bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial of the Special Issue Antimicrobial Polymers
Authors: Piozzi Antonella , Francolini Iolanda
Published: September 2013

The special issue “Antimicrobial Polymers” includes research and review papers concerning the recent advances on preparation of antimicrobial polymers and their relevance to industrial settings and biomedical field. Antimicrobial polymers have recently emerged as promising candidates to fight microbial contamination onto surfaces thanks to their interesting properties. In this special issue, the main strategies pursued for developing antimicrobial polymers, including polymer impregnation with antimicrobial agents or synthesis of polymers bearing antimicrobial moieties, were discussed. The future application of these polymers either in industrial or healthcare settings could result in an extremely positive impact not only at the economic level but also for the improvement of quality of life.
Role of cMET in the Development and Progression of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Pérez-Vargas Juan , Biondani Pamela , Maggi Claudia , Gariboldi Manuela , Gloghini Annunziata , Inno Alessandro , Volpi Chiara , Gualeni Ambra , Di Bartolomeo Maria , De Braud Filippo , Castano Alessandra , Bossi Ilaria , Pietrantonio Filippo
Published: September 2013

Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is a member of a distinct subfamily of heterodimeric receptor tyrosine kinase receptors that specifically binds the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Binding to HGF leads to receptor dimerization/multimerization and phosphorylation, resulting in its catalytic activation. MET activation drives the malignant progression of several tumor types, including colorectal cancer (CRC), by promoting signaling cascades that mainly result in alterations of cell motility, survival, and proliferation. MET is aberrantly activated in many human cancers through various mechanisms, including point mutations, gene amplification, transcriptional up-regulation, or ligand autocrine loops. MET promotes cell scattering, invasion, and protection from apoptosis, thereby acting as an adjuvant pro-metastatic gene for many tumor types. In CRC, MET expression confers more aggressiveness and worse clinical prognosis. With all of this rationale, inhibitors that target the HGF/MET axis with different types of response have been developed. HGF and MET are new promising targets to understand the pathogenesis of CRC and for the development of new, targeted therapies.
Cancer Genetic Counselor Information Needs for Risk Communication: A Qualitative Evaluation of Interview Transcripts
Authors: Overby Casey , Chung Wendy , Hripcsak George , Kukafka Rita
Published: September 2013

Personalized medicine is a model of healthcare that is predictive, personalized, preventive and participatory (“P4 Medicine”). Genetic counselors are an ideal group to study when designing tools to support cancer P4 Medicine activities more broadly. The goal for this work was to gain a better understanding of the information cancer genetic counselors seek from their patients to facilitate effective information exchange for discussing risk. This was an analysis of a qualitative data set from interviews of eight cancer genetic counselors, recruited from three institutions. Genetic counselors at each site were interviewed using a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire. A selective coding approach was used to determine major themes associated with genetic counseling information needs for communicating risk. We generated a model for understanding categories of genetic counseling information needs to support risk communication activities. Common activities for risk communication included risk assessment and tailoring communication. Categories of information needs included: (a) clinical patient characteristics, (b) social and cognitive patient characteristics and (c) patient motivation and goals for the genetic counseling session. A logical next step is for this model to inform the design of software systems for pre-visit patient planning and delivering just-in-time educational information to facilitate cancer risk communication activities.
The Effects of Land-Use Change from Grassland to Miscanthus x giganteus on Soil N2O Emissions
Authors: Roth Brendan , Jones Michael , Burke James , Williams Michael
Published: September 2013

A one year field trial was carried out on three adjacent unfertilised plots; an 18 year old grassland, a 14 year old established Miscanthus crop, and a 7 month old newly planted Miscanthus crop. Measurements of N2O, soil temperature, water filled pore space (WFPS), and inorganic nitrogen concentrations, were made every one to two weeks. Soil temperature, WFPS and NO3− and NH4+ concentrations were all found to be significantly affected by land use. Temporal crop effects were also observed in soil inorganic nitrogen dynamics, due in part to C4 litter incorporation into the soil under Miscanthus. Nonetheless, soil N2O fluxes were not significantly affected by land use. Cumulative yearly N2O fluxes were relatively low, 216 ± 163, 613 ± 294, and 377 ± 132 g·N·ha−1·yr−1 from the grassland, newly planted Miscanthus, and established Miscanthus plots respectively, and fell within the range commonly observed for unfertilised grasslands dominated by perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Higher mean cumulative fluxes were measured in the newly planted Miscanthus, which may be linked to a possible unobserved increase immediately after establishment. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Based on the results of this experiment, land-use change from grassland to Miscanthus will have a neutral impact on medium to long-term N2O emissions.
Integrative Analysis of Longitudinal Metabolomics Data from a Personal Multi-Omics Profile
Authors: Stanberry Larissa , Mias George , Haynes Winston , Higdon Roger , Snyder Michael , Kolker Eugene
Published: September 2013

