bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of Candida rugosa lipase onto alumina: Effect of surface charge
Authors: Izrael-Zivkovic Lidija , Zivkovic Ljiljana , Jokic Bojan , Savic Andrija , Karadzic Ivanka
Published: May 2015

The impact of the surface charge of alumina support on the adsorption of
Candida rugosa lipase has been investigated in terms of zeta potential of the
adsorption partners. Lipase adhered onto alumina with similar efficiency
under both repulsive and attractive electrostatic conditions, shifting the
zeta potential of the support towards that of the enzyme. The behavior was
explained by a heterogeneous distribution of the surface charge of the lipase
molecule. Special emphasis in this study was placed on the effect of
immobilization on enzyme kinetics and principal reasons for enzyme
immobilization: improvement in stability and potential for reuse. The enzyme
affinity was not altered by its adsorption onto alumina, while Vmax of the
lipase decreased. Thermostability of adsorbed lipase was improved.
Significant potential for reuse was found.
Astrology as a Culturally Transmitted Heuristic Scheme for Understanding Seasonality Effects: A Response to ,
Authors: Hamilton Mark A.
Published: May 2015

Astrology is a popular and resilient heuristic scheme for making sense of complex patterns in nature. Astrological heuristics are conveyed through communication in print and online media. Recent research found that the ecliptic longitude of sun signs predicts the frequency of celebrities-per-sign. A subsequent critique, however, attributed this large positive effect to methodological artifacts. The present study puts the alleged artifact hypotheses to an empirical test. One of the artifact hypotheses was sharply rejected, and no empirical support could be found for the second. Causal modeling indicated that although relative age in school (comparative maturity) increased the number of celebrities-per-sign, this effect on fame was largely mediated by ecliptic longitude sequence (ELS) and two other seasonal birth heuristics—wetness of sign (determined by astrological elements) and brightness of sign (determined by sign duality). Birth during depth of season, calculated from quality of sign, also increased celebrities-per-sign. The analysis found strong support for a mediation model with astrological aspects acting as personality proxies, although further research is needed to replicate these effects on celebrity.
microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities in lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Jianfei , Cai Yan , Liu Xi
Published: May 2015

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNA which suppress target gene expression. miRNAs are involved in most physiological and pathological process, including carcinogenesis. miRNA expression profiles help to improve lung cancer diagnosis, classification and prognostic information. Tumor suppressive and oncogenic miRNAs have been discovered and their functions have been investigated. Emphasis is placed on the development of miRNA-based methods for lung cancer diagnosis and therapy and future directions are proposed.
Targeted removal of wolves: analysis of the motives for controlled hunting
Authors: Sjölander‐Lindqvist Annelie
Published: May 2015

The return of the grey wolf Canis lupus lupus, after a temporary absence, to rural and forest‐fringe areas has resulted in more encounters between humans and protected wildlife when wolves prey on farmers' and hunters' living private property. In locations where wolves are considered problematic, permits can be issued for the controlled hunting of individual wolves to protect livestock and companion animals and prevent damage. I examine applications for the targeted removal of problematic wolves in Sweden through lethal control, and authorities' decisions regarding controlled hunting. The empirical basis of the paper is a content analysis of applications for and decisions regarding controlled hunting. The data concern three counties in middle Sweden, with 2002–2010 as the study period. I analyse 1) the applicants' stated reasons for applying for controlled hunting and 2) the authorities' rationales for rejecting or approving these applications. My aim is to identify the aspirations, desires, and motives evident in these texts.

In investigating controlled hunting applications and decisions, the paper applies anthropological perspectives on ecosystem management, place and landscape, and decision‐making, and the results illustrate the underlying framing of the reasons favouring lethal removal. We encounter a layered reflexive communication of intentions and beliefs regarding the goals and interests that should guide state action to manage wolves demonstrating ‘transgressive’ and ‘unnatural’ behaviour threatening the local social and cultural environment. Perceptions diverge regarding how best to understand the natural landscape and how such understandings are embodied in applications and decisions regarding the targeted removal of wolves.
Microstructure and martensitic transformation in Ni48Mn39.5Sn12.5–

x
Si
x
metamagnetic Heusler alloy ribbons
Authors: Maziarz Wojciech , Czaja Paweł , Wójcik Anna , Wańkowicz Katarzyna , Cesari Eduard , Dutkiewicz Jan
Published: May 2015

The paper describes the effect of Si for Sn substitution on microstructure and martensitic transformation in Ni48Mn39.5Sn12.5–

x
Si
x
(x = 0, 1, 2) Heusler alloy ribbons. The evolution of phase transformation, structure and microstructural features were examined by means of differential scanning calorimetry, analytical transmission electron microscopy and high resolution electron microscopy. The alloys were induction melted, homogenized and subsequently rapidly solidified on a rotating copper wheel. The ribbons featured a two phase structure composed of the L21 parent phase and the martensite phase. Slight changes of the chemical composition in local areas of the studied samples were noticed. Such segregation was introduced by rapid quenching in response to different melting points of each element. This then had an effect on the local changes in the e/a ratio, effectively leading to nucleation of martensitic transformation in the affected areas.
New record of some freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from north-east Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiyan Mahiuddin Md Shahjahan , Rahman Md Redwanur , Jahan Md Sarwar , Haque Minu
Published: May 2015

