bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Electrochemical, Low-Frequency Seismic Micro-Sensor Based on MEMS with a Force-Balanced Feedback System
Authors: Li Guanglei , Wang Junbo , Chen Deyong , Chen Jian , Chen Lianhong , Xu Chao
Published: September 2017

Electrochemical seismic sensors are key components in monitoring ground vibration, which are featured with high performances in the low-frequency domain. However, conventional electrochemical seismic sensors suffer from low repeatability due to limitations in fabrication and limited bandwidth. This paper presents a micro-fabricated electrochemical seismic sensor with a force-balanced negative feedback system, mainly composed of a sensing unit including porous sensing micro electrodes immersed in an electrolyte solution and a feedback unit including a feedback circuit and a feedback magnet. In this study, devices were designed, fabricated, and characterized, producing comparable performances among individual devices. In addition, bandwidths and total harmonic distortions of the proposed devices with and without a negative feedback system were quantified and compared as 0.005–20 (feedback) Hz vs. 0.3–7 Hz (without feedback), 4.34 ± 0.38% (without feedback) vs. 1.81 ± 0.31% (feedback)@1 Hz@1 mm/s and 3.21 ± 0.25% (without feedback) vs. 1.13 ± 0.19% (feedback)@5 Hz@1 mm/s (ndevice = 6, n represents the number of the tested devices), respectively. In addition, the performances of the proposed MEMS electrochemical seismometers with feedback were compared to a commercial electrochemical seismic sensor (CME 6011), producing higher bandwidth (0.005–20 Hz vs. 0.016–30 Hz) and lower self-noise levels (−165.1 ± 6.1 dB vs. −137.7 dB at 0.1 Hz, −151.9 ± 7.5 dB vs. −117.8 dB at 0.02 Hz (ndevice = 6)) in the low-frequency domain. Thus, the proposed device may function as an enabling electrochemical seismometer in the fields requesting seismic monitoring at the ultra-low frequency domain.
Efficiency Analysis of Retail Chain Stores in Korea
Authors: Ko Kyungwan , Chang Meehyang , Bae Eun-Song , Kim Daecheol
Published: September 2017

In today’s low-growth business environment, efficiency management is becoming more important to improve corporate sustainability. In a chain store, the efficiency of individual stores must be well managed to improve the efficiency of the entire enterprise. To do this, it is important to measure the efficiency of individual stores and to find factors that affect efficiency. The main purpose of this study is to find out the factors affecting the efficiency of chain stores and to analyze the results to find out the implications that contribute to an improvement in efficiency. We measured the relative efficiency of individual stores using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and analyzed the factors that affect efficiency with the Tobit regression model. As a result, we found that the number of items per employee and a competitive environment influence the efficiency of stores. An excessive number of items may cause efficiency to be lowered. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the life cycle of the product, considering the trade-off between assortment and efficiency. Competition helps to improve efficiency to some extent, but too much competition can reduce efficiency.
Occupational Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA): A Reality That Still Needs to Be Unveiled
Authors: Ribeiro Edna , Ladeira Carina , Viegas Susana
Published: September 2017

Bisphenol A (BPA), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, is one of the most utilized industrial chemicals worldwide, with the ability to interfere with/or mimic estrogenic hormones with associated biological responses. Environmental human exposure to this endocrine disruptor, mostly through oral intake, is considered a generalized phenomenon, particularly in developed countries. However, in the context of occupational exposure, non-dietary exposure sources (e.g., air and contact) cannot be underestimated. Here, we performed a review of the literature on BPA occupational exposure and associated health effects. Relevantly, the authors only identified 19 studies from 2009 to 2017 that demonstrate that occupationally exposed individuals have significantly higher detected BPA levels than environmentally exposed populations and that the detection rate of serum BPA increases in relation to the time of exposure. However, only 12 studies performed in China have correlated potential health effects with detected BPA levels, and shown that BPA-exposed male workers are at greater risk of male sexual dysfunction across all domains of sexual function; also, endocrine disruption, alterations to epigenetic marks (DNA methylation) and epidemiological evidence have shown significant effects on the offspring of parents exposed to BPA during pregnancy. This overview raises awareness of the dramatic and consistent increase in the production and exposure of BPA and creates urgency to assess the actual exposure of workers to this xenoestrogen and to evaluate potential associated adverse health effects.
Incorporating the Vadose Zone into the Budyko Framework
Authors: Sposito Garrison
Published: September 2017

