bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers' Use of Assistive Technologies in Education
Authors: Donne Vicki , Hansen Mary
Published: November 2016

Today's educational landscape is complex and ever-changing. Technology continues to develop and advance the quality and scope of instructional methods being utilized across educational settings. At the same time, inclusive education, where persons with disabilities are included into general education classrooms, has become a world-wide initiative. Yet access of students with a disability to assistive technologies, which constitute equipment, devices, or software used to increase, maintain, or improve their capabilities, is limited. Limited student access is due in part to both limited teacher knowledge of and access to such assistive technologies. Even in the business education curriculum where technology courses are offered, teachers are not using potentially helpful technologies for students with a disability who are included in their classrooms. To that end, this chapter reports on business educators' knowledge, use, training and preparation related to teaching students with a disability. Findings indicated additional education in the availability and use of technology and assistive technology are needed.
The Influence of Clickers Use on Metacognition and Learning Outcomes in College English Classroom
Authors: Zhonggen Yu
Published: November 2016

Use of Clickers in classroom teaching and learning has become growingly popular in USA. This study aims to identify whether use of Clickers in college English class can improve learners' English proficiency and enhance students' awareness of metacognition compared with traditional multimedia aided pedagogy in Malaysian contexts. By comparing the data obtained from three questionnaires and an IELTS test instructed via Clickers and traditional multimedia at the end of corresponding semesters, it is found that Clickers pedagogy can give rise to better learning outcomes and higher metacognitive levels than traditional multimedia. Limitations of this study are also discussed, coupled with recommendations for future research.
Perceptions of Professors and Students towards Moodle
Authors: Baytiyeh Hoda
Published: November 2016

With the current digital age, academic institutions are responsible for providing the latest technology for professors and students. The open source course management system Moodle, which a great number of organizations worldwide have adopted, is designed to help instructors deliver course materials to their students from a social constructivist perspective. The aim of this research is evaluate the acceptance and use of Moodle as an open source application from the viewpoint of both professors and students at the American University of Beirut. The theoretical framework for this study is drawn from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to investigate user intentions toward Moodle. The participants were 189 professors and 1,867 students who completed an online survey, evaluating a set of 30 items on a scale of five that reflected the UTAUT constructs applied to Moodle. An exploratory factor analysis was employed and generated five factors: community influence, satisfaction, service quality, learnability and technical quality. Repeated measures ANOVA showed community influence as the highest rated by participants, followed by satisfaction, service quality, learnability and technical quality. Also, two open-ended questions were included to solicit comments from users about various features that should be integrated into this free open source application.
Virtual Worlds Applications for Management Education
Authors: Klein Amarolinda Zanela , Sabino de Freitas Angilberto , Machado Lisiane , Freitas Jr. José Carlos da Silva , Graziola Jr. Paulo Gaspar , Schlemmer Eliane
Published: November 2016

Frequently, research on management education does not take into account the role of Information Technology as a key resource to support teaching and learning processes. In this article, we explore the current applications of Three Dimensional Virtual Worlds (3DVW) for Management education. We researched the educational institutions subscribed to Second Life (SL) (http://secondlife.com/), as it is one of the most popular open 3DVW available worldwide. The results reveal that only 31% of the institutions that answered our questionnaire actually use SL in Management education. Regarding the acceptance of SL in Management education, one third of the 15 institutions using it claim that it has been well received and accepted both by students and lecturers/professors. These results lead to several questions for further research and development of practices concerning the use of 3DVW for Management education.
Understanding Social Identity through Autoethography
Authors: Plakhotnik Maria S.
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how instructors could use autoethnography as a course assignment to help students understand their cultural identities and build their intercultural communication competences in higher education classroom. Autoethnography is a qualitative research method that helps people examine their relationship with a group or a culture. The chapter provides an overview of literature relevant to intercultural communication competences, social identity, and autoethnography and then describes the author's use of autoethnography in an undergraduate course “Social and Cultural Foundations of Education” taught at a large public university in the United States. In her class, the author uses this method to help students examine their cultural identity, or relationship with groups based on their religion, culture, nationality, ethnicity, or other groups relevant to the course.
Co-Engagement of Organisational Leadership in Collective Decision-Making
Authors: Van der Westhuizen Thea , Mkhonta Max
Published: November 2016

Co-engagement of organisation leadership in collective decision-making is recognised as a key modality for encouragement of collective creativity as well as responsible and sustainable business practices. In cases of public enterprise (PE) collective decision-making regarding organisational policy is necessary for organisation leadership to co-engage with key decision-makers in government to ensure responsible and sustainable execution of policy. Often policy-making and implementation allows little scope for innovation and creativity, in other words, for flexibility, with direct consequences for success or failure of collaboration. This chapter explores key inferences such as the need for creative strategic intent; need for co-engagement; need for responsible and sustainable business practices to build morale and the need for innovate approach to policy-making.
Corporate Leadership and Sustainability
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: November 2016

