bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
À la recherche du temps maîtrisé
Authors: Levêque Marc
Published: September 2017

La contribution qui suit vise à repérer et analyser dans le quotidien du tissu sportif un mode organisationnel et structurel de rapport au temps, puis d’en caractériser les éventuels effets psychologiques chez les pratiquants de haut niveau. Une scansion volontariste du temps, étayée sur le primat des processus physiologiques, s’accompagne d’effets psychologiques multiples et complexes, parmi lesquels nous envisageons :– un rendement et une efficacité dans la gestion de l’effort qui génère chez le sportif, dans le grand public, mais aussi dans le monde de l’entreprise, une impression de réalisation parfaite. De fait cette gestion constitue le temps en allié, en outil de progrès et de perfection,– la genèse fréquente de troubles anxieux et d’épisodes dépressifs chez les pratiquants (objectivée par de récentes enquêtes), sans cesse en alerte pour coller aux assignations et impératifs du temps prescrit,– un décalage potentiel entre cette saisie du temps objectif et les rythmes de l’élaboration psychologique, par exemple lors des ratés, contre-performances, mais aussi des réussites soudaines. Une désynchronisation potentielle entre le temps vécu, subjectif et coloré par les affects d’une part, le temps planifié et maîtrisé d’autre part, induit un risque de déstabilisation de l’économie temporelle individuelle.
Developing a Comprehensive Wellness Program for Medical Students
Authors: Love LaTanya , McDowelle Dana
Published: September 2017

This chapter addresses the various components that go into the development of a comprehensive wellness programme. Medical school can be a difficult time for students and some will experience an increase in burnout, stress, and anxiety that can lead to less empathetic physicians, decline in professionalism, and ultimately impact the quality of healthcare. Increased stress, burnout, and anxiety can lead to less empathetic doctors, decline in professionalism, and ultimately impact the quality of healthcare. One way to address these issues is through the development of a comprehensive wellness programme that addresses both academic and non-academic contributing factors. Prior to the development of a comprehensive wellness programme one must identify key stakeholders and assess the factors that are contributing to medical student well-being. Equal consideration must be given to both academic and non-academic factors that contribute to overall student well-being and incorporated into the design of a comprehensive wellness programme.
Digitalisation as a Strategic Opportunity and Co-Creation Value With Users
Authors: Tongiani Maria Giovanna , Luca Fontana
Published: September 2017

This work focuses attention on the area of the smaller grocery retailers and their digitalisation strategy. The information will be acquired through in-depth interviews with two smaller grocery retailers that have implemented a social media marketing activity by joining an online cashback website. This information help to understand the underlying reasons and the results that entrepreneurs have achieved and which they expect to achieve through use of the Web. An additional analysis will also be conducted via implementation of a questionnaire to be filled out by consumer customers of the two smaller retailers in order to obtain data about the reasons, expectations and results gained by the same in terms of satisfaction and greater value achieved.
Smart City, IT Systems, and Sustainability
Authors: Truant Elisa
Published: September 2017

With the rapid increase of the urban population worldwide, cities nowadays face complex challenges to guarantee a sustainable development and the quality of life of their inhabitants. The concept of “smart cities” is a response to these challenges. This chapter explores how three Italian smart cities have developed a fertile environment for innovative and high-tech projects. In particular, the research describes some of the main projects implemented by Italian smart cities and the impacts on the sustainability pillars. The research is based on a qualitative method and, in particular, on multiple case study analysis, where theory and empirical research are intertwined. This work shows some interesting implications as it contributes to increase the existing literature on smart city and sustainability and it provides ideas for further reflections about the effects of ICT-oriented projects on sustainable development.
Cultural Change and Cultural Mediation in the Translation of Culture-Specific Lexis
Authors: Lee Vivian
Published: September 2017

This chapter looks at the cultural mediator role of translation trainees dealing with culture-specific lexis. Translators need to be able to make connections between and across the cultures they are dealing with, and to negotiate and overcome any differences, conveying the message of the source text to the target readers with optimum effect. Five translation classes which placed emphasis on optimal relevance in translation were provided to 10 undergraduate students learning translation in Seoul, South Korea. The chapter highlights the significant role translation of culture-specific lexis can play in forming and developing learners' identities as mediators between source and target text cultures, no doubt an important role in light of cultural change in an era of globalization which calls for culture or cultures to be viewed from a multifaceted and diverse perspective.
Prison Environments
Authors: Luyt Willem Frederik Muller
Published: September 2017

