bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Non-Thermal Energy Content of Cosmic Structures
Authors: Vazza Franco , Wittor Denis , Brueggen Marcus , Gheller Claudio
Published: September 2016

1) Background: the budget of non-thermal energy in galaxy clusters is not well constrained, owing to the observational and theoretical difficulties in studying these diluted plasmas on large scales. 2) Method: we use recent cosmological simulations with complex physics in order to connect the emergence of non-thermal energy to the underlying evolution of gas and dark matter. 3) Results: the impact of non-thermal energy (e.g. cosmic rays, magnetic fields and turbulent motions) is found to increase in the outer region of galaxy clusters. Within numerical and theoretical uncertainties, turbulent motions dominate the budget of non-thermal energy in most of the cosmic volume. 4) Conclusion: assessing the distribution non-thermal energy in galaxy clusters is crucial to perform high-precision cosmology in the future. Constraining the level of non-thermal energy in cluster outskirts will improve our understanding of the acceleration of relativistic particles by cosmic shocks and of the origin of extragalactic magnetic fields.
Local Polynomial Smoother for Solving Bagley-Torvik Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Yan Tianshun , Luo Shuanghua
Published: September 2016

Local polynomial smoother (LPS) is a weighted local least-squares nonparametric method. It provides a local Taylor series fit of the data at any location and can be directly used in a differential equation to provide a numerical scheme. In this article, we introduce this new nonparametric idea based on local polynomial smoother, for acquiring the numerical solution of the Bagley-Torvik fractional-order differential equations. Furthermore, this paper will present a numerical comparison with some methods, such as legendre operational matrix and pseudo-spectral method. The efficiency and accuracy of the LPS method are demonstrated by two numerical examples.
Parameter Identification of a Grasp by a Planar Two-Fingered Robot Hand
Authors: Mimura Nobuharu ,   Toyota Central Rsearch & Development Laboratories, Inc., Funahashi Yasuyuki ,   Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokisho-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466, Japan
Published: September 2016

Unknown forced and unknown contact points for the case in which a planar two-fingered robot hand achieves a stable grasp on an unknown object are identified in this paper. It is shown that the unknown parameters of the grasping system can be identified by detection of joint angles and torques while the object is manipulated slightly. Finally, it is illustrated by a numerical example that the algorithm of the grasp parameter identification is valid.
Neighboring Degree-of-Approximation Equating Method for Computing Contact Points between Robot and Convex Object
Authors: Kaneko Makoto ,   Kyushu Institute of Technology, Tanie Kazuo ,   Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, MITI
Published: September 2016

With a proper combination of compliant joint and position- controlled joint, a link system changes its posture with keeping contact between link system and environment. This is so-called Self-Posture Changing Motion (SPCM) and conveniently used to detect a contact point between robot and unknown object. In conventional approach, a contact point has been computed as an intersecting point between two different link postures before and after SPCM. In general, this computation scheme gives us a contact point with unsatisfactory approximation, while it furnishes us with an exact contact point for a sharp-edged object. In this paper, we first introduces a concept of degree-of-approximation, which is defined as the distance between a computed point and the nearest point over the object surface, and then propers the Neighboring Degree-Of Approximation Equating Method which improves the degree-of-approximation drastically and provides exact contact points not only for a sharp· edged object but also for a constant curved object. Mathematical framework is provided for the proposed computation scheme. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by simulations.
Paestum dietary habits during the Imperial period: archaeological records and stable isotope measurement
Authors: Ricci Paola , Sirignano Carmina , Altieri Simona , Pistillo Mariangela , Santoriello Alfonso , Lubritto Carmine
Published: September 2016

In historical contexts, analyses of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes can be useful to answer different question on dietary behavior and to crosscheck information, drawn from texts and classical archaeological investigations. In this study the Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) facility installed at the IRMS-SUN Laboratory of the Second University of Naples is presented.  Moreover, results coming from application of stable isotope analyses to bone collagen extracted from human remains of the necropolis of “Porta Sirena” in Paestum will be discussed. Finally, a combined analyses of archaeological and historical record and stable isotope measurements permits to expand our knowledge on diet in Roman Paestum.
The high official Harkhuf and the inscriptions of his tomb in Aswan (Egypt). An integrated methodological approach.
Authors: Angelini Andrea , Capriotti Giuseppina , Baldi Marina
Published: September 2016

TECH project (Technology for the Egyptian Cultural Heritage) aimed to document an Egyptian monument for Egyptological studies and researches but, at the same time, to check a new methodological approach for conservation, valorisation and enhancement. In particular, the CNR mission focused the attention on the tomb of Harkhuf, a high official of the VI dynasty (XXIII century BC), who led trading and military expeditions into Nubia. The hieroglyphic texts inscribed on the façade of his tomb are very important and famous documents. The team checked an innovative and integrated methodology. The methodology has been focused mainly on the use of digital photogrammetric systems in order to generate an accurate numerical model (3D) and to facilitate the epigraphic study. Different procedures have been established in the processing and representation steps in order to accomplish the final communication of the results. Moreover climatic measurements have been carried out in order to understand the role of environmental factors on the deterioration of the monument. Finally the data have been crossed in order to check the environmental impact and the decay.
Contribution of Sentinel-2 data for applications in vegetation monitoring
Authors: Addabbo Pia , Focareta Mariano , Marcuccio Salvo , Votto Claudio , Ullo Silvia Liberata
Published: September 2016

