bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-Inventing Organizational Creativity and Innovation through Adopting a Service-Based Working Culture
Authors: Ketonen-Oksi Sanna
Published: December 2016

By considering creativity to be a necessity for organisational competitiveness in today's rigorously changing working environments, this study seeks to examine whether adopting a service-based working culture could significantly improve organisational creativity and innovation. Grounded on the concepts of the Service-Dominant Logic and Complex Adaptive Systems, this research develops on understanding of the complexity of the emerging socially and digitally connected networks of individuals, teams and institutions. By introducing a novel framework for facilitating and improving the adaptability of a service-based working culture, this study offers both deliberation and practical advice for business organisations seeking valuable insight into how to develop and manage organisational creativity and innovation in increasingly digitalised service ecosystems. Specifically, the proposed framework encourages organisations to invest in the learning capacities and motivations of their employees.
The Case for Informal Spaces in the Workplace
Authors: Biagioli Monica
Published: December 2016

This chapter makes the case for informal spaces in the workplace by emphasising the qualitative benefits they can provide, most specifically in the realm of innovation. This goes against the current bias in evidence-based policy that the most valued evidence is that which can be measured (Belfiore & Bennett, 2008, p.5) and aligns with qualitative forms of representing experience, knowledge, and outcomes. The link is made here between transformation and innovation. Innovation is seen as the fertile offshoot of creating a space for growth, debate and experimentation; one parallel to and overlapping with the more formal channels of established communication and interaction in the workplace. Transformation is difficult to substantiate and requires qualitative forms of expression and analysis to come into view. This chapter aims for a more balanced view of all forms of analysis and argues that qualitative forms are the most effective at capturing innovation.
The Creative Economy in Balkan Countries
Authors: Ndou Valentina , Schiuma Giovanni
Published: December 2016

The competitiveness of territories requires creative abilities to support innovation, performance as well as the capacity of catching and anticipating emerging needs in the society. The creative process through which the territorial resources, knowledge and culture are used, exploited and configured to match needs as well as to achieve congruence with the changing business environment is the crucial process for competitiveness. This is much more relevant for economies of developing countries which are continuously struggling to reap the benefits of globalization as well as to grasp the new opportunities for competitiveness. This chapter aims to provide a snapshot of the creative economy of Balkan countries, by using a set of indicators to capture the different dimensions related with the core elements of creative economy. Considering a large set of indicators and statistical data analyses the measurement framework proposed in this chapter is composed of 32 measures classified in 7 dimensions.
C.O.R.E. Personal Practices Implemented by Global Educational Leaders
Authors: Marshall Vicki Lynn
Published: December 2016

Marshall (2016) conducted a phenomenological narrative research study that explored global leadership practices. The leaders who responded were from eight different states in the U.S., and they all worked in higher education settings. The successful global educational leaders shared C.O.R.E. personal practices they implement: Compassion for others, Open communication, Respectfulness, and Ethnorelativism. These personal practices enabled these higher education faculty members to not only lead in a global environment, but also to prepare students to become global citizens who are not only competitive in the global market, but who will also make positive contributions to sustaining our global world.
Biculturalism
Authors: Titus Freddie , Butcher Jennifer T.
Published: December 2016

Intercultural responsiveness in the Second Language Learning Classroom should encompass addressing bicultural education. Bicultural education must expand the spectrum of choice for cultural identity that students will eventually make, but should not make choices for them. The purpose of this chapter is to provide details, which incorporate researched-based information that will provide a deeper understanding of biculturalism. Biculturalism encompasses more than just cultural behaviors. Individuals choose aspects from their culture and receiving cultures and integrate them into one that does diminish either custom.
Culture Shock
Authors: Delahoussaye Katy
Published: December 2016

Globalization has altered multiple aspects of global society, including education, travel, business, social, politics, and policy. Due to numerous factors, citizens of the world are more likely than ever to experience differing cultures and places. Although globalization has a plethora of benefits, second language learners often face difficulties when traveling or living abroad (Lee, 2007). Cultural shock is a phenomenon that second language learners face when relocated to another culture. This chapter reviews culture, in general, culture shock, in general, and the four stages of culture shock. Additionally, the author presents the following S.H.O.C.K. strategy to lessen the culture shock of second language learners: Study personal perspectives, Honor personal factors, Observe language levels, Cultivate accepting environments, and Knock on the door. The S.H.O.C.K. strategy can be utilized in many contexts, including education, leisure, social, and business.
Somali High School English Language Learners in Difference Blindness
Authors: Amos Yukari Takimoto
Published: December 2016