The Budyko framework provides a quantitative description of long-term average annual evapotranspiration at catchment scales in terms of macro-climatic variables. This framework, however, makes no reference to the vadose zone because it neglects changes in ubsurface storage in the catchment water balance. Recent studies have shown clearly that vadose-zone water storage cannot be neglected at sub-catchment or sub-annual space and time scales, resulting in numerous model attempts to extend the original Budyko framework to incorporate the full water balance equation. Here we apply the approach taken in a companion paper on the original Budyko framework to show that it can be generalized rigorously to include changes in vadose-zone water storage in a manner that is both parsimonious in hypotheses and broad in scope.
High-Dose Decanted Triamcinolone for Treatment-Resistant Persistent Macular Edema
Authors: Muftuoglu Ilkay Kilic , Tsai Frank F. , Lin Tiezhu , Freeman William R.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To report the outcomes of decanted high-dose intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (HD-IVTA) injection for treatment-resistant persistent macular edema (ME).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Seventy-seven eyes of 70 consecutive patients who failed prior treatments for persistent ME received as-needed HD-IVTA injections. Best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed at all follow-up visits.

RESULTS:

Thirty-three eyes (42.8%) had ME following pars plana vitrectomy. The mean ETDRS letter score from baseline improved by 6.3 letters ± 11.5 letters at 3 months (
P
< .001) and 4.8 letters ± 11.4 letters at 12 months (
P
= .016). The mean change in CMT from baseline was significant at all follow-up visits (
P
< .001). During 1-year follow-up, 49 eyes (63.6%) required only one HD-IVTA injection. The mean time for reinjection was 6 months ± 2.4 months (range: 1.6 months to 10.5 months) after the first injection of HD-IVTA. The incidence of elevated intraocular pressure was 40.2% (31 of 77 eyes). Of these, one eye required glaucoma surgery. Among 14 phakic eyes, 21.4% (three eyes) developed cataract formation requiring surgery.

CONCLUSION:

A single HD-IVTA injection can provide a long duration of effect on ME of up to 6 months.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2017;48:717–726.]
Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Effectiveness of Intravitreal Injections of Bevacizumab, Triamcinolone, or Their Combination in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Neto Hermelino O. , Regatieri Caio V. , Nobrega Mário J. , Muccioli Cristina , Casella Antonio M. , Andrade Rafael E. , Maia Mauricio , Kniggendorf Vinicius , Ferreira Magno , Branco André C. , Belfort Rubens
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of combined bevacizumab-triamcinolone intravitreal injection in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) compared to monotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

At eight clinical sites, 111 patients with DME were randomly assigned to receive an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA), triamcinolone (Ophthalmos Pharmaceutical Industry, São Paulo-SP, Brazil), or their combination. The primary outcome was visual acuity (VA) at 6 months' follow-up.

RESULTS:

The average number of injections was 3.2 in the bevacizumab group, 2.4 in the combined group, and 2.1 in the triamcinolone group. All groups presented with improvements in VA (
P
< .001); however, no differences between groups were observed (
P
= .436). Mean reduction in central retinal thickness was statistically different only between the triamcinolone and bevacizumab groups (
P
< .015).

CONCLUSION:

Mono- or combination therapy was effective for DME treatment. No synergistic effects were observed; however, triamcinolone alone or a drug combination may reduce the number of injections required when compared to bevacizumab alone.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2017;48:734–740.]
Bilateral Retinal Detachments After Intravitreal Injection of Adipose-Derived ‘Stem Cells’ in a Patient With Exudative Macular Degeneration
Authors: Saraf Steven S. , Cunningham Matthew A. , Kuriyan Ajay E. , Read Sarah P. , Rosenfeld Philip J. , Flynn Harry W. , Albini Thomas A.
Published: September 2017

A 77-year-old woman with exudative macular degeneration underwent bilateral intravitreal injections of “stem cells” at a clinic in Georgia. One month and 3 months after injection, she developed retinal detachments in the left and right eyes, respectively. Increased awareness within the medical community of such poor outcomes is critical so that clinics offering untested practices that have been shown to be potentially harmful to patients can be identified and brought under U.S. Food and Drug Administration oversight.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2017;48:772–775.]
Critical Service-Learning and Cultural Humility
Authors: Terrance Traci C. , Watkins Marie L. , Jimerson Lauren
Published: September 2017

