bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transplantation of GABAergic Cells Derived from Bioreactor-Expanded Human Neural Precursor Cells Restores Motor and Cognitive Behavioral Deficits in a Rodent Model of Huntington's Disease
Authors: McLeod Marcus C. , Kobayashi Nao R. , Sen Arindom , Baghbaderani Behnam A. , Sadi Damaso , Ulalia Ruperto , Behie Leo A. , Mendez Ivar
Published: April 2013

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by progressive dementia, choreiform involuntary movements, and emotional deterioration. Neuropathological features include the progressive degeneration of striatal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons. New therapeutic approaches, such as the transplantation of human neural precursor cells (hNPCs) to replace damaged or degenerated cells, are currently being investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for utilizing telencephalic hNPCs expanded in suspension bioreactors for cell restorative therapy in a rodent model of HD. hNPCs were expanded in a hydrodynamically controlled and homogeneous environment under serum-free conditions. In vitro analysis revealed that the bioreactor-expanded telencephalic (BET)-hNPCs could be differentiated into a highly enriched population of GABAergic neurons. Behavioral assessments of unilateral striatal quinolinic acid-lesioned rodents revealed a significant improvement in motor and memory deficits following transplantation with GABAergic cells differentiated from BET-hNPCs. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that transplanted BET-hNPCs retained a GABAergic neuronal phenotype without aberrant transdifferentiation or tumor formation, indicating that BET-hNPCs are a safe source of cells for transplantation. This preclinical study has important implications as the transplantation of GABAergic cells derived from predifferentiated BET-hNPCs may be a safe and feasible cell replacement strategy to promote behavioral recovery in HD.
Angiogenesis following Cell Injection is Induced by an Excess Inflammatory Response Coordinated by Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: Hattori Hidemi , Amano Yoshiko , Habu-Ogawa Yoshiko , Ando Takahiro , Takase Bonpei , Ishihara Masayuki
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to identify novel angiogenic mechanisms underlying the regenerative process. To that end, interactions between adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) and bone marrow cells (BMCs) were initially investigated using real-time fluorescence optical imaging. To monitor cell behavior in mice, we injected green fluorescent protein-positive (GFP+) BMCs into the tail vein and injected PKH26-labeled ASCs behind the ears. Angiogenesis and inflammation were observed at these sites via an optical imaging probe. Injected GFP+BMCs migrated from the blood vessels into the tissues surrounding the ASC injection sites. Many of the migrating GFP+BMCs discovered at the ASC injection sites were inflammatory cells, including Gr-1+, CD11b+, and F4/80+cells. ASCs cocultured with inflammatory cells secreted increased levels of chemokines such as macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, keratinocyte-derived chemokines, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1. Similarly, these ASCs secreted increased levels of angiogenic growth factors such as hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. However, when anti-CXC chemokine receptor type 4 antibody was injected at regular intervals, the migration of GFP+BMCs (especially Gr-1+and CD11b+cells) to ASC injection sites was inhibited, as was angiogenesis. The collective influence of the injected ASCs and BMC-derived inflammatory cells promoted acute inflammation and angiogenesis. Together, the results suggest that the outcome of cell-based angiogenic therapy is influenced not only by the injected cells but also by the effect of intrinsic inflammatory cells.
Evation of High-Mobility Group Box 1 after Clinical Autologous Islet Transplantation and Its Inverse Correlation with Outcomes
Authors: Itoh Takeshi , Iwahashi Shuichi , Kanak Mazhar A. , Shimoda Masayuki , Takita Morihito , Chujo Daisuke , Tamura Yoshiko , Rahman Ana M. , Chung Wen Y. , Onaca Nicholas , Coates P. Toby H. , Dennison Ashley R. , Naziruddin Bashoo , Levy Marlon F. , Matsumoto Shinichi
Published: April 2013

A major problem after clinical autologous islet transplantation (AIT) is the difficulty in achieving insulin independence. To follow up on our demonstration in a murine model that high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was released from islets and involved in early loss of transplanted islets, we tested the role of HMGB1 in clinical AIT. Serum HMGB1 levels from 15 AIT patients were significantly elevated during islet infusion (7.6 ± 1.2 ng/ml) and 24 h after infusion (8.0 ± 1.4 ng/ml) compared to admission levels (2.4 ± 0.6 ng/ml). The first elevation of HMGB1 was associated with islet damage, but the later elevation was not. The change in the HMGB1 level from admission to first peak (ΔHMGB1) was significantly higher in the AIT group (8.1 ± 1.1 ng/ml) than in the pancreatectomy-only control (2.2 ± 0.5 ng/ml) ( p < 0.05). Circulating serum levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) were also elevated during islet infusion. In vitro studies demonstrated that damaged human islets released HMGB1 but not sRAGE. In terms of outcomes, the insulin-free group showed significantly lower ΔHMGB1 (5.2 ± 0.6 ng/ml) and higher ΔsRAGE (2.3 ± 0.6 ng/ml) than the insulin-dependent group (10.6 ± 1.9 ng/ml and 0.7 ± 0.2 ng/ml, respectively). The ΔHMGB1 correlated with the number of white blood cell, IP-10, EGF, and eotaxin. In conclusion, serum HMGB1 was elevated in AIT and could be associated with inflammatory reactions that deteriorate islet engraftment. Therefore, anti-HMGB1 therapy might be a candidate for further improving the outcomes of clinical AIT.
PREREQUISITES AND IMAGE OF THE PARADIGMS TO CULTURAL LANDSCAPE FORMING / KULTŪRINIO KRAŠTOVAIZDŽIO FORMAVIMO PARADIGMŲ PRIELAIDOS IR RAIŠKA
Authors: Kavaliauskas Paulius
Published: April 2013

