bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermochemistry and photochemistry of spiroketals derived from indan-2-one: Stepwise processes versus coarctate fragmentations
Authors: Bucher Götz , Heitmann Gernot , Herges Rainer
Published: August 2013

Coarctate reactions are defined as reactions that include atoms at which two bonds are made and two bonds are broken simultaneously. In the pursuit of the discovery of new coarctate reactions we investigate the fragmentation reactions of cyclic ketals. Three ketals with different ring sizes derived from indan-2-one were decomposed by photolysis and pyrolysis. Particularly clean is the photolysis of the indan-2-one ketal1, which giveso-quinodimethane, carbon dioxide and ethylene. The mechanism formally corresponds to a photochemically allowed coarctate fragmentation. Pyrolysis of the five-ring ketal yields a number of products. This is in agreement with the fact that coarctate fragmentation observed upon irradiation would be thermochemically forbidden, although this exclusion principle does not hold for chelotropic reactions. In contrast, fragmentation of the seven-ring ketal3is thermochemically allowed and photochemically forbidden. Upon pyrolysis of3several products were isolated that could be explained by a coarctate fragmentation. However, the reaction is less clean and stepwise mechanisms may compete.
Treatment as prevention in resource-limited settings: is it feasible to maintain HIV viral load suppression over time?
Authors: Socías María Eugenia , Rotryng Flavio , Lapadula Pablo , Medrano Maira , Paz Daniela , Stern Liliana , Lambierto Alberto , Pryluka Daniel
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Recently, there has been increasing interest in the role of “treatment as prevention” (TasP). Some of the questions regarding TasP strategies arise from the perceived difficulties in achieving and maintaining viral load (VL) suppression over time and the risk of emergence of viral resistance that could compromise future treatment options. This study was conducted to assess these questions in a resource-limited setting. Methodology: We performed a retrospective observational study of HIV-infected patients diagnosed in the pre-HAART era on follow-up at a private center from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from clinical charts. Analyses were performed to test for potential associations of selected variables with current virologic failure or use of third-line drugs. Results: Of 619 patients on follow-up, 82 (13.2%) were diagnosed in the pre-HAART era. At the time of our study, 79 (96.3%) patients were on HAART, with a median duration of 14 years (IQR 12–15) of therapy, and exposure to mono or dual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors regimens in 47.8% of cases. Sixty-nine patients (87.3%) had undetectable VL, 37 (46.8%) never presented virologic failure, and 19 (24.1%) experienced only one failure. Thirteen patients (16.5%) were receiving third-line ART regimens, with an average of 2.7-fold more virologic failures than those on first- or second-line regimens (p = 0.007). Conclusions:  Maintaining viral load suppression over time in resource-limited-settings is feasible.
Hepatitis B and C virus infections among pregnant women in Arab and African countries
Authors: Gasim Gasim I , Murad Intisar A , Adam Ishag
Published: August 2013

Introduction: The epidemiology of viral hepatitis during pregnancy is of paramount importance for health planners and program managers. Data on viral hepatitis during pregnancy are not readily available in many African and Arab countries. Both regions have their own unique geography, and comprise over 59 states with crossover and interaction of different cultures. Methodology: A systematic electronic search of the published literature was conducted and data on epidemiology and risk factors of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatitis C (HCV) infection in Arab and African countries were extracted from relevant studies. Results: The serology of hepatitis viruses varies greatly among these countries, with different viral genotype patterns. Such a variation in prevalence could be explained by the different risk factors involved. Sexual contact, perinatal infection, blood and its derivatives, hemodialysis, intravenous and percutaneous drug use, and occupational, habitual, and social behavior have been identified as risk factors for hepatitis transmission in various settings in these countries. Conclusions: Infection from hepatitis B and C viruses imposes major socioeconomic and even political burdens on such young and dynamic societies. Thus strategies and clear policies of intervention are required to combat the consequences of hepatitis B and C at both the regional and national levels.
Comparison of the Disease Activity Score Using Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-reactive Protein in African Americans with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tamhane Ashutosh , Redden David T. , McGwin Gerald , Brown Elizabeth E. , Westfall Andrew O. , Reynolds Richard J. , Hughes Laura B. , Conn Doyt L. , Callahan Leigh F. , Jonas Beth L. , Smith Edwin A. , Brasington Richard D. , Moreland Larry W. , Bridges S. Louis
Published: August 2013

Objective.

The Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28) has been increasingly used in clinical practice and research studies of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have reported discordance between DAS28 based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) versus C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with RA. However, such comparison is lacking in African Americans with RA.

Methods.

