bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICTs for Agricultural Development and Food Security in Developing Nations
Authors: Suchiradipta Bhattacharjee , Saravanan Raj
Published: July 2019

Development has many faces and complete wellbeing of human population is the most important one of them which in more than one ways involves agriculture and the farming population. Providing needed information at the right time to the rural population is the first step in their empowerment and ICTs can play an immensely important role in providing that information by increasing the dialogue between development professionals and rural people at every stage of development process. According to recent statistics released by ITU, over the last 15 years, ICTs have grown in unprecedented ways providing huge opportunities for social and economic development and this growth can be an advantage to rural advisory services. Providing correct and personalized information needs expert opinions and so multi-stakeholder engagement makes the process more efficient and ICTs provide a very unique and important platform for such collaboration, thus bringing together different stakeholders for efficient partnership. The various tools and technologies can also be tailored according to the needs of end users. But in spite of the advantages, ICTs can only be universally accepted and used when the challenges of accessibility, acceptability, funding, and sustainability are overcome. There are no formula for sure success with ICTs and situation is the best determinant of the strategy to be used and so, a balanced and strategic use of ICTs depending on the clients' needs can best utilize its potential for agricultural development and food security in developing nations.
Exploring Alternative Distribution Channels of Agricultural Products
Authors: Nikolaou Kallirroi , Tsakiridou Efthimia , Anastasiadis Foivos , Mattas Konstadinos
Published: July 2019

Fresh fruits and vegetables constitute the basis of many people's daily nutrition habits and different distribution systems have been developed to cover daily supply needs. Important components of alternative distribution channels among others are high quality, high standards and consumer-producer trust. Although numerous studies have been conducted on alternative types of distribution channels, there is a lack of research on consumer behaviour towards these ways of distribution. The aim of this article is to identify consumer attitudes and preferences towards alternative agricultural distribution channels regarding fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, this article contributes to the understanding of consumer behaviour, by pointing out the factors that affect the final purchase of agricultural products.
Mobile Networks and Indian Agricultural Sector
Authors: Jain Lokesh , Kumar Harish
Published: July 2019

Information dissemination in agricultural sector for its growth using information and communication technology (ICT) as a tool is need of the hour. This can be achieved using information systems. ICT benefits are helpful in exchange and dissemination of information among farming stakeholders. By using the latest tool of mobile technology, farmers can get the current information related to their farming jobs around the clock and at any location, as the mobile network have touched every part/location of the India. Using the features of the mobile-phones like GPS etc. one can get the localized information. Only need is to structure the abundant information available across the various organizations. So, a mobile based agricultural information system framework ‘mAgIDS' has been proposed employing the hybrid mobile application architecture approach. Client-server architecture using the location Application Programming Interface (API) has been proposed. Inference mechanism of the system has implemented on the basis of improved fuzzy rule promotion technique.
Farmers' Access and Use of Mobile Phones for Improving the Coverage of Agricultural Extension Service
Authors: Kiberiti Boaz Stanslaus , Sanga Camilius Aloyce , Mussa Mussa , Tumbo S. D. , Mlozi Malongo R.S. , Haug Ruth
Published: July 2019

This study sought to investigate on the access and use of mobile phones for improving the coverage of agricultural extension services among farmers in the pre-harvest stages of maize value chain in Kilosa district. The study examined the use of mobile phones as a means for improving the coverage of agricultural extension services. The study adapted a cross sectional study design and a multistage sampling technique. Data were mainly collected using structured questionnaires. The results revealed that majority of respondents used mobile phones and had a positive attitude on the contribution of mobile phone in their farming business. The study results also indicated that mobile phones offered an affordable solution to farmers' information needs and information requirements. The study concluded that the use of mobile phone to communicate agricultural information depends on information needs of farmers. The study recommended that farmers need to be encouraged and supported to access and use mobile phones in their farming business.
Demand for Food Diversity in Romania
Authors: Luca Lucian , Alexandri Cecilia , Pǎuna Bianca
Published: July 2019

The present research work applied a food diversity measurement tool (Transformed Berry Index) on the 2011 Household Budget Surveys data. The investigation was performed on household purchased based TBI measure and on actual consumption TBI, in order to highlight the errors that one would make if one fails to take into account the production of goods by the household. There are some important differences in the food diversity of the actual food consumption in comparison to the purchased food quantities, the number of food items being higher in the case of actual consumption. However, food diversity does not seem to be influenced by the residence area (urban vs. rural) in any of the two approaches.
Climate Change and Land Suitability for Potato Cultivation in India
Authors: Naitam Ravindra Kashinath , Deshmukt Preeti , Moharana P. C. , Ramteke Indal K. , Singh R. S. , Singh S. K.
Published: July 2019

