bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfectionism
Authors: Smith Samantha Ilia , Dandignac Mitchell
Published: September 2017

Perfectionism is the refusal to accept any standard short of perfect. Perfectionist students might strive for ‘faultless performance, meticulous attention to detail and high levels of competency' (Humphris & Kaney, 1998). In a field as complex and advanced as medicine, faultless performance is unrealistically expected. This chapter will discuss how the rigours of medical school promote perfectionistic behaviours in students. What is perfectionism? How does perfectionism in medical school affect students? How can educators and administrators identify perfectionism, provide psychoeducation, or address maladaptive perfectionism? How can students address perfectionism? It is essential to recognise perfectionism in medical students as research has shown that maladaptive perfectionism has been correlated to physician suicide (Scutti, 2014). The chapter concludes with recommendations on how students and medical educators can employ strategies to promote sound mental health and wellbeing during medical school.
Medical School Wellness Initiatives
Authors: Konecny Lynda Tierney
Published: September 2017

In this chapter, wellness, and the importance of balance among wellness dimensions for medical students will be defined based on information found in relevant peer-reviewed and/or professional literature. Practical, evidence-based examples of wellness programme and initiatives within medical schools will be discussed. Benefits and challenges of the wellness program examples will be presented; limitations to programme results will be provided. Health education models and/or theory applicable to the needs assessment, development, implementation, and evaluation of medical school wellness programmes will be explored. Recommendations and best practices will be suggested to facilitate the practical implementation of wellness initiatives. A discussion of emerging trends will also be presented for future consideration.
Essentials for Education and Training for Tomorrow's Physicians
Authors: Barrett Timothy Edward A.
Published: September 2017

Education and training of medical students and postgraduate residents must undergo a critical review in light of the changing times and attitudes. The demands of life in general are enough to provide significant stressors for today's students in addition to coping with pressures of balancing passing exams with meeting the expectations of family and instructors. This chapter will highlight the realities of the effect of the pressures of study on the students' mental health and well-being. It will then describe several changes that can be made to the way medical students are trained which then shifts the focus to personal growth and development and away from the traditional goals of knowledge, skills and competencies for the goal of passing the exams. In the end, this chapter will challenge readers and institutions to pause and reconsider the current approach to training of medical students.
Next Step for Prosumerism Within the Rapidly Changing Agile IT Market
Authors: Costello Robert
Published: September 2017

With the rapidly changing global competition, organisations are adapting a more agile way of improving their ability to innovate, engage, and maintain a competitive edge over their competitors, while building upon new and existing clients. Through the process of ‘Knowledge acquisition', the Prosumer and Consumers can reshape communities' participatory involvements within the IT Sector to improve innovations and services. Organisations are responding to these trends within the IT sector by developing new products and improving existing products, by harnessing the consumers in the process of knowledge exploration, creating innovation, and the co-creation of value of new products. This research looks at identifying key behavioural traits associated with Prosumerism and how ICT organisations can evolve to harness this power to compete in a global market.
Electronic Commerce and Actual Problems of Taxation
Authors: Teixeira Isabel Lopes , Paiva Inna Sousa
Published: September 2017

This chapter examines the problems related to the international taxation of electronic commerce and identifies the alternative solutions that have been adopted in the current fiscal framework. The results obtained demonstrate the proposed models of e-commerce taxation based on existing international legislation, notably origin-based taxation, tax withheld at source and technology based solutions. This study argues that any legislative change should be implemented by a number of countries or through international efforts to harmonize practices, and sets out the future directions in the taxation of e-commerce. This chapter contributes to the scientific knowledge to accounting and tax research on the taxation of e-commerce.
Challenges for Using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) in Latin America
Authors: Feitosa de Moura Valéria , Correa Juliana Nelia Nascimento , Neto José Dutra de Oliveira , de Souza Cesar Alexandre , Viana Adriana Backx Noronha
Published: September 2017

Open educational resources (OERs), including massive open online courses (MOOCs), have emerged as an alternative to increase the access and quality of education, reducing educational costs and inequality, particularly in developing countries. Despite their potential to improve and provide free access to quality educational resources, developing countries are making little use of these resources due to language barriers, contextualization, the technological infrastructure, and the requirement that users have basic skills. Therefore, the objective of this study is to verify the impact of language, the technological infrastructure, and users' skills in the use of MOOCs in Latin American countries through a descriptive analysis of the data obtained through a survey conducted in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia for the research project developed by the Center for the Development of Technology and Educational Environments (NPT). From the data analysis, it is possible to verify that the level of digital literacy and language are relevant factors to be considered to increase the use of MOOCs in the countries that compose the sample.
Cost Control Strategy for the Implementation of the User Innovation Potential in the Digital Economy
Authors: Khvostikova Valentina Andreevna , Semionova Elena M. , Chernetsov Michael Vladimirovich , Mkrttchian Vardan , Potapova Irina
Published: September 2017

