bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidants as Functional Foods in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Santhakumar Abishek B. , Singh Indu
Published: September 2016

In the recent years, there has been a great deal of attention in investigating the disease preventive properties of functional foods. Particularly, impact of the antioxidant property of functional foods in reducing the risk or progression of chronic diseases has gained considerable interest amongst researchers and practitioners. Free radicals such as reactive oxygen species are generated in the body by exposure to a number of physiochemical or pathological mechanisms. It is imperative to preserve a balance between the levels of free radicals and antioxidants for routine physiological function, a disparity of which would accelerate oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress and associated consequences in metabolic disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes has warranted the need for exogenous antioxidant concentrates derived from natural foods to alleviate the adverse effects. This chapter provides an overview on the efficacy of functional foods in reducing free radical-mediated damage in metabolic syndrome.
Polymeric Nanoparticles for Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Shakya Akhilesh Kumar , Madhyastha Harishkumar
Published: September 2016

Antigen delivery is a major concern in design and development of new generation vaccines to achieving protection against lethal pathogens. Conventional ways of antigen delivery associated with limitations of multiple doses requirement, cost factor, inappropriate activation of immune system and toxicities are the major cause of concern. Under this, state of affairs polymers as nanovehicles have shown promising marks and thus maintain long lasting immune responses to the antigens. Polymers are biocompatible, biodegradable and do not cause any significant localized and systemic toxicities. Due to their biodegradation nature, they clear off from the body by phagocytes and maintain tissue homeostasis. Due to their small size, they can easily cross different biological barriers and deliver the antigen effectively. In this chapter, we have underlined the current research emphasizing on the nanoscale features, its course through the past and the future perspectives focusing on the current needs. If successful, these nano gaints would be no surprise near future.
New Horizons of Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Processing Industry
Authors: Mir Shabir Ahmad , Shah Manzoor Ahmad , Mir Mohammad Maqbool , Iqbal Umar
Published: September 2016

This chapter addresses the potential application of nanotechnology in various areas of agriculture and food processing sector. Nanotechnology is an exciting and fast developing field which aims to generate new materials and devices with wide range of applications. Nanotechnology is capable to solve the very complex set of engineering and scientific challenges in the agriculture and processing industry. Nanotechnology has great potential in providing novel and improved solutions to many challenges facing agriculture and food sector. Nanotechnology based products and its applications in agriculture include nano-fertilizers, nano-herbicides, nano-pesticides, recalcitrant contaminants from water, nano-scale carriers, nan-osensors, veterinary care, fisheries and food processing etc. Nanotechnology revolutionized the agriculture and food industry by innovation new techniques such as: precision farming techniques, more efficient and targeted use of inputs, disease detection and control, withstand environmental pressures and effective systems for processing and packaging.
“The Past is Never Dead. It's Not Even Past”
Authors: Iarossi Maria Pompeiana , Ferro Luisa
Published: September 2016

In the European ancient foundation city, the past forms a constitutive part of its structure. However, it is not easily recognizable in cities like Milan, where the ruins of monuments of imperial era (as the Theater, the Amphitheater and the Circus) have been submerged by the urban stratification. The recent success of visualization systems by web (such as GoogleMaps or Bing) have highlighted a widespread need for knowledge of places, which can be satisfied through an innovative application of tools as GIS. This chapter explains how, in the virtual space-time of a webGIS, it is possible to provide specific paths, that accompany any user, even if he doesn't have specific skills, to discover the immanent remote past of the city, described by an appropriate display of its cartographic and iconographic heritage.
Integrated Survey of “Quadrature” Aimed at the Graphical Analysis of Painted Perspective
Authors: Bontempi Donatella , Bianchi Giorgia
Published: September 2016

The issue of knowledge and documentation of cultural heritage is always central in the field of Drawing, which, through the survey, is always preliminary to the safeguarding and valorisation of artistic and architectural heritage. The paper aims at presenting some results of a survey realized following an approach that mix direct, laser and photographic techniques to obtain high quality ortophotos of the painted surfaces, useful to be the basis for the graphical analysis of the trompe l'oeil perspective. The phases are: survey campaign and data acquisition, postproduction of the RAW file, photo straightening, photo modelling, orthophoto output, CAD analysis, conclusive considerations. All these steps are referred to the experimentation on a concrete case study, one of the numerous frescoed rooms belonging to the rich iconography of Palazzo Arese Borromeo in Cesano Maderno (MB, Italy), a building that is an actual unicum in its kind.
Model 3D in Service of Preservation, Restoration, Structural Analyses of the Architectural Heritage
Authors: Marchis Elena Teresa Clotilde
Published: September 2016

