bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine-learning Approach to Identification of Coronal Holes in Solar Disk Images and Synoptic Maps
Authors: Illarionov Egor , Kosovichev Alexander , Tlatov Andrey
Published: November 2020

Identification of solar coronal holes (CHs) provides information both for operational space weather forecasting and long-term investigation of solar activity. Source data for the first problem are typically from the most recent solar disk observations, while for the second problem it is convenient to consider solar synoptic maps. Motivated by the idea that the concept of CHs should be similar for both cases we investigate universal models that can learn CH segmentation in disk images and reproduce the same segmentation in synoptic maps. We demonstrate that convolutional neural networks trained on daily disk images provide an accurate CH segmentation in synoptic maps and their pole-centric projections. Using this approach we construct a catalog of synoptic maps for the period of 2010–20 based on SDO/AIA observations in the 193 Å wavelength. The obtained CH synoptic maps are compared with magnetic synoptic maps in the time-latitude and time-longitude diagrams. The initial results demonstrate that while in some cases the CHs are associated with magnetic flux-transport events there are other mechanisms contributing to the CH formation and evolution. To stimulate further investigations the catalog of synoptic maps is published in open access.
Oumuamuas Passing through Molecular Clouds
Authors: Pfalzner Susanne , Davies Melvyn B. , Kokaia Giorgi , Bannister Michele T.
Published: November 2020

The detections of 1I/‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov within just two years of each other impressively demonstrate that interstellar objects (ISOs) must be common in the Milky Way. Once released from their parent system, these ISOs travel for billions of years through interstellar space. While often imagined as empty, interstellar space contains gas and dust most prominent in the form of molecular clouds. Performing numerical simulations, we test how often ISOs cross such molecular clouds (MCs). We find that the ISOs pass through MCs amazingly often. In the solar neighborhood, ISOs typically spend 0.1%–0.2% of their journey inside MCs, for relatively slow ISOs (<5 km s−1) this can increase to 1%–2%, equivalent to 10–20 Myr per Gyr. Thus the dynamically youngest ISOs spend the longest time in MCs. In other words, MCs must mainly contain relatively young ISOs (<1–2 Gyr). Thus the half-life of the seeding process by ISOs is substantially shorter than a stellar lifetime. The actual amount of time spent in MCs decreases with distance to the Galactic center. We find that ISOs pass through MCs so often that backtracing their path to find their parent star beyond 250 Myr seems pointless. Besides, we give a first estimate of the ISO density depending on the distance to the Galactic center based on the stellar distribution.
The Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping Project: Estimating Masses of Black Holes in Quasars with Single-epoch Spectroscopy
Authors: Bontà Elena Dalla , Peterson Bradley M. , Bentz Misty C. , Brandt W. N. , Ciroi S. , Rosa Gisella De , Alvarez Gloria Fonseca , Grier Catherine J. , Hall P. B. , Hernández Santisteban Juan V. , Ho Luis C. , Homayouni Y. , Horne Keith , Kochanek C. S. , Li Jennifer I-Hsiu , Morelli L. , Pizzella A. , Pogge R. W. , Schneider D. P. , Shen Yue , Trump J. R. , Vestergaard Marianne
Published: November 2020

It is well known that reverberation mapping of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) reveals a relationship between AGN luminosity and the size of the broad-line region, and that use of this relationship, combined with the Doppler width of the broad emission line, enables an estimate of the mass of the black hole at the center of the active nucleus based on a single spectrum. An unresolved key issue is the choice of parameter used to characterize the line width, either FWHM or line dispersion

(the square root of the second moment of the line profile). We argue here that use of FWHM introduces a bias, stretching the mass scale such that high masses are overestimated and low masses are underestimated. Here we investigate estimation of black hole masses in AGNs based on individual or “single-epoch” observations, with a particular emphasis in comparing mass estimates based on line dispersion and FWHM. We confirm the recent findings that, in addition to luminosity and line width, a third parameter is required to obtain accurate masses, and that parameter seems to be Eddington ratio. We present simplified empirical formulae for estimating black hole masses from the Hβ
λ4861 and C iv
λ1549 emission lines. While the AGN continuum luminosity at 5100 Å is usually used to predict the Hβ reverberation lag, we show that the luminosity of the Hβ broad component can be used instead without any loss of precision, thus eliminating the difficulty of accurately accounting for the host-galaxy contribution to the observed luminosity.
Deuterated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Interstellar Medium: The C–D Band Strengths of Monodeuterated Species
Authors: Yang X. J. , Li Aigen , Glaser R.
Published: November 2020