This analysis included participants from the Consortium for the Longitudinal Evaluation of African Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (CLEAR) registry, which enrolls self-declared African Americans with RA. Using tender and swollen joint counts, separate ESR-based and CRP-based DAS28 scores (DAS28-ESR3 and DAS28-CRP3) were calculated, as were DAS28-ESR4 and DAS28-CRP4, which included the patient’s assessment of disease activity. The scores were compared using paired t-test, simple agreement and κ, correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots.

Results.

Of the 233 included participants, 85% were women, mean age at enrollment was 52.6 years, and median disease duration at enrollment was 21 months. Mean DAS28-ESR3 was significantly higher than DAS28-CRP3 (4.8 vs 3.9; p < 0.001). Similarly, mean DAS28-ESR4 was significantly higher than DAS28-CRP4 (4.7 vs 3.9; p < 0.001). ESR-based DAS28 remained higher than CRP-based DAS28 even when stratified by age, sex, and disease duration. Overall agreement was not high between DAS28-ESR3 and DAS28-CRP3 (50%) or between DAS28-ESR4 and DAS28-CRP4 (59%). DAS28-CRP3 underestimated disease activity in 47% of the participants relative to DAS28-ESR3 and DAS28-CRP4 in 40% of the participants relative to DAS28-ESR4.

Conclusion.

There was significant discordance between the ESR-based and CRP-based DAS28, a situation that could affect clinical treatment decisions for African Americans with RA.
Increase in Bone Density in Patients with Spondyloarthritis During Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy: 6-year Followup Study
Authors: Durnez Anne , Paternotte Simon , Fechtenbaum Jacques , Landewé Robert B.M. , Dougados Maxime , Roux Christian , Briot Karine
Published: August 2013

Objective.

To assess the effects on bone mineral density (BMD) of prolonged anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA); to compare the BMD changes to those observed in SpA patients not treated with anti-TNF; and to identify the predictors of these changes.

Methods.

Fifty-nine patients with SpA according to the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group criteria who were treated with anti-TNF therapy for at least 4 years were included. Thirty-four patients with SpA from an international longitudinal observational study (OASIS cohort) were used as a control group. Lumbar spine and hip BMD were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline, after 1 year, and after at least 4 years.

Results.

Over an average 6.5 years’ followup, the increase in BMD was 11.8% (± 12.8%) at the lumbar spine (p < 0.0001) and 3.6% (± 9.3%) at the great trochanter (p = 0.0001) in patients treated with anti-TNF. At the lumbar spine, the increase was similar in patients with and those without syndesmophytes. BMD changes were significantly higher in the anti-TNF group than in the control group at lumbar spine (p < 0.0001), at femoral neck (p = 0.002), and at trochanter (p = 0.011), but not at total hip (p = 0.062). Multivariate analysis showed that the predictors of lumbar spine BMD changes in the total population were the use of anti-TNF (p < 0.0001) and, in the anti-TNF therapy group, the 1-year lumbar spine BMD change (p = 0.007).

Conclusion.

This study shows that prolonged anti-TNF therapy increases lumbar spine and trochanter BMD. This effect should be taken into account before introducing antiosteoporotic treatment in these patients.
Learning to Lead in the Midst of Complex Times
Authors: Maslin-Ostrowski Patricia , Drago-Severson Eleanor
Published: August 2013

The authors interviewed and surveyed principals from Bermuda and four regions of the US about what they name as their more pressing challenges and how they manage them. The challenges they named are composed of both adaptive and technical work (Heifetz, 1994), which required leaders, teachers, and community members to change. More specifically, regardless of how principals interpreted their challenges, i.e., technical, adaptive, or mixed, a common part of their response was to foster professional growth and development—or learning—as part of the solution. Leaders typically focused on caring for the learning of others, yet at times they needed to stretch their own learning curves. Leaders supported faculty and staff by developing informational, transformational, and mixed learning experiences as tools to help faculty and staff work through their part of these complex challenges. Leadership preparation programs are encouraged to address managing phases of adaptive, technical, and mixed challenges.
Quality in K-20 E-Learning Processes
Authors: Sarsa Javier , Soler Rebeca
Published: August 2013

E-Learning quality, as with many other theoretical developments about quality, is an open-ended issue. Depending on the perspective, on the way to tackle it, on the aspects everyone considers important, definitions of quality may be different. Even quality issues are distinctly perceived by the management staff, the teachers, and, of course, the students. K-20 students are mature enough to detect which aspects are positive and which deficient. In other words, they are more than able to perceive the quality level of the e-Learning contexts in which they are enrolled. Fortunately, research performed during the last years has produced useful frameworks, guidelines, recommendations, specifications, good practices, benchmarks, etc., with the aim of improving quality in e-Learning. These documents help managers, stakeholders, and teachers to understand the e-Learning variables and their relations and influence on students. Educational actors may use them to improve the quality of their K-20 e-Learning programs. In short, this chapter introduces readers into the most common e-Learning quality concepts and the key points they must observe and ensure in K-20 e-Learning contexts.
Learning in Second Life
Authors: Ellis Maureen , Anderson Patricia J.
Published: August 2013