This chapter deals with the historical development of prison environments, linked to the context of inmate development. Since early days, the prison environment has always accounted for some form of inmate development. New-generation prisons have brought a more profound influence in the area of inmate development. However, there has been a larger emphasis on security in the prison environment, compared to inmate development. In addition, the inmate subculture has a fundamental influence on the interaction between the prison environment and inmate education and development. With this in mind, the chapter provides an overview of prison environments through the ages up to post-modern times. It constantly addresses the interaction between environment and education from the perspective of the relevant era of prison evolution.
Issues in Prison Higher Education
Authors: Hesselink Anni
Published: September 2017

This chapter evaluates higher education within a correctional set-up. The relationship between education and crime, and how education can shape (facilitate) or curb crime are explored. Education as a prevailing tool in offender self-development and rehabilitation forms the focus of this chapter. Furthermore, incarcerated learners' access to Information Communication Technology - the dire need hereof, as well as the disadvantages linked to internet access - is scrutinized. Research findings that are related to incarcerated learners' perceptions, experiences and obstacles with regards to tertiary education illustrate their stark reality with education in prison. The chapter concludes with thoughts that more correctional and community financial and emotional support are needed to ease incarcerated learners' educational journey in prison.
History of Prison Education in Ghana
Authors: Addo Alex Kortey
Published: September 2017

The needs to discipline and train prisoners for work, has become a convention that all nations including Ghana have come to accept with a view to churning out productive ex-prisoners. Thus, the aim prison education programs in Ghana is to turn inmates into useful citizens and the purpose of vocational training is to equip prisoners with skills which they can utilize to make a living. Additionally, the purpose for setting up the Junior and Senior High Schools is to give a second chance to inmates who dropped out of school before they were incarcerated. Similarly, the functional literacy program was introduced to teach illiterate prisoners how to read and write English, Akan, Ga, and Ewe languages. The chapter also discusses the duration, enrollment, teachers and the challenges of the programs. In addition, the general education program focuses on the curriculum, examination, and class attendance. The themes covered provide information on how prisoners are prepared toward reintegration in Ghana.
Cancer Virtual Communities in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Bender Jacqueline (Jackie) Lorene
Published: September 2017

Cancer is the most common chronic disease worldwide. Cancer patients report significant unmet supportive care needs. Peer support groups show great promise in meeting cancer patients' supportive care needs, and are considered an important complement to the formal health care system. Virtual communities offer a convenient way for cancer patients to collaborative meet many of their supportive care needs in a timely way. This chapter will present current evidence on: the scope and characteristics of virtual communities for cancer patients; prevalence and predictors of use and reasons for non-use; the nature and function of supportive exchanges in cancer virtual communities, including their limitations; and the potential effects, both positive and negative, of participating in cancer virtual communities on health outcomes. Grounded in social support, technology adoption and health behavior theory, this chapter will offer a multi-theory framework for better understanding for how cancer virtual communities work and under what conditions.
Effective Use of Virtual Communities for Health-Purposes in the Elderly
Authors: Beaunoyer Elisabeth , Guitton Matthieu J.
Published: September 2017

New strategies must be developed to adequately answer the growing health needs of the elderly. Virtual communities targeted to older adults may represent interesting tools, ranging from providing health-related information to operating preventive programs, or simply reducing social isolation and thus increasing the quality of life of the elderly. Besides generic issues shared with any eHealth virtual community (e.g., user engagement, participation, acceptance), the use of virtual communities by the elderly also bears some specific challenges, including limitations related to access to care or the presence of individuals with (age-related) disability. This Chapter describes some of the factors which should be taken into consideration when designing eHealth strategies aiming at developing or supporting virtual communities targeted to elderly population, and emphases the importance of integrating health-oriented senior-targeted virtual communities into holistic approach to allow for the communities to optimally develop and consolidate, and reach its goal in terms of health benefits.
Exploring Healthy Connection
Authors: Moore Jessica L.
Published: September 2017

Virtual social connection has become a way of life for many people. The continued implementation of new technologies in social interaction presents an ever-escalating need for researchers and practitioners to understand the implications of mediated interaction and virtual communities on human health and wellbeing. Accordingly, this chapter presents research on the salience of communication and social bonds in relation to human health and wellbeing, explores ways in which individual as well as relational health and wellbeing are affected by the use of social network sites, and argues a case for research on the health-related functions of expressive narratives in virtual settings such as online social networks. Considerations and future directions for research of these issues conclude this chapter.
Optimal Structural Elements Sizing Using Neural Network and Adaptive Differential Algorithm
Authors: Punurai Wonsiri , Pholdee Nantiwat
Published: September 2017