Currently there is a change of economic model associated with the transition from the stage of industrialization to the post-industrial economy. Emphasis shifts from production to the provision of services. In the digital economy, where the major resources required for the production of quality products are time and information, should be reconsidered the concept of cost management. The new paradigm of cost management should take into account the changes in the approaches to the management of material, labor and financial costs, and include approaches, tools and methods of cost management of resources, updated by digital post-industrial economy. Sectoral and territorial specifics of the process of change of economic model requires a strategic approach to cost management. The typology of costs, which provides optimal decision making in the implementation of the innovative capacity of the user is proposed by authors. Approaches to the formation and implementation of cost management strategies at the present time are developed.
About Russian Regional Users' Innovation Based on Digital Information
Authors: Vasin Sergey Mikhailovich , Gamidullaeva Leyla Ayvarovna
Published: September 2017

Research and development are increasingly becoming global and implemented on a collaborative basis. This leads to the need for the search of partners, resources and ideas outside the company. Moreover, end-users of innovations are being considered as key actors in the regional innovation process. Thereby, innovation intermediaries serve to establish or improve the relationship between all stakeholders with complementary skill sets or interests. These intermediaries pursue the aim to support the generation and diffusion of innovation. Due to the active development of information and digital technologies in the international practice have gradually emerged new forms of innovation intermediaries, which have not been applied yet in Russia.
Rewriting the “Vanishing Present”
Authors: Khan Afrinul Haque
Published: September 2017

The present paper explores how the translators mediate between languages and cultures to rewrite the classical texts, tucked away in the margins and peripheries, and being incomprehensible and inaccessible to the western world on account of their language and location. The present study also examines how the translator's act of “rewriting” empowers the translated text and also the culture it performs, promotes an understanding of other cultures and eventually enables the evolution of a “universal culture.”
Towards a Monolingual World
Authors: Thomas Sanju
Published: September 2017

The chapter looks into the existing language equation in India through a literary lens. Even though the number of translations from other Indian languages to English has increased, in the national and international market Indian English fiction has come to represent Indian fiction. This complexity is due to the growing status of English in globalized India, which is also reflected in the popularity of Indian English fiction. However, a historical analysis would reveal that the rise of Indian English fiction is a postcolonial phenomenon and this has been at the expense of translations. The chapter substantiates this cultural evolution further through a study of the Malayalam translation of the Indian English novel The God of Small Things and the English translation of the Malayalam novel Chemmeen. The translation strategies and iconography of the book covers are analyzed to discuss the existing equation between English and other Indian languages.
Cultural and Linguistic Interferences in the Translation of Maus Into Spanish
Authors: Abril Cristina A. Huertas
Published: September 2017

Comics are a type of literature with an increasing prestige due to the change in the cultural paradigm, which has surpassed the previous idea of underground means of expression. This cultural change took place with the publication of Spiegelman's Maus (Pulitzer Prize 1992). This chapter aims at analyzing the evolution of key terms in Translation Studies regarding cultural issues, from ‘equivalence' to ‘transcreation', and reflecting on the importance given to graphic novels since Spiegelman's work. The author analyzes the two Spanish translations published till the date, which have remarkable differences between them, in order to reach homogeneous proposals to reflect linguistic and cultural interferences when translating this graphic novel into Spanish, essential for the adequate understanding of Maus.
Cultural Evolution and Cultural Translation
Authors: Song Ge
Published: September 2017

In the early 20th century, Chinese communities in the then-Malay and Singapore began to take shape. The sudden shift of living conditions, especially the sociopolitical atmosphere, uprooted these migrated Chinese who had to adapt to new cultural realities of their host lands. This article argues for the cultural dimensions of Chinese overseas, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore, as an object of translation studies, since these Chinese overseas have already shown a uniquely evolved culture that is different from that in China. Linguistic displacement in the same language is a reflection of cultural discrepancy resulted from cultural evolution, and cultural divergence innately calls for the intervention of cultural translation. This paper is expected to garner fruitful insights into the cultural translation between two geographically and culturally different Chinese communities.
When Cultural Evolution Calls for Translation Revolution
Authors: Hanes Vanessa Lopes Lourenço
Published: September 2017