This study investigated how five Somali high school immigrant students who were English language learners at a predominantly white high school perceived the mainstream teachers' teaching. The findings reveal that the participants were not accommodated, not given support, and rejected by the mainstream teachers who lacked appropriate training in second language acquisition theories and ESL pedagogy and who endorsed difference blindness. The teachers also ignored and sanctioned any differences the participants brought to school. The teachers' practices ironically resulted in emphasizing differences instead of minimizing, and ultimately caused the participants to feel stigmatized, racialized, and marginalized.
The Promotion of Persistence for First Generation Hispanic College Students
Authors: Puente Christina Castaneda
Published: December 2016

This qualitative research study examined the lived experiences of five successful first generation Hispanic college students. Findings from this study confirm the influences for student success in college regarding their persistence towards graduation. These factors included: commitment, expectations, support systems, feedback, involvement, and the learning process. Other conclusions from the study included the significance of role models and mentorships for students throughout their college experience. The building of relationships supported the students through the transition into college as well as steering them through the barriers and challenges they faced while in college. Findings also confirmed the significance of family influences, financial obligations, and self-transformation.
Using Technology to Bridge the Intercultural Gap in the Classrooms of K-8 ENL Students
Authors: White-Clark Renee , Robertson Shawn , Lovett Ashley
Published: December 2016

The transformation of today's classrooms' demographics and the demand for instructional technology has created a challenge for many teachers. While teachers must comply with Common Core Standards and infuse technology throughout the curriculum, they must also differentiate instruction for their diverse student populations. Therefore, the success of all students requires teachers to bridge the intercultural gap in the classrooms of ENL students. This imperative task encompasses the orchestration of teachers' pedagogical expertise of culturally responsive teaching, literacy instruction, technological engagement, and parental partnership. This chapter will discuss the enhancement of the educational opportunities of linguistically diverse students, while emphasizing the importance of these elements. The authors will disseminate the theoretical framework for understanding the integral aspects of the teachers' dilemma, and provide practical instructional ideas and resources for educators to feasibly implement to improve their use of technology in their respective classrooms.
Education Abroad Co-Curricular Experiences that Result in Intercultural Responsive Leadership Growth
Authors: Simpson Teresa E. , Grimes Lee H.
Published: December 2016

To better prepare the educators who will guide students into their global future, educational leadership programs have become more focused on developing globally competent students who are not only more marketable, but who are also better prepared to make positive contributions to a global society. This chapter portrays that cross institutions in America there is a need to prepare students more adequately for the challenges of an increased global workforce. In the chapters, we follow the experiences of two scholars as they progressed through their development of becoming intercultural responsive educators by means of a study abroad program. From this experience, reflection questions encompass self-reflection about global perspectives. Also, interactions of others who hold various interests, values, and perspectives as they related to their growth in leadership. Situational leadership as a part of a critical skill set will also be examined.
Theoretical and Practical Approaches in Understanding the Influences of Cost-Productivity-Profit Trinomial in Contemporary Enterprises
Authors: Jean-Vasile Andrei , Alecu Alexandra
Published: December 2016

Enterprise sustainability depends on the economic performance. Achieving the economic performance is the main goal of every company since the beginnings. The instability of the economic environment imposes finding new paradigms in valuing the business opportunities. In this context, analyzing the influences of cost productivity profit trinomial in the contemporary enterprises represents an important step in identifying the potential growth avenues of the financial results. From this perspective, the chapter contains along the theoretical approaches regarding the sustainable entrepreneurship and investments paradigm in the green economy, an economic analysis of the main economic outcomes, in order to revile, both the competitive factors and risks assumptions for modern companies in the larger context of market globalization and integration. Also, this chapter aims to revile the evolution of the main factors which influences the economic performances in case of a real Romanian company during and post crisis period.
The Role of Waste Management in the Green Economy
Authors: Saita Massimo , Franceschelli Maria Vittoria
Published: December 2016

Green economy has become highly relevant over the last years. We are currently experiencing pollution issue and environmental decay that had its origin, however, in the previous centuries. The development of industrial economy inevitably entails the production of waste, in such a quantity that the environment is incapable of assimilating and transforming it naturally. Therefore, it is believed that one of the main green economy sectors is the waste retrieval and recycling, that means waste management. In the existing literature, this sector has not been deeply analyzed from a viewpoint of performance business analysis. Although a European legislation exists, every country manages this business by itself. After a historical introduction, this study, using the regression model, analyses the variables that influence the Italian business of waste retrieval and recycling, in the process establishing which of them has a deeper impact on performance.
Green Airport Investments to Mitigate Externalities
Authors: Postorino Maria Nadia , Mantecchini Luca , Paganelli Filippo
Published: December 2016