Potato is one of the most important vegetable crops in India accounting for 20-25% of area under cultivation of vegetables and grown in a wide range of climatic conditions. It is grown in almost all states under diversified agro-climatic conditions. Nearly 80% of the crop is grown in Indo- Gangetic plains comprising Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and other parts of India like Gujarat and Karnataka. Moreover, within the country, there is a lot of heterogeneity in potato productivity depending upon mostly on management and climatic conditions. The viability of commercial potato production is influenced by spatial and temporal variability in soils, agro climate, and the availability of water resources. The inter and intra-regional variations in productivity within the country are attributed to the variations in bio-physical factors vis-a-vis specific soil-climatic requirements of the crop. The present chapter discusses the impact of climate change on the land resources requirement for potato crop with reference to Indian context.
A Study of Different Color Segmentation Techniques for Crop Bunch in Arecanut
Authors: S Siddesha , Niranjan S K , Manjunath Aradhya V N
Published: July 2019

Arecanut is an important cash crop of India and ranks first in the production. Arecanut crop bunch segmentation plays very vital role in the process of harvesting. Work on arecanut crop bunch segmentation is of first kind in the literature and this chapter mainly focuses on exploring different color segmentation techniques such as Thresholding, K-means clustering, Fuzzy C Means (FCM), Fast Fuzzy C Means clustering (FFCM), Watershed and Maximum Similarity based Region Merging (MSRM). The effectiveness of the segmentation methods are evaluated on our own collection of Arecanut image dataset of size 200.
Applying Indigenous Knowledge in Agricultural Extension in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mugwisi Tinashe
Published: July 2019

Indigenous knowledge (IK) has been viewed as local knowledge that has been developed and accumulated, over time, by a community and has been passed down over generations. Such knowledge is represented in most spheres of human activity, such as in agriculture, traditional and alternative medicine, human and animal health, forestry and botany, among others. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how IK is accessed and used by agricultural extension workers in Zimbabwe. The study reviews the relevant literature and focuses largely on Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge (IAK). The study utilises both quantitative and qualitative methods; a questionnaire was distributed and extension workers drawn from eight provinces of Zimbabwe. Mashonaland Central Province produced the highest number of respondents because the population for the province included ward and village extension workers in addition to the district and provincial extension officers and supervisors targeted in each province. From the projected sixty (60), forty four (44) districts participated. The study observed that indigenous knowledge is relevant in modern day agriculture and should be given sufficient attention in extension work. The study recommends that IK be documented and integrated into research, education and training for posterity.
Multiple Exploration of Entrepreneurs' Suggestions for Agricultural Development of Local Regional Units in Greece
Authors: Moschidis Odysseas , Ismyrlis Vasileios
Published: July 2019

The purpose of the present article is to evaluate the factors which are considered to be important for the agribusiness development of a local economy, with data derived from the entrepreneurs' perspective. For this purpose, an appropriate methodology was designed, in order to include the most of the aforementioned factors. Emphasis was given to questions which can illustrate the level of technological innovation with actions and initiatives like digital marketing, innovative ability and others. Therefore, a questionnaire was created and was then applied to many regions in northern Greece. In respect of data analysis, the contribution of Correspondence Analysis (CA), a method from the multidimensional statistics field, was crucial because it easily revealed the characteristics that intensively differentiated themselves. The above methodologies and their special characteristics facilitated also the implementation of SWOT analysis. In the case of the Regional Units examined in the current research, the positive and negative factors-points were easily revealed and presented.
Agricultural Productivity in Indonesian Provinces
Authors: Tan Khee Giap , Merdikawati Nurina , Rajan Ramkishen S.
Published: July 2019

Indonesia has been recognized as a country with significant potential in agriculture, not only to be self-sufficient in terms of food, but also to be the “food basket” for the world. However, given limited and competing use of resources, raising agricultural productivity is of paramount importance. To date, most of the existing work on Indonesia's agricultural sector is at the national level. Considering the extent of Indonesia's regional diversity, a provincial-level analysis of the country's agricultural sector would be more useful from a policy perspective. In this light, this paper examines agricultural productivity growth in Indonesian provinces during 2000-2011 and draws policy implications from such empirical analysis. The paper uses two methodologies, namely growth accounting and Malmquist index data envelopment analysis. Results suggest that technological change has been improving for most provinces, though there is wide variation in technical efficiency change which in turn is driving differences in total factor productivity growth across provinces.
Low Carbon Energy Innovations Systems in Natural Resource Rich Developing Countries
Authors: Furtado André Tosi
Published: July 2019

