bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techno-Economic Analysis of High-Pressure Metal Hydride Compression Systems
Authors: Corgnale Claudio , Sulic Martin
Published: June 2018

Traditional high-pressure mechanical compressors account for over half of the car station’s cost, have insufficient reliability, and are not feasible for a large-scale fuel cell market. An alternative technology, employing a two-stage, hybrid system based on electrochemical and metal hydride compression technologies, represents an excellent alternative to conventional compressors. The high-pressure stage, operating at 100–875 bar, is based on a metal hydride thermal system. A techno-economic analysis of the metal hydride system is presented and discussed. A model of the metal hydride system was developed, integrating a lumped parameter mass and energy balance model with an economic model. A novel metal hydride heat exchanger configuration is also presented, based on minichannel heat transfer systems, allowing for effective high-pressure compression. Several metal hydrides were analyzed and screened, demonstrating that one selected material, namely (Ti0.97Zr0.03)1.1Cr1.6Mn0.4, is likely the best candidate material to be employed for high-pressure compressors under the specific conditions. System efficiency and costs were assessed based on the properties of currently available materials at industrial levels. Results show that the system can reach pressures on the order of 875 bar with thermal power provided at approximately 150 °C. The system cost is comparable with the current mechanical compressors and can be reduced in several ways as discussed in the paper.
Microstructural Characterization of Surface Softening Behavior for Cu-Bearing Martensitic Steels after Laser Surface Heat Treatment
Authors: Chun Eun-Joon , Sim Ahjin , Kim Min-Su , Kang Namhyun
Published: June 2018

The surface hardening and softening behavior of two types of medium carbon martensitic steel (AISI P20-improved and AISI P21) after laser-assisted heat treatment was quantitatively compared. The laser-assisted heat treatment was performed using a high-power diode laser with in situ temperature and laser power control (two-color pyrometer system). For AISI P20-improved steel, the peak hardness value within the hardening zone was approximately 640 HV after laser-assisted heat treatment at a temperature of 1473 K. In other words, the hardness increased by 120% from the base metal level (290 HV). However, for AISI P21 steel, the hardness within the heat-treated zone did not change from that of the base metal (410 HV), despite being accompanied by martensite transformation. Moreover, it was clearly observed that the hardness dropped below the level of the base metal at the boundary between the heat-treated zone and the base metal region, forming a softening zone. This softening behavior was strongly related to coarsening and a looser distribution of Cu precipitates compared with that of the base metal region, despite the same matrix phase (i.e., tempered martensite) existing in the softening zone and in the base metal region.
Three-D Mineralogical Mapping of the Kovdor Phoscorite–Carbonatite Complex, NW Russia: I. Forsterite
Authors: Mikhailova Julia A. , Ivanyuk Gregory Yu. , Kalashnikov Andrey O. , Pakhomovsky Yakov A. , Bazai Ayya V. , Panikorovskii Taras L. , Yakovenchuk Victor N. , Konopleva Nataly G. , Goryainov Pavel M.
Published: June 2018

The Kovdor alkaline-ultrabasic massif (NW Russia) is formed by three consequent intrusions: peridotite, foidolite–melilitolite and phoscorite–carbonatite. Forsterite is the earliest mineral of both peridotite and phoscorite–carbonatite, and its crystallization governed evolution of magmatic systems. Crystallization of forsterite from Ca-Fe-rich peridotite melt produced Si-Al-Na-K-rich residual melt-I corresponding to foidolite–melilitolite. In turn, consolidation of foidolite and melilitolite resulted in Fe-Ca-C-P-F-rich residual melt-II that emplaced in silicate rocks as a phoscorite–carbonatite pipe. Crystallization of phoscorite began from forsterite, which launched destruction of silicate-carbonate-ferri-phosphate subnetworks of melt-II, and further precipitation of apatite and magnetite from the pipe wall to its axis with formation of carbonatite melt-III in the pipe axial zone. This petrogenetic model is based on petrography, mineral chemistry, crystal size distribution and crystallochemistry of forsterite. Marginal forsterite-rich phoscorite consists of Fe2+-Mn-Ni-Ti-rich forsterite similar to olivine from peridotite, intermediate low-carbonate magnetite-rich phoscorite includes Mg-Fe3+-rich forsterite, and axial carbonate-rich phoscorite and carbonatites contain Fe2+-Mn-rich forsterite. Incorporation of trivalent iron in the octahedral M1 and M2 sites reduced volume of these polyhedra; while volume of tetrahedral set has not changed. Thus, trivalent iron incorporates into forsterite by schema (3Fe2+)oct → (2Fe3+ + □)oct that reflects redox conditions of the rock formation resulting in good agreement between compositions of apatite, magnetite, calcite and forsterite.
Upregulation of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases 1a1 and 1a7 Are Involved in Altered Puerarin Pharmacokinetics in Type II Diabetic Rats
Authors: Dong Songtao , Zhang Maofan , Niu Huimin , Jiang Kunyu , Jiang Jialei , Ma Yinglin , Wang Xin , Meng Shengnan
Published: June 2018