This contribute aims to explore 3D modelling and its practical applications investigating scales of representation and scales of contents from architecture to landscape. The goal of this approach is to test the flexibility of modelling tools to different fields of application and to draw shared methods, even if they are applied in so different context. Changing the scale, is obvious, the language changes – because it is necessary to recompose symbolic and iconographic elements – themes and scales of representation change. So is possible to pave the way to strictly disciplinary thinking on outcomes and on instrumental and methodological guidelines for further research. The topic focuses on developing guidelines and creating a simple three-dimensional model designed to represent both the complexity of the “cultural heritage” morphology, as well as the need to manage the process of restoration in all its phases: from first findings to the restored final output.
Didactic Models and Professionalization of Teachers
Authors: Maccario Daniela
Published: September 2016

This chapter explores the possibility and potential of using video devices as recording instruments for didactic practices, within the context of the discussion of lines of analysis, aimed at the development of didactic models, as artefacts produced by pedagogic research in support of teaching processes and the professionalization of teachers. The main theoretical references are cited which analyse the validity of didactic models in teaching innovation processes and which point to possible new avenues for research in this field, with specific attention focused on practice-based approaches. Exploring and developing the potentiality of video research in line with directions specifically corresponding to the problems of analysis in the education field is clearly important. The same is discussed starting from an analysis of specific research experience.
Designing a Collaborative Video Learning Lab to Transform Teachers' Work Practices
Authors: Borer Valérie Lussi , Muller Alain
Published: September 2016

Video is increasingly used in professional development programs for teachers. Several studies have shown that the ability to notice and analyze pertinent classroom elements is the mark of an expert teacher, but little research has focused on how to use video to bring about real transformations in teachers' classroom activity. A research program was therefore developed to address this issue, drawing on Dewey's notion of collaborative inquiry and key concepts from work analysis. The research revealed three processes of professional development that video-artifacts can bring to the fore and enrich: mimetic engagement, the comparison and cross-fertilization between activities, and the deconstruction-reconstruction of activity. On the basis of these processes, the researchers designed a program called the Collaborative Video Learning Laboratory, which has yielded promising preliminary results for professional development. The advantages and challenges of this program are discussed and the new perspectives for professional development programs for teachers are presented.
Films, Multiliteracies, and Experiences About Fruition, Analysis, and Production in Education
Authors: Fantin Monica
Published: September 2016

This paper discusses the relationship between cinema and education based on opportunities for the fruition, analysis and production of video in educational contexts. To do so, it locates different approaches to cinema in schools and analyzes the importance of principles and proposals for working with audiovisual materials in the education of teachers and students. Based on the media-education perspective and on multiliteracies, the paper addresses aspects of an experience with audiovisual production in the initial education of teachers, with students in at a teacher's college, based on the Lumière Minute proposal and the Situated Learning Episodes methodology. Finally, the paper indicates some challenges and possibilities for working with video in education.
Composite Indicators of Development
Authors: Moreira Sandrina B. , Crespo Nuno
Published: September 2016

Development is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. The quantification of such a phenomenon requires indicators that may capture its most important components. In this chapter we present an extensive list of composite indicators of development, identifying their main possible common dimensions: income, income distribution, education, health, employment, infrastructures, values, and environment. We also discuss in detail five recent indices characterized by their comprehensiveness: 1) Regional Quality of Development Index (QUARS) of Sbilanciamoci!; 2) Wellbeing Index (WI) and Wellbeing/Stress Index (WSI) for measuring sustainable development; 3) Gross National Happiness (GNH) from the Center for Bhutan Studies; 4) Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) of Bertelsmann Stiftung; and 5) World competitiveness scoreboard from the Institute for Management Development (IMD).
The Rule of Law Index
Authors: Maricic Milica , Bulajic Milica , Vasilijevic Milica
Published: September 2016

The indicator-based scientific research has recently become a valuable source of information for policymakers, scholars and eventually, civil society. Many socioeconomic spheres are evaluated using composite indicators, whereas governance has not been left behind. Among several assessment measurements oriented on the rule of law and law enforcement, the Rule of Law Index devised by the World Justice Program stands out. Namely, it is a comprehensive and methodologically consistent index which measures the extent to which the countries follow the principles of the rule of law. However, the controversial question of the justification of its equal weighting scheme emerges. The presented study addresses this issue by applying the twofold I-distance approach to propose unbiased weights and an in-depth analysis of the index dynamics. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to scrutinize the Rule of Law Index and to shed light on its methodology. Furthermore, the proposed approach can serve as a foundation for future research on weighting schemes, which are enveloped with subjectivity.
Comparison of Input and Output Indicators in Measuring Human Capital
Authors: Bali Sibel
Published: September 2016