Due to pressures of globalization and competition, the quality of corporate leadership has come under great scrutiny as questions are being raised worldwide regarding the ability of leaders to deliver long term growth on a sustainable basis. This can be referred to as the “sustainability leadership cavity.” The chapter attempts to explore: what are the evolving challenges companies faces, what are the implications on demands placed on leaders and what new leadership competencies are required to ensure sustainability goals are achieved. It also intends to provide cases of successful sustainability leadership. Through grounded theory, in-depth literature review and contextual analysis the core of this chapter is to understand the organizational elements, structure, challenges and competencies crucial and critical for sustainability leadership.
Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME)
Authors: Mokoqama Malebo , Fields Ziska
Published: November 2016

Curriculums of business schools have been questioned in terms of the relevancy and practical application of real life scenarios. Business schools have a responsibility to promote and encourage responsible management education within their curricula and learning experience. Being responsible allows business schools to produce graduates who will become responsible leaders who have a lasting impact on businesses, communities, the environment, the country and the world. There is rising pressure for business schools to promote responsible management education through initiatives such as the Principals of Responsible Management Education (PRME). This chapter seeks to identify the challenges and benefits of PRME and the role that business schools play in implementing it in their curriculums.
Social Marketing to Achieve Sustainability
Authors: Beachcroft-Shaw Harry , Ellis Debbie
Published: November 2016

That sustainable practices are necessary for the earth's survival, is well documented, but how to creatively balance the needs of the multiple stakeholders of society, the economy and the earth, is a major challenge. Individuals, businesses and societies require substantial changes to how they behave with regards to the earth's limited resources. Social marketing is the application of marketing principles to behaviour change and thus has the potential to guide efforts to achieve sustainability. This chapter discusses the principles and theories of social marketing and uses them to recommend actions to achieve sustainability. Exchange theory, relationship and network theory, and critical marketing theory provide guidelines to improve the success of social marketing interventions designed to achieve sustainability.
Combining Geometry and Image in Biomedical Systems
Authors: Kilindris Thomas V. , Theodorou Kiki
Published: November 2016

Patient anatomy, biochemical response, as well functional evaluation at organ level, are key fields that produce a significant amount of multi modal information during medical diagnosis. Visualization, processing, and storage of the acquired data sets are essential tasks in everyday medical practice. In order to perform complex processing that involves or rely on image data a robust as well versatile data structure was used as extension of the Visualization Toolkit (VTK). The proposed structure serves as a universal registration container for acquired information and post processed resulted data. The structure is a dynamic multidimensional data holder to host several modalities and/or Meta data like fused image sets, extracted features (volumetric, surfaces, edges) providing a universal coordinate system used for calculations and geometric processes. A case study of Treatment Planning System (TPS) in the stereotactic radiotherapy (RT) based on the proposed structure is discussed as an efficient medical application.
A Utilization Method of Big Sensor Data to Detect Tool Anomaly in Machining Process
Authors: Kondo Yasuo , Mizunoya Sho , Sakamoto Satoshi , Yamaguchi Kenji , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Yamaguchi Mitsugu
Published: November 2016

The essential features and scale of sensor data was discussed to monitor the tool anomaly in the machining process from the pattern variation of large scale sensor data such as vibration and effective power. The cycle data, the time series sensor data collected with an acceleration or power sensor in one periodical machining of the given groove shape, had been measured periodically. In this study, the graphic pattern formed by overwriting the time series cycle data on a specific coordinate system was treated as the “big sensor data”. The big data from the effective power sensor can stably respond to the cutting power changes and showed a strong possibility as a detecting device for tool anomaly such as abrasive wear and chipping. While the big data from the acceleration sensor only responded to a big event like the chattering vibration. The number of cycle data needed to generate the big sensor data also affected on the detection sensitivity for tool anomaly. It had been required a family of time series sensor data enough to represent the cutting power change as a visual graphic pattern.
Status Quo of Research on Impact Damage of Composites in Aircraft
Authors: Chen Wen Jun , Chen Jing Song , Cheng Wen Bo , Zhao Lu Chun
Published: November 2016

The application of composites in aircraft was introduced. And compare composites with metal materials. The conclusions referring to the impact test on composite laminates and impact damage characteristics of composite laminates, were summarized by referring to a large number of literature. This investigation shows: composite material is more suitable for the preparation of the overall structure; the research of impact damage test on composites mainly concentrated in the layer order; layer direction and low-energy impact test; and there are clear division and judgment method of four kinds of damage body by studying characteristics of impact damage.Keyword: aircraft; composites; impact damage
Treatment Technology on Polymer Flooding Wastewater in Henan Oilfield
Authors: Tang Chao , Guan Jiao Jiao
Published: November 2016