Transport systems are important pollution sources, mainly in terms of greenhouse gases, noise and land consumption. To mitigate the problem and safeguard airport development at the same time, the involved stakeholders are fixing goals, priorities and duties in order to promote the sustainable development of the air transport industry at global level and the wellness of local communities as well. It is desirable to estimate airport noise and carbon impacts in order to suitably manage them and identify strategies in line with the concept of green economy. In this chapter, a general framework to identify optimal procedures and methods to evaluate the effectiveness of policies addressed to reduce airport impacts on the airport surroundings is proposed. The case study of the airport of Bologna is presented as an example of Transport Company that effectively operates to minimize its noise and carbon impacts. According to the proposed general framework, impacts and estimated costs to achieve the status of green company have been computed.
Cover Crops
Authors: Ugrenović Vladan , Filipović Vladimir
Published: December 2016

The use of cover crops is widespread practice in organic farming systems. Cover crops can be defined as crops that are usually not grown commercially, and can have a multiple role in crop rotations. The benefit of cover crops has been known since long. Legumes are used as biological fixer of nitrogen for the next crop, and are established during periods when the soil is without major crops in order to reduce erosion. In recent years, the role of cover crops has been extended to the biocontrol of weeds, pests and diseases, as well as to the overall improvement of soil quality by increasing organic matter, encouraging the circulation of nutrients and reducing soil compaction. At the same time, their use tends to reduce costs and even create new sources of income on the farm.
Instructional Strategies and Sequencing
Authors: Lamey Thomas W. , Davidson-Shivers Gayle V.
Published: December 2016

An instructional strategy is a designed course of action for an instructional goal framed by credible and realistic problems in order to activate prior knowledge and experiences in order to learn new knowledge and skills. In medical education, instructional strategies are designed as purposeful interventions to meet educational goals and achieve socio-cultural norms of medical practice. Reigeluth (1983) identified three major categories for instructional strategies: organizational, delivery, and management. The purpose of this chapter is to define and classify key concepts related to instructional strategies from an instructional design perspective and then apply them toward achieving medical education goals.
Online Applied Learning in Nursing Education
Authors: Oyarzun Beth , Gazza Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2016

The instructional design process, Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE), along with a pedagogical approach was applied to the design and implementation of an online applied learning activity. The activity was delivered in an accelerated nursing leadership asynchronous online course within the fully online RN-BSN program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Research associated with online applied and experiential learning, particularly in the area of nursing education, that guided the design is presented. The design process and the evaluation results are discussed with future implications.
Teaching Residents How to Teach
Authors: Kromrei Heidi , Solomonson William L. , Juzych Mark S.
Published: December 2016

In this chapter, the context of medical education is reviewed in terms of how to teach in the health care setting, commonly used instructional strategies, and the clinical learning environments of the medical student and resident trainees. Although accreditation bodies require residents to teach, and it is an activity that is assigned, it is often not delivered by the sponsoring institution. Key terms in education, learning theories, and instructional strategies are presented. In particular, strategies for medical educators to prepare residents to teach effectively in their residency program are provided. Finally, an instructional development plan for residents, with supporting worksheets and examples, is presented.
Interprofessional Education
Authors: Moote Rebecca
Published: December 2016

Interprofessional education (IPE) is recognized as an important component in the education of healthcare students. The goal of bringing students together to learn with, from, and about each other is to ultimately impact collaborative practice and improve patient care. Over the last 20 years there has been increased focus on the design and implementation of IPE experiences. Several IPE collaborative organizations and IPE centers have been formed to provide evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. Strategies have been created for designing and implementing high quality IPE activities, developing faculty in IPE, overcoming student stereotypes, determining assessment strategies, and identifying barriers to IPE. This chapter will focus on each of these elements and provide specific recommendations on how to create and implement IPE that improves student learning.
Informal Learning in Medical Education
Authors: Mi Misa
Published: December 2016

A great deal of valuable learning—informal learning—takes place within medicine's informal and hidden curriculum. It is this kind of informal learning that brings about more diverse and personal learning gains. Informal learning contributes to individuals' continuing professional development, personal mastery, and capacity building. Recognition of informal learning can be the key to the development of a strong lifelong learning orientation for learners as they go through the process of developing and forming their professional identity. Expanded insights into the informal learning process will contribute to the design and development of strategies, methods, and informal learning spaces that promote a broader spectrum of human learning within formal medical education settings. It is hoped that discussion on informal learning will also stimulate interest in investigating the impact of informal learning on learners across the spectrum of medical education.
Development and Evaluation of Neuroscience Computer-Based Modules for Medical Students
Authors: Lovell Kathryn L.
Published: December 2016