As technology natives, 21st Century students are dramatically different than their counterparts of the previous century when many university educators were learners themselves. Piggy-backing off of the technology that students already use, the use of Second Life as an immersive instructional tool offers innovative opportunities for simulation, collaboration, and virtual field trips not easily replicated in the traditional online classroom. As an online manifestation of self in a virtual world, a Second Life avatar enhances interaction in a virtual space, facilitating movement, choice, and interaction within the virtual environment, allowing the user to take on a visible persona (Falloon, 2010; Peterson, 2005). An individual’s personification with his/her avatar, ranging from human form to animal form to robot form, is the key to an immersive experience and affords the user the opportunity to engage in surreal and imaginary experiences transcending the actual world in which they live (Deuchar & Nodder, 2003). This chapter describes the characteristics and skills comprising maturation for the five stages of avatar development, along with matching pedagogy for facilitating the teaching and learning process for avatars and users in Second Life.
Envisioning K-20 Education
Authors: Mejiuni Olutoyin
Published: August 2013

Through a case study of the faculty of education of Obafemi Awolowo University, the authors argue that although the founders of the faculty envisioned, conceived, and attempted to build the faculty of education on the lifelong learning principles of the African traditional education system, envisioning far beyond K-20 Education, they developed and consolidated a single teacher education programme that was close to a K-20 Education programme in the late 1970s and in the early 80s. However, beginning from the mid-90s, the programme evolved in a fragmented way. The authors argue that the fragmentation is a result of felt and perceived needs, centralized control, and administration of university affairs by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and a large dosage of territorialism. They draw implications of this state of affairs for teaching-learning processes in the education programme and the capacity of the programme to serve and connect with the community.
A Critical Review of Reflectivity, Andragogy, and Confucianism
Authors: Wang Victor X. , Henschke John A. , Fay Karen M.
Published: August 2013

The link between Confucian humanism, Mezirow’s theory of reflectivity, and the convergence of a worldwide concept of andragogy (the art and science of helping adults learn) articulated by Savicevic, Knowles, Mezirow, Henschke, and Cooper is explicit. While Confucian humanism emphasizes inner experience, Mezirow’s theory has increasingly developed to integrate inner reflection expressed through transformed perspectives and decision and action, and andragogy has focused on facilitation of collaborative interaction and self-direction in learning involving the whole person. To appreciate the basis of these three schools of theory, this chapter presents a discussion of these originating theorists. As an introductory thought, the following quotations illustrate how Confucius’ thought has long been valued and aspired to in the pursuit of reflection and wisdom. Rather than the routine or inattentive action that tends to dominate our lives in the 21st century, this widespread 2000 year-old Eastern philosophy and tradition has been synonymous with questioning the meanings and assumptions of one’s surroundings and values. In addition to advancing our understanding of transformative learning, andragogy, and an integrated model of reflective thought, the authors hope this chapter will stir further international research in reflective learning and the intersections of Eastern philosophies with Western traditions and philosophies, as well as those that bridge both traditions. Worldwide, there are many rich traditions; if our understanding of teaching and learning can build upon our understanding of one another, we can open new doors for appreciation, insight, interaction, and inquiry.
K-20 Education in Relation to Library Science
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J.
Published: August 2013

Information constitutes a central element of education as K-20 teachers design and implement curriculum for students to gain knowledge and skills. Librarians are information professionals and can play a significant role in K-12 education. This chapter discusses library science, professionals in that field, and their relationship to education, both teaching and learning. Library science’s impact on education can be significant, and practices need to be assessed to determine results. Knowledge management is used as a lens for identifying several conditions needed to incorporate library science and benefit from it: curriculum, intellectual capital, leadership, community, collaboration, plans, and politics. Future trends in library science implementation are also noted.
The Making of Adult Learners through Project-Based Learning
Authors: Yeh Helen W. M.
Published: August 2013

Different learning theories including action learning, experiential learning, and project-based learning have been used in adult learning, which usually takes place in community colleges. Since 2000, Hong Kong universities have established their own community college to provide a second chance for individuals to further studies in universities or gain work skills to facilitate their return to the society. Among all approaches, project-based learning is the most popular approach in English language learning in community colleges because the traditional teaching methods did not work well on passive and dependent Chinese students. This chapter discusses the features of project-based language learning and then examines the language students’ perceptions towards project-based learning so as to better the program design. The findings show that students have developed reading, writing, and research skills through group projects, and the language teacher, feedback, and collaboration are vital to the success of project-based learning.
Before K and Beyond 20
Authors: Parker Judith E.
Published: August 2013