With the entry into operation of the Sentinel-2 mission in June 2015, a new land monitoring costellation of twin satellites has been added to Copernicus project from ESA and new insights have been derived through the combination of Sentinel-2 data with other optical/multispectral data, and with other data from satellites belonging to the same Copernicus  project.  To this end, the objective of this paper has been to present new added-value tools first through the integration of different satellite platforms: data from NASA Landsat-8 and ESA Sentinel-1 have been used and combined, and furthermore through the comparison of satellite data all from the same Copernicus project: data from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 have been jointly processed and compared. Although data from optical/multispectral sensors, as those of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2, and data from SAR on board of Sentinel-1,  are very different,  their combination provides useful and interesting results. The integration and combination of these data can find useful application in many fields from oceans to waterways, from land surfaces to fossil deposits, from vegetation to forest areas. In this works authors have focused their interest in green areas and vegetation monitoring applications, by choosing as case of interest the Royal Palace of Caserta and its gardens.  The idea has started from the increasing interest in monitoring  the cultural heritage monuments and in particular  the surrounding vegetation with the green areas and the parks inside. Satellite images can put into evidence boundaries modifications, the vegetation state, their possible degradation, and other phenomena such as changes in the territories due both to natural and to anthropogenic causes. Data combination from different sources as above specified gives a good number of indexes very useful to analyze the vegetation state and its health in a very deep way. Many of these indexes have been calculated and discussed for investigation.
Testing GoPro for 3D model reconstruction in narrow spaces
Authors: Fiorillo Fausta , Limongiello Marco , Jiménez Fernández-Palacios Belén
Published: September 2016

The main objective of this paper is to analyse the potential as well as the limitations of an action camera (GoPro Hero 3 Black) in photogrammetric application for architectural cultural heritage reconstruction. The investigations were carried out in a site of notable historical interest, “Villa Giulia Felice” in Pompeii, Italy. In order to estimate the work pipeline, the time-consuming processing and the output product accuracy using fisheye camera images, three commercial image processing software packages were tested: Agisoft PhotoScan, Pix4Dmapper and 3DF Zephyr Aerial. Several comparisons among the final 3D models produced have been developed and the results achieved. Despite the problems found related to lens distortion and the small distance from the camera to the object (average distance ~80 cm), the test has provided good results in terms of accuracy (average error 2 - 3.5 cm) and reliability.
The Teaching of EFL Writing in Indonesia
Authors: Ariyanti Ariyanti
Published: September 2016

Writing is one of the most important aspects in English language acquisition. Teaching writing has its own challenges since there are some steps and requirements that teachers should prepare to undertake in the classroom. This article is aimed to discuss teaching and learning writing in the classroom based on theoretical conceptualisation. In addition, curriculum of teaching writing will be another important factor to consider as well as research and practice in teaching writing. Based on comparison to many theoretical concepts from various researchers, it shows that most of Indonesian students still struggle to figure out their problems of grammatical area. The biggest challenge is derived from the difference in cultural backgrounds between the students’ mother tongue and English, so it is possible to know the production of their writing does not ‘sound’ well in appropriate culture of English. Several problems also occur when the teachers have big classes to teach and the result of teaching writing to the students may be defeated. In this case, time also being a big challenge for the teachers to have the students’ writing improve because to accomplish a good composition in English, it needs complex steps such as brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, and editing. However, new techniques in teaching writing are needed to develop the students’ writing outcomes.
The Implementation of Lesson Study in English Language Learning: A Case Study
Authors: Nashruddin Wakhid , Nurrachman Dian
Published: September 2016

Lesson Study as a growing interest in the education world has attracted educators, experts, and professionals in the area to make use of it in improving the lessons—it also happens in Indonesia. Originally applied in the teaching of mathematics in Japan, now it turns to be used in other fields, and English is one of them. This paper highlights the guideline on Lesson Study and pictures its application in a private senior high school in Malang, East Java, Indonesia. The adaptation of Lesson Study is interesting since Japan and Indonesia have different cultural background. How Lesson Study is usually implemented in Japan and the US and how it is applied in Indonesia will be seen here. As this is a case study, it will only focus on a school and the result should not be used to generalize Lesson Study applications in Indonesia. Interview and observation were instruments used in this study. The interview was used to gain information on how Lesson Study was normally conducted and observation (and the researchers’ involvements) was used to see the real implementation of Lesson Study. What happened during the implementation of Lesson Study and during the teaching and learning process become a great attention here.
Character Values and Their Internalization in Teaching and Learning English at Madrasah
Authors: Islami Milad
Published: September 2016