Interactive neuropathology computer-based teaching modules and other neuroscience computer-based resources were developed to provide individualized self-paced content information accompanied by images and self-assessment questions with feedback, along with problem-solving cases to facilitate application of neuroanatomy, neurology, and neuropathology concepts to patient cases. Initial implementation occurred in three curricula for second-year medical students. Evaluation of the modules was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods to determine features of the modules that were important for students. This chapter will describe the instructional design principles that evaluation results identified as important and effective for student learning, and compare those to current principles for effective multimedia instructional design identified in a variety of research. Especially important principles applied in the neuroscience modules included cognitive load theory, retrieval practice and self-assessment, feedback, and learner control.
L2 Languaging in a Massively Multiplayer Online Game
Authors: Zhao Jinjing
Published: December 2016

This paper examines L2 learner variations in the context of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs). MMOGs have gained much attention among CALL researchers because this particular game genre is perceived to promote informal, contextualized interaction in a learner's target language, including interaction with native speakers. However, there is little research on differences between L2 learners in terms of how they engage in language learning and use in the context of gameplay. Drawing on data from questionnaires, interviews, gaming sessions, and gaming journals, this paper argues that affordances of MMOGs must be understood in relation to the learner's history, ability, and preference within the social context of game play; L2 learners engage with various game discourses that align with their preferences of game play and goals of language learning. In closing, the paper discusses procedural challenges in conducting research on MMOGs and similar gaming contexts.
A Method and Model for De- and Reconstructing Player-Game Interaction
Authors: Ibrahim Karim Hesham Shaker
Published: December 2016

The potential of player-game interaction to facilitate L2 learning in stand-alone digital games has been established in many empirical investigations (e.g. Miller & Hegelheimer, 2006; Hitosugi, Schmidt, & Hayashi, 2014; Sundqvist & Sylvén, 2012); however, the fine-grained dynamics that comprise it are still largely underexplored. A potential reason for this gap is that, to date, there is a lack of refined methodologies for conceptualizing and analyzing the various processes that occur during gameplay between a learner-player and the game. The present study proposes an ecology-sensitive, multidimensional approach to de- and re-constructing player-game interaction dynamics through analysis of thick detail-rich play data from a variety of sources and levels: cognitive, virtual, and sociocultural. Using a model of player-game interaction detailing how activities interrelate and/or interact across different levels, it reconstructs player-game interaction as a holistic activity. To this end, it utilizes a variety of qualitative data sources that offer empirical information about different facets and dimensions of player-game interaction, including thinkaloud protocol, gaming journals, walkthroughs, and debriefing interviews. To illustrate the approach, this paper will apply it to interpretation of player-game interactions of one learner of Arabic as a foreign language in the Egyptian Arabic simulation-management game Baalty (PPIC-Work, 2004). Findings include the observation that the L2 learner-player played their game in her L2 by decoding in-game discourses and using in-game semiotic resources. The paper will include discussion of theoretical background, research implications, and potential applications of this approach.
An Experienced Austrian Educator's View on the 3-D Skills Implemented to Design and Integrate an Alien Mystery in OpenSim
Authors: Hadjistassou Stella K. , Molka-Danielsen Judith
Published: December 2016

With their playful game-oriented nature, virtual learning environments can form constructive ecosocial settings for enacting game-driven collaborative tasks that have real pedagogical, learning, and teaching implications. Even though multiple studies have been undertaken in virtual learning environments, there is a dearth of studies on the constellation of complex interrelated skills and knowledge that second or foreign language educators integrate in actual situated contexts to design and offer task-oriented game-driven learning activities. Building on Compton's (2009) framework, this study investigates the complex set of technological, pedagogical, and evaluation skills that an expert Austrian educator, Franziska integrated to design a multifaceted game-oriented plot in the virtual village of Chatterdale in OpenSim in order to engage thirteen-year-old Austrian and Norwegian high school students in oral interactions during three slightly different task-oriented quests to solve an alien mystery. Data analysis of an interview, reflective comments on a wiki, and follow-up emails indicate that the design and integration of an epistemic game in praxis forms a collaborative endeavor involving the integration of a set of complex and multifaceted sets of skills and knowledge. The study investigates the skills that emerged during two stages, the planning, preparation, and student training stage and integration stage. The findings of this study can be used to broaden the pedagogical discussion on the skills and knowledge that second or foreign language teachers need to acquire and apply to design successful playful task-driven learning quests in virtual learning environments.
Determinants of IFRS Compliance by Canadian Companies
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Saini Jagjit S
Published: December 2016