Deuterium (D) is one of the light elements created in the Big Bang. As the Galaxy evolves, the D/H abundance in the interstellar medium (ISM) decreases from its primordial value due to astration. However, the observed gas-phase D/H abundances of some sightlines in the local Galactic ISM are substantially lower than the expected reduction by astration. The missing D could have been depleted onto polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules which are ubiquitous and abundant in interstellar regions. To quantitatively explore the hypothesis of PAHs as a possible reservoir of interstellar D, we quantum-chemically compute the infrared vibrational spectra of monodeuterated PAHs and their cations. We find that, as expected, when H in PAHs is replaced by D, the C–H stretching and bending modes at 3.3, 8.6, and 11.3 μm shift to longer wavelengths at ∼4.4, 11.4, and 15.4 μm, respectively, by a factor of ∼

, the difference in reduced mass between the C–H and C–D oscillators. From the computed spectra we derive the mean intrinsic band strengths of the 3.3 μm C–H stretch and 4.4 μm C–D stretch to be

and

for neutral deuterated PAHs which would dominate the interstellar emission at 3.3 and 4.4 μm. By comparing the computationally derived mean band-strength ratio of

for neutral PAHs with the mean ratio of the observed intensities of

, we find that the degree of deuteration (i.e., the fraction of peripheral atoms attached to C atoms in the form of D) is ∼2.4%, corresponding to a D enrichment of a factor of ∼1200 with respect to the interstellar D/H abundance.
Swift/UVOT+MaNGA (SwiM) Value-added Catalog
Authors: Molina Mallory , Ajgaonkar Nikhil , Yan Renbin , Ciardullo Robin , Gronwall Caryl , Eracleous Michael , Ji Xihan , Blanton Michael R.
Published: November 2020

We introduce the Swift/UVOT+MaNGA (SwiM) value-added catalog, which comprises 150 galaxies that have both Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)/MaNGA integral field spectroscopy and archival Swift/UVOT near-UV (NUV) images. The similar angular resolution between the three Swift/UVOT NUV images and the MaNGA maps allows for a high-resolution comparison of optical and NUV indicators of star formation, crucial for constraining quenching and attenuation in the local universe. The UVOT NUV images, SDSS images, and MaNGA emission line and spectral index maps have all been spatially matched and reprojected to match the point-spread function (PSF) and pixel sampling of the Swift/UVOT uvw2 images and are presented in the same coordinate system for each galaxy. The spectral index maps use the definition first adopted by Burstein et al., which makes it more convenient for users to compute spectral indices when binning the maps. Spatial covariance is properly taken into account in propagating the uncertainties. We also provide a catalog that includes PSF-matched aperture photometry in the SDSS optical and Swift NUV bands. In an earlier companion paper, we used a subset of these galaxies to explore the attenuation laws of kiloparsec-sized star-forming regions. The catalog, maps for each galaxy, and associated data models are publicly available on the SDSS website.
Role of Carboxy Terminal Propeptide of Type I and Type III Procollagen (PICP and PIIICP) Toward the Severity Degree of Mitral Valve Regurgitation in Children’s Rheumatic Heart Disease
Authors: Suwarniaty Renny , Rohman Mohammad Saifur , Hernowati Tinny Endang , Barlianto Wisnu
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is recognized as a heart disease that occurs as a result of sequelae in acute rheumatic fever (ARF), characterized by the occurrence of defects in the heart valves. The most common manifestation of childhood RHD is mitral regurgitation (MR). The role of inflammation and oxidative stress in RHD also involves several components consisting of carboxy-terminal pro-peptide of Type I procollagen (PICP) and carboxy-terminal pro-peptide of Type III procollagen (PIIICP).
AIM: The aim of this study was to know whether PICP and PIIICP can be used to measure the severity level of mitral valve regurgitation.
METHODS: This research is considered as descriptive-analytic research, and using cross-sectional analysis. Forty RHD patients underwent echocardiographic examinations to measure Wilkin and effective regurgitant orifice area scores. Patients were classified into ARF without valve abnormalities, mild, moderate, and severe MR. PICP and PIIICP were with ARF through venous blood and ELISA was examined. Data were analyzed by employing SPSS 22 with p = 0.05). Wilkins scores and PICP levels have a regression coefficient of 0.296 with a p-value of 0.032.
RESULTS: There was a significant difference in PICP level among the studied sample groups with a p = 0.012, (p < 0.05), with insignificant difference in PIIICP level among sample groups with a p = 0.083, greater than α = 0.05 (p > 0.05). Wilkins scores and PICP level have a regression coefficient of 0.296 with a p = 0.032 (p < 0.05), while PIIICP level has a regression coefficient of 0.093 with a p = 0.568 (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: There is no significant increase indicated on PIIICP level, but PICP level indicates a significant increase in RHD group with severe mitral valve abnormalities. PICP can be used to measure the severity level of mitral valve regurgitation.
Association of Parasite Density and Hematological Parameters of Plasmodium vivax- and Plasmodium falciparum-infected Patients Attending Merauke General Hospital, Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Kurniawan Roy Bagus , Wardhani Puspa , Arwati Heny , Aryati Aryati , Butarbutar Trieva Verawaty , Adiatmaja Christophorus Oetama , Betaubun Amarensi Milka , Chamidah Nur
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are frequent causes of malaria. Although they are blood parasites, their biological characteristics are dissimilar, and their species-related consequences on hematological parameters have not been widely investigated. They might be valuable to distinguish both species infection, notably for an endemic region with limited diagnostic resources.
AIM: This study aimed to know the species-specific effect on hematological parameters and its correlation to the parasite density in P. vivax- and P. falciparum-infected patients attending Merauke General Hospital, Papua, Indonesia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Malaria patients confirmed by blood film microscopy from January 1 to July 31, 2019, were recruited, and their hematological parameters were measured using Sysmex XN-1000 instrument. All obtained data were analyzed statistically.
RESULTS: From 100 malaria-positive patients, 87 patients, consisting of 57 P. vivax and 30 P. falciparum patients, met criteria. Anemia and parasite density >50,000 parasites/μL were significantly higher in P. falciparum than P. vivax patients (p < 0.05) though hemoglobin concentration and parasite density were insignificantly different. Interestingly, basophil count was significantly higher in P. falciparum compared to P. vivax patients (p = 0.04). The eosinophil count was significantly higher in P. vivax (p = 0.01) than P. falciparum patients and indicated a significant positive correlation (p = 0.04, r = +0.28) with the parasite density.
CONCLUSION: There were significant differences between basophil and eosinophil count between P. vivax and P. falciparum infections. Eosinophil count showed a significant positive correlation with parasite density.
Distribution of alien plant species of the Middle Volga Region (South-East of the European part of Russia): a dataset
Authors: Senator Stepan , Tretyakova Alyona , Vorontsov Dmitry
Published: November 2020