The concept of sustainability has reached numerous areas of our culture today. Learning, however, has been described as lifelong or continuous but not sustainable. This chapter investigates the ideas of sustainability and a continuum model of learning that expands both the length and the breadth of the current system. It describes the importance of a learning culture and the influence of technology in implementing this new paradigm. It then suggests that a new paradigm of sustainable learning is a more appropriate description for learning in the twenty-first century.
Redefining the Higher Education Landscape through Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Storey Valerie A. , Schiavo Marilyn A.
Published: August 2013

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach impacting instructional delivery in all tiers of K-20 education. The introduction of PBL in higher education first occurred in the medical school setting. Several decades later PBL is widely utilized as a popular teaching and learning strategy in colleges of education, specifically in graduate programs. Adult Learning Theory (Knowles, 1984), Transformative Learning Theory (Mezirow & Associates, 2000), and Information Processing Theory (Schmidt, 1983; Norman & Schmidt, 1992) all contribute to a theoretical understanding of PBL. This chapter identifies the key ideas, supporting learning theories, and principles of PBL. It then proposes a practical model that instructors can use to improve the quality of teaching and learning in academia.
GlobalEdu
Authors: Barbosa Débora Nice Ferrari , Barbosa Jorge Luis Victória
Published: August 2013

The application of ubiquitous technologies in the improvement of education strategies is called Ubiquitous Learning. The essence of Ubiquitous Learning is to realize which information can be presented throughout the learners’ daily tasks, in different forms and places, and to link this data with the learners’ educational process. Ubiquitous Learning can be used to support and stimulate K-20 education. It is independent of age, and it does not use any teacher-centered method. Ubiquitous learning stimulates the lifelong education through a strategy of self-directed learning. This scenario is attractive, but is not easily implemented. The authors have worked in a model to support it, called GlobalEdu. This chapter describes the model and its integration with two ubiquitous middleware projects: ISAM and LOCAL. They created a system prototype and applied it in two practical scenarios. In those cases, the system is positively evaluated, and the initial results attest to the system’s usefulness.
Teachers as Researchers and Instructional Leaders
Authors: Loose Crystal
Published: August 2013

Professional development is a necessity for teachers in the K-20 system. To achieve effective teaching, teachers must be engaged in learning. On the job training and professional development provide learning opportunities for professional teachers in K-20 education. To achieve the most authentic professional development, students should be part of the learning process as they are part of the instructional equation. In order to promote lifelong learning of adults, teacher training needs to arise from problems and interests found in their practice. In this chapter, the author discusses Japanese Lesson Study (JLS) as a method for teacher professional development in the area of English Language Arts with emphasis on Situated Learning Theory as a necessary emphasis for teacher learning in K-20 classrooms. Connections are made to the National Common Core Standards as teachers compete globally to prepare students for success.
Assessment and Learning
Authors: Wehlburg Catherine M.
Published: August 2013

This chapter has as its focus the assessment of learning. Assessing learning has taken many forms, and understanding its history helps to explain the educational systems that are in place currently. Defining the term, assessment, can be difficult because some definitions focus on diagnostic approaches that learning specialists use to assess learning disabilities or differences while others take it to mean evaluation. More recently, assessment has taken on an accountability emphasis. Assessment of learning may mean standardized testing that is mandated by the state. In higher education, assessment has a distinctly bureaucratic flavor, as it is required for accreditation. With assessment taking on this administrative focus, some of its value to improve the learning/teaching process is lost. This chapter addresses the history of assessment in education and provides examples of authentic assessment tools. Future trends in assessment are also presented.
Collective Transformation of Three Generations of Chinese Adult Learners in K-20 Education
Authors: Wang Victor X. , Russo Marianne Robin , Fay Karen M.
Published: August 2013

Drawing on the theory of transformational learning, its critique by other scholars, and the transformational experiences of three generations of Chinese adult learners, this chapter proposes an extension of transformational learning theory: external forces may lead to collective transformation and emancipation in addition to individual transformation and emancipation (Marx, 1890/1929). This research will formulate the basics needed to transform a society, which are critical thinking skills, a leader-membership exchange and the transformative connection, and lastly, the fusion of collective identity, social movements, and political actions. The research will use these basics to highlight the Chinese journey in the 20th century. During the Great Leap Forward and the Great Cultural Revolution when political objectives took precedence over educational ones, adult learners were collectively and massively transformed in the same direction at the same pace on the same scale. While these collective transformations had devastating effects on China’s education system, in the Post-Mao era when science and technology dominate China’s academic world, positive expressions of collective transformation and emancipation are possible.
Framework to Enhance the Mobile User Experience of Goal Orientated Interactions
Authors: Botha Adéle
Published: August 2013