Land management in the interests of rational optimization of spatial planning, not just a description of the existing shortcomings and problems, but also a scientifically-based provisions in the cultural landscape development and a public interest consistent with the design methodology. A complex of the regulatory paradigms for cultural landscape planning – sustainable and balanced development, geographical, architectural and optimizing – is recommended. The German and British experience in the field of landscape planning is and its potential use to improve the Lithuanian territory planning system is presented. As the landscape optimization problem expresses the aspirations of society against its structure, its decision largely depends on the intentions of the public culture, national economic development and education development level. Santrauka Racionalios kraštotvarkos interesai reikalauja optimizuoti teritorijų planavimą ne tik įvardijant esamas spragas bei problemas, bet ir turėti moksliškai pagrįstas nuostatas dėl šalies kultūrinio kraštovaizdžio raidos kelių bei priimti visuomenės interesus atitinkančią jo kūrimo metodologiją. Rekomenduojamas kultūrinio kraštovaizdžio planavimą reguliuojančių paradigmų – tvaraus vystymo, geografinės, architektūrinės ir optimizacinės – kompleksas. Įvertinama Vokietijos ir Didžiosios Britanijos patirtis kraštovaizdžio planavimo srityje ir galimas jos pritaikymas tobulinant Lietuvos teritorijos planavimo sistemą. Kultūrinio kraštovaizdžio optimalumo problema išreiškia visuomenės siekius jo struktūros atžvilgiu, todėl jos sprendimas smarkiai priklauso nuo visuomenės kultūros intencijų, krašto ekonominio išsivystymo bei mokslo pažangos.
BIODIVERSE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: FROM “GREEN DESERT” OF LAWNS TO BIOPHILIC CITIES
Authors: Ignatieva Maria , Ahrné Karin
Published: April 2013

Modern urban green infrastructures are following globalisation trends and contribute to homogenization at all levels of green areas from the master plan to the finest scale. We discuss the place and role of three principal urban living spaces, the “skeleton” of green infrastructures: lawns, green walls and green roofs. This “trio” of modern GI elements provide significant ecosystem services, it contributes to biodiversity and social values; and have environmental and economic impact. The main goal of our approach to sustainable GI is to introduce a new landscape architecture style – biodiversinesque – as an alternative to the existing global homogenised picturesque-gardenesque. This new approach will combine the best achievements of innovative and alternative landscape design solutions (biodiverse lawns, pictorial meadows, walls and green roofs) and implement them on three major scales: city, intermediate neighborhood and the small biotope level.
RESEARCHES IN THE FIELD OF PRODUCING CERAMIC TILES OF LOWER MATERIAL CAPACITY FOR INTERIOR WALL FACING
Authors: Levitskii Ivan A. , Baranceva Svetlana E. , Pozniak Anna I.
Published: April 2013

The results of researches on the increase of mechanical strength of ceramic tiles for interior wall facing on the stages of pressing and drying with the aim of decreasing their material capacity are given in the article. It is shown that introducing of aluminoborosilikate fiberglass in the raw composition insure increasing of mechanical strength of semifinished tiles on the stages of pressing and drying and optimization of technological parameters of preparation of powder and getting of ceramic tiles cause the maximum density of pressing. It is established that introduction of natural basalt promotes increase of mechanical strength at the bend of tiles after firing that provides possibility of reduction of products thickness at saving of a complexity of demanded physical and chemical properties.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE SODIUM SILICATE ADMIXTURE ON THE PUMPED CONCRETE FLOWABILITY IN PIPELINES / NATRIO SILIKATO TIRPALO PRIEDO POVEIKIS SIURBLIAIS TRANSPORTUOJAMO BETONO MIŠINIO TEKAMUMUI VAMZDŽIAIS
Authors: Daukšys Mindaugas , Skripkiūnas Gintautas , Grinys Audrius , Vaičienė Marija
Published: April 2013