The dataset presented in the current study contains information regarding alien vascular plant species found in the Middle Volga Region (South-East of the European part of Russia). The dataset overall includes 413 species belonging to 247 genera and 67 families. The described dataset is based on the data published during floristic studies from 1851 to 2019. The dataset does not include alien vascular plant species that have presently disappeared from the territory of the region. It contains a total of 7,782 records of occurrences, extracted from the Salix system of information and analytics, developed in the Institute of Ecology of the Volga River Basin of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

A total of 7,782 records were published on the occurrence of alien vascular plants in the Middle Volga Region. Each entry includes information regarding the place of occurrence of the alien plant species, the year of occurrence, the person who recorded the alien plant and who identified it, status of the species (introduced or invasive), link to the herbarium, which contains the specimen and the literary source. If it were impossible to establish the names of the persons who collected the samples and (or) their identification in the identifiedBy and recordedBy fields, the names of the authors of the publication given in the associatedReferences field were entered. The presented dataset supplements the information on the distribution of alien plant species in the whole European part of Russia and specifies the places of their findings in the Middle Volga Region.
Five new additions to the genus Spathaspora (Saccharomycetales, Debaryomycetaceae) from southwest China
Authors: Lv Shi-Long , Chai Chun-Yue , Wang Yun , Yan Zhen-Li , Hui Feng-Li
Published: November 2020

Spathaspora is an important genus of d-xylose-fermenting yeasts that are poorly studied in China. During recent yeast collections in Yunnan Province in China, 13 isolates of Spathaspora were obtained from rotting wood and all represent undescribed taxa. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses (ITS and nuc 28S), five new species are proposed: Spathaspora elongata, Sp. mengyangensis, Sp. jiuxiensis, Sp. parajiuxiensis and Sp. rosae. Our results indicate a high species diversity of Spathaspora waiting to be discovered in rotting wood from tropical and subtropical southwest China. In addition, the two Candida species, C. jeffriesii and C. materiae, which are members of the Spathaspora clade based on phylogeny, are transferred to Spathaspora as new combinations.
Suitable extraction conditions for determination of total anti-oxidant capacity and phenolic compounds in Ruspolia differens Serville
Authors: Ssepuuya G. , Kagulire J. , Katongole J. , Kabbo D. , Claes J. , Nakimbugwe D.
Published: November 2020