A total of 6 species of freshwater mussels under the family Unionidae, order- Unionoida were collected, which are new records for Bangladesh. The information on the distribution and ecology, population density and seasonal variation of Lamellidens phenchooganjensis, L. indawgyiensis, L. generosus, Parreysia (Parreysia) favidens var. assamensis, P. (P.) var. marcens and P. (P.) var. viridula were provided in this paper. Population density and morphometric parameters were measured. Moreover, economic importance and economic role were stated.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(1): 29-42, 2013
Structural Biology of Bacterial RNA Polymerase
Authors: Murakami Katsuhiko
Published: May 2015

Since its discovery and characterization in the early 1960s (Hurwitz, J. The discovery of RNA polymerase. J. Biol. Chem. 2005, 280, 42477–42485), an enormous amount of biochemical, biophysical and genetic data has been collected on bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP). In the late 1990s, structural information pertaining to bacterial RNAP has emerged that provided unprecedented insights into the function and mechanism of RNA transcription. In this review, I list all structures related to bacterial RNAP (as determined by X-ray crystallography and NMR methods available from the Protein Data Bank), describe their contributions to bacterial transcription research and discuss the role that small molecules play in inhibiting bacterial RNA transcription.
Significant Reduction of Body Odor in Older People with a pH 4.0 Emulsion
Authors: Kemper Michael , Bielfeldt Stephan , Knie Ulrich , Wilhelm Klaus-Peter , Abels Christoph
Published: May 2015

The impact of increasing age on body odor has become an important issue as our understanding of underlying skin changes in older people has increased. Therefore, cosmetic skin products especially for the needs of the elderly are of growing importance. This randomized single-blind crossover study assessed the deodorizing efficacy of two cosmetic products with different pH values on the age-specific odor of an elderly female subject panel (≥60 years). The two test products, adjusted to pH 4.0 and pH 5.8 were applied to the axillae once daily for three consecutive days after standardized washing of the axillae. The untreated axilla was used as a control. Six odor judges evaluated the efficacy of both products. Additionally, bactericidal and fungicidal activity was investigated with in vitro microbiologic tests. The pH 4.0 water in oil (W/O) emulsion significantly reduced axillary malodor in 44 elderly subjects at 8 and 24 h after treatment, compared with controls (untreated axillae) (p < 0.001 after 8 and 24 h), whereas pH 5.8 emulsion had no effect (p = 0.441 after 8 h; p = 0.425 after 24 h). Moreover, the pH 4.0 emulsion reduced axillary malodor at 8 and 24 h after treatment, compared with the pH 5.8 emulsion just narrowly missing statistical significance (p = 0.078 after 8 h; p = 0.053 after 24 h). Microbiologic in vitro tests showed that the pH 4.0 emulsion reduced the levels of odor-producing bacteria S. epidermidis and C. minutissimum after 1 h (2.98 log and 4.25 log). After 24 h, levels of S. aureus (>5.50 log), P. acnes (>5.30 log) and E. coli (>5.46 log) were further reduced whereas no effect was observed for pH 5.8. A pH 4.0 emulsion significantly reduced axillary malodor for up to 24 h after application in females aged at least 60 years. This reduction in malodor is very likely due to a reduction of odor-producing bacteria.
Arrested Pneumatization of the Sphenoid Sinus on Large Field-of-View Cone Beam Computed Tomography Studies
Authors: Tahmasbi-Arashlow Mehrnaz , Barghan Sevin , Bennett Jeffrey , Katkar Rujuta , Nair Madhu
Published: May 2015

Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus is a normal anatomical variant. The aim of this report is to define cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) characteristics of arrested pneumatization of sphenoid sinus in an effort to help differentiate it from invasive or lytic skull base lesions. Two cases are presented with incidental findings. Both studies, acquired for other diagnostic purposes, demonstrated unique osseous patterns that were eventually deemed to be anatomic variations in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms although the pattern of bone loss and remodeling was diagnosed as pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus by a panel of medical and maxillofacial radiologists following contrasted advanced imaging. It is important to differentiate arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus from lesions, such as arachnoid granulations, acoustic neuroma, glioma, metastatic lesions, meningioma, or chordoma, to prevent unnecessary biopsies or exploratory surgeries that would consequently reduce treatment costs and alleviate anxiety in patients.
Dimensional Upgrade Approach for Spatial-Temporal Fusion of Trend Series in Subsidence Evaluation
Authors: Wang Shih-Jung
Published: May 2015

