bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic Therapy With Verteporfin for Juxtafoveal Choroidal Neovascularization in Serpiginous Choroiditis
Authors: Park Sung-Pyo , Ko Dong-Ah , Chung Hum , Yu Hyeong Gon
Published: October 2019

 The authors describe a patient who underwent successful photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization complicated by serpiginous choroiditis. A 41-year-old woman presented with decreased vision and metamorphopsia in her right eye, which was diagnosed as a recurrence of serpiginous choroiditis at the first visit. Within a month, visual acuity had diminished to 20/1000 despite immunosuppressive treatment. At that time, indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography revealed choroidal neovascularization in the juxtafoveal area. Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was administered twice, after which juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization regressed and her visual acuity improved to 20/20. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2006;37:425-428.]  AUTHORS From the Department of Ophthalmology (S-PP, D-AK), Kang-dong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine; the Department of Ophthalmology (HC, HGY), Seoul National University College of Medicine; and the Seoul Artificial Eye Center (HC, HGY), Seoul National University Hospital Clinical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.  Accepted for publication March 18, 2006.  Address reprint requests to Hyeong Gon Yu, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 28 Yongon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, Korea. 
Syphilitic Retinitis With Focal Inflammatory Accumulations
Authors: Reddy Shantan , Cunningham Emmett T. , Spaide Richard F.
Published: October 2019

 A 42-year-old man with a history of human immunodeficiency virus and previous immune reconstitution after initiating a highly active antiretroviral therapy regimen was referred to rule out cytomegalovirus retinitis. He had an unusual juxtapapillary collection of white superficial material and multiple pre-retinal collections resting on a peripheral ground glass opacification of the retina. These lesions quickly resolved after initiating treatment for syphilitic retinitis. The patient appeared to have developed an exaggerated response to the ocular syphilitic infection that may be related to the augmentation of his impaired immune system by highly active antiretroviral therapy. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2006;37:429-431.]  AUTHORS From the Department of Ophthalmology (SR, ETC, RFS), New York University School of Medicine; Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York (ETC, RFS); and the LuEsther T. Mertz Retina Research Center (ETC, RFS), Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York.  Accepted for publication April 20, 2006.  Address correspondence to Richard F. Spaide, MD, Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York, 460 Park Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022. 
Sexual reproduction vs. clonal propagation in the recovery of a seagrass meadow after an extreme weather event
Authors: Paulo Diogo , Diekmann Onno , Ramos Ana Alexandra , Alberto Filipe , Alvares Serrão Ester
Published: October 2019

Marine flowering plants can reproduce sexually and clonally, and the relative contribution of these two modes can be dependent on the environmental conditions. Zostera marina, a seagrass widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, can form annual and perennial meadows with different proportions of sexual versus clonal propagation depending on the environmental disturbance regime. We study the hypothesis that the contribution of sexual propagation varies during the recovery of a seagrass meadow. In this case study, we compare the proportion of sexual versus clonal propagation of a perennial Z. marina meadow before its disappearance due to winter storms and after recovery. Before disturbance, genotypic diversity was high, indicating frequent sexual reproduction events likely to create an abundant seed bank. Seedling germination allowed the population to recover after the extreme disturbance. As months passed, seedlings became rare and finally absent, giving place to adult shoots. In an advanced stage of colonization, the shoots colonized the area by vegetative growth, which lowered the genotypic diversity. Despite this reduction over time, the genotypic diversity of the new meadow is still high, demonstrating the importance of sexual reproduction in meadow recovery and persistence.
Spatio-temporal trends in diversity of demersal fish assemblages in the Mediterranean
Authors: Farriols M. Teresa , Ordines Francesc , Carbonara Pierluigi , Casciaro Loredana , Di Lorenzo Manfredi , Esteban Antonio , Follesa Cristina , García-Ruiz Cristina , Isajlovic Igor , Jadaud Angélique , Ligas Alessandro , Manfredi Chiara , Marceta Bojan , Peristeraki Panagiota , Vrgoc Nedo , Massutí Enric
Published: October 2019

The high species richness, coupled with high proportion of endemism, makes the Mediterranean one of the world’s ‘biodiversity hotspots’. However, the continuous increase in fisheries in the last few decades has led to the overexploitation of their main commercial stocks. Using fishery-independent data collected under the framework of the MEDITS trawl surveys carried out over the last 20 years, we study the demersal fish diversity pattern in the Mediterranean at a large spatial and temporal scale to determine whether it is being affected by the general fishing overexploitation of the demersal resources. The detected diversity trends are compared with the spatio-temporal variation in bottom trawl fishing effort in the Mediterranean. Our results show a stability and even recovery of demersal fish diversity in the Mediterranean together with higher diversity values on the continental shelves of the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Sicily and the Aegean Sea. At large temporal and spatial scales, the high diversity of demersal assemblages in the Mediterranean is associated with a reduction in bottom trawl fishing effort. The inclusion of species other than target ones through diversity indices is important in the implementation of an ecosystem-based fisheries management.
De la représentation à l’exposition de soi
Authors: Liddell Angélica
Published: October 2019