Engineering design is one of many disciplines involving optimization problems. This chapter will introduce differential evolution (DE), as well as educate readers on an efficient adaptive differential evolution algorithm (ADEA). The ADEA is considered an effective method for complex structural optimization problems such as truss structures. First, the chapter will provide an overview on the DE and ADEA concepts. Using illustrative examples, the chapter will provide the reader with a methodology used to perform 2D and 3D truss sizing optimization. The remainder of the chapter will discuss the computational aspect of neural network assisted adaptive differential algorithm for truss optimization design. Future work can show the benefits of this adaptation to accelerate the convergence speed while using fewer structural analyses than those required by other methods.
Efficient Optimization Formulation Through Variable Reduction for Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Pantula Priyanka Devi , Miriyala Srinivas Soumitri , Mitra Kishalay
Published: September 2017

Clustering based unsupervised learning methods are gaining importance in the field of data analytics, owing to their high accuracy, simple implementation and fast computation when compared with conventional supervised learning methods. Among several types of clustering techniques, those implying optimization routines are found to be more efficient. However, explosion in number of decision variables is making these algorithms computationally intensive. The authors present an efficient two stage optimization problem formulation based fuzzy clustering method which works through variable reduction approach. The membership values associated with each data point, forming the majority of decision variables are estimated as parameterized network outputs similar to ANNs. The reduction in decision variables allows the implementation of evolutionary optimization solvers to solve the multi objective optimization problem for clustering. Further the second stage optimization problem estimates the optimal number of clusters. Results with prominent case studies from literature are presented
Operations Research Problems for Airline Industry
Authors: Sahin Mehmet Anil , Tuzkaya Gulfem
Published: September 2017

Maintenance routing is one of the most complicated problems of operations research applications for airline industry. In this study, airline industry operations' main applications and subjects are basically mentioned and literature is briefly reviewed. This study is conducted under the headings of; Fleet Assignment, Aircraft Routing, Maintenance Routing and Crew Scheduling. Additionally, network models are explained basically on an example flight program. This study's purpose is to be a guide for the new researchers of this area through operations research applications for airline industry and to introduce maintenance routing problem literature.
Decomposition-Based Multi-Objective Optimization of Energy Noise Trade-Off in a Wind Farm
Authors: Mittal Prateek , Mitra Kishalay
Published: September 2017

A multi-objective optimization case study of maximization and minimization of energy generation and noise propagation is considered here. A novel hybrid methodology, as a combination of probabilistic variable decomposed multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (VdRBNSGA-II) and the newly developed deterministic gradient based Pareto frontier construction approach (nD-NNC), has been proposed to determine the optimum layout of turbines (numbers and locations) inside a wind farm. In contrast to previous case studies, the proposed approach is able to yield the alternative energy-noise solutions along with the additional information on corresponding turbine layouts (numbers and locations) on a single Pareto front. As a result, it provides a decision maker with an ample of choices to choose from different competing solutions based on the existing standards and guidelines.
An Integrated Model of Data Envelopment Analysis and Artificial Neural Networks for Improving Efficiency in the Municipal Solid Waste Management
Authors: Cavallin Antonella , Frutos Mariano , Vigier Hernán Pedro , Rossit Diego Gabriel
Published: September 2017

In the last decades, integral municipal solid waste management (IMSWM) has become one of the most challenging areas for local governmental authorities, which have struggled to lay down sustainable and financially stable policies for the sector. In this paper a model that evaluates the efficiency of IMSWMs through a combination of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is presented. In a first stage, applying DEA, municipal administrations are classified according to the efficiency of their garbage processing systems. This is done in order to infer what modifications are necessary to make garbage handling more efficient. In a second stage, an ANN is used for predicting the necessary resources needed to make the waste processing system efficient. This methodology is applied on a toy model with 50 towns as well as on a real-world case of 21 cities. The results show the usefulness of the model for the evaluation of relative efficiency and for guiding the improvement of the system.
Intelligent Drones Improved With Algae Algorithm
Authors: Ochoa-Zezzatti Alberto , Olivier Tania , Camarena Raymundo , Gutiérrez Guadalupe , Axpeitia Daniel , Vázque Irving
Published: September 2017

