bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Web Service Composition
Authors: Samir Areeg
Published: November 2015

Service-Oriented Architecture supports sharing resources and transforming business services into a set of linked Web services. Web services rely on non-functional attributes managed through Web Service standards (WS-*) and Quality of Service (QoS) specifications. However, traditionally, the functionality related to QoS and WS-* specifications is scattered and tangled all over the main service code, making the maintenance of these Web services expensive and complex. Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) provides abstraction techniques and language constructs to manage and separate these crosscutting concerns from other parts of the system. This chapter focuses on explaining the concepts of dynamic and adaptive Web service composition and proposes an adaptive Web service architecture to enhance reusability of services using the Aspect-Oriented approach. This approach enables separating crosscutting concerns such as QoS and WS-* specifications in aspect Web services and integrating them with the base Web services on the fly. This architecture is based on AO4BPEL, an aspect-oriented extension to BPEL, which reduces the complexity in dynamic selection and reuse of non-functional attributes. This methodology can facilitate dynamic composition of services and business processes in on-premise and Cloud computing environments.
Toward Quality Measurement Approaches for Improving E-Government Services in Jordan
Authors: Alhyari Salah , Alhyari Mohammad
Published: November 2015

Recent research studies reveal that approaches are required in improving the quality of e-government services for ensuring success and improved performance that would result in user satisfaction. This chapter investigates combining lean six sigma applications and SERVQAUL approaches to improve quality of electronic services (e-services). While six sigma applications in the service sector have many success stories in quality improvement programs, there are a lack of studies conducted on its application in information and communication technologies such as e-services. This chapter addresses this gap in literature and benefits future studies in applying six sigma for quality improvement of various electronic projects that are gaining huge investments from develop countries and organizations. This chapter presents e-service dimensions (reliability, responsiveness, ease of use, personalization, Website design); in addition, it considers security as a very important dimension for e-service quality and identifies level of quality service provided by e-government in a developing country, such as Jordan. The results show that the quality measurement approach used improves e-service quality and increases user satisfaction.
Multi-Disciplinary Research Issues in Cloud Computing
Authors: Singh Jitendra , Kumar Vikas
Published: November 2015

Cloud computing, characterized by on demand availability of resources is gaining a lot of popularity in the present day business scenario. This new computing paradigm is predicted to revolutionize the Information Technology industry with its dynamic and scalable capabilities. Cloud computing is catering to the needs of a wide variety of users, across the different parts of the world with its huge number of offerings. Information technology resources are offered as services over the Internet, which leads to a number of technical and management concerns. Data is stored away from the users' premises, leading to various challenges in maintaining security, privacy and regulatory compliances. Therefore, cloud computing does not involve single discipline rather multi-discipline. Considering this multi-disciplinary involvement, current work focuses on identification of research issues in the cloud computing environment, and categorizing these issues in the technical, legal and management domains. Work further discusses the multi-disciplinary research areas where cloud computing is currently focused and suggests the potential areas for further research.
The State of the Art Forensic Techniques in Mobile Cloud Environment
Authors: Faheem Muhammad , Kechadi Mohand-Tahar , Le-Khac Nhien An
Published: November 2015

Smartphones have become popular in recent days due to the accessibility of a wide range of applications. These sophisticated applications demand more computing resources in a resource constraint smartphone. Cloud computing is the motivating factor for the progress of these applications. The emerging mobile cloud computing introduces a new architecture to offload smartphone and utilize cloud computing technology to solve resource requirements. The popularity of mobile cloud computing is an opportunity for misuse and unlawful activities. Therefore, it is a challenging platform for digital forensic investigations due to the non-availability of methodologies, tools and techniques. The aim of this work is to analyze the forensic tools and methodologies for crime investigation in a mobile cloud platform as it poses challenges in proving the evidence.
Remapping Mental Models of Collaboration Using Immersive 3D Design Thinking Studios
Authors: Stricker Andrew , Calongne Cynthia
Published: November 2015

Design thinking provides opportunities for structuring e-collaboration efforts and for gaining a deeper understanding of the process and the product. This chapter outlines strategies for improving the perceptions and skills associated with collaborative effort using cognitive remapping, 3D visual cues, models, and methods supporting design thinking. The study features insights from years of applied immersive 3D design thinking studios involving students and researchers across academia and military institutions. It concludes with recommendations for improving the perceived value of electronic collaboration involving trans-organizational teams.
Ecologies of Information and Communication Technology Platform Design for e-Government Service Provision
Authors: Virkar Shefali
Published: November 2015