« Je ne cherche pas à être originale ou d’avant-garde. Non, pas du tout. Je cherche à être profondément influencée et la plus antique possible. »Dans cet entretien se déroulant le jour de la dernière de ¿Qué haré yo con esta espada?, Angélica Liddell revient longuement sur l’importance de l’écriture à ses yeux et son exigence de rigueur esthétique. Elle aborde ses principales influences, son rapport au monde et à sa violence. Loin de toute provocation, elle évoque notre être primitif, la relative capacité à l’étonnement de nos sociétés et son souhait d’amour.
La métamorphose des corps
Authors: Louarn Madeleine
Published: October 2019

« Je ne cherche donc absolument pas à enlever les rugosités que le handicap produit, les difficultés de parler, de maîtriser certaines choses. À travers ces difficultés se pose une question qui est humaine, profondément existentielle, celle de nos propres limites. […] C’est extrêmement palpable chez eux sur le plateau, et c’est sans doute ce qui les rend profondément théâtraux. »Madeleine Louarn entend confronter ses comédiens à la puissance de la langue et du corps. Le théâtre devient alors un combat pour dépasser ses propres limites, pour aller au-delà du handicap, pour vivre, tout simplement, par la langue d’un autre.
Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in Higher Education
Authors: Harrison Jamie
Published: October 2019

This chapter discusses the concepts of cultural and linguistic diversity in relation to the higher education classroom. Essential components of culturally and linguistically responsive teaching are considered and a self-study of teaching practice explored. Applications of second language acquisition theory are applied to pedagogical practice to inform the reader about what effective instruction of culturally and linguistically diverse students in the university setting looks like. Conclusions and recommendations are made.
Using Student-Centered Engagement in the Classroom to Develop Cultural Intelligence
Authors: Cresswell-Yeager Tiffany J. , Whitaker, II Ronald W.
Published: October 2019

Culturally responsive teaching provides a framework for which we can aspire to better serve all students in our classrooms. Engaging students in conversations on difficult social justice topics can be extremely challenging but very important in our global society. The authors offer several strategies for first establishing student engagement, then implementing course content to develop cultural intelligence to have these conversations. Using the lens of cultural intelligence, the authors explore effective tools for creating a welcoming environment and ways to communicate effectively with cultural humility. Then, the authors explore anti-deficit strategies needed to engage students in learning about diversity and inclusion and to facilitate constructive dialogue about current issues of discrimination, bias, and prejudice. Finally, the authors offer several case vignettes based on the experience of using the problem of practice and provide example assignments used to develop and enhance cultural intelligence.
Transformative Power of Smart Technologies Enabled by Advances in AI
Authors: Haq Anwar ul , Majeed Asim , Magoulas George D. , Jamal Arshad
Published: October 2019

The internet has transformed the landscape in the field of marketing and consumer behaviour in the last two decades, enabling unprecedented reach to the consumers for marketers, inducing low costs in general, providing opportunities to analyse interactions and facilitating the development of novel strategies in digital marketing. As the information age is maturing, it is entering a new era of the fourth industrial revolution where internet's reach is coupled with the smart technologies powered by AI, cloud-based scalable infrastructure, sensor infusion harvesting an ever greater amount of data. The consumer demands and preferences are ever more sophisticated. In this context, the digital marketing field will go through a period of tremendous change, where established norms and practices will no longer serve the purpose of attracting and engaging consumers. A thought experiment is discussed using a persona for the effectiveness of existing digital marketing models. Further, a concept of swarm marketing using AI has been also discussed.
Impact of Supply Chain Digitalisation on a Connected Global Market
Authors: Habib Farooq , Khan Murtaza Farooq
Published: October 2019

This chapter focuses on the impact of supply chain digitalisation on a connected global market. The first section focuses on the dynamic consumer requirements and preferences. The second section appraised the segmentation and mapping of digital technologies. The third section examines the contemporary application of digital technologies including: big data, blockchains, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. The final section analysises the rules and regulations the form the basis of a contemporary framework for the governance of digital technologies.
Technology-Enabled Marketing and Supply Chain Collaboration
Authors: Ali Abdul
Published: October 2019