Puerarin is an isoflavonoid extracted from Pueraria lobata roots, and displays a broad range of pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic activity. However, information about the pharmacokinetics of puerarin in diabetics is scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the difference in pharmacokinetic effects of puerarin in normal rats and rats with diabetes mellitus (DM), and the mechanism involved. DM was induced by a combined high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Plasma concentrations of puerarin in DM, HFD, and control rats were determined after intravenous (20 mg/kg) and oral administration (500 mg/kg) of puerarin, and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels of Ugt1a1 and Ugt1a7 in rat livers and intestines were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The area under the concentration–time curve and the clearance of puerarin in the DM rats statistically differed from those in the control rats (p <0.05) with both administration routes. The hepatic and intestinal gene and protein expressions of Ugt1a1 and Ugt1a7 were significantly increased in the DM rats (p <0.05). Therefore, the metabolic changes in diabetes could alter the pharmacokinetics of puerarin. This change could be caused by upregulated uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase activity, which may enhance puerarin clearance, and alter its therapeutic effects.
Personalized Nutrition—Genes, Diet, and Related Interactive Parameters as Predictors of Cancer in Multiethnic Colorectal Cancer Families
Authors: Shiao S. , Grayson James , Lie Amanda , Yu Chong
Published: June 2018

To personalize nutrition, the purpose of this study was to examine five key genes in the folate metabolism pathway, and dietary parameters and related interactive parameters as predictors of colorectal cancer (CRC) by measuring the healthy eating index (HEI) in multiethnic families. The five genes included methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 and 1298, methionine synthase (MTR) 2756, methionine synthase reductase (MTRR 66), and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) 19bp, and they were used to compute a total gene mutation score. We included 53 families, 53 CRC patients and 53 paired family friend members of diverse population groups in Southern California. We measured multidimensional data using the ensemble bootstrap forest method to identify variables of importance within domains of genetic, demographic, and dietary parameters to achieve dimension reduction. We then constructed predictive generalized regression (GR) modeling with a supervised machine learning validation procedure with the target variable (cancer status) being specified to validate the results to allow enhanced prediction and reproducibility. The results showed that the CRC group had increased total gene mutation scores compared to the family members (p < 0.05). Using the Akaike’s information criterion and Leave-One-Out cross validation GR methods, the HEI was interactive with thiamine (vitamin B1), which is a new finding for the literature. The natural food sources for thiamine include whole grains, legumes, and some meats and fish which HEI scoring included as part of healthy portions (versus limiting portions on salt, saturated fat and empty calories). Additional predictors included age, as well as gender and the interaction of MTHFR 677 with overweight status (measured by body mass index) in predicting CRC, with the cancer group having more men and overweight cases. The HEI score was significant when split at the median score of 77 into greater or less scores, confirmed through the machine-learning recursive tree method and predictive modeling, although an HEI score of greater than 80 is the US national standard set value for a good diet. The HEI and healthy eating are modifiable factors for healthy living in relation to dietary parameters and cancer prevention, and they can be used for personalized nutrition in the precision-based healthcare era.
Skeletal Muscle Metabolism in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy—Implications for Therapies
Authors: Heydemann Ahlke
Published: June 2018

The interactions between nutrition and metabolism and skeletal muscle have long been known. Muscle is the major metabolic organ—it consumes more calories than other organs—and therefore, there is a clear need to discuss these interactions and provide some direction for future research areas regarding muscle pathologies. In addition, new experiments and manuscripts continually reveal additional highly intricate, reciprocal interactions between metabolism and muscle. These reciprocal interactions include exercise, age, sex, diet, and pathologies including atrophy, hypoxia, obesity, diabetes, and muscle myopathies. Central to this review are the metabolic changes that occur in the skeletal muscle cells of muscular dystrophy patients and mouse models. Many of these metabolic changes are pathogenic (inappropriate body mass changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and increased Ca2+) and others are compensatory (increased phosphorylated AMP activated protein kinase (pAMPK), increased slow fiber numbers, and increased utrophin). Therefore, reversing or enhancing these changes with therapies will aid the patients. The multiple therapeutic targets to reverse or enhance the metabolic pathways will be discussed. Among the therapeutic targets are increasing pAMPK, utrophin, mitochondrial number and slow fiber characteristics, and inhibiting reactive oxygen species. Because new data reveals many additional intricate levels of interactions, new questions are rapidly arising. How does muscular dystrophy alter metabolism, and are the changes compensatory or pathogenic? How does metabolism affect muscular dystrophy? Of course, the most profound question is whether clinicians can therapeutically target nutrition and metabolism for muscular dystrophy patient benefit? Obtaining the answers to these questions will greatly aid patients with muscular dystrophy.
Parallel Evolution of Host-Attachment Proteins in Phage PP01 Populations Adapting to Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Akusobi Chidiebere , Chan Benjamin K. , Williams Elizabeth S.C.P. , Wertz John E. , Turner Paul E.
Published: June 2018