Language is more than to express the ideas, believe, and thought or as intellectual based, it also expresses the norms, values, and even emotions. As the result, it is important to internalize the character values into the teaching and learning activity of English. Since the focus of this study was on the analysis of the internalization of character values without any experimental or manipulated settings involved, the design of this study was qualitative. The results showed that there were at least six character values performed by the students in learning English, they were independent, hardworking ethos, curiosity, democratic attitude, communicative manner, and reading interest. In addition, the character values were internalized by the English teacher into the process of teaching and learning even though she did not realize it.
The Implementation of Group Investigation to Improve the Students’ Speaking Skill
Authors: Iswardati Iswardati
Published: September 2016

This research aimed to find out how group investigation improves the student’s speaking skill of the second grade students of SMA 2 Samarinda, how group investigation improves the student’s participation in speaking of second grade students of SMA 2 Samarinda, and what the obstacles are in the implementation of Group Investigation. The classroom action research was employed in this study and was done in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of four stages: (1) planning, (2) action, (3) observation, and (4) reflection. Each cycle took three meetings. The instruments used to collect the data were observation, checklist, field-note, and speaking test. After the implementation of Group Investigation through two cycles, the researcher concluded: First, Group Investigation improves the students’ speaking ability by (a) increasing the students’ pronunciation, grammatical, vocabulary, and fluency, (b) by reducing the students’ reluctance to speak, worry of making mistakes, and afraid of being laughed at by other students. Second, Group Investigation improves the students’ participation in speaking (a) the students learnt how to investigate a certain problem and to solve the problem using English, (b) how to share, (c) how to discuss, (d) how to give their ideas, (e) how to accept other opinions, and (f) how to present their ideas. Third, the obstacles in the implementation of Group Investigation are: (a) The students were noisy, (b) Some students spent too short in the presentation, (c) Some students had difficulties in expressing their arguments and suggestion related to the topics, and (d) Few students dominated the group investigation.
The Effect of Discovery Learning Method Application on Increasing Students’ Listening Outcome and Social Attitude
Authors: Hanafi Hanafi
Published: September 2016