The integrative personal omics profile (iPOP) is a pioneering study that combines genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and autoantibody profiles from a single individual over a 14-month period. The observation period includes two episodes of viral infection: a human rhinovirus and a respiratory syncytial virus. The profile studies give an informative snapshot into the biological functioning of an organism. We hypothesize that pathway expression levels are associated with disease status. To test this hypothesis, we use biological pathways to integrate metabolomics and proteomics iPOP data. The approach computes the pathways’ differential expression levels at each time point, while taking into account the pathway structure and the longitudinal design. The resulting pathway levels show strong association with the disease status. Further, we identify temporal patterns in metabolite expression levels. The changes in metabolite expression levels also appear to be consistent with the disease status. The results of the integrative analysis suggest that changes in biological pathways may be used to predict and monitor the disease. The iPOP experimental design, data acquisition and analysis issues are discussed within the broader context of personal profiling.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Ixora parviflora Extract against Exhaustive Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice
Authors: Kan Nai-Wen , Huang Wen-Ching , Lin Wan-Teng , Huang Chih-Yang , Wen Kuo-Ching , Chiang Hsiu-Mei , Huang Chi-Chang , Hsu Mei-Chich
Published: September 2013

Ixora parviflora, a species of the Rubiaceae, is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, and has been traditionally used as a folk medicine. An I. parviflora extract (IPE) has great antioxidant activity in vitro, including a scavenging effect on superoxide radicals, reducing power, and ferrous ion-chelating ability. However, whether IPE is efficacious against oxidative damage in vivo is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the protective effects of IPE treatment on hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses after exhaustive exercise in mice. Fifty male C57BL/6 mice (6 week old) were randomly divided into five groups and designated a sedentary control with vehicle (C), and exhaustive exercise with vehicle (IPE0), low dosage (IPE10), medium dosage (IPE50) and high dosage (IPE100) of IPE at 0, 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. After a single bout of exhaustive swimming exercise challenge, levels of blood ammonia and creatine kinase (CK), and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) protein expression, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), and gp91phox, p22phox, and p47phox subunits of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase expressions in the IPE0 group were significantly affected compared to those of the C group, but they were all significantly inhibited by the IPE treatments. Results of the present in vivo study in mice indicate that I. parviflora extract possesses antioxidative and hepatoprotective potential following exhaustive exercise.
Identification of Repellent and Insecticidal Constituents of the Essential Oil of Artemisia rupestris L. Aerial Parts against Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel
Authors: Liu Xin , Li Yin , Li He , Deng Zhi , Zhou Ligang , Liu Zhi , Du Shu
Published: September 2013

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and insecticidal and repellent activity of the essential oil of Artemisia rupestris L. aerial parts against the booklice Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel and isolation of insecticidal and repellent constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of A. rupestris was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 30 components of the essential oil of A. rupestris was identified and the principal compounds in the essential oil were α-terpinyl acetate (37.18%), spathulenol (10.65%), α-terpineol (10.09%), and linalool (7.56%), followed by 4-terpineol (3.92%) and patchoulol (3.05%). Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the four active constituents were isolated from the essential oil and identified as α-terpineol, α-terpinyl acetate, 4-terpineol and linalool. The essential oil of A. rupestris exhibited contact toxicity against L. bostrychophila with LD50 value of 414.48 µg/cm2. α-Terpinyl acetate (LD50 = 92.59 µg/cm2) exhibited stronger contact toxicity against booklice than α-terpineol (LD50 = 140.30 µg/cm2), 4-terpineol (LD50 = 211.35 µg/cm2), and linalool (LD50 = 393.16 µg/cm2). The essential oil of A. rupestris (LC50 = 6.67 mg/L air) also possessed fumigant toxicity against L. bostrychophila while the four constituents, 4-terpineol, α-terpineol, α-terpinyl acetate and linalool had LC50 values of 0.34, 1.12, 1.26 and 1.96 mg/L air, respectively. α-Terpinol and α-terpinyl acetate showed strong repellency against L. bostrychophila, while linalool and 4-terpinol exhibited weak repellency. The results indicate that the essential oil of A. rupestris aerial parts and its constituent compounds have potential for development into natural insecticides or fumigants as well as repellents for control of insects in stored grains.
A Highly Efficient Regioselective Addition of Acetylides to Enediones Based on Steric Effects
Authors: Han Xiaoqiang , Wan Chuan , Yang Dongyan , Yuan Xiaoyong , Du Shijie , Xiao Yumei , Qin Zhaohai
Published: September 2013