The transition to low carbon economy requires deep changes in the energy systems of the great majority of developing countries. However, only a small group of these countries is engaging significant efforts to develop renewable energies. The success in the diffusion of renewable energy technologies requires dynamic systems of innovation. In this chapter we analyze the recent evolution Brazilian sugarcane innovation system that was pioneering in the development and diffusion of bioethanol. This system is increasingly challenged by the acceleration of the technological regime, which is provoked by the energy crisis and the transition to the low carbon economy. The Brazilian innovation system has different capacities to cope with this challenge. In this chapter we differentiate the agriculture subsystem, which function in a STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation) mode from the industrial subsystem, which operates in a DIU (Doing, Using, and Interacting) mode. The agricultural subsystem has demonstrated a better ability to cope with the technological challenges of the new biotech research methodologies while the capital goods industry has much less propensity to deal with the second generation technologies for bioethanol. We describe also the present ethanol supply crises and its probable causes.
Impact of Climate Change on Potato Production in India
Authors: Jatav M. K. , Dua V. K. , Govindakrishnan P. M. , Sharma R. P.
Published: July 2019

Potato is a temperate crop and higher day temperatures cause some areas to less suitable for potato production due to lower tuber yields and its quality. Tuber growth and yield can be severely reduced by temperature fluctuations outside 5-30 °C. The rate of warming in last 50 years is double than that for the last century. Increase in temperature and atmospheric CO2 are interlinked occurring simultaneously under future climate change and global warming scenarios. If CO2 is elevated to 550 ppm the temperature rise is likely to be 3 ºC with decline in potato production by 13.72% in the year 2050. The changing climate will affect the potato production adversely due to drought, salinity, frost, flooding, erratic unseasonal rains etc. It may reduce seed tuber production, impact storage facility and potato processing industries. Therefore, the quantification of regional vulnerability and impact assessment is very important for the development of early warning on disease forecasting systems, breeding of short duration and heat, drought, salinity tolerant and disease resistant cultivars.
Rift Valley Fever and the Changing Environment
Authors: Lindahl Johanna , Bett Bernard , Robinson Timothy , Grace Delia
Published: July 2019

Rift Valley fever is a severe disease affecting both humans and animals. The Rift Valley fever virus can be transmitted by body fluids, and the most common way for humans to get infected is from animals. The virus is also vector-borne and can be transmitted by many species of mosquitoes. As with other vector-borne diseases, the epidemiology may vary in response to environmental changes. Here the effects of climate and land use changes on Rift Valley fever, as well as on other vector-borne diseases, are discussed. The effect of irrigation in East Africa on inter-epidemic transmission of RVF is discussed in greater detail, followed by recommendations for future research and actions.
Understanding Glacial Retreat in the Indian Himalaya
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Rao Prakash , Areendran G.
Published: July 2019

One of the most important and visible indicators of global climate change is the recession of glaciers in many parts of the world. The findings of the IPCC Assessment Report (2007) suggest that there has been a significant decline in mountain glaciers and snow cover, which has contributed to the increased sea levels and water flow changes in river basins. In the latter half of 20th century, an increase in the rate of retreat has been observed in Himalayan Glaciers since advent of industrialization. The paper attempts to present a critical review and understanding of the recent changes in retreat of selected Himalayan glaciers from potential climate change. The study explores scientific evidence and analysis of observed data from a large and a small glacier in the Indian Himalaya. This will help in understanding the vulnerability of retreat of the glaciers based on their size. The larger glaciers are unlikely to disappear in the near future, due to its large mass balance and large response time due to climatic changes. Future adaptation needs, research and action for downstream communities, ecosystems and impacts on power sector are discussed.
Are GM Crops the Answer to Africa's Critical Food Security Status?
Authors: Ramachandran Nira
Published: July 2019

Despite unprecedented technological breakthroughs and rising incomes, the most basic human requirement–food security remains out of reach of many. The countries of Africa are the worst affected, and consistently score lowest on the Global Hunger Index. The downside of technological advance and increasing urbanisation is the decrease in cultivable land and water availability exacerbated by climatic unpredictability. While concerted efforts are on to control the crisis, it is time to take positive action and capture technology to boost food security. Genetically Modified (GM) crops engineered to be drought/flood resistant, reduce pesticide requirements or provide vitamins open up tremendous possibilities for enhancing food and nutrition security and counteracting negative environmental impacts. This paper reviews the current status of GM crops in Africa, the scope for expansion, possible impacts on food security and the validity of existing concerns about bio-safety and farmers' needs in the light of developing country experience.
Innovative Construction Systems
Authors: Ruttico Pierpaolo
Published: July 2019