The emergence of antibiotic resistance has sparked interest in phage therapy, which uses virulent phages as antibacterial agents. Bacteriophage PP01 has been studied for potential bio-control of Escherichia coli O157:H7, its natural host, but in the laboratory, PP01 can be inefficient at killing this bacterium. Thus, the goal of this study was to improve the therapeutic potential of PP01 through short-term experimental evolution. Four replicate populations of PP01 were serially passaged 21 times on non-evolving E. coli O157:H7 with the prediction that the evolved phage populations would adsorb faster and more efficiently kill the host bacteria. Dead-cell adsorption assays and in vitro killing assays confirmed that evolved viruses improved their adsorption ability on E. coli O157:H7, and adapted to kill host bacteria faster than the wildtype ancestor. Sequencing of candidate tail-fiber genes revealed that the phage populations evolved in parallel; the lineages shared two point mutations in gp38 that encodes a host recognition protein, and surprisingly shared a ~600 bp deletion in gp37 that encodes the distal tail fibers. In contrast, no mutations were observed in the gp12 gene encoding PP01’s short tail fibers. We discuss the functional role of the observed mutations, including the possible adaptive role of the evolved deletions. This study demonstrates how experimental evolution can be used to select for viral traits that improve phage attack of an important bacterial pathogen, and that the molecular targets of selection include loci contributing to cell attachment and phage virulence.
Religious Commitment, Subjective Income, and Satisfaction towards the Functioning of Democracy in Latin America. A Mediation Analysis Model Based on Latinobarómetro
Authors: Barredo Ibáñez Daniel
Published: June 2018

Religion and politics in Latin America maintain a close relation that, along with a historical background in European colonization, remains in force through both being institutionalized in some political parties or ideologies, and diluted in the societies that make up this region. This paper examines the relation between three variables: religious commitment, subjective income, and satisfaction toward the functioning of Latin American democracies. To do so, we have constructed a hypothetical model based on a mediation analysis of 20,204 surveys that were collected by Latinobarómetro in 2016. The results confirm the existence of an indirect positive effect that is motivated by religious commitment, and mediates between perceived income and being satisfied with democracy in Latin America. In other words, as the respondents recognize that they have a greater subjective income and a greater religious commitment, they will probably manifest greater satisfaction toward the functioning of democracy. Such behavior highlights the referential nature of the religious experience by contributing to the emotional reinforcement of the social context perceived by Latin Americans.
Youth Unemployment and Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Embodiment
Authors: Huegaerts Kelly , Spruyt Bram , Vanroelen Christophe
Published: June 2018

Background: This study investigates the association between forms of capital and mental health among unemployed youth, with a specific focus on the mediating role of feelings of deprivation and self-esteem as “mechanisms of embodiment”. Methods: The study is based on a primary data collection among unemployed Brussels youth in the transition from education to employment (2015; 18- to 29-year-olds; N = 1151). Multi-group Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to explore the association between forms of capital, mechanisms of embodiment and mental health. Results: Our results show that different forms of capital are related to the mental health of unemployed youth. These associations are partly mediated by feelings of deprivation and self-esteem. Clear gender differences in these relations are found. Conclusions: The results of this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the mental health situation during the transition from education to employment, by showing how “subjective mechanisms” are explaining the relations between “objective resources” and mental health.
The Generative Potential of Tensions within Belgian Agroecology
Authors: Stassart Pierre Marie , Crivits Maarten , Hermesse Julie , Tessier Louis , Van Damme Julie , Dessein Joost
Published: June 2018

Food crises and ecologization have given rise to a Belgian dynamic that does not behave according to the conventional tripod of agroecology: practitioners, social movement, and scientists. Instead of simply recounting the history of Belgian agroecology, the authors trace the history and dynamics in Belgium), a journey along six strands that weave themselves into a Belgian tapestry: Genetically modified crop commandos, a scientific paradigm shift, hybrid expertise opening the Northern route that intersects with a Southern political route, an original non-institutional dynamic in the French-speaking part of Belgium and an institutional initiative that led to a rift in Flanders. In the following section, we identify, emerging from those six strands, four tensions that create a space of innovations, namely, politically differentiated discourses, land access, fair price, and epistemic tensions. We discuss then the generative potential of the 4 tensions and describe the potential of reconfigurations generated by boundaries organizations, food justice and transdisciplinarity. We conclude that the concept of agroecology continues to have transformative potential in Belgium today. However, no one can predict the course of such a largely non-institutional dynamic.
Land Eco-Security Assessment Based on the Multi-Dimensional Connection Cloud Model
Authors: Liu Qiuyan , Wang Mingwu , Wang Xiao , Shen Fengqiang , Jin Juliang
Published: June 2018