Practitioners and interaction designers cannot design, much less control, the Mobile User Experience. They can, however, design for an enhanced Mobile User Experience. This chapter aims to advance the understanding of Mobile User Experience in goal-orientated interactions by identifying the components that would inform the interaction. These identified components are underpinned by Mobile User Experience factors and the impact they will have on the interaction. Together these components and Mobile User Experience factors contribute towards the initial development of a theoretical understanding that, through a subsequent guided exploration, led to the development of a coherent framework that would enable the appropriate development of services and technology for the enhancement of the Mobile User Experience in goal orientated interactions.
Experimental Research Approaches for Mobile UX in Emerging Markets
Authors: Joshi Dhaval , Rath Raj
Published: August 2013

Mobile devices and services have changed the way people interact around the world, especially in the resource-constrained parts of developing countries. A growing number of professionals, students, and organizations show interest in understanding the user population in these regions to create solutions that address their needs. In this chapter, the authors aim to share and discuss their experiences and experiments designed to understand these user needs by using a more locally relevant and playful approach. The primary objective is to sensitize the readers about various challenges that a researcher working in this domain might face while trying to gather and understand the user behavior and their responses; and to try to explore tailor-made methods to overcome those challenges while undertaking studies in these regions. The authors’ intent is to benefit the entire fraternity by sharing these experiences, and making them aware of the possible problems in incorporating traditional research methods in developing nations.
Trapped in My Mobility
Authors: Baruh Lemi , Popescu Mihaela
Published: August 2013

In the wake of the quick penetration of mobile devices into the everyday lives of individuals, protection of privacy in mobile ecosystems has become a hot button issue. Existing regulatory efforts on mobile privacy primarily focus on protection of the informational privacy of individuals. While necessary, focusing solely on informational privacy may not be sufficient in terms of protecting users’ privacy in mobile environments. The chapter discusses the privacy implications of design architectures and economic arrangements in the mobile ecosystems and argues that mobile environments create privacy-threatening “sticky” relationships that make it increasingly difficult for individuals not only to control flow of information about themselves, but also flow of communication that targets them. This chapter argues that an important supplement to protecting users’ privacy is to restore users’ control over the communicative interaction with the companies seeking to target them. To that purpose, the chapter offers a set of principles, called “home mode” for mobile privacy, in implementing remedies for threats to privacy in mobile environments.
Designing Browser-Style Augmented Reality Applications
Authors: Meawad Fatma , Ahmed Ghada
Published: August 2013

Handheld Augmented reality (AR) is the ability of smartphones to overlay digital information on a real view (video stream) of the world using built-in sensors such as, GPS, Compass and Accelerometer. With the use of geo-tagging and location based services, information is automatically filtered whenever users point their devices to places or objects of interest around them allowing them to browse the world. Current world browsers compromise the augmented reality experience due to poor support of contextual content, flow and interaction. This chapter discusses the principles underpinning the design of a solution for an indoor-outdoor world browser platform. The chapter presents the results of qualitative evaluations that were conducted on existing commercial world browsers and the design ideas of the proposed solutions. The main elements of a successful world browsing experience are highlighted as a guide for augmented reality designers.
Studying Professional Degrees via the Internet
Authors: Sullivan Kirk P. H.
Published: August 2013

This case places the student in focus and through a reflective case study considers four distance professional degree programs. The author of this case followed these programs as life-long learning professional activities. The case considers the nudge, the study, and degree completion. The reflection is structured around the themes of initial contact, communication, support, deadlines, work, and keeping going. These themes reveal challenges, issues, and questions of relevance for the student and university. Key skills to assist the student towards completion are suggested along with what the potential student should consider prior to enrolling in a professional degree program that is delivered via the Internet. The growth in distance professional degrees, including professional doctorates, demonstrates the importance of the challenges, issues, and questions of relevance considered in this case from the student’s perspective.
Creating Online Community
Authors: Deutschmann Mats
Published: August 2013

The challenges in creating a collaborative environment for online learning are great. This chapter describes some practical examples of community building in online learning contexts and discusses the effects of such activities. It draws its data from six years of online courses in English at Mid Sweden University, where the author was employed from 2003-2009 and worked with development and implementation of their Internet course program.
Introducing Peer Collaboration in a Networked English Writing Class
Authors: Zhao Huahui
Published: August 2013

This chapter proposes a model of introducing networked peer assessment to an online course. In the organisation background, the benchmark model of peer assessment is introduced in terms of its theoretical and empirical bases. The discussions about Dadaelous Integrated Writing Environment (DIWE) and empirical studies on its use in language classes set the stage of the model of networked peer assessment. The model is then described in detail in terms of its structure and its use within DIWE. Challenges for using networked peer assessment are then discussed in the light of learners’ technological skills, online collaboration skills, and shifted teachers’ and students’ role in online learning. This chapter ends with solutions and recommendations in dealing with the three challenges mainly in terms of training students in technological use and in developing online collaboration skills and training teachers in using networked peer assessment.
Implementation of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning through an On-Line Masters Program
Authors: Laksov Klara Bolander , Silén Charlotte , Boman Lena Engqvist
Published: August 2013