Polymer flooding has became one of the most important oil recovery technologies with Chinese oilfields coming into tertiary recovery, which lays a solid foundation for high and stable yields in oilfields. But with it’s large-scale industrial production, polymer flooding technology also brings difficulties for the disposal and treatment of polymer flooding wastewater. Compared with conventional water flooding wastewater technology, polymer flooding wastewater not only contains oil but also lots of polymer. “Old three sets” process cannot meet the national discharge standard or the injection water quality standard. Relied on HeNan oilfield united station, this paper studied on the treatment of polymer flooding wastewater, a kind of efficient flocculant was selected for the treatment of polymer flooding wastewater and a set of reasonable technological process was recommended, making the wastewater after disposal meet the injection water quality standard.
The Improvement of Yield in Formaldehyde Process
Authors: Intawong Anupong , Manchun Somkamol , Ngaoprasertwong Jeerapat
Published: November 2016

Various factors influence the efficacy of formaldehyde production. In this study, response surface methodology was applied for optimization of process parameters on the response variable (yield of formaldehyde production: Y) by a central composite design (CCD). Factors studied are the reaction temperature (X1 = 640-660 °C), mole ratio of methanol to oxygen (X2 = 2.34-2.38), mole ratio of steam to methanol (X3 = 0.90-1.10), reaction time (X4 = 22-26 millisecond; ms), and air inlet temperature (X5 = 25-30°C). As a result of CCD evaluation, the predicted quadratic regression model for response variables was significant (p < 0.05). Further 0.9745 R2 values indicated satisfactory fit of the model. In addition, the 3-D response surface and the contour plots derived the obtained model were applied to determine the optimal conditions. The optimum conditions were as follows: X1 = 660 °C, X2 =2.38, X3 = 1.10, X4 = 23.90 ms and X5= 30 °C. Corresponding to these conditions, the experimental response value (yields of formaldehyde production) agreed closely with the predicted yields of 88.61%.
Constructing 3D Model of Hardwood Structure
Authors: Qin Zhuo Kai , Zhang Jia Sheng , Yang Yu Tian , Luo Jian Ju , Gao Wei
Published: November 2016

Model constructing was conducted with 3D Studio Max modeling technology for hardwood minute structure in three steps. In the first step, the single-cell models were built according to the true form and shape of various kinds of cells, including vessel elements, wood-fiber cells, longitudinal parenchyma cells and ray cells. In the second step, the single-tissue models for all the four kinds of wood tissues (vessel, wood-fiber, longitudinal parenchyma and wood ray) were constructed by setting the same kind of single-cell models together according to the cell grouping ways inside true wood. In the third step, according to the distributing and arranging ways of the four kinds of wood tissues inside true wood, the whole model of wood block in minute structure was constructed by assembling the four kind of single-tissue models in a block. After that, the virtual model in computer was materialized by means of modern 3D printing technology, and finally the solid model in minute structure of Ficus microcarpa wood was constructed.
Integrin Cross-Talk Regulates the Human Neutrophil Response to Fungal β-Glucan in the Context of the Extracellular Matrix: A Prominent Role for VLA3 in the Antifungal Response
Authors: Johnson Courtney M. , O’Brien Xian M. , Byrd Angel S. , Parisi Valentina E. , Loosely Alex J. , Li Wei , Witt Hadley , Faridi Hafeez M. , Lefort Craig T. , Gupta Vineet , Kim Minsoo , Reichner Jonathan S.
Published: November 2016

Candida albicans infection produces elongated hyphae resistant to phagocytic clearance compelling alternative neutrophil effector mechanisms to destroy these physically large microbial structures. Additionally, all tissue-based neutrophilic responses to fungal infections necessitate contact with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Neutrophils undergo a rapid, ECM-dependent mechanism of homotypic aggregation and NETosis in response to C. albicans mediated by the β2 integrin, complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18, αMβ2). Neither homotypic aggregation nor NETosis occurs when human neutrophils are exposed either to immobilized fungal β-glucan or to C. albicans hyphae without ECM. The current study provides a mechanistic basis to explain how matrix controls the antifungal effector functions of neutrophils under conditions that preclude phagocytosis. We show that CR3 ligation initiates a complex mechanism of integrin cross-talk resulting in differential regulation of the β1 integrins VLA3 (α3β1) and VLA5 (α5β1). These β1 integrins control distinct antifungal effector functions in response to either fungal β-glucan or C. albicans hyphae and fibronectin, with VLA3 inducing homotypic aggregation and VLA5 regulating NETosis. These integrin-dependent effector functions are controlled temporally whereby VLA5 and CR3 induce rapid, focal NETosis early after binding fibronectin and β-glucan. Within minutes, CR3 undergoes inside-out auto-activation that drives the downregulation of VLA5 and the upregulation of VLA3 to support neutrophil swarming and aggregation. Forcing VLA5 to remain in the activated state permits NETosis but prevents homotypic aggregation. Therefore, CR3 serves as a master regulator during the antifungal neutrophil response, controlling the affinity states of two different β1 integrins, which in turn elicit distinct effector functions.
An ethnographic study on managing diversity in two Protestant theological colleges
Authors: Naidoo Marilyn
Published: November 2016