Given the massive changes that Brazil has undergone in the past century, particularly in distancing itself linguistically from its former colonizer, this study is an attempt to determine the role of translation in the country's cultural evolution. Translational approaches have developed along opposing poles: on the one hand, a strong resistance to incorporating orally-driven alterations in the written language, while on the other, a slow, halting movement toward convergence of the two, and both approaches are charged with political and ideological intentionality. Publishing houses, editors and translators are gatekeepers and agents whose activities provide a glimpse into the mechanism of national linguistic identity, either contributing to or resisting the myth of a homogenized Portuguese language.
Towards a Re-Definition of Government Interpreters' Agency Against a Backdrop of Sociopolitical and Cultural Evolution
Authors: Gu Chonglong
Published: September 2017

The sociopolitical and cultural evolution as a result of the Reform and Opening up in 1978, facilitated not least by the inexorable juggernaut of globalization and technological advancement, has revolutionized the way China engages domestically and interacts with the outside world. The need for more proactive diplomacy and open engagement witnessed the institutionalization of the interpreter-mediated premier's press conferences. Such a discursive event provides a vital platform for China to articulate its discourse and rebrand its image in tandem with the profound changes signaled by the Dengist reform. This chapter investigates critically how political press conference interpreting and interpreters' agency in China are impacted in relation to such dramatic transformations. It is revealed that, while interpreters are confronted with seemingly conflicting expectations, in actual practice they are often able to negotiate a way as highly competent interpreting professionals with the additional missions of advancing China's global engagement and safeguarding China's national interests.
Why People Commit Crime
Authors: Behrens Camden
Published: September 2017

This chapter considers why people commit crime. It reviews the most common explanations for criminal behavior utilized by criminologists. These theories cover a range of explanations including Rational Choice theories suggesting that offenders make a decision to commit crimes, and Positivist explanations where the biological and psychological makeup as well as social environment predispose individuals to criminality. Theories that examine the society itself and how unequal circumstances allow for greater criminality amongst those who are more disadvantaged are also explored. The Integrated theories combine the strongest arguments from traditional crime theories creating a more generally applicable theory of crime. There are many different theories to explain crime and criminality but there is no explanation that is universally applicable which can explain all crimes and all criminal behavior.
Prison Education in the United States of America
Authors: Ukwuoma Uju C.
Published: September 2017

The United States of America ranks third among the most populous countries in the world behind India and China. However, the US ranks first among countries with the most prison population. Recent statistics from the Office of Justice program in the US Department of Justice show that about 2.5 million people are locked up in prisons or the so-called correctional facilities across the United States. These facilities are made up of nearly 2000 state prisons scattered among the 50 states, 102 federal prisons, about 2300 and 3300 juvenile prisons and local jails respectively, including 79 Indian Country jails (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2016; Wagner & Rabuy, 2015). This chapter looks at the state of prison education in the US through the prism of racism. However, the chapter does not claim to have a complete evaluation of the situation of learning and teaching in penitentiaries in the US.
Education Within the Middle East and North African Prisons
Authors: Samarji Ahmad
Published: September 2017

This chapter explores prison education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with a particular focus on Lebanese prisons and prison education. The chapter takes Roumieh prison in Lebanon as a case study to operationalize Knowles' theory of andragogy. The chapter discusses the nature and types of curricula, learner-facilitator relationship, educational delivery methods and security favored by Knowles' theory that can promote a fairly successful prison education practice in MENA. In particular, the chapter submits that the application of Knowles' theory to prison education in MENA would lead ultimately to prisoners grieving over lost opportunities in past years, come to terms with their present life, and become intrinsically motivated to correctly invest in their own future.
Socialization or Social Isolation?
Authors: Heyes Kim
Published: September 2017

This research project specifically examines the experience of online community support groups as reported by users. The project began out of concern that healthcare providers in the Global North are directing people with mental health problems to online services, without seemingly understanding the impact that this may have on the individuals. The research findings will be of particular interest to mental health practitioners and service providers in the UK and elsewhere in the Global North, and aims to influence decisions made for policies around developing new online mental health services.
Manage My Pain
Authors: Weinrib Aliza , Azam Muhammad Abid , Latman Vered Valeria , Janmohamed Tahir , Clarke Hance , Katz Joel
Published: September 2017