Physical models and grey system models (GSMs) are commonly used to evaluate and predict physical behavior. A physical model avoids the incorrect trend series of a GSM, whereas a GSM avoids the assumptions and uncertainty of a physical model. A technique that combines the results of physical models and GSMs would make prediction more reasonable and reliable. This study proposes a fusion method for combining two trend series, calculated using two one-dimensional models, respectively, that uses a slope criterion and a distance weighting factor in the temporal and spatial domains. The independent one-dimensional evaluations are upgraded to a spatially and temporally connected two-dimensional distribution. The proposed technique was applied to a subsidence problem in Jhuoshuei River Alluvial Fan, Taiwan. The fusion results show dramatic decreases of subsidence quantity and rate compared to those estimated by the GSM. The subsidence behavior estimated using the proposed method is physically reasonable due to a convergent trend of subsidence under the assumption of constant discharge of groundwater. The technique proposed in this study can be used in fields that require a combination of two trend series from physical and nonphysical models.
The SAR Model for Very Large Datasets: A Reduced Rank Approach
Authors: Burden Sandy , Cressie Noel , Steel David
Published: May 2015

The SAR model is widely used in spatial econometrics to model Gaussian processes on a discrete spatial lattice, but for large datasets, fitting it becomes computationally prohibitive, and hence, its usefulness can be limited. A computationally-efficient spatial model is the spatial random effects (SRE) model, and in this article, we calibrate it to the SAR model of interest using a generalisation of the Moran operator that allows for heteroskedasticity and an asymmetric SAR spatial dependence matrix. In general, spatial data have a measurement-error component, which we model, and we use restricted maximum likelihood to estimate the SRE model covariance parameters; its required computational time is only the order of the size of the dataset. Our implementation is demonstrated using mean usual weekly income data from the 2011 Australian Census.
Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Energetic Efficiency and Aging
Authors: Crescenzo Raffaella , Bianco Francesca , Mazzoli Arianna , Giacco Antonia , Liverini Giovanna , Iossa Susanna
Published: May 2015

Aging is associated with a progressive loss of maximal cell functionality, and mitochondria are considered a key factor in aging process, since they determine the ATP availability in the cells. Mitochondrial performance during aging in skeletal muscle is reported to be either decreased or unchanged. This heterogeneity of results could partly be due to the method used to assess mitochondrial performance. In addition, in skeletal muscle the mitochondrial population is heterogeneous, composed of subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria. Therefore, the purpose of the present review is to summarize the results obtained on the functionality of the above mitochondrial populations during aging, taking into account that the mitochondrial performance depends on organelle number, organelle activity, and energetic efficiency of the mitochondrial machinery in synthesizing ATP from the oxidation of fuels.
The Importance of Maintaining Protected Zone Status against Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Cuthbertson Andrew , Vänninen Irene
Published: May 2015

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a major pest of economically important crops worldwide. Both the United Kingdom (UK) and Finland hold Protected Zone status against this invasive pest. As a result B. tabaci entering these countries on plants and plant produce is subjected to a policy of eradication. The impact of B. tabaci entering, and becoming established, is that it is an effective vector of many plant viruses that are not currently found in the protected zones. The Mediterranean species is the most commonly intercepted species of B. tabaci entering both the UK and Finland. The implications of maintaining Protected Zone status are discussed.
Alginate Hydrogels Coated with Chitosan for Wound Dressing
Authors: Straccia Maria , D'Ayala Giovanna , Romano Ida , Oliva Adriana , Laurienzo Paola
Published: May 2015

In this work, a coating of chitosan onto alginate hydrogels was realized using the water-soluble hydrochloride form of chitosan (CH-Cl), with the dual purpose of imparting antibacterial activity and delaying the release of hydrophilic molecules from the alginate matrix. Alginate hydrogels with different calcium contents were prepared by the internal setting method and coated by immersion in a CH-Cl solution. Structural analysis by cryo-scanning electron microscopy was carried out to highlight morphological alterations due to the coating layer. Tests in vitro with human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) were assessed to check the absence of toxicity of CH-Cl. Swelling, stability in physiological solution and release characteristics using rhodamine B as the hydrophilic model drug were compared to those of relative uncoated hydrogels. Finally, antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli was tested. Results show that alginate hydrogels coated with chitosan hydrochloride described here can be proposed as a novel medicated dressing by associating intrinsic antimicrobial activity with improved sustained release characteristics.
A Mild Catalytic Oxidation System: FePcOTf/H2O2 Applied for Cyclohexene Dihydroxylation
Authors: Zhou Baocheng , Chen Wenxing
Published: May 2015

Iron (III) phthalocyanine complexes were employed for the first time as a mild and efficient Lewis acid catalyst in the selective oxidation of cyclohexene to cyclohexane-1,2-diol. It was found that the catalyst FePcOTf shown excellent conversion and moderate selectivity relative to other iron (III) phthalocyanine complexes. The optimum conditions of the oxidation reaction catalyzed by FePcOTf/H2O2 have been researched in this paper. Iron (III) phthalocyanine triflate (1 mol %) as catalyst, hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, methanol as solvent, and a mole ratio of substrate and oxidant (H2O2) of 1:1 were used for achieving moderate yields of 1,2-diols under reflux conditions after eight hours.
Comparison of Correlates of Bone Mineral Density in Individuals Adhering to Lacto-Ovo, Vegan, or Omnivore Diets: A Cross-Sectional Investigation
Authors: Knurick Jessica , Johnston Carol , Wherry Sarah , Aguayo Izayadeth
Published: May 2015