For many reasons Christian higher education institutions struggle to embrace diversity. Diversity is a relationship of mutuality, where differences are engaged and respected. This study aimed to understand diversity management via the institutional culture to understand how these interactions of dealing with diversity form and prepare future religious leaders. These issues are highlighted through two case studies conducted in the main-line Protestant tradition. Diversity was represented in issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexual orientation, which have an interlocking nature. Findings suggest a colour-blind theology in one institution, perpetuating surface change, and a lack of structure, alignment and capacity in diversity in the other institution. In both institutions diversity was not linked positively to ministerial identity formation to make a significant difference. This study highlights the lack of consciousness of the way in which institutions are organised, which then holds direct consequences for students, identity and transformation.
Negative Marking and the Student Physician–-A Descriptive Study of Nigerian Medical Schools
Authors: Ndu Ikenna Kingsley , Ekwochi Uchenna , Di Osuorah Chidiebere , Asinobi Isaac Nwabueze , Nwaneri Michael Osita , Uwaezuoke Samuel Nkachukwu , Amadi Ogechukwu Franscesca , Okeke Ifeyinwa Bernadette , Chinawa Josephat Maduabuchi , Orjioke Casmir James Ginikanwa
Published: November 2016

Background

There is considerable debate about the two most commonly used scoring methods, namely, the formula scoring (popularly referred to as negative marking method in our environment) and number right scoring methods. Although the negative marking scoring system attempts to discourage students from guessing in order to increase test reliability and validity, there is the view that it is an excessive and unfair penalty that also increases anxiety. Feedback from students is part of the education process; thus, this study assessed the perception of medical students about negative marking method for multiple choice question (MCQ) examination formats and also the effect of gender and risk-taking behavior on scores obtained with this assessment method.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter survey carried out among fifth year medical students in Enugu State University and the University of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 175 medical students from the two schools, while a class test was administered to medical students from Enugu State University. Qualitative statistical methods including frequencies, percentages, and chi square were used to analyze categorical variables. Quantitative statistics using analysis of variance was used to analyze continuous variables.

Results

Inquiry into assessment format revealed that most of the respondents preferred MCQs (65.9%). One hundred and thirty students (74.3%) had an unfavorable perception of negative marking. Thirty-nine students (22.3%) agreed that negative marking reduces the tendency to guess and increases the validity of MCQs examination format in testing knowledge content of a subject compared to 108 (61.3%) who disagreed with this assertion (χ 2 = 23.0, df = 1, P = 0.000). The median score of the students who were not graded with negative marking was significantly higher than the score of the students graded with negative marking ( P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the risk-taking behavior between male and female students in their MCQ answering patterns with negative marking method ( P = 0.618).

Conclusions

In the assessment of students, it is more desirable to adopt fair penalties for discouraging guessing rather than excessive penalties for incorrect answers, which could intimidate students in negative marking schemes. There is no consensus on the penalty for an incorrect answer. Thus, there is a need for continued research into an effective and objective assessment tool that will ensure that the students’ final score in a test truly represents their level of knowledge.
Second Order Convergence of the Interpolation based on-Element
Authors: He Ruijian , Feng Xinlong
Published: November 2016

In this paper, the second order convergence of the interpolation based on-element is derived in the case ofd=1, 2 and 3. Using the integral average on each element, the new basis functions of tensor product type is builded up and we can easily extend it to the higher dimensional case. Finally, some numerical tests are made to show the analytical results of the interpolation errors.
Managing an Integrated Project - Experiences from the Realigning Agriculture to Improve Nutrition project
Authors: Matturi Kai , Pain Chris
Published: November 2016

Over the last number of decades there has been a tendency within the international development sector to privilege the management of projects in a siloed manner. This translates to projects managed in a narrow way according to pre-defined parameters of say the education or health sectors. As a project manager you are held accountable for delivering education or health outputs. A shift in donor funding to focus on development projects that are considered easy to administer partly explains this siloed approach to project management within the development sector. However, there is a gradual kick back against the siloed project management approach. Instead we are seeing a return to an integrated managerial approach.An integrated managerial approach involves bringing together various technical specialists to work on common objectives in a coordinated and collaborative manner. A growing number of development actors such as Concern Worldwide are embracing this ‘new approach’. For Concern Worldwide integrated projects are interventions which address multiple needs through coordination across a variety of sectors and with the participation of all relevant stakeholders to achieve common goals. Integrated projects are about sector projects working together with the same target group in the same area in a coordinated manner. This paper reflects on Concern’s experience and evidence to date with integration drawing on the agency’s work in Zambia. The Realigning Agriculture to Improve Nutrition project in Zambia highlights the practical challenges and lessons of managing an integrated project.
A Project Portfolio Management model adapted to non-profit organizations
Authors: Lacerda Fabrício Martins , Martens Cristina Dai Prá , De Freitas Henrique M R
Published: November 2016