With the emergence of a new materialism in architecture and as a result of the ongoing advancements in digital technologies, computer numerically controlled (CNC) fabrication and 3D-printing are rapidly gaining popularity within the building construction industry. Robots, CNC machines, and algorithmic programming allow us to create new construction systems and innovative designs that otherwise might not be possible. This chapter analyzes adaptive and flexible systems that facilitate the design and the production processes of mass-customized building components through digital fabrication and assembly. The aspiration is to achieve morphological complexity and performance in material constituents: an engineering computational design process that envisions a sustainable built environment, with higher-level functionality and higher-level integration between material system and environment.
Design for Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Development Methods Applied to an Innovative Multifunctional Fan
Authors: Frizziero Leonardo , Donnici Giampiero , Liverani Alfredo , Dhaimini Karim
Published: July 2019

In an increasingly competitive business world, the “time to market” of products has become a key factor for business success. There are different techniques that anticipate design mistakes and launch products on the market in less time. Among the most used methodologies in the design and definition of the requirements, quality function deployment (QFD) and design for Six Sigma (DFSS) can be used. In the prototyping phase, it is possible to address the emerging technology of additive manufacturing. Today, three-dimensional printing is already used as a rapid prototyping technique. However, the real challenge that industry is facing is the use of these machineries for large-scale production of parts, now possible with new HP multi-fusion. The aim of this article is to study the entire product development process taking advantage of the most modern models and technologies for the final realization of a case study that involves the design and prototyping of an innovative multifunctional fan (lamp, aroma diffuser and fan) through the Multi Jet Fusion of HP. To begin with, issues related to the DFSS, the QFD and their application to identify the fan requirements are explored. Once the requirements have been defined, the modern CAD design systems and the CAE systems for the validation of the case study will be analyzed and applied. Finally, HP's Multi Jet Fusion methodology and design rules for additive manufacturing will be analyzed in detail, trying to exploit all the positive aspects it offers.
Cloud Based 3D Printing Business Modeling in the Digital Economy
Authors: Gwangwava Norman , Ude Albert U , Ogunmuyiwa Enock , Addo-Tenkorang Richard
Published: July 2019

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is becoming the industry standard for manufacturing and prototyping. Although the technology is very old, it gained a huge traction in the past two decades. 3D printing favors unique once-off orders (mass customization) in contrast to mass production. This calls for innovative business models in order to realize economic gains from the technology. Increased product innovations in the global economy also contribute to wide adoption of 3D printing unlike in the old days. A transition in the manufacturing field has brought e-manufacturing and now cloud-based manufacturing. Machines, including 3D printers, in the past were not Internet-enabled but modern designs have the capability of Internet connectivity. Cloud-based 3D printing is a new model of design that has a significant impact on today's entrepreneurs. This article focuses on a business case for a cloud-based approach in consumer product niches. A cloud-based 3D printing business model (3D-Cloud) is developed based on the business model canvas, which promises major breakthroughs in e-entrepreneurship innovation. The model uses a virtual community approach to bring together technocrats, enthusiasts, and shared 3D printer facilities of common interests, whilst promoting an enterprising spirit.
User Acceptance of Technologies in Their Infancy
Authors: Hartmann Timo , Vanpoucke Evelyne
Published: July 2019

This paper adjusts UTAUT2 to study user acceptance of an early stage technology by using the example of 3D printing for home users. The authors' findings show that UTAUT2 is capable of measuring user acceptance and that social influence and effort expectancy are good predictors for ‘intention to use' for early stage technologies. Nevertheless, there seem to be significant differences in the antecedents depending on the involvement levels and the DIY mentality of the user. Moreover, this research confirms and extends the applicability of UTAUT2 to early stage technologies while improving the authors' understanding of prospective 3D printing home users.
The Evolution of Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Mourtzis Dimitris , Doukas Michael
Published: July 2019

The transition from local economies to the global competitive landscape and the current fluctuating customer demands drives a never-ending transformation of manufacturing systems. In combination with prominent technological advances and other socio-political reasons of each era, such changes led to the evolution of manufacturing paradigms systems from craftsmanship to automation and decentralisation. This transition created the necessity for new means of designing, planning, and controlling manufacturing companies and networks. In production early stages, manufacturing was viewed as a functional area. On the other hand, current production paradigms are based on the customer focus and view manufacturing as an enterprise. This major diversification led to the gradual reorganisation of manufacturing systems in order to achieve mass customisation of typically mass-produced products. The purpose of this chapter is to specify the evolution of manufacturing paradigms, their basic principles, and the links among them. A discussion on future trends of manufacturing paradigms derives from the review and is finally presented.
3D Printing Technology Diffusion
Authors: Yayla Kemal , Ozdemir Basak , Burmaoglu Serhat , Yalcin Haydar
Published: July 2019