Racial, ethnic, and cultural context impacts how communities perceive problems, and ultimately their perception of what is deemed helpful. Thus, a lack of awareness of these particularities can render service-learning efforts ineffective. This chapter highlights a 12-year service-learning partnership between a predominantly White, comprehensive, liberal arts college and the local Haudenosaunee community. Pedagogical strategies utilizing the Six Requirements (6Rs) of service-learning and informed by cultural humility act as a transformative way to facilitate student readiness to engage with the said community. Cultural humility is positioned as a process that transforms service-learning into critical service-learning, as it enhances students' ability to engage in critical self-reflection, mitigating the toxic elements and empathic failures of uninformed service-learning efforts. This chapter contributes to more mindful service-learning efforts, challenging all to work with service-learning partners in a manner that keeps community voice and choice at the core of service.
Advocacy and Teacher Mentoring
Authors: Kougioumtzis Georgios A. , Louka Dimitra
Published: September 2017

Undoubtedly, key parameters in reinforcing the role of the teacher are guidance and his empowerment at the early stages of his training as a teacher. This chapter discusses the interconnection of advocacy with teacher mentoring programs, so that teachers may develop the relevant advocacy skills in order to act as defenders of equality and social justice. Moreover, specific aspects which are developed are the investigation of the concept of advocacy and social justice, the need for teachers to develop advocacy skills, the role of the mentor and the presentation of basic counseling models. Also, participatory advocacy practices, recruitment of mentors and the conception of a development plan of a wider program of advocacy, as well as advocacy models and the involvement of pupils themselves in all human rights advocacy processes are presented. Finally, the necessity for individual University Departments of Teacher Training to integrate the subject of advocacy in their curricula and provide prospective teachers with practice in this field are highlighted.
Teaching in an Anti-Deficit Pedagogical Mindset
Authors: Woods R. J. , Johnson Stevie , Pope Myron L.
Published: September 2017

Anti-deficit pedagogy is an innovative and practical concept that aids in closing the cultural gap minority students face in education. Minority students often bare an undue burden in regards to accessing standard content under current pedagogical approaches. They are faced with unrealistic expectations of simultaneously learning content, the context of the content, and the skills and tools needed to access and unpack the content. Those expectations are in addition to minority students being discouraged and disconnected from a system of education that seemingly devalues them by either ignoring contributions made by individuals that they share commonalities with or that offers minimal acknowledgement of events with any significant relevancy. Anti-deficit pedagogy addresses many of the critical issues responsible for the expanding cultural gap between students and educators who are content knowledgeable, but lack cultural proficiency. This chapter highlights the development and implementation of a course for a group of African American male students.
Benchmark Academy Study Ties Customer Experience to Emotional Branding
Authors: Bean Erik P.
Published: September 2017

How do academies use customer experience (CX) leadership theory? How do they employ and measure it? How is emotional branding related to customer experience? No matter how rigorous higher education programs become, understanding the student and faculty customer experience can have many positive effects. Staff and faculty need to understand how to create meaningful student interactions leading to loyalty that can foster networking opportunities for student success throughout the school's prospective, current, and alumni network. A content analysis and brief survey was employed to examine a University of Phoenix research center Website iteration to define the customer personas of dissertation chairs, its largest customers who utilize the Center for Leadership Studies and Educational Research (CLSER) center for guidance to formulate research studies geared towards publication. These customers (known as affiliates) also were measured whether they believed that implicit promises made were kept, a necessity of purposeful CX strategy and that signifies the degree of emotional connection.
Girls Building Androids and Robots
Authors: Götz Maya , Nastasia Diana Iulia , Johnson J. J.
Published: September 2017

There is still a considerable degree of catching up to do in regards to fostering gender equality within areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Children's leading medium, television, could offer role models of girls with competence in STEM areas, but unfortunately television programs often miss this chance. The children's television series Annedroids is a notable exception. This chapter provides insight into how children can be educated about gender equality in STEM with the aid of gender-sensitive media programs such as Annedroids. The chapter examines data from a reception study which was conducted under the leadership of the International Central Institute for Youth and Educational Television (IZI) with 6- to 12-year-old children in the United States and Canada (N = 301). The research is enhanced by a conversation between Dr. Maya Götz, Head of IZI; Dr. Diana Nastasia, a contributor to the IZI research; and J. J. Johnson, the program's creator.
Studies on Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Doped PVP Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: B. J. Madhu
Published: September 2017

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) nanoparticles have been synthesized by solution combustion technique using stoichiometric composition of magnesium nitrate as oxidizer and urea as fuel. Structure of the MgO was studied with the X-ray diffraction (XRD) using Cu-Ka radiation. MgO/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanocomposites have been prepared by blending MgO nanoparticles with the polyvinylpyrrolidone. MgO/PVP nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Frequency dependence of dielectric constant (e'), dielectric loss tangent (tand) and AC conductivity studies have been undertaken on the MgO/PVP nanocomposites in the frequency range 50Hz-5MHz at room temperature. Dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (e') and dielectric loss tangent (tand) are found to decrease with the increase in the frequency. Further, AC conductivity of MgO/PVP nanocomposites was found to increase with an increase in the frequency. Observed variation in the a. c. conductivity with the frequency has been understood on the basis of electron hopping model.
Cloud Computing Technologies for Green Enterprises
Authors: Ravi Parkavi , Chinnaiah Priyanka , Abbas Sheik Adullah
Published: September 2017