As they strive towards greater professionalism in carrying out their activities, non-profit organizations (NPOs) have begun paying attention to project management. The non-profit sector (NPS) has also begun to adopt strategic planning techniques, thus making the acceptance of project portfolio management (PPM) methodology a natural consequence. This article aims to propose a project portfolio management model adapted to the context of NPOs.
Idiosyncratic musings on studying cases
Authors: Bredillet Christophe
Published: November 2016

For the past 60 years, organisations have increasingly been using projects and management of, by and for projects to achieve their strategic objectives (Morris & Jamieson, 2004; Morris & Geraldi, 2011). Project management (PM) makes an important and significant contribution to value creation globally. However, the ‘glocal’ context in which projects are performed shows increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (‘VUCA’) affecting organisations and the socio-economic environment, within which they operate (Gareis, 2005). Two main dimensions are considered in research: uncertainty (and its two dimensions: volatility and ambiguity), and complexity (Bredillet, 2015).  Because action takes place over time, and because the future is unknowable, action is inherently uncertain (Aristotle, 1926, 1357a). Acts involve time, irreversibility, indetermination and contingence, and uncertainty (Sanderson, 2012; Knight, 1921). "We simply do not know" (Keynes, 1937, pp. 113–114).  Management situations (here both Practice and Research) are complex systems in the way they involve interdependence and connections between actors, ‘objects’ and the context.
Application of a new scheme of cloud base droplet nucleation in a spectral (bin) microphysics cloud model: sensitivity to aerosol size distribution
Authors: Ilotoviz Eyal , Khain Alexander
Published: November 2016

Abstract. A new scheme of droplet nucleation at cloud base is implemented into the Hebrew University Cloud Model (HUCM) with spectral (bin) microphysics. In this scheme, supersaturation maximum Smax near cloud base is calculated using theoretical results according to which Smax ∼ w3∕4Nd−1∕2, where w is the vertical velocity at cloud base and Nd is droplet concentration. Microphysical cloud structure obtained in the simulations of a midlatitude hail storm using the new scheme is compared with that obtained in the standard approach, in which droplet nucleation is calculated using supersaturation calculated in grid points. The simulations were performed with different concentrations of cloud condensational nuclei (CCN) and with different shapes of CCN size spectra. It is shown that the new nucleation scheme substantially improves the vertical profile of droplet concentration shifting the concentration maximum to cloud base. It is shown that the effect of the CCN size distribution shape on cloud microphysics is not less important than the effect of the total CCN concentration. It is shown that the smallest CCN with diameters less than about 0.015 µm have a substantial effect on mixed-phase and ice microphysics of deep convective clouds. Such CCN are not measured by standard CCN probes, which hinders understanding of cold microphysical processes.
Optimized merging of search coil and fluxgate data for MMS
Authors: Fischer David , Magnes Werner , Hagen Christian , Dors Ivan , Chutter Mark W. , Needell Jerry , Torbert Roy B. , Le Contel Olivier , Strangeway Robert J. , Kubin Gernot , Valavanoglou Aris , Plaschke Ferdinand , Nakamura Rumi , Mirioni Laurent , Russell Christopher T. , Leinweber Hannes K. , Bromund Kenneth R. , Le Guan , Kepko Lawrence , Anderson Brian J. , Slavin James A. , Baumjohann Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission (MMS) targets the characterization of fine-scale current structures in the Earth's tail and magnetopause. The high speed of these structures, when traversing one of the MMS spacecraft, creates magnetic field signatures that cross the sensitive frequency bands of both search coil and fluxgate magnetometers. Higher data quality for analysis of these events can be achieved by combining data from both instrument types and using the frequency bands with best sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio from both sensors. This can be achieved by a model-based frequency compensation approach which requires the precise knowledge of instrument gain and phase properties. We discuss relevant aspects of the instrument design and the ground calibration activities, describe the model development and explain the application on in-flight data. Finally, we show the precision of this method by comparison of in-flight data. It confirms unity gain and a time difference of less than 100 µs between the different magnetometer instruments.
Performance of ensemble streamflow forecasts under varied
hydrometeorological conditions
Authors: Benninga Harm-Jan F. , Booij Martijn J. , Romanowicz Renata J. , Rientjes Tom H. M.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The paper presents a methodology to give insight in the performance of ensemble streamflow forecasting systems. We developed an ensemble forecasting system for the Biała Tarnowska, a mountainous river catchment in southern Poland, and analysed the performance for lead times from 1 day to 10 days for low, medium and high streamflow and related runoff generating processes. Precipitation and temperature forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts serve as input to a deterministic lumped hydrological (HBV) model. Due to inconsistent bias, the best streamflow forecasts were obtained without pre- and post-processing of the meteorological and streamflow forecasts. Best forecast skill, relative to alternative forecasts based on historical measurements of precipitation and temperature, is shown for high streamflow and for snow accumulation low streamflow events. Forecasts of medium streamflow events and low streamflow events generated by precipitation deficit show less skill. To improve the performance of the forecasting system for high streamflow events, in particular the meteorological forecasts require improvement. For low streamflow forecasts, the hydrological model should be improved. The study recommends improving the reliability of the ensemble streamflow forecasts by including the uncertainties in hydrological model parameters and initial conditions, and by improving the dispersion of the meteorological input forecasts.
Geographical tourism research and education at the Jagiellonian University School of Tourism in Poland (1936–1939)
Authors: Jackowski Antoni , Sołjan Izabela , Bilska-Wodecka Elżbieta , Liro Justyna
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The beginning of the twentieth century was a time of intensive development of geographical research on tourism, as well as the establishment of tourism research centers in many European countries. The Jagiellonian University School of Tourism played an important role in the development of tourism geography and education, spatial and regional planning, and personnel training for tourism developing in the 1930s in Poland. Tourism education in the school was characterized by a modern curriculum and forms of teaching, including fieldwork, focusing on developing practical skills, and linking research topics with the teaching process. The school conducted extensive research, publishing and documentary activities. The achievements of the Jagiellonian University School of Tourism helped raise awareness in society of the importance of tourism in the socio-economic development of regions and cities. This article presents the history of the Jagiellonian University School of Tourism and highlights its role in the development of tourism research and education in Europe. The school is mentioned among the pioneering centers of tourism, i.e., Robert Glucksmann's Tourism Research Institute at the Berlin School of Commerce, Walter Hunziker's and Kurt Krapf's tourism seminar in St. Gallen, and Raoul Blanchard's Institute of Alpine Geography in Grenoble.
Spatial characteristics analysis of drought disasters in North China during
the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Authors: Bi Shuoben , Bi Shengjie , Chen Changchun , Nkunzimana Athanase , Li Yanping , Wu Weiting
Published: November 2016