3D printing technology has been considered one of the most potentially groundbreaking technologies for the future, as the customer expectations, market requirements, and the competition grows in a global scale. In order to understand the potential effect of 3D printing technology and if it is a disruptive innovation that will change the traditional manufacturing paradigm, it is essential to examine the diffusion of knowledge in this area. In this study, 3D printing technology has been reviewed and patent analysis regarding 3D printing technology has been conducted in order to understand the diffusion of 3D printing technology. The results of the patent analysis indicate that the diffusion of 3D printing technology which is represented by the patents of four key methods not expected to fit with Bass diffusion model. According to the findings, it can be concluded that 3D printing technologies are in a situation where a state of maturity has not been reached, yet the growth still continues.
Knowledge Management Systems Characteristics That Support Knowledge Sharing and Decision-Making Processes in Organizations
Authors: Abdelrahman Mahmoud , Masri Firas , Skoumpopoulou Dimitra
Published: July 2019

With the advent of the knowledge economy and the growing importance of knowledge societies, organizations are constantly seeking new ways of leveraging and sharing knowledge to support decision-making (DM) processes. This chapter presents an initial insight to the little-researched phenomenon of how knowledge management systems (KMSs) can facilitate knowledge sharing (KS) to support DM processes in organizations. In this chapter, authors aim to extend the existing literature of knowledge management, decision making, and knowledge sharing by proposing a new conceptual framework, namely “ECUA” (easiness, communication, unification, and analytics characteristics). In this study, 42 semi-structured interviews have been conducted. The proposed conceptual framework will benefit managers in both public and private sectors in finding new ways of leveraging and sharing knowledge to support DM processes via using KMSs. This framework can be used to explore KMSs characteristics that can support DM processes by facilitating knowledge sharing in organizations.
Organizational Learning Through Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Communities Thru Learner Readiness and Their Social Capital
Authors: Razzaque Anjum
Published: July 2019

Past scholars propose knowledge management (KM) frameworks, but few bare deployable KM strategies, particularly for the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) public sector. The GCC invests heavily in the KM infrastructure for its healthcare, banking, education, and now in the Ministry of Interior (MoI). A literature review revealed the need to cognize the effect of employees learning readiness (LR) and social capital (SC) on knowledge sharing (KS) in virtual communities. This study assesses these three constructs in a proposed model and tests the model using an online survey distributed to 400 Kingdom of Bahrain's (KoB)'s MoI employees. Multiple regression analysis revealed a fit proposed model of this study which articulates that organizational learning is possible thru VC KS when facilitated by LR and SC: equipping organizations to bank its social capital of employee resources in knowledge bases for future knowledge acquisition, and re-use. Theoretical and practical implications are also part of this chapter.
The Relationship of Leadership in Knowledge Management Towards Effectiveness in Higher Education Institutes
Authors: Aldhaen Esra
Published: July 2019

Higher education institutes around the world are facing serious challenges in particular to strategic planning, accreditation, and deriving high-priority operations. Various studies declared that one of the main aspects that is causing higher education institutes a tremendous failure is leadership styles, specifically the random selection of leaders to run the operations to match with the recruitment cycle. In some countries such as the United Kingdom, leaders of the higher education institute or the school within the university must be changed after a specific year handling the position. This change normally impacts the change of leadership styles and strategies, including knowledge management and sharing strategies. This was found to be one of the important factors that could hinder the operations and may lead to failure in implementing the planned targets.
The Power of Knowledge Sharing in Public Higher Education
Authors: Mehrotra Arpita Anshu , Elias Hala , Al-Alawi Adel I.
Published: July 2019

The aim of this chapter is to explore what instructors and student should have of knowledge sharing (KS) attitude and to investigate the benefits and barriers of KS in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council University. The purpose is to determine the outcome of KS and how the knowledge could develop the act of instructors and students and the college as an organization and to investigate the degree of KS in academic level at the public university. The students and instructors were asked about the extent to which they know of the significance of sharing their knowledge with others. The results show that a significant number of them are aware moderately. The chapter concludes that the majority tend to share knowledge with no boundaries. Three recommendations are drawn: raise people's awareness about the value of KS by seminars or workshops, raise the coordination between the students, and enhance this in their lives, and expand the level of communications.
A Framework for Improving Knowledge Management Using Cloud-Based Business Intelligence
Authors: Awad Wasan Shaker , Al-Noaimi Dalal N.
Published: July 2019

Business environment is becoming more complex which creates a big pressure on organizations to increase the performance and decrease the budget and time. Typical management information system failed to reach decision makers' expectations. In order to adapt to the global changes and support decision makers, organizations may implement different solutions and strategies. One of the solutions is to implement business intelligence (BI) in large organizations. The aim of this chapter is to assess the effectiveness of BI solutions and propose a solution for improving knowledge management using BI and cloud computing. A quantitative research method is used which includes survey and interviews. The results will be analyzed to evaluate the current BI solutions in order to identify the problems of knowledge management and decision-making process. Accordingly, a solution will be proposed to overcome the identified problem using cloud BI.
The Impact of Project Management Maturity Levels on Project Success in the Construction and Engineering Industry in Bahrain
Authors: Aljawder Aysha , Hamdan Allam Mohammed
Published: July 2019