This research chapter, through the presentation of an empirical case study surrounding the implementation and use of an electronic property tax collection system in Bangalore (India), developed between 1998 and 2008, critically examines both the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in governmental reform processes and the contribution of such technologies to the deeper understanding of the social dynamics shaping e-government projects used to reform public sector institutions. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of the ‘Ecology of Games' and ‘Design-Actuality Gaps', both of which recognise the importance of a multitude of diverse motives and individualistic behaviour as key factors influencing organisational reform and institutional change, the chapter contributes not just to an understanding of the role of ICTs in public administration reform, but also towards that emerging body of research which is critical of managerial rationalism for an organization as a whole, and is sensitive to an ecology of actors and their various motivations operating within the symbiotic organisation.
Emerging Forms of Collaboration
Authors: Antonopoulou Alexandra , Dare Eleanor
Published: November 2015

The chapter will outline the implications of two projects, namely the ‘Phi Books' (2008) and the ‘Digital Dreamhacker' (2011). These novel projects serve here as case studies for investigating new and challenging ways of advancing collaborative technologies, using in particular, Communities of Practice and insights gained from both embodiment and graph theory (social network analysis) as well as design. Both projects were developed collaboratively, between a computer programmer and a designer and a wider community of practice, consisting of other artists, writers, technologists and designers. The two systems that resulted also acted as methodologies, instigated by the authors with a view to facilitate, explore and comment on the act of collaboration. Both projects are multi-disciplinary, spanning ideas and techniques from mathematics and art, design and computer programming. The projects deploy custom-made software and fiction enmeshed structures, drawing upon methodologies that are embedded with dreams and stories while at the same time being informed by cutting-edge research into human behaviour and interaction design. The chapter will investigate how the projects deployed techniques and theoretical insights from social network analysis as well as motion capture technology and the wider concept of a Community of Practice, to extend and augment existing collaborative methods. The chapter draws upon Wenger et al (2002), as well as Siemens (2014) and Borgatti et al (2009), and will explore the idea of a new form of collective social and technological collaborative grammar, deploying gesture as well as Social Network Analysis. Moreover, the featured projects provide insights into the ways in which digital technology is changing society, and in turn, the important ways in which technology is embedded with the cultural and economic prerogatives of increasingly globalized cultures.
Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Jackson Liz
Published: November 2015

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is an important educational agenda at the international level, with significant implications for both formal and nonformal education. Though a relatively new topic in modern education, ESD frameworks have evolved and grown in number over the last few decades, from an early concern with education for development and environmental education, to more critical orientations that focus on the relationship between individual and social factors and between environmental and political factors contributing to challenges today for ecological sustainability and global development and flourishing. In this dynamic field, priorities may vary with social context, as a critical interrogation of the importance of place in education is considered fundamental to modern ESD frameworks. This chapter explores and assesses the development of ESD over the past few decades as a formal and nonformal educational policy and practice across world regions, before considering future directions for research and practice.
Digital Pedagogy from the Perspective of Early Childhood Education
Authors: Vitoulis Michael , Laloumi-Vidali Evangelia
Published: November 2015

The context of this proposed chapter attempts to approach the concept of “digital pedagogy” focused on particular educational conditions of preschool education. It attempts to support the compelling reasons that require broadening the scope of the theory of “digital pedagogy” in early childhood education. It looks forward to the articulation of traditional pedagogical theories in conjunction with the fundamental principles of “digital pedagogy”, elaborates further risks and suggests possible limitations, and highlights a deliberation associated with digital pedagogy from the perspective of early childhood education. It describes a framework for implementing digital pedagogies in order to exploit the professional development of early childhood educator.
Constructivism in Education
Authors: Taber Keith S.
Published: November 2015

Constructivism has been widely adopted as a referent for research, curriculum development and recommended pedagogy in education. This chapter considers key issues relating to the adoption of constructivist thinking in education which have arisen within the field of science education. Constructivism has been mooted as a dominant paradigm in science education, where it has informed a major research programme over some decades. However, the application of constructivist ideas in science education has also been subject to a range of critiques. This chapter gives an outline of the developing influence of constructivism in science education, and the common understandings of the term in relation to science teaching and learning; it reports on the main areas where the influence of constructivist thinking has been heavily criticised, and discusses how these criticisms are countered within the research programme; it considers some major directions for research within the research programme; and it evaluates the level of influence of constructivism in contemporary science education practice.
Self-Organization Technologies in Teaching
Authors: Nesterenko Galyna
Published: November 2015