The objective of this paper is to provide evidence on IFRS compliance by Canadian companies. The Canadian Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) required the use of IFRS for publicly accountable enterprises (other than pension plans) beginning on January 1, 2011. Specifically, the authors analyze the determinants of IFRS disclosure compliance for these companies. Canada provides a good setting for their research, because they measure the compliance in the first year of IFRS adoption when some of the companies are still allowed to use U.S. GAAP or local GAAP. They measure compliance by using an updated version of the instrument used in Hodgdon et al. (2009). The authors' results show that firm size, foreign sales proportion, and U.S. listing are positively associated with the IFRS compliance while the leverage ratio is negatively associated with the IFRS compliance of the sample firms. These results confirm the premise that firms with better information environment and better monitoring tend to comply well with the newly adopted accounting information.
Spectral Estimation of Noisy Seismogram using Time-Frequency Analyses
Authors: Devi Vaneeta , Sharma M. L.
Published: December 2016

Time–Frequency analyses have the advantage of explaining the signal features in both time domain and frequency domain. This paper explores the performance of Time–Frequency analyses on noisy seismograms acquired from seismically active region in NW Himalayan. The Short Term Fourier Transform, Gabor Transform, Wavelet Transform and Wigner-Ville Distribution have been used in the present study to carry out Time-Frequency analyses. Parametric study has been carried out by varying basic parameters viz. sampling, window size and types. Wavelet analysis (Continuous Wavelet Transform) has been studied with different type of wavelets. The seismograms have been stacked in time-frequency domain using Gabor Transform and have been converted using Discrete Gabor Expansion techniques. The Spectrograms reveals better spectral estimation in time-frequency domain than Fourier Transform and hence recommended to estimate dominate frequency components, phase marking and timings of phase. The time of occurrence of frequency component corresponding to maximum energy burst can be identified on seismograms
ICT Resources to Improve Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Aranguiz Matilde Susana Basso , Quintana María Graciela Badilla
Published: December 2016

This article seeks to provide a view on the process of curricular integration of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in higher education, throughout the submission of proposals of how to use some of these resources, with practical examples of its implementation in the learning process of students in subjects from the Initial Teacher Training and Geological Civil Engineering major at the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción in Chile. Furthermore, the innovative and educational experiences mediated by ICT, described in this paper, allow us to visualize the important role that institutions of higher education play, not only in the training of future professionals making an emphasis on the digital skills necessary for their development in the XXI century, but also as suitable spaces for development and ongoing training of teachers with innovative methodological strategies that facilitate and enhance the educational process.
Applicative Personalized Learning
Authors: Zhuhadar Leyla , Coleman Phillip , Marklin Scarlett
Published: December 2016

As technology has advanced, educational establishments are faced with this question: Are we investing enough funds and resources to provide college students with effective learning tools that could help them succeed not only by alerting them when they are at risk, but also providing them with personalized remedies while studying? Recently, students became more familiar with the notion of recommendation systems through their experience with social media tools, but does education fit this paradigm? In this paper, the authors review the recent advancement of technologies in personalized learning. They also examine the role of course redesigning where instructors can teach students what they need to learn as effectively as possible while tailoring their feedback to students based on automated performance dashboards with the highest granularity level as needed.
Strategic Approach to Tourism Development in Namibia
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: December 2016

Tourism is a powerful vehicle for economic growth and job creation is now a recognized phenomenon worldwide. International tourist arrivals to SSA have been on increase. This makes SSA the second fastest growing region in the world after the Asia Pacific (UNWTO 2010). The importance of the tourism system for economic development in Namibia has also been clearly acknowledged in the development policies and plans. Despite this, there are few comprehensive studies and research whatever has been sprinkled with narrow focus. This creates difficulty in holistic understanding apart from the need for strategic approach for tourism development in Namibia. In the context of such precincts and lack of comprehensive research, strategic management of tourism and thereby its development to the fullest potential is challenging. This paper through in depth literature review and grounded theory with contextual analysis aims to fill that gap.
Defining Primary Brand Associations for the Strategic Positioning of Certified Organic Products
Authors: Bozga Narcis-Alexandru , Cristea Adina
Published: December 2016