This chapter describes the Manage My Pain digital pain management platform and its integration into the Transitional Pain Service at Toronto General Hospital. A collaboration between ManagingLife, the developer of Manage My Pain, and the Transitional Pain Service led to the creation of a patient-provider virtual community with the aim of managing complex pain after surgery so as to prevent the transition from acute post-surgical pain to chronic post-surgical pain. User engagement, motivation, and satisfaction are discussed with respect to the needs of (1) people living with pain and (2) health care providers. Challenges in implementation are described, along with new features developed for the digital platform as a result of the partnership between ManagingLife and the Transitional Pain Service.
Metaheuristic Design Patterns
Authors: Krawiec Krzysztof , Simons Christopher , Swan Jerry , Woodward John
Published: September 2017

Design patterns capture the essentials of recurring best practice in an abstract form. Their merits are well established in domains as diverse as architecture and software development. They offer significant benefits, not least a common conceptual vocabulary for designers, enabling greater communication of high-level concerns and increased software reuse. Inspired by the success of software design patterns, this chapter seeks to promote the merits of a pattern-based method to the development of metaheuristic search software components. To achieve this, a catalog of patterns is presented, organized into the families of structural, behavioral, methodological and component-based patterns. As an alternative to the increasing specialization associated with individual metaheuristic search components, the authors encourage computer scientists to embrace the ‘cross cutting' benefits of a pattern-based perspective to optimization algorithms. Some ways in which the patterns might form the basis of further larger-scale metaheuristic component design automation are also discussed.
A Survey on Ant Colony Optimization, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Cuckoo Algorithms
Authors: Mellal Mohamed Arezki , Williams Edward J.
Published: September 2017

Nowadays, biologically-inspired optimization algorithms are widely used for solving several engineering problems. Furthermore, there is a wide range of bio-inspired algorithms relative to the various methods of optimization. A detailed description of all these possibilities could take up the whole book. In this chapter, the principles of ant colony optimization, particle swarm optimization, and cuckoo algorithms are presented. A survey on their applications and advantages/disadvantages is also highlighted. An application on the surface roughness minimization of Al Alloy SiC is presented to identify the most suitable optimization method.
A Proposal for Parameter-Free Surrogate Building Algorithm Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Miriyala Srinivas Soumitri , Mitra Kishalay
Published: September 2017

Surrogate models, capable of emulating the robust first principle based models, facilitate the online implementation of computationally expensive industrial process optimization. However, the heuristic estimation of parameters governing the surrogate building often renders them erroneous or under-trained. Current work aims at presenting a novel parameter free surrogate building approach, specifically focusing on Artificial Neural Networks. The proposed algorithm implements Sobol sampling plan and intelligently designs the configuration of network with simultaneous estimation of optimal transfer function and training sample size to prevent overfitting and enabling maximum prediction accuracy. A novel Sample Size Determination algorithm based on a potential concept of hypercube sampling technique adds to the speed of surrogate building algorithm, thereby assuring faster convergence. Surrogates models for a highly nonlinear industrial sintering process constructed using the novel algorithm resulted in 7 times faster optimization.
A Cooperative Game Theory Approach to Post- Disaster Housing Problem
Authors: Usta Pınar , Ergun Serap , Alparslan-Gok Sirma Zeynep
Published: September 2017

Housing problem, which occurs after disasters, is needing urgent attention. Earthquake is the most important one of the disasters in Turkey, like many place rest of the world. A large number of buildings damaged and collapsed after the earthquakes, so the victims need to shelter to provide their needs. In this state private organizations are located in the emergency relief problem. To eliminate this problem as effectively cooperative game theory is used in this paper. Our study shows that cooperative game theory can help us to define a fair cost allocation between private organizations for supporting the housing problem by using facility location games.
Sugeno Fuzzy-Inference-System-Based Land Cover Classification of Remotely Sensed Images
Authors: Jenicka S
Published: September 2017

Accuracy of land cover classification in remotely sensed images relies on the features extracted and the classifier used. Texture features are significant in land cover classification. Traditional texture models capture only patterns with discrete boundaries whereas fuzzy patterns need to be classified by assigning due weightage to uncertainty. When remotely sensed image contains noise, the image may have fuzzy patterns characterizing land covers and fuzzy boundaries separating land covers. So a fuzzy texture model is proposed for effective classification of land covers in remotely sensed images and the model uses Sugeno Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used for precise and fast classification of image pixels. Hence it is proposed to use a hybrid of fuzzy texture model and SVM for land cover classification of remotely sensed images. In this chapter, land cover classification of IRS-P6, LISS-IV remotely sensed image is performed using multivariate version of the proposed texture model.
Application of ANN and PSO Swarm Optimization for Optimization in Advanced Manufacturing
Authors: Dash Nehal , Debta Sanghamitra , Kumar Kaushik
Published: September 2017