The evaluation of land eco-security is challenging because it is involved with various uncertainty factors. Although the normal cloud model provides an idea for dealing with the randomness and fuzziness of indicators for the evaluation of land eco-security, it cannot simulate the distribution state of the evaluation indicators in a finite interval and their calculation process is complicated for multi-factor problems. Herein, a novel multi-dimensional connection cloud model is discussed to remedy these defects. In this model, combined with the range of evaluation factors in each grade, the identity-discrepancy-contrary principle of set pair theory is adopted to determine the digital characteristics of the multi-dimensional cloud model, which can uniformly describe the certainty and uncertainty relationships between the measured indices and the evaluation criteria and also improve the fuzzy-randomness of evaluation indicators closer to the actual distribution characteristics. The case study and the comparison of the proposed model with the normal cloud model and the matter element model were performed to confirm the validity and reliability of the proposed model. Results show that this model can overcome the subjectivity in determining the digital characteristics of the normal cloud model, providing a novel method for the comprehensive evaluation of land eco-security.
Performance Evaluation on Intellectual Property Rights Policy System of the Renewable Energy in China
Authors: Gao Xing , Zhai Keyu
Published: June 2018

With the intensive consumption and price rising of traditional fossil fuels, the development and utilization of renewable energy has attracted worldwide attention. Meanwhile, due to enhanced energy constraints and increasingly grim greenhouse gases, many countries all over the world have been developing renewable energy technologies to promote sustainable growth economically. Intellectual property rights (IPR) policy linked to renewable energy provides institutional guarantee for the development of renewable energy industry and technology. This study works to test the performance of IPR policies of renewable energy industry in China. We employed Cobb-Douglas production function and built on a quantitative policy indicator measurement system over the period from 2004 to 2013 to evaluate the impact of IPR policy of renewable energy industry on innovation and market development in China, which provides an all-round study on the IPR system by clearing up all IPR policy system that is related to the renewable energy industry. The results of Multiple Regression Models indicated that the current IPR policy of renewable energy industry are disconnected from China’s reality because the innovation ability of the renewable energy industry has not been improved rapidly and that both the market transformation ability and market prospect of new energy technology patents are weak.
Perceived Usage Potential of Fast-Charging Locations
Authors: Krause Julia , Ladwig Stefan , Saupp Lotte , Horn Denis , Schmidt Alexander , Schwalm Maximilian
Published: June 2018

Fast-charging infrastructure with charging time of 20–30 min can help minimizing current perceived limitations of electric vehicles, especially considering the unbalanced and incomprehensive distribution of charging options combined with a long perceived charging time. Positioned on optimal location from user and business perspective, the technology is assumed to help increasing the usage of an electric vehicle (EV). Considering the user perspectives, current and potential EV users were interviewed in two different surveys about optimal fast-charging locations depending on travel purposes and relevant location criteria. The obtained results show that customers prefer to rather charge at origins and destinations than during the trip. For longer distances, charging locations on axes with attractive points of interest are also considered as optimal. From the business model point of view, fast-charging stations at destinations are controversial. The expensive infrastructure and the therefore needed large number of charging sessions are in conflict with the comparatively time consuming stay.
Numerical analysis of single-point spectroscopy curves used in photo-carrier dynamics measurements by Kelvin probe force microscopy under frequency-modulated excitation
Authors: Fernández Garrillo Pablo A , Grévin Benjamin , Borowik Łukasz
Published: June 2018

In recent years, the investigation of the complex interplay between the nanostructure and photo-transport mechanisms has become of crucial importance for the development of many emerging photovoltaic technologies. In this context, Kelvin probe force microscopy under frequency-modulated excitation has emerged as a useful technique for probing photo-carrier dynamics and gaining access to carrier lifetime at the nanoscale in a wide range of photovoltaic materials. However, some aspects about the data interpretation of techniques based on this approach are still the subject of debate, for example, the plausible presence of capacitance artifacts. Special attention shall also be given to the mathematical model used in the data-fitting process as it constitutes a determining aspect in the calculation of time constants. Here, we propose and demonstrate an automatic numerical simulation routine that enables to predict the behavior of spectroscopy curves of the average surface photovoltage as a function of a frequency-modulated excitation source in photovoltaic materials, enabling to compare simulations and experimental results. We describe the general aspects of this simulation routine and we compare it against experimental results previously obtained using single-point Kelvin probe force microscopy under frequency-modulated excitation over a silicon nanocrystal solar cell, as well as against results obtained by intensity-modulated scanning Kelvin probe microscopy over a polymer/fullerene bulk heterojunction device. Moreover, we show how this simulation routine can complement experimental results as additional information about the photo-carrier dynamics of the sample can be gained via the numerical analysis.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF GEOMETRICAL PARAMETERS ON THE VORTEX SEPARATION PHENOMENON INSIDE A RANQUE-HILSCH VORTEX TUBE USED AS AN AIR SEPARATOR IN A HELICOPTER’S ENGINE
Authors: Bazgir Adib , Nabhani Nader
Published: June 2018