Vegetarian diets are associated with factors that may not support bone health, such as low body mass and low intakes of protein; yet, these diets are alkaline, a factor that favors bone mineral density (BMD). This study compared the correlates of BMD in young, non-obese adults consuming meat-based (n = 27), lacto-ovo vegetarian (n = 27), or vegan (n = 28) diets for ≥1 year. A 24 h diet recall, whole body DXA scan, 24 h urine specimen, and fasting blood sample were collected from participants. BMD did not differ significantly between groups. Protein intake was reduced ~30% in individuals consuming lacto-ovo and vegan diets as compared to those consuming meat-based diets (68 ± 24, 69 ± 29, and 97 ± 47 g/day respectively, p = 0.006); yet dietary protein was only associated with BMD for those following vegan diets. Urinary pH was more alkaline in the lacto-ovo and vegan groups versus omnivores (6.5 ± 0.4, 6.7 ± 0.4, and 6.2 ± 0.4 respectively, p = 0.003); yet urinary pH was associated with BMD in omnivores only. These data suggest that plant-based diets are not detrimental to bone in young adults. Moreover, diet prescriptions for bone health may vary among diet groups: increased fruit and vegetable intake for individuals with high meat intakes and increased plant protein intake for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet plan.
Application of digital field photographs as documents for tropical plant inventory
Authors: LaFrankie James V. , Chua Anna I.
Published: May 2015

Premise of the study:

We tested the credibility and significance of digital field photographs as supplements or substitutes for conventional herbarium specimens with particular relevance to exploration of the tropics.

Methods:

We made 113 collections in triplicate at a species‐rich mountain in the Philippines while we took 1238 digital photographs of the same plants. We then identified the plants from the photographs alone, categorized the confidence of the identification and the reason for failure to identify, and compared the results to identifications based on the dried specimens.

Results:

We identified 72.6% of the photographic sets with high confidence and 27.4% with low confidence or only to genus. In no case was a confident identification altered by subsequent examination of the dried specimen. The failure to identify photographic sets to species was due to the lack of a key feature in 67.8% of the cases and due to a poorly understood taxonomy in 32.2%.

Discussion:

We conclude that digital photographs cannot replace traditional herbarium specimens as the primary elements that document tropical plant diversity. However, photographs represent a new and important artifact that aids an expedient survey of tropical plant diversity while encouraging broad public participation.
DNA display of glycoconjugates to emulate oligomeric interactions of glycans
Authors: Novoa Alexandre , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: May 2015

Glycans (carbohydrate portion of glycoproteins and glycolipids) frequently exert their function through oligomeric interactions involving multiple carbohydrate units. In efforts to recapitulate the diverse spatial arrangements of the carbohydrate units, assemblies based on hybridization of nucleic acid conjugates have been used to display simplified ligands with tailored interligand distances and valences. The programmability of the assemblies lends itself to a combinatorial display of multiple ligands. Recent efforts in the synthesis and applications of such conjugates are discussed.
Post-Marketing Experience with Nevirapine Extended Release (XR) Tablets: Effectiveness and Tolerability in a Population-Based Cohort in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lepik Katherine J , Yip Benita , McGovern Rachel A , Ding Erin , Nohpal Adriana , Watson Birgit E , Toy Junine , Akagi Linda , Harrigan P Richard , Moore David M , Hogg Robert S , Montaner Julio SG , Barrios Rolando
Published: May 2015

Background

Nevirapine 400 mg extended release tablets (nevirapine-XR) are a once-daily alternative to nevirapine 200 mg immediate release tablets (nevirapine-IR). Study objectives were to describe the effectiveness and tolerability of nevirapine-XR in clinical practice and, for patients who switched from once daily 2x200 mg nevirapine-IR to nevirapine-XR, compare virological suppression and plasma nevirapine concentrations during each treatment period.

Methods

HIV-1-infected adults entered the study cohort if they initiated nevirapine-XR in British Columbia (BC) Canada between 1 April 2012 and 30 September 2012 and were followed until 30 September 2013. Demographic and clinical variables were abstracted from the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS databases. Patients who switched from once daily nevirapine-IR to nevirapine-XR were monitored for 6 months pre- and post-switch with comparison of virological suppression (McNeamer's test) and median random plasma nevirapine concentrations (Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test) in each period.