CNC lathe is one of the best machining techniques which provides us with better accuracy and precision. Considering speed, feed and depth of cut as inputs and among all possible outputs, in the present work Material Removal Rate and Surface Roughness would be considered as the factors those affect the quality, machining time and cost of machining. Design of experiments (DOE) would be carried out in order to minimize the number of experiments. In the later stages application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) would be used for the Optimization in the advanced manufacturing considering CNC lathe. The obtained output would be minimized (for surface roughness) and maximized (for MRR) using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The combination of various input parameters for the same would be identified and a comparison would be drawn with the various above methods.
Texture-Based Land Cover Classification Algorithm Using Hidden Markov Model for Multispectral Data
Authors: S Jenicka
Published: September 2017

In this chapter, the concept of stochastic optimal control is well explored using hidden Markov model (HMM) in classifying land covers of remotely sensed images. The features of land covers can be colour, shape, and texture. Texture is a useful feature in land cover classification. A texture-based land cover classification algorithm using HMM has been proposed. The local derivative pattern (LDP) texture descriptor for gray level images has been extended as multivariate local derivative pattern (MLDP) for remotely sensed images in this chapter. Experiments were conducted on IRS P6 LISS-IV data and the results were evaluated based on the classification accuracy and compared against the three existing methods such as wavelet, MLDP and colour gray level co-occurrence matrix (CGLCM). The results indicate that the proposed algorithm achieves a classification accuracy of 88.75%.
Handling Optimization Under Uncertainty Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy-Logic-Based Expected Value Model
Authors: Virivinti Nagajyothi , Mitra Kishalay
Published: September 2017

Uncertainty in parameters during deterministic optimization studies can have large impact on the outcome of the optimization result. It is pragmatic that these parameters are uncertain as they have direct link with real life scenarios, e.g. fuel price appearing as a parameter in objective function or constraints. However, their variability is ignored while solving the problem in a deterministic optimization framework. While mitigating the above mentioned scenario, it is, therefore, necessary to investigate the development of uncertainty handling techniques for a realistic optimization problem. In this work, we propose intuitionistic fuzzy expected value model (IFEVM), which assumes uncertain parameters as intuitionistic fuzzy variables and derives the solution out of an equivalent transformed deterministic formulation while defining the expected values of the objective functions and constraints. Intuitionistic fuzzy parameters can be regarded as a superset of the conventional fuzzy set where the aspect of non-determinacy of a fuzzy member to a set is additionally taken into account. The proposed IFEVM technique has been applied on two examples: first, with the Binh-korn's multi-objective test function where uncertain parameters are linearly related and next with a real life case study of industrial grinding operation having multiple numbers of non-linearly related uncertain parameters. The technique has been further applied to these case studies considering three different levels of risk scenarios e.g. optimistic, pessimistic and intermediate approaches. The IFEVM technique is fairly generic and advantageous, can be applied to any kind of system for handling uncertainty in parameters.
A Hero Who Never Dies
Authors: Wu Ruijuan , Wang Cheng Lu , Hao Wei
Published: September 2017

This chapter examines how consumers become Steve Jobs' fans and how they establish psychological bond with Steve Jobs as a means to understand the general fandom phenomenon. The authors adopted the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM) to formulate five research questions and conducted a content analysis of web reviews based on two Steve Jobs' fans online communities. Results demonstrated that (1) most fans began to know Jobs either through the use of Apple products or the exposure of mass media about Jobs and his biography; (2) what fascinated fans most about Jobs was his thoughts and ideas that “change the world”; (3) in the minds of his fans, Jobs was regarded as the greatest man or superhuman and revered as a legendary hero who inspired lots of people in the world; (4) many fans perceived Jobs as the icon of Apple products and, to them, Jobs was Apple and Apple was Jobs. As such, while many fans considered them both Apple fans and Jobs fans, significant numbers of fans were only devotees of Jobs but not Apple brand; and (5) for many fans, they actually devoted themselves to Jobs not to Apple, and they would not consider Apple products the same as Jobs' Apple. While some fans continued to support Apple as the heritage that Jobs left for his successor, others had lost their faith, loyalty and commitment to Apple in the post-Jobs era.
Charging Fandom in the Digital Age
Authors: Guo Shuojia
Published: September 2017