Curriculum of 2013 has been started in schools appointed as the implementer. This curriculum, for English subject demands the students to improve their skills. To reach this one of the suggested method is discovery learning since this method is considered appropriate to implement for increasing the students’ ability especially to fulfill minimum criteria of success at school. This study is experimental study with one group pretest-posttest design. Its purpose is to know whether or not discovery learning model implementation could increase students’ listening score and social attitude in accordance with curriculum implementation. The subjects of this study are 37 students of class X IPA 5 Public High School 2 Jember in their 2nd semester of 2015/2016 academic year. The method used to collect data in the study is test. The research design is one group pretest-posttest design where there is only one group receiving the treatment which result is assessed by pre-test and post-test. The finding shows that there are improvement of both students’ listening and attitude scores. Based on data analysis it is concluded that the implementation of discovery learning model could increase students’ listening score and social attitude, with significance value of 0,005 (z = -2,823, p < 0,001), with medium effect size for listening score and significance value of 0,000 (-4,875, p < 0,001), with large effect size for social attitude.
Energía del futuro: bioalcoholes a partir de Residuos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU)
Authors: Martínez José Alejandro , Montoya Nancy , Sierra María
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negEl presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar un panorama ambiental, técnico y económico de la producción de bioalcohol, a partir de la Fracción Orgánica de Residuos Sólidos Urbanos (FORSU), tema que ha sido trabajado en investigaciones conjuntas con la Universidad de Castilla La Mancha (UCLM-España) y complementado con otros desarrollos realizados a través de la línea de investigación en Residuos Sólidos de la Universidad EAN, con el apoyo de estudiantes de especialización tanto en gestión de residuos sólidos, como en finanzas y negocios internacionales.El aprovechamiento no convencional de los Residuos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU), y en particular, para las condiciones de América Latina en donde más del 50% de los RSU corresponden a residuos de características orgánicas, termina siendo una posibilidad para agregar valor, generar crecimiento económico y crear condiciones de trabajo dignas para las personas vinculadas al aprovechamiento informal de residuos. Por ello, aprovechando el potencial de la biotecnología que ofrece diversas opciones para la generación de energías renovables, se busca abordar la producción de bioetanol a partir de procesos biológicos de metabolización de la materia orgánica mediante fermentación.En este artículo se presentará inicialmente, el contexto global de la producción de biocombustibles en Colombia, para posteriormente presentar el desarrollo de una fase preliminar a escala de laboratorio para la obtención de bioalcohol mediante una unidad de fermentación anaerobia experimental. Posteriormente se mencionarán los elementos económicos y financieros relativos a la implementación de este tipo de tecnologías y que por consiguiente podrían afectar el desarrollo a escala industrial de dicho proceso. Los resultados permitirán evaluar la viabilidad técnica y económica, al menos en una etapa preliminar, de implementación de este tipo de procesos en Colombia.
Implementación de procesos sostenibles vinculando industrias regionales: reciclaje de residuos siderúrgicos como proyecto de cambio de la manpostería en Boyacá-Colombia
Authors: Quijano B. Leonardo , Díez Silva H. Mauricio , Montes Guerra Maricela I. , Castro Silva Hugo Fernando
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negEn este artículo, se analizan las posibilidades para la implementación de un nuevo proceso viable desde el punto de vista ambiental y económico, que vincule a dos industrias regionales en el marco de la generación de soluciones sostenibles para la economía regional. Se describe la forma de utilizar los residuos de la industria del acero como insumo para la transformación de la industria de mampostería, las dos ubicadas en la región de Boyacá.
Estudio comparativo entre la legislación de eficiencia energética de Colombia y España
Authors: Mejía Guillermo
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negLa mejora en la eficiencia de conversión, distribución y uso de la energía, presenta un importante potencial para mitigar los efectos del consumo energético y su impacto en el problema mundial del cambio climático. Las políticas públicas de eficiencia energética, son implementadas a través de diferentes mecanismos incluyendo regulación de precios, reglamentación o legislación e incentivos económicos y fiscales. Este trabajo se centra en la reglamentación y legislación, desde la perspectiva de dos países con niveles sociales y económicos muy diferentes: Colombia y España. Se realiza una comparación de los resultados de su aplicación, medidos con base en la intensidad energética.
El emprendimiento como fuente de desarrollo y fortalecimiento de las capacidades endógenas para el aprovechamiento de las energías renovables
Authors: Sanabria A. Sonia Esperanza , Pedraza Pablo Andrés , Hurtado A. Enrique
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negSi bien muchas de las problemáticas ambientales actuales tienen un alcance global, sus impactos se experimentan a nivel local con repercusiones en los territorios, la población y la economía. Por tanto, las medidas para mitigar dichas problemáticas deben originarse en iniciativas locales que respondan de manera precisa a las necesidades identificadas por los actores sociales, a la vez que se haga uso de los recursos y las capacidades disponibles en el territorio.Si en algo existe consenso, es en que hacer frente a los problemas ambientales actuales, demanda un cambio en los sistemas de producción y consumo, hacia prácticas que garanticen un uso más eficiente y sostenible de los recursos, en donde un cambio en el patrón energético juega un papel fundamental, debido al impacto que ha generado el uso de los combustibles fósiles. Frente a este desafío se requiere de la capacidad emprendedora e innovadora de los agentes, de manera que sea posible incorporar al sistema nuevos métodos de producción, nuevos insumos y productos, y nuevas formas de hacer las cosas.Es en este sentido que las energías renovables cobran un papel importante dado que surgen como una alternativa para enfrentar el agotamiento de los combustibles fósiles y a su vez, como una forma de reducir las externalidades negativas asociadas al consumo de energía. Por tanto el objetivo del presente artículo, es presentar una revisión teórica respecto al papel que juega el emprendimiento en el desarrollo y fortalecimiento de las capacidades endógenas para el aprovechamiento local de las fuentes renovables de energía.
Modelo experimental con bloques aleatorios simples y análisis multivariado para el mejoramiento de procesos orgánicos en la agroindustria
Authors: Bustamante Jamid Mauricio , Valbuena Antolinez Sandra
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negEn Colombia, el estudio y diseño experimental enfocado en procesos agroindustriales, es limitado. Es evidente cómo se han desaprovechado las ventajas comparativas que posee el País, haciendo referencia a las características climáticas, al igual que las ventajas que pueden ofrecer diversas especies, que obedeciendo a su situación geográfica, beneficiarían un desarrollo tanto social como comercial, así como el uso de productos orgánicos, soportado en procesos de investigación que hagan uso de modelos experimentales para la optimización de los procesos. De tal manera que las pocas alternativas establecidas, sumadas a la carencia de infraestructura adecuada, impiden avances a gran escala en este sector económico, entorpeciendo las condiciones de competitividad necesarias en el contexto global (Jaramillo, 1990-2000).
Efectos de la electividad en los cursos de estudio del área sociohumanística, sobre la calidad del aprendizaje en entornos virtuales
Authors: Salamanca Maria Carolina Moreno , Ortega Ferreira Sandra Constanza , Maldonado Currea Adriana
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negEl presente artículo contiene los resultados de la investigación cuyo objetivo consistía en analizar los efectos de la electividad en los cursos de estudio del área socio-humanística, sobre la calidad del aprendizaje en entornos virtuales con estudiantes de pregrado de la Facultad de Estudios en Ambientes Virtuales de la Universidad EAN. En el estudio se comparó la calidad del aprendizaje en dos grupos expuestos a situaciones experimentales diferentes; en el primero, bajo un modelo de electividad (grupo experimental), y en el segundo, siguiendo un modelo de rigidez (grupo control). Los resultados no arrojan diferencias significativas en la calidad del aprendizaje entre los grupos, pero sí en la percepción de los estudiantes con respecto al tutor y en el nivel de deserción, resultados favorables para el grupo experimental, que presentó una menor deserción y una mejor percepción del tutor.
Estrategia didáctica para la formación en investigación en la educación virtual: Experiencia en la Universidad Manuela Beltrán
Authors: Betancur Chicué Viviana , Cárdenas Rodríguez Yiny Paola Paola , Mancera Valetts Laura Patricia , Sánchez Suárez Daniel Mauricio
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negEl artículo presenta el problema de la formación en investigación en la educación virtual, describiendo la experiencia de la Universidad Manuela Beltrán. De esta forma, se describe la construcción de una estrategia didáctica que enfatiza en el uso de recursos digitales, el diseño de actividades que ejemplifiquen y contextualicen al estudiante y la búsqueda de un aprendizaje basado en el trabajo colaborativo. En su conjunto, dicha estrategia está encaminada al desarrollo exitoso de un trabajo de grado para programas de formación virtual profesional y posgradual. A partir de la implementación de la estrategia, los estudiantes han demostrado a través de sus avances de investigación: un mayor uso de las bases de datos para la búsqueda de información especializada, producción de textos académicos basados en normas APA y manejo ético de la información, identificación y construcción de rutas metodológicas, y diseño de propuestas de investigación.
Un estudio exploratorio sobre el estudio de implementación de procesos de gestión del conocimiento en organizaciones desarrolladoras de software en Colombia
Authors: Galvis Lista Ernesto Amaru , González Zabala Mayda Patricia , Sánchez Torres Jenny Marcela
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negEn este artículo se presenta un estudio exploratorio sobre el estado de implementación y la importancia de ocho procesos de Gestión del Conocimiento (GC) en 169 Organizaciones Desarrolladoras de software (ODS) en Colombia. Los datos se recopilaron en una encuesta, en la que se indagó por el estado de la implementación de ocho procesos de GC propuestos en el Modelo de Referencia de Procesos de Gestión del Conocimiento (MRPGC), desde la perspectiva del logro de los resultados esperados y sus propósitos. Los resultados muestran que en las ODS en Colombia se reconoce la importancia de la GC, pero el estado de implementación de los procesos es apenas aceptable.
Proyecto Anamnesis – Desarrollo de una aplicación web y móvil para la gestión de una historia clínica unificada de los colombianos
Authors: Cobo Campo Luis Armando , Pérez Uribe Rafael Ignacio
Published: September 2016