In the research experimental studies of the effect sodium silicate solution (NST) and plasticizer admixtures have on concrete mixture pipe flow velocity and capacity during of the transportation of mixtures with the “S”-type valve concrete pump with two pistons where carried out. The filling time of 0.406 m3 volume foundation blocks forms of concrete mixture at different concrete mix pump supply pressures (25.5 and 68.0 bar) was measured. It was found that the addition to the mixture of NST 0.5% by weight of cement with superplasticizer based on polycarboxylic ethers, increases the flow rate of the mixture in the pipeline, and performance with a lower concrete mix pump supply pressure. With 0.5% NST of the cement mass with lignosulphonate plasticizer and reduced amount of cement in concrete mix, the flowability in pipeline with a low concrete mix pump delivery pressure (25.5 bar) is worse. With 0.5% NST of the cement mass with lignosulphonate plasticizer, using only 0/4 fraction sand, concrete mix transportation in mixture pipeline at low concrete mix pump delivery pressure (25.5 bar) is stopped. When the pump mix feed pressure is increased up to 68 bar, the mixture flows through the pipeline again. The investigation has shown that sodium silicate solution admixture interaction together with different chemical compositions plasticizers affects the mixture flowability in pipes.
Santrauka
Atliekant eksperimentinius tyrimus nustatytas natrio silikato tirpalo (NST) ir plastiklių poveikis betono mišinio tekėjimo vamzdžiu greičiui, našumui, transportuojant mišinius dviejų stūmoklių su S tipo vožtuvu betono siurbliu. Tyrimo metu matuotas 0,406 m3 tūrio pamatų blokų formų užpildymo betono mišiniu laikas, esant skirtingam betono siurblio mišinio tiekimo slėgiui – 25,5 ir 68,0 bar. Nustatyta, kad įmaišius į mišinį NST priedą 0,5% cemento masės kartu su superplastikliu polikarboksilo eterių pagrindu, pasiektas didesnis mišinio tekėjimo greitis vamzdynu ir gautas didesnis našumas esant mažesniam betono siurblio mišinio tiekimo slėgiui. Įmaišius į mišinį NST priedą 0,5% cemento masės kartu su plastikliu lignosulfonatų pagrindu ir sumažinus cemento kiekį mišinyje, betono mišinys blogai teka vamzdynu, kai betono siurblio mišinio tiekimo slėgis yra mažas – 25,5 bar. Įmaišius į mišinį NST priedą 0,5% cemento masės kartu su plastikliu lignosulfonatų pagrindu ir smulkiuoju užpildu naudojant tik 0/4 frakcijos smėlį, betono mišinys iš viso neteka mišinio transportavimo vamzdynu, esant mažam betono siurblio mišinio tiekimo slėgiui (25,5 bar). Padidinus siurblio mišinio tiekimo slėgį iki 68 bar, mišinys vėl pradeda tekėti mišinio transportavimo vamzdynu. Tyrimai parodė, kad natrio silikato tirpalo priedo sąveika su skirtingos cheminės sudėties plastikliu turi įtakos mišinio tekamumui vamzdžiais.
PROBABILITY-BASED DESIGN OF AN OPTIMAL ELASTIC–PLASTIC TRUSS / OPTIMALIOS TAMPRIAI PLASTINĖS SANTVAROS PROJEKTAVIMAS TIKIMYBINIU STATISTINIU METODU
Authors: Blaževičius Gediminas , Šalna Remigijus
Published: April 2013

According to Eurocode EN 1990 and Lithuanian Technical Regulation of Construction STR 2.05.03:2003, structures should be designed to satisfy reliability requirements. The reliability of a structure can be achieved using one of 3 methods: partial factor (PF), PF assisted by testing and direct probability-based method. When PF methods are used, the determined reliability of a structure is often greater than required; therefore the direct probability methods allow a more cost-efficient design. The reviewed literature suggests that even greater economical effect can be achieved by combining probability-based design methods with optimization. Unfortunately, the literature presents very few such methodologies. This article focuses on an optimal design of a truss under variable repeated loading at shakedown. The authors propose a model of a truss volume minimization problem with direct probabilistic evaluation of safety margin. The developed technique allows finding minimum volume of desirable reliability structure when loading, provided stochastic parameters are known in advance. The finite element method is applied for the discretisation of a structure. Mathematical programming is used to resolve the optimization problem. Santrauka Europos projektavimo normos EN 1990 ir Lietuvoje galiojantys statybos techniniai reglamentai STR 2.05.03:2003 reglamentuoja konstrukcijų projektavimą užtikrinant normuotąjį patikimumą. Konstrukcijos patikimumas gali būti užtikrintas trimis metodais: dalinių koeficientų (DK), DK su bandymais ir tikimybiniu informaciniu statistiniu (TIS) metodu. Taikant DK ar DK su bandymais metodus suprojektuotos konstrukcijos patikimumas dažnai viršija normuotojo patikimumo reikšmę, o tiesioginis tikimybinis projektavimas sudaro prielaidas projektuoti ekonomiškiau. Kaip rodo literatūros šaltinių analizė, pasiekti dar didesnį konstrukcijos ekonomiškumą galima jungiant TIS metodą su konstrukcijos optimizavimu. Straipsnyje pademonstruota, kad, pasitelkus nesudėtingus matematinius skaičiavimus ir pritaikius optimalaus sprendinio paieškos algoritmą, galima efektyviai projektuoti statybines konstrukcijas užtikrinant reikiamą normuotąjį patikimumą. Straipsnyje nagrinėjama kintamosios kartotinės apkrovos veikiama prisitaikanti santvara. Sudarytas tūrio minimizavimo uždavinio modelis, tiesiogiai tikimybiškai įvertinant konstrukcijos atsparumo atsargą. Iš pateikto skaitinio pavyzdžio rezultatų nustatyta, kad didžiausią įtaką optimaliam santvaros tūriui iš visų atsitiktinių dydžių turi plieno takumo įtempių kvadratinė nuokrypa. Todėl jos mažinimas yra efektyviausias būdas siekiant didesnio konstrukcijos ekonomiškumo. Konstrukcijos diskretizacijai taikomas baigtinių elementų metodas. Skaitiniam optimizavimo uždavinio sprendimui pasitelktas matematinis programavimas.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Psychiatric Residency Training Programs
Authors: Brodsky Beth S. , Stanley Barbara , Cabaniss Deborah L.
Published: April 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Contrast the clinical need for clinicians trained in the treatment of borderline personality disorder with the relative lack of residency training programs providing curricula in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