Results

The 536 nevirapine-XR-treated patients were 96% male, median (IQR) age 49.9 (44.0–56.9) years. Median follow-up was 15.6 (14.7–16.5) months, with 474/536 (88%) maintaining virological suppression. Emergent drug resistance developed in 5/536 (1%), adverse drug reactions in 17/536 (3%) and, although 31/536 (6%) reported ‘whole’ tablets in their stools, this was not associated with adverse outcomes. Among the 305 patients who switched from nevirapine-IR to nevirapine-XR, median (IQR) random plasma nevirapine concentration was higher during nevirapine-IR 5,000 (3,690–6,090) ng/ml than nevirapine-XR 3,930 (3,050–5,150) ng/ml ( P<0.001), but there was no difference in virological suppression, 89% and 87% respectively ( P=0.414).

Conclusions

This post-marketing study affirms the effectiveness and tolerability of nevirapine-XR as an alternative to nevirapine-IR in adults.
Iglesia del Corpus Christi en Pacific Palisades, California
Authors: Albert C. Martin & Associates Arquitectos e ingenieros
Published: May 2015

El cuerpo de edificación de la iglesia propiamente dicha tiene una planta de forma parabólica, mientras que la zona destinada a albergar los servicios auxiliares (de la parroquia) ha sido construida —junto a la iglesia— en forma de bloque de una planta de altura.
El altar ha sido organizado sobre el foco geométrico de la planta parabólica anteriormente mencionada.
Estructuras laminares en España
Authors: Coello de Portugal Fray
Published: May 2015

Se exponen aquí tres interesantes cubiertas laminares para respectivas iglesias situadas en diferentes puntos de la geografía hispana. Se han de resaltar sus magníficos resultados y comportamiento, así como la gran espectacularidad conseguida y su bajo costo relativo, sobre todo a la vista de la plasticidad formal y el dramatismo estructural de las soluciones adoptadas.
El arquitecto Fray Coello de Portugal aportó las ideas generales de diseño, encargándose el proyecto, supervisión, cálculo, planos, detalles, e incluso la construcción en algunos casos, a Construcciones Laminares, S. L.
Este trabajo fue presentado en la IASS-1967 de México.
Los acueductos romanos
Authors: Fernández Casado C.
Published: May 2015

El tema del puente romano se enriquece al considerar las obras de fábrica que en las conducciones de agua (ductionis aquae) soportan el canal sobre el terreno mediante arcadas (arcuatiónibus), obras que denominamos acueductos, tomando el sentido reestrícto de la palabra, que también puede aplicarse a toda la conducción en sentido general. Esta especialidad del puente: el acueducto, es típicamente romano, y no sólo porque surge en Roma como solución a problemas planteados por primera vez en su suelo, sino porque representa ixna de las realizaciones donde el genio romano se manifiesta de un modo más cumplido, siendo, por un lado, eficaz instrumento para el logro de sus objetivos inmediatos más propios, y por otro lado, meta perfecta a la necesidad de todo pueblo de encontrar una expresión propia a través de las artes plásticas.
Los morteros epoxi en la construcción
Authors: Fernández Cánovas Manuel
Published: May 2015

Desde hace unos años las resinas epoxi están encontrando una mayor aplicación en el campo de la construcción. Esto es debido a sus excelentes propiedades y a una tecnología cada vez más perfeccionada, las cuales permiten realizar, con éxito, muchas de sus aplicaciones a problemas cada día más difíciles y delicados.
El autor da cuenta, en este artículo, de los trabajos que ha realizado sobre morteros epoxi como parte de un amplio plan de ensayos experimentales que el Instituto Eduardo Torroja lleva a cabo en sus laboratorios.
Este estudio se refiere a los morteros epoxídicos pobres, entendiéndose por tales, la mezcla de árido exento de finos con la mínima cantidad de resina precisa para su confección. En el mismo se estudian las influencias de: la granulometría de la arena en la cantidad de resina a emplear; de la dosificación y de la edad en la resistencia mecánica, así como de las propiedades físicas de los morteros así formados.
II Conferencia internacional de pavimentos flexibles
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: May 2015

En la semana del 7 al 12 de agosto pasado tuvo lugar en la Universidad de Ann Arbor, Estado de Michigan (EE. UU.), la II Conferencia Internacional de Pavimentos Flexibles, dedicada especialmente a los métodos teóricos y experimentales de dimensionamiento y refuerzo de este tipo de pavimentos.
Mining a MOOC
Authors: Milligan Sandra , Griffin Patrick
Published: May 2015

In July 2014, a massive open online course (MOOC) entitled The Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills (ATC21S) was offered within the University of Melbourne's programme. Designed as a research engagement and dissemination initiative, the ATC21S MOOC enrolled 18,000 education practitioners, predominantly interested in teaching and assessment of complex 21st century skills. This chapter describes the experience of developing and teaching in the MOOC, and of learning through it. The authors suggest areas for ongoing research, and highlight areas in which MOOCs may stimulate broader change. This chapter commences the dialogue for the opening book section – policy issues in MOOCs Design, and responds to the topic of ‘emerging technology and change management issues for eLearning in the MOOCS environment.'
Quality Assurance for Massive Open Access Online Courses
Authors: Walls Justin , Kelder Jo-Anne , King Carolyn , Booth Sara , Sadler David
Published: May 2015