Implement an optimal arrangement of equipment, instrumentation and medical personnel based on the weight and balance of the aircraft and transfer humanitarian aid in a Drone, by implementing artificial intelligence algorithms. This due to the problems presented by geographical layout of human settlements in southeast of the state of Chihuahua. The importance of this research is to understand from a Multivariable optimization associated with the path of a group of airplanes associated with different kind of aerial improve the evaluate flooding and send medical support and goods to determine the optimal flight route involve speed, storage and travel resources for determining the cost benefit have partnered with a travel plan to rescue people, which has as principal basis the orography airstrip restriction, although this problem has been studied on several occasions by the literature failed to establish by supporting ubiquitous computing for interacting with the various values associated with the achievement of the group of drones and their cost-benefit of each issue of the company and comparing their individual trips for the rest of group. There are several factors that can influence in the achievement of a group of Drones for our research we propose to use a Bioinspired Algorithm.
Optimal Placement and Sizing of Distributed Generation in Distribution System Using Modified Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Nallagownden Perumal , Elamvazuthi Irraivan , Vasant Pandian
Published: September 2017

The electricity demand, fossil fuel depletion and environment issues increase the interest of power engineers to integrate small power generations i.e. called distributed generation (DGs) in the distribution system. The DG in distribution system has many positive effects such as it reduces the system power losses, improves the voltage profile and strengthen the voltage stability etc. The placement and sizing of DG play a major role in optimizing these parameters. Therefore, this chapter proposes a modified Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for finding the optimal placement and sizing of distributed generation in the radial distribution system. Two types of DGs such as an active power and reactive power DGs are tested on standard IEEE 33 radial bus system. Moreover, it can be realized that proposed method gives very effective results when both of active and reactive power DGs are integrated into the distribution system.
Optimization of Antenna Design Problems Using Binary Differential Evolution
Authors: Goudos Sotirios K.
Published: September 2017

Differential Evolution (DE) is a popular evolutionary algorithm that has been applied to several antenna design problems. However, DE is best suited for continuous search spaces. Therefore, in order to apply it to combinatorial optimization problems for antenna design a binary version of the DE algorithm has to be used. In this chapter, the author presents a design technique based on Novel Binary DE (NBDE). The main benefit of NBDE is reserving the DE updating strategy to binary space. This chapter presents results from design cases that include array thinning, phased array design with discrete phase shifters, and conformal array design with discrete excitations based on NBDE.
Optimal Placement of Power Factor Correction Capacitors Using Taguchi Optimization Method
Authors: Recioui Abdelmadjid
Published: September 2017

This chapter presents two methods to optimize the placement of capacitors in a distribution system and thus correcting power factor and reducing losses and costs. The first method uses ETAP software and its integrated algorithm of optimally placing power factor correction capacitors. The second uses the Taguchi Optimization method to solve the optimal capacitor placement problem in electric distribution systems. To test the efficiency of these methods, they were applied to various examples (different bus systems) and simulation results of the two methods are discussed.
A Brief Discussion on Incentives and Barriers to Computational Thinking Education
Authors: Özçınar Hüseyin
Published: September 2017

The idea that computational thinking or algorithmic thinking should be taught to everyone dates back to the 1960s. First in 1960s, Alan Perlis argued that computer programming should be taught to everyone because it can be used as a mental tool for understanding and solving every kind of problem. In 1980s, under the leadership of Seymour Papert, students at the level of primary education were attempted to be taught LOGO programming language with the aim of gaining procedural thinking skill. After the publication of Jeannette Wing's “computational thinking” in Communications of the ACM in 2006, the idea that the basic concepts of computer science should be learned by all was started to be debated widely again. In the present paper, the justifications for teaching computational thinking and applicability of teaching computational thinking within the context of existing conditions will be discussed.
Computational Thinking and Multifaceted Skills
Authors: Wong Gary , Jiang Shan , Kong Runzhi
Published: September 2017

Computational thinking allows us to solve complex problem in a certain way, which has been taught in traditional computer science program in university. With the advanced digital computing technology, new visual programming tools have been developed to allow children at early age to explore the concept and practices of computational thinking, which could develop their multifaceted skills. In this study, it aims to report an exploratory study of two pioneer primary schools in Hong Kong on introducing computational thinking through coding. This study uses qualitative approach with classroom observations, field notes and group interviews (n = 14). We also develop a child-centered interview protocol to find out the perception of children in learning how to code. The results show that children are generally engaging in computational thinking activities and believe that this learning context can develop their multifaceted skills such as problem solving skills and creativity.
A Review on the Opinions of Teachers About the Development of Computational Thinking Skills in K-12
Authors: Yılmaz Fatma Gizem Karaoğlan , Yılmaz Ramazan , Durak Hatice Yıldız
Published: September 2017