The concepts of marketing and supply chain management, despite their intertwined heritage, are treated in isolation in the literature. Several recent studies have endeavoured to demonstrate the synergies between them. However, the need for technology-enabled marketing for SC collaboration is still in its infancy. This chapter outlines the supply chain management, supply chain collaboration, and technology-enabled marketing. The chapter also highlights the need for technology-enabled marketing for supply chain collaboration. This study also extended the relational view theory in the context of relationship orientation to form collaborative relationships in the supply chain. This study suggested that an organisation could harness the synergy through integrating marketing strategies and SC collaboration.
Smart ECG Monitoring Through IoT
Authors: Nouira Ibtihel , Said Mohamed Hadj
Published: October 2019

The emergence of internet of things allows the integration of health systems by enabling real-time monitoring with a low cost. Therefore, one of the essential targets in this work is the realization of a new smart real-time electrocardiogram remote monitoring system based on cloud networks. This health wireless system allows the acquisition of electrocardiogram signal with the temperature and acceleration measurement of the patient's body using the inertial measurement unit module sensor. A strong access schemes is employed to transfer the data from sensors to cloud environment by keeping the protection of e-health information. The second objective in this chapter is designing a flexible and stretchable health circuit basing on design considerations, aiming the combination of flexible, elastic, and rigid materials around minimal constraints and maximum mechanical dependability in the structures. The flexible fabrication part was inspired from the biocompatible process technology.
A Human-Centered Usability Evaluation of University Websites Using SNECAAS Model
Authors: Adepoju Solomon Adelowo , Oyefolahan Ishaq Oyebisi , Abdullahi Muhammad Bashir , Mohammed Adamu Alhaji , Ibiyo Motunrayo O.
Published: October 2019

One of the ways universities ensure constant touch with the human populace is through their websites. Therefore, websites must be engaging, interactive, easy-to-use, and provide users with the necessary information needed. Unfortunately, most universities have found this objective quite difficult to achieve. This chapter presents an evaluation the usability of six Nigerian university websites using a model which is based on seven usability criteria of speed, ease of use, navigation, content, aesthetic, accessibility, and security. The best six university websites based on webometric ranking were selected for the study with 233 participants via an online questionnaire using Google Docs. The overall results of the evaluation indicate that the usability of Nigerian university websites performed fairly well in ease of use, navigation, and aesthetic, averagely on speed and content, while the ratings based on accessibility and security are not very satisfactory.
Impact of Human Interaction in Agile-Oriented Content Delivery in Learning Environments
Authors: Moiz Salman Abdul
Published: October 2019

In this chapter, a linear process model is proposed for outcome-based education. Then an agile-based approach is presented that aims to integrate the Instruction design and student assessment to improve the quality of design and delivery. An agile process model suitable for virtual learning environments is proposed. The agile project management artifacts that include a content story, test plan, etc. are being used in the education domain. There is a need for human interaction in the teaching and learning process to improve the outcomes. The feedback generated after the student assessment process will help in improving the process of content designing and delivery in subsequent increments. The proposed agile model for the virtual learning environment is adapted for a graduate course offering. Based on the continuous assessments and feedbacks, various instructional methods are used for the delivery of the course. The results show that there is an improvement in student's grades, learning outcomes, and there is a considerable reduction in failures and dropout rates.
The Business Transformation and Enterprise Architecture Framework
Authors: Trad Antoine
Published: October 2019

The HSD&E activities are supported by a central decision-making system (DMS) (in which a HR subsystem is included), knowledge management system (KMS), and an enterprise architecture project (EAP). The chapter's proof of concept (PoC) is based on a business case from the insurance domain where the central point is the capacity of the selected manager skillset to successfully start and finalize a BTP or an EAP (or simply a project). The PoC shows the selection process of a manager's skillset to transform the traditional insurance enterprise into an agile and automated enterprise. Projects are managed by managers, who are (or should be) supported by a methodology and a framework that can estimate the risks of failure of a project; at the same time, they should be capable of managing the implementation project processes.
Effects of Software on Gifted Students Achievement and Activities in Elementary Education
Authors: Al-Musawi Ali Sharaf , El Shourbagi Sahar Ahmed , Al Saddi Balqees Khalfan
Published: October 2019

This chapter aims to compare the ways that teachers in both countries, Oman and Canada, respond to the needs of gifted students and deal with them in elementary schools, with a focus on the use of instructional software and their impacts on gifted students' achievement and activities. It reviews the literature in this field, explains and analyzes the collected data and findings of a small-scale study conducted with teachers of gifted students in the two countries. The chapter then presents the schoolteachers' perceptions about the impacts of instructional software on gifted students. Conclusions are drawn and future prospectives are pointed out.
Virtual Reality
Authors: Templeton Carol , Kessinger Michael W.
Published: October 2019