In this case, the introductory course in an international masters program in medical education (MMedEd) called “Scholarship of Medical Education” is described. Some of the background to why the MMedEd was started and the underlying ideas and principles of the program are provided. The individual course, which consists of 10 weeks part time study on-line with an introductory face to face meeting, is described in terms of the intentions and pedagogical principles underlying the design, the teaching and learning activities, and how the students were supported to achieve the intended learning activities, as well as the challenges and concerns that arose throughout and after the course. Finally, some solutions to these problems are discussed.
The Nature of a Successful Online Professional Doctorate
Authors: Joyes Gordon , Fisher Tony , Firth Roger , Coyle Do
Published: August 2013

This chapter provides a case study of a wholly online professional doctorate in Teacher Education that has been running successfully since 2003 within the School of Education at the University of Nottingham, UK. It begins with both the background and context in which the development took place—this covers the team involved and identifies the drivers that led to this innovative course. The main body of the chapter focuses on the course itself, which was constructed collaboratively through written reflections of the team. This illuminates the reasons for its success as measured by healthy recruitment, high student evaluation scores, and high retention and completion rates. The pedagogic rationale for the design of one module involving collaborative knowledge creation is presented with some student reactions to this. Six student voices are then presented, which provide an insight into the value of the course. This leads to a consideration of the current context and the new challenges facing the course.
Secure E-Learning and Cryptography
Authors: Al-Hamdani Wasim A.
Published: August 2013

This chapter investigates the problem of secure e-learning and the use cryptography algorithms as tools to ensure integrity, confidentiality, non-reputations, authentication, and access control to provide secure knowledge delivery, secure student feedback, and secure assessments. Providing privacy in e-learning focuses on the protection of personal information of a learner in an e-learning system, while secure e-learning focuses on complete, secure environments to provide integrity, confidentiality, authentication, authorization, and proof of origin. The secure e-learning system and the use of cryptography is the main theme of this chapter. In addition, the authors present a new cryptograph e-learning model based on PKI and cryptography access control. The model is based on creating secure shell system based on PKI, and each adding block has to certified itself to be assessable.
Toll IL-1R8/Single Ig IL-1–Related Receptor Regulates Psoriasiform Inflammation through Direct Inhibition of Innate IL-17A Expression by γδ T Cells
Authors: Russell Shane E. , Stefanska Anna M. , Kubica Malgorzata , Horan Rachel M. , Mantovani Alberto , Garlanda Cecilia , Fallon Padraic G. , Walsh Patrick T.
Published: August 2013

Expression of the orphan receptor Toll IL-1R8/single Ig IL-1–related receptor has been reported to be reduced in the peripheral blood of psoriatic arthritis patients. However whether TIR8/SIGIRR activity plays a specific role in regulating psoriatic inflammation is unknown. We report that Tir8/Sigirr-deficient mice develop more severe psoriatic inflammation in both the chemical (Aldara)- and cytokine (rIL-23)-induced models of psoriasis. Increased disease severity was associated with enhanced infiltration of Vγ4+ γδ T cells that express significantly elevated levels of IL-17A. Critically, we also demonstrate that TIR8/SIGIRR activity directly suppressed innate IL-17A expression by γδ T cells in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, treatment of Tir8/Sigirr−/− mice with an IL-17A neutralization Ab reversed the enhanced disease severity observed in these mice. This study identifies TIR8/SIGIRR as a novel intrinsic negative regulator of innate IL-17A expression and characterizes a novel mechanism involved in the regulation of psoriatic inflammation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Expanding Global Health Problem
Authors: M'koma Amosy E.
Published: August 2013