A simple and efficient strategy for the synthesis of 1-ethynylcyclohex-2-enol derivatives was developed utilizing regioselective addition of acetylides to enediones based on steric effects. Further investigation of the substrate scope of enediones indicated that all the addition reactions ocurred in good yield.
Systematic Sustainable Process Design and Analysis of Biodiesel Processes
Authors: Mansouri Seyed , Ismail Muhammad , Babi Deenesh , Simasatitkul Lida , Huusom Jakob , Gani Rafiqul
Published: September 2013

Biodiesel is a promising fuel alternative compared to traditional diesel obtained from conventional sources such as fossil fuel. Many flowsheet alternatives exist for the production of biodiesel and therefore it is necessary to evaluate these alternatives using defined criteria and also from process intensification opportunities. This work focuses on three main aspects that have been incorporated into a systematic computer-aided framework for sustainable process design. First, the creation of a generic superstructure, which consists of all possible process alternatives based on available technology. Second, the evaluation of this superstructure for systematic screening to obtain an appropriate base case design. This is done by first reducing the search space using a sustainability analysis, which provides key indicators for process bottlenecks of different flowsheet configurations and then by further reducing the search space by using economic evaluation and life cycle assessment. Third, the determination of sustainable design with/without process intensification using a phenomena-based synthesis/design method. A detailed step by step application of the framework is highlighted through a biodiesel production case study.
Self-Efficacy in Social Work: Development and Initial Validation of the Self-Efficacy Scale for Social Workers
Authors: Pedrazza Monica , Trifiletti Elena , Berlanda Sabrina , Bernardo Gian
Published: September 2013

Self-efficacy beliefs do not reflect a generic sense of competence, but are instead context-specific. Therefore, self-efficacy should be assessed by using an ad hoc scale measuring individual behaviors that allows social workers to exercise influence over events that affect their work life. The present study describes the development and initial validation of the self-efficacy scale for social workers (SESSW). Items were generated through the Critical Incident Technique. Sixteen social workers with at least 10 years of service participated in two focus groups; they were asked to recall critical incidents in their work and to indicate the most effective behaviors to manage the incidents. Content analysis of the focus group transcripts provided 13 key self-efficacy beliefs. The 13-item scale was validated with a sample of 805 social workers. Data were analyzed using a split-sample technique. Exploratory factor analysis on the first split sample (n = 402) revealed three dimensions of self-efficacy, corresponding to emotion regulation, support request, and procedural self-efficacy. The three-factor structure of the scale was further confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis on the second split sample (n = 403). Our results show that SESSW is an adequate instrument for assessment of self-efficacy beliefs in social work.
Exploring the use of text and instant messaging in higher education classrooms
Authors: Lauricella Sharon , Kay Robin
Published: September 2013

This article examined how higher education students used text and instant messaging for academic purposes with their peers and faculty. Specifically, comfort level, frequency of use, usefulness, reasons for messaging and differences between peer-to-peer and peer-to-instructor interactions were examined. Students noted that they were very comfortable with using both text and instant messaging. Text messaging was used weekly with instructors and daily with peers. Instant messaging was used rarely with instructors but weekly with peers. Students rated text messaging as very useful and instant messaging as moderately useful for academic purposes. Key reasons cited for using both text and instant messaging included saving time, resolving administrative issues, convenience and ease of use. Text messaging appears to be the preferred mode of communication for students with respect to communicating with both peers and instructors. It is concluded that both text and instant messaging are useful and viable tools for augmenting student's communication among peers and faculty in higher education.Keywords: text messaging; instant messaging; student–faculty interaction; peer-to-peer interaction(Published: 3 September 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2013, 21: 19061 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.19061
Introducing a Teaching Innovation to Enhance Students’ Analytical and Research Skills
Authors: Miniaoui Hela , Kaur Avneet
Published: September 2013

The term “blended learning” has gained considerable interest in recent years as a description of particular forms of teaching combined with technology. This chapter reports in some detail the experience of a small group of undergraduate learners as they progress through their Bachelor course at University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) in the United Arab Emirates. In particular, this study looks at discussion forum approach as a blended learning initiative and what that entails to the learners in terms of making the subject more interactive and enhancing students’ analytical and research skills. From the findings, a conclusion has been drawn regarding the role of the Blackboard tool in learning by helping students to obtain a deep sense of understanding of how to operate in a virtual team despite the challenges.
Corpus Linguistics
Authors: Madongonda Angeline M. , Denhere Sithembeni
Published: September 2013

