloads.

Encapsulation and release characteristics of glibenclamide loaded calcium-alginate beads

The aims of this study were to formulate calcium-alginate beads containing glibenclamide, characterize the resulting microparticles, evaluate the release characteristics of this type of delivery system in an in vitro dissolution test, and compare it with two commercially available trademarks (Daonil® and Glibetab®). We obtained glibenclamide loaded calcium-alginate beads with a rough surface and a particle size between 150-200 µm. For the in vitro dissolution test Daonil® at 45 min showed a Q > 70%, whereas Glibetab® and glibenclamide calcium-alginate beads a Q < 70%; in spite of that glibenclamide calcium-alginate beads showed significant release properties.

Performance characteristics of high performance liquid chromatography, first order derivative UV spectrophotometry and bioassay for fluconazole determination in capsules

The bioassay, first order derivative UV spectrophotometry and chromatographic methods for assaying fluconazole capsules were compared. They have shown great advantages over the earlier published methods. Using the first order derivative, the UV spectrophotometry method does not suffer interference of excipients. Validation parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantitation were determined. All methods were linear and reliable within acceptable limits for antibiotic pharmaceutical preparations being accurate, precise and reproducible. The application of each method as a routine analysis should be investigated considering cost, simplicity, equipment, solvents, speed, and application to large or small workloads.

Photochemical characteristics of diclofenac and its photodegradation of inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrins

Diclofenac is one of most frequently detected compounds in the water cycle. In this work, the effect of initial concentration, liquid inclusion complexes with β-Cyclodextrins (β-CDs) on the photodegradation of diclofenac were studied. Six phototransformation products were detected by HPLC chromatograms. UV-absorption spectra of diclofenac and phototransformation products were determined. One of the phototransformation products was identified. The degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The experiment showed that irradiation of diclofenac in the presence of β-CDs increase photodegradation rate and determined the optimal molar ratio of diclofenac to β-CDs as 1:2. The reduced photohaemolytic activity of diclofenac in the presence of β-CDs may be attributed to the sequestering and stabilizing of the radical intermediates and /or photoproducts by complexation.

Rheological and thermal characteristics of wheat gluten biopolymers plasticized with glycerol

The objective this work was to obtain bioplastics from mixtures of wheat gluten and glycerol by two different processes and evaluate their respective rheological properties. The mixtures and their respective bioplastics were obtained through direct batch mixing under approximately adiabatic and isothermal conditions. The bioplastics showed high values for the storage (G') and loss (G") moduli, suggesting a stronger protein network formed in both processes. The temperature onset and the percentage of weight loss to be estimated were found to be near in both bioplastics. The bioplastics have demonstrated to be materials of interesting potential of use as biodegradable barrier materials.

Characteristics of pyridine adsorption on Au(111) and Au(210) by EIS parameters fitting procedure

Some aspects of the application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to studies of solid electrode / solution interface, in the absence of faradaic processes, are analysed. In order to perform this analysis, gold electrodes with (111) and (210) crystallographic orientations in an aqueous solution containing 10 mmol dm-3 KF, as supporting electrolyte, and a pyridine concentration varying from 0.01 to 4.6 mmol dm-3, were used. The experimental data was analysed by using EQUIVCRT software, which utilises non-linear least squares routines, attributing to the solid electrode / solution interface behaviour described by an equivalent circuit with a resistance in series with a constant phase element. The results of this fitting procedure were analysed by the dependence on the electrode potential on two parameters: the pre-exponential factor, Y0, and the exponent n f, related with the phase angle shift. By this analysis it was possible to observe that the pyridine adsorption is strongly affected by the crystallographic orientation of the electrode surface and that the extent of deviation from ideal capacitive behaviour is mainly of interfacial origin.

Characteristics of credit risk assessment methods of major Nordic banks in allocating capital when extending credits to large corporations

Credit risk assessment is an integral part of banking. Credit risk means that the return will not materialise in case the customer fails to fulfil its obligations. Thus a key component of banking is setting acceptance criteria for granting loans. Theoretical part of the study focuses on key components of credit assessment methods of Banks in the literature when extending credits to large corporations. Main component is Basel II Accord, which sets regulatory requirement for credit risk assessment methods of banks. Empirical part comprises, as primary source, analysis of major Nordic banks’ annual reports and risk management reports. As secondary source complimentary interviews were carried out with senior credit risk assessment personnel. The findings indicate that all major Nordic banks are using combination of quantitative and qualitative information in credit risk assessment model when extending credits to large corporations. The relative input of qualitative information depends on the selected approach to the credit rating, i.e. point-in-time or through-the-cycle.