Despite the intensive research on human capital, the debate regarding its measurement is ongoing. In this context, the objective of the present study is to underline the distinction between input and output indicators in human capital measurement, which has not attracted sufficient attention, and to present the importance of indicator selection by explaining the findings obtained. To that end, separate indexes will be developed for input and output indicators to measure the level of human capital for Turkey, and it will be analyzed whether the two index groups developed exhibit significant differences between provinces. In accordance with the purpose of this study, index estimations are made using the PCA method with the 2013 data of 81 provinces in Turkey. Province-based estimations demonstrate that the index values estimated by the input and output indicators produce significantly different conclusions. Therefore, selecting appropriate indicators according to the purpose of the study will enable the analyses to produce more accurate policy implications.
How Age-Friendly Are Cities?
Authors: Vidovićová Lucie
Published: September 2016

The chapter introduces the Age-friendly City Index as a way of measuring the age-friendliness of urban environments. The proposed index assesses the dimensions of outdoor spaces and transportation as they are perceived and evaluated by older people, residents of the fourteen biggest towns in the Czech Republic. The dimensions and items included in the index are constructed upon the theoretical framework proposed by the World Health Organisation Global Age-friendly Cities Project. Validation of the results of the index is based on experimental open-ended question analysis. The resulting categories confirm the importance of greenery and aesthetics for the age-friendly concept, and confirm the rankings of cities obtained via the composite index. In addition, comparison with similar measures tested in Canada and Hong Kong are discussed, and the necessity of backing up index measures with policy analysis and general structural support is argued for.
Statistical Approach for Ranking OECD Countries Based on Composite GICSES Index and I-Distance Method
Authors: Mitrović Maja , Marković Maja , Zdravković Stefan
Published: September 2016

This chapter will explore the impact of cognitive skills on education. In the case of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, it will be examined the relation between the level of education to the economic situation of a state. Case study work is based on a statistical approach of OECD countries ranking, based on The Global Index of Cognitive Skills and Educational Attainment (GICSES) and Ivanovic distance (I-distance). The chapter will be presented to rank these countries based on the value of the global index. Using I-distance method it will be formed a new order, and then it will be carried out a comparative analysis of these two ways of ranking. The aim of the chapter is to present a new approach to the evaluation of a composite indicator based on the multivariate statistical analysis.
Conflict Resolution in Student Teams
Authors: Abbasi Neda , Mills Anthony , Tucker Richard
Published: September 2016

This chapter examines conflict in student design teams. A review of literature is presented to understand conflict within student design teams and explore strategies to manage it. In addition, qualitative data on students' experiences of team conflict is analysed from two surveys offered to design students in 18 Australian Higher Education Institutions. Analysis of the survey found that “ignoring or avoiding to acknowledge team conflict” is a strategy commonly adopted by students, followed by “trying to resolve team conflict through discussion and improving communication” and “seeking support from teachers.” Drawing upon these findings, the chapter makes recommendations on strategies to prepare students for conflict situations through a number of support models that design instructors might adopt, including both preventive and intervention strategies.
Perceptions of Collaboration Amongst Novice Design Students
Authors: Crowther Philip , Scott Andrew , Allen Tom
Published: September 2016

This chapter presents a case study of a large common first year unit/subject in a major Australian university. The unit introduces students to the theory and practice of design through a learning environment that is brief and intense; being delivered in block mode over just four days, and being free of other academic commitments. Students choose from one of two concurrent environments, either a camping field trip or an on-campus alternative, and work in mixed discipline groups of six to nine students, on two sequential design projects. Participant survey and reflective journal data are used to analyse student perceptions of the learning activities and to establish the pedagogical success of learning about collaboration through the act of collaborating; specifically through a project-based design environment. The data supports the hypothesis that groups that emotionally engaged with collaboration and collaborated more effectively achieved higher academic grades.
An Evaluation of Group Work in First-Year Engineering Design Education
Authors: Palmer Stuart , Hall Wayne
Published: September 2016