Recent research on edible insects’ composition has placed more emphasis on the quantity and quality of macro- and micro- nutrients and less emphasis on their bio-active components. This study aimed at assessing the effect of four factors, namely: defatting, solvent type (ethanol, methanol and acetone), solvent concentration (50, 75 and 100%) and extraction time (15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes) on the extraction efficiency, the total anti-oxidant activity and the amount of total phenolics and total flavonoids of Ruspolia differens. It was not known if the removal of fat (defatting) would influence the total anti-oxidant activity, and the distribution of anti-oxidant compounds in the R. differens matrix. Non-defatting use of acetone and sonication for 60 minutes are associated with high anti-oxidant activity and high amounts of bio-active compounds extracted. Aqueous acetone (50%) extracts had the highest average anti-oxidant activity (87.00±2.59% RSA) while 100% acetone extracts had the highest average total phenolics (11.14±0.18 GAE/g) and average total flavonoids (3.02±0.21 QE/g) content, indicating the presence of other, possibly highly polar, bio-active compounds in R. differens.
Growth, survival and development of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) fed flowering plants
Authors: Vaga M. , Berggren Å. , Jansson A.
Published: November 2020

House crickets (Acheta domesticus) are increasingly being used as food. This has the potential for a more efficient food production that also may benefit agroecosystems. As the first study to compare feeds based on European wild flowering plants as feed for house crickets we examined five common plants known to support biodiversity of wild insects (white clover (Trifolium repens), white nettle (Lamium album), common nettle (Urtica dioica), rough comfrey (Symphytum asperum) and common gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata). These plants and a control diet were fed as dried and sole feeds ad libitum to one-day-old house crickets for 62 days in a climate-controlled laboratory. Cricket weight, mortality and feed intake were recorded every 7 days. An additional test examined crickets preferences for forages and the effect on maturation and weight, by providing a free choice of rapeseed and wheat meal and either an early- or late-cut red clover (Trifolium pratense) or white nettle for 62 days. Mortality of crickets fed common nettle, rough comfrey and common gypsophila exceeded 80% in first 7 days, so these plants were removed from the trial after 14 days. Survival of crickets on white nettle and control feed was 59% after 28 days and average cricket weight was similar. By day 62, the weight of crickets fed white nettle and white clover was on average 32 mg, compared with 201 mg on control feed. In the free choice test, crickets consumed 15-30% red clover, 31-37% wheat meal and 39-64% rapeseed. Crickets with access to red clover showed a higher (P<0.001) proportion of adults (28%) compared with the control (5%). We conclude that white nettle has potential as feed for house crickets during the early growth stages, and that red clover supplementation increase cricket maturation. Using feeds including white nettle and red clover in cricket rearing additionally benefits to support wild biodiversity and lower feed costs.
Effect ofClostridium on proliferating cell nuclear antigen and ghrelin in the small intestine of fattening pigs fed with deoxynivalenol
Authors: Li F. , Huang L. , Chen H. , Yuan X. , Wang C. , Wang J.
Published: November 2020

Grains and feed are severely contaminated by deoxynivalenol (DON) globally, threatening both human and animal health. Research on bio-degradation of DON, in general, is gaining attention. The aim of this research was to estimate the effect ofClostridium sp. WJ06 as a microbiological detoxification of DON based on the expression and distribution of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as well as ghrelin in the small intestine. A total of 24 fattening pigs were randomly divided into three groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet, the DON group was fed with DON at 5.0 mg/kg in feed, and the DON+C group was provided DON feed withClostridium sp. WJ06. Several selected blood parameters, the intestinal morphology, and the expression and distribution of PCNA and ghrelin, were evaluated. The results proved that the selected blood parameters were altered, the intestinal villi were damaged, the epithelium was shed, as well as the expression and distribution of PCNA and ghrelin were changed by DON exposure. These toxic effects were prevented by the addition ofClostridium sp. WJ06. In short, the addition ofClostridium sp. WJ06 to the feed may eliminate the toxic effects of DON in fattening pigs. An underlying mechanism is likely modulation of the expression and distribution of PCNA and ghrelin.
The Ownership of Evil: 1968, 1989, and the Mainstreaming of the New Right
Authors: Jakovljević Branislav
Published: November 2020

1968 was a watershed year not only for the new left but even more so for the rise of the New Right. It turns out that, if 1968 “prepared” 1989 as the next turning point in European and world history, it was probably more through the new right’s forging of ideas that would eventually provide ideological justification for illiberal democracies in Central and Eastern Europe. Yugoslavia is an important site in this history not only because of its early exposure to the ideas of the new right through the work of the painter and publicist Dragoš Kalajić but also because in his seminal book The Philosophy of Parochialism (1969), Radomir Konstantinović anticipated the rise of the new right and offered a penetrating critique of its fundamental premises.
Breaking the Walls
Authors: Azeez Rasheed O.
Published: November 2020