Air separators are fitted to helicopter engine intakes to remove potentially harmful dust from the influent air. Their use is necessary in desert environments to eliminate the risk of rapid engine wear and subsequent power deterioration. However, their employment is concomitant with an inherent loss in inlet pressure and, in some cases, auxiliary power. There are three main technologies: vortex tubes, barrier filters, and integrated inlet particle separators. In this work, a vortex tube is investigated numerically. The study was conducted on the number and axial angle of inlet nozzles. Two and three-dimensional models are investigated at a steady state condition then the standard k-ε turbulence model is utilised for determining the flow and temperature fields. The finite volume method base on a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model is verified through the comparison with experimental data and numerical results of a vortex tube, reported in literature sources. Increasing the number of inlet nozzles, increases the sensitivity of the temperature reduction and the highest possible temperature reduction can be obtained. A vortex tube with an axial angle inlet nozzle of yields better performance. The numerical simulation results indicated that the CFD model is capable of predicting the vortex separation phenomenon inside a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube with different geometrical parameters.
Selected models and internal structure of Capability Planning Process
Authors: Baxa Fabian
Published: June 2018

Since the 1st release of an internal ministerial norm guiding planning processes of activities and development within the Czech Ministry of Defence (MOD) presuming existence of Capability Planning Methodology, this document has not been established. This article offers selected theoretical starting points and, on their basis, it outlines possible a ministerial process tree focused on the capability process as a ground for its definition within Czech MOD conditions. Further in a framework of an added value model proposes possible internal structure of above mentioned process down to sub-processes level with justification of their purpose and mutual links. Formulating mentioned attributes of the capability planning process this article makes a contribution to set up this process within the Czech MOD.
Experiment in the Military Domain
Authors: Hodický Jan
Published: June 2018

The article deals with the experimentation in the military domain. It is anchored by the experiment explanation in the NATO context paying special attention to the capability development. Basic principles and terminology of design, execution and analysis is discussed in the following part employing 5W approach. The main focus is aimed at the experiments' examples from the NATO and Nations environment. The article is closed by the explanation of the role of the experiment in the decision making process under the uncertainty in the complex environment.
Optimization of Lessons Learned Process and the Importance of Personnel Development in this Domain
Authors: Kosecová Janka , Saibert Richard
Published: June 2018

The authors present the results of the research on the Lessons Learned process applied within the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. The main purpose of the article is to introduce the proposal of the process optimization to readers. The paper describes the process in detail, and this description is used to identify procedural shortcomings exploiting the process analysis method in terms of factual and logical accuracy of the process. The following part of the article presents the results of the comparative analysis of the chosen Lessons Learned processes. The result of the comparative analysis allows authors to make in an innovative way suitable recommendations for optimizing the current state of the whole process of Lessons Learned. Based on the analysis of the educational programs, the paper proposes to include the subject of the Lessons Learned process into the learning outcomes, especially from the perspective of competency based approach to education.
Evaluation of Education Quality
Authors: Kroulík Jan
Published: June 2018

Within the context of evaluation system of education quality in career courses that are organized at the Center for Security and Military Strategic Studies of the University of Defence in Brno, the article deals with course evaluation questionnaires. It demonstrates benefits of introducing online questionnaires, and a persistence of responses sets that are invalid in terms of internal imbalance. To filter out this undesirable natural phenomenon, a method was proposed for determining the consistency of responses sets. The outcomes lead to the goal to enhance quality as well as quantity of responses to evaluation questionnaires. In terms of quality, the intention is to continue filtering out invalid responses sets using the proposed method. In terms of quantity, the intention is to motivate the course participants to fill the evaluation questionnaire by dividing it in parts, so that they can experience the changes based on their responses yet during their course.
Poa laegaardiana, a new species from Ecuador (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae, Poinae)
Authors: Peterson Paul M. , Soreng Robert J.
Published: June 2018