It is argued that ‘design' is an essential characteristic of engineering practice, and hence, an essential theme of engineering education. It is suggested that first-year design courses enhance commencing student motivation and retention, and introduce engineering application content and basic design experience early in the curriculum. The research literature indicates that engineering design practice is a deeply social process, with collaboration and group interactions required at almost every stage. This chapter documents the evaluation of the initial and subsequent second offerings of a first-year engineering design unit at Griffith University in Australia. The unit 1006ENG Design and Professional Skills aims to provide an introduction to engineering design and professional practice through a project-based approach to problem solving. The unit learning design incorporates student group work, and uses self-and-peer-assessment to incorporate aspects of the design process into the unit assessment and to provide a mechanism for individualization of student marks.
Informal Networked Learning as Teamwork in Design Studio CmyView
Authors: Freeman Cristina Garduño
Published: September 2016

CmyView is a research project that investigates how mobile technologies have the potential to facilitate new ways to share, experience and understand the connections that people have with places. The aim of the project is to theorise and develop a tool and a methodology that addresses the reception of architecture and the built environment using mobile digital technologies that harness ubiquitous everyday practices, such as photography and walking. While CmyView is primarily focused on evidencing the reception of places, this chapter argues that these activities can also make a contribution to the core pedagogy of architectural education, the design studio. This chapter presents findings of an initial pilot study with four students at an Australian university that demonstrates how CmyView offers a valuable contribution to the educational experience in the design studio.
Intercultural Dialogue through Design (iDiDe)
Authors: Ang Susan
Published: September 2016

Intercultural dialogue through design, globally known as “iDiDe” (pronounced i-dee-dee) was initiated by an Australian university in 2011 for architecture and built environment disciplines. Set within the context of international education and internationalisation, which are the focus of Australian universities this century, iDiDe offers a model of intercultural collaboration and student engagement. iDiDe is more than a generic international study tour. Firstly, there is collaborative academic leadership that comes from institutional partnerships between Australia and five Asian nations (Malaysia, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka), secondly, intercultural dialogue and intercultural understanding underpin the pedagogical approach, and thirdly, iDiDe projects extend discipline specific learning into the realms of reality. This chapter is an expose of iDiDe. It seeks to determine what elements of the model contribute to intercultural collaboration and student engagement. Findings are evaluated for their impact upon participants. The potential for transformative learning and response to global citizenship are discussed along with future research.
Using the MMPI-2-RF in Preemployment Evaluations of Police Officer Candidates
Authors: Ben-Porath Yossef S. , Corey David M. , Tarescavage Anthony M.
Published: September 2016

The MMPI-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is the current, most up-to-date version of the most widely used self-report measure of personality and psychopathology. Prior versions of the test were studied and used extensively in police candidate assessments. This chapter reviews the legal and empirical foundations for using the MMPI-2-RF in preemployment evaluations of police officer candidates and provides practical guidance for doing so. A detailed review of a series of recent studies on using the MMPI-2-RF in identification of high risk candidates is presented, followed by practical suggestions for integrating MMPI-2-RF findings with other sources of information when conducting preemployment evaluations of police candidates. The MMPI-2-RF Police Candidate Interpretive Report is highlighted.
Peer Support in Public Safety Organizations
Authors: Bohl-Penrod Nancy K. , Clark Daniel W.
Published: September 2016

Peer supporters are a vital resource for members of the public safety community. Peers are often the first to notice when colleagues are exhibiting symptoms of psychological distress. Due to the cultural norms and the personality traits of those drawn to this career field, many public safety officers prefer to confide in peers rather than to obtain the assistance of mental health professionals. Further, peer supporters can give public safety officers the reassurance and support they need to enlist the services of mental health professionals. This chapter reviews the development and application of peer support teams, addresses issues in selecting peer support team members and developing a program, reviews team organization options and training needs, and addresses common challenges.
Educational Leadership and Integrated Support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Kats Yefim
Published: September 2016

This chapter addresses the integrated approach to the support of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In this context we, first, discuss the legislative background, providing legal basis for autism support in an educational environment. We further briefly outline psychological and neurological aspects of ASD diagnostics. We consider how legislative and psychological issues impact special education methods and instructional technology support for ASD. The technology tools addressed include mobile devices and applications, virtual reality, and robotics. The chapter concludes with a report on the development of college-level course in instructional technology for technology facilitators and special education teachers working with ASD students. Considering that systematic research in the instructional use of affordable robotics is still lacking, the case study focuses primarily on the instructional use of popular LEGO robots. The holistic approach to ASD support, combining educational leadership, counseling, special education methods and technological factors, is emphasized throughout the chapter.
Educational Support at School for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual, and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Seok Soonhwa , DaCosta Boaventura
Published: September 2016