Institutional quality assurance frameworks enable systematic reporting of traditional higher education courses against agreed standards. However, their ability to adequately evaluate quality of a MOOC has not been explored in depth. This chapter, Quality Assurance for Massive Open access Online Courses – building on the old to create something new, explores the added learning and teaching dimensions that MOOCs offer and the limitations of existing frameworks. Many components of a MOOC are similar to traditional courses and, thus, aspects of quality assurance frameworks directly apply, however they fail to connect with the global, unrestricted reach of an open learning and teaching platform. The chapter uses the University of Tasmania's first MOOC, Understanding Dementia, as a case. MOOC-specific quality assurance dimensions are presented in an expanded framework, to which the Understanding Dementia MOOC is mapped, to demonstrate its usefulness to a sector grappling with this new learning and teaching modality. This chapter continues the commentary on – Policy issues in MOOCs Design, through the topic of ‘quality issues critical comparison – contrasting old with new.'
Professional Learning through MOOCs?
Authors: Lodge Jason M. , Lewis Melinda J.
Published: May 2015

This chapter will locate debates around MOOCs within a discussion on the purposes of higher education for professional learning and trends for trans-disciplinary approaches in designs for networked learning. The authors revisit the meaning of a ‘higher' education in contemporary tertiary contexts and within professional learning degrees and also examine the types of expertise required when designing for and facilitating learning in a MOOC open-style environment. In response to these aims, they offer a trans-disciplinary framework (Wadsworth, 2010) drawn from complex systems thinking in health, community and human services, to assist our enquiry into educational innovation. The authors suggest that a more nuanced understanding of the types of expertise required by those involved in macro-level learning occurring in MOOCs will lead towards a greater role in creating the next generation of multi-professional experts. They draw from the learning sciences, epistemologies on ways of being and becoming, and innovations with educational technologies.
Beyond the Phenomenon
Authors: Chauhan Amit
Published: May 2015

MOOC course offerings and enrollments continue to show an upward spiral with an increasing focus on completion rates. The completion rates of below 10 percent in MOOCs pose a serious challenge in designing effective pedagogical techniques and evolving assessment criterion for such a large population of learners. With more institutions jumping on the bandwagon to offer MOOCs, is completion rate the sole criterion to measure performance and learning outcomes in a MOOC? Learner interaction is central to knowledge creation and a key component of measuring learning outcomes in a MOOC. What are the alternate assessment techniques to measure performance and learning outcomes in a MOOC? MOOCs provide tremendous opportunity to explore emerging technologies to achieve learning outcomes. This chapter looks beyond the popularity of MOOCs by focusing on the assessment trends and analyzing their sustainability in the context of the MOOC phenomenon. The chapter continues the discussion on ‘ePedagogy and interactive MOOCs' relating to ‘performance measurement issues.'
Deceptive Promises
Authors: Popenici Stefan
Published: May 2015

Since 2011, massive open online courses (MOOCs) fired the imagination of the general public as well as the academics, university administrators and investors alike. This chapter is an analysis of the main promises and expectations associated with MOOCs in higher education. This analysis is largely informed by a literature review of new extensive research reports, press releases, media articles, scholarly blogs and academic papers. Considering costs and benefits, ethical aspects and the impact on the landscape of higher education, the author explores whether MOOCs stay consistent with their initial promises and rhetoric. This chapter continues the discussion on the book section ‘RIA and education practice of MOOCs,' with the particular focus on the topic of ‘educational training design.'
Games in Entrepreneurship Education to Support the Crafting of an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Authors: Achtenhagen Leona , Johannisson Bengt
Published: May 2015

An increasing number of education institutions, including many universities and colleges, are offering entrepreneurship education. This development is driven by the hope that more entrepreneurs could be “created” through such efforts, and that these entrepreneurs through their newly founded ventures will contribute to economic growth and job creation. At higher education institutions, the majority of entrepreneurship courses rely on writing business plans as a main pedagogical tool for enhancing the students' entrepreneurial capabilities. In this chapter, the authors argue instead for the need for a pedagogy that focuses on supporting students in crafting an entrepreneurial mindset as the basis for venturing activities. They discuss the potential role of games in such entrepreneurship education and present the example of an entrepreneurship game from the Swedish context, which was developed by a group of young female entrepreneurs. The authors describe the game and discuss their experiences of playing it with a group of novice entrepreneurship and management students at the master's level, and they review the effectiveness of the game in terms of how it supports students in crafting an entrepreneurial mindset. The authors conclude the chapter by outlining how entrepreneurship games could be integrated into a university curriculum and suggest some directions for future research.
Strategic Entrepreneurial Orientation and Small Business Growth
Authors: Ferreira João J. , Raposo Mário L. , Fernandes Cristina I.
Published: May 2015

