bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is Social Sciences and Humanities Research ‘Worth’? Neoliberalism and the Framing of Social Sciences and Humanities Work in Canada
Authors: Davidson-Harden Adam
Published: September 2013

This article offers a critique of the discursive politics represented in attempts to frame social sciences and humanities work in the mould of neoliberal knowledge capitalism. The critique offered is inspired by Foucault's critical thought on neoliberalism and an interpretation of ‘neoliberal governmentality’ that flows from his Collège de France lectures on ‘the birth of biopolitics’. As a launching point, a particular document is explored — a 2008 report from a private consulting firm called the Impact Group, commissioned by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (the benefactor of the postdoctoral research fellowship from which this present inquiry emerges). The author explores here the significance of how a deeply economic-reductionist — or, in the author's terms, neoliberal — way of looking at social sciences and humanities work can find utterance in a context of a hegemonic discourse of what the author (and others) terms ‘neoliberal knowledge capitalism’. As one particular — if dominant at present — ‘regime of truth’ in Foucault's terms, this discourse represents well the imperatives of neoliberalism, which are construed here as imperialistic and colonising. From a neoliberal perspective, anything and everything in society ought to be perceived as a commodity, to be privatised, bought and sold, and considered solely within a framework of utility towards driving ‘economic growth’ in the most raw and disembedded sense of market relations, working over and above, and outside any category of critical comment or influence. This trend, in turn, is put under scrutiny here towards suggesting the necessary political task of interrupting this particular regime of truth and asserting others based on frames of reference and value not associated with a narrow, myopic neoliberalism, but rather with forms of knowledge socialism.
Affirmative Action in the Quality of Higher Education: The Voices of Graduates of the University for All Program
Authors: Felicetti Vera Lucia , Morosini Marilia Costa , Somers Patricia
Published: September 2013

This article is an overview of a doctoral dissertation which presents statements from graduates of the University for All Program (PROUNI) from a non-profit Brazilian university, who were admitted to university through this program. The methodology used was qualitative with a focus on textual analysis. The objective is to identify the outcomes brought about by the PROUNI graduates and to determine the importance of student engagement to improved learning and overcoming difficulties. The results are established in the dimensions of the quality of higher education: admission, process and result. In the admission dimension, the possibility of access to university education is highlighted through the affirmative action program PROUNI. In the process dimension, there is student engagement, the difficulties faced along the way and the retention of this student profile in the teaching institution. In the result dimension, the impacts on society are pointed out — namely, inclusion and the impacts on higher education institutions. The impacts on institutions are related to their social responsibility regarding social inclusion and to student performance, among other aspects. The impacts on society are in the context of employability, satisfaction and the motivational effect that the graduates have on the people around them.
Defining Global Education
Authors: Molina Sarina , Lattimer Heather
Published: September 2013

As the world is becoming increasingly flat, it has become important for educators to prepare students to understand global perspectives and engage with people from countries and cultures around the world. Although there is no question as to the importance of global education to meet with the demands of a flat world, what internationalization and globalization mean in the classroom is still an area that is met with some level of uncertainty. However, clarity around language and instructional objectives is essential if educators are to ensure that K-12 students learn what they intend. This study explores some of the ways in which teachers, students and principals define this complex notion of global education.
Pedagogy of the Impossible: Neoliberalism and the Ideology of Accountability
Authors: De Lissovoy Noah
Published: September 2013

This article analyzes the ideology of accountability in contemporary education within the context of neoliberalism and its reconstruction of social relationships on the basis of the market, competition and efficiency. Drawing on contemporary critical philosophical accounts, it argues that the scholarship on education and accountability has not fully registered the way that ideology in neoliberalism works through modes of fantasy and enclosure, inhering not only in perspectives and understandings, but also in procedures, rituals and structures of subjectivity. Analyzing the political logic of test-based accountability, and taking up several specific examples of its reorganization of curriculum and assessment, the article challenges the tendency within educational theory to understand ideology in education according to the Gramscian model of hegemony and proposes a reconceptualization of accountability's ideological effects. In particular, it shows that the tradition of understanding ideology in schooling in terms of the production of ‘common sense’ overlooks the ideological force in contemporary education of the procedures themselves of standardized assessment and scripted curriculum. The article concludes with a consideration of the implications of this analysis for critical teaching in the context of the constraints created by test-based accountability systems.
The Idea of Collaboration in the Academy: Its Epistemic and Social Potentials and Risks for Knowledge Generation
Authors: Papatsiba Vassiliki
Published: September 2013