In the digital age, the proliferation of fan-generated content on social media platforms is making the fan culture transitioning from the “static” online consumption to “dynamic” interaction. This is not only a result of the advancement of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), but also a cultural phenomenon driving by participatory fandom in cyberspace. The rise of social media has dramatically altered the dynamics of fan practices and spectatorship hence increased vocality and visibility within the fan community as well as the formation and facilitation of fan roles. In this chapter, we will explore why social media have such a profound impact upon fandom. In particular, what is new with these fan communities that social media has done so much to enable. Why there is a blurring in the lines between fandom producers and consumers in the participatory fandom. Given the new forms of cultural production, how fan culture enabled by social media is more powerful than it was ever before.
“Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done”
Authors: Sarkar Abhigyan , Sarkar Juhi Gahlot
Published: September 2017

Majority of prior research show that individual's relationship with a brand is dyadic. However, the primary need for human beings is to forge meaningful interpersonal relationships, and brands can act as facilitators to achieve this need. Thus, consumer-brand-consumer relationships are rather triadic, with brands acting as an epicenter around which close-knit human relationships are formed. This chapter discusses the indispensable roles of consumers' close social relationships with their brands representing a knit brand fandom of like-minded consumers who share common consumption values and attain transcendence through branded consumption. Using grounded theory analysis, we discover that Indian consumers' cultural values of filial piety, face saving, need for escapism and brand ethnocentrism act as antecedents to consumers' romantic brand love. This romantic brand love progresses into single brand devotion through the moderation of selective perception, and ultimately translates into a close-knit brand fandom, mainly if the consumers find the brand to enable self-expression. The role of brand-hero is also important in the formation of brand fandom, as brand hero can inspire consumers and bind them together to work for common interest of the brand. Brand fandom results in consumers experiencing flow and transcendence, where they experience a temporary sense of separation from the mundane and unity with a higher plane of existence.
Anti-Models for Architectural Graphic Expression and UX Education
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Carré Jim , Quiroga Alejandra , Ficarra Valeria M.
Published: September 2017

We present the main motivations why the excellence of the university education related to architectural CAD, graphic art/expression, and UX may be inexistent in Spain, by focusing exclusively on graphic design. A set of online examples allows to orient the potential users of computer systems, user experience (UX), electronic information systems and generators of original multimedia contexts towards the epistemological principles of the formal and factual sciences. Besides, we detected an educational anti-model and the mercantilism in CAD, architectural graphic expression, art and UX education with a semiotic analysis of the dynamic and static media in university websites.
Relationship Among Education, Income, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Morote Elsa-Sofia
Published: September 2017

This study examines the relationships among Education, Income, and Life Satisfaction. The study also seeks to learn whether Unemployment can be a mediator of these relationships. For this study, database collected by the Quality of Government Institute was used. The database contains 194 countries' records on the topic and its variables collected in 2012. Correlation to test relationship, and partial correlation to test the relationship among the variables while controlling for unemployment was used. It was found that income strongly relates to life satisfaction, and years of schooling relates weakly to life satisfaction. Years of schooling, however, strongly relates to GDP per capita. Contrary to previous studies, it was found that unemployment was not a mediator of the relationship among Education, Income, and Life Satisfaction but shows slight indication that it can be a mediator between higher education and life satisfaction. It was advised that governments put more effort into education as well as future research on enhancing the quality and efficacy of education.
Pension Systems Dynamics
Authors: Rivas-Aceves Salvador , Marroquín-Tovar Edmundo , Ramírez-Pérez Héctor X.
Published: September 2017

The main focus of the chapter is to define directions and magnitudes of causality of the pension systems, labor force, and hours worked for selected OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries through a pool data analysis. The information is examined within basic, intermediate, and advanced statistical analyses by regional comparison of the OECD countries. Main results include: (a) a positive impact of Labor Force size on Pension Systems, (b) a negative effect of the Average Hours Worked on Pension Systems, (c) when introducing cross-section and time series heterogeneity, relations are sustained from both global and regional inquiry, (d) an insightful and meticulous investigation can be performed using public and open databases if depuration of the information is well conducted.
Elementary Teachers' Math Instructional Practices, Receptivity to Change, Instructional Leadership, and Academic Optimism
Authors: Sullivan Dennis D.
Published: September 2017