Project management is a complex undertaking with many stages and processes. It should follow the full business life cycle from definition and justification of the project through to delivering demonstrable benefits for the company. Nowadays, more and more organizations adjust their organizational culture towards project orientation. There is a big challenge, for each organization, to continually improve its project management processes to increase quality of outputs and satisfaction of customers. Measuring project management implementation maturity can assist in this effort by providing a valuable framework for performance improvement. The construction and engineering industry in Bahrain has witnessed many technological advances recently that require competent project management.
Endurance of New Women in Corporate World Through Spiritualism
Authors: Ojha Jyotirmayee , Mishra Deepanjali
Published: July 2019

Spiritualism and feminism are an analogous track, for the most part now prevailing in today's corporate world. The corporate world is a proactive activity, but often the organisation reacts to events in the outside world that are hectic, filled with much alertness and work. The corporate world and communication activities are always initiated by the work ethics and individual personality. At the same time the corporate world, which is now very much entrusted with women employee and their faith, belief and conviction have moved towards outer existence or spirituality. Gender differences in spirituality and related traits are an assumed reality despite the lack of empirical information that directly compares women and men in corporate world due to the role of work and the platform of work that dealt in different terms and times.
“Talk to Me!”
Authors: Cain Melissa , Fanshawe Melissa
Published: July 2019

As educators, we aim for students to seek, identify, and utilize a range of feedback to gain an understanding of their present performance in relation to learning goals, and ultimately to identify and use tools to close the gap between present and desired performance. We strive for all students to be their “own first assessors”—intelligent deciders—and develop the independence to self-assess the quality of their own work when they leave higher education institutions and enter the workforce. For students with a print disability such as vision impairment or blindness, traditional forms of feedback may not be successful in providing the information they need to close the gap. The most important issue for these students is access to feedback and agency in the feedback conversation. It is incumbent on higher education educators to find ways to provide equity of access to the provision and reception of feedback for all students. As such, this chapter explores ways for providing feedback to students with a vision impairment to ensure they are able to contextualize and utilize the feedback to improve learning outcomes. This is achieved by aligning the use of mobile technologies and audio feedback with the key principles of connectivism—autonomy, connectedness, diversity, and openness—to provide educators with recommendations.
Feedback to “Feedforward”
Authors: Berenato Carolyn L.
Published: July 2019

In recognizing that effective feedback and pedagogical approaches that support social interaction in learning are vital to students' achievement, this chapter focuses on students' need to be actively involved in their learning and assessment. It reports research into how undergraduate education students utilized assessment feedback. The students provided their perceptions of the feedback strategies employed by completing a survey. This included an investigation into whether the students used the feedback to “feed forward,” that is, to answer the question as to whether it was used to enhance their responses in their next assessments. The results revealed a contrast between the students' approach to their learning compared with that of the pedagogy underpinning the course, which sought to empower them in their learning through teaching and assessment practices that engaged them in critical thinking. The students appeared to lack assessment literacy since they treated the feedback as corrective of the assignment being marked and not relevant to them taking-action to improve their future work. It is recommended that this disconnect be further explored since without students' understanding of the purposes of assessment and feedback, in keeping with their educators' intent they are limited in their ability to learn.
Changing the LAB Experience in Undergraduate Engineering
Authors: Habibi Ali Mohamed , Dashwood Ann
Published: July 2019

The use of technology to enhance formative assessment in higher education continues to be a challenge regardless of advances in digital capabilities; yet research has shown its potential regardless of discipline. In undergraduate electrical and electronic engineering, which is the discipline focus in this chapter, lab work is an area that can be enhanced in this way but with such an enhancement comes a change in pedagogy from the conventional approach of in-lab physical practical work conducted by the individual student alone or in a group with limited support to one of working collaboratively in remote access laboratories scattered far and wide through an online learning systems that provides access to laboratory infrastructure and learning environments through the internet. In a collaborative learning environment, students work together to solve problems and need to become involved in dialogue to achieve a common goal where they depend on and are accountable to each other. This chapter explores students' experience of a collaborative approach to lab work regarding mastery of the voltage division rule and its relevance to formative assessment using remote access laboratories that depend on technology and internet access. The implications for task design and formative assessment are discussed based on the results of interviews with participating students. The nature of change in pedagogical practice is highlighted as are the implications for the design of formative assessment and the need to work at the level of “feedback markers” that are able to feed forward to progress learning.
An Exploratory Study to Understand the Phenomena of Eye-Tracking Technology
Authors: Syed Ahmed , Chakraborty Subrata , Hafeez-Baig Abdul , Mandal Anuradha
Published: July 2019

