Towards an Appropriation Infrastructure: Supporting User Creativity in IT Adoption

Research on the adoption of information systems (IS) often stated technology as a fixed entity. Following the ’practical turn’ in IS we argue that information technology artefacts are mainly ’cultural artefacts’, which are shaped in a social process of appropriation where software usage is accompanied by processes of interpretation, negotiation or change in organizations. We elaborate on a (neo-)Marxian interpretation of appropriation from a design-oriented perspective in order to investigate the possibilities of technological support of activities of appropriation work. To capture the different facets of appropriation, we combine theoretical concepts of social capital and activity-based learning. With the help of this theoretical orientation, we systemize empirical evidence from several research projects in order to detect recurring patterns. We use these patterns to develop a generic architecture for actively supporting the social activity of appropriating the cultural artefact in context of its usage

Parameter Optimization and Validation of a Marine Biogeochemical Model using a Hybrid Algorithm

Sensitivity computations, parameter identification and optimization for an 1-D marine biogeochemical model of $NPZD$ type are presented. For the optimization a hybrid algorithm combining quantum-evolutionary and local gradient-based search methods is used. It turns out to be an efficient and flexible tool for optimization and can be easily adopted for other simulation models. For the model under investigation attainable data could be exactly identified. For realistic measure ment data we argue that a certain parameter set leading to a non-optimal fit cannot be improved. Moreover we show that data uncertainty leads to a significant parameter spread. Thus we conclude that the $NPZD$ model needs to be modified or extended, maybe including a modification of external forcings and/or initial conditions

Near Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly and Annotation of Rhodotorula babjevae Strains Reveals High Intraspecific Divergence

The genus Rhodotorula includes basidiomycetous oleaginous yeast species. Rhodotorula babjevae can produce compounds of biotechnological interest such as lipids, carotenoids, and biosurfactants from low value substrates such as lignocellulose hydrolysate. High-quality genome assemblies are needed to develop genetic tools and to understand fungal evolution and genetics. Here, we combined short- and long-read sequencing to resolve the genomes of two R. babjevae strains, CBS 7808 (type strain) and DBVPG 8058, at chromosomal level. Both genomes are 21 Mbp in size and have a GC content of 68.2%. Allele frequency analysis indicates that both strains are tetraploid. The genomes consist of a maximum of 21 chromosomes with a size of 0.4 to 2.4 Mbp. In both assemblies, the mitochondrial genome was recovered in a single contig, that shared 97% pairwise identity. Pairwise identity between most chromosomes ranges from 82 to 87%. We also found indications for strain-specific extrachromosomal endogenous DNA. A total of 7591 and 7481 protein-coding genes were annotated in CBS 7808 and DBVPG 8058, respectively. CBS 7808 accumulated a higher number of tandem duplications than DBVPG 8058. We identified large translocation events between putative chromosomes. Genome divergence values between the two strains indicate that they may belong to different species.Peer Reviewe

A fatal case of spinal tuberculosis mistaken for metastatic lung cancer: recalling ancient Pott's disease

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Tuberculous spondylitis (Pott's disease) is an ancient human disease. Because it is rare in high-income, tuberculosis (TB) low incidence countries, misdiagnoses occur as sufficient clinical experience is lacking.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We describe a fatal case of a patient with spinal TB, who was mistakenly irradiated for suspected metastatic lung cancer of the spine in the presence of a solitary pulmonary nodule of the left upper lobe. Subsequently, the patient progressed to central nervous system TB, and finally, disseminated TB before the accurate diagnosis was established. Isolation and antimycobacterial chemotherapy were initiated after an in-hospital course of approximately three months including numerous health care related contacts and procedures.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The rapid diagnosis of spinal TB demands a high index of suspicion and expertise regarding the appropriate diagnostic procedures. Due to the devastating consequences of a missed diagnosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be considered early in every case of spondylitis, intraspinal or paravertebral abscess. The presence of certain alarm signals like a prolonged history of progressive back pain, constitutional symptoms or pulmonary nodules on a chest radiograph, particularly in the upper lobes, may guide the clinical suspicion.</p