This conceptual article explores the idea of academic collaboration from a perspective that places knowledge in the centre of the inquiry. It considers the extent to which collaboration maintains its intrinsic salience for the academy, despite the proliferation of external incentives and injunctions. As scientific and socio-economic progress has been associated with collaboration, this has come to be viewed as a carrier of scientific and social returns, thus worthy of policy and institutional support. At the same time, though, the value of collaboration has been questioned. What are the dangers and the potentials attributed to collaborative arrangements? Why is collaboration a well-embraced but also a contested notion? Despite various degrees of adherence to the idea of collaboration, a progressive shift from the lone scholar to collaborative formations can be traced, making collaborations an embedded feature of the changing face of higher education and research. Although the role of research funding and institutional governance in this development is undisputed, the argument put forth here is that knowledge-related rationales continue to underpin collaborative pursuits with a research component, but that often these influences tend to remain underemphasised and unexplored.
From Bildung to Entrepreneurship: Trends in Education Policy in Sweden
Authors: Ringarp Johanna
Published: September 2013

The European Union would like to improve its efforts to promote entrepreneurship within the Union. More new companies and more entrepreneurs are needed to increase the Union's competitiveness. In order to achieve this goal, the education sectors of the member countries must be reformulated to include entrepreneurship in their education programmes. In the autumn of 2011, Sweden's comprehensive schools received a new curriculum, in which entrepreneurship is one of the key elements. This article discusses the connection between the European Union's goal to increase entrepreneurship and the creation of Sweden's education policy. It also deals with the impact of the change on the previous focus of Sweden's education policy — namely, ‘a school for all’.
Relative Valuation of Alternative Methods of Tax Avoidance
Authors: Inger Kerry K.
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the relative valuation of alternative methods of tax avoidance. Prior studies find that firm value is positively associated with overall tax avoidance; I provide evidence that investors distinguish between methods of tax reduction in their valuation of tax avoidance. My analyses suggest that the impact of tax avoidance on firm value varies with tax risk, permanence of tax savings, tax planning costs, implicit taxes, and contrasts in disclosures of tax reduction in the financial statements. Tax avoidance resulting from stock option deductions is positively associated with firm value, accelerated depreciation is not associated with firm value, and deferral of residual U.S. tax on foreign earnings is negatively associated with firm value. The discount on tax avoidance generated by residual tax deferral is limited to firms with a presence in a tax haven and to tax avoidance revealed to investors through disclosure of the estimated residual tax.
Mössbauer study of Fe phases in terrestrial olivine basalts from southern Egypt
Authors: Hassan Kamaleldin M. , Dekan Julius
Published: September 2013

Olivine basalts from southern Egypt were studied by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy at 297 and 77 K, and by optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The 57Fe Mössbauer spectra show three-magnetic sextets, three doublets of ferrous (Fe2+), and a weak ferric (Fe3+) doublet that is attributable to a nanophase oxide (npOx). The magnetic sextets relate to titanomagnetite and the Fe2+ doublets to olivine, pyroxene, and ulvöspinel. Variations in the hyperfine parameters of the various Fe components are attributed to changes in the local crystal chemistry. The intensity of oxidation (Fe3+/ΣFe) in the rocks varies from 20-27% with the oxidized iron largely residing in the titanomagnetite.
Sport Sponsorship Effectiveness – Polish Volleyball Case Study
Authors: Kot Sebastian , Kucharski Michał
Published: September 2013

While reflecting on sport sponsorship, it is crucial to consider that it is an investment in promotion from the sponsor's perspective. The idea of each investment, including that in sport sponsorship, is to commit money or capital with an expectation of profitable future returns or benefits. Thus, it is essential to undertake actions that enabling sponsors to establish whether a given sponsoring campaign was effective, i.e. whether it generated more benefits than expenses. This article presents the possibility of using Advertising Value Equivalency (AVE) to evaluate sport sponsorship effectiveness. Research conducted among Polish volleyball clubs aimed at recognizing factors considered by sponsors while evaluating results of engaging in sport sponsorship. The results and conclusions are presented in the content of the article. Additionally, there were introduced levels of AVE obtained by the most frequently displayed sponsors' branches of Plus Liga Kobiet and clubs participating in it in the seasons of 2008/2009, 2009/2010, and 2010/2011..
Differences in motor performance and somatic construction of children with intellectual disability in mild to moderate degrees
Authors: Bolach Bartosz , Bolach Eugeniusz , Drabik Magdalena
Published: September 2013

Introduction: The object of research was evaluation of motor performance and analysis of somatic construction of children with intellectual disability in mild to moderate degrees.

Material and methods: In research participated 80 students in age from 11 up to 14, pupils of Special Training and Education Centre in Jawor. The 40 children (20 boys and girls) with intellectual disability to mild degree and 40 children (20 boys and girls) with disability to moderate degree composed an experimental group. The motor performance is based on “Eurofit Special” test.