Moving beyond the traditional K-12 classroom environment, this chapter examines the pedagogical benefits virtual learning offer gifted and talented students. The use of virtual reality as a learning tool is relatively new in the field of education. A discussion is provided how virtual reality promote and support learning theories such as Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Constructivism, and Connectivism. The benefits of virtual reality in terms of spatial awareness and the use in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) areas the technology offers to K-12 gifted and talented students are also discussed. On a global level, the use of three-dimensional software and computer devices can help students discover and understand abstract and complex concepts. This chapter provides an overview of current research and projects relating to the use of virtual technology devices within the field of education.
Mobile Technology of Learning and Communication for Students With Disabilities
Authors: Matsumoto Sayaka , Shibata Kuniomi , Hattori Akira
Published: October 2019

This chapter presents a mobile application to support children and students with hearing difficulties and/or developmental disorders in interacting, understanding, and preparing for learning in their daily, school, and social lives. The authors think that a learning and communication support technique using a combination of characters, pictograms, and photographs is effective for people with disabilities. The application recognizes words spoken by their communication partners by using a speech recognition system and arranges the pictures corresponding to the words in a sequence. The results of two demonstration experiments show that PICTONGUE promotes mutual understanding between students who have hearing difficulties and/or developmental disorders by utilizing pictograms and photographs in combination with speech. The authors suggest that PICTONGUE supports visualization and feedback for planning and learning as a new way of communication for children and students with hearing difficulties and developmental disorders.
On-the-Job Training System to Support Gifted School Activities for In-Service Teachers With Online Video Conferencing
Authors: Kobayashi Hironori , Nagai Masahiro , Higuchi Nobumoto
Published: October 2019

In-service teacher training is conducted at schools in Japan to address various educational challenges with the aim of enriching on-the-job training (OJT) at schools through teacher collaboration and off-the-job training (Off-JT) outside of schools. However, in Miyazaki prefecture, OJT does not function well at remote schools or small schools in the mountains, and various conditions make it difficult for teachers to participate in training outside the school premises, even if they would like to. In this chapter, the authors propose a support system that aims to revitalize OJT/in-school training through the effective use of video conferencing technology, and a support system for Off-JT/out-of-school training through the construction of a new training system. This chapter introduces excellent initiatives at small schools in the mountains that make use of the authors' training system. The authors believe this training system can offer many important insights into how teachers are trained in developing countries and numerous countries with various geographic issues.
From Video Surveillance to Video Narratives
Authors: Jean-Charles Alex
Published: October 2019

This chapter examines the experience of young black males with video surveillance as a technology of oppression and video narratives as a technology of liberation. Foucault's work on power relations and Baudrillard's works on media simulation are used as a framework of analysis to examine (1) the “truths” that characterize the sphere of discourse that favors the use of security surveillance technology to control school violence; (2) the ways such regimes of power act to shape the consciousness and identity of poor, urban, young black male students; and (3) the ways the technology, as an expression of a panopticon technique, acts to shape the phenomenological experience of place for students. In addition, media and the portrayal of Black males are explored through classical Western literature.
Technology to Enhance Learning for All Students
Authors: Jones Raytosha , Smith Dimitra J.
Published: October 2019

Technology is at the forefront of today's workforce. Comparatively, K-12 schools are incorporating technology into K-12 classrooms and instructional teaching methods and strategies. Research has indicted that students who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds may not only have similar access to technology as those from more affluent backgrounds, but students from low socioeconomic backgrounds also use technology for reasons that are different and commonly not academic reasons. This chapter will provide background information on current issues related to the use of technology among students of insight into issues and challenges related to integrating technology into K-12 classrooms, the role of funding in economically poorer school districts, and key instructional strategies for using technology and new and emerging technology in the K-12 classroom. This chapter will conclude with providing recommendations for ensuring access and success for all students.
Educators and Wellbeing
Authors: Miltenoff Plamen , Milne Kelsey
Published: October 2019

In a growing world of technology, stress and burnout increase. The surge of depression and anxiety among the young generations with their smart devices and the new reality of social media is a clear sign for the need to restore ancient practices of contemplative exercises and meditation. The authors of this chapter assert the pivotal role of educators as role models in the process of fending stress and affirming wellbeing by introducing and fostering these practices in educational institutions. A mixed method research confirms findings in the literature regarding the importance for both teachers and students to learn to regulate and control their emotions in the classroom and develop effective coping strategies to alleviate the high degree of burnout among teachers.
Blended Social Skills Intervention for Students Identified as Emotionally and Behaviorally Disturbed
Authors: Tidmore Lauren R.
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a nine-week blended learning social skills intervention for high school students identified as being at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders. Exploring how social skills interventions improve students' social and emotional deficits aids in the development of an engaging curriculum. This quantitative study utilized a pretest-posttest method. High school students identified as being at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders and their special educators were invited to complete the researcher-designed social skills intervention with a corresponding pre- and post-test. There were no statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-test scores for the students or the special educator. The SEARS' social-emotional domains were all found to be statistically significant predictors of the students' total composite score. Gender was found to be a significant predictor of the student's total composite score. Implications of the study include strategies for developing interventions at the high school level.
School Counselors and Technology
Authors: Bang Na Mi , Haihong (Helen) Hu  , Couture Valerie G.
Published: October 2019