This review provides a summary of the global epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is now clear that IBD is increasing worldwide and has become a global emergence disease. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), has been considered a problem in industrial-urbanized societies and attributed largely to a Westernized lifestyle and other associated environmental factors. Its incidence and prevalence in developing countries is steadily rising and has been attributed to the rapid modernization and Westernization of the population. There is a need to reconcile the most appropriate treatment for these patient populations from the perspectives of both disease presentation and cost. In the West, biological agents are the fastest-growing segment of the prescription drug market. These agents cost thousands of dollars per patient per year. The healthcare systems, and certainly the patients, in developing countries will struggle to afford such expensive treatments. The need for biological therapy will inevitably increase dramatically, and the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare providers, patient advocate groups, governments and non-governmental organizations should come to a consensus on how to handle this problem. The evidence that IBD is now affecting a much younger population presents an additional concern. Meta-analyses conducted in patients acquiring IBD at a young age also reveals a trend for their increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), since the cumulative incidence rates of CRC in IBD-patients diagnosed in childhood are higher than those observed in adults. In addition, IBD-associated CRC has a worse prognosis than sporadic CRC, even when the stage at diagnosis is taken into account. This is consistent with additional evidence that IBD negatively impacts CRC survival. A continuing increase in IBD incidence worldwide associated with childhood-onset of IBD coupled with the diseases’ longevity and an increase in oncologic transformation suggest a rising disease burden, morbidity, and healthcare costs. IBD and its associated neoplastic transformation appear inevitable, which may significantly impact pediatric gastroenterology and adult CRC care. Due to an infrastructure gap in terms of access to care between developed vs. developing nations and the uneven representation of IBD across socioeconomic strata, a plan is needed in the developing world regarding how to address this emerging problem.
Towards a better understanding of the origins, chemical composition and aging of oxygenated organic aerosols: case study of a Mediterranean industrialized environment, Marseille
Authors: El Haddad I. , D'Anna B. , Temime-Roussel B. , Nicolas M. , Boreave A. , Favez O. , Voisin D. , Sciare J. , George C. , Jaffrezo J.-L. , Wortham H. , Marchand N.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. As part of the FORMES summer 2008 experiment, an Aerodyne compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (cToF-AMS) was deployed at an urban background site in Marseille to investigate the sources and aging of organic aerosols (OA). France's second largest city and the largest port in the Mediterranean, Marseille, provides a locale that is influenced by significant urban industrialized emissions and an active photochemistry with very high ozone concentrations. Particle mass spectra were analyzed by positive matrix factorization (PMF2) and the results were in very good agreement with previous apportionments obtained using a chemical mass balance (CMB) approach coupled to organic markers and metals (El Haddad et al., 2011a). AMS/PMF2 was able to identify for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the organic aerosol emitted by industrial processes. Even with significant industries in the region, industrial OA was estimated to contribute only ~ 5% of the total OA mass. Both source apportionment techniques suggest that oxygenated OA (OOA) constitutes the major fraction, contributing ~ 80% of OA mass. A novel approach combining AMS/PMF2 data with 14C measurements was applied to identify and quantify the fossil and non-fossil precursors of this fraction and to explicitly assess the related uncertainties. Results show with high statistical confidence that, despite extensive urban and industrial emissions, OOA is overwhelmingly non-fossil, formed via the oxidation of biogenic precursors, including monoterpenes. AMS/PMF2 results strongly suggest that the variability observed in the OOA chemical composition is mainly driven in our case by the aerosol photochemical age. This paper presents the impact of photochemistry on the increase of OOA oxygenation levels, formation of humic-like substances (HULIS) and the evolution of α-pinene SOA (secondary OA) components.
An airborne assessment of atmospheric particulate emissions from the processing of Athabasca oil sands
Authors: Howell S. G. , Clarke A. D. , Freitag S. , McNaughton C. S. , Kapustin V. , Brekovskikh V. , Jimenez J.-L. , Cubison M. J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. During the Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) campaign, two NASA research aircraft, a DC-8 and a P-3B, were outfitted with extensive trace gas (the DC-8) and aerosol (both aircraft) instrumentation. Each aircraft spent about a half hour sampling air around the oil sands mining and upgrading facilities near Ft. McMurray, Alberta, Canada. The DC-8 circled the area, while the P-3B flew directly over the upgrading plants, sampling close to the exhaust stacks, then headed downwind to monitor the aerosol as it aged. At short range, the plume from the oil sands is a complex mosaic of freshly nucleated ultrafine particles from a SO2 and NO2-rich plume, fly ash and soot from industrial processes, and dust from dirt roads and mining operations. Shortly downwind, organic aerosol appears in quantities that rival SO4=, either as volatile organic vapors condense or as they react with the H2SO4. The DC-8 pattern allowed us to integrate total flux from the oil sands facilities within about a factor of two uncertainty that spanned values consistent with 2008 estimates from reported SO2 and NO2 emissions. In contrast, CO fluxes exceeded reported regional emissions, due either to variability in production or sources missing from the emissions inventory. The conversion rate of SO2 to aerosol SO4= of ~6% per hour is consistent with earlier reports, though OH concentrations are insufficient to accomplish this. Other oxidation pathways must be active. Altogether, organic aerosol and black carbon emissions from the oil sands operations are small compared with the forest fires present in the region during the summer. The oil sands do contribute significant sulfate and exceed fire production of SO2 by an order of magnitude.