Results: The average results of the motor skills achieved in the group of children with intellectual disability in mild degree were statistically higher than in the group of children with intellectual disability in moderate degree. The boys from both groups, except of attempt to jump from the position, reached better results than girls.

Conclusion: Obtained results indicated a need to verify and continually improve the physical training to get better the versatile physical fitness of children with handicap to light degree.
Hatha yoga - an alternative form of supporting the health for the adapted physical activity (APA)
Authors: Palica Danuta , Zwierzchowska Anna
Published: September 2013

Introduction: The benefits of physical activity have been repeatedly verified and documented in many research. That is why the fundamental problem lays not in a question “if” but “how” to stimulate physical activity specially among people with disabilities. On this field one of many problems to solve is selection of appropriate, effective and interesting forms of physical exercises.The main aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of hatha yoga as a health promoting tool.

Material and methods: Experiment involved a group of young women who exercised for 15 weeks to practice hatha yoga. The influence of hatha yoga on selected measures of functional health in accordance with the concept of Health Relations Fitness (spinal flexibility, balance, muscle strength and trunk strength and functional).

Results: The presented results indicate that hatha yoga has significant effect on the development of all the rated motor skills.

Conclusions: Hatha yoga exercises have proved its value as a tool to enhance the ability to maintain a balance, followed by trunk strength, flexibility and functional strength. That is why, we can conclude that hatha yoga exercises can be recommended for people with disabilities as a safe and healthy form of physical activity and be used as alternative form of adapted physical activity.
Use of strength exercises in rehabilitation process of persons with low back pain syndrome
Authors: Wójcicka Monika , Trzaskoma Zbigniew
Published: September 2013

This work presents use of strength exercises in rehabilitation process of persons with low back pain syndrome. Numerous authors have exerted, that employment of these exercises has beyond increase of muscle strength also positive influence on range of motion of trunk and lower limbs and decrease of pain in persons with low back pain syndrome
Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among competitive high school male water polo players in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Ellapen Terry Jeremy , Stow Carl , Macrae Natalie , Milne Jessica , Van Heerden Hendrick Johan
Published: September 2013

: Introduction: Water polo is an aggressive, competitive aquatic game played by two teams of seven players with the intention to defeat the opposing team by scoring more goals which occasionally generate musculoskeletal pain and injury. Water polo incorporates swimming, treading, throwing the ball, in a volatile, dynamic aquatic domain which lends itself to a high degree of aggression and direct physical contact among opposing players.

Aim: This study documented the prevalence of water polo related musculoskeletal pain among competitive adolescent male water polo players residing in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa (n=100).

Material and methods: Subjects completed a self-report musculoskeletal pain questionnaire, which gathered their demographical, epidemiological and exercise history over the last 12 months. The following descriptive statistics (mode, mean, frequency, percentages) and inferential statistics (chi-square set at a probability of 0.05) were employed to analyse the data.

Results: Seventy-two of the cohort sustained musculoskeletal pain within the last 12 months (p< 0.001). The most prevalent anatomical sites that sustained water polo related musculoskeletal pain were; shoulder (51.04%), knees (23.95%) and vertebral column (17.71%) (p<0.0001). The predisposing mechanisms of producing this water polo related musculoskeletal pain were over-training (88.00%), rapid rotational movements (8.00%), collision with players (2.66%), and being struck with the ball (1.33%) (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Competitive adolescent male water polo players residing in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa experienced a high prevalence of water polo related shoulder, knee and vertebrae musculoskeletal pain.
Physical fitness women over 60 years of age participating in the activities of the University of the Third Age
Authors: Zdrodowska Agnieszka , Wiszomirska Ida , Niemierzycka Agnieszka , Czajkowska Anna , Magiera Andrzej , Słoń Milena
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Morphological and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs causing characteristic for old age reduction of the efficiency of all organs, and therefore decrease in the level of physical fitness. To determine its level, to find areas of weakness and select optimal physical activity programs that will improve the quality of life and health of older people it is necessary to multi-dimensional assess the level of physical fitness.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the fitness level of students of the University of the Third Age in Warsaw Almamer with Fullerton Functional Fitness Test in relation to American standards.

Material and methods: The study was conducted on a 40-person group of students of the University of Third Age Almamer in Warsaw, at the age of 60-70 years. Mobility assessment was based on a comparison of results obtained by the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test with standards developed by the authors test for the U.S. population.