The use of advanced technology has clearly affected counseling services provided to students by school counselors, as well as how counselors communicate with and support students. The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) has emphasized the importance of school counselors' use of technology and their collaboration with families and educators. It is important for school counselors to understand how technology influences schools so that they can provide the most appropriate and effective counseling services to students. This chapter explores what school counselors need to know to understand the importance of advanced technologies in school settings, as well as how school counselors can utilize diverse technologies, online resources, activities, and computer-based systems in their work with students. This chapter will help educators and counselors develop the knowledge and skills needed to competently address technology-related issues in schools.
Professional Development for Classroom Teachers
Authors: Maiden Jeffrey
Published: October 2019

The professional development of teachers in instructional technology is of paramount importance. This chapter provides an overview of the topic, beginning with adult learning as a foundation. Teachers are adults, and any type of professional development, whether related to technology or not, should meet the needs of adult learners. The chapter subsequently provides a review of professional learning communities (PLCs), which may provide a venue for impactful, sustainable technology professional development. Next, teacher-led technology professional development and peer coaching are addressed, followed by a discussion of the use of the community, corporate, and university partnerships that may enhance professional development through symbiotic relationships. The chapter concludes with a discussion of virtual professional development, which may serve a dual purpose of enhancing professional development sustainability as well as modeling technology use for instructional purposes.
The Politics of Sanitation Development and Civil Society in Cambodia and India
Authors: Howard Paul Jason
Published: October 2019

India and Cambodia have had among the lowest levels of sanitation development in the world and both have great disparities in terms of sanitation access, particularly in rural-urban terms. India's topographic diversity and sheer physical size sees great disparity in sanitation access among its Provinces. Cambodia also has great Provincial-level sanitation disparity. Despite these similarities between Cambodia and India's sanitation development, India has developed what is akin to a form of government-driven ‘sanitation nationalism', something that has not yet happened in Cambodia. India's nascent national obsession with sanitation and hygiene has been driven by both the government and NGO sectors. The BJP, under Narendra Modi, swept to power in 2014 with sanitation being a major issue in the campaign. In Cambodia, whilst there was a strong contest in the 2013 national elections, the opposition CNRP was later dissolved. Consequently, electoral contestation is not a driver for sanitation development being a major election issue in Cambodia as it was in India.
IT-Governance Framework Considering Service Quality and Information Security in Banks in India
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Pandiya Bhartrihari , Upadhyay Chandra Kant , Singh Manas K
Published: October 2019

This study proposes an IT-Governance framework for the Indian Banking Industry. This research explores the factors predicting customer loyalty in retail banking. The classical SERVQUAL model that captures consumer insight of a service along the five dimensions (reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, responsiveness) and is combined with three critical factors of cyber / information security, namely confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) to generate a conceptual framework for IT-governance in Indian Banking. A survey with more than 150 respondents was conducted. The study concludes that customers have a moderate to low perception on current Indian banking infrastructure and other dimensions of services quality it provides, while a highly favourable perception of the parameters of information security and hence, it can be leveraged to implement certain critical policies of the government with requires confidentiality and integrity.
A Novel Hybrid Approach for Chronic Disease Classification
Authors: Jain Divya , Singh Vijendra
Published: October 2019

A two-phase diagnostic framework based on hybrid classification for the diagnosis of chronic disease is proposed. In the first phase, feature selection via ReliefF method and feature extraction via PCA method are incorporated. In the second phase, efficient optimization of SVM parameters via grid search method is performed. The proposed hybrid classification approach is then tested with seven popular chronic disease datasets using a cross-validation method. Experiments are then conducted to evaluate the presented classification method vis-à-vis four other existing classifiers that are applied on the same chronic disease datasets. Results show that the presented approach reduces approximately 40% of the extraneous and surplus features with substantial reduction in the execution time for mining all datasets, achieving the highest classification accuracy of 98.5%. It is concluded that with the presented approach, excellent classification accuracy is achieved for each chronic disease dataset while irrelevant and redundant features may be eliminated, thereby substantially reducing the diagnostic complexity and resulting computational time.
Human Factors Affecting HMS Impact on Nurses Jobs
Authors: Guimaraes Tor , Caccia-Bava Maria do Carmo , Guimaraes Valerie
Published: October 2019