The role of mixotrophic protists in the biological carbon pump
Authors: Mitra A. , Flynn K. J. , Burkholder J. M. , Berge T. , Calbet A. , Raven J. A. , Granéli E. , Glibert P. M. , Hansen P. J. , Stoecker D. K. , Thingstad F. , Tillmann U. , Våge S. , Wilken S. , Zubkov M. V.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The traditional view of the planktonic foodweb describes consumption of inorganic nutrients by photo-autotrophic phytoplankton, which in turn supports zooplankton and ultimately higher trophic levels. Pathways centred on bacteria provide mechanisms for nutrient recycling. This structure lies at the foundation of most models used to explore biogeochemical cycling, functioning of the biological pump, and the impact of climate change on these processes. We suggest an alternative paradigm, which sees the bulk of the base of this foodweb supported by protist plankton (phytoplankton and microzooplankton) communities that are mixotrophic – combining phototrophy and phagotrophy within a~single cell. The photoautotrophic eukaryotic plankton and their heterotrophic microzooplankton grazers dominate only within immature environments (e.g., spring bloom in temperate systems). With their flexible nutrition, mixotrophic protists dominate in more mature systems (e.g., temperate summer, established eutrophic systems and oligotrophic systems); the more stable water columns suggested under climate change may also be expected to favour these mixotrophs. We explore how such a predominantly mixotrophic structure affects microbial trophic dynamics and the biological pump. The mixotroph dominated structure differs fundamentally in its flow of energy and nutrients, with a shortened and potentially more efficient chain from nutrient regeneration to primary production. Furthermore, mixotrophy enables a direct conduit for the support of primary production from bacterial production. We show how the exclusion of an explicit mixotrophic component in studies of the pelagic microbial communities leads to a failure to capture the true dynamics of the carbon flow. In order to prevent a misinterpretation of the full implications of climate change upon biogeochemical cycling and the functioning of the biological pump, we recommend inclusion of multi-nutrient mixotroph models within ecosystem studies.
Virtual water trade flows and savings under climate change
Authors: Konar M. , Hussein Z. , Hanasaki N. , Mauzerall D. L. , Rodriguez-Iturbe I.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The international trade of food commodities links water and food systems, with important implications for both water and food security. The embodied water resources associated with food trade are referred to as "virtual water trade". We present the first study of the impact of climate change on global virtual water trade flows and associated savings for the year 2030. In order to project virtual water trade and savings under climate change, it is essential to obtain projections of both bilateral crop trade and the virtual water content of crops in each country of production. We use the Global Trade Analysis Project model to estimate bilateral crop trade under changes in agricultural productivity for rice, soy, and wheat. We use the H08 global hydrologic model to determine the impact of climatic changes to crop evapotranspiration for rice, soy, and wheat in each country of production. Then, we combine projections of bilateral crop trade with estimates of virtual water content to obtain virtual water trade flows under climate change. We find that the total volume of virtual water trade is likely to go down under climate change, due to decreased crop trade from higher crop prices under scenarios of declining crop yields and due to decreased virtual water content under high agricultural productivity scenarios. However, the staple food trade is projected to save more water across most climate change scenarios, largely because the wheat trade re-organizes into a structure where large volumes of wheat are traded from relatively water-efficient exporters to less efficient importers.
National Security of Mongolia: Past, Present & Future
Authors: Batchimeg Mijeddorj
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i17.79 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, No.17 2012: 12-17
Mongolia in Northeast Asia: Issues of Economic Development and Cooperation
Authors: Khaisandai Luvsan
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i17.81 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, No.17 2012: 59-63
Grand Union between Tibet and Mongolia: Unfulfilled Dream of the 13th Dalai Lama
Authors: Batbayar Tsedenbamba
Published: August 2013

Since the late sixteenth century when Altan Khan of Tumed in Southern Mongolia adopted the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism and sup­ported it as the common faith of the Mongol people, the teaching and discipline of Buddhism greatly influenced the customs, society, and various ac­tivities of the nomadic Mongols. The Mongolian version of Tibetan Buddhism was called Lamaism, and the Buddhist monks were known as lamas. The highest ranking lama of Northern or Khalkha Mongolia was the well-known Jebtsundamba Khutagt. His first and second incarnations were born in the house of Tusheet Khan, the most influential one of four Khans of Khalkha Mongolia. They were recognized as spiritual leaders of Mongolia with high pres­tige in Mongolian politics. Consequently, the Manchu court in Peking became anxious of the prospects of a reunified Mongolia under their leadership. In order to prevent such perspective the Manchu emperor issued the unwritten regulation by which the third and its subsequent incarnations of the Jebtsundamba Khutagt were to be found in Tibet instead of Mongolia.1 The 8th Jebtsundamba Khutagt, who played an important role in the political life of modern Mongolia, was found as a boy in Tibet, and was brought to Mongolia in 1875 as a reincarnation of his predecessor. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i17.83 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, No.17 2012: 75-80