This study (N = 1,072) is presented with the objectives of (a) exploring dimensions of educational implementation that can be used to support students with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities; (b) investigating Special Education Teachers' (SETs) support priorities and their effectiveness; and (c) identifying the relationship between teachers' priorities and students' achievements. The investigation was conducted at 5 private and 33 public special education schools in 2013 and 2014. Factor analysis, correlation, and regression were used for the data analysis. The findings revealed four dimensions of the curriculum for the students using SETs' priorities—Daily Living/Coping Skills, Community/Home Skills, Emotional/Behavioral Difficulties, and Self-Care Skills. The teachers' priorities were in alignment with the emphases placed in their school educational programs. The teachers' top priorities were not aligned with those of the students. Finally, it was revealed that when the teachers held higher priorities, students' learning outcome improved.
Assessing the Functions of Behavior for Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom Environment
Authors: Gilic Lina , Chamblin Michelle
Published: September 2016

Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the identification of students with Autism. According to research and the laws that guide Special Education, inclusive settings benefit both students with and without disabilities. However, teaching students with Autism in inclusive settings can bring about challenges, as teachers are responsible to effectively manage academic and social behaviors. Years of research support the evidence that behaviors do not occur in isolation and behaviors serve a function, even those that are deemed as socially maladaptive. Today's classroom teachers need the tools necessary to identify the function of the student behavior so that appropriate strategies can be applied. Based on the evidence, these strategies can be used to target and transform socially significant behaviors required for successful inclusion and optimized independence.
Research Protocols and Ethical Considerations in Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Authors: Mosimege Mogege David
Published: September 2016

Research in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in South Africa has grown at a very high pace in a relatively short period of time. The growth thereof has presented researchers and the knowledge holders with challenges that have never faced them in the same way before. It has necessitated a review of how researchers interact with those who hold the knowledge and has required that protection mechanisms be implemented to safeguard the misuse and misappropriation of the indigenous knowledge. This Chapter outlines the focus on IKS in South Africa since 1995 and reflects on the challenges related to this focus. Specifically the Chapter looks at the challenges related to the recognition of knowledge holders, the ethical issues facing both researchers and knowledge holders, and the protocols that have been designed and used in South Africa and other places. It concludes by indicating the challenges that still remain and how these can be explored further by the research community.
Conceptualizing the Knowledge of Traditional and Indigenous Communities Using Informetrics Approaches
Authors: Ngulube Patrick , Onyancha Omwoyo Bosire
Published: September 2016

Interest in indigenous knowledge is growing because of its potential to promote and sustain development activities. Inspite of the recognition of the significance of indigenous knowledge there is limited agreement on its definition and conceptualization. There are competing ways of defining it and various ways of labeling it. In view of the varying appropriation of meanings to the concept of the knowledge of traditional and indigenous communities, this chapter starts by dealing with definitions attached to the knowledge of traditional and indigenous communities before turning to establishing what might be the suitable label for that knowledge using informetrics techniques. An investigation of 17 labels used to refer to the knowledge of traditional and indigenous communities that were conveniently chosen from the extant literature revealed that indigenous knowledge is the label that is gaining more currency than any other in the arts, humanities, and social sciences subject categories.
Visibility and Accessibility of Indigenous Knowledge on Open Access Institutional Repositories at Universities in Africa
Authors: Tapfuma Mass , Hoskins Ruth
Published: September 2016

Much research has been done on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) at African universities but the results are inaccessible as they remain scattered all over in researchers' offices, yet IK plays a significant role in Africa's development. Universities are better placed to consolidate, preserve, disseminate and facilitate easy access to such knowledge. This chapter explores the role that can be played by Institutional Repositories (IRs) in fulfilling this goal. Literature was reviewed to provide a conceptual overview of the role of IRs, to establish the challenges faced by universities in enabling access to IK in institutional repositories and explore strategies that can be employed to promote their use. The findings revealed that academics have not fully embraced the IR technologies; therefore, librarians struggle to secure content for their IRs. It is recommended that rigorous awareness campaigns on open access and IRs be done by librarians to obtain stakeholder buy-in.
Multiple Voices, Multiple Paths
Authors: Ngara Rutendo
Published: September 2016