Green computing, also called green equipment, is the environmentally sustainable to use of computers and related resources like - monitors, printer, storage devices, networking and communication systems - effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment. Green cloud is a catchphrase that refers to the potential environmental benefits that information technology (IT) services delivered over the Internet will present society. The word combines the words green meaning environmentally gracious and cloud, the traditional image for online and the shortened name for a type of service delivery model known as cloud processing.
Cloud Computing, Green Computing, and Green ICT
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: September 2017

This chapter reveals the overview of cloud computing; cloud computing, green computing, green ICT, and data center utilization; the importance of cloud computing in the digital age; the advanced issues of green computing; and the important perspectives on green ICT. Cloud computing is computing based on the Internet. Green computing and green ICT are the sustainable business practices of reducing the environmental footprints of technology by efficiently using several resources. Green computing and green ICT are the important perspectives for the businesses to improve their corporate image by meeting regulatory requirements and sustainability demands of both customers and employees. The chapter argues that cloud computing, green computing, and green ICT are the advanced technologies toward improving sustainability and sustainable development in the green economy.
Metaheuristic- and Statistical-Based Sampling in Optimization
Authors: Tenne Yoel
Published: September 2017

Modern engineering often uses computer simulations as a partial substitute to real-world experiments. As such simulations are often computationally intensive, metamodels, which are numerical approximations of the simulation, are often used. Optimization frameworks which use metamodels require an initial sample of points to initiate the main optimization process. Two main approaches for generating the initial sample are the ‘design of experiments' method which is statistically based, and the more recent metaheuristic-based sampling which uses a metaheuristic or a computational intelligence algorithm. Since the initial sample can have a strong impact on the overall optimization search and since the two sampling approaches operate based only widely different mechanisms this study analyzes the impact of these two approaches on the overall search effectiveness in an extensive set of numerical experiments which covers a wide variety of scenarios. A detailed analysis is then presented which highlights which method was the most beneficial to the search depending on the problem settings.
EEG Analysis to Decode Tactile Sensory Perception Using Neural Techniques
Authors: Saha Anuradha , Konar Amit
Published: September 2017

This chapter introduces a novel approach to examine the scope of tactile sensory perception as a possible modality of treatment of patients suffering from certain mental disorder using a Support Vector Machines with kernelized neural network. Experiments are designed to understand the perceptual difference of schizophrenic patients from normal and healthy subjects with respect to three different touch classes, including soft touch, rubbing, massaging and embracing and their three typical subjective responses. Experiments undertaken indicate that for normal subjects and schizophrenic patients, the average percentage accuracy in classification of all the three classes: pleasant/acceptable/unpleasant is comparable with their respective oral responses. In addition, for schizophrenic patients, the percentage accuracy for acceptable class is very poor of the order of below 12%, which for normal subjects is quite high (42%). Performance analysis reveals that the proposed classifier outperforms its competitors with respect to classification accuracy in all the above three classes.
Norms-Adaptable Agents for Open Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Mahmoud Moamin A , Ahmad Mohd Sharifuddin
Published: September 2017

Norms and normative multi-agent systems have become the subjects of interest for many researchers. Such interest is caused by the need for agents to exploit the norms in enhancing their performance in a community. In open agent systems, an agent is not usually and explicitly given the norms of the host agents. Thus, when it is not able to adapt the communities' norms, it is totally deprived of accessing resources and services from the host. Such circumstance severely affects its performance resulting in failure to achieve its goal. While several studies have addressed this issue, their detection mechanisms are restricted to the use of sanctions by third party enforcement. Consequently, this study attempts to overcome this deficiency by proposing a technique that enables an agent to detect the host's potential norms via self-enforcement and update its norms even in the absence of sanctions from a third-party. The technique is called the Potential Norms Detection Technique (PNDT).
Smart City Portals for Public Service Delivery
Authors: Peters Christoph , Korthaus Axel , Kohlborn Thomas
Published: September 2017