This study aims to reflect the opinions of expert teachers from different branches about the definition of computational thinking skills, how and through which methods and instruments they should be acquired, their integration into the curriculum and the present condition of schools in terms of administrators, teachers, parents and infrastructure. In this study that was designed with qualitative method, semi-structured interview form was applied to teachers who had received in-service training for the development of computational thinking skills. Qualitative data were coded with content analysis. According to the results reached in the research, it is prevalent to think that information processing thinking is generally defined by teachers as problem solving skills, knowledge processing thinking is the most important contribution of the student to production, and that the training of information processing skills should be started in primary school with an interdisciplinary approach.
Segmenting Fan Communities
Authors: Collins Nathalie , Murphy Jamie
Published: September 2017

Extending decades of marketing and psychological research, industry and academic circles attempt to label brand community behaviours, borrowing analogies from subcultures such as religion (evangelists), slang (mavens, haters), technology and science fiction (fanboys), and other sciences (alpha, opinion leaders). Although sometimes used as generic terms, upon examination via an integrative literature review, these and other such commonly used fandom and brand community member labels, can define the spectrum of brand fandom in a specific way—through narrative, metaphor and cross-cultural labelling. Such labelling is happening already; this chapter parses out the meaning of one label from another into a proposed folk taxonomy, or classification system developed by those steeped in the culture. This segmentation enables theoretical research into specific fan types and possible opinion leaders, along with industry recommendations for approaching each segment based on the behavioural characteristic inherent in both the historic and common usage of the word.
Fans and Brands
Authors: Todd Breanna M. , Soule Catherine A. Armstrong
Published: September 2017

Although fandom has a rich history within pop culture, it is difficult to know when fandom was formed and what constitutes a fandom. In this chapter the authors define fandom and its related activities, as well as delineate it from the similar fan-brand communities of brand communities and brand publics. A typology for fan-brand communities is presented with two dimensions: 1) motivation for engagement and 2) social status and relationship type. This typology can help guide researchers, brands, and marketers in effectively managing different subcultures of fans. This chapter may be used as a starting point for further understanding of fan-brand community-based relationships.
Building the Force
Authors: Humphrey Jr. William F. , Laverie Debra A. , Shields Alison B.
Published: September 2017

This chapter examines the Star Wars fan community who creates screen accurate BB-8 replicas is explored in depth. Builders undertake the creation of characters through emergent technology such as 3-D printing. The members work together to create these replica characters and immerse completely in the process of the character's formation. We studied online fan community forums and social media groups where participants engage with and support one another as they build full-sized Star Wars characters. Second, this chapter applies the BB-8 builder community to an established framework for brand community, which is extended to include the passionate and committed communities formed by fans around entertainment franchises. Brand (or franchise) characteristics are related to community characteristics, which are then in turn related to fan brand community. Finally, conclusions for the academy and practitioners are discussed based on the examination of this community in relation to the theoretical framework.
Brand Pathologies
Authors: Buchanan-Oliver Margo , Schau Hope Jensen
Published: September 2017

The Twilight media brand is a global consumption phenomenon which speaks to female consumers who enter into fantastic and corporeal relationships with its market manifestations (books, films, merchandising, and consumption communities). Twilight's brand narrative reifies the psychological power and socio-cultural allure of the ‘monstrous' vampire myth, and enables a spectrum of relational exposure from ‘Twi-hard' (devoted Twilight fan) fandom to addictive and obsessive, compulsive, and transgressive behaviors. The consumer's relational exposure to this brand is the subject of this study. The authors discuss the tensions and paradoxes which underpin female consumption of this powerful brand. They also demonstrate disturbing dimensions to the construction of consumer-brand relationships (Fournier, 1998) which impact on not only the imaginative life but the physical lives of the Twilight fans. In so doing they extend current thinking on the spectrum of fan behaviors, and comment on ideological dimensions to the construction of fan-brand relationship.
Biomedical Test Instruments
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Carré Jim
Published: September 2017

In the chapter is analyzed the evolution of the ergonomic and interactive design of an instrument of generalized use among people suffering from diabetes, such as is Melitus II. The results obtained in the usability and usefulness of the instrument belong to third age users who in an autonomous way should carry out the examination of their level of sugar in blood. The positive and negative elements are both presented, in the triad ergonomics, usability and communicability.
Retrieving HTML and XBRL Data With Microsoft Excel 2010
Authors: Fang Jianing
Published: September 2017

