bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERFERENCE AS AN ORIGIN OF THE PEAKED NOISE IN ACCRETING X-RAY BINARIES
Authors: Veledina Alexandra
Published: November 2016

We propose a physical model for the peaked noise in the X-ray power density spectra of accreting X-ray binaries. We interpret its appearance as an interference of two Comptonization continua: one coming from the upscattering of seed photons from the cold thin disk and the other fed by the synchrotron emission of the hot flow. Variations of both X-ray components are caused by fluctuations in mass accretion rate, but there is a delay between them corresponding to the propagation timescale from the disk Comptonization radius to the region of synchrotron Comptonization. If the disk and synchrotron Comptonization are correlated, the humps in the power spectra are harmonically related and the dips between them appear at frequencies related as odd numbers 1:3:5. If they are anti-correlated, the humps are related as 1:3:5, but the dips are harmonically related. Similar structures are expected to be observed in accreting neutron star binaries and supermassive black holes. The delay can be easily recovered from the frequency of peaked noise and further used to constrain the combination of the viscosity parameter and disk height-to-radius ratio α(H/R)2 of the accretion flow. We model multi-peak power spectra of black hole X-ray binaries GX 339–4 and XTE J1748–288 to constrain these parameters.
PROTOSTELLAR OUTFLOWS IN L1340
Authors: Walawender Josh , Wolf-Chase Grace , Smutko Michael , OLinger-Luscusk JoAnn , Moriarty-Schieven Gerald
Published: November 2016

We have searched the L1340 A, B, and C clouds for shocks from protostellar outflows using the H2 2.122 μm near-infrared line as a shock tracer. Substantial outflow activity has been found in each of the three regions of the cloud (L1340 A, L1340 B, and L1340 C). We find 42 distinct shock complexes (16 in L1340 A, 11 in L1340 B, and 15 in L1340 C). We were able to link 17 of those shock complexes into 12 distinct outflows and identify candidate source stars for each. We examine the properties (A
V, T
bol, and L
bol) of the source protostars and compare them to the properties of the general population of Class 0/I and flat spectral energy distribution protostars and find that there is an indication, albeit at low statistical significance, that the outflow-driving protostars are drawn from a population with lower A
V, higher L
bol, and lower T
bol than the general population of protostars.
TURNING AROUND ALONG THE COSMIC WEB
Authors: Lee Jounghun , Yepes Gustavo
Published: November 2016

A bound violation designates a case in which the turnaround radius of a bound object exceeds the upper limit imposed by the spherical collapse model based on the standard ΛCDM paradigm. Given that the turnaround radius of a bound object is a stochastic quantity and that the spherical model overly simplifies the true gravitational collapse, which actually proceeds anisotropically along the cosmic web, the rarity of the occurrence of a bound violation may depend on the web environment. Assuming a Planck cosmology, we numerically construct the bound-zone peculiar velocity profiles along the cosmic web (filaments and sheets) around the isolated groups with virial mass

identified in the Small MultiDark Planck simulations and determine the radial distances at which their peculiar velocities equal the Hubble expansion speed as the turnaround radii of the groups. It is found that although the average turnaround radii of the isolated groups are well below the spherical bound limit on all mass scales, the bound violations are not forbidden for individual groups, and the cosmic web has an effect of reducing the rarity of the occurrence of a bound violation. Explaining that the spherical bound limit on the turnaround radius in fact represents the threshold distance up to which the intervention of the external gravitational field in the bound-zone peculiar velocity profiles around the nonisolated groups stays negligible, we discuss the possibility of using the threshold distance scale to constrain locally the equation of state of dark energy.
MAGNETICALLY DOMINATED PARALLEL INTERSTELLAR FILAMENTS IN THE INFRARED DARK CLOUD G14.225-0.506*
Authors: Santos Fábio P. , Busquet Gemma , Franco Gabriel A. P. , Girart Josep Miquel , Zhang Qizhou
Published: November 2016

The infrared dark cloud G14.225-0.506 (IRDC G14.2) displays a remarkable complex of parallel dense molecular filaments projected on the plane of the sky. Previous studies of dust emission and molecular lines have speculated whether magnetic fields could have played an important role in the formation of such elongated structures, which are hosts to numerous young stellar sources. In this work we have conducted a vast polarimetric survey at optical and near-infrared wavelengths in order to study the morphology of magnetic field lines in IRDC G14.2 through the observation of background stars. The orientation of interstellar polarization, which traces magnetic field lines, is perpendicular to most of the filamentary features within the cloud. Additionally, the larger-scale molecular cloud as a whole exhibits an elongated shape also perpendicular to magnetic fields. Estimates of magnetic field strengths indicate values in the range 320–550 μG, which allow sub-alfvénic conditions, but do not prevent the gravitational collapse of hub–filament structures, which in general are close to the critical state. These characteristics suggest that magnetic fields played the main role in regulating the collapse from large to small scales, leading to the formation of series of parallel elongated structures. The morphology is also consistent with numerical simulations that show how gravitational instabilities develop when subjected to strong magnetic fields. Finally, the results corroborate the hypothesis that strong support from internal magnetic fields might explain why the cloud seems to be contracting on a timescale 2–3 times longer than what is expected from a free-fall collapse.
A HOT GASEOUS GALAXY HALO CANDIDATE WITH Mg X ABSORPTION
Authors: Qu Zhijie , Bregman Joel N.
Published: November 2016