This chapter aims to define a coherent theoretical framework enabling a broader understanding of the strategic entrepreneurial orientation (SEO) and to evaluate their effects on small firm growth. A sample made up of 211 small Portuguese firms from various different sectors of activity was surveyed by questionnaire. The results demonstrate how the life-cycle of companies, their resources, capacities, motivations and surrounding environment all influence the SEO of small companies. The empirical evidence shows how SEO, and across four specific dimensions – proactiveness, innovativeness, risk taking and competitive aggressiveness, clearly impacts on the growth of these small firms. The study contributes both theoretically (through advancing knowledge on the field of strategic factors for small business growth) and practically (when designing support policies strategically orientated towards small firms).
Properties of Knowledge Matter
Authors: Burston Mary A.
Published: May 2015

In this theoretical chapter, the concept of fungibility is deployed as an analytical device for re-examining assumptions made about the capacities of entrepreneurialism to transform higher education, learning, and curricula. The purpose is to demonstrate that properties of knowledge matter when it comes to presumptions, policy directives, and promises made about academic and institutional agency and participation in the knowledge economy. From the perspective that not all knowledge is equal in value, the chapter highlights a core conceptual problem underpinning the reform agenda of entrepreneurialism in concluding that properties of knowledge matter for democratic participation in the knowledge economy.
Social Media Crowdsourcing
Authors: Singh Parul
Published: May 2015

This article makes an attempt to understand crowdsourcing and its increasing importance in organizations. It explores how crowd acts as a problem solver and crowdsourcing generates ideas that lead to open innovation for an organization. The paper also throws light on how with the arrival and advancement of digital technologies, the concept of crowdsourcing has gained popularity and has received well acceptance in the organizations. This is followed by a detailed analysis on various researchers' views and thoughts on the subject. Based on the extensive literature review, this paper attempts to identify knowledge gaps and research gaps. This study is an attempt to create concepts on social media crowdsourcing and provide research directions to further explore the subject.
Crowdsourcing for Transcultural Marketing and Innovation
Authors: Rusko Rauno
Published: May 2015

The contemporary information technology and changing habits of consumers using Web-based platforms provides new possibilities for companies to exploit the innovativeness and technical abilities of consumers in their research and development work. Because of international platforms, this kind of crowdsourcing is a source for transcultural incremental and radical innovations for companies. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the concept and available literature of crowdsourcing and different international practical solutions of companies in exploiting crowdsourcing. Finally, this chapter discusses and classifies various types of crowdsourcing activities in the context of incremental and radical innovations, and innovation strategies of the firms.
A Case Study of Progressive Formation of Accounting Cloud Services in Japan
Authors: Mizuno Yutaka , Odake Nobutaka
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study is to clarify the best practice of an accounting cloud service in Japan which has two-sided markets and freemium structure and how to formulate its service. The authors studied one specific accounting cloud service, as a case study. As results, the authors obtained the following three findings. First, the best accounting cloud service adopted Open & Close strategy. The Company specializes in accounting operations area and make open connections with other cloud services in non-accounting operations area. Second, the best accounting cloud service has a specific service formation along its market strategy. Third, the best accounting cloud service has an effective boarding strategy of its users' group onto its cloud service platform. Therefore, cloud service providers not only adopt Open & Close strategy, but also build up the coherent market strategy to formulate self-reinforcing mechanism before building up their business ecosystem in the two-sided markets and freemium structure.
A Guide to Online Applications for User Involvement in Living Lab Innovation
Authors: Følstad Asbjørn , Karahasanović Amela
Published: May 2015

The use of Living Labs is gaining importance as an approach to involve users in innovation and development, serving to make users active participants in the development of the networked society. However, Living Labs are currently not taking full advantage of online applications to support user involvement, even though such applications are gaining impact in other fields of innovation. The purpose of this chapter is to: (i) present a framework to classify and relate online applications for user involvement to the Living Lab context and (ii) present a set of guidelines for the usage of such applications within Living Labs. The framework and the guidelines are the results of a collaborative process involving seven Living Lab researchers from four Nordic Living Labs and are meant to guide Living Lab administrators on whether or how to use online applications for user involvement. The framework and the guidelines might also be useful for the designers of online applications.
Contextual Intelligence
Authors: Kutz Matthew R. , Bamford-Wade Anita
Published: May 2015

Context and intelligence are two concepts that when combined create unique insight relative to leadership in complex and ambiguous settings. Contextual intelligence is described as the ability to recognize patterns of interrelated artifacts inherent in events or circumstances, which result in intentional behaviors that facilitate influence. This chapter is divided into sections that introduce the concept of contextual intelligence as a framework rooted in three core concepts. Those concepts include understanding non-Newtonian thinking, synchronicity, and tacit knowledge. Following a discussion of these core concepts, the model is expanded to include three-dimensional (3D) thinking, which requires the practical application of hindsight, insight, and foresight through the lenses of the three core concepts. The chapter concludes with a diagram of the contextual intelligence circumplex and a breakdown and description of 12 meta-competencies (behaviors) associated with contextual intelligence.
Open Business Intelligence for Better Decision-Making
Authors: Bernardino Jorge
Published: May 2015