Defining a coherent brand positioning strategy requires conceptualizing, communicating and managing brand associations that are strong, unique and favorable. Defining primary brand associations is especially difficult for certified organic products due to the apparent lack of a theoretical framework that thorougly analyses consumer perceptions and behavior towards organic products. The purpose of this article is to identify primary brand associations specific to certified organic products that can serve as brand positioning bases. The authors identify how these elicited primary brand associations are correlated to consumers' attitude towards organic products and to specific socio-demographic variables. Based on these correlations, authors develop a strategic framework useful for selecting relevant brand associations in the positioning of certified organic products. The research was conducted on a sample of 763 respondents and is nationally representative for Romanian urban residents.
Impact Assessment of a National Park Under the Auspices of Unesco
Authors: Fakotakis George , Baourakis George , Drakos Periklis , Zopounidis Constantin
Published: December 2016

Crete features many protected areas of exceptional natural beauty that attract thousands of visitors every season. Many local enterprises count on that touristic activity to increase their revenues. One of the most important and well known protected areas of Crete is the Samaria National Park. It was established in 1962 and since then it has earned various international distinctions. The aim of this study is to quantify the economic effects of the visitations at the Samaria National Park, on the whole region of Chania and to identify the profile of the visitor.
Clustering Finger Motion Data from Virtual Reality-Based Training to Analyze Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Martono Niken Prasasti , Yamaguchi Takehiko , Maeta Takuya , Fujino Hibiki , Kubota Yuki , Ohwada Hayato , Giovannetti Tania
Published: December 2016

Research in virtual reality (VR) has resulted in the development of many applications in clinical settings in the areas of learning and therapy in psychology and neuropsychology because this technology can be flexible to the needs of the clinical application. VR technology has many implementations for cognitive training and as a screening tool for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The technology has been used in the screening, diagnosis, treatment and support of patients with MCI. This study found that the information recorded in VR-based learning software can be useful in analyzing individuals with MCI in order to characterize groups of participants. The authors implemented a time series clustering algorithm acting on finger motion data from nine healthy participants as a pilot study, then comprehensively reviewed the clustering result by comparing it with performance-based measures. The results indicate that the clusters formed by using the acceleration data is reasonably analogous to the performance measures (i.e., with respect to the type and number of errors that occurred).
A Geometric Dynamic Temporal Reasoning Method with Tags for Cognitive Systems
Authors: Xu Rui , Li Zhaoyu , Cui Pingyuan , Zhu Shengying , Gao Ai
Published: December 2016

Temporal reasoning is one of the cognitive capabilities humans involve in communicating with others and everything appears related because of temporal reference. Therefore, in this paper a geometric dynamic temporal reasoning algorithm is proposed to solve the temporal reasoning problem, especially in autonomous planning and scheduling. This method is based on the representation of actions in a two dimensional coordination system. The main advantage of this method over others is that it uses tags to mark new constraints added into the constraint network, which leads the algorithm to deal with pending constraints rather than all constraints. This characteristic makes the algorithm suitable for temporal reasoning, where variables and constraints are always added dynamically. This algorithm can be used not only in intelligent planning, but also computational intelligence, real-time systems, and etc. The results show the efficiency of our algorithm from four cases simulating the planning and scheduling process.
Performance Evaluation of Networking Protocols for Connected Vehicles
Authors: Pressas Andreas , Özpolat Mümin , Sheng Zhengguo , Ali Falah
Published: December 2016

Modern cars feature many embedded systems that monitor and manage all the critical sensors and actuators. The interconnection of such systems is a challenging task since the information to be exchanged is of mission-critical nature and affects the driving experience. The vehicle connectivity can be further extended with Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) technology, which allows cars to exchange sensory information and even act on it. In this article a unified networking architecture is presented, starting from the inside of the vehicle and the interconnection of various control units and ultimately targeting Car-to-Car communications which enable smarter, safer and more efficient transportation. The researchers review and evaluate the performance of Power Line Communications as a solution for in-car networking. Then the safety-critical data as well as multimedia originating from each individual vehicle's in-car network are broadcasted to other neighbouring vehicles via IEEE 802.11p in a simulation environment featuring realistic vehicular mobility.
A Simulation-based Study on the Environment-Specific Propagation Model for Vehicular Communications
Authors: Mir Zeeshan Hameed , Filali Fethi
Published: December 2016

Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication environment vary significantly in radio channel characteristics. Therefore, simulation-based studies on V2V propagation models that consider random and time-varying characteristics of surrounding environment are highly sought-after. This paper includes a detailed overview of the existing V2V channel modeling techniques. Followed by the details on what information is required to perform large-scale simulations of the environment-specific vehicular channel model. Next, the authors propose a simulation model which combines data from several sources such as 2.5D building geometry data and vehicular mobility traces to create a realistic simulation environment. Finally, the given reference scenario has been assessed regarding several performance metrics and parameter settings using a publicly available geometry-based V2V propagation model. The simulation results show that building and vehicle obstructions significantly attenuate the signal thus resulting in lower received signal strength, lower packet delivery ratio, and shorter effective transmission range.
Investigating the microenvironmental effects of scaffold chemistry and topology in human mesenchymal stromal cell/polymeric hollow microfiber constructs
Authors: Ricci Claudio , Trombi Luisa , Soriga Ilaria , Piredda Fabio , Milazzo Mario , Stefanini Cesare , Bruschini Luca , Perale Giuseppe , Pertici Gianni , Danti Serena
Published: December 2016

Tissue engineering scaffolds have shown an intrinsic ability to provide cellular stimulation, thus behaving as physically active microenvironments. This study reports on the interaction between human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) and dry-wet spun polymer microfiber meshes. The following scaffolding parameters were tested: i) polymer type: poly-L-lactide (PLLA) vs poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL); ii) non-solvent type: ethanol (Et-OH) vs isopropanol/ gelatin; iii) scaffold layout: patterned vs random microfiber fabrics. After two culture weeks, the effects on metabolic activity, scaffold colonization and function of undifferentiated hMSCs were assayed. In our study, the polymer type affected the hMSC metabolic activity timeline, and the metabolic picks occurred earlier in PLLA (day 6) than in PCL (day 9) scaffolds. Instead, PLLA vs PCL had no endpoint effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity expression. On average, the hMSCs grown on all the random microfiber fabrics showed an ALP activity statistically superior to that detected on patterned microfiber fabrics, with the highest in Et-OH random subtypes. Such findings are suggestive of enhanced osteogenic potential. The understanding of scaffold-driven stimulation could enable environmental hMSC commitment, paving the way for new regenerative strategies.
Layer-by-layer coating of stainless steel plates mediated by surface priming treatment to improve antithrombogenic properties
Authors: Carmagnola Irene , Nardo Tiziana , Boccafoschi Francesca , Chiono Valeria
Published: December 2016

The stainless steel (SS) stents have been used in clinics since 1994. However, typical drawbacks are restenosis and thrombus formation due to limited endothelialisation and hemocompatibility. Surface modification is a smart strategy to enhance antithrombogenicity by promoting endothelialisation. In this work, the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique was applied for coating SS model substrates, after surface priming by functionalisation with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). A LbL coating made of 14 layers of poly(styrene sulfonate)/poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and heparin as last layer was deposited. FTIR-ATR analysis and contact angle measurements showed that LbL was an effective method to prepare nanostructured coatings. XPS analysis and colorimetric assay employing 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue dye to detect -COOH groups confirmed the successful polyelectrolyte deposition on the coated samples. Preliminary in vitro cell tests, using whole blood and human platelets, were performed to evaluate how surface modification affects platelet activation. Results showed that SS and SS-APTES surfaces induced platelet activation, as indicated by platelet spreading and filopodia formation. After surface modification by LbL coating, the platelets assumed a round shape and no fibrin nets were detected. Data demonstrated that LbL coating is a promising technique to fabricate antithrombogenic surface.
Geochemistry of Permian rocks of the Yukon-Tanana terrane, western Yukon: GEM 2 Cordillera project
Authors: Milidragovic D , Ryan J J , Zagorevski A , Piercey S J
Published: December 2016