This chapter is an attempt to investigate the possibility of integrating computer-assisted ESL (English as a Second Language) learning and teaching in the Zimbabwean high school. With the ever-growing number of schools acquiring computers, even in the rural areas, quite a significant number of high schools in Zimbabwe are now ready to implement language programmes like corpus-based studies. The research attempts to show how concordancing technology could be integrated in ESL learning and teaching by including some practical activities using a computer. Findings after the study have indicated that computer-aided language programmes do help in ESL, and incorporating Corpus Linguistics would bring a major boost to students’ (and teachers’) ESL levels at a much faster rate than conventional methods. If such programmes were to be integrated in the high school, then the computer would become an indispensable teaching and learning tool.
Barriers to Blended Teaching and Learning in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ololube Nwachukwu Prince , Umunadi Kennedy E. , Kpolovie Peter James
Published: September 2013

This chapter explains the need to better design blended teaching and learning curricula, the need to address infrastructural problems, and the need to organise programmes so that faculty and students can better plan for unanticipated and unintended situations that confront them in the teaching and learning processes. Improving the quality of education through the diversification of content and methods and promoting experimentation, innovation, the diffusion and sharing of information, and best practices are among UNESCO’s recent strategic objectives in education. Discussions in this chapter centre on (1) the contexts of blended teaching and learning, (2) the barriers to blended learning usage, integration, and diffusion, and (3) the need to consider policy outcomes when evaluating blended teaching and learning resources. This study uses a qualitative research method, as both document materials and observation were an essential part of this chapter. This study concludes that the great enthusiasm around blended teaching and learning in sub-Saharan Africa has been dampened by inadequacies in essential services and infrastructures, such as electricity and telecommunication services, and institutional, socio-cultural, and economic barriers. Nonetheless, the development of blended teaching and learning resources continues.
Profiling and Supporting Adult Learners
Authors: Zhang Chi , Zheng Guangzhi
Published: September 2013

Adult learners are a large group for higher education. Adult learning is different from children’s learning in that adult learners are more self-directed, having prior experience, and are internally motivated to learn subjects that are more relevant to life and can be applied immediately. Understanding adult learners’ characteristics can help institutions and instructors support adult students’ learning and success. This chapter reviews the adult learning theories and methodologies and how they can be applied in adult learning. The chapter also discusses adult learners’ characteristics and what teaching strategies and practice may facilitate adult learners’ needs. Distance learning technologies and integration of the technologies are discussed. Different levels of support and recent initiatives for supporting adult learners are investigated.
Towards an Adult Learning Architecture of Participation
Authors: Garnett Fred , Ecclesfield Nigel
Published: September 2013

This chapter investigates the question of what needs to be addressed in the major infrastructural, cultural, and organisational issues if integrated formal and informal eLearning environments are going to affect any change in the institutional regime. It argues that two conceptual models can help address these issues. Firstly, a social media participation model, Aggregate then Curate, was developed on a JISC-funded project, MOSI-ALONG, which was based on an integrated model of formal and informal learning called the Emergent Learning Model. Secondly, a development framework for institutional flexibility called an Organisational Architecture of Participation was developed with UK Further Education colleges to better enable eLearning within educational institutions. Based on reflection on the institutional lessons learnt within MOSI-ALONG and through working with local partners, recommendations are made concerning how to address infrastructural, cultural, and organisational issues to better enable adult eLearning. This includes another, broader, proposal concerning the need for individual adult learning institutions to have ongoing support from hubs if they are to evolve a community-responsive institutional life cycle appropriate for adult learning.
LingoBee Mobile App
Authors: Procter-Legg Emma , Petersen Sobah Abbas , Cacchione Annamaria
Published: September 2013

This chapter describes case studies conducted in five European countries, where language learners were invited to use “LingoBee,” a mobile app, as a means of supporting their language learning. Assuming that today's language learners are mobile savvy and “Digital Natives” and that they should be able to engage in language learning autonomously using technology, initial studies were conducted with little or no intervention by the language teachers. However, the support and guidance provided within a teacher-led context can impact positively on learner engagement. The case studies confirm this hypothesis. This chapter addresses the research question: Does the level of the support and guidance and pedagogical approach impact on learners’ engagement and the synergy between formal and informal learning? Based on the experiences from the five case studies, recommendations are provided for teachers and designers of educational technologies.
How Business Intelligence Creates Value
Authors: Yogev Nir , Even Adir , Fink Lior
Published: September 2013