Technology has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the formative aspects of learning and teaching in the current digital age. Due to technology, there is an expectation of having customized medicine, customized interaction, and customized formative communication instead of traditional mass reporting approaches. Formative assessment within higher education teaching and learning environments are no exception to such an approach in the 21st century digital environment. Eye-tracking technology in recent years has provided an insight to understand the human eye movements and concentration patterns, which has application in education. Eye-tracking can be used to examine the processes of individuals in their learning to establish how learning contents are delivered and perceived by all involved (e.g., teaching staff, students, and markers). This chapter proposes that critical and specific information from eye-tracking software can lead to tailored educational content to accommodate, customize, and optimize the unique learning methods for an individual student as per their learning habits. This chapter describes the available eye-tracking technologies and their application in educational processes.
A Cross-Professional Collaborative Educational Approach to Building Student Feedback Literacy
Authors: Thangavelu Anbarasu , Cawthray Tyler , Pauley Ron
Published: July 2019

Understanding and engaging with assessment feedback is a crucial step in contributing to a student's development of academic skills and content knowledge. However, in order for feedback to be effective, students need to be aware of its importance and how to engage with it. Preliminary benchmarking of the tertiary education sector in Australia demonstrates that publicly and openly accessible student resources on feedback are not available. Rather, most student resources at universities focus on common academic and study skills. At the University of Southern Queensland, a student resource was developed to inform students on the value of feedback and how to engage with it through a three-step process. This resource was embedded in first-year courses as part of a suite of academic and study skills resources. This chapter explores how student feedback resources have the potential to positively contribute to student feedback literacy, learning and development.
A “real life” investigation on the prescriptive habits among Italian andrologists: The “CONSER” survey from Italian Society of Andrology (SIA) on Sildenafil oral film
Authors: Palmieri Alessandro , Silvani Mauro , Giammusso Bruno , Liguori Giovanni , Mondaini Nicola , Palumbo Fabrizio , Pecoraro Stefano , Risi Oreste , Sansalone Salvatore , Scroppo Fabrizio Ildefonso , Zucchi Alessandro , Verze Paolo , Capece Marco , Cai Tommaso
Published: July 2019

Even if oral type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5i) seem an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), the drop-out is high among patients. For this reason, pharmaceutical companies are encouraged to develop new administration routes, such as the orally disintegrating film. The aim of this study was to analyse the prescription habit of Italian andrologists affiliated to Italian Society of Andrology (SIA) in the era of new oro-dispersible formulation of sildenafil. A 12-items dedicated questionnaire has been distributed to 77 urologists andrologists. As a result of the questionnaire, sildenafil is still the preferred drug of Italian andrologists as it is considered the safest and the most effective. It combines the speed of action and the discretion of the intake that are very important issues for the adherence to the treatment according to the Italian sample. Physicians have also reported the positive feedback of the patients taking sildenafil film as they consider the oro-dispersible formulation either comparable or superior to the old tablet. In conclusion this new formulation has given a new life to an old molecule like sildenafil, and Italian andrologists considered this new pharmaceutical formulation as a good tool to improve the patient’s adherence to the treatment and quality of life.
Relationships between sperm DNA integrity and bulk semen parameters in Bulgarian patients with varicocele
Authors: Alargkof Viktor , Kersten Larissa , Stanislavov Romil , Kamenov Zdravko , Nikolinakos Panagiotis
Published: July 2019

Objective: This exploratory retrospective study aimed to compare the level of Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and investigate its association with bulk semen parameters, for the first time in Bulgarian patients with varicocele, using a distinct methodology. Material and methods: Standard semen analysis was performed according to the 2010 criteria of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology - Nordic Association for Andrology (ESHRE-NAFA-2010) and DNA fragmentation was assessed using the Halosperm® kit. The total sample included 28 males: the control group consisted of men with normal genital examination and unknown fertility (n = 10), group one consisted of men with varicocele, normozoospermia and DNA fragmentation > 15% (n = 9) and group two consisted of men with varicocele, abnormal sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation > 15% (n = 9). Results: DNA fragmentation was found to be higher in patients with abnormal sperm parameters (43.78 ± 30.78) compared to the normozoospermic group (21.22 ± 3.93) (p = 0.008). In normozoospermic patients, no statistically significant correlations were observed between SDF and bulk semen parameters. In patients with abnormal sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation exhibited significant very strong negative association with motility (a+b), vitality and typical morphology (p < 0.001). Conclusions: DNA integrity assays could be used for a better evaluation and management of male infertility, particularly in normozoospermic varicocele patients.
Merkel cell carcinoma with kidney metastasis in a 81-year-old man. A rare case report
Authors: Anastasiou Aikaterini , Moulavasilis Napoleon , Leotsakos Ioannis , Nerantzis Christos E. , Anastasiou Ioannis
Published: July 2019