This study sought to identify the relationships among elementary teachers' instructional practices in mathematics pre- and post-Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) implementation in relation to technological and pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), formative assessment, reflective practice, receptivity to change, academic optimism, and instructional leadership across age, years of experience, grade level taught, and college math credits taken in high and low needs schools. Teacher responses from low and high need schools across age, years of teaching experience, grade level taught, and college math credits taken were examined with the dimensions of mathematics instructional practices to see if any relationships exist among the variables. The implementation of CCLS mathematics had an influence on elementary-school teachers' instructional practices and attitudes in both high and low needs schools. Teacher academic optimism was reported as overall higher in high needs districts, whereas teachers in low needs districts reported an increase in instructional motivation practices after the implementation of CCLS mathematics.
Green Growth in Mexico, Brazil, and Chile
Authors: Martinez-Zarzoso Inmaculada , Grunewald Nicole
Published: September 2017

This research focuses on identifying the main policy strategies that could potentially contribute to the advance of three Latin American economies, namely Brazil, Chile and Mexico towards a green growth model that is social and inclusive, given the actual patterns of development of those economies. With this aim, we first identify and describe past and current policies in each country in terms of economic, social and environmental indicators. A detailed analysis follows for Brazil, Chile and Mexico, in which we propose a series of green growth indicators and choose a definition and classification of green growth sectors. We estimate an empirical model to explain the determinants of greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation in Latin American countries. We broadly identify the sectors that contribute to its increase and describe the main green policies applied in each country. In turn we identify the sectors with higher potential for the future. Finally, we present policy recommendations and reflections for the future.
Integration of Demand-Side Management Programs and Supply-Side Alternatives for Decentralized Energy Planning
Authors: Rabbani Masoud , Dolatkhah Mahdi
Published: September 2017

Optimally selection of an appropriate mix of renewable sources for supplying electricity of remote areas has been always an important challenge for policy makers. Also, in recent years, the great advantages of Demand Side Management (DSM) programs such as postponing investments in construction of new plants and/or desirably modification of electricity consumption pattern has turned great attention of energy planners to these programs. Moreover, the issue of global warming has caused the need for reduction of human use of fossil fuels and switching to employing green energy sources. To address the mentioned concerns, in this paper, an integrated mathematical formulation for selecting the best mix of renewable energy technologies is proposed. In this study, DSM considered as a competitive option against supply-side alternatives for making energy planning decisions. Additionally, by considering real data from a case in Iran, the effects of considering energy import and export has been taken into account. To validate the model, for smaller-scaled test problems the model has been solved by Lingo 8.0 software while for solving larger instances of problems (real scale of case study) a novel genetic algorithm (GA) is devised. The numerical results indicate that DSM policies have made use of their maximum capacity and resulted in significant improvements, especially in terms of reducing consumption and suitably changing the load shape.
Smart Energy and Cost Optimization for Hybrid Micro-Grids
Authors: Yahyaoui Imene , Ghraizi Rachid , Tadeo Fernando , Segatto Marcelo Eduardo Vieira
Published: September 2017

This chapter is concerned with the energy management of a hybrid micro-grid composed of photovoltaic/ wind/ battery bank and diesel generator, which is used to supply domestic loads. Hence, a control strategy is proposed to manage the power flow between the power sources and the loads, which ensures the maximization of the renewable sources use, and therefore the minimization of the battery bank and diesel generator use. The control strategy allows the installation operating cost to be minimized and the safe operating for the battery bank to be guaranteed. The strategy is tested using measured data of some climatic parameters of the target area, showing its efficiency in fulfilling the fixed objectives.
Making Sustainable Energy Communities a Reality
Authors: Marinakis Vangelis
Published: September 2017

The aim of this chapter is to present a decision support framework for local energy planning, entitled “MPC+ (Map - Plan - Choose - Check)”. The proposed framework incorporates the development of the baseline emissions inventory, the identification and modelling of renewable energy and rational use of energy actions, as well as the creation of alternative Scenarios of Actions at the city level. The evaluation of alternative Scenarios is based on a multi-criteria ordinal regression approach. In addition, an extreme ranking analysis method is used, in order to examine robustness problems, estimating the best and worst possible ranking position of each Scenario. The MPC+ framework contributes to the selection of the most promising Scenario of renewable energy and rational use of energy actions, supporting the local - regional authorities in creating Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC). Finally, the “Methodological Approach for Monitoring SEC Targets” is introduced.
Identifying the Contemporary Status of E-Service Sustainability Research
Authors: Husnain Ali , Avdic Anders
Published: September 2017