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has upgraded the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system, to the Interactive Data Electronic Applications (IDEA) platform, or the Next-Generation EDGAR (New EDGAR). The SEC issued its final mandate for XBRL adoption and the conversion target dates for all firms in January 2009. With this conversion, users can retrieve the financial statement information of listed companies at both the document level and data element level. This chapter reviews the fundamental concepts of XBRL and reports on the current compliance status of the SEC XBRL conversion mandate. The main task is to demonstrate how to retrieve data from the New EDGAR and how to process the data with Microsoft Excel 2010.
Implementing an Interfaculty Elective “Sustainable Development”
Authors: Hübner Renate , Rauch Franz , Dulle Mira
Published: September 2017

A university is a place of organized scientific rationality, but as a social institution it is also committed to future generations. Therefore, it can be argued that universities should act as “models for sustainability”. It is thus not sufficient to spend public funds efficiently in achieving their educational mission. Beyond that, the social and the environmental effects of their actions also have to be considered. Having this in mind, the status quo of sustainability in research, teaching, and administration at the Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt in Austria was examined in 2010. Results showed that although important approaches and several internationally acknowledged contributions in research and teaching do exist, at the same time a concise and focused strategy for these actions is missing. However, there was some commitment that a coherent strategy would strengthen our University. The major challenge is that a system based on individual freedom in research and teaching needs to intervene in order to create, implement and live such a strategy. The conception and implementation of an interdisciplinary elective open for all Master and PhD students seemed to be a first appropriate step to implement sustainability at the University across disciplinary and structural borders. To increase general acceptance of such an intervention and to cause impacts towards sustainability at the university as a whole an interfaculty approach was chosen. The corresponding processes and challenges are described in this chapter.
Application of Soft Computing Techniques for Renewable Energy Network Design and Optimization
Authors: Cai Tianxing
Published: September 2017

Energy operation can be characterized by its complex network system composed of energy generation, energy transformation, energy transportation, and energy consumption. The network has provided the great flexibility for energy transformation and transportation; meanwhile, it presents a complex task for conducting agile energy dispatching when extreme events have caused local energy shortages that need to timely be restored. One of the useful methodologies to solve such a problem is soft computing, which conducts collaboration, association, and complementariness of the different techniques that integrates them. The applications and developments of soft computing have amazingly evolved in the last two decades. Many of these applications can be found in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency where soft computing techniques are showing a great potential to solve the problems that arise in this area. In this chapter, several soft computing techniques are briefly introduced. Then the methodology framework and implementation procedures are presented to demonstrate the application of artificial neural networks and curve fitting for renewable energy network design and optimization, which has the capability to handle restoration during extreme and emergency situations with uncertain parameters.
Developing Sustainable Processes Through Knowledge Management
Authors: Nguyen Thanh-Dat , Kifor Stefania
Published: September 2017

Sustainable development of a process depends on a harmonious association of three sustainable pillars: Economy, Society, and Environment. Yet, in case of DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) process, the combination is challenged by inefficient management of knowledge resource in the process. The potential economy resource is not preserved and renewed, and therefore influents on sustainability of the process. In this article, the authors present and discuss sustainable aspects of a knowledge management model for DMAIC in which knowledge resource is accumulated and reused efficiently. In particular, the key concepts of sustainable development are reviewed, a process of knowledge management based on Ontology Engineering is presented, and sustainable criterial and measures for the proposed model are applied. The authors find that preserving and renewing knowledge is an indispensable process of sustainable development of DMAIC process.
Sustainable Development and the Integration of Normative Standards
Authors: Satolo Eduardo Guilherme , Simon Alexandre Tadeu , Braga Jr Sergio Silva
Published: September 2017

The sustainability definition is still unclear, and requires more in-depth studies to expand their understandings and their effective implementations. One of the means by which to achieve organizational sustainability presented in literature is the use of the concept of Integrated Management System (IMS). Normative management standards such as ISO 9000, ISO 14000, OHSAS 18000, and SA 8000 stand out with large numbers of accreditation by the companies targeted for joint establishment of an IMS, and more recently, normative standards have been identified as mechanisms to ensure the sustainable development of organizations by the integration of economic development, social progress, and environmental quality. This chapter aims to show the evolution of concept of sustainable development; present a definition for the organizational environment; highlight the interaction term “organizational sustainability” with basic normative standards systems management; and guide organizations by describing how interactions between normative standards and the dimensions of sustainability can occur.
The Economics of Renewable Energy Promotion Policies
Authors: Timilsina Govinda
Published: September 2017