This chapter deals with self-organization teaching technologies as the best instrument of generating, development and using of the innovative methods in education. As a process of spontaneous, dynamic motion of the components of a socio-system, self-organization can randomly generate new (often attractive) structures, processes, and situations. Self-organization of a student group can generate new techniques and ideas for learning and under the knowledge contents also increases students' motivation to learn, interest to the discipline, encourages teachers to professional self-development and to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and techniques. The section suggests several key ways to initiate the self-organization of a group of students or teachers: heuristic methods, interdisciplinary explication, educational heterosis, developing of managerial competencies of a teacher. Factors enhancing the use of self-organizational teaching technologies are disclosed.
Possibilities and Challenges in a One-to-One Initiative from a School Leader Perspective
Authors: Lindqvist Marcia J. P. Håkansson
Published: November 2015

The uptake and use of digital technologies from a school leader perspective was studied in Unos Umeå, a One-to-One (1:1) laptop initiative between Umeå University and the municipality of Umeå in Sweden. Through a survey and interviews, school leaders at two schools were closely followed. Possibilities and challenges in school leaders' expected activities and activities during the first two years of the 1:1 initiative were analyzed using the Ecology of Resources Model and the analytical concept of filters (Luckin, 2010). How school leaders prioritize leadership for 1:1, lead to increase subject-specific collaboration for teachers, document best practice, work with administrative systems to structure and follow up teachers', students' and own work are reported. It is concluded that how school leaders lead to support the uptake and use of digital technologies in the classroom will have implications for sustaining school change and the work towards modern digitalized learning environments.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation within the Context of Modern Education
Authors: Hall Martin Timothy , Marshall Jason E
Published: November 2015

This chapter examines the implications of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for modern education. The historical antecedents of these two distinct motivational sources will be highlighted and their implications discussed within the framework of contemporary education. More specifically, the focus of this chapter is on the importance of fostering motivation among students in modern educational spaces such as: gifted classrooms, inclusive settings, and technology assisted teaching spaces. Deci and Ryan's (2000) Self Determination Theory provides the theoretical lens through which this discussion is framed. Three basic psychological needs have been highlighted and explicated. These psychological needs - competence, autonomy, and relatedness are examined as catalysts that can be used to promote and maintain motivation in modern teaching and learning spaces. Recommendations are advanced on instructional practices that educators can use to create classroom environments that facilitate motivation.
Learning in the Digital Age with Meaning Equivalence Reusable Learning Objects (MERLO)
Authors: Etkind Masha , Kenett Ron S. , Shafrir Uri
Published: November 2015

In this chapter we describe a novel pedagogy for conceptual thinking and peer cooperation with Meaning Equivalence Reusable Learning Objects (MERLO) that enhances higher-order thinking; deepen comprehension of conceptual content; and improves learning outcomes. The evolution of this instructional methodology follows insights from four recent developments: analysis of patterns of content and structure of labeled patterns in human experience, that led to the emergence of concept science; development of digital cyber-infrastructure of networked information; research in neuroscience and brain imaging, showing that exposure of learners to multi-semiotic inductive problems enhance cognitive control of inter-hemispheric attentional processing in the lateral brain, and increase higher-order thinking; research in evolutionary dynamics on peer cooperation and indirect reciprocity, that document the motivational effect of knowledge of being observed, a psychological imperative that motivate individuals to cooperate and to contribute to the common good.
Knowledge in the Shrinking Commons
Authors: Bassuener Luke
Published: November 2015

Libraries and Open Access function in a variety of ways to make information freely available to the public, but the current era of market-driven globalization has reshaped the economic environment, and threatens to undermine their principle mission. The defining characteristic of this threat is the treatment of knowledge as a commodity. The idea of open access and the institution of the library exist as sources of self-directed learning and as representatives of the shrinking commons in the face of encroaching market forces. Libraries face challenges of relevance in regard to technology, budgets, privatization, and physical space. Open Access must find ways to define itself coherently—as publishers, researchers, libraries and businesses all try to manipulate the concept to fit their needs. This chapter looks at the shared obstacles and objectives of libraries and the open access movement, and analyzes some of the efforts being made to address current challenges and work toward a future of collaboration and continued relevance.
Exploring the Development of Pre-Service Teachers' ICT-TPACK using a Cognitive Stimulation Tool
Authors: Jang Syh-Jong , Tsai Meng-Fang
Published: November 2015