2.

List the components of the curriculum developed and implemented at Columbia University for clinical training for residents in DBT.

3.

Describe challenges associated with implementing a DBT curricula for psychiatry residents in the current graduate medical education structure.

Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the US. More than 38,000 individuals died by suicide in the US in 2010.
1
This figure, although high, reflects only a fraction of those who engage in nonlethal suicide attempts; there are estimated to be 25 suicide attempts for every completed suicide in the US.
2
The incidence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), distinguished from suicidal behavior as deliberate self-harm without the intent to die, is unknown because no large-scale epidemiologic study of this behavior has been conducted. However, in studies of psychiatric inpatients, estimates of NSSI range from 4.3% to 6.5%.
3
In studies of psychiatric inpatients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), the estimates of the prevalence of NSSI are considerably higher and NSSI is a risk factor for later suicidal behavior.
4
Suicidal risk is one of the most frequent causes of visits to the emergency department, and of psychiatric hospitalization.
5
A Theory of Social Agentivity and its Integration into the Descriptive Ontology for Linguistic and Cognitive Engineering
Authors: Robinson Edward Heath
Published: April 2013

The agentivity of social entities has posed problems for ontologies of social phenomena, especially in the Descriptive Ontology for Linguistic and Cognitive Engineering (DOLCE) designed for use in the semantic web. This article elucidates a theory by which physical and social objects can take action, but that also recognizes the different ways in which they act. It introduces the “carry” relationship, through which social actions can occur when a physical action is taken in the correct circumstances. For example, the physical action of a wave of a hand may carry the social action of saying hello when entering a room. This article shows how a system can simultaneously and in a noncontradictory manner handle statements and queries in which both nonphysical social agents and physical agents take action by the carry relationship and the use of representatives. A revision of DOLCE’s taxonomic structure of perdurants is also proposed. This revision divides perdurants into physical and nonphysical varieties at the same ontological level at which endurants are so divided.
LMS Implementation in Startup Institutions
Authors: Butakov Sergey , Solodky Oleg , Swar Bobby
Published: April 2013

The main goal of this chapter is to share experience on implementing LMS in startup institutions in developing, emerging, and developed countries. The chapter is specifically focused on startups: institutions with developing academic culture, evolving IT infrastructure and with no legacy LMS. The chapter will begin by examining current developments in LMS selection criteria and implementation success factors, highlighting the specific needs of young schools. The paper will then consider project expectations grounded to three separate cases in Nigeria, Russia, and South Korea. It will describe project dynamics for those three implementations as well as outline lessons learned. This experience can help practitioners in higher education to streamline LMS selection and implementation, to improve the sustainability of LMS projects, and to avoid common project misdirection.
Lessons Learned from a Course Management System Review at the University of Florida
Authors: Means Tawnya , Johnson Douglas , Graff Randy
Published: April 2013

In 2008-2009, the University of Florida (UF) undertook a process of selecting a new course management system (CMS) to replace the existing CMS. This chapter presents the process developed to evaluate CMS options, discusses the data gathered during that process and interesting implications of that data, and then presents broader implications of course management system adoption to inform other institutions during their own evaluation and adoption processes. This information will be of value to higher education institutions and also to instructors who may benefit by considering this discussion while looking to maximize their own use of a local CMS and/or to choose tools that enable personal learning environments, as well as other online tools to support teaching and learning.
Tools and Methodologies for Teaching Online Computer-Science Courses in LMS Environment
Authors: Riabov Vladimir V.
Published: April 2013