This chapter interrogates the power that lies within employees' collaborative creativity, as against individualism, to achieving stated organisational goals. It advances the fact that collaboration of man and machine in the workplace lends credence to the fact that collaborative creativity possess within it, a power that can help resolve snags confronting the organisation on the one hand, and the society on the other. This chapter locates its arguments within the Yoruba culture philosophical idiom of Ajumose (doing together) to advance the fact that, collaborativeness will encourage individual collaborator to abandon giving simple judgement on big tasks, but participate in a more critical thinking. It notes further that, establishing the culture of collaboration in the 21st century is a virtue that organisations seeking comparative and competitive advantage should adhere to. Lastly, it recommends for the establishment of a collaborative culture in the workplace amongst others.
Brain-Based Learning
Authors: Aliustaoğlu Feyza , Tuna Abdulkadir
Published: November 2020

Many models that take into account the learning styles have been developed with the formation of modern educational approaches. 4MAT model is a natural learning process moving sequentially through the learning cycle. According to the 4MAT model there are four learning styles and each student can learn more comfortable with their own learning styles. In consideration of neurological studies, also, the dominant hemisphere used by individuals in the information processing process is important in the 4MAT model. This chapter presents a lesson plan based on the 4MAT model as well as the results regarding the application of this lesson plan in a middle school located in the northern part of Turkey. The lesson plan was prepared by examining the books titled “4MAT 4 algebra: The system of mathematics” and “4 MAT 4 geometry teacher book” and receiving expert opinions.
Reliability of Digital Formative Assessment Practices and Instruments
Authors: Carvalho Tiago da Silva , Almeida Pedro , Balula Ana
Published: November 2020

The rise of enthusiasts in mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), benefiting from well-established benefits of consuming audiovisual content for autonomous learning, has proliferated during the last decade. Simultaneously, there is constant debate about how reliable digital evaluation systems are, and therefore, what are the best instruments/practices to assess language learning remotely? After contextualizing the motivation for this research, this chapter will provide a rundown of state of the art related to digital learning assessment, with a particular focus on online formative assessment practices and adaptive learning systems, as well as contexts they were implemented. The purpose is to identify valid practices, pinpointing strengths and weaknesses and ending with an assessment instrument proposal for an online collaborative platform (OCP), in which learners—either autonomously, or supported by their EFL teachers—follow steps to get certification in a given communicative skill, by the consuming, mapping, producing, and uploading audiovisual content.
Agriculture Business Problems
Authors: Strang Kenneth David , Che Ferdinand Ndifor , Vajjhala Narasimha Rao
Published: November 2020

Researchers need to investigate global life-threatening problems tied to agriculture such as food insecurity and malnutrition pandemics. This chapter reviews empirical fact-based state-of-the-art literature underlying the agri-business adoption barriers and the agriculture food insecurity crises. The authors focus their effort on identifying the hot spots of global agriculture problems, in developing nations. They use critical analysis to identify the most pressing issues and controversies surrounding West Africa. They then explore empirical literature suggesting possible remedies and future research needs to resolve the agriculture problems, in a way that these concepts would generalize globally and be of interest to other scholars. They produce several conceptual models to assist future agriculture research scholars including keyword thematic diagrams, cross-case subject analysis, topic contingency analysis, and literature topic synthesis. They then focus on probable solutions and they create several conceptual models to summarize those. They close with recommendations for future research.
Addressing Risk Associated to ICT-Based Technology
Authors: Medici Marco , Canavari Maurizio
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work is to discuss the ways risk may affect farm investments in ICT-based technology such as precision agriculture (PA) technologies and to establish how to better incorporate risk and uncertainty into cost-benefit analyses, in order to calibrate the estimated expected net present value from farmers' investments. To properly measure the factors underlying risk in agriculture it is essential to collect a proper piece of data and information from technology, market, and institutions. However, it is somehow hard to rely on historical information about PA technologies as they have appeared on the market in a recent time. Thus, in this work an ad hoc methodology useful to aid risk-averse farmers is developed, dealing with the estimation of financial parameters like discount rates, economic life of technology, and residual values at the end of the period for which benefits are considered.
Design of an Agribusiness Innovative and Autonomous Robot System for Chemical Weed Control for Staple Food Crops Production in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bala Jibril Abdullahi , Olaniyi Olayemi Mikail , Folorunso Taliha Abiodun , Daniya Emmanuel
Published: November 2020

Agriculture and agribusinesses suffer from many challenges, despite their significance to global economic growth. One of the challenges is the lack of appropriate technology to drive the industry to the next level of development. This technological gap contributes to reduced yield and profit without a reduction in manual labour, cost, and stress. Robotics have been explored to boost agricultural production and improve agribusiness productivity. Several weed control robots have been developed for research and field uses, but these systems are not suitable for weed control in large commercial farms or lack control schemes for navigation and weed control. This study presents the design of an autonomous robot system for chemical weed control. The system uses control theory, artificial intelligence, and image processing to navigate a farm environment, identify weeds, and apply herbicide where necessary. Upon implementation and adoption, this system would increase agricultural productivity with minimal human input, thereby leading to an increase in revenue and profit for agribusinesses.
Inclusive Education in the University
Authors: Figueroa Cruz Marylin , Vázquez Zubizarreta Gretel , Méndez Forns Ivette , Langarano Delá María Jackeline , Loyola Romero Carlos Andres
Published: November 2020