Results: In all trials conducted with Fullerton Test women got positive results after normalization to the mean and standard deviation of the U.S. population peers. The greatest variation among the test subjects compared to American standards test result was observed in flexion of the forearm. Conclusions: The tested listeners of UTW characterized a good level of physical fitness Fullerton The test evaluated in relation to American standards. According to the authors, developing standards for the test used in Polish conditions would contribute to a more reliable assessment of people over 60 years old.
Spatial and temporal variability of the interception in the natural wetland valley, the lower Biebrza basin case study
Authors: Ignar Stefan , Węglewska Aleksandra , Szporak-Wasilewska Sylwia , Chormański Jarosław
Published: September 2013

Spatial and temporal variability of the interception in the natural wetland valley, the lower Biebrza basin case study. The paper presents the research carried out in the lower basin of Biebrza River valley in order to identify interception for natural wetland plant communities. Maximum interception, i.e. the largest amount of water, expressed in millimeters, which can be captured and retained by plant canopy from rainfall is one of the key parameters of the water cycle modeling. Maximum interception was determined based on the difference of the masses of wet and dry fresh plant samples. Collection of plant material samples took place during the five measurement sessions, which began immediately after the flood recedes, and then lasted until the end of the growing season. Interception spatial variability was analyzed on the basis of the results of maximum interception measured for selected plant aggregations in the different sampling points. The obtained values were extrapolated to the area of the lower basin of Biebrza River using vegetation map of the Biebrza National Park. By conducting a test sessions in the five coming months, the maps of the spatial variability also show changes over time. Methodology used in the described tests allowed for obtaining of satisfactory results. They present, in a correct way, variation occurring between the plant aggregations due to their morphology. In most cases the results are consistent with data from the literature. As results of the analysis of spatial variability of the maximum interception, the highest values were found for the plant communities located in the immediate vicinity of the river channel. With the increase of the distance from river towards the valley edges the maximum interception values decrease. These changes can be seen in the form of strips parallel to the river channel, which corresponds to the plant zones. Obtained map of spatial variability of the maximum interception, which is the results of extrapolation of the values assigned to plant communities, has a high correlation with the map resulting from the analysis of satellite images
Exercise as Treatment for Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Roessler Kirsten K. , Bilberg Randi , Jensen Kurt , Kjaergaard Anne-Sofie , Dervisevic Ajla , Nielsen Bent
Published: September 2013

ObjectiveThe clinical management of alcohol dependence involves evidence-based knowledge on medical treatment, physical training, and psychological management. This pilot study investigates the effect of physical exercise on cardio-respiratory fitness and socio-psychological outcomes.Design: 10 alcohol patients are included to 12 times moderate intensity exercise in groups.Methods:Aerobic power, anxiety, and depression are measured at baseline and post intervention. Observations of the instructor are described.Results:No significant change of aerobic power, but decreased subjective exhaustion. A trend is shown of decreased depression and less concern. Clinical observations showed the testing environment as obstacle and found the communicative role of the instructor crucial.Conclusion: Future research with regard of adherence has to concentrate on the social and contextual aspects of physical activity as treatment.
Contribution des Enseignants Associés dans la Formation Professionnelle des Étudiants en EPS. Analyse de l’Entretien Conseil
Authors: Bennour Nabila , Zghibi Makram , Jayari Sheima
Published: September 2013

This paper summarizes a research that aims to support the decision in the sector of practical training of Physical education’s teachers. The research consists of an analysis of the content of the counseling meeting, as well as the identification of the effective contribution of associate teachers (EA) with students trainees (ES). In a qualitative approach, we analyzed the content of 16 counseling meeting, registered with four dyads EA/ES, distributed on three reception’s institutions in the governorate of Tunis. The analysis is based on a categorical analysis, which is a division of EA’s discourse in thematic units based on three constituents with a theme of “organization”, “interventions with students” and “taught content”. The analysis inter-categorical of counseling meeting allowed us, in particular, to point the priority concerns of the EA for the organizational aspects in terms of didactical aspects. These results suggest doubting the quality of the contribution of EA. However, these results must be nuanced if we consider conditions and constraints of supervision.
Comparison of aberrations after standard and customized refractive surgery
Authors: Fang L. , He X. , Wang Y.
Published: September 2013

To detect possible differences in residual wavefront aberrations between standard and customized laser refractive surgery based on mathematical modeling, the residual optical aberrations after conventional and customized laser refractive surgery were compared according to the ablation profile with transition zone. The results indicated that ablation profile has a significant impact on the residual aberrations. The amount of residual aberrations for conventional correction is higher than that for customized correction. Additionally, the residual aberrations for high myopia eyes are markedly larger than those for moderate myopia eyes. For a 5 mm pupil, the main residual aberration term is coma and yet it is spherical aberration for a 7 mm pupil. When the pupil diameter is the same as optical zone or greater, the magnitudes of residual aberrations is obviously larger than that for a smaller pupil. In addition, the magnitudes of the residual fifth or sixth order aberrations are relatively large, especially secondary coma in a 6 mm pupil and secondary spherical aberration in a 7 mm pupil. Therefore, the customized ablation profile may be superior to the conventional correction even though the transition zone and treatment decentration are taken into account. However, the customized ablation profile will still induce significant amount of residual aberrations.
Impacts of Community Pharmacists on Self-medication Management among Rural Dwellers, Kwara State Central, Nigeria
Authors: Bello Shakirat I , Bello Ibrahim K
Published: September 2013