Abstract. This paper studies grade sequence of drought disasters in 21 sites in Ming and Qing Dynasties (1470–1912) in North China. Two aspects are explored, in order to study the spatial distribution and characteristics of drought disaster in North China. The reconstruction of the sequence of drought disaster in North China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties was based on Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) and on Rotated Empiric Orthogonal Function (REOF). The drought disaster has been divided into several space models and into several sensitive space areas. It can provide an important basis for the better understanding of the spatial distribution of drought disasters in North China during the historical period. The research's results show that: the frequency is high in northern area and is low in southern area of North China. The frequency of drought intensity is high in South-East, low in West China. Meanwhile, the North China can be divided into six main sensitive regions: Middle-east of North China, west of North China, South of North China, East of North China, North-east and North-west of North China.
Using Images to Capture Faculty’s Beliefs About Play and Learning in Early Childhood Education and Care Settings
Authors: Blom Marleah , D'Amico Miranda
Published: November 2016

Findings are presented from a qualitative research study that used photo-elicitation methods to explore faculty members’ beliefs about play and learning for children in Early Childhood Education and Care environments when teaching preservice early childhood educators in recognized post-secondary Early Childhood Education programs in Canada. Participants believe that play is a vehicle for learning, advocate for children’s free play in Early Childhood Education and Care settings as well as express concerns about the decline of play in children’s lives. Implications of findings and the benefits of using images to elicit teacher beliefs in research will be discussed. Research on faculty members’ beliefs is limited and findings come at an opportune time as advocacy for play in the early years is needed.
On analyzing poblems of distributed systems and current internet in front of the future internet architectures
Authors: Alberti Antonio Marcos , Casaroli Marco Aurelio Favoreto , Righi Rodrigo Da Rosa , Wendt Ivam Guilherme , Singh Dhananjay
Published: November 2016

Nowadays, there are hundreds of underway worldwide projects to redesign both com- munication protocols and architecture of the Internet. These initiatives are collectively called “future Internet” research. Most of these initiatives rely on existing distributed systems, which often limit or even prevent the development of “clean slate” solutions. The main reason is that the great majority of distributed systems are tightly-linked with the TCP/IP protocol stack. In this article, we provide a first glance discussion on the relationships between future Internet and distributed systems research, focusing on dependencies and similar requirements among these areas. From this analysis, it beco- mes evident that many of the future Internet requirements (and open challenges) are repeated in the distributed systems landscape. Although there are many studies on both research fronts individually, the study of the key challenges of future Internet when addressing distributed systems requirements is a topic yet not explored in our contemporary research. This paper aims at determining the gaps and requirements future Internet must fulfill in order to support future distributed systems. To support this objective, a set of design metrics are identified and a convergent design space is proposed.
SOS Móvel: sistema para auxiliar pessoas na solicitação de socorro
Authors: Queiroz Suellem Stephanne Fernandes , Leite Cicilia Raquel Maia , Neto Pedro Fernandes Ribeiro , Magalhães Davi Alves , Da Silva José Erico Gomes
Published: November 2016