The attention to special educational needs (SEN), in and from the university context, promotes the inclusion in all areas of life, the development of a fair and equitable society, and the functions of the university fulfillment as a radiator of influences in the national and foreign environment. Based on this premise, three experiences from different universities that applied technological possibilities in the visibility, awareness, intervention, and satisfaction of SEN are presented in the chapter. It also examines how these practices have benefited the functions achievement of these higher education institutions, the development of the academic digital brand, and university positioning.
Academic E-Branding Focused on Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Pluas Salazar Rita Maricela , Tovar Arcos Germanico Renee , Álvarez Cadena Kerly Ángela
Published: November 2020

Universities of the 21st century have been characterized by being in a stage of great boom in relation to technological development and virtual advances. For this reason, all the institutions have established an adequate use of this advance of science to be able to project their image as a company to the market. Thus, platforms are created where they contain all kinds of information about their services and other criteria so that the student can clearly visualize what each one of them offers. This chapter studies the significant differences between universities whose computer systems are aimed at promoting their corporate image. This discipline is known as e-branding, which means building a business identity and that, through it, the consumer can establish a connection that let you choose to get the services they offer. For this study, the universities that were evaluated corresponded to the Latin American and European context, using methods such as GT-metrix in order to measure the effectiveness of the official pages of each entity.
Digital Platforms Focused on Audiovisual
Authors: Ruiz Narce Dalia
Published: November 2020

Audiovisual production involves a list of specific processes for its creation. These processes are tightly linked to literature, music, and other minor arts. They are also interrelated to technology. Examples of this are image capture devices, sound editing consoles, and special effects software. Consumption, distribution, and even the filmmaking process have been profoundly transformed by technology, but how work teams are formed has not. This study is focused on finding out how in an interconnected society, the intelligence of the mass and the proposals of strangers, can find their way to a collaborative production with people interacting through the internet. A first approach is to know which platforms proliferate on the Western hemisphere, spanning across Europe and America, through the participation in audiovisual production forums, interviews with industry professionals, visits to film festivals markets and performing an online census.
An Approximation in the Study of Communication Research
Authors: Budea Alexandra María Sandulescu
Published: November 2020

The general objective of this research is to carry out a theoretical-methodological assessment of the digital environment as an object of study in the field of communication sciences in Spain, through the analysis of articles included in specialized journals in this area. By means of the bibliometric analysis, we assess the texts published in specialized journals in this field and, among the important variables, the authors take into account the theoretical features of discourse related to this subject matter, the framework for scientific disciplines, and research categories or concepts. The methodological designs will be mentioned as regards those that evidence scientific discourse, areas of analysis, privileged research techniques, and which in specific have been used the most, as well as the predominant forms of triangulation. This new study will complete a decade of analysis of research productivity in communication at Spanish universities, which began with research projects based on communicative intra-history such as MAPCOM by designing a map of the research system on communication practices.
Transformation Requirements of Creative Clusters in Egypt to Competitive Agglomerations
Authors: Muhammad Himmatt
Published: November 2020

This chapter discusses the issue of creative clusters in the Egyptian society and highlights the most important challenges and obstacles that hinder them from achieving a global competitive advantage. The present research is an exploratory research, following the methodology of re-analysis, literature review, and analysis of ready data. The research used the SWOT)method to analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The data of the methodological methods used in the research were analyzed on three levels: Macro (Egyptian society), Mizo (creative clusters), and Micro (workers and stakeholders). The main question is: What are the transformation requirements of creative clusters in Egypt to achieve competitive agglomerations? The research came out with some recommendations to enhance and activate the performance of Egyptian creative clusters to compete globally.
Investigating the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Academic Outcome in Mathematics
Authors: Ng Eng Hui , Loh Kah Heng , Tan Poh Ling
Published: November 2020

This study mainly aims to investigate the correlation between the learners' self-efficacy and their academic outcome in term of their assessments' results based on the teacher-learners partnership's repetitive attempts online homework approach. The present study relies on a survey of 75 students who enrolled in Calculus I module at Taylor's University using a 27 item-questions survey questionnaire together with all their different types of assessments' results. The data are analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine the association between learners' self-efficacy and their academics outcome. Findings illustrate that students' self-efficacy and their academic outcomes are significantly correlated in this online homework partnership ambient. The statistical results also demonstrate that there is a very strong and significant relationship between students' quiz, test, and final examination results towards their overall academic result.
Students as Partners in Architectural Design Education
Authors: Srirangam Sucharita , Mari TamilSalvi , Gunasagaran Sujatavani , Ng Foong Peng Veronica
Published: November 2020