The author shares his experiences teaching various online computer-science courses (via the Blackboard™ and synchronous web conferencing tools) using state-of-the-art free-license software tools for conducting online virtual labs and numerous students’ projects. The labs were designed to help students explore modern, sophisticated techniques in several areas of computer science: computer-system analysis and design, programming in C/C++ and Java, software quality assurance, data communication in networking systems, computer security, system simulation and modeling, numerical analysis, image processing, multimedia applications, Web development, and database design and management. All the online courses include “warm-up” exercises and lab-based projects that provide students with knowledge, instructions, and hands-on experience, and that motivate them in selecting topics for technology overviews and research.
Web 2.0 Tools in Biomedical Education
Authors: Jesus Ângelo , Gomes Maria João
Published: April 2013

The use of Web 2.0 technology is rapidly being integrated into undergraduate and graduate education, which dramatically influences the ways learners approach and use information. Knowledge transfer has become a two-way process. Users no longer simply consume and download information from the web; they create and interact with it. Several theoretical frameworks were developed in order to discuss the possibilities of integration of Web 2.0 tools in Pharmacy, Medicine, Allied Health, Nursing and many other biomedical areas. Other studies have started gathering qualitative and quantitative evidence of the importance of Web 2.0 tools in the learning process. By performing the integrative review, this paper will provide an overview of current research in biomedical education, and elaborate on some of the potential opportunities and challenges that these applications present. We hope to give our contribution to ongoing research in this promising area.
Online Course Activities
Authors: Shaw Melanie , Walters Kelley , Kane Todd , Long David
Published: April 2013

In this case study research, data were gathered from faculty and students who have online teaching or learning experience to determine the types of assignments, activities, and assessments that are used in the online classroom. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered on diverse facets of the online classroom experience from level of education, to field of study, and Learning Management System experience. This study filled a gap in the literature of types of course activities required in online classes. This case study includes details about assignments, assessments, activities, discussions, and live sessions that instructors can use in the development of online classes.
Immersive Virtual Environments to Facilitate Authentic Education in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Authors: Reiners Torsten , Wood Lincoln C.
Published: April 2013

This chapter will cover our current research concerning developing and trialling immersive environments as an innovative and authentic approach to teaching and learning in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, incorporating seamlessly integrated assessment and feedback. Developed educational and assessment tools will allow students to demonstrate that they have successfully applied theoretical knowledge in real contexts and developed appropriate skills before entering the workforce. Greater authenticity allows students to experience different roles and exposes them to multiple business cases over supply chains that, in reality, span the globe. The project addresses the inauthentic pedagogical approaches in current classroom and distance-learning environments, and will propose a methodology that utilises existing technologies. The simulation will combine emerging technologies to represent multiple problem dimensions into one space; enabling students to observe, engage, interact, and participate in self-guided or group-based learning scenarios; receiving instant, multi-perspective, media-rich feedback to support their learning; and enabling further iterative scenario-based training.
The Role of Learning Management Systems in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Prentzas Jim , Theodosiou Theodosios
Published: April 2013

In this chapter, issues concerning the role of Learning Management Systems in early childhood education are discussed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such issues have not been thoroughly discussed till now in literature. Learning Management Systems in early childhood concern four types of users: pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, early childhood students and their parents. To a certain degree, each type of user affects the types of services and functionalities that have to be provided by a Learning Management System. Relevant case studies depicting Learning Management Systems role in different settings are presented. Requirements that Learning Management Systems should satisfy are also discussed. Practical issues and guidelines concerning the use of the open source Learning Management System Moodle are also presented. Lastly, future research directions are outlined.
The Application of Web 2.0 Tools for Literacy Education
Authors: Pilgrim Jodi , Bledsoe Christie
Published: April 2013

Today’s children enter classrooms with technology skills influenced by Internet surfing, blogging, texting, messaging, networking, and gaming. Educators should engage students with technology to teach them skills needed in the 21st century. Shifts in Web-based social practices call for changes to print-based pedagogies to include authentic digital forms of communication (Mills & Levido, 2011), as technology has changed communication in a global world. Web 2.0 technologies empower learners to participate in the location, production, sharing, and critical analysis of online text within an international, collaborative environment. The purpose of this chapter is to describe important Web 2.0 tools, the new literacies they reflect, and their applications for classroom use. The chapter will focus on current Web 2.0 practices and research on the use of these tools to improve literacy.
Facilitating Multimodal Literacy Instruction through Digital Curation
Authors: Mills Michael S.
Published: April 2013

It is becoming clearer that multimodal literacies (specifically textual, visual, and digital) will frame classroom instruction for the near future. The mission of this chapter is to highlight the potential of digital curation as a means for facilitating multimodal literacy instruction and the subsequent creation of dynamic digital learning resources by both students and teachers. Over the past several decades, there has been a tremendous shift in how educators and students communicate, learn, and share ideas. As society moves more toward creating and sharing information through the aggregation, filtering, and customization of digital content, it is imperative that educators create opportunities for students to do likewise. Drawing on recent research on the cognitive benefits of multimodal literacy instruction and its potential for increasing opportunities for student engagement, this chapter will provide a rationale for, and subsequently sketch, a practical approach for teaching collaborative digital curation using Web 2.0 resources.
Creating a Balanced Literacy Curriculum in the 21st Century
Authors: McGinnis Theresa
Published: April 2013