Foreword
Geochemical data, presented in this open file release, have been collected over the past fifteen years as part of regional mapping projects conducted under the auspices of the Geological Survey of Canada's Ancient Pacific Margin (NATMAP) and Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) programs. The
data include major and trace element analyses for over 100 samples of Permian age rocks.
Digestion, growth performance and caecal fermentation in growing rabbits fed diets containing foliage of browse trees
Authors: Abu Hafsa S.H. , Salem A.Z.M. , Hassan A.A. , Kholif A.E. , Elghandour M.M.Y. , Barbabosa A. , Lopez S.
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding dried foliage (leaves and petioles) of Acacia saligna, Leucaena leucocephala or Moringa oleifera on the performance, digestibility, N utilisation, caecal fermentation and microbial profiles in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. One hundred weaned male NZW rabbits weighing 819.2±16.6 g and aged 35±1 d were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 25 rabbits each. Rabbits were fed on pelleted diets containing 70% concentrate mixture and 30% Egyptian berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) hay (Control diet) or one of the other 3 experimental diets, where 50% of berseem hay was replaced with A. saligna (AS), L. leucocephala (LL) or M. oleifera (MO). Compared to Control diet, decreases in dry matter (DM; P=0.004), organic matter (P=0.028), crude protein (CP; P=0.001), neutral detergent fibre (P=0.033) and acid detergent fibre (P=0.011) digestibility were observed with the AS diet. However, DM and CP digestibility were increased by 3% with the MO diet, and N utilisation was decreased (P<0.05) with AS. Rabbits fed AS and LL diets showed decreased (P=0.001) average daily gain by 39 and 7%, respectively vs. Control. Feed conversion was similar in Control and MO rabbits, whereas rabbits fed AS diet ate up to 45% more feed (P=0.002) than Control rabbits to gain one kg of body weight. Caecal ammonia-N was increased (P=0.002) with LL, while acetic acid was decreased (P=0.001) with AS diet vs. other treatments. Caecal E. coli and Lactobacillus spp. bacteria counts were decreased with MO by about 44 and 51%, respectively, vs. Control. In conclusion, under the study conditions, tree foliage from M. oleifera and L. leucocephala are suitable fibrous ingredients to be included up to 150 g/kg in the diets of growing rabbits, and can safely replace 50% of berseem hay in diets of NZW rabbits without any adverse effect on their growth performance. Foliage from M. oleifera had a better potential as a feed for rabbits than that from L. leucocephala. Although foliage from A. saliga may be also used at 150 g/kg in the diets of growing rabbits, this level of inclusion may result in reduced feed digestibility and growth performance.
Adaptive capacity of female rabbits submitted to a change in breeding practices
Authors: Theau.Clément M. , Galliot P. , Souchet C. , Bignon L. , Fortun-Lamothe L.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to test the consequences of a change in breeding practices on 219 multiparous rabbit does over 2 reproductive cycles (5th and 6th insemination). Three rabbit breeding systems were defined I: intensive, S: semi-intensive and E: extensive), which varied for the females in terms of reproductive rhythm (RR: 35, 42 and 49 d, respectively) and age at first insemination (20.6, 19.6 and 16.6 wk, respectively), and for kits in terms of age at weaning (32, 35 and 30 d, respectively) and age at slaughter (63, 70 and 70 d, respectively). Females were submitted to one of the 3 systems from the 1st to the 4th artificial insemination (AI), and to another system from the 5th to the 6th AI, before returning to the initial system at the 7th AI. Consequently, they were allocated to 4 groups: I-S-I, S-I-S, S-E-S and E-S-E. Because of poor reproductive performance in the I system and despite a high growth of kits before weaning due to a more energetic diet for does, a sudden change from an I system to an S system significantly increased productivity at 28 d, from 3.37 to 5.04 kg/AI. Conversely, in the S and E systems, the females were not very sensitive to an intensification (groups S-I-S and E-S-E) or an extensification (S-E-S) of the breeding system, leading to similar productivity at 63 d (14.4 and 14.3 kg/AI, 14.4 and 13.5 kg/AI, 16.5 and 16.2 kg/AI, respectively, for groups S-I-S, E-S-E and S-E-S). The consequences of a return to the initial system deserve to be tested over a longer period.
Ovulation rate and early embryonic survival rate in female rabbits of a synthetic line and a local Algerian population
Authors: Belabbas R. , García M.L. , AinBaziz H. , Berbar A. , Zitouni G. , Lafri M. , Bouzouan M. , Merrouche R. , Ismail D. , Boumahdi Z. , Benali N. , Argente M.J.
Published: December 2016

A higher litter size at birth has been reported in female rabbits from a Synthetic line than in those of the Local Algerian population. The aim of this work was to analyse whether this difference in litter size was due to a higher ovulation rate and/or embryonic survival rate in Synthetic line than in Local Algerian population. In total, 24 multiparous female rabbits from Synthetic line and 23 from Local population were used in this experiment. Litter size at birth was recorded up to the first 3 parities. Litter size was 20% higher in Synthetic line than Local population. At their 4th gestation, the females were euthanized at 72 h post coitum. Synthetic line females had 50% more ova and embryos than those of Local population (+4.42 ova and +3.92 embryos, respectively). Synthetic line displayed a lower percentage of normal embryos and a larger number of unfertilized oocytes than Local population (–2.81% and +0.64 oocytes, respectively), but differences were not relevant. Synthetic line showed a lesser embryonic stage of development at 72 h post coitum, showing a higher percentage of early morulae (31.50 vs. 8.50%) and a lower percentage of compact morulae (51.45 vs. 78.65%) than Local population. No relevant difference was found for early embryonic survival rate between Synthetic line and Local population. In conclusion, the difference in litter size was mainly due to a higher ovulation rate in the Synthetic line, allowing more embryos to develop in this line.