The role of pharmacist has not only advanced from medication dispensing but also to direct patient care and pharmaceutical interventions aiming at enhancing the populace wellbeing. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of rural community pharmacist interventions on self-medications and disease prevalence among rural settings in the Kwara State Central, Nigeria. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in eight rural communities with a pre-piloted questionnaire. Data obtained from respondents were computed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16 using descriptive analysis procedures, and relationships between variables were tested using the chi square. Respondents between the age of 40 and 50 years dominated with 42.3% and majority (88.1%) of the rural residents were illiterates. Farming was the major occupation of the respondents and survived on less than ten thousand naira Nigeria money ($63) per month. Among the combinations of drugs abused by the respondents, the regimen containing combination of prednisolone, diclofenac and paracetamol had the highest users. The least used combination was ibuprofen, diclofenac plus prednisolone. These combinations were taken twice daily by the majority participants. The most common reasons given for self-medications were osteoarthritis (31.1%), poverty (17.4%), general body pain (14.3%), inadequate of health facilities (4.6%), ignorance (4.3%) among others. The intervention offered by the pharmacists had reduced the mean systolic blood pressure significantly (P < 0.05) from 161 mmHg to 129 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 104 mmHg at baseline to 86 mmHg. Postintervention evaluation revealed the impact of the pharmacists, as the respondents with dyspepsia at baseline significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 220 to 53 participants. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 12(1): 1-9, 2013 (June) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v12i1.16294
Effects of Release Modifier and Annealing on Polyvinyl Acetate-Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone Microspheres Containing Diclofenac Sodium
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Jalil Reza-ul
Published: September 2013

This study was conducted to microencapsulate water soluble diclofenac sodium (DS), a potent NSAID advocated for use in painful, inflammatory, and certain non-rheumatic conditions. To modify its release pattern, polyvinyl acetate-polyvinyl pyrrolidone based matrix polymer, Kollidon ® SR (KSR) was used as wall material. Microspheres were prepared by water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion solvent evaporation technique using KSR while maintaining core to polymer ratio at 1:1. Two release modifiers namely polyethyleneglycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and talc at four different concentrations (3%, 5%, 10% and 15% wt/wt of the wall material) were used to investigate their effect on microsphere properties and release kinetics of the drug. Optimized batches were characterized according to particle size distribution, surface morphology, differential scanning thermogram, and in vitro release of the drug. In vitro dissolution study was conducted in phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.2 for 8 hours. Microsphere sizes were within the range of 497-922?m. No interaction between drug and excipients was observed. Characteristic changes in the microsphere surface were observed due to the presence of PEG 6000 and talc. All optimized batches showed good controlled release property with immediate burst release. Annealing (heating the microspheres at 60°C for 24 hours) was found effective in controlling the immediate burst release of the drug. Case I or fickian-type release mechanism was found predominant in case of all formulated microspheres. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 12(1): 41-50, 2013 (June) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v12i1.16299
Carvedilol-?-cyclodextrin Systems: Preparation, Characterization and in vitro Evaluation
Authors: Sharma Anshu , Jain CP
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of carvedilol by forming a complex with ?-cyclodextrin. Phase solubility diagrams revealed increase in solubility of the drug upon cyclodextrin addition, showing AN type curve. Complexation of carvedilol was carried out with ?-cyclodextrin by physical mixing, kneading and co-precipitation method. The prepared complexes and physical mixture were characterized by Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffractometry and inclusion efficiency. It was also observed that the complexes exhibit higher dissolution rates than the pure drug and physical mixture. Among all carvedilol-cyclodextrin complexes, inclusion complex (1:5) prepared by co-precipitation method showed better release. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 12(1): 51-58, 2013 (June) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v12i1.16300
Antidiabetic Activity of Compounds Isolated from the Kernel of Mangifera indica in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Amran Md. Shah , Sultan Md. Zakir , Rahman Asma , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: September 2013