Architectural design study is subjective. In order to aid a new pedagogy that welcomes the diversity of design approaches, the research project funded by Taylor's University incorporates teacher-learner partnerships in curriculum design. Engaging students as partners (SaP) in teaching and learning is an emerging yet contested topic in higher education. The research aims to offer learner-led pedagogy through engaging the SaP. Initially the research offers a critical discourse on various perspectives on design studio teaching pedagogy involving tools, teachers, and procedures. Later moves onto a series of studio observations and interviews with students, made for two consecutive semesters at Taylor's and University Malaya. By keeping the learners at the core, SaP, the subjectivity of designers brought to main focus. The contribution of the paper is a learner-led new pedagogy, on e-learning, for the emerging young learners. The significance is to offer tools for exploring originality in design and therefore to empower the budding designers, the learners in architecture.
Family Business Governance
Authors: Agrawal Reena , Bhavani Ganga
Published: November 2020

Corporate governance is a significant tool to build strong and long relationships among various stakeholders in kinds of business organizations. Family businesses are not an exception to this. Like any other businesses, family businesses also need to have governance in place and practice to achieve the business strategies and to have long-term succession. Family-owned businesses are the backbone of many countries' economies in the world contributing substantial portion of GDP. Considering these, it is important to know the best practices of governance in family owned business organizations and the role played by governance to improve the strengths of these businesses. The chapter throws light on family business governance and explores various important practices highlighting their advantages and disadvantages in detail.
Corporate Social Performance and Governance Quality Across the BRICS Countries
Authors: Ates Sinem
Published: November 2020

This chapter seeks to examine the level of corporate social performance of the BRICS companies and investigate the effect of the country's governance quality on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of the companies. Analysis of the BRICS companies' ESG scores for 2009 - 2018 indicated that the level of ESG performance in the BRICS countries differs from each other considerably. Overall, results of fixed effects regression analysis revealed that governance quality of countries has a positive effect on ESG scores of companies. Based on these findings, it was suggested to improve governance quality thereby encouraging companies to fulfill their social responsibilities.
Governance Structure Theories for Family Business
Authors: Chopra Ashok , Menon Satish
Published: November 2020

It is perceived by the authors that family ownership may be seen as an opportunity or a threat based on various factors. Ownership and commitment to business would definitely be able to address the concerns of the investor community. This is because of a better understating by the family in having a strategic approach to risk management. Therefore, all the more important to have the right governance conditions in place which reflects the positive aspects of family ownership. The author further states that in order achieve the said perspectives, there emanates a need for a design structure of governance to have a balance between family and business. Hence, it becomes all the more vital to define family values and have the involvement of each and every family member. The author further elucidates on the fact that it becomes imperative to improvise capital and ensure a proper leadership succession planning so that business continuity does not suffer.
Corporate Social Responsibility Definitions and Practice in Emerging Economies
Authors: Lebura Sorbarikor , Okoroba Igazeuma Adikema
Published: November 2020

This chapter looks at the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), specifically in terms of the diverse definitions and perspectives of it that currently exist within emerging economies. This is explored from its foundation and the interaction between business and society across different emerging economies. This discourse is linked to the interplay between corporate governance and corporate social responsibility across emerging economies. This is hinged on the influences of both the academia and industry, as the definitions of the former does contribute to the practical application of the concept by practitioners and vice versa. The chapter is divided into three sections, which are definitions, perspectives, and case studies, with each of these focusing on the issues as they affect the theme of the chapter.
Slow Education From a Homeschooling Perspective
Authors: Dioso-Lopez Rozanne
Published: November 2020

This chapter explores one mother's perspective on homeschooling when there are no time constraints to learning. Home education provides an alternative to this fast-paced lifestyle. It is an antidote to a system that rewards conformity and provides stress to families and children. The home is where slow learning can thrive, thereby encouraging individuality, creativity, and curiosity. By abandoning the rush, families adapt to a natural rhythm for learning. Traditional education systems, mechanistic in their mass distribution design, have transformed learning into time-restricted activities, placing pressure and stress on children and families. Learning is short-term and its purpose is externally motivated. When learning is evaluated solely by quantitative measurements in a specified time period, the impetus for going deeper into a subject is eliminated or a curious interest in a subject is subverted. Mass data cannot be analyzed when individuals are assessed based on inherent qualities of true learning like transference of skills and knowledge, creativity, and curiosity.
The Academic and Social Outcomes of Those Who Have Homeschooled
Authors: Riley Gina
Published: November 2020