The Western knowledge paradigm – with its ways of knowing, ways of seeing and its notions of reality - has dominated the global knowledge arena, rendering many indigenous knowledge systems as invalid, illegitimate and irrelevant. This is particularly true for indigenous medical knowledge systems, which have struggled to articulate their voices from the marginalisation imposed by colonialism, globalisation and modernity. This chapter outlines paradigmatic tenets and key conceptions underpinning Western Biomedicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional African Medicine. It explores areas of synergy and contradiction, as well as points for potential dialogue between the medical systems. The chapter suggests that if carefully excavated, explorations into such ontologies and epistemologies can make meaningful contributions to knowledge brokerage, thus promoting inclusivity and ethics in knowledge societies. It therefore makes a case for cognitive justice – ‘the right of different traditions of knowledge to co-exist without duress'.
Factors Militating Against the Development of Tiv Indigenous Knowledge
Authors: Agber Tim Cuttings
Published: September 2016

The Tiv people right from the time of old possessed a handsome knowledge about their origin, way of life or traditions, science and technology including means of cultivating crops and ways of trapping or killing animals for food, medicinal uses of different plants, methods of making shelters to lay their heads and tactics of making cloths to cover their nakedness among others in a well-defined manner. Essentially, the knowledge the people possessed, which culminated into the Tiv Indigenous Knowledge (TIK) was orally transferred from one descent to another for documentation and continuity. However, the interplay of colonialism, Christian religion and intellectual property laws, constituted factors militating against the development of this crucial indigenous knowledge. This chapter therefore, describes the Tiv indigenous knowledge and the factors militating against it as well as attempt to figure out strategies that could be useful in curtailing these problems.
DELES Analysis of E-Learning Environments
Authors: Keeney Hunter , Shelton Kaye , Mason Diane , Young J. Kenneth
Published: September 2016

As online education expands, more data is needed on how to optimize its effectiveness in higher education settings. This chapter highlights a quantitative study that utilized the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES), to test the effects of student-centered learning constructs on student satisfaction in online courses. The sample population consisted of 306 students taking masters-level online courses in education or nursing at a university in Southeast Texas. Descriptive statistics and data were analyzed by correlation analysis and stepwise regression. Results of analyses showed personal relevance and authentic learning had the strongest correlations with student satisfaction, whereas the strongest predictors of student satisfaction were personal relevance and instructor support. The findings of the study described herein can provide beneficial insight regarding the design of effective online learning environments in higher education and improving the quality of the student experience.
Innovation in the Health System
Authors: Pessoa de Matos Marcelo , Soares Maria Clara Couto , Cassiolato José Eduardo , Queiroz Julia
Published: September 2016

This chapter discusses the main findings of five empirical studies focusing on local health innovation systems in Brazil. It focuses on the articulation of service and manufacturing segments within the Health complex and the other organizations that constitute a Local Innovation and Production System (LIPS) and discusses the learning, capacity building and innovation processes and their effective and potential impact on the local territory. The findings suggest that the types and intensity of interactions are closely related to the characteristics of what can be called a local cognitive territory. The directions of capacity building and scientific and technological evolution are directly influenced by conflicts among individuals and groups. The influence of these power relations, which are often associated with diverging private and public (collective) interests, highlights the importance of the institutional and policy dimensions for mediation and for promoting an evolution of the system that favors social inclusion and efficiency.
Nurses, Healthcare, and Environmental Pollution and Solutions
Authors: McKeown A. Elaine
Published: September 2016

Many nurses may not be aware of the role that healthcare plays in the cycle of harm. Healthcare participates in the cycle of harm by mismanaging waste, using fossil fuel energy and offering meat-based diets. Lack of knowledge, resources and empowerment potentiate this participation. Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use and meat-based diets, with resultant water pollution, contribute to climate change. Climate change and healthcare source pollution in water from mismanaged waste, contributes to illnesses of community members. Once sickened, individuals come to the healthcare center for treatment. This illness care then contributes to more environmental pollution. Specific human health consequences of resultant water pollution and climate change will be discussed. With healthcare professionals collaborating with others concerned, the connections potentiating this cycle of harm can be broken. Recommendations will be offered for healthcare's forward movement to help create the solutions to the pollution.
Modeling Energy Portfolio Scoring
Authors: Diaz Rafael , Behr Joshua G. , Landaeta Rafael , Longo Francesco , Nicoletti Letizia
Published: September 2016