This study examines the business value associated with business intelligence (BI) systems, based on the premise that business value is largely contingent on system type and its unique contribution. The study adopts a process-oriented approach to evaluating the value contribution of BI, arguing that it stems from improvements in business processes. The study develops and tests a research model that explains the unique mechanisms through which BI creates business value. The model draws on the resource-based view to identify key assets and capabilities that determine the impact of BI on business processes and, consequently, on organizational performance. Analysis of data collected from 159 managers and IT/BI experts, using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques, shows that BI largely contributes to business value by improving both operational and strategic business processes.
Augmenting Analytical CRM Strategies with Social BI
Authors: Beverungen Daniel , Eggert Mathias , Voigt Matthias , Rosemann Michael
Published: September 2013

Large communities built around social media on the Internet offer an opportunity to augment analytical customer relationship management (CRM) strategies. The purpose of this paper is to provide direction to advance the conceptual design of business intelligence (BI) systems for implementing CRM strategies. After introducing social CRM and social BI as emerging fields of research, the authors match CRM strategies with a re-engineered conceptual data model of Facebook in order to illustrate the strategic value of these data. Subsequently, the authors design a multi-dimensional data model for social BI and demonstrate its applicability by designing management reports in a retail scenario. Building on the service blueprinting framework, the authors propose a structured research agenda for the emerging field of social BI.
Analyzing Social Media for Corporate Reputation Management
Authors: Seebach Christoph , Beck Roman , Denisova Olga
Published: September 2013

The business agility concept reflects an organization’s need to develop sensing capabilities for being able to respond to changes in the business environment. Therefore, intelligent information systems are needed to support decision makers with accurate and timely information. Since corporate reputation is among the most valuable assets, organizations need efficient measuring techniques to manage it. Recently, due to the advent of social media new reputational challenges have emerged for firms, since such technologies significantly increase the risk for being associated with negative issues. Therefore, organizations should utilize there IT-systems for actively sensing social media content as a basis for a quick response to reputational threats. Accordingly, the authors provide an empirical example on how firms might improve reputation management through sensing social media. Specifically, the authors analyze a dataset of 271,207 messages about an American Bank collected on Twitter. For their empirical investigation, the applied automated sentiment analysis and manual content analysis.
Introducing Problem Based Learning (PBL) in Textile Engineering Education and Assessing its Influence on Six Sigma Project Implementation
Authors: Mohan Baral Lal , Kifor Claudiu Vasile , Bondrea Ioan , Oprean Constantin
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this paper is to explore the methodology that has adopted to implement PBL in textile engineering education at “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu (LBUS) which also highlights its potential influence on Six Sigma projects that has implemented in a textile manufacturing industry. The function of both PBL and Six Sigma approaches is to solve the problems by executing projects in a systematic way. Structurally, they are quite similar in nature. Many academic institutes around the world are currently introducing PBL to enhance the quality of higher education. On the other hand manufacturing units are trying to shorten their Six Sigma project duration, but interconnection between both issues is not always evident or addressed. Therefore, this study contributes to effective utilization of PBL in implementing Six Sigma projects. In this paper, at first PBL has been introduced in the textile engineering education through a collaborative project with a textile factory, where Six Sigma projects have also been executed simultaneously. The PBL team has contributed to the Six Sigma project team to solve the problem in factory premises. Finally, the students’ performance and the contributing effect of PBL activities to Six Sigma project have been assessed by conducting quantitative survey method containing structured questionnaires. The survey results revealed that the students’ performance has been upgraded through PBL activities. The PBL also showed a positive impact on executing Six Sigma project successfully and able to shorten the project duration. This paper has pointed out the necessity of introducing PBL to enhance the quality of textile engineering education as well as unifying PBL with Six Sigma approach for effective project execution within the Organization.
China’s Environmental Issues, a Domestic Challenge with Regional and International Implications
Authors: Ploberger Christian
Published: September 2013

China and its population are confronted with fundamental environmental challenges, as both, environmental degeneration and the impact of climate change exhibit critical social, economic and political implications for their future development. Among the various environmental challenges China faces we can identify pollution issues, soil erosion, acid rain, and sea-level rise. This variety of environmental issues increases the underling complexity of how best to address these challenges, especially as China’s growth strategy has the potential to exacerbate the negative impact on the environment. What’s more, China’s domestic environmental challenge also carries regional and global repercussions that could impact on its international relations. Consequently, how China’s government addresses its domestic environmental issues holds serious implications not only for the livelihood of its citizens, but for China’s regional and international relations as well.
Exploring Relationship between Service Quality and Positive Word of Mouth at Retail Banks in Rural India
Authors: Adil Mohd , Khan Mohammed Naved
Published: September 2013