Rev.esc.adm.negLos problemas que sufre el sector salud en Colombia son de diversa índole y características. Estos problemas van desde la cobertura de los servicios de salud, pasando por los graves problemas económicos que sufren las Entidades Prestadoras de Salud (EPS), y finalizando con la ineficiencia administrativa que atraviesan los diversos entes que hacen parte del sistema de salud en nuestro País. En el año 2014, el Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (COLCIENCIAS), abrió la Convocatoria 675 en donde se buscaba el fortalecimiento de los nodos de innovación en TIC para salud, en instituciones del Estado. En el marco de esta Convocatoria se presentó el proyecto con el fin de solucionar el principal problema: encontrar la manera de acceder a la información que se encuentra en la historia clínica de los colombianos, de manera centralizada, unificada y con rápido acceso. El presente artículo muestra una solución a este problema, que consiste en la implementación de un aplicativo web y móvil, que permite, a través de la cédula de ciudadanía de una persona, consultar su anamnesis médica –información primaria de salud requerida para tratar una emergencia–, y así, lograr mantener una organización óptima. Se presentan las ventajas de la solución y las perspectivas futuras de la misma.
“I gained a skill and a change in attitude”: A Case Study Describing How an Online Continuing Professional Education Course for Pharmacists Supported Achievement of Its Transfer-to-Practice Outcomes
Authors: Marks Pia Zeni , Jennings Brad , Farrell Barbara , Kennie-Kaulbach Natalie , Jorgenson Derek , Pearson Sharpe Jane , Waite Nancy
Published: September 2016

The convenience and flexibility of online learning clearly make it an attractive option for learners in professional development contexts. There is less clarity, however, about how it fares as a vehicle for enabling the applied, practice-oriented outcomes typically associated with professional development learning.This paper presents a case study describing how transfer-of-learning strategies were employed in a continuing professional education (CPE) course developed for practicing pharmacists, called ADAPT (ADapting pharmacists’ skills and Approaches to maximize Patients’ drug Therapy effectiveness).To gain insight into the extent to which learning was transferred to practice as a result of participation in the course, qualitative data were collected over a 12-month period from participants of the 2010 pilot offering of ADAPT. Participants reported making changes to their practice as a result of participating in the course, and they identi- fied three course features as being particu- larly useful in facilitating practice transfer: providing learners with (i) a vision of targeted outcomes and skills, (ii) support to enable them to attain targeted outcomes and skills, and (iii) explicit preparation for action.
Responsive BScN Programming at Nipissing University: The Continuing Education of Ontario Nurses
Authors: Fitzgerald Scott , Beattie Beverley , Carter Lorraine , Caswell Wenda
Published: September 2016

Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario, is currently the only post- secondary institution in that province to offer a part-time Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BScN) program for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) through a blended learning model. This program represents a “bridge” from the nurse’s college diploma and offers a curriculum that enables students to continue to practice nursing as they study. Since the program’s inception in 2010, over 500 students have been admitted, attesting to its need. Flexibility, access, partnership, and excellence in teaching and learning comprise the heart of this complex, innovative, and student-centred program. As a blended learning program, it uses synchronous and asynchronous online technologies to deliver theoretical content; these experiences are balanced with face-to-face learning in the clinical setting. Clinical learning is facilitated through partnership agreements with the students’ employers.This paper describes how this RPN to BScN blended learning program has brought Nipissing to a leading edge in continuing education for RPNs. It also demonstrates Nipissing University’s commitment to drive change in the world of professional and adult education.
The Use of Scaffolding and Interactive Learning Strategies in Online Courses for Working Nurses: Implications for Adult and Online Education
Authors: Salyers Vince , Carter Lorraine , Cairns Steve , Durrer Luke
Published: September 2016

This paper reviews the foundational litera- ture of contemporary e-learning, with a focus on scaffolding, instructional design, and engagement. These concepts are then considered in two limited case studies, each involving e-learning and adult learners—in particular, nurse-learners. The first case study describes the use of a scaffolding model called Introduction, Connect, Apply, Reflect, and Extend (ICARE) in e-learning for nursing education. The second is a reflection on the use of engagement strategies for the purposes of discourse and learning in a different online nursing context.Because nursing educators were among the early adopters of e-learning, they are important mentors to others who are adopting e-learning strategies at this time. Additionally, the paper is a crossroads publication: it reminds the reader of the imperative to review theory and emerging evidence related to e-learning and to bring key findings to the actual practice of e-learning in order to benefit the adult student. This commitment to theory and practice will enable the evolution of e-learning for all learners, including returning adult learners and working professionals.Keywords: scaffolding, instructional design, interaction, best practices, engage- ment, adult education, working profes- sionals, e-learning.
The Theory of Feminist Poststructural Pedagogy Applied to the Training of Public Professionals in Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Blaney Elizabeth , Ruff Lanette
Published: September 2016

Training professionals about intimate partner violence is a huge task requiring a theoretical framework that can address the complexity of the problem and highlight the need to be aware of power relationships and political dimensions of professional practice. This paper addresses the increasing recognition on the part of state agencies for specialist training in intimate partner violence as a critical component of an effective system response.The objective of the paper is to propose a feminist post- structuralist pedagogical model of delivering training to public professionals. We discuss issues of power, knowledge, and the discursive construction of the self. Our goal is to provide space for learners to think about what it means to embrace change agency and how to make a difference in their capacities as agents of the state.The paper concludes by proposing that an integrated model of learning is needed, one that goes beyond individualized responses and enables practitioners to develop the criticality and reflexivity central to a professional as a social change agent practice approach.
Incorporating Topics That Aren’t Distance-Friendly Into an Online Program: One Development Team’s Experience
Authors: Schaefer Valentin , Doner Sue , Pivnick Janet
Published: September 2016

The Native Species and Natural Processes certificate at the University of Victoria is an advanced-level online program of four courses to introduce students to state-of-the-art topics in the field of ecological restoration. The program posed some unique challenges for course developers.The development team needed to find ways to create online courses that support a practical approach for topics that normally require tangible hands-on work. The solutions to these challenges required a creative problem-solving approach to accommodate the unique elements of the development process and the delivery of each course. The solutions employed included(1) creation of a “connection to place” by use of extensive visuals in slide shows,(2) use of problem-based learning to develop critical thinking skills,(3) engagement of students via case studies to bridge the different languages inherent in different ecosystems,(4) conducting of virtual site visits to design real-world resto- ration projects,(5) inclusion of “fireside chat” audio to reinforce the idea of multiple perspec- tives and uncertainty,(6) establishment of a community of practice to engage students in collaborative learning,(7) creation of assign- ments that involve scaffolding projects and peer review,(8) allowance for students to customize projects to accommodate their geog- raphy and different realities, and(9) develop- ment of a design charrette to practice collabora- tive decision making and design.
Drawing Partners Together: A Report on the Practice of Responding to Partnership Requests for Community and University Arts Collaboration
Authors: Mason Stephanie
Published: September 2016