Diabetes is one of the major causes of death in Bangladesh. A lot of medicinal plants are available in Bangladesh and they possess remarkable antidiabetic activities. The main purpose of this project was to find out the new antidiabetic compound(s) from plants available in our locality. As such an attempt has been made to isolate the antidiabetic compounds from the kernel of mango. Solvent extractions followed by column and thin layer chromatographic techniques were used to purify the compounds. 1H-NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the purified compounds which might have antidiabetic property. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 12(1): 77-81, 2013 (June) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v12i1.16304
An Improved Neural Network Training Algorithm for Wi-Fi Fingerprinting Positioning
Authors: Mok Esmond , Cheung Bernard
Published: September 2013

Ubiquitous positioning provides continuous positional information in both indoor and outdoor environments for a wide spectrum of location based service (LBS) applications. With the rapid development of the low-cost and high speed data communication, Wi-Fi networks in many metropolitan cities, strength of signals propagated from the Wi-Fi access points (APs) namely received signal strength (RSS) have been cleverly adopted for indoor positioning. In this paper, a Wi-Fi positioning algorithm based on neural network modeling of Wi-Fi signal patterns is proposed. This algorithm is based on the correlation between the initial parameter setting for neural network training and output of the mean square error to obtain better modeling of the nonlinear highly complex Wi-Fi signal power propagation surface. The test results show that this neural network based data processing algorithm can significantly improve the neural network training surface to achieve the highest possible accuracy of the Wi-Fi fingerprinting positioning method.
Progressive Changes in Inflammatory and Matrix Adherence of Bronchial Epithelial Cells with Persistent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection (Progressive Changes in RSV Infection)
Authors: Liu Xiaoai , Qin Xiaoqun , Xiang Yang , Liu Huijun , Gao Ge , Qin Ling , Liu Chi , Qu Xiangping
Published: September 2013

In addition to the acute manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), persistent infection may be associated with long-term complications in the development of chronic respiratory diseases. To understand the mechanisms underlying RSV-induced long-term consequences, we established an in vitro RSV (strain A2) infection model using human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells that persists over four generations and analyzed cell inflammation and matrix adherence. Cells infected with RSV at multiplicity of infection (MOI) 0.0067 experienced cytolytic or abortive infections in the second generation (G2) or G3 but mostly survived up to G4. Cell morphology, leukocyte and matrix adherence of the cells did not change in G1 or G2, but subsequently, leukocyte adherence and cytokine/chemokine secretion, partially mediated by intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), increased drastically, and matrix adherence, partially mediated by E-cadherin, decreased until the cells died. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion was inhibited by ICAM-1 antibody in infected-16HBE cells, suggesting that positive feedback between TNF-α secretion and ICAM-1 expression may be significant in exacerbated inflammation. These data demonstrate the susceptibility of 16HBE cells to RSV and their capacity to produce long-term progressive RSV infection, which may contribute to inflammation mobilization and epithelial shedding.
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids and Fatty Acids from the Endemic Plant Species Rindera umbellata and the Effect of Lindelofine-N-oxide on Tubulin Polymerization
Authors: Mandić Boris , Simić Milena , Vučković Ivan , Vujisić Ljubodrag , Novaković Miroslav , Trifunović Snežana , Nikolić-Mandić Snežana , Tešević Vele , Vajs Vlatka , Milosavljević Slobodan
Published: September 2013

The examination of the aerial parts, roots, and seeds of the endemic plant Rindera umbellata is reported in this paper for the first time. Phytochemical investigation of R. umbellata led to the isolation and characterization of ten pyrrolizidine alkaloids and eleven fatty acids in the form of triglycerides. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids 1–9 were found in the aerial parts, 7 and 8 in the roots, and 6–10, together with eleven fatty acids, in the seeds of this plant species. The structures of compounds 1–10 were established based on spectroscopic studies (1H- and 13C-NMR, 2D NMR, IR and CI-MS). After trans-esterification, methyl esters of the fatty acids were analyzed using GC-MS. The effect of lindelofine-N-oxide (7) on tubulin polymerization was determined.
Oriented Immobilization of His-Tagged Protein on a Redox Active Thiol Derivative of DPTA-Cu(II) Layer Deposited on a Gold Electrode—The Base of Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Mikuła Edyta , Sulima Magdalena , Marszałek Ilona , Wysłouch-Cieszyńska Aleksandra , Verwilst Peter , Dehaen Wim , Radecki Jerzy , Radecka Hanna
Published: September 2013