The future cities of our societies need to integrate their citizens into a value-co-creation process in order to transform to smart cities with an increased quality of life for their citizens. Therefore, administrations need to radically improve the delivery of public services, providing them citizen- and user-centric. In this context, online portals represent a cost effective front-end to deliver services and engage customers and new organizational approaches as back-ends which decouple the service interface from the departmental structures emerged. The research presented in this book chapter makes two main contributions: Firstly, the findings of a usability study comparing the online presences of the Queensland Government, the UK Government and the South Australian Government are reported and discussed. Secondly, the findings are reflected in regard to a broader “Transformational Government” approach and current smart city research and developments. Service bundling and modularization are suggested as innovative solutions to further improve online service delivery.
Communication Trends in Internet of Things
Authors: Gopalsamy Bharathi N.
Published: September 2017

The central hypothesis of Internet of Things is the term “connectivity”. The IoT devices are connected to the Internet through a wide variety of communication technologies. This chapter explains the various technologies involved in IoT connectivity. The diversity in communication raises the query of which one to choose for the proposed application. The key objective of the application needs to be defined very clearly. The application features such as the power requirement, data size, storage, security and battery life highly influence the decision of selecting one or more communication technology. Near Field Communication is a good choice for short-range communication, whereas Wi-Fi can be opted for a larger range of coverage. Though Bluetooth is required for higher data rate, it is power hungry, but ZigBee is suitable for low power devices. There involves always the tradeoff between the technologies and the requirements. This chapter emphasizes that the goal of the application required to be more precise to decide the winner of the IoT connectivity technology that suits for it.
Digital Resource Management Strategies
Authors: K. Sarojadevi , S. Padmamma
Published: September 2017

Digital technologies have transformed the shape of the libraries in recent years. Digital literacy has grown exponentially, and digital devices have proliferated personal computers, servers, mobile phones, tablets, laptops and mobile wireless devices. Library users, in the new era of information and communication technology environment expects to access traditional print material and more concentrated on digital information resources. So, in order to meet the user demands traditional libraries are vigorously changing their shapes and moving towards digital libraries. Obviously there may be changing in the nature of duties and responsibilities of a library professional. Since, managing of digital resources in the library is entirely different from physical print assets of a traditional library, there is a need of systematic and unique premier framework of strategic planning, innovative policies, establishing, collecting, licensing, sharing, and monitoring of digital information resources and this challenging task is called Digital Resource Management.
Serendipity on a Plate
Authors: Johansson Michael
Published: September 2017

This article will present and discuss the design thinking, methods, processes and some examples of work that demonstrates how, together with different co-creators, one sets up a work practice using digital 3d objects and images. That in different ways and formats helps us to explore how a database, a set of rules can be used in a dialogue with artistic work practice and how such a process can be used to create images and animation in a variety of design and art projects. The main example is a project called Conversation China that still is in its making, here one works with rather complex processes, involving several digital analogue techniques as the basis for creating the images for a 150 pieces porcelain dinner set. The author's interest in this work is how the intention of the artist or designer is transferred and later embedded in the procedural or algorithmic process and how this intent is organized and set up to secure an desired outcome, mixing the possibilities of the digital media object with manual editing and artistic craftsmanship. What this article tries to put forward is how we designed and set up environments for working with non linear and procedural media, their different expressions and forms by using explorable prototypes and design thinking?
Digital Transformation in the Public Sector
Authors: da Rosa Isabel , de Almeida João
Published: September 2017

Digital transformation in the public sector is an inevitable requirement for governments due to the growing complexity and interconnections of information systems, and to the demands of citizens, who are becoming better informed and are increasingly looking to more agile and innovative services. However, despite the willingness of many governments and public institutions, the results do not always tally with the original objectives. In the case of public procurement in Portugal, it could be said that digital transformation experience had an unexpected success in the European context, through a business model that is still quite unique in Europe. This result is much owed to the strong political determination, the experience gained from pilot projects, and to the involvement of many stakeholders, who contributed, in a consistent and innovative way, to the definition of the system. The system is not perfect: there are many challenges that need to be addressed in the coming years. Yet, it has enabled the Portuguese public administration to significantly grow in the digital era, so that today the State has a database containing structure information about public procurement, which is a unique case in many countries.
Digital Forensic Analysis of Cybercrimes
Authors: Sabillon Regner , Serra-Ruiz Jordi , Cavaller Victor , Cano Jeimy J.
Published: September 2017