Decision-making is a crucial, yet challenging task in enterprise management. In many organizations, decisions are still made based on experience and intuition rather than on facts and rigorous approaches. This is often due to lack of data, unknown relationships between data and goals, conflicting goals and poorly understood risks. The success of organizations depends on fast and well-founded decisions taken by relevant people in their specific area of responsibility. Business Intelligence (BI) is a collection of decision support technologies for enterprises aimed at enabling knowledge workers such as executives, managers, and analysts to make better and faster decisions. In this paper, the authors review the concept of BI as an open innovation strategy and address the importance of BI in revolutionizing knowledge towards economics and business sustainability. The main objective is to discuss why the concept of BI has become increasingly important and presents some of the top key applications and technologies to implement open BI in organizations, which would like to enter into the new market and operate on a global scale.
Entrepreneurship as a Survival-Seeking Strategy for Indigenous Communities
Authors: Barba-Sánchez Virginia , Molina-Ramírez Ericka
Published: May 2015

The aim of this chapter is to offer an alternative to the emigration and marginalization currently experienced by indigenous Latin American communities by creating ecotourism ventures in their home territories. By fostering profitable and environmentally sustainable economic activities enabling them to remain in their settlements, it is possible to alleviate the problem of socio-economic marginalization which they currently face whilst helping conserve the environment and their ancient culture. Qualitative research has therefore been conducted by means of a multiple case study. This is an introductory work and the authors' preliminary findings highlight the importance not only of social networks in the creation of indigenous SMEs but also of the culture, values, uses and customs of such communities in the identification of the profile of the indigenous entrepreneur.
Fostering Creative Transformations in Organizations with Chaos
Authors: Pryor Robert , Bright Jim
Published: May 2015

This chapter introduces the Chaos Theory of Careers (Pryor & Bright, 2003b, 2011) as applied to organizational behavior. The authors argue that organizations and the people within them can be usefully thought of as complex dynamical open systems – or strange attractors. From this perspective, organizational behavior can be understood in chaos terms such as attractors, fractal patterns, non- linearity, emergence, and phase shifts. Understanding organizations in dynamic terms provides a coherent picture of the inherent uncertainty and change that organizations face. This, in turn, has implications for management models that need to move from command, control, and predict, to facilitation and disruption of closed system processes. The difference between organizational anarchy and a principled chaos-based approach are highlighted. A model of organizational and personal creativity is presented and linked to concepts such as fractal behavior, career development and the re-thinking of traditional goal-centered approaches to management and change. For organizations to thrive in a world that is inevitably complex, uncertain, and changing, the authors argue that the Chaos Theory of Careers provides a coherent management framework and suggests approaches that will foster the development of a creative and flexible organization to meet these contemporary challenges.
Applying Open Innovation Strategies to eGovernment for Better Public Services
Authors: Christos Georgousopoulos , Xenia Ziouvelou , Antonis Ramfos , Panagiotis Kokkinakos , Jain Anshu , Gangadharan G. R. , Yehia Taher
Published: May 2015

Globalization, increasing automation, and the growth of the Internet are setting up a services-driven world at a scale and pace never before witnessed in history whose novelty is the proactive engagement of service recipients in the process of service delivery. Such change-driving forces will inevitably drive Government enterprises to reconsider the way that they deliver public services. As it has been realized in the industry, the transition of Government enterprises to the services-driven world will call for fundamental transformation in the provision of public services in the future, and a complete new way for Governments to work and interact with their citizens. Towards this direction, the authors propose an open innovation model through a process of democratic engagement between service providers and service recipients, where citizenship is reinstated at the heart of public service delivery. A service engineering methodology to support the proposed citizen-driven participatory design of public sector services is also provided.
Relationship between Company's Intellectual Capital and Performance
Authors: Narwal Karam Pal , Soriya Sushila
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the relationship between Financial Reporting of Intellectual Capital and Company's Performances in Indian Information Technology Industry. The sample consisted of 60 companies listed on NSE for a time period of 1999-00 to 2008-09. Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAICTM) method developed by Pulic (1998) was used for the analysis of the data. The chapter uses VAICTM model and regression equation for the evaluation of intellectual capital and their relationship with productivity, profitability, and market valuation of the companies. The result of the chapter supports the hypothesis that profitability of the company can be explained by the intellectual capital. However, there is no significant association of intellectual capital with productivity and market capitalization of the companies for the selected time period of year 1999-00 to 2008-09.
Global Lighting Centre Ltd.
Authors: Andoh-Quainoo Lydia
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this case study is to examine the motivation and challenges influencing entrepreneurial startup of family businesses from Africa, specifically Ghana. The case brings out how the founder of a family business has been able to manage these challenges and incorporate non-family members for business success. The case further explores the differences and similarities in the motivational factors and challenges associated with starting a business in an African context, specifically Ghanaian context, as compared to the other parts of the world. A questionnaire and in-depth interview was used to gather data. The findings suggest that though there are several personal and environmental challenges faced when starting a family business in Ghana, entrepreneurs with strong mental and personality qualities or characteristics are able to make it.