Large-scale deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as wind power and solar energy, has been taking place in industrialized and developing economics mainly because of various fiscal and regulatory policies. An understanding of the economy-wide impacts of those policies is an important part of an overall analysis of them. Using a perfect foresight computable general equilibrium model, this study analyzes the economy-wide costs of achieving a 10 percent share of wind power in Brazil's electricity supply mix by 2030. The study finds that the expansion of wind power would increase GDP in Brazil. The study also finds that a production subsidy financed through increased value-added tax would be superior to a consumption mandate where electricity utilities are allowed to pass the increased electricity supply costs directly to consumers. These two policies would impact various production sectors differently to achieve the wind power expansion targets.
Employment Aspect of Energy Performance Practices in Buildings and Fiscal Policy Proposals for Turkey
Authors: Altun Tülin , Görkem Hilal
Published: September 2017

Energy efficiency practices in buildings can be an important tool in fighting unemployment by creating many new jobs, besides increasing the economic, social and environmental levels of welfare. Therefore, energy-saving measures in buildings constitute a major aspect of energy policies in many developed countries. This study focuses on two main issues. The first of these is the evaluation of the increase in employment resulting from energy efficiency in building measures, and the second is the development of fiscal policy proposals for Turkey by comparing practices applied in Sweden and Greece.
Environmental Accounting for Industrial Growth and Sustainable Development in India
Authors: Singh Archana , Panackal Nehajoan , Venkataramani Bhama
Published: September 2017

Environmental accounting is an important function that provides industry with a means to incorporate information with business decision making and business operations. This chapter evaluates the extent to which the process of environmental accounting can be applied as a solid foundation for industrial growth and sustainability. Having an environmental accounting system in place allows the industry to better manage environmental costs and to discover new opportunities to minimize environmental costs through environmental thinking to the industrial sector. Researchers have adopted systematic literature review as a methodology to generate strong knowledge base for the study. In this paper, the theoretical foundation of environmental accounting and reporting is discussed with reference to India. The insights gained will shed light on positive outcomes of adopting environmental accounting for sustainability and manufacturing management in the industrial sector of India.
Exploring Landscapes in Regional Convergence
Authors: Rajamanickam Srinivasan
Published: September 2017

The South Asian region is a key economic zone, as seen from the global perspective. In the past two decades, it has witnessed a healthy growth in GDP terms. Globalization has propelled the countries in the region towards regional cooperation as a means to address common growth concerns. Along with geo-political compulsions that have fostered this convergence, we find that there are also socio-cultural and historical factors present that could serve as binding stones. However environment and climate change pose a huge challenge to the economic integration and growth in this region. While a number of institutional and policy regional cooperative measures have been put in place, there are certain bottlenecks in the region, which are again a product of its history, that need to be addressed. We feel that reassessment of national interests and priorities through strong political will are essential to mitigate these bottlenecks to realize the true potential of convergence in this region.
Citizen Science and Its Role in Sustainable Development
Authors: Liu Hai-Ying , Kobernus Mike
Published: September 2017

The chapter aims to analyse the role of citizen science in sustainable development, including case studies implementation, with specific focus on its suitability of citizen science in environmental sustainability. The authors structured this chapter in five sections: Background; Main focus; Solutions and recommendations for designing and executing citizen science initiatives; Future research directions with thoughts on the future role of citizen science; and Conclusion. In section of main focus, first, the authors reviewed the state of citizen science in sustainable development and explored the potential of citizen science for environmental research and governance. Second, authors identified and elaborated the core components that support the role of citizen science and demonstrated the practical approach to realize its objective. Third, using several citizens' observatories studies from various regions in Europe and within diverse environmental fields, authors highlighted the lessons learned, and reflected on major outcomes, challenges and opportunities.
Rural Tourism in Transitional Russia's Economics
Authors: Ivolga Anna
Published: September 2017

This chapter assesses the potential of rural tourism in Russia, addresses such threats to sustainable rural development as unemployment and depopulation, and substantiates the practicality of diversification of traditional rural sources of income by means of tourism and other alternative activities. The system approach is utilized, which envisages systematization and stocktaking of various aspects of sustainable development: available resources, economic conditions of agricultural production, market capacity and demand for agricultural commodities and food, employment and social issues, environmental conditions, and alternative sources of income for rural inhabitants.
Conditions for Development of Renewable Energy in Poland
Authors: Osiecka-Brzeska Katarzyna
Published: September 2017

The Paper examines legal and financial tools which are used in Poland to succor the development of energy from renewable resources. In the first part a definition of sustainable development is given and the short history of this idea is shown. Then the concept of Sustainable energy is introduced. The second part describes main policies of European Union on sustainable policy and the Polish Legal System on Renewable Energy is described. The fifth part of the paper analyzes the sustainable development indicators provided by Eurostat for the energy produced from renewable resources. there are 6 indicators analyzed. In the end the forecasts for the development of RES in Poland is given. There are clues for development of different technologies in different provinces of Poland. There are also forecasts for the development of the renewable energy market in Poland.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Authors: Ciani Adriano , Diotallevi Francesco , Rocchi Lucia , Grigore Anna Maria , Coduti Cinzia , Belgrado Elisa
Published: September 2017