This paper reviews the existing methodologies and best practices for digital investigations phases like collecting, evaluating and preserving digital forensic evidence and chain of custody of cybercrimes. Cybercriminals are adopting new strategies to launch cyberattacks within modified and ever changing digital ecosystems, this article proposes that digital investigations must continually readapt to tackle cybercrimes and prosecute cybercriminals, working in international collaboration networks, sharing prevention knowledge and lessons learned. The authors also introduce a compact cyber forensics model for diverse technological ecosystems called Cyber Forensics Model in Digital Ecosystems (CFMDE). Transferring the knowledge, international collaboration, best practices and adopting new digital forensic tools, methodologies and techniques will be hereinafter paramount to obtain digital evidence, enforce organizational cybersecurity policies, mitigate security threats, fight anti-forensics practices and indict cybercriminals. The global Digital Forensics community ought to constantly update current practices to deal with cybercriminality and foreseeing how to prepare to new technological environments where change is always constant.
Multimedia Social Network Modeling Using Hypergraphs
Authors: Sperlì Giancarlo , Amato Flora , Moscato Vincenzo , Picariello Antonio
Published: September 2017

In this paper the authors define a novel data model for Multimedia Social Networks (MSNs), i.e. networks that combine information on users belonging to one or more social communities together with the multimedia content that is generated and used within the related environments. The proposed model relies on the hypergraph data structure to capture and to represent in a simple way all the different kinds of relationships that are typical of social networks and multimedia sharing systems, and in particular between multimedia contents, among users and multimedia content and among users themselves. Different applications (e.g. influence analysis, multimedia recommendation) can be then built on the top of the introduce data model thanks to the introduction of proper user and multimedia ranking functions. In addition, the authors provide a strategy for hypergraph learning from social data. Some preliminary experiments concerning efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach for analysis of Last.fm network are reported and discussed.
The Use of Eye-Gaze to Understand Multimedia Learning
Authors: Desjarlais Malinda
Published: September 2017

There is great interest in how learners construct knowledge when presented with multimedia. Although information has been gained from evaluating recall performance across multimedia conditions, the use of eye-gaze indices for understanding multimedia learning is becoming increasingly popular. Within the multimedia learning literature, researchers have used duration, frequency and sequence of fixations as well as shifts in eye-gaze to identify differences regarding the selection, organization, and integration of information among learners. The current chapter provides a discussion of eye-gaze measures that have been employed in multimedia research and their related interpretations for the attentional process that takes place during the learning phase. In addition, considerations for using eye-gaze measures to understand multimedia learning are presented.
Invest, Engage, and Win
Authors: Yarchi Moran , Wolfsfeld Gadi , Samuel-Azran Tal , Segev Elad
Published: September 2017

Though the use of social media for political campaigning has been widely studied, its correlation with electoral success has not received much attention. The current study uses the 2013 Israeli elections to examine the impact of social media on campaigns as a process. Findings indicate that parties and candidates that invest in social media are more likely to achieve social media success, which in turn increases their chances of achieving electoral success. Some may dispute the level of influence of social media; however, study findings suggest that being active in the digital arena has become a significant element in achieving ballot box success.
Leveraging the Design and Development of Multimedia Presentations for Learners
Authors: Lin Lijia , Leh Amy , Kim Jackie Hee Young , Baylen Danilo M.
Published: September 2017

The chapter addresses how multimedia presentations can be designed effectively for learners. Based on the literature, it defines the related terms and discusses the role of human factors during the design and development process of multimedia. Then, it discusses strategies, such as providing learner control and using visual cueing, to design effective multimedia presentations. In addition, various technologies in creating multimedia-based instruction are described. Finally, the chapter discusses evaluation frameworks, as well as the implications for integrating multimedia into educational practices.
Change Management in Information Asset
Authors: Eachempati Prajwal
Published: September 2017

We are passing through information age with lightning communication speed. Information asset storage in Cloud and retrieval in the net has become the new invisible corporate voyage into the information space. Information Assets are a valuable source of Knowledge for both Information asset creator as well as the user. These are fluid assets that change overtime based on several internal and environmental factors! This paper seeks to address these aspects of Change that impacts such “fluid” Information Assets and the need to raise up to the changing expectations of the millions of users by satisfying the ever growing information hungry businesses. Providing unreliable information and sub-optimal analytical tools can destroy the user in the first instance and can lead to self-destruction as Information asset provider will find no takers in the long run. In this context this assorted information on Change management is chosen carefully and it is hoped, will benefit the reader who may be a technical expert in his field.
Media Synchronization Control in Multimedia Communication
Authors: Sithu Mya , Ishibashi Yutaka
Published: September 2017