This paper concerns the development of an electrochemical biosensor for the determination of Aβ16–23' and Aβ1–40 peptides. The His-tagged V and VC1 domains of Receptor for Advanced Glycation end Products (RAGE) immobilized on a gold electrode surface were used as analytically active molecules. The immobilization of His6–RAGE domains consists of: (i) formation of a mixed layer of N-acetylcysteamine (NAC) and the thiol derivative of pentetic acid (DPTA); (ii) complexation of Cu(II) by DPTA; (iii) oriented immobilization of His6–RAGE domains via coordination bonds between Cu(II) sites from DPTA–Cu(II) complex and imidazole nitrogen atoms of a histidine tag. Each modification step was controlled by cyclic voltammetry (CV), Osteryoung square-wave voltammetry (OSWV), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The applicability of the proposed biosensor was tested in the presence of human plasma, which had no influence on its performance. The detection limits for Aβ1–40 determination were 1.06 nM and 0.80 nM, in the presence of buffer and human plasma, respectively. These values reach the concentration level of Aβ1–40 which is relevant for determination of its soluble form in human plasma, as well as in brain. This indicates the promising future application of biosensor presented for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Blended Learning for Learners in SMEs
Authors: Moebs Sabine
Published: September 2013

While blended learning seems to be quite suitable for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), take-up of this learning method is not implemented at the level it could be. This chapter investigates aspects that encourage learners in European SMEs to choose blended learning for professional development. The results indicate how the take-up of blended learning by SME learners can be improved. Research has explored the field further and blended learning has become a more mainstream form of learning. A revisit of case studies with stakeholders of Blended Learning in SMEs looks at changes indicated by research and explores Blended Learning in progress. A comparison between European and African SMEs looks at differences and commonalities that might affect blended learning. The final section outlines a vision of how blended learning is feasible under challenging conditions, including inadequate funding, limited computer or Internet access, poor infrastructure, diversity of learner groups, and differences in learning culture.
Participatory Barriers to the Informal Learning of Older Australians using the Internet and Web 2.0 Technologies
Authors: Sofo Michelle , Sofo Francesco
Published: September 2013

This chapter aims to explore the real and perceived barriers that exist for older Australians when engaging with informal eLearning. The chapter has two main areas of focus: first, an examination of some of the challenges faced by older Australians engaging in informal eLearning, and second, an overview of two Australian initiatives designed to break down the barriers between older Australians and technology. The chapter commences with a review of the international literature to define informal learning before considering the intersection that exists between informal learning and online learning. The emerging social issues of the ageing Australian population are then presented to provide context to the main exploration within this chapter – the real and perceived barriers that exist for older Australians as they attempt to engage in eLearning. After discussing two community initiatives and introducing a model for surmounting the identified obstacles, the chapter discusses possible solutions making relevant recommendations and suggesting directions for future research.
Complex Learning
Authors: Guglielman Eleonora , Guspini Marco , Vettraino Laura
Published: September 2013

This chapter presents Complex Learning, a pedagogical approach based on personalization, hybridization of learning environments, tools and codes, and participatory learning. In this approach, students are supported to become active users and co-producers of learning sources, within the paradigms of complexity, transactional theory, and ubiquitous learning. Its innovative connotation rises up from the pedagogic literature that defines it as a new pedagogical model and from the experiences realized by the authors during the recent years. Complex Learning is able to face the challenge of rethinking teaching and learning, empowering and renewing adult learners’ and trainers’ competences, attitudes, expectations, and effort. Here are described the theoretical foundations, the methodological issues, the practices, and the future perspectives of application of the Complex Learning approach. The practices carried out demonstrate that Complex Learning, with its characteristics of openness, dynamism, and flexibility, can be successfully applied to the fields of vocational training and adult education; they also indicate that, in order to have tangible results, it is necessary to work towards a change in the educational perspective and toward the acquisition and consolidation of specific competences of trainers and tutors.
Street Poetry in Augmented Reality
Authors: Guazzaroni Giuliana
Published: September 2013

Mobile device and augmented reality facilities may represent access points to navigate the city, to observe different layers of reality, to redraw the urban geography, and to explore the real environment. It is an emotional journey to observe familiar places from different perspectives and angles: a continuous sliding between two worlds (real and virtual), an invitation to participation, reflection, and rediscovery of public spaces. “Street Poetry in Augmented Reality” exhibitions are urban paths to engage citizens, students, and visitors with local heritage, memories, and art. In this chapter, the format “Emotional Mapping of Museum Augmented Places” is discussed using the evaluation of the experiences that were implemented in two different Italian towns: L’Aquila and Macerata.
Google Apps as a Cloud Computing Solution in Italian Municipalities
Authors: Biancofiore Giovanni , Leone Sabrina
Published: September 2013