Devido aos índices elevados de acidentes, incidentes e ocorrências, qualquer um está vulnerável e pode necessitar de informações sobre centros de saúde mais próximos para o socorro. Na busca de reduzir o alto índice de ocorrências fatais em acidentes e incidentes quaisquer, medidas tecnológicas passaram a ser empregadas para contatar rapidamente o socorro. O SOS móvel é um sistema para auxiliar pessoas na solicitação de socorro. O sistema faz reconhecimento de atividades, utiliza sensores móveis com sensibilidade ao contexto e um agente inteligente para detecção de situações de risco e disparo de solicitações de socorro automáticas. O sistema é composto por uma parte web e uma móvel. O aplicativo móvel é utilizado ativamente pelo usuário, enquanto que a interface web é utilizada pelos familiares ou gestores da saúde que podem monitorar o usuário e visualizar sua localização e alertas. Os experimentos com o SOS Móvel foram realizados em um ambiente de simulações e permitiram concluir que esse apresentou desempenho satisfatório ao detectar riscos e fazer o envio de solicitações de socorro automaticamente.
Ferramentas de trechos de código: uma revisão da literatura
Authors: De Moraes Rodrigo Vieira
Published: November 2016

Este artigo apresenta uma revisão da literatura acerca das ferramentas que auxiliam a localização de trechos de código para reutilização. Vinte ferramentas foram pesquisadas e suas características são apresentadas a partir de uma visão arquitetural. Diferentes estratégias utilizadas pelas ferramentas foram identificadas e são apresentadas as vantagens e desvantagens de cada uma. Por fim, o trabalho sugere alguns trabalhos futuros para suprir algumas deficiências identificadas na área.
Análise comparativa de detectores e descritores de características locais em imagens no âmbito do problema de autocalibração de câmeras
Authors: Nunes Brito Darlan , Cardeal Pádua Flávio Luis , Peres Campos e Lopes Aldo , Dalip Daniel Hasan
Published: November 2016

Este trabalho apresenta uma análise comparativa de diferentes métodos do estado da arte para detecção e descrição de características locais em imagens, com o objetivo de solucionar de forma robusta e eficiente o problema de autocalibração de câmeras. Para atingir esse objetivo, é essencial a utilização de métodos detectores e descritores eficazes, uma vez que a correspondência robusta de características em um conjunto de imagens sucessivas sujeitas a uma ampla variedade de distorções afins e mudanças no ponto de vista 3D da cena, é crucial para a exatidão dos cálculos dos parâmetros da câmera. Muito embora diversos detectores e descritores têm sido propostos na literatura, seus impactos no processo de autocalibração de câmeras não foram ainda devidamente estudados. Nesse trabalho de análise comparativa, utilizam-se como critérios de qualidade da autocalibração os erros: epipolar, de reprojeção e reconstrução, bem como os tempos de execução dos métodos. Os resultados experimentais demonstram que detectores e descritores binários de características (ORB, BRISK e FREAK) e de ponto flutuante (SIFT e SURF) apresentam erros de reprojeção e reconstrução equivalentes. Considerando-se, porém, o menor custo computacional dos métodos binários, recomenda-se, fortemente, o uso destes em soluções de problemas de autocalibração de câmeras.
Editorial
Authors: Hölbig Carlos Amaral
Published: November 2016

Apresentação do décimo sétimo número da Revista Brasileira de Computação Aplicada por parte do editor da revista.
Prevalence and risk factors for cryptosporidiosis: a global, emerging, neglected zoonosis
Authors: Bamaiyi Pwaveno Huladeino , Redhuan Nur Eliyana Mohd
Published: November 2016

Background

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the important parasitic diarrheal agent Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidiosis occurs in all classes of animals and man with a rapidly expanding host range and increased importance since the occurrence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in man.

Objectives

To review the global picture of cryptosporidiosis in man and animals with emphasis on prevalence and risk factors.

Methods

Current relevant literature on cryptosporidiosis was reviewed.

Results

Cryptosporidiosis is widely distributed and the risk factors vary from one region to another with hygiene and immune status as important risk factors.