To improve and facilitate patient care, hospital administrators have implemented healthcare management systems (HMS). Unfortunately, many hospitals have encountered HMS implementation problems. Some user-related factors have been proposed in the literature as important to system success. This study proposes an integrative model and empirically tests the importance of these variables as determinants of HMS impact on the jobs of nurses. Data from 213 nurses using their hospital HMS has been used to test the relationships between the independent variables and the HMS impact on the nurses' jobs. The results confirm the importance of nurse participation, training, good communication with developers, and lack of conflict regarding system implementation enabling a more desirable effect of HMS on nurses' jobs. Based on the results, recommendations are made for hospital administrators to improve the likelihood of HMS implementation success.
Blended Learning as a Good Practice in ESL Courses Compared to F2F Learning and Online Learning
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Chang
Published: October 2019

Blended learning has been studied for many years. However, it is necessary to assess whether blended learning is a good practice as opposed to face-to-face and online learning. Based on the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education, a questionnaire was designed to compare blended learning in seven dimensions to traditional and online learning. A total of 653 students participated in the research. Independent T-test, paired T-test and ANCOVA were conducted using SPSS. The results showed that blended learning was reported to have a higher effectiveness than traditional learning for all seven principles and a higher effectiveness than online learning for most of the principles. Learning modes had a significant effect on student perceptions on most of the principles. Gender had significant effect on student perception of all seven principles, while year of study and knowledge domain did not show significant effects on most of the principles. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed.
Reg(u)arding Indigenous Environmental Discourses in Philippine (F)laws
Authors: Queri Shekinah Dorelle
Published: October 2019

The main proposition of this research is to establish the inherent overlap of environment and culture in the Agta-Dumagat consciousness, and how this influences environmental policy-making. To answer this, this research sought to locate the cultural angle in overarching laws on environmental protection and establish the influence of these laws on how the Agta-Dumagats frame their material-symbolic discourses. RA 7942 and PD 705, focused on mining and forestry management, contain conflicting views both on state and indigenous ownership and utilization of natural resources—two of the major causes of environmental degradation identified by the Agta-Dumagats. Interviews with SAGIBIN-LN council of leaders and surveys on human-nature relations showed that their narratives are characterized by a sense of desperation as they shared stories replete with oppressive themes. If they are regarded as minorities in situ, the Local Government Units would be hard-pressed to consider their legitimizing indigenous voice on climate change.
Can Cognitive Style Predict Adoption of an Emerging Technology?
Authors: Chae Ho-Chang , Koh Chang E. , Jeon Minjun
Published: October 2019

Understanding how individuals recognize an emerging technology can have a profound impact on how successfully the technology is adopted. The authors look into how people with different cognitive styles interpret a new technology and arrive at different beliefs of the same technology, which influences the recognition and acceptance of the technology. An experiment was conducted to test whether an individual's cognitive style impacts their beliefs and intention to use RFID, an emerging technology. The study suggests that a person's cognitive style does influence how he/she perceives the usefulness and ease of the technology, as well as his/her attitude and intention to use it. People with introversion, thinking and judging cognitive styles tend to perceive higher ease of use of RFID than those with extroversion, feeling and perceiving cognitive styles. Also, judging types are more likely to better perceive higher usefulness of RFID. The authors also provide discussion on the managerial and theoretical implications of our findings.
Evaluating Usability and Content Accessibility for e-Learning Websites in the Middle East
Authors: Hammad Mustafa , Alnabhan Mohammad , Abu Abu Doush Iyad , Alsalem Gheed Mufied , Al-Alem Fatima Abdalla , Mouhammd Mahmoud Al-awadi
Published: October 2019

Quality has become a fundamental requirement for success and sustainability of websites. This study discusses the evaluation of some e-Learning websites as one of the main sources of information to administrators, students and teachers in the educational systems. This article investigates the quality of e-learning websites in the Middle East in term of usability and content accessibility. Eleven websites from eleven countries were selected for this study. Evaluations process is done based on different web diagnostic tools and measures. The experimental results show several issues on usability and content accessibility of the selected e-learning websites. Many usability problems with respect of speed and number of broken links were found. Moreover, the design of the selected websites is not fit with the content accessibility standards.
Stepping Out of the Classroom
Authors: Pakanen Minna , Alavesa Paula , Arhippainen Leena , Ojala Timo
Published: October 2019