U.S. regions are expected to follow the national trend towards investment in renewable energy as part of their electricity portfolio. The progress of energy portfolios that typically involves traditional methods, such as centralized nuclear and coal-fired generation, and towards cleaner- and renewable-source generation will impact economic growth and public health. Renewable electricity production must strike a balance among cost, reliability, and compatibility. The economic and health benefits obtained from developing an efficient energy portfolio make renewable energy alternatives an important consideration for regions endowed with natural resources. A portfolio mix of production method that considers the economic benefits while limiting adverse health and environmental impacts is attractive. This research proposes a System Dynamics simulation framework to support policy-making efforts in assessing the impact of energy portfolios. The authors demonstrate the utility of the framework by means of analyzing data that pertain to the U.S. Hampton Roads - Peninsula Region.
Social Media and Alcohol Use
Authors: Shah Gulzar H. , Alfonso Moya L. , Jolani Nina
Published: September 2016

The use of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) has become an integral part of daily life, particularly for adolescents. The chapter examines the negative impact of social networking sites and how they may expose alcohol-related consumption and behavior to young adults, especially college students. In particular, the focus is on the use of two specific social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter, and their association with alcohol use. The review of existing literature reveals that the depiction of alcohol use on social networking sites has a deleterious effect on alcohol use through the creation of positive social norms toward use and abuse. Further, the chapter looks at the Theory of Differential Association to explain the use of SNS as a pivot to increased alcohol use by adolescents and young adults.
Socio-Technical Systems on the Move
Authors: Occelli Sylvie
Published: September 2016

Because of the advancements in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), and notably the increased spreading of Web 2.0 Internet-based services and mobile computing, an increasingly information-rich environment is made available, where new types of Socio-Technical Systems (STS) can be established. Due to the pervasiveness of ICT, designing and developing Socio-Technical Systems is raising an increasing interest also from a policy point of view. They play a crucial role in the improvement of the so-called soft-infrastructures, a main asset for delivering social innovation. Raising the performance of such an infrastructure, in fact, turns out to be a major challenge to be addressed in order to meet EU requirements for smart growth. In this chapter, a concept of STS is suggested, and its ICT-enabled implications for policy activity are highlighted. As an example, the concept is used for designing a collaborative platform for health knowledge exchange at a regional level.
Early Warning System and Adaptation Advice to Reduce Human Health Consequences of Extreme Weather Conditions and Air Pollution
Authors: Bogdanović Dragan , Lazarević Konstansa
Published: September 2016

The authors developed a multi-site Internet service to provide the public with real time information about local weather and air quality, how they may affect health, and how general population and different sensitive population groups can protect their health during periods of extreme weather conditions or increased air pollution levels. The information service is based on data obtained from the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia and Serbian Environment Protection Agency. Health warnings and recommendations are given separately for each AIQ and heat index or wind chill index value, for each sensitive population group, as well as for the general population. The project is currently implemented on the website of the Institute of Occupational Health Niš and will be offered to other healthcare institutions in Serbia. Evaluation of the system should enable redefinition of heat and wind chill indices and air pollution threshold values if necessary. This chapter explores the service.
Identification of Associations between Clinical Signs and Hosts to Monitor the Web for Detection of Animal Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Arsevska Elena , Roche Mathieu , Hendrikx Pascal , Chavernac David , Falala Sylvain , Lancelot Renaud , Dufour Barbara
Published: September 2016

In a context of intensification of international trade and travels, the transboundary spread of emerging human or animal pathogens represents a growing concern. One of the missions of the national veterinary services is to implement international epidemiological intelligence for a timely and accurate detection of emerging animal infectious diseases (EAID) worldwide, and take early actions to prevent their introduction on the national territory. For this purpose, an efficient use of the information published on the web is essential. The authors present a comprehensive method for identification of relevant associations between terms describing clinical signs and hosts to build queries to monitor the web for early detection of EAID. Using text and web mining approaches, they present statistical measures for automatic selection of relevant associations between terms. In addition, expert elicitation is used to highlight the most relevant terms and associations among those automatically selected. The authors assessed the performance of the combination of the automatic approach and expert elicitation to monitor the web for a list of selected animal pathogens.
Health Impact of Water-Related Diseases in Developing Countries on Account of Climate Change
Authors: Das Sukanya
Published: September 2016