This chapter focuses on the academic and social outcomes of those who have been homeschooled. What happens to homeschoolers when they grow up? Are they able to attend college? Are they employable? Are they socially, emotionally, and psychologically healthy? Are they happy and well adjusted? Numerous researchers have studied the outcomes of those who are home educated, with very positive results. This chapter focuses on the conclusions of these studies and ends with an analysis of how research on adult homeschooled graduates must grow and change to represent the shifting data on homeschooling itself.
Homeschooling in Mexico With Educational Platforms
Authors: Ramírez Vera Liliana , Veytia Bucheli Ma. Guadalupe
Published: November 2020

This chapter reports on a research project on the homeschooling phenomenon in Mexico and how parents perceive the use of online programs to undertake academic activities with their children. It is in this space that this chapter is located, as it explores the changes to the phenomenon of homeschooling and the impact communication technology and, more specifically, of national and international educational platforms have had on the processes of follow-up and accreditation in Mexico and Latin America. In what follows, this chapter explores the situation in Mexico in particular and Latin America more broadly. It begins by exploring the problem statement and the question guiding this chapter. It then undertakes a literature review, from which it ascertains a theoretical lens and methodology. The data collection methods and the data are then outlined. Then, data are analysed.
Home-Education in Czechia
Authors: Kostelecká Yvona , Kostelecký Tomáš , Beláňová Andrea , Machovcová Kateřina
Published: November 2020

The chapter deals with the development of home-education in Czechia since its legalisation in 2004. It analyses the way home-education works in a specific Czech legal and institutional context. An analysis of the available data showed a rapidly growing popularity of home-education since its legalisation. The concentration of home-schoolers under the supervision of just a handful of basic schools specialised in home-education was observed which was enabled by the legalisation of home education given parents are able to choose a school for their children regardless of their place of permanent residence. Although the law stipulates quite strict conditions for practicing home-education under the supervision of schools, the free school choice empowered home-educating parents are much more free to practice education however they liked as the administrative authorities were in a client-provider relationship with parents which gave parents power.
Reflections on E-Course Design
Authors: Romero-Díaz de la Guardia José Javier , Sola-Martínez Tomás , Trujillo-Torres Juan Manuel
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a two-year research work with the main goal of analyzing the resources production for online scenarios, as well as enhancing in-service primary and secondary school teachers' competence in this area. After detecting training shortfalls from 1,192 in-service Andalusian teachers using an ad-hoc Likert scale, an online training activity on e-course production was developed, and, upon completion, the participating teachers were surveyed regarding design alternatives (N=86). Results gathered were complemented by conducting a focus group with the course tutors. Initial data allowed to prioritize certain training pathways in the online education extent, such as OER authoring, e-learning standards, repositories, and e-course development. As per the instructional design study, it was emphasized the need for institutional support in course creation initiatives and appropriate designs by combining internal VLE tools and externally produced OER. Finally, feedback, peer evaluation, rubrics, and digital badges were denoted as key elements in e-course designs.
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Statistical Tools in Project Management Environments
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: November 2020

Projects are very important to all organizations, as project managers view various issues in the organization from a higher perspective. The conclusions drawn from these projects determine the base on which various decisions affecting the organizations will be made. This paper introduces the statistical analysis tools used in various project environments to differentiate between the effective and ineffective tools of statistical analysis. Statistical analysis tools are useful in analyzing data collected for a study to be conducted on the same data. The literature review illustrates how statistical analysis tools have been effective and useful to researchers. Over time, more effective statistical tools will be invented that will improve the process of data analysis. The findings on different statistical analysis tools will also be highlighted. Thus, the discussions show the impact, applications, and lessons learned from the statistical analysis tools by the project managers and engineers. The study will also present the limitations, along with the conclusions and recommendations.
Visual Style of Embodied Virtual Sales Agents
Authors: Tan Su-Mae , Liew Tze Wei , Gan Chin Lay , Wong Wee Ming
Published: November 2020

The present study explored the effects of naturalism-stylization visual style of embodied virtual agents in an e-commerce website. An experiment was conducted in which participants (n=110) were paired with either the naturalistic or stylized agent that simulated the roles of a virtual sales assistant. It was shown that stylized agent produced significantly higher social perceptions of agent, perceived website social presence, perceived website social support than naturalistic agent. Moreover, stylized agent evoked significantly higher sense of website trust and lower perceived website financial risk from participants as compared to naturalistic agent. Further, the effects of visual style of agent on perceived website social presence was fully mediated by social perceptions of agent whereas the effects of visual style of agent on perceived website social support was partially mediated by perceived website social presence. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in this paper.