Self-regulated learning (SRL) skills and Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) are important issues in current educational studies. Most of SRL studies have highlighted the relationship between self-regulation and academic performances. However, few existing research on the aspect of SRL is seldom applied to the research on TPACK of pre-service teachers. The purpose of this paper was to examine pre-service teachers' development of TPACK with appropriate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) using cognitive stimulation tool (CST). Pre-service teachers self-rated their ICT-TPACK at two time points, and the statistical analysis indicated significant difference. The analysis of qualitative data showed that pre-service teachers used cognitive regulation strategies to develop their understanding and application skills on ICT-TPACK and were able to use reflective practices to demonstrate their understanding of TPACK at the end of the semester. The research implications of this study and TPACK instrument development are provided along with suggestions.
Developing Soft Skills by Applying Problem-Based Learning in Software Engineering Education
Authors: Yu Liguo , Adaikkalavan Raman
Published: November 2015

This chapter describes how problem-based learning is utilized in a software engineering classroom to help students develop soft skills, such as communication skills, documentation skills, team working skills, and interpersonal skills. Case studies are performed at Indiana University South Bend, where experiences of two instructors with similar teaching approaching are analyzed. Studies find that while problem-based learning is promising in engaging students and effectively delivering soft skills, it is more challenging for instructors. Compared to traditional instructor-centered learning approach, problem-based learning requires instructors to spend more effort on problem design/refinement, student coaching, performance evaluation, data gathering, and experience analysis. Despite its difficulties of implementation, problem-based learning is considered an effective approach in software engineering education.
ePortfolios as a Tool for Integrative Learning
Authors: Boesch Becky , Reynolds Candyce , Patton Judith
Published: November 2015

ePortfolios are being used throughout the world as a way to engage students more deeply in their learning, encourage integrative learning, and provide more authentic assessment for courses, programs and institutions. While ePortfolios have great potential, instructors need to provide opportunities to create meaningful products. This chapter describes a model that provides a framework for developing classroom practices that promote integrative and deep learning. Four practices, reflection, making connections, life-long learning, and communication, serve as the base for a successful course ePortfolio assignment. Recommendations about how to introduce ePortfolios into courses and programs are offered. The chapter concludes with a discussion of recommendations for practice.
Does the Method of Schooling Impact Students' Perceptions of Scientists?
Authors: Farland-Smith Donna
Published: November 2015

In the last 60 years, many researchers have thoroughly examined public school students' perceptions of scientists (Barman, 1997; Chambers, 1983; Fort & Varney, 1989; Mead & Meraux, 1957; Schibeci & Sorenson, 1983). It has long been established and commonly accepted that many students, for example, perceive scientists in a negative light, as living lonely and isolated lives, being detached from reality and constrained by their work (Barman, 1997; Chambers, 1983; Fort & Varney, 1989; Mead & Meraux, 1957; Schibeci & Sorenson, 1983). Throughout this sixty years there has been an increase in learning about scientists outside these traditional settings public school classroom. Over 1.7 million students (3.4% of the population) in the United States are homeschooled. An investigation of home-schooled students' and their perceptions of scientists have never been investigated. This chapter compares home-school students in grades two through 10 with public school students in the same grades to determine if any differences exist between the groups relative to their perceptions of scientists.
Technology-Enabled Learning Environments
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: November 2015

In today's learning environments, students are encouraged to take a lead in controlling and managing their learning. In their process of learning, students are increasingly become independent of time and space. This changed students learning process has resulted in development of various tools, techniques, and strategies to facilitate the new ways of students learning. At the same times, faculty is challenged not only to master various teaching strategies but also to become proficient in the use of constantly evolving technology to support their teaching strategies. This interaction of technology, teaching, and learning is a complex phenomenon. This chapter explores state-of-the-art of today's technology-enabled educational environments to help educational institutions enhance existing quality learning environments and create new ones.
Virtual Activities to Promote Multiculturalism and Sustainability of International Partnerships
Authors: Yoon Jiyoon , Han Insoon
Published: November 2015

This paper is a report on the findings of a study to measure the effects of virtual activities for promoting diversity/multiculturalism and sustaining international partnerships in science teacher education between the America and Korea. Partnership program website and international workshop are the virtual activities in this study to ensure continued collaboration between two countries. Journal and survey with the science teacher candidates, assessment methods the teacher candidates developed for their students, and the number of international partnership programs between two countries are the data resources in this study. Findings indicate that 1) the American and Korean teacher candidates learn diverse knowledge for teaching science after the virtual international activities; 2) they show more consideration on multicultural/diversity aspects as future global science teachers; and 3) these activities continuously improve international relationships between two countries.
Using Theory-Based Research in Supporting Creative Learning Environment for Young Children
Authors: Muhammad Amanda J. , Mayers Gloysis , Wooldridge Deborah G.
Published: November 2015