Poalaegaardianasp. nov., is described and illustrated. The new species was found growing on sandy, volcanic soil in Festuca-Calamagrostis dominated grasslands southwest of Ambato and 2.2 km from Fecundo Vela in Provincia de Bolivar. The new species is morphologically similar to Poagigantea but differs in having glumes 3/4 to 7/8 as long as the adjacent lemmas, a callus with a sparse, short, dorsal tuft of woolly hairs, culms 50–72 cm tall and spikelets 4.1–4.8 mm long. In addition, we include a key to the narrow-spikelike panicled species of Poa in Ecuador.
PhytoKeys at 100: progress in sustainability, innovation, and speed to enhance publication in plant systematics
Authors: Kress W. John , Knapp Sandra , Stoev Pavel , Penev Lyubomir
Published: June 2018

  
Heuristics as Mental Shortcuts in Evaluating Interactive Systems
Authors: Singun Amando, Jr. Pimentel
Published: June 2018

Heuristics refer to the specific “rules-of-thumb” discovered from knowledge or experience which can simplify the complexity of making judgments. Heuristics are mental shortcuts to draw conclusions when evaluating interactive systems. In this study, a set of heuristics had been discovered by end-users while developing a series of prototypes of a test blueprint system. This study suggests that the design process of an interactive system should cater to the following two (2) components, namely: technical heuristics and specialized domain heuristics. Heuristics from these components should be the emphasis during the evaluation of the interactive system that has been designed using a user-centered paradigm of development called the Interaction Design Model (IDM).
Game-Based Learning while Research Activities of Engineering Students
Authors: Bychkov Petr , Zabrodina Irina , Netesova Maria Vitalievna , Mapelli Carlo
Published: June 2018

This work describes the experience of Tomsk Polytechnic University in involving students in scientific research. The involvement is to be achieved by including scientific research elements into laboratory class programs, game-based learning, conducting laboratory classes in real-life scientific research facilities, including "Scientific research work for students" into Bachelor's curriculum (starting the second grade) and other actions. The experience described should be considered a success, as over the last decade the number of Bachelor's graduates at TPU willing to pursue the Master's degree (and then do postgraduate studies) has multiplied. The competition for enrolling into postgraduate studies has increased as well.
Moray: Bridging an Ancient Culture of Innovation with Emerging Pedagogies in Engineering
Authors: Cornejo Melanie Gisela , O'Hara Brian , Tarazona-Vasquez Francisco , Barrios Francisca , Power Mauricio
Published: June 2018

From its inception, Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC) has functioned under the mandate of causing a disruptive effect in society by educating a new generation of holistic engineers bound to become empowered change agents. The university has recently embarked on a radical transformation of its educational model, in order to deliver this promise. A flexible curriculum provides students not only with a strong STHEAM backbone imparted in a student-centered active-learning format, but also exposes them to real engineering challenges and promotes the acquisition of professional skills from the onset. For this change to be implemented successfully, UTEC has decided to design and launch a Laboratory for Educational Innovation, called Moray. Conceived as an open platform, Moray sits at the intersection of physical and virtual spaces and is organized around flexible protocols that allow faculty, students, staff, and experts from top universities worldwide to work interdisciplinarily and collaboratively, towards the enhancement of teaching and learning dynamics in higher education.
Managing Human Factors Related Risks. The Advanced Training Model in Dangerous Goods Transport on Roads
Authors: Janno Jelizaveta , Koppel Ott
Published: June 2018

This paper studies the methodological essence of dangerous goods (DG) training courses for drivers and dangerous goods safety advisers (DGSA). The aim of the research is to advance existing teacher-centered course model in Estonia with learner-centered methods that best suit specific objectives and meet expected learning outcomes, as well as to improve DG training model with the integrated use of interactive teaching methods.

The paper presents a qualitative development research strategy based on studies regarding ADR regulations training courses in Estonia as well as on the analysis of teaching methods applied in the professional training of adults. The data is collected in two steps: firstly by implementing questionnaires for consignors/ consignees, freight forwarders carrier companies and drivers, secondly during in-depth interviews/ focus group meeting with DG regulations training companies’ providers. Implementing methodology of qualitative comparison analysis (QCA) combination of best suitable teaching methods is identified. After following in-depth interviews and performing a focus group, these combinations are further used as input for developing existing course model with integrated use of blended learning alternatives, where digital media meets with traditional classroom meth-ods. Results of this research contribute coming up with interactive methodological approach within ADR regulations training courses that meet the best trainees’ expectations and fulfills the risk management aim.
Collaborative Learning with Sustainability-driven Projects: A Summary of the EPS@ISEP Programme
Authors: Silva Manuel Fernando , Malheiro Benedita , Guedes Pedro , Duarte Abel , Ferreira Paulo
Published: June 2018