One of the major concerns of management in today’s competitive business world,is to deliver superior customer service leading to satisfaction, loyalty, and positive word of mouth (+WOM). This study explores perceived service quality and identifies most significant predictors of +WOM at rural banks. Taking a cue from extant service quality literature, five dimensional performance-only SERVPERF scale was developed in English and later translated into vernacular Hindi employing back translation method. Structured research instrument was administered on 480 customers, who were contacted at the premises of designated rural branches of public sector banks located in the most populous province of Uttar Pradesh in India. To extract relevant factors, statistical tools such as Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), t-Test, and linear regression were employed. Reliability, predictive validity, and dimensionality of the scale has also been explored. To detect multi-collinearity and data structure, Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) and box-plot technique have been used. Study reports high levels of perceived service quality across all five dimensions while results of regression analysis show that reliability and empathy are potent contributors in explaining +WOM. Original 22-item SERVPERF scale was not found to be universally applicable and thus the study proposes a refined and shorter 13-item SERVPERF scale for assessing service quality at rural banks in India. Findings can be of vital importance to banking industry in re-structuring and prioritizing service quality dimensions and also developing appropriate promotional strategies by highlighting relevant aspects of service quality for generating desired +WOM.
Collision Analysis and Improvement of a Parallel Hash Function based on Chaotic Maps with Changeable Parameters
Authors: Long Min , Wang Hao
Published: September 2013

Recently, a parallel hash function based on chaotic maps with changeable parameters was proposed by Li et al (2011, pp.1305-1312). In this paper, the security of it is analyzed and the weakness of the architecture is pointed out. It is found that the main limitations are the error using of floor, round and exclusive OR operations in the algorithm. In order to counterstrike these, some improvements are done to strength its security. Theoretical analysis and experimental results illustrate that the improved Hash function is more secure and practical than the original one.
A Strategy to Join Adaptive and Reputation-Based Social-Collaborative E-Learning, Through the Zone of Proximal Development
Authors: De Marsico Maria , Sterbini Andrea , Temperini Marco
Published: September 2013

The educational concept of “Zone of Proximal Development”, introduced by Vygotskij, stems from the identification of a strong need for adaptation of the learning activities, both traditional classroom and modern e-learning ones, to the present state of learner’s knowledge and abilities. Furthermore, Vygotskij’s educational model includes a strong bent towards social and collaborative learning. The joint answer to these two trends can be concretely implemented through a tight integration between personalized learning paths and collaborative learning activities. Along this line, the authors designed the combination of the functions of two pre-existing prototypes of web-based systems, to investigate how the above integration can merge adaptive and social e-learning. LECOMPS is a web-based e-learning environment for the automated construction of adaptive learning paths. SOCIALX is a web-based system for shared e-learning activities, which implements a reputation system to provide feedback to its participants. The authors propose a two-way tunneling strategy to integrate the above prototypes. The result is twofold: on the one hand the use of the student model supported by LECOMPS in an adaptive e-learning course is extended to support choosing exercise activities delivered through SOCIALX; on the other hand the reputation and the skills gained during social-collaborative activities are used to update the student model. Under the social perspective induced by the integration, the authors present a mapping between the student model and the definition of Vygotskij’s Autonomous Problem Solving and Proximal Development regions, with the aim to provide the learner with better guidance, especially in the selection of available social learning activities.
Design and Implementation of C-iLearning
Authors: Xiao Jun , Wang Minjuan , Wang Lamei , Zhu Xiaoxiao
Published: September 2013

The gradual development of intelligent learning (iLearning) systems has prompted the changes of teaching and learning. This paper presents the architecture of an intelligent learning (iLearning) system built upon the recursive iLearning model and the key technologies associated with this model. Based on this model and the technical structure of a cloud-based intelligent system, the authors developed an exemplary iLearning system-”Mobile Class”, accessible from the Shanghai Lifelong Learning Network, an online platform for the continuing education of Shanghai residents. This cloud-based intelligent learning (C-iLearning) system can adopt the cloud management model and synchronize users' learning process in the clouds, so as to support users' continuous learning with different devices. Formal testing with target users revealed the effectiveness of this system in supporting anytime anywhere learning.
The Effects of Network Ties on Relational Social Capital and Knowledge Contribution in Virtual Local Community
Authors: Sutanto Juliana
Published: September 2013