CSR is a driver unanimously recognized by companies. This is more important looking to the Horizon 2020 objectives, in which CSR will play an important role. However, at present, there are a lot of theories and regulations about CSR, which are controversial, complex, and unclear. In this confusing landscape, a critical element emerged: the importance of social enterprise as key. The authors, after a brief summary about the main CSR theories and the principal normative aspects to frame the issue, focus their attention on new sustainable models, with particular referring to the social enterprise. The authors base their starting idea on national CSR approach and support their hypothesis of CSR by bringing examples from various countries (United States, Switzerland, Germany) and from important companies. In their conclusion, the authors clarify their idea about the correct CSR approach, introducing the concept of the Gross National Happiness (GNH).
Developing a Research-Informed Teaching Module for Learning About Electrical Circuits at Lower Secondary School Level
Authors: Taber Keith S , Ruthven Kenneth , Howe Christine , Mercer Neil , Riga Fran , Hofmann Riikka , Luthman Stefanie
Published: September 2017

This chapter discusses the design and development of a teaching module on electrical circuits for lower secondary students (11-14 year olds) studying in the context of the English National Curriculum. The module was developed as part of a project: “Effecting Principled Improvement in STEM Education” (epiSTEMe). The electricity module was designed according to general principles adopted across epiSTEMe, drawing upon research and recommendations of good practice offered in curriculum guidance and the advice offered by classroom practitioners who tested out activities in their own classrooms. The module design was informed by the constructivist perspective that each individual has to construct their own personal knowledge and so rejects notions that teaching can be understood as transfer of knowledge from a teacher or text to learners. However, the version of constructivism adopted acknowledged the central importance of social mediation of learning, both in terms of the role of a more experienced other (such as a teacher) in channeling and scaffolding the learning of students and the potential for peer mediation of learning through dialogue that requires learners to engage with enquiry processes and interrogate and critique their own understanding.
Preparing Teachers to Implement Technology
Authors: Pape Stephen J. , Owens Sharilyn K. , Owens Douglas T. , Irving Karen E.
Published: September 2017

The Classroom Connectivity for Mathematics and Science (CCMS) program was a randomized control trial to examine the efficacy of Classroom Connectivity Technology (CCT) in Algebra I. CCT is a type of technology that allows the teacher to wirelessly communicate with his or her students' handheld calculators. Students in the classes that implemented CCT outperformed their comparison counterparts with effect sizes ranging from 0.19 to 0.37 (Irving et al., 2014; Pape et al., 2013). In this chapter, the professional development program that supported participating teachers to implement the technology is described. Categories of professional development activities including pedagogical instruction, modeling pedagogy, technological pedagogical instruction, technology instruction, student role-play, practice, small-group instruction, and participant presentation are presented in relation to their potential for supporting teacher participants' knowledge growth. Recommendations for the training of teachers to implement technology will be explicated.
The iPad
Authors: Alon Sandra , An Heejung , Fuentes David
Published: September 2017

This chapter discusses the technology vision of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and shares guidelines for choosing apps that are most appropriate to meet those objectives. Towards this end, a specific rubric for evaluating the effectiveness of different apps is presented. Advantages of existing apps that can be incorporated into iPad instruction to enhance conceptual learning and drill mathematics processes are reviewed. Common disadvantages of existing apps are also highlighted. Specific examples of how to make the use of the iPad most efficient and avoid common pitfalls of some purported learning tools are also discussed. The chapter concludes with areas still in need of further research.
Local Lotto
Authors: Lim Vivian , Deahl Erica , Rubel Laurie , Williams Sarah
Published: September 2017

Local Lotto is a 14-session curriculum designed for high school students to learn mathematics through an examination of the local lottery. The curriculum is organized around investigations of how local lottery games are won, who plays, how many people play, and where lottery revenues and prizes are distributed. A web-based application is integrated into the curriculum to allow students to explore the lottery in their school neighborhood, examine local lottery data, and assemble and justify their own arguments about the lottery. In this chapter, the authors describe technology's role in shaping a rich curriculum that engages students in investigating a local phenomenon while also addressing the content and practices of the Common Core State Standards of Mathematics. The chapter concludes with an outline of the challenges of integrating custom technologies into mathematics curricula and provides recommendations for future work.