Human health is heavily dependent on clean water resources and adequate sanitation. According to the WHO, diarrhoea is the disease most attributable to quality of the local environment. It has been estimated that 88% of diarrhoea cases result from the combination of unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and improper hygiene. A meta-analysis has been conducted over the existing literature specifically targeting water-borne and water-related diseases in developing countries. The results are synthesized through the simplest meta-analysis strategy: vote-counting. Given the range of impacts on account of climate change there is an urgent need of proper intervention to counterbalance the expected increase of occurence of water-related illness But given the limited progress in reducing incidences over the past decade consorted actions effective implementation and integration of existing policies is urgently demanded.
A Study on Adoption of Employee Welfare Schemes in Industrial and Service Organisations
Authors: Patro Chandra Sekhar
Published: September 2016

During the past few years practicing employee welfare schemes has become a key factor for the overall growth and development of any organisation. Organizations provide welfare facilities to their employees to keep their motivation levels high. Employees' welfare is essential for any organisation, as they shed the blood for achieving the objectives and goals of the organisation. The welfare schemes improve the organisational relations and also enhance the productivity of the employees. The main aim of implementing the welfare measures in any organisation is to secure the labour force by providing proper working conditions and minimizing its hazardous effect on the life of the employees and their family members. A study was undertaken to know the various welfare schemes adopted by the industrial and service organisations and its influence on the employee's productivity in both public and private sectors.
Employee Welfare Measures in Public and Private Sectors
Authors: Patro Chandra Sekhar
Published: September 2016

Employees' play a key role in the existence and growth of any organisation, therefore their welfare is essential. During the past few years, both public sector and private sector organisations have been contributing towards the employee's benefits and also increase their efficiency. Employees' welfare facilities include housing facilities, free medical facilities, retirement benefits, children and adult educational benefits, welfare measures for the employee's families, loan facilities, etc. If the organisations do not bother about the employees benefit, but expect efficient and high performance from them, it is a mere waste. So there is utmost need for the employee's welfare in any type of organisation. Organizations have to provide welfare facilities to their employees to keep their motivation levels high. A comparative study was undertaken to know the satisfaction level of the employees on the enforceability of various welfare measures in both the public and private sector organizations. The study also throws light on impact of welfare measures on the employees' performance.
The Crisis of Public Health as a Media Event
Authors: Marinescu Valentina
Published: September 2016

The focus of the present article is on the analysis of the influence exercised by media narratives on the Romanian audience's reconstructions of social movements from January-February 2012. The analysis was interested to show what are the aspects involved in the publicizing of this media event in Romania, by focusing on the event narrative built in such a way to transmit a particular significance related to the protest movements related to the crisis of the health public system in Romania. Two research methods were used in collecting the data: a survey on two hundreds Romanian respondents and quantitative content analysis of five national Romanian newspapers. As the results show, the high consumption of mass media messages does not determine whether the public adopts the media narratives concerning the events from the beginning of year 2012. At the same time, the analysis shows that in the case of the media events that took place in Romania in January-February 2012 the impact of the media narrative on the way in which the audience from Romania rebuilt those protests was a minor one and other factors had played a major role in triggering massive mass protests in Romania.
A Systems Approach for Sustainably Reducing Childhood Diarrheal Deaths in Developing Countries
Authors: Gray Monica
Published: September 2016

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death and is the major cause of malnutrition in children under age 5 worldwide. More than 50 percent of the cases occur in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Open defecation, substandard fecal disposal systems, and contaminated water supplies are the typical causes of diarrheal diseases. This public health crisis in low income countries mirrors the experiences of today's industrialized nations two centuries ago. The lessons learned from their sanitary evolution can be instructive in charting a sustainable path towards saving the lives of almost 2 million children annually. In this chapter a case study of Cuba's sanitary reformation is also presented to showcase successes, similar to those of developed countries, within a developing country and economically challenging context.
Toward an Informed-Patient Approach to E-Health Services
Authors: Mazuz Keren , Biswas Seema , Mendes Rui Amaral
Published: September 2016

With the expanding utilization of digital and technological media by public health providers and healthcare consumers, there is a need to evaluate the patients' role. There is good evidence of the growing acceptability of the Internet in seeking health information. This paper aims to evaluate the patients' role as an informed-patient. This role, albeit, with its limitations, affects the ways by which people consume health, consult their doctors and also influence health policy. This paper is a sociological and anthropological analysis of the effect of e-health services on the informed-patients' role and their ability to bring about social change through the Internet and their use of e-healthcare services. Through analyzing current literature and examples of health-related websites, this analysis focuses on informed-patients and how they are able to demand better health services for themselves and for their communities.