This chapter explores new ways of envisioning a balanced literacy curriculum where through a balance of Literacy 1.0 with Literacy 2.0 educators can sufficiently prepare students to navigate the complexities of 21st century literacies. It presents examples of how digital storytelling and multimedia responses to literature call for a knowledge of school-based literacy practices, while at the same time allow students authentic learning engagements with multimodal composition and media production. Further, the chapter highlights how these literacy engagements can provide students use in the vocabulary of multimodalities and create students who are producers and critical consumers of 21st Century texts.
Technology Toolbox for the K-12 Literacy Teacher
Authors: Stachowiak James R. , Hollingworth Liz
Published: April 2013

This chapter reviews assistive technology solutions to literacy teaching challenges in the classroom, current trends with literacy and technology, available open source, commercial, and mobile literacy technology tools, and how to select the proper tools in the classroom to create a valuable toolbox of literacy-based technology tools to advance literacy goals in K-12 schools. Because these technologies are always evolving, we provide decision rules for selecting new tools to teach literacy.
Enhanced Picture Books
Authors: Cahill Maria , McGill-Franzen Anne , Peterson Dawn
Published: April 2013

This chapter provides a rationale for using digitally Enhanced Picture Books (EPBs), electronic texts which pair text narration with animated pictures, with young children in the classroom and as a home-school connection tool. First, we synthesize the research on shared reading with young children. Next, we detail the research literature in the area of digital text use with young children. We suggest substantive variables to consider when selecting EPBs. Finally, we recommend practices for integrating EPBs into the primary and early childhood classroom in a manner that will advance young children’s literacy development.
Teacher Candidates’ Perceptions of Technology Used to Support Literacy Practices
Authors: Wake Donna Glenn
Published: April 2013

This study explores teacher education candidates’ perceptions of technologies used to support K-12 student literacy development. Candidates selected technologies for future adoption based on impressions of each technology’s ability to support student literacy development. Technologies included broad-based applications (blogs, wikis, podcasts, digital storytelling) as well as more specific applications (Prezi, Glogster, Voicethread). Results indicate that candidates selected first those technologies they saw as useful in presenting content in a teacher-directed paradigm. They then considered technologies that allowed for student authoring and manipulation representing more student inquiry-based approaches. Data were disaggregated for secondary versus elementary candidate populations.
Knowledge Mining Wikipedia
Authors: Lee Herbert , Chan Keith , Tsui Eric
Published: April 2013

The organization of information in the knowledge economy has become a primary business process in many enterprises. The better information is organized and stored, the easier it can be retrieved, so that the most relevant information will always be available. Ontology is a versatile technology for organizing information; however, the main obstacle that prevents ontology prevailing is the difficulty in its management, that is, the building and maintaining of ontology. To solve this problem, a structured knowledge source is needed. In this paper, a thorough review on the feasibility of using Wikipedia as the source for ontology management is presented. Different approaches that are based on the use of Wikipedia for such purposes are also discussed. Finally, an ontology management system, based on the use of Wikipedia as the knowledge source, is proposed.
A Computational Model of Collaborative Creativity
Authors: Banerjee Amit , Quiroz Juan C. , Louis Sushil J.
Published: April 2013

The role of collaboration in the realm of social creativity has been the focus of cutting edge research in design studies. In this paper, the authors investigate the role of collaboration in the process of creative design and propose a computational model of creativity based on the newly proposed meta-design approach. Meta-design is a unique participatory approach to design that deals with opening up of design solution spaces, and is aimed at creating a viable social platform for collaborative design. A meta-design-based collaborative approach to the design process may achieve ET-creativity by expanding the conceptual space of design beyond what would have been possible by individual, non-collaborative design. The model has been implemented using interactive genetic algorithms, which casts the design problem as an optimization problem and uses a set of collaborative users for subjective fitness evaluation. The design problems investigated include the collaborative design of architectural floorplans and editorial design of brochures.
A System Method to Elicit Innovative Knowledge based on Chance Discovery for Innovative Product Design
Authors: Wang Hao , Ohsawa Yukio , Nishihara Yoko
Published: April 2013

In the past few years, supplying value-added and innovative products has become an important business strategy. In this paper, a system method of innovative knowledge elicitation based on chance discovery for new product design is proposed and described. This system contains three functional modules: (1) scenario graph generation module by using Keygraph, a visual tool of chance discovery; (2) innovative knowledge solicitation module by innovators market game (IMG), a kind of table game for collaborative innovation; and (3) innovative knowledge alternatives selection module based on the method of analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The experiment is taken to play IMG and make value cognition by humans based on the scenario graph generated by Keygraph. During the IMG, innovative knowledge as new value is co-created by humans. AHP is used to evaluate these innovative alternatives. The performance of the method is illustrated by using a case study on innovative product design. The results indicate this method can aid humans in eliciting innovative knowledge for creative product design at the early stage of product development.
Delivering Knowledge Services in the Cloud
Authors: Sabetzadeh Farzad , Tsui Eric
Published: April 2013