NSCAD University is a visual arts university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, that houses the NSCAD-TD Centre for Community Service Learning (the Centre). The Centre’s purpose is to manage and promote community part- nership requests with the institution.While community service learning and community– university partnership approaches necessarily inform the Centre’s operation, these need to be modified to reflect NSCAD’s unique position in art and design education. Each partnership request is assigned to one of three partner- ship categories, based on distinct criteria that account for NSCAD’s mission, the duration of the partnership, the level of NSCAD involve- ment, and the support capacity of the Centre.Using these criteria, partnerships are addressed in a consistent, sustainable manner that main- tains collaboration and affords room to grow more sophisticated partnership arrangements. The Centre allows prospective partners to access NSCAD’s extraordinary creativity and skilled artists, leading to receptive partnerships that benefit a range of communities.
Using Blended Learning as an Innovative Delivery Model for an In-House Language Program
Authors: Gadbois Manon , Quildon Denise
Published: September 2016

This paper reports on the development and implementation in 2012 of McGill University’s French at Work program for McGill employees, using a blended learning model. The program is an example of how a reduction in face-to-face teaching presents one solution to employees’ scheduling constraints and how this model might offer suggestions for the development of similar programs in a higher education setting.McGill University’s French at Work program welcomes a diverse participant body from different faculties and service groups. Created in response to decreasing enrolment and higher levels of absenteeism, the authors report that interdepartmental collaboration and a complete course redesign, along pre- established professional themes, were required in its development. Using the University’s Learning Management System (Desire2Learn) the course incorporates in-class sessions, self-directed, web-based activities as well as synchronous and asynchronous online discus- sions employing Microsoft Lync.A subsequent increase in registration and retention rates strongly suggests the program answers a real need for professional development in French as a second language within McGill University through innovative use of certain technologies.
Leadership in Continuing Education: Leveraging Student-Centred Narratives
Authors: Miller Marilyn , Plessis Judith
Published: September 2016

For this study, we interviewed eight Canadian and American continuing education deans and directors to explore how their personal accounts or “stories” about leadership high- light the dynamic nature of their leadership roles. This article focuses on the potential impact of these stories to better integrate and serve the adult learner within the higher education environment. Four major themes emerged from our analysis of the data: the non-traditional career trajectories of the leaders; marginalization and identity; lead- ership and innovation; and alignment and resistance.Our study suggests that continuing education leaders generally excel in sharing student-centered narratives and in pushing boundaries—in part to convince diverse stakeholders of the importance of the field of continuing education. Interviews with participants indicate that continuing educa- tion leaders think in interdisciplinary terms and weave a master narrative about life- long learning, combining several individual threads. Continuing education leaders strive to have conversations leading to collaborative partnerships and educational innovation.
Rotation Impact on On‐Farm Yield and Input‐Use Efficiency in High‐Yield Irrigated Maize–Soybean Systems
Authors: Farmaha Bhupinder S. , Eskridge Kent M. , Cassman Kenneth G. , Specht James E. , Yang Haishun , Grassini Patricio
Published: September 2016

Cereal yields tend to be higher in cereal–legume rotations relative to cereal monoculture yields. We investigated the influence of crop rotation on yield and input‐use efficiency in high‐yield irrigated maize (Zea mays L.)‐based cropping systems using producer‐reported data from western U.S. Corn Belt (about 11,000 observations). Across regions, average yield of maize grown after soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (S–M) was 0.2 to 0.6 Mg ha−1 (2–5%) higher, relative to yield of maize grown after maize (M–M). Soybean yield was 5% greater after two consecutive maize crops (M–M–S) than after only 1 yr of maize (S–M–S). Nitrogen fertilizer rate in maize fields was 13 kg N ha−1 (6%) lower in S–M than M–M fields, which, together with higher maize yields in S–M fields, resulted in 11% higher nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN). Difference in PFPN was unrelated with residual soil N–NO3− from prior crop. Analysis of rotation data indicated that rotation effect persists across a wide range of maize yields, from 6 to 15 Mg ha−1, though magnitude of rotation effect decreases with increasing yield level. Trends toward greater proportion of total maize area in S–M, rather than M–M, accounts for 8% of maize yield gain in U.S. Corn Belt since 1970. Similarity between our findings and previous research highlights the opportunity to quantify impact of management on yield and efficiencies by using producer data as a complement to high‐cost multi‐year, multi‐site field experiments.

Core Ideas

We assessed rotation effect on on‐farm yield and input‐use efficiency.

Analysis was based on a large producer‐reported database collected from high‐yield irrigated maize–soybean systems.

There was a consistent positive rotation effect on yield and partial factor productivity for N fertilizer.

Number of previous maize crops did not affect maize yield in monoculture but soybean yields were higher following multiple maize crops.