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. The prognosis of the disease is considered poor. Secondary metastasis is common, however a secondary metastasis to kidney from Merkel cell is a very rare phenomenon. We report a case of a man with a MCC metastasis to the right kidney. The suggested management is surgery and afterwards a platinum-based chemotherapy.
Running suture hemostatic technique versus standard reconstruction of the surgical bed in Zero - Ischemia Time mini-flank Open Partial Nephrectomies. Retrospective, Match-Paired Case-Control Study
Authors: Kavaric Petar , Magdelinic Aleksandar , Vukovic Marko
Published: July 2019

Objective: To estimate the efficacy of our technique of zero ischemia time partial nephrectomy (ZTPN) with hemostatic running suture and compare it to the standard technique, in terms of perioperative complications, operative time (OT) and estimated blood loss (EBL). Materials and methods: We retrospectively analysed 180 consecutive patients who underwent ZTPN using a supra 11th or supra 12th rib mini flank approach. First group numbered 90 patients treated with running suture hemostatic technique (RSHT), while the control group enrolled 90 patients in whom we performed standard reconstruction technique (SRT). According the propensity score, both groups were similar in terms of tumor size, age and PADUA score. Patients with solitary tumour limited to the kidney (T1-T2a) were included. Our technique included a running suture of surgical bed edges and closure of the renal cortex by the positioning of peri-renal fat within the cortical bed and fixation with interrupted sutures. Results: PADUA score and tumor size were comparable between groups (7.12 ± 1.33 vs 7.1 ± 2.11, p = 0.4 and 52.9 ± 14.8 vs 50.0 ± 13.2, p = 0.3). The mean operative time (OT) was significantly longer in first group (165.2 vs 95, p = 0.04), while median estimated blood loss (EBL) was significantly reduced (250 vs 460 ml, p = 0.02). Surgical resection margins were negative in 100% of cases and no patient developed a local or distant recurrence during follow up. There was significant difference in postoperative GFR value between groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our technique could be safely performed in local, low volume facilities, thus reducing the need for expensive and more challenging minimal invasive surgical techniques..
Prostate volume effect on Gleason score upgrading in active surveillance appropriate patients
Authors: Çamur Emre , Coşkun Alper , Kavukoğlu Ӧvünç , Can Utku , Kara Önder , Develi Çamur Arzu , Sarıca Kemal , Narter Kamil Fehmi
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Gleason Score (GS) upgrading rates in the literature are reported to be around 33-45%. The relationship between prostate volume and GS upgrading should be defined, aiming to reduce upgrading rates in patients with low risk groups who are eligible for active surveillance (AS) or minimally invasive treatment, by varying biopsy cores, or lengths of cores according to prostate volumes. In this regard, the aim of our study was to establish the relationship between prostate volume and GS upgrading. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 78 patients, who were appropriate for AS between 2011-2016 at our hospital. Inclusion criteria were patient age under 65 years, PSA level under 10 ng/ml, GS (3 + 3) or (3 + 4), and 3 or less positive cores, clinical stages ≤ T2. GS increase in radical prostatectomy specimen was considered as 'upgrading' and in addition, score reported by biopsy as 3 + 4 but in surgical specimen as 4 + 3 were also considered as 'upgrading'. The effect of prostate volume on Gleason grade upgrading was examined by calculating upgrading rates separately for patients with prostate volume 30 ml or less, those with 30 to 60 ml, and those over 60 ml. Results: As a result of the analysis of the data, upgrading was seen in 35 (44.8%) of 78 patients included in the study. In the cohort mean prostate volume was 49.8 (± 26.3) ml. Twenty-two patients (28.2%) had prostate volume 30 ml or less, 34 (43.6%) 30 to 60 ml, and 22 (28.2%) 60 ml or more. The patients were divided into two groups as those with and without GS upgrading. Between the groups prostate volume and prostate volume range (0-30/31-60/> 60) were not significantly different (p value > 0.05). Conclusions: Gleason grade upgrading causes patients to be classified in a lower risk group than they actually are, and may lead to inappropriate treatment. This condition has a direct effect on the decision of active surveillance. Therefore, it is important to define the factors that can predict GS upgrading in active surveillance appropriate patients. In this study, we found that prostate volume has no significant effect on upgrading in active surveillance appropriate patients.
Dimensions of excellence “second curve thinking” and progress in physiotherapy
Authors: Grant Ruth
Published: July 2019

No abstract available