A supportive creative environment for young children is viewed as an essential element toward facilitating their creative thinking. Creativity requires imagination, insight, problem solving, divergent thinking, the ability to express emotions and to be able to make choices, thus we created a supportive learning environment to nurture creativity in three to four year olds. In this chapter creativity theory is discussed and how to apply to the early childhood educational setting. The Reggio Approach and creativity-provoking methods are discussed. Application of the theory relates to how children are immersed into activities encourages problem-solving, exploration, creativity and the learning supported by play based experiences for children. Examples are given as to how one child development center has provided curriculum, arranged the indoor and outdoor spaces, and integrated the artist in residence concept into the setting.
Adaptable Learning Theory Framework for Technology-Enhanced Learning
Authors: Havard Byron , East Marlene L. , Prayaga Lakshmi , Whiteside Alex
Published: November 2015

The sheer volume of technological innovations with educational potential along with the myriad of instructional theories and models present quite the challenge for educators. A contemporary framework is needed to connect these components with learning theory and to ultimately serve as a guide to educators grappling with how to align the interrelated components of effective instruction when using educational technologies. The objective of this chapter is to present a viable contemporary framework to fulfill this need. The Adaptable Learning Theory Framework for Technology Enhanced Learning (AF-TEL) provides a framework based on the cognitive presence, social presence, and teaching presence tenets of the Community of Inquiry model (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2003) to achieve desired educational outcomes. Professional Development for STEM Teachers using Discovery Labs (PDSTDL) is a format of teacher professional development that integrates AF-TEL to address the critical need of preparing effective STEM teachers.
Pervasive Cyberinfrastructure for Personalized Education
Authors: Morrow Tyler , Sarvestani Sahra Sedigh , Hurson Ali R.
Published: November 2015

The desire to improve contemporary education has led many educators into practices that are amalgamations of different learning and pedagogical theories. Despite government interventions, new pedagogies, and the ever-contentious role of technology, the need for improvement in education remains as students still underperform. This has led to the authors' hypothesis that the personalization of the structure, content, and delivery method of curricula is an effective and readily applicable way for technology to improve learning. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the authors' early attempts at proving this hypothesis by presenting the methods they have developed. It starts by providing motivation and background research that has influenced their work. The remainder of the chapter discusses the design and implementation of PERCEPOLIS: a pervasive cyberinfrastructure for personalized education and instructional support.
Typification of names in Boraginales described from Sicily
Authors: Cecchi Lorenzo , Selvi Federico
Published: November 2015

Eight names in Boraginales (Boraginaceae s.l.) described from Sicily between 1814 and 1919 are typified in the framework of the Flora Critica d’Italia and Loci classici project. Some critical aspects are briefly discussed to clarify the circumstances that led to the choice of the lectotypes and the current taxonomic status of the taxa.
Geology of the Athabasca Formation
Authors: Fahrig W F
Published: November 2015

A systematic study was made of the Athabasca formation to determine the history of its sedimentation, its regional correlation, and its age. This formation, covering an area of 40,000 square miles in northern Saskatchewan, is predominantly sandstone with minor
shale and conglomerate beds. Shale chip fragments are abundant on bedding planes throughout the formation. The measurement of 1,200 crossbeds and other current features showed that the sands were carried into the basin from the east and southeast and that the lines of transportation converged as
they passed towards the northwest. As the Martin formation north of Lake Athabasca was deposited in an area of high relief and the direction of transport of the Athabasca is towards this area, it seem unlikely that the two formations were deposited contemporaneously. The crossbedding of the
Athabasca is predominantly in the form of narrow 'troughs' and the coarse material is poorly sorted and lensy, suggesting scour and fill deposition in the beds of fluctuating streams. The shale chips probably indicate extremely shallow water and temporary withdrawals. These and other data suggest
that the Athabasca was predominantly a fluviatile deposit in a coastal plain environment. The sandstones are mature, with a small heavy mineral content and considerable chart. These data suggest that the sandstone is a multicycle product derived from a largely sedimentary terrain. The Carswell
formation, a dolomite sequence overlying the Athabasca, is present as a ring of intensely folded strata about 18 miles in diameter. Basement gneiss outcrops within the ring suggesting a domal structure. The dolomite indicates that the predominantly fluviatile environment of the Athabasca was
replaced by a marine environment. The Athabasca formation is locally folded and intruded by diabase dykes. Pitchblende veins that cut the formation have been dated as about 4x10 years. The Athabasca formation is probably of Precambrian age.
Geology of titanium and titaniferous deposits of Canada
Authors: Rose E R
Published: November 2015