Cloud computing has become a buzzword in various academic and business domains in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to look into this term within a different proposition as a knowledge delivery ecosystem instead of being merely a model for technology deployment. This paper tries to explore various topics and resources in recent years which have appeared in both scientific and business literatures that focus on providing “knowledge-as-a–service” (KaaS) based on the cloud’s value-added environment.
Enabling Democratic Local Governance through Rural E-Municipalities in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Dzhusupova Zamira
Published: April 2013

This chapter presents a case study on rural e-municipalities in Kyrgyzstan as an enabling tool for facilitating and supporting democratic local governance. The authors examine the case based on their action research and discuss key findings in terms of challenges of implementing and sustaining ICT-enabled local governance observed throughout the life cycle of the real life project. The case presentation is guided by the conceptual framework built on an extensive literature review. Key findings and lessons drawn from this case study can guide policy makers and practitioners in other developing countries in designing and implementing similar initiatives with careful consideration of national development context, enabling political, administrative, and legal environment, governance structure and decentralization policies, institutional framework, and strength of rural municipalities and local communities. This chapter’s possible contribution to research includes improving understanding of the implementation and sustainability issues of rural e-municipality as one of the critical e-governance initiatives at the grassroots level.
A Case Study of Citizen-to-Government Mobile Activism in Jamaica
Authors: Waller Lloyd G. , Taylor Cedric A. L.
Published: April 2013

This chapter draws attention to the emergence of Mobile Activism (M-Activism) in small states. More specifically, the chapter presents the findings of a qualitative descriptive research project, which utilizes a combination of case study and discourse analysis methodologies to describe how mobile smart phones were used by a small group of activists in Jamaica to protest a violation of the Rule Of Law (ROL). The findings demonstrate that mobile smart phones can be used as an effective and efficient tool for activists to engage citizens, government agents, and government, and gain support for their cause. The findings indicate that these smart phones can be used to access and convey messages to a wide audience of e-citizens and thus have the potential for encouraging support as well as interest in a cause. The findings have wide implications with respect to: 1) how mobile technology provides opportunities to transform the relationship between governments and citizens and 2) the possible future of protests and activism in small states. The findings also have wider implications for new and emerging innovative ways of achieving good governance not only in Jamaica but also in other parts of the world.
E-Government Development in Serbia
Authors: Bogdanovic-Dinic Sanja , Veljkovic Nataša , Stoimenov Leonid
Published: April 2013

Attaining highly efficient e-Government in developing countries is a true challenge. These countries are struggling with many internal issues that are preventing them from providing budgetary resources for investing in ICT infrastructure, staff education, developing strategies, and enacting laws and policies. However, realizing the benefits that e-Government can bring, both to citizens and administration, these countries are working hard towards implementing e-Government and are achieving great results. As one of the developing countries, Serbia has been struggling for years with e-Government ideas. It started with humble implementations nearly ten years ago by publishing only a few informational services, but quickly made significant progress. The efforts made are worthy of recognition while experience gained is of considerable importance not only for Serbia’s further advances in this area but also for all other developing countries as an example and guidance to solving similar problems. This chapter provides an overview of the current state and history of e-Government development in Serbia and presents important issues and challenges influencing Serbian adoption of e-Government, which can be recognized in other developing countries as well. The chapter also addresses other issues and challenges that are now facing developed Governments, but which are on the way to developing nations as well. Even though these countries are not currently setting their focus on them, they should not be ignored nor neglected—indeed these should be included in developmental plans and strategies in order to successfully overcome them when the time comes.
E-Democracy and Trust
Authors: Zeleti Fatemeh Ahmadi
Published: April 2013

In developed countries, large numbers of citizens are benefiting from e-government services and information that is ubiquitously accessible. However, citizen’s democracy and trust play a crucial role in the advancement of e-government implementation and further progress. E-democracy is strongly linked to trust. Trust is established when one person can rely on the decision and action that another person takes. In Iran, government still struggles with injecting e-government content and value to both government employees and citizens. What is actually lacking is the establishment of Government Social Networking System (GSNS) to influence e-government expansion. In this chapter, GSNS and its contribution to e-government expansion in Iran is presented. Moreover, the author deliberates if government technological support and ICT can enhance e-democracy and trust in Iran. 800 Iranian citizens were examined through a self-administrative questionnaire containing seven structured questions. The results revealed that very few respondents were fully familiar with e-government efforts and GSNS. In case of democracy and trust issues, respondents appear to be positively resistive. They make a variety of dissimilar statements while supporting their statements with interesting but disappointing reasons. This chapter presents the outcome of this study.
Coupling Real-Time 3D Landscape Models with Microclimate Simulations
Authors: Gill Lewis , Hathway E. Abigail , Lange Eckart , Morgan Ed , Romano Daniela
Published: April 2013