Conclusions

Cryptosporidium spp. associated mortality has not only been reported in immune-compromised patients, but also in immune-competent patients. Yet in many countries not much attention is paid to the control and prevention of this infection in animals and man. The neglect of this disease despite the serious threat it poses to animals, their husbandry, and humans, has led the World Health Organization to list it among globally neglected diseases. To control and prevent this infection more effort needs to be directed at controlling the risk factors of the infection in man and animals.
Estrategias competitivas utilizadas por las MIPYMES del sector servicio de comida buffet de la ciudad de Estelí en relación al marketing de servicio en el primer semestre 2016, Nicaragua
Authors: Picado Juárez Arlen Meryfel , Ramírez Sobalvarro Yasmina , Golovina Natalia
Published: November 2016

Este artículo es resultado de una investigación realizada en el primer semestre del año 2016, sobre seis empresas que participaron en el estudio, dedicadas a ofrecer el servicio de comida buffet en la ciudad de Estelí. El objetivo de investigación fue analizar las estrategias competitivas utilizadas por las MIPYMES del sector servicio de comida buffet de la ciudad de Estelí en relación al marketing de servicio en el primer semestre del año 2016. Se identificaron las estrategias y elementos del marketing de servicios utilizados por los propietarios del sector, se describió su implementación, se realizó el análisis de estrategias por medio de la técnica del diamante de Porter, en base a los resultados se propusieron estrategias competitivas. Esta investigación es con enfoque cualitativo con ciertos elementos cuantitativos, de tipo aplicada, paradigma interpretativo, de corte transaccional. Se utilizaron como estrategias de recolección de datos: entrevistas a los propietarios, encuestas a los clientes y guía de observación directa en los locales.
Geochemical Assessment of Trace Metal Distribution and Contamination in the Surface Sediments of the Coast of Okinawa Island, Japan
Authors: Diallo Ibrahima M'Bemba , Ishiga Hiroaki
Published: November 2016

In this study, sediment samples were collected from the Awase tidal, the Minamigusuku, and Nakagusuku areas located in the Okinawa Island. The collected samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence to determine their geochemical compositions and distribution, and to assess the sediment quality in the study areas. Contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the United State Environmental Protection Agency Sediment Quality Guideline (US EPA SQG) were used to assess the sediment quality. The results show that the highest average concentrations of As (11mg/kg), Pb (8 mg/kg), Zn (19 mg/kg), Cu (6 mg/kg), and Cr (14mg/kg) occurred in the Minamigusuku area. The CF and Igeo values, and the US EPA SQG indicate that among the selected trace metals only As displays significant values in the study areas. The CF values of As in the Minamigusuku area show moderate enrichment, and in this same area, the Igeo values of As present significant values, ranging from moderate to considerable contaminations, implying a possible effect on the biota in this location. Compared to the US EPA SQG, the Awase tidal flat and Nakagusuku areas are moderately polluted, whereas Minamigusuku is heavily polluted, suggesting that As may possible impact the biota in these areas. Consequently, for a better sustainable development of the coast of  Okinawa Island , a regular monitoring and assessment of study areas, particularly the Minamigusuku area, is necessary to determine over time the concentration of As.
Examination of the Self-Efficacy of Primary School Teacher Candidates towards First Reading-Writing Education
Authors: Bayraktar Hatice Vatansever
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study is to examine the levels of the self-efficacy of primary school teacher candidates towards first reading-writing education and whether they differentiate by various variables. The study is prepared in accordance with the screening model. The universe of this study consists of the primary school teacher candidates who receive education at an Education Faculty of a public university in Istanbul province. As for the sample, it consists of 124 primary school teacher candidates who receive education at the Education Faculty of two public universities in Istanbul province. As for the data collection tool, the “Self-efficacy towards First Reading-Writing Education Scale” developed by Delican (2016) was employed in this study. As a result of the study, there is not a significant difference between the self-efficacies of the primary school teacher candidates towards first reading-writing education depending on their age. The self-efficacy of the primary school teacher candidates towards first reading-writing education creates a significant difference depending on the gender variable. In the preparation, practice and assessment sub-dimensions and on the scale overall, the self-efficacy of females towards first reading-writing education is higher when compared to males. There is a significant difference depending on the variable of the grade in which the primary school teacher candidates receive an education. The self-efficacy of the primary school teacher candidates who study in the 3rd grade towards first reading-writing education is higher when compared to the primary school teacher candidates in the 4th grade. There is not a significant difference between the self-efficacy of the primary school teacher candidates towards first reading-writing education depending on the variable of thinking that teaching first reading-writing to primary school first grades is a hard work. The self-efficacy of the primary school teacher candidates who have previously helped their siblings or nephews during the process of learning first reading and writing towards first reading-writing education is higher in regard to the practice and assessment sub-dimensions and the scale overall. It was observed that the self-efficacy of the primary school teacher candidates towards first reading-writing education in regard to the preparation and practice sub-dimensions and the scale overall was high; the self-efficacy of the primary school teacher candidates towards first reading-writing education according to the assessment sub-dimension was at a quite high level.