In this chapter, first, we explain media synchronization control. Next, we make a survey of media synchronization control techniques and classify the techniques. Also, we compare group synchronization control schemes. Then, we propose new control called the dynamic local lag control in joint musical performance which has severe requirements on high quality of media synchronization and high interactivity. In the performance, multiple users play their respective same or different types of musical instruments together. However, the media synchronization quality and interactivity may seriously be deteriorated owing to the network delay. By Quality of Experience (QoE) assessment, we demonstrate that the new control can achieve high quality of media synchronization and keep the interactivity high. Finally, we discuss the future directions of media synchronization control.
A Selective Overview of Microswitch-Based Programs for Promoting Adaptive Behaviors of Children With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Stasolla Fabrizio , Boccasini Adele , Perilli Viviana , Caffò Alessandro O. , Damiani Rita , Albano Vincenza
Published: September 2017

Assistive technology (AT) refers to any device, equipment and/or piece enabling children with developmental disabilities with self-determination and independence towards the outside world. Within this framework, microswitches represent electronic devices ensuring children with severe to profound developmental and/or multiple disabilities (i.e. a combination of intellectual, sensorial and motor impairments) to the independent access to preferred stimuli. This paper provides a selective overview of some illustrative examples available in the last fifteen years (i.e. 2000-2015) of the empirical evidences published on this topic. Overall, 35 studies were reviewed. Results were widely positive, although some failures occurred. Educational, psychological and rehabilitative implications of the findings were discussed.
A Cognitive and Augmentative Communication System for Special Needs Education
Authors: Al Ja'am Jihad M. , Abou El-Seoud M. Samir , Dandashi Amal , Karkar AbdelGhani
Published: September 2017

A triple component system which can serve basic communication and cognitive needs of developmentally disabled children in the Arab world is proposed. This system is based on a combinational cognitive model which merges Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory. The system aims to benefit three main groups of children: 1) children with hearing impairments (HI), 2) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and 3) children with Down syndrome (DS) and other intellectual disabilities (ID), in their struggle for augmentative communication and enhanced learning. This study elaborates on the cognitive models and the methodologies for each of the three proposed components: Pedagogical approach, Dynamic Arabic text translation to multimedia elements, Multimedia-based system for daily living task learning, as well as Cognitive multimedia tutorials and exercises. The proposed Multimedia-based triple component system has been tested on a group of 100 children, 50 with DS and 50 with other IDs. Evaluation results from these studies demonstrated that the multimedia system is effective in terms of cognition and motivation for children with DS and ID.
Higher Education Transitions and Autism
Authors: Browning Scott , Pease Loren
Published: September 2017

This chapter intends to examine the segment of adolescent and young adult development; particularly, how interactions with academic establishments create difficult challenges. In the first part of the chapter we review the ASD from neurological angle. Then, we discuss the general problems with counseling of those on the spectrum. The chapter then continues by examining the decisions that individuals on the spectrum and their parents must make. Parents need to make decisions with their children on the spectrum as to level of involvement; the specific concerns needed to be addressed are examined. This chapter also looks at the specific issues that institutions of higher learning need to address if they intend to label themselves as “autism-friendly institutions.” Each office within a college needs to make some adjustments in order to properly serve students on the autism spectrum, and this chapter examines the role of the counseling center, dean's office, academics and residential living.
An Intelligent Ecosystem to Support the Development of Communication Skills in Children With Autism
Authors: Robles-Bykbaev Vladimir , López-Nores Martín , Galán-Mena Jorge Andrés , Wong Verónica Cevallos León , Quisi-Peralta Diego , Lima-Juma Diego , Fernández Carlos Andrés Arévalo , Pazos-Arias José Juan
Published: September 2017

The term Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) covers conditions such as autism, childhood disintegrative disorder and Asperger syndrome. In this line, the World Health Organization (WHO) points that core symptoms of ASD are: a mixture of impaired capacity for reciprocal socio-communicative interaction and a restricted, stereotyped repetitive repertoire of interests and activities. Therefore, it is fundamental for a person with ASD to develop skills to communicate with his/her peers, share ideas, and express feelings. On those grounds, this chapter presents an intelligent ecosystem to support the development of social communication skills in children with ASD. The ecosystem uses a knowledge model that relies on ontologies, and defines the main elements that will be used for psychological intervention process. The different activities that will be carried out during the therapeutic intervention can be done using a robotic assistant or a Multi-Sensory Stimulation Room. This proposal has been tested with 47 children of regular schools, 9 specialists on ASD, and 36 children with ASD.
Alternative Financial Integration to Stimulate National Competitiveness
Authors: Podolskaya Tatiana
Published: September 2017

The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) actively joined in process of transformation of institutes of global financial market's management, having created New Development Bank. This institute according to most of analysts can be considered as potential competitor of the World Bank and as one of elements of so-called system of “parallel institutes”, which as required can become replacement American-centered system of international financial institutions. Progress of newly created New Development Bank in- much will depend on that economic power which will characterize BRICS economies. And a key condition of long-term stable economic growth is availability of global advantages of the BRICS countries. This article is devoted to the analysis of changes BRICS global competitiveness factors.
External Aspects of the European Union´s Competitiveness
Authors: Fojtíková Lenka , Staníčková Michaela
Published: September 2017