While three-dimensional virtual learning environments have attracted plenty of research interest, mirror-world-like virtual campuses have been used mainly for virtual tours, promotions, or for simulation purposes. In this article, the authors investigate the use of geographically accurate mirror-world-like virtual campus models as an interactive learning environment. The initial prototype of the virtual campus covers about 2,300 m2 of a university campus and contains basic pedagogical, communicational, and content creation functionalities. A qualitative study with 14 participants explored their anticipated user experiences as well as their needs for the services and functionalities of the virtual campus. The findings suggest that a more profound link of reality and virtuality than just mirroring physical spaces in the virtual realm is needed. A hybrid reality approach is required to foster social community building and collaboration, 3D space design, and service integration. Finally, stepping out of the classroom introduces privacy issues that should be considered carefully.
The Attitude Towards and the Use of Social Networking in European Higher Education
Authors: Gaftandzhieva Silvia , Doneva Rositsa
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, social networking is becoming a more and more powerful tool for students for communication, sharing of information and discussions on various topics. The study presented in this article investigates the extent to which teachers from different European countries use social networking sites in their teaching practice for different purposes and what their attitude is towards the use of social networking in higher education in general. The study is intended to seek clarity on the issues, whether the use of social networks is related to teacher information about social networking sites; their participation in interest groups and research for the use of social networks in education; and whether the results obtained from the survey vary according to the country. For this purpose, the statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics is used. On the other hand, the study explores specific areas of the use of social networking in higher education, with an emphasis on their efficacy.
Relação entre ciclo de vida organizacional e uso de instrumentos de contabilidade gerencial
Authors: Dos Santos Vanderlei , Corrêa Norton Luis , Beuren Ilse Maria , Gomes Tayse
Published: October 2019

O estudo objetiva averiguar a relação do ciclo de vida organizacional com o uso de instrumentos tradicionais e modernos de Contabilidade Gerencial. Uma survey foi realizada em 37 empresas industriais e aos dados aplicaram-se técnicas de estatística descritiva, análise discriminante e correlações. Os resultados mostram que a maioria dessas empresas encontra-se no estágio de nascimento e possuem diferentes anos de constituição, não seguindo a ordem determinística preconizada na Teoria do Ciclo de Vida. Dos instrumentos tradicionais, apenas os métodos de custeio não apresentaram relação significativa com os estágios do ciclo de vida. Constatou-se relação negativa entre o estágio de nascimento e o uso de instrumentos de Contabilidade Gerencial e relação positiva entre os estágios de crescimento, maturidade e rejuvenescimento com os instrumentos de Contabilidade Gerencial. O uso de instrumentos modernos de Contabilidade Gerencial é maior no estágio de rejuvenescimento. Portanto, conforme a empresa avança nos estágios do ciclo de vida, maior é o uso de instrumentos de Contabilidade Gerencial.
Gerenciamento de resultados no setor de locação imobiliária
Authors: Alvim Guedes Alcoforado Eduardo Alvim , Silva Kelly Aparecida , De Ávila Lucimar Antônio Cabral
Published: October 2019

As escolhas contábeis previstas no CPC 28 (IAS 40) podem afetar as demonstrações contábeis das empresas e consequentemente influenciar usuários externos que as utilizam para fins de tomada de decisão por apresentar mudança no procedimento contábil quanto a mensuração das propriedades para investimento: valor justo ou custo histórico. Uma vez que as atividades das empresas locadoras de imóveis estão voltadas para ativos de propriedades de investimento, pressupõe-se que estas são as principais interessadas nas escolhas contábeis previstas no CPC 28. Diante disso, o presente estudo tem por objetivo mensurar os accruals discricionários das empresas brasileiras de locação de imóveis usando o modelo de Pae (2005). Para atingir o objetivo proposto, são utilizadas as principais informações contábeis presentes nas demonstrações anuais das empresas brasileiras de capital aberto, referente aos anos de 2010 a 2017, totalizando em uma amostra com 9 empresas com 7 períodos cada. Os resultados encontrados sugerem que empresas optantes pelo custo histórico tendem a apresentar accruals mais baixos que as optantes do valor justo. Além disso, são feitas análises comparando o nível do lucro líquido e o nível dos accruals discricionários retornados pelo modelo econométrico e essas comparações levantam a possibilidade de que as empresas optantes do valor justo possuem maior potencial de manipulação dos resultados do que as empresas optantes da mensuração pelo custo histórico.
Impact of accounting choice of dividends on the company’s value: Initial evidences
Authors: Marques Mariana Titoto , Canassa Bruno José , Maciel da Silva William Aparecido , Lima Jéssica de Morais , Lima Fabiano Guasti , Dalmácio Flávia Zóboli
Published: October 2019

The theme "value" always draws attention in discussions because its concept is linked to a high subjectivity. There are many models that try to get to an asset or a company’s value, which in addition to dealing with the subjectivity of the term, also must deal with several projections. The model of free cash flow is quoted in the literature. This method is affected by the variation of working capital which is the difference between assets and liabilities that is considered operational, calculated by Fleuriet’s Model, but to classify as operational is up to the evaluator/analyst. There are many choices for those who prepare the accounting reports too, what is called in the literature as the accounting choices. Example of the accounting choices is the treatment of interest, dividend and interest on shareholders' equity. Thus, if any account is classified as operational, this could impact the calculation of working capital and maybe, the value of a firm. This study analyzed whether there is an impact on the value, calculated by the discounted cash flow method, resulting from the accounting choice of dividends. Starting from the company's cash flow approach, which is affected by working capital, the sample was made by 80 companies in the Bovespa New Market between 2011 and 2015. Based on tests of mean and sign differences, the results confirmed what was expected: the dividend affects the free cash flow calculation and, moreover, should affect the company’s value.
Aplicação da análise fatorial no estudo da classificação dos índices contábeis das Entidades de Previdência Fechada Complementar (EPFC)
Authors: Do Nascimento Oliveira Josiel , Rodrigues Cordeiro Daniel , Cruz Mendes Renato , Lisboa da Motta de Almeida Danielle , Elias Montibeler Everlam
Published: October 2019