This paper describes the collaborative learning environment, aligned with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, provided by the European Project Semester (EPS). EPS is a one semester capstone project programme offered by eighteen European engineering schools as part of their student ex-change programme portfolio. In this international programme, students are organized in teams, grouping individuals from diverse academic backgrounds and nationalities. The teams, after choosing a project proposal, become fully responsible for the conduction of their projects. By default, project proposals refer to open multidisciplinary real problems. The purpose of the project is to expose students to problems of a greater dimension and complexity than those faced throughout the degree programme as well as to put them in con-tact with the so-called real world, in opposition to the academic world. EPS provides an integrated framework for undertaking capstone projects, which is focused on multicultural and multidisciplinary teamwork, communication, problem-solving, creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship, ethical reasoning and global contextual analysis. Specifically, the design and development of sustainable systems for growing food allow students not only to reach the described objectives, but to foster sustainable development practices. As a re-sult, we recommend the adoption of this category of projects within EPS for the benefit of engineering students and of the society as a whole.
Promoting PBL Through an Active Learning Model and the Use of Rapid Prototyping Resources
Authors: Castelan Jovani , Bard Rosemere Damasio
Published: June 2018

This paper aims to present an active learning model for the implementation of in-novative teaching-learning practices in Higher Education, based on Active Learn-ing Methodologies by highlighting especially, PBL – Problem Based Learning using Rapid Prototyping devices. In order to apply PBL’s methodology to the courses, an implementation model with four levels of implementation was devel-oped. Each level has four class attributes, which are the problem’s scope, student autonomy, teaching role and classroom space-time. The obtained results show that the students demonstrate higher levels of interest, participation, and involve-ment with classmates, motivation and content’s perennial assimilation. With the application of these methodologies, skills required by job market, such as team-work, relationship, collaboration, proactivity and entrepreneurship are also devel-oped.
The making of “Nok terracotta”
Authors: Breunig Peter , Ameje James
Published: June 2018

Les fameuses terres cuites de la culture nok du Nigéria central représentent le plus ancien art figuratif de l’Afrique subsaharienne. Cet article décrit la reproduction d’une telle terre cuite par un artisan nigérian. Les aspects techniques – préparation de l’argile, outillage, déroulement de la fabrication –, ainsi que la conception claire du produit fini et des différentes étapes que l’artiste a en tête pendant tout le façonnement sont particulièrement intéressants.
mClass Planet of the Apps
Authors: Mentor Dominic
Published: June 2018

This chapter introduces how mobile devices can be used on a personal and macro level for professional development. The chapter also covers theories posited for practical applications from pedagogy and andragogy perspectives. There are multiple layers of considerations in terms of context, content, and collaboration factors to optimize mobile learning. There are more mobile devices in the world than people, and more than three quarters of the world's population already has some type of mobile phone, making it the most wide-spread technology and most common electronic device in people's hands. Un-tapping this ubiquitous technology creates a wide array of educational possibilities. Hence, a mobile first learning design is crucial in organizational leadership and professional development, to help bridge the gap between personal lives, schools, colleges, and the workplace. Furthering the concept of learning is everywhere as a natural segue for ownership of learning and engagement.
A Roadmap for Developing Computer-Mediated Solutions for Situated Workforce Learning
Authors: Bednar Edward
Published: June 2018

With perceptual capabilities, computers can intelligently function as a part of our everyday lives, helping us to make sense of what is happening and joining in with us as we experience and navigate through many different types of situations. In this way, computing systems can be situated when they combine machine perception with background knowledge to observe, explore, and interpret human and environmental activity in a way that supports decision making. Many of the current, prominent situated computing solutions are consumer-focused in nature. But these systems will, in time, change the way we work as well as how we learn. Many disciplines are adapting and changing in the process, and many opportunities remain, including the use of situated computing systems for workforce education. There are many opportunities to innovate and improve workforce education by leveraging the power and affordances of mobile-device technology to turn everyday situations into everyday learning opportunities.
Cyberbullying
Authors: Wright Michelle F. , Harper Bridgette D.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this literature review is to describe youths' involvement in cyberbullying. The term “youths” refers to individuals in elementary school, middle school, and high school. The chapter begins by providing a description of cyberbullying and the definition of cyberbullying. The next section describes the characteristics and risk factors associated with youths' involvement in cyberbullying. The third section focuses on the psychological, social, behavioral, and academic difficulties associated with youths' involvement in cyberbullying. The chapter concludes with recommendations for schools and parents as well as recommendations for future research. The chapter draws on research utilizing quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, cross-sectional, longitudinal, and cross-sequential designs, and those from various disciplines, including psychology, communication, media studies, sociology, social work, and computer science.
Virtual Happiness
Authors: Brkljačić Tihana , Lipovčan Ljiljana Kaliterna , Prizmić-Larsen Zvjezdana
Published: June 2018