This report describes the nature of occurrence of the titanium and titaniferous deposits of Canada in general and in detail, outlines their distribution, classification, origin, age, size, and grade, and points out the close genetic relationship existing between
them and anorthositic rocks. Most of the titanium deposits occur in both massive and disseminated form throughout large, composite, multiple, intrusive anorthositic bodies in eastern Canada. Anorthosite and gabbroic anorthosite or gabbro (troctolitic and noritic) are the two most common and closely
related phases of these intrusive bodies, but in places monzonite, syenite, granite, and pegmatite may also be distantly related. The main ore minerals-ferrian ilmenite, titanomagnetite, and titanhematite- occur most abundantly in the gabbroic phases of the anorthosites, but they are also found in
the anorthosites proper, and less commonly in the country rocks into which the anorthositic massifs are intruded. These minerals commonly show exsolution textures characteristic of deposits formed at magmatic temperatures, and they may possess self-reversing magnetic mechanisms and hard components
of remanent magnetism capable of affecting the direction and intensity of the resulting magnetic fields. The report includes a discussion of the advantages and limitations of magnetic surveys in locating titanium deposits, and suggestions for applying the study of remanent magnetism of occurrences
as an aid to geological interpretation. Because of their heavy magnetic character, the iron- titanium ore minerals are readily separated magnetically from their host-rock silicates, and although many of the deposits are of low grade in both iron and titanium they may be readily concentrated.
Furthermore, although many of the deposits are too high in titanium to be iron ores (or too high in iron to be titanium ores at present) and the iron and titanium minerals are practically inseparable, some of the deposits consist of iron-titanium mineral intergrowths of such nature that it is
possible to separate them magnetically into high iron (titanomagnetite) and high titanium (ilmenite-hematite) concentrates, potential ores of iron and titanium, respectively.
Geological Survey of Canada radiocarbon dates XIV
Authors: Lowdon J A , Wilmeth R , Blake W
Published: November 2015

Twenty-five radiocarbon age determinations on archeological samples made by the Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory are reported. They are on samples from various areas as follows: Quebec (2); Ontario (5); Alberta (3); British Columbia (7); Yukon Territory (2);
Northwest Territories - Mainland (1); Northwest territories - Arctic Archipelago (5). Details of background and standard for the 2-L and 5-L counters during the period from January to December 1973 are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Table 3 gives statistics on the number of counts used to determine
average background and standard counting rates; Table 4 provides data on the amount of sample required of various types of material; and Table 5 compares results obtained from all three counters on a single Douglas fir sample of known age.
Knowledge of nurses regarding dysphagia in patients post stroke in Namibia
Authors: Rhoda Anthea , Pickel-Voight A.
Published: November 2015

Background: Stroke patients commonly experience dysphagia post stroke. Complications of dysphagia include aspiration leading to chest infection and pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and a subsequent increased risk of death. Its early diagnosis and management is an important prerequisite for recovery from stroke during the rehabilitation phase. As nurses are the first health personnel that interact with a patient post stroke, it is important that they are knowledgeable and skilled in the screening of these patients for dysphagia.Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and factors associated with knowledge of nurses regarding dysphagia in stroke patients.Methods: The study used a quantitative survey to determine the knowledge of the nurses employed at an intermediate hospital in Namibia. A convenient sample of 182 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions, which was developed by the researcher. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The findings of the study confirmed that nurses have a moderate knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and complications of dysphagia, but poor knowledge about its management.Training and experience in the care of dysphagia patients was a stronger predictor of knowledge than the initial qualification or years of experience as a nurse.Conclusion: Post basic training in dysphagia would better equip nurses to manage stroke patients in the acute phase.
Meeting the Challenge of Ebola Virus Disease in a Holistic Manner by Taking into Account Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors: The Experience of West Africa
Authors: Phua Kai-Lit
Published: November 2015