With urban design, it is becoming increasingly important to both visualise spatial changes and quantify the effect of these changes on the local microclimate: the former often for public consultation and the latter to develop landscapes that provide resilience to warmer weather thus reducing the urban heat island effect. It is possible to automatically construct 3D landscape models from vector site plans and height data sources through procedural generation. However, the generation of the inputs for microclimate models remains a time consuming process even though 3D visualisations or site plans may already exist. In this paper, a method to link procedurally generated 3D landscape models to microclimate simulations is demonstrated. Using this method, a case study is presented that allows initial calibration of the model and then several distinct alterations in the base design are tested alongside the variation in weather conditions looking forward to 2080. Finally, graphics card shaders are used to incorporate the temperature data within the interactive 3D procedural models, allowing both real-time manipulation of view point and simulation time.
Traffic Control and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Laing Richard , Bennadji Amar , Gray David
Published: April 2013

The aim of the research described in this article was to explore the use of intelligent virtual transport modelling, within the context of a case study involving the development of a University estate. Through the application of visualisation techniques, the study was able to explore how such techniques can lead to enlightenment of potential solutions, whilst simultaneously demonstrating the effects of design solutions on CO2 emissions. The research used UC-win/Road software to support the visualisation component. The software supports the integration of road planning within urban settings and enables the creation of walkthrough visualisations, useful in communication with non-specialist end users. Outcomes of the research included an animation to assist planners in the consideration of travel time, distance and staff experience. Vitally, though, this is intrinsically connected with a study of how one can ensure that visual elements of a design process are undertaken to support complex technical, social and environmental decision making. The work is placed within a consideration of participation in the planning and design of sustainable transport approaches in urban areas, and the approach described should be viewed within this context.
Load Balancing in Peer-to-Peer System Using Fuzzy C-Means Clustering
Authors: Bhardwaj Rupali , Dixit V. S. , Upadhyay Anil
Published: April 2013

Objective of load balancing algorithm is to keep all nodes normally loaded through migration of modules from heavy weighted nodes to light weighted nodes. In addition, load balancing must involve low communication overhead and respond quickly to load imbalance in the system. In previous load balancing algorithms, classification of nodes is done by using threshold value; which is fixed and predefined. In this paper, the authors proposed load balancing algorithm using fuzzy c-means clustering which changed the status of nodes dynamically according to the state of system. The proposed algorithm is compared with other existing algorithms and is found to be fast and efficient in reducing load imbalance in peer-to-peer system.
Data Requirements for Process Learning
Authors: Ghattas Johny , Peleg Mor , Soffer Pnina , Denekamp Yaron
Published: April 2013

Process flexibility and adaptability is essential in environments where the processes are prompt to changes and variations. Process learning is a possible approach for automatically discovering from process log data those process paths that yielded good outcomes and suggesting appropriate process model modifications to enhance future process performance in such environments. The authors discuss and establish the data requirements for process learning, applicable to clinical process management. Their discussion extends a previously established learning process model (LPM) by providing a formal set of data requirements which enables the authors to accomplish effective learning. Learning data requirements are illustrated by walking through the application of the LPM framework to a clinical process.
Development of a Business Process Model for a Project-Based Service Organisation
Authors: Gohil Udityasinh , Carrillo Patricia , Ruikar Kirti , Anumba Chimay
Published: April 2013

Core operations of many small service organisations involved in collaboration are largely on a project (i.e. operational) basis. However, every organisation has operational, organisational and strategic processes that are equally important. The objective of this paper is to establish a business process model for such a project-based service organisation (PBSO) where stakeholders are involved in operational as well as management (organisational and strategic) processes, to create a sustainable collaboration. The focus of the paper was a PBSO and hence a case study of a PBSO firm lead to the development of a new process model that further takes advantage of involving collaborators in all or most of the processes of an organisation. IDEF0 was the preferred process modelling technique for the development of the business process model.
Optimization of Cutting Parameters using Cryogenically Treated High Speed Steel Tool by Taguchi Application
Authors: Singh Lakhwinder Pal , Singh Jagtar
Published: April 2013

In the field of mechanical engineering, engineers are always looking for ways to improve the properties of materials. Cryogenic treatment of tooling steels is a proven technology to increase wear resistance and extend intervals between component replacements. The main idea of this paper is to apply Taguchi method to optimize cutting parameters in turning operation using cryogenic treated (CT) and untreated (UT) high speed steel (HSS) tools, so that the scope of cryogenic treatment on HSS tool material may be presented for the benefit of medium and small scale industry using HSS tools for cutting operation. Taguchi L25 orthogonal array is employed to study the performance characteristics in turning operations of AISI 1020 steel bars using CT and UT HSS tools. The microstructure has been found more refined and uniformly distributed after cryogenic treatment of HSS tool. It has been observed that optimum machining parameters in both the cases (CT HSS and UT HSS tools) are higher cutting speed (49.9 to 75.7 m/min.), lower feed rate (0.15 mm/rev.), medium depth of cut (0.40 mm). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates that the cutting speed is most significant parameter followed by feed rate in case of CT HSS tool and depth of cut in case of UT HSS tool.