As Entidades Fechadas de Previdência Complementar (EFPC) tem recebido grande atenção de governos e estudos acadêmicos na atualidade, em virtude das presentes e futuras reformas por qual passa a Previdência Pública nas esferas Federal, Estadual e Municipal. Nesse trabalho, objetivou-se testar a classificação dos grupos de indicadores contábeis descritos pela ANCEP (Associação Nacional dos Contabilistas das Entidades de Previdência), para as Entidades de Previdência Fechada Complementar (EPFC), utilizando a técnica de análise fatorial para verificar estes indicadores. Com os resultados encontrados nos testes aplicados pelo método, foi possível concluir que os 54 indicadores distribuídos nos 4 grupos propostos pela ANCEP, puderam ser reclassificados em 11 indicadores e 3 grupos, desta forma, os grupos foram formados a partir das variáveis que apresentaram o maior grau de correlação entre si, e a partir deles, foi possível aferir o comportamento das informações contábeis com um número menor de informações e sem perda de confiança dos dados.
The Tumor-Immune Response Is Not Compromised by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Humanized Mice
Authors: Moquin-Beaudry Gaël , Colas Chloé , Li Yuanyi , Bazin Renée , Guimond Jean V. , Haddad Elie , Beauséjour Christian
Published: October 2019

Therapeutic uses of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged over the past decade. Yet, their effect on tumor growth remains highly debated, particularly in an immune competent environment. In this study, we wanted to investigate the impact of human umbilical cord–derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) on tumor growth in humanized mice generated by the human adoptive transfer of PBMCs or the cotransplantation of hematopoietic stem cells and human thymic tissue (human BLT [Hu-BLT]). Our results showed that the growth and immune rejection of engineered human fibroblastic tumors was not altered by the injection of hUC-MSCs in immune-deficient or humanized mice, respectively. This was observed whether tumor cells were injected s.c. or i.v. and independently of the injection route of the hUC-MSCs. Moreover, only in Hu-BLT mice did hUC-MSCs have some effects on the tumor-immune infiltrate, yet without altering tumor growth. These results demonstrate that hUC-MSCs do not promote fibroblastic tumor growth and neither do they prevent tumor infiltration and rejection by immune cells in humanized mice.
Safety and efficacy of retroperitoneal sutureless zero ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for low nephrometry score masses
Authors: Corongiu Emanuele , Grande Pietro , Di Santo Angelo , Pagliarella Giorgio , Squillacciotti Stefano , Liberati Emanuele , Zampelli Alessandra , Olivieri Valerio , Innocenzi Michele , Forte Flavio
Published: October 2019

Objectives: To evaluate oncological feasibility and oncological and functional results of retroperitoneal sutureless zero ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Patients and methods: Patients with posterior renal masses with low nephrometry score (RENAL ≤ 7) treated who underwent retroperitoneal sutureless zero ischemia.in a single center from January 2016 to November 2017. Clinical, surgical and pathological data were prospectively collected. Complications were reported according to the modified Clavien classification. Results: Retroperitoneal sutureless zero ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed on 15 patients. The indication for nephron-sparing surgery was elective in 11 (73%) patients and imperative in 4 (27%). Median RENAL score was 5 (IQR: 5-7), median tumor diameter 25 mm (IQR: 20-35). In 11 cases, the tumor was located polar (85%), and in 2 cases hilar (15%). There were no intraoperative complications. No cases were converted to radical nephrectomy, and in no case parenchyma suture was necessary. Median operative time was 90 min (IQR:40-150), in no case clamping of the renal artery was necessary, median hospital stay was 4 days, median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 310 (180-500) ml. Pathological analysis showed renal cell carcinoma in 11 patients (85%), 9 (60%) staged T1a and 2 (13%) T1b. In 4 (27%) an oncocytoma was found. There were no positive surgical margins. One patient developed a major postoperative complication (postoperative renal bleeding requiring super-selective embolization). Trifecta rate was 93%. Conclusions: Sutureless retroperitoneal zero ischemia LPN for the treatment of low-complexity posterior renal masses showed to be safe and feasible. Longer follow-up and higher numbers of patients are, however, warranted to draw definitive conclusions on functional outcomes.