Increasing maize area in rotation relative to monoculture accounts for 8% of the maize yield gain in the U.S. Corn Belt since 1970.
Effects of Irrigation and Precision Planting Patterns on Photosynthetic Product of Wheat
Authors: Zhang Z. , Zhou X. B. , Chen Y. H.
Published: September 2016

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is characterized by a high tillering capacity and disadvantageous spatial structures, which may result in intraspecific competition. This study aimed to determine whether tiller productivity, radiation use efficiency (RUE), and grain yield of winter wheat could be manipulated through irrigation and precision planting patterns in North China. The experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2011/2012, 2012/2013, and 2013/2014 at Tai'an, Shandong Province, China. The field experiment was based on a two‐factor split‐plot design with three replications under the same plant density (200 × 104 ha−1). Three irrigation levels (0, 90, and 180 mm) were allocated to main plots, and three planting patterns namely single–single (SS), single–double (SD), and double–double (DD) were kept in subplots. Irrigation amount 0, 30, 60 mm of water were applied at GS34, GS48, and GS70, respectively. Results showed that photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) capture ratio of 0 mm was higher than that of the 90‐mm irrigation at 0 to 40 cm, but irrigation increased the total PAR capture ratio, leaf area index (LAI), RUE, and grain yield. The interaction of irrigation × planting pattern indicated that the grain yield of SD was high under 180‐mm irrigation and that of DD was high under 0‐ and 90‐mm irrigations. Leaf area index, PAR capture ratio, and RUE of DD were higher than those of SD under 90‐mm irrigation. The application of DD planting pattern combined with 90‐mm irrigation resulted in positive response to yield.

Core Ideas

Double‐double row improved distribution of radiation, leaf area index, and stem number.

Precision planting patterns increased radiation use efficiency and yield of wheat.

The optimal precision planting pattern under abundant and scarce water in China.
Edamame Cultivar Evaluation in Central Alabama
Authors: Ogles C. Z. , Guertal E. A. , Weaver D. B.
Published: September 2016

Edamame [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is vegetable soybean harvested and consumed at the R6 development stage. The growing popularity of edamame as a healthy snack food has led to increased interest in edamame production from soybean producers across the Southeast. The objective of this study was to evaluate selected edamame cultivars for adaptation and production in central Alabama. Selected cultivars were represented by four maturity groups (MGs): MG III (Midori Giant, Chiba Green, Butterbean, Sayamusume, and BeSweet 2001), MG IV (Gardensoy 42, Mojo Green), MG V (Mooncake, Lanco, and Gardensoy 51), and MG VI (Owens).Cultivars were planted in replicated plots at the Plant Breeding Unit in Tallassee, AL, in May 2014 and June 2015. Data was collected on germination, plant height at maturity, height of lowest pod, weight of 25 shelled bean, days to first flower, pods per plant, bean per pod, and total yield. Highest yielding cultivars in 2014 included Gardensoy 51 and Midori Giant at 15,960 and 15,742 kg ha−1, respectively. In 2015, Mojo Green, Gardensoy 51, and Mooncake were the highest yielding cultivars at 13,576, 13,195, and 13,092 kg ha−1. In both years BeSweet 2001 produced the lowest yields: 10,226 kg ha−1 in 2014 and 2592 kg ha−1 in 2015. Weight of 25 shelled bean plants varied widely among cultivars. Cultivars from early maturity groups (MG III) produced larger beans with lower overall yield. This data will help producers chose cultivars based on yield potential and market preferences.

This study evaluated selected edamame cultivars for production in Alabama.

Cultivar characteristics such as bean weight, bean per pod, and plant height were documented.

Many of the cultivars in this study have never been evaluated for production in the southeastern United States.

This study will provide growers detailed production information that was previously unavailable.
Identification of Earliness Per Se Flowering Time Locus in Spring Wheat through a Genome‐Wide Association Study
Authors: Sukumaran Sivakumar , Lopes Marta S. , Dreisigacker Susanne , Dixon Laura E. , Zikhali Meluleki , Griffiths Simon , Zheng Bangyou , Chapman Scott , Reynolds Matthew P.
Published: September 2016

Identification of earliness per se (Eps) flowering time loci in spring wheat are troublesome due to confounding effects of vernalization and photoperiod responses. The Wheat Association Mapping Initiative panel of 287 elite lines was assessed to identify genomic regions associated with Eps and to understand the effects of vernalization and photoperiod treatments in spring wheat. The panel was grown under field conditions with four different treatments: (i) vernalization, where 1‐d germinated seeds were kept at 4°C for 6 to 8 wk; (ii) extended photoperiod treatment, from seedling emergence to 10 d after anthesis in the field; (iii) treatments (i) and (ii) in combination; and (iv) a control treatment without either (i) or (ii). The combined vernalization and photoperiod treatments had the greatest effect in advancing the flowering time (4 d). Genome‐wide association study in this panel on treatment (iii) detected a locus for Eps in chromosome 1D at 163 to 167 cM. An analysis of the flowering time data on this panel from 19 international environments did not show the presence of Eps in chromosome 1D, indicating the possible masking effect of vernalization and photoperiod genes. This study also validated the diagnostic marker—a transcription factor in the circadian clock input pathway called Triticum aestivum EARLY FLOWERING 3—that is associated with Eps in chromosome 1D and can be used for marker‐assisted selection.