It is widely established that the levels of generalized trust, norms of reciprocity, and identification (collectively known as relational social capital) in a virtual community have a positive effect on a member’s motivation to contribute knowledge in the community. However, little is known on the antecedents of such relational social capital. This study longitudinally investigates the effects of the strength of network ties on the development of relational social capital in a virtual local community in a Southeast Asia country. It also empirically validates the relationship between relational social capital and actual knowledge contribution. Analyzing 98 community members, the author found that the formation of weak ties is significant on the members’ sense of identification with the community, which in turn positively affects their volume of knowledge contributed in the community.
Teaching Agile Software Engineering Using Problem-Based Learning
Authors: El-Khalili Nuha H.
Published: September 2013

Many studies have reported the utilization of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in teaching Software Engineering courses. However, these studies have different views of the effectiveness of PBL. This paper presents the design of an Advanced Software Engineering course for undergraduate Software Engineering students that uses PBL to teach them Agile software development methods- particularly Scrum. The course also aims to develop entrepreneurial skills needed for software engineering graduates to better prepare them for the software industry. The assessment process designed for this course is illustrated. The paper shows that Scrum practices correlate with the characteristics of the PBL approach, which has resulted in a successful experience of PBL as reported by students in an end of a semester survey.
Top 10 Technologies for Designing 21st Century Instruction
Authors: Tomei Lawrence A.
Published: September 2013

Faculties at all levels of education continue to ask, “How does technology fit into my teaching?” How can I teach my students to become technologically literate?” For some, the answers seem quite simple. Technology should be integrated into as many levels of the curriculum as possible. If we aspire to prepare students for the future, teachers must seize every opportunity to infuse the technologies their students will be using whenever possible. The key is to know what works best in each classroom situation. Podcasting, interactive whiteboards, blogs, wikis, social networking, virtual classrooms, and others are the latest in instructional technologies. Teachers use these tools to address the growing inventory of requisite 21st century skills that include: global awareness, self-directed learning, ICT literacy, problem solving skills, time management and personal responsibility, lifelong learning, financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacies, communications, collaboration, and more. This article explores best practices that lead to change and shares ideas about the use of these tools in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on many real-world examples of how technology has improved teaching and learning. This information paper will examine the hardware and software aspects of the following technologies: interactive white boards, web cameras, videoconferencing, iPods, digital cameras, digital video, wikis and blogs, social networking, digital electronic books, and student response systems. While the paper is not a scholarly endeavor, it is hoped that the review of important teaching and learning tools will provide the reader with an update on the latest in instructional technologies for the classroom. In addition to an introduction that includes a description of the technology, its primary features, advantages and disadvantages, there are links to online videos demonstrating each technology that bear witness to how these technologies actually impact the classroom. Finally, a link to current research pertaining to each technology is offered.
Profiles and Motivations of Standardization Players
Authors: Riillo Cesare A. F.
Published: September 2013

This study profiles the characteristics and motivations of participants from Luxembourg in national and international formal standardization activities. The study considers both experts and the organizations to which the experts belong. By adopting a qualitative approach, data have been mainly collected through 24 semi-structured interviews with experts and public available register data on the organization. The main result is that participants in standardization can be classified into two main groups. The first group consists of large and international firms which are active in product standardization aiming to promote the interest of the firm. The second group are mainly small and local firms active in management standardization for which knowledge sharing is an important part of the standardization process. The classification is useful in interpreting the difficulties faced during the standardization process and in designing appropriate supporting policies.
Standards Development as Hybridization
Authors: Shen Xiaobai , Graham Ian , Stewart James , Williams Robin
Published: September 2013

While users in the rest of the World have been offered 3G mobile phones based on either the CDMA2000 or W-CDMA standards, users in China have the additional option of using phones based on the TD-SCDMA standard. As a technology largely developed by Chinese actors and only implemented in China, TD-SCDMA has been seen as an “indigenous innovation” orchestrated by the Chinese government and supported by Chinese firms. This paper adopts a science and technology studies (STS) framework to explore how global and national institutional and social elements have been embedded in and impacted on the artifacts of TD-SCDMA technology. Rather than being an indigenous Chinese technology, TD-SCDMA’s history exemplifies how standards and the intellectual property embedded in them lead to a complex hybridization between the global and national systems of innovation.
Managing Knowledge
Authors: Barratt-Pugh Llandis , Kennett Patricia , Bahn Susanne
Published: September 2013