Even if an effective vaccine against Ebola virus disease (EVD) becomes available, the challenges posed by this disease are complex. Certain socioeconomic and cultural factors have been linked to recent outbreaks of EVD in West Africa. The outbreaks revealed widespread ignorance by laypersons of EVD etiology, mode of transmission, and personal protective measures that can be taken. Lack of trust in the authorities, virus infection during the preparation of “bushmeat” for human consumption, traditional funerary practices, and relatively free flow of goods and people between regions and across international borders may have facilitated the spread of EVD and hindered outbreak control efforts. Inadequacy in health systems of the most seriously affected countries, such as Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, is also an important factor. The objectives of this article are to argue that EVD should be evaluated in a systematic and holistic manner and that this can be done through the use of the modified Haddon Matrix.
La educación mediática, una asignatura pendiente en la formación de periodistas, publicitarios y comunicadores audiovisuales
Authors: Tucho Fernando , Fernandez-Planells Ariadna , Lozano María , Figueras-Maz Mònica
Published: November 2015

Los estudios de comunicación universitarios en España deberían dar respuesta a las recomendaciones de los organismos internacionales sobre la necesidad de hacer llegar la formación en Educación Mediática a los futuros graduados. Metodología. Este artículo analiza los contenidos de las asignaturas directamente relacionadas con la Educación Mediática en los distintos grados de comunicación de las universidades españolas y los coteja con las percepciones que sobre este ámbito de conocimiento tienen los gestores de los planes de estudio y el profesorado que imparte estas materias, combinando pues el análisis de contenido de las guías de las asignaturas con las entrevistas en profundidad. Resultados. El estudio revela la escasa incidencia de materias específicas sobre Educación Mediática y la vinculación prioritaria de sus contenidos al ámbito de la ideología y valores en detrimento de otras dimensiones como la estética o los procesos de interacción.
Educación para el Desarrollo Sostenible en asignaturas de Dirección de Operaciones. El caso del Banco de Alimentos de La Rioja. (Education for Sustainable Development in Operations Management subjects. The case of the Food Bank of the Rioja)
Authors: Queiruga Dolores , González Benito Javier , Rocha Valencia Luz Amira , Lannelongue Nieto Gustavo
Published: November 2015

La Educación para el Desarrollo Sostenible a nivel universitario implica alcanzar ciertas competencias como responsabilidad o involucración personal en temas sociales. En este trabajo presentamos una práctica en la asignatura de Organización de la Producción de dos titulaciones: Grado en Ingeniería y Grado en Re

laciones Laborales y Recursos Humanos, de La Universidad de La Rioja. Para ello, utilizamos cuatro actividades docentes, aplicadas al caso del Banco de Alimentos. Estas son: visita guiada al almacén, ejercicio en el aula de informática con aprendizaje coop

erativo, exposición oral (con coevaluación mediante una rúbrica) y participación voluntaria en una campaña de recogida de alimentos.

Education for Sustainable Development at university level involves achieving certain skills as liability or personal involvement in social issues. We present a practice in the subject of Operations Management two degrees: Engineering and Labor Relations and Human Resources, at University of La Rioja. To do this, we use four teaching activities, applied to the case of the Food Bank. These are: guided tour of the storehouse, practical lesson in the computer room with cooperative learning, oral presentation (with peer assessment using a rubric) and voluntary participation in a campaign to collect food.
Therapeutic recreation interventions for need-driven dementia-compromised behaviors in community-dwelling elders
Authors: Fitzsimmons, MS, ARNP Suzanne , Buettner, CTRS, PhD Linda L.
Published: November 2015

This study describes a clinical trial of at-home recreational therapy for community dwelling older adults with dementia and disturbing behaviors. After two weeks of daily, individualized therapeutic recreation interventions (TRIs), results indicated a significant decrease in levels of both passivity and agitation. Biograph data collection was useful in identifying the physiological changes that occurred with each intervention technique. Specific information is included on the time of day each behavior occurred and the most effective interventions, as well as implications for service delivery.
Peace of mind: A pilot community-based program for older adults with memory loss
Authors: Buettner, PhD, CTRS, FGSA Linda L.
Published: November 2015

This pilot project was established to refine and test the Community of Care continuum for older adults with memory loss. The treatment group (n = 40) received the opportunity to select classes and was compared to the control group (n = 40), members of which simply maintained their normal lifestyles in the community after assessment. A total of 80 participants were tested at baseline, six months, and 12 months. Data were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance to assess the effectiveness of the intervention over time. This allowed for analysis regarding intervention, time, and the interactive effects of time and intervention. The treatment group showed significant positive intervention effects (p 0.05) for Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and quality of life. These preliminary findings show great promise for recreation therapists and others using community-based programs for older adults concerned about memory loss.
Adults with dementia can appropriately engage in a strengthening exercise program
Authors: Rogers, PhD Sharon D. , Jarrott, PhD Shannon E.
Published: November 2015