This chapter examines characteristics of information and communication technology (ICT) and face-to-face communication and their associations with subjective wellbeing among students. The participants were N=500 students who reported average time they spent in face-to-face (FtF) and ICT communications. They also reported dominant communication in two types of communication contexts (communication purpose and persons involved in communication) and estimated their happiness and life satisfaction. Students spent more time in FtF communication than in ICT. Those who spent more time in FtF communication with friends were happier and more satisfied with their lives. FtF communication was dominant when meeting new people, for personal talk, and for flirting, while ICT communication was dominant for casual and informative chat. Students most frequently communicated with close persons FtF. Students who use dominantly FtF communication for personal talk and with people from their private lives (i.e., parents, friends, partners) were happier and more satisfied with their lives.
The Employee as a Human Resource
Authors: Porth Stephen J. , McCall John J.
Published: June 2018

In this chapter, the authors offer advice to business faculty at Catholic colleges and universities about how a robust and realistic conception of the human person can inform their teaching. This research can support faculty of mission-driven schools of business as they seek to operationalize the implications of the religious affiliation of their institutions. The authors begin by sketching the evolution of management theory over the last century and how theory has changed to represent a fuller and more accurate account of the nature of persons in organizations. They show how the consistent prescriptions of more than a century of Catholic social thought (CST) parallel those now offered by management scholarship. The authors note, however, that though the content of the advice coming from these respective traditions of thought has converged, the grounds of that advice continue to differ in important ways. They conclude by recommending that business faculty embrace and adopt the conception of the person now largely shared between CST and contemporary management theory.
Clinical Costing Standards
Authors: Ma Ronald
Published: June 2018

Standards are part of our lives. Clinical costing is no exception in this regard. Clinical costing standards are published documents comprising specifications and procedures to build consistent datasets for statutory purposes. The Independent Hospital Pricing Authority publishes and updates Australian Hospital Patient Costing Standards. The standards ensure compatibility and credibility. The standards formulate a consistent and transparent way to process costing. Compliance represents the production of reliable information which could be compared locally, nationally, and internationally. Health professionals could utilize these standards-compliant datasets for testing clinical guidelines for patient safety, developing patient classification systems for counting clinical services, and setting national efficient price for public hospital funding. The ultimate goal is to improve healthcare delivery in an equitable way and reduce human suffering.
Revenue Allocation
Authors: Ma Ronald
Published: June 2018

Until now, the revenue allocation of a hospital service has not received sufficient attention. Previous research done on this subject overlooked the details of revenue streams in the activity-based funding environment and has not introduced any technical dimension faced by new clinical costers. On the other hand, clinical costers (who manage clinical costing database) have a strong aversion to talking about revenue, because of the exclusion of revenue data collection and submission for most funding authorities. Clinical costing also tries to prevent revenue information from influencing on cost allocation methods. That makes research on this subject extremely difficult. However, the chapter uses a language called “revenue is an integral part of clinical costing” as an alternative way to explore this subject, including fine technical details. The benefits of investing in the revenue allocation process seem to exceed its cost, since the cost, revenue, and clinical outcomes could be analyzed in toto for delivering information on safety and quality of care.
Managing Activity-Based Funding Using Costing Data and Activity-Based Budgets
Authors: Cole Stephen A.
Published: June 2018

This chapter will show how detailed information from an activity-based costing (ABC) system can be used to support activity-based funding (ABF) by providing management with a detailed perspective of the activity and how it can be used to internally model the allocation of target activity to build an activity-based budget (ABB). By building a set of internal cost weights based on ABC data, this chapter will show how activity forecast in a funding agreement can be broken up and applied to the individual cost centers that contributed to the activity in the current year. Building an ABB provides an evidence base for the overarching hospital budget and encourages the adoption of a focus on efficiency by hospital departments.
Health Economic Implications of Complications Associated With Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Wang Jason , Weinberg Laurence
Published: June 2018

Clinical costing is a powerful tool to bridge the disconnect between financial and clinical information, and is an ideal platform to conduct research aimed at informing value-based clinical decision making. This chapter will provide an example of the utility of activity-based costing to elucidate the costs of complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy, a high acuity procedure with high costs. It will show the significance of clear clinical costing in targeting cost containment in a tertiary hospital environment.
The Integration of an Extra-Corporal Life Support (ECLS) Service at Austin Health
Authors: Ballueer Yvonne
Published: June 2018

Extra-corporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also known as extracorporeal life support (ECLS), is a globally established treatment option in modern intensive care medicine for patients suffering from severe but reversible respiratory and/or cardiac failure. If refractory to other advanced treatment options, early instatement of ECLS therapy is closely associated with reduced mortality and improved long-term patient outcome. ECLS, in many ways, has replaced other, less effective treatments and future modelling predicts increased demand. ECLS has routinely and successfully been applied to neonates and pediatrics for many years. This field study however will exhibit focus only on the viability of the introduction of ECLS therapy in the Victorian adult population at Austin Health.