Sustainable development is a world-wide major concern, required in every domain of life, including that of government. E-services are widely acknowledged for the contribution they make to e-government. The research question raised in this study is: What is the existing status of e-service sustainability research? The research method used is a literature study that adopts a concept-centric approach. Selected literature was then analyzed using the twin concepts of e-service sustainability itself and the enabler (secondary) effects of sustainable e-services. The Triple Bottom Line's model was used to further categorize the findings using economic, environmental, and social sustainability concepts. The results of the study revealed a lack of research into e-service sustainability. By way of contrast, it revealed 20 articles that cover the enabler effect. Existing research is related to economic and social dimensions, with the most common topic being related to user satisfaction.
Embedding Sustainability Learning
Authors: Taylor Ros , Barron Elise , Eames Katherine A.T.
Published: September 2017

In this chapter the authors argue the benefits of an “embedded strategy” for achieving a robust and sustainable Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) curriculum and outline some of the main approaches used at Kingston University (KU), London. The chapter includes feedback from students, academics, support staff and local employers engaged in these developments and highlights the main successes and the pitfalls encountered. Case studies exemplifying sustainability learning through a diversity of embedded approaches are presented and analysed. The authors' experience demonstrates that, although there is no “one size fits all” solution to ESD, sharing of experiences between sustainability professionals is vital to this agenda. The examples detailed in this chapter show that with careful design, active and multidisciplinary learning, sustainability understanding can be securely embedded in students' learning even where it is not the main programme objective.
Grid Stabilization Effect of Combined Electricity Generation From Wind and Photovoltaic Systems in Murcia, Spain
Authors: Escalante Gino de Jesús Roa , Sánchez-Lozano J. Miguel , Faxas Juan-Gabriel , García-Cascales M. Socorro , Urbina Antonio
Published: September 2017

In this chapter, a model that calculates the impact on the grid of the simultaneous injection of electricity both from photovoltaic and wind sources is presented. The best locations for wind and photovoltaic technologies within Región de Murcia, southeast Spain, have been selected from a GIS database and evaluated and classified using a fuzzy version of the multicriteria decision method called Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). After the classification, the best locations are selected for each technology. Then, the impact on the grid arising from the injection of power generated in wind of photovoltaic systems installed at these specific locations and that are connected to the grid has been calculated in a power range of several kWp, including random steps of up to 50kW. The results show that stable grid parameters are obtained within 500ms in all cases, even when this relatively large power surge (or variation) is considered.
Transdisciplinary Methodology of an Architectural and Urban Discourse in Higher Education
Authors: Perović Svetlana
Published: September 2017

The chapter includes identification of the need for reconceptualization of architectural and urbanistic discourse in higher education and the definition of the transdisciplinary methodology for a sustainable development of the living environment. Architecture and urbanism as complex disciplines that start from the existential social needs and reach to the most complex challenges and aspirations involve complex approaches and complex relations. Professional educational environment from architecture and urbanism aspect is integral. It includes the study of forms and models of urban space planning to architectural structures, details, materials, environmental challenges, as well as new paradigms of shaping life and work in the community. This requires the involvement of various disciplines and forms of knowledge for forming a competent and productive response to modern challenges of the real world. With the development and adoption of transdisciplinary methodology in environmental higher education, a platform can be developed for sustainable urban development in a sustainable social community. Technological aspect has a central role in that process.
Sustainable Education
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Ghazali Zulkipli , Rahman Haseeb Ur
Published: September 2017

The sustainable development (hereafter, S.D.) aims a growth that could satisfy the wants and needs of present generation without affecting future generations. Accordingly, this study investigates the role of HEIs in S.D. by selecting the case of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia. The study adapted the universities sustainable development initiatives checklist/index for qualitative analysis of the main website, operational documents, and practical initiatives of the university for S.D. The findings revealed that the university has good and meaningful contributions towards three dimensions of S.D. i.e. economic, social and environment. The study proposed an improvement in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and implementation of S.D. framework for universities. The findings have significance and practical implications for academia, regulatory bodies, policy makers, and HEIs. Also, the findings are significant in association with new economic model (NEM) and vision 2020 of Malaysia.
Using Successful Cases to Promote Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Beachcroft-Shaw Harry , Ellis Debbie
Published: September 2017

The success of encouraging environmental sustainability by means of social marketing programs is partially determined by identifying certain actions that can favourably influence people's behaviours towards a more ecologically benign lifestyle. In this chapter, such actions (remodelling businesses and the economy by means of non-market capitals, social enterprises, and economic democracy; transforming food systems; renewable energy and energy reductions and simplifying lifestyles) are gleaned from a description of Cuba's transition period, the Findhorn Ecovillage and the BedZED development where greater levels of environmental sustainability have been attained. Associating the actions to social marketing theory reveals that they are well positioned to influence behaviours towards improved levels of environmental sustainability.