Background/rationale: A group-based exercise program has the potential to promote physical, psychological, and social health of participants. This study intended to document that an exercise intervention, designed for delivery and achievability in dementia care centers, could effectively engage participants with dementia.Methods: An exercise program for residents of two dementia care facilities was designed and implemented. The centers’ activity directors led the programs three times per week for 12 weeks. Using a modified protocol of the Menorah Park Engagement Scale and a quantitative assessment of participants’ accurate performance of exercises, participants’ (n = 17) overall engagement in the prescribed exercise routine were evaluated.Results: Results indicated that nearly all participants were constructively engaged and appropriately performed exercises through the entirety of each session.Conclusions: Individuals with dementia retain the capability to constructively and appropriately participate in a group-based strengthening exercise intervention. The intervention can be readily replicated at facilities serving adults with dementia.
Assessment in aquatics
Authors: Grosse, MS Susan J.
Published: November 2015

For assessments performed on land, there are a wide variety of assessment protocols available. However, for assessments performed in aquatics, the selection of assessments is much more limited. This article will provide a brief overview of the available assessments appropriate for the aquatic setting. Assessments discussed will include formally published assessment protocols as well as representative examples of authentic assessments that can be designed by aquatic professionals to meet individual participant needs. Directions will be given for how to design rubrics and examples of how this type of assessment can produce information results that can contribute to progress documentation and goal setting.
The Alzheimer’s plans: Recreational therapist’s are part of the plan
Authors: Richeson, PhD, CTRS Nancy E.
Published: November 2015

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Community integration/reintegration: A recreational therapy intervention
Authors: Passmore, EdD, CTRS/L Tim
Published: November 2015

This manuscript addresses the issues surrounding the definitions of community integration and community reintegration. The interventions of community integration and reintegration are outlined and suggested strategies for successful application of both interventions are provided.
“Getting better” or “getting worse”: What practitioners can learn from older adults with high depressive symptoms
Authors: Mobily, PhD Kenneth E.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify concrete markers of older adults scoring high in depressive symptoms. Through identification of depressive symptom covariates, practitioners may more accurately chart a course of interventions to assist the person in coping with depressive symptomatology. Subjects were members of an earlier longitudinal study. The present study was restricted to 133 subjects 60 and older who had high depressive symptom scores at baseline or follow-up or both. The findings suggest that somatic maladies were the distinguishing variables separating subjects who were able to reduce their depressive symptoms compared to those who stagnated at a high depressive symptom scores over 3 years. The present findings suggest a direct course of action_address the somatic concomitants of depression and the affect is likely to improve.
Understanding the intentions of families with a child with autism to participate in a family recreation program: A pilot study
Authors: Townsend, PhD, CTRS Jasmine , Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS Marieke
Published: November 2015

Family systems theory and the Core and Balance Model of Family Leisure Functioning are useful frameworks that can provide guidance in the development of family recreation services for families with children with autism. These families may experience positive and successful outcomes from family leisure participation, yet few family recreation programs exist that can appropriately accommodate their needs. A Web-based study was conducted following the principles of the reasoned action approach to understand the beliefs and intentions surrounding participation in a family recreation program. Findings revealed that families have high intentions to participate, as well as positive attitudes toward participation. This information can prove useful to recreational therapy service providers as they consider developing family services.
Active lifestyle for older adults with dementia: Wheelchair biking versus other recreational therapy interventions
Authors: Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS† Linda , Fitzsimmons, MSN, GNP, ARNP Suzanne , Labban, MS, PhD Jeffrey D. , Barba, PhD, RN, FAGHE, FAAN Beth E.
Published: November 2015

This article provides a secondary analysis of data collected from a recreation therapy intervention trial for older adults with dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms. In a subsample of 54 individuals who received wheelchair (WC) biking on some days and other recreation therapy interventions on other days, a comparison of engagement levels, time engaged, and encouragement needed was completed. The analysis showed that WC biking provided significantly more time on task and significantly higher levels of engagement, and less encouragement was needed. Collecting recreation therapy session engagement data was found to be a simple and useful method of comparing effectiveness of recreation therapy interventions.