The Agenda Digitale Italiana, the strategic plan for the implementation of the Digital Agenda for Europe 2020 in Italy, aims to help citizens and businesses to get the most out of digital technologies, in order to deliver smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. One of the pillars of this strategic plan is cloud computing, which a growing number of Italian public administrations have been activating. Different solutions have been adopted. Among these, Google Apps has been chosen for its integrated tools, low cost, and steep learning curve. This chapter aims to investigate the ongoing change in the technological architecture for eGovernment in Italian municipalities and the implications of the shift towards Google Apps as a cloud computing solution on their personnel’s empowerment. On the basis of the analysis of the best practices, recommendations will be provided for an effective implementation of Google Apps as a cloud computing solution to foster staff’s continuing professional and personal development in Italian municipalities.
Using Business Analytics for Strategic Alignment and Organisational Transformation
Authors: Shanks Graeme , Bekmamedova Nargiza , Willcocks Leslie
Published: September 2013

Organisations use business analytics (BA) systems to create value and provide competitive advantage. They frequently use BA systems to respond quickly to market changes and customer demand, and for market differentiation with better customer service and new types of products and services. The authors argue that BA systems can also enable alignment between business strategy and information technology (IT) strategy and support organisational transformation. The authors use a single case study to explain how a global data warehouse, standardized metrics and sophisticated reporting capabilities supported the strategic transformation of a diversified and multi-layered international mining company into a unified and integrated global organisation. They identify a number of core technology, management, culture, governance and people related capabilities that were crucial to the success of the global transformation initiative. Two important implications of the case study are the importance of BA systems in the alignment of IT and business strategy and the synergistic interaction of BA systems and other organizational resources in achieving benefits.
Development of Virtual Reality Tool for Creative Learning in Architectural Education
Authors: Kamath R.S. , Dongale T.D. , Kamat R.K.
Published: September 2013

One of the challenging tasks in engineering education is to bridge the gaps between imagination and real time problems of different engineering areas. The virtual reality (VR) can reduce this gap and also provides clear ideas on the basis of real time problems. The architectural education influenced and goes hand in hands for meeting these crucial challenges using advancements in computer technologies. In this research, we developed a VR tool for improving architectural design education. We explain VR tool as a value addition to the architectural education. The system is based on a general purpose computer, ceiling-mounted projector and passive glasses for Three Dimensional (3D) viewing. The presented work shows that virtual reality technology can considerably progress the efficiency learning by allowing young architects to apply theoretical knowledge to real world problems. In addition, it develops creativity, innovation, communication, problem solving approach, team-working and business skills.
Insights from U.S. Experience to Guide International Reliance on Standardization
Authors: Bagby John W.
Published: September 2013

Sustainability in supply chain operations fundamentally relies on environmental standards, the traditional driver of investment in pollution control and a major factor in facilities site selection. While environmental standardization has traditionally focused on activities in nations and in some multinational regions, in the future a more international perspective is needed. Environmental standards spur investment in technologies enabling sustainable supply chain networks. The complex institutional framework of environmental standardization is a widely misunderstood socio-technical, political process. Experience with the development of legal constraints on standardization in the U.S. has produced problems in areas like intellectual property (IP), antitrust and public participation. Standardization venues often host collaborative development of innovation by uniquely fusing technology design and public policy development. Various constituencies are typically engaged: environmentalists; technologists; legislatures at national, regional or provincial levels; regulators at various levels of government; standards-setting organizations; upstream suppliers; downstream users; the connecting supply chains; and society’s varied range of affected communities. This article reviews the role of standardization activities in setting environmental constraints, in the development of green technologies and in establishing metrics for environmental metrology, certification and monitoring. Implications from U.S. experience in managing environmental standardization are examined here to guide participation in international standardization activities. The risks of misunderstanding standardization are so significant that their disregard imperils competitiveness.
A Framework for Digital Forensics and Investigations
Authors: Aziz Benjamin , Blackwell Clive , Islam Shareeful
Published: September 2013

Digital forensics investigations are an important task for collecting evidence based on the artifacts left in computer systems for computer related crimes. The requirements of such investigations are often a neglected aspect in most of the existing models of digital investigations. Therefore, a formal and systematic approach is needed to provide a framework for modeling and reasoning about the requirements of digital investigations. In addition, anti-forensics situations make the forensic investigation process challenging by contaminating any stage of the investigation process, its requirements, or by destroying the evidence. Therefore, successful forensic investigations require understanding the possible anti-forensic issues during the investigation. In this paper, the authors present a new method for guiding digital forensics investigations considering the anti-forensics based on goal-driven requirements engineering methodologies, in particular KAOS. Methodologies like KAOS facilitate modeling and reasoning about goals, requirements and obstacles, as well as their operationalization and responsibility assignments. The authors believe that this new method will lead in the future to better management and organization of the various steps of forensics investigations in cyberspace as well as provide more robust grounds for reasoning about forensic evidence.