For organisations, an environment of continuous change positions knowledge as the source of key competitive advantage and simultaneously mediates change to more fluid structures. More flexible structures challenge the traditions of knowledge flowing through hierarchical and formal chains of command. The emerging more fluid and knowledge based organisational structures present new challenges for developing, retaining and disseminating organisational knowledge. An area of highly contested debate involves the harmony and integration of Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) and changing organisational cultures. The paper explores KMS and cultural interface through an analysis of three mature organisational cases, identifying the key barriers that appear to prevent the effective use of KMS. The study constructs a framework for exploring cultural integration issues. The study confirms the primacy of culture in shaping integration and the imperative of resourcing learning and development programmes. The findings indicate that the critical issues organisations should explore are the legitimacy of authoring, the transparency of filtering and attribution, and the awareness of cultural dissonance. For practitioners the study provides a framework for exploring employee participation relationships, while academically the study confirms how existing cultural relations will shape KMS relations and how the exploration of existing cultural exchange practices should be equally weighted with practices to build employee capability. Generating ownership may be the key to success.
Improving Dynamic Knowledge Movements with a Knowledge-Based Framework during Conceptual Design of a Green Building Project
Authors: Pourzolfaghar Zohreh , Ibrahim Rahinah , Abdullah Rusli , Adam Nor Mariah , Ali Abang Abdullah Abang
Published: September 2013

Many researchers believe that tacitness of knowledge contributes to incomplete knowledge flow. In this article, the authors focus on obtaining the required mechanical and electrical tacit knowledge for architectural conceptual design purpose by observing activities of a design team involved in a green building project. The authors used the case study research methodology to demonstrate how the authors could utilize Macmillan's conceptual design framework and integrate it with the structure of repertory grid technique to obtain a framework of knowledge-based conceptual design for a green building project. The contribution of this study is developing a technique for capturing tacit knowledge during the conceptual design process that leads to an improvement in knowledge movements during the architectural conceptual design stage.
Assessing the Value of Formal Control Mechanisms on Strong Password Selection
Authors: Crawford Jeff
Published: September 2013

Applications often use behavior control mechanisms in order to ensure that individuals create sufficiently strong passwords. Behavior controls, which force individuals to utilize specific password characteristics, are assumed to be the best mechanism to encourage strong password creation. However, an over reliance on them could lead to counterproductive security behaviors. This study examines the efficacy of formal controls in the password creation process to determine if their use does indeed result in meaningfully stronger passwords than informal control techniques. Findings demonstrate that controls used during the password creation process do indeed shape password strength, but that behavior controls do not produce significantly stronger passwords than informal controls. Using an Agency Theory perspective, control techniques are considered in their ability to align principal-agent goal and risk perceptions. Findings illustrate the importance of using both informal and formal controls as a means of creating strong and effective passwords.
Mean Failure Cost as a Measurable Value and Evidence of Cybersecurity
Authors: Rjaibi Neila , Rabai Latifa Ben Arfa , Ben Aissa Anis , Mili Ali
Published: September 2013

Addressing Cybersecurity within e-Learning systems becomes empowered to make online information more secure. Certain competences need to be identified as necessary skills to manage security online such the ability to assess sources and architectural components, understanding the privacy, confidentiality and user authentication. Security management approaches quantifying security threats in e-learning are common with other e-services. It is of our need to adopt a quantitative security risk management process in order to determine the worthiest attack and the ignored one, based on financial business risk measure which is the measure of the mean failure cost.This paper proposes a cyber security measure called the Mean Failure Cost (MFC) suitable for e-Learning systems. It is based on the identification of system’s architecture, the well-defined classes of stakeholders, the list of possible threats and vulnerabilities and the specific security requirements related to e-Learning systems and applications. In the mean time, security requirements are considered as appropriate mechanisms for preventing, detecting and recovering security attacks, for this reason an extension of the MFC measure is presented in order to detect the most critical security requirements. Also this paper highlights the security measures and guidelines for controlling e-Learning security policies regarding the most critical security requirements.
Research on Simulation of Kinematics and Dynamics for Planner Six-Bar Mechanism Based on MATLAB/Simulink
Authors: Li Zheng Qiang
Published: September 2013

Planner multi-bar mechanisms are widely used in the machinery industry. In this article, a typical planner six-bar mechanism is researched. The kinematics and dynamics mathematical model is established for this kind of mechanism. On the basis of it, a relevant simulation is carried out through MATLAB/Simulink. Thus, the motion rules and stress state for all parts of the mechanism are described vividly. The simulation results show that this method is much more effective and efficient when the simulation is implemented for a certain machine system. Meanwhile, it provides a theoretical foundation and a better analytical approach of simulation for the design and analysis of complex multi-linkage mechanisms in the future.