This chapter deals with application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method to multicriteria performance evaluation of the European Union' (EU) Member States in the reference period 2000-2015. The productivity of the EU countries can be seen as the source of national performance and subsequent international competitiveness. International trade, as a major factor of openness, has an increasingly significant contribution to economic growth and thus for competitiveness. The aim of the chapter is to analyse level of productive potential achieved by the EU Member States. The results confirm the heterogeneity that exists among the EU Member States as well as in the trade area. While the calculations show that productivity growth of foreign trade was significant in the case of the entire EU, but the significance of productivity in foreign trade was not the same in the case of individual countries.
Reforming of the State Immigration Policy in the Context of Globalization
Authors: Ushakov Denis , Rubinskaya Eteri
Published: September 2017

International labor migration in a globalized context offers alternative ways to overcome the problems of slow economic growth or identification of additional levers of economic progress along with forcing the states or the whole supranational units to urgently search for the instruments to confront new economic, humanitarian and political challenges and threats. Migration policy must become an effective tool in nationalization of economic benefits of international labor migration and combating its possible negative effects, especially critical for the Russian Federation, which at the beginning of the 21st century has become a global center of gravity and attraction for international migrant workers. This study reveals the importance and the stimulating role of migration policy in fostering national competitiveness, demonstrating the conditions of its key tools effectiveness for the implementation in economic and social globalization dynamics. In the case of Russia, the paper evaluates the historical background of migration policy reform and suggests directions of its modernization in the short and the long run. As a result of the analysis of Russian state migration policy further development trends under economy modernization have been revealed, special emphasis is put on the selective nature of immigration policy along with the need for highly skilled professionals' attraction.
Human Capital as a Determinant of Long-Term Economic Growth
Authors: Saksiriruthai Siriwan
Published: September 2017

This chapter aims to investigate the importance of human capital as a key success factor to economic growth and modern economic reforms as well as exploring determinants of human capital. Then factors influencing human capital accumulation as well as case studies are discussed to illustrate the influence of human capital to economic growth and reforms. Together with economic reforms, supportive education and human capital development policies, some countries could generate a dramatic technology and economic development. Currently, human capital even becomes crucial because of this technological progress. Thus, modern economic reform needs more intense human capital accumulation to cope with more advanced technology. In this chapter, we investigate the role of human capital accumulation by education and migration process in economic reforms and development of three countries with completely different conditions of economic development.
Design of Ultrasonic Oil Tank Level System
Authors: Zhang Yue
Published: September 2017

The infrastructure industry has a large demand for crude oil. Crude oil is explosive, flammable, volatile, and easy to accumulate static and other properties. So, the reservoir area is large and the route is far, which leads to the monitoring station being placed away from the tank area of the operating layer. This requires that the scene of the information is timely and effective in transmission to the monitoring station, and instructions are given quickly. In this paper, the design of ultrasonic tank gauge system is put forward. The system uses AT89S52 as the controller, to achieve the construction site tank level measurement function by the combination of hardware and software. And a variety of error correction measures are given to improve the accuracy. The system can be widely used in various types of infrastructure construction site oil depot management to meet the real needs of the tank level monitoring. Meet the requirements of centralized management of infrastructure projects, provide data for the highest management system, and support day-to-day business management and decision making.
Specifying Constraints for Detecting Inconsistencies in A Conceptual Graph Knowledge Base
Authors: Kassos Caralee , Delugach Harry
Published: September 2017

This paper proposes a strategy for representing constraints in a conceptual graph knowledge base. We describe a set of techniques for using these constraints to detect inconsistencies in a knowledge base by finding sets of nodes that are inconsistent with these constraints. The detection method is designed to be efficient. An algorithm was developed and analyzed and its computational complexity was found to be polynomial with respect to knowledge base size and number of child nodes for each constraint node.
The Effect of Social Support on Post-Adoption of Mobile SNS
Authors: Zhou Tao
Published: September 2017

Retaining users and facilitating their post-adoption are crucial for the success of mobile social networking sites (SNS). Drawing on the social support theory, this research examined mobile SNS continuance. The results indicated that both social support and technological perceptions affect continuance usage through trust and flow. Social support includes informational support and emotional support. Technological perceptions include system quality and service quality. The results imply that service providers need to offer a supportive climate as well as quality systems and services in order to facilitate users' post-adoption and continuance usage.