The hot gas in galaxy halos may account for a significant fraction of missing baryons in galaxies, and some of these gases can be traced by high ionization absorption systems in QSO UV spectra. Using high S/N Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph spectra, we discovered a high ionization state system at z = 1.1912 in the sightline toward LBQS 1435-0134, and two-component absorption lines are matched for Mg x, Ne viii, Ne vi, O vi, Ne v, O v, Ne iv, O iv, N iv, O iii, and H i. Mg x, detected for the first time (5.8σ), is a particularly direct tracer of hot galactic halos, as its peak ion fraction occurs near 106.1 K, about the temperature of a virialized hot galaxy halo of mass

. With Mg x and Ne viii, a photoionization model cannot reproduce the observed column densities with path lengths of galaxy halos. For collisional ionization models, one or two-temperature models do not produce acceptable fits, but a three-temperature model or a power-law model can produce the observed results. In the power-law model,

with temperatures in the range of 

, the total hydrogen column density is

and the positive power-law index indicates most of the mass is at the high temperature end. We suggest that this absorption system is a hot volume-filled galaxy halo rather than interaction layers between the hot halo and cool clouds. The temperature dependence of the column density is likely due to the local mixture of multiple phase gases.
Comment représenter les relations de confiance interpersonnelles au sein des équipes ? L’exemple des pompiers en véhicule de secours et d’assistance aux victimes
Authors: Charron Camilo , Jouanne Élise , Morel Gaël , Chauvin Christine
Published: November 2016

L’étude porte sur onze équipes de sapeurs-pompiers intervenant en véhicule de secours et d’assistance aux victimes (VSAV). L’objectif est méthodologique. Il s’agit de trouver une représentation graphique pour comparer les relations de confiance que les pompiers ressentent les uns envers les autres, au sein des différentes équipes. Trois dimensions de la confiance ont été évaluées par questionnaire : bienveillance, intégrité et compétence. Après avoir exposé les principaux écueils de l’analyse de telles données, deux indices ont été proposés, relatifs à la confiance totale et à la symétrie des relations. Les réponses ont pu être traitées ainsi par STATIS, une méthode d’analyse factorielle multiple peu connue en psychologie. Les résultats révèlent une structuration inattendue des relations de confiance, autour des fonctions exercées par chaque sapeur-pompier. La démarche exposée présente un intérêt pour tout psychologue souhaitant aisément accéder, au sein des équipes de travail, à la structure des relations de confiance interpersonnelle.
Faire renaître la chaussure à Romans
Authors: Chevalier Christophe
Published: November 2016

En 2010, le groupe Archer relance l’industrie de la chaussure à Romans en inventant un nouveau modèle économique sur le modèle des districts italiens. La marque Made in Romans est créée, des PME se lancent et le territoire renaît.
Parrot, les paris d’une entreprise fureteuse
Authors: Seydoux Henri
Published: November 2016

Après avoir créé avec bonheur un kit mains libres pour voitures, Parrot lance un drone jouet pilotable avec un smartphone, et devient leader des drones civils. Les leçons d’une entreprise fureteuse et d’un PDG qui a l’art du rebond...
La relation entre timing de formation des répertoires du conflit et variation du degré de violence. Une analyse comparée du Liban et de la Belgique
Authors: Farhat Nadim
Published: November 2016

La question du timing est traitée ici dans sa relation à la violence dans le contexte de deux histoires conflictuelles relativement longues, celles du Liban et de la Belgique. L’analyse s’appuie sur la notion de répertoire du conflit qui désigne l’ensemble des moyens historiquement expérimentés, accessibles au présent à un couple d’acteurs et au sein desquels ces derniers vont puiser la forme dominante de leur confrontation. En comparant sur plus d’un siècle l’évolution des moyens d’action privilégiés dans les deux cas étudiés, il apparaît que les mobilisations des acteurs communautaires libanais et belges contemporains épousent les contours de répertoires différents hérités du XIX e  siècle. Les campagnes de revendication en Belgique opèrent à partir d’un répertoire de mouvements sociaux qui donne au conflit entre francophones et Flamands son caractère essentiellement non violent. Les combats armés au Liban se déclinent à partir d’un répertoire de guerres civiles et d’insurrections qui confère au conflit entre les communautés religieuses sa dimension souvent violente. Ce contraste est dû à une intersection, à un moment différent dans chaque cas, entre les premiers conflits et l’évolution du cadre étatique. Le timing d’apparition des premiers conflits, formant un répertoire spécifique d’action, déterminerait donc non pas la réapparition ultérieure d’un conflit, mais l’occurrence ou la non-occurrence de la violence en son sein ; en d’autres termes le caractère violent ou pacifique d’un conflit dépendrait de l’ordre dans lequel sont survenus historiquement le premier phénomène conflictuel et la réalité étatique moderne.
La diffusion transnationale de la catégorie de « Juste parmi les Nations ». (Re)penser l’articulation entre diffusion des droits de l’homme et globalisation de la mémoire
Authors: Gensburger Sarah
Published: November 2016

Depuis le début des années 2000, la « mémoire » est devenue un outil des politiques de développement des Droits de l’homme, dans des pays en sortie conflit comme dans des démocraties anciennes, à l’échelle transnationale comme au sein de cadres nationaux. Cette évolution est régulièrement interprétée comme le signe d’une mémoire globalisée, cette « cosmopolitan memory » – portée d’abord et avant tout par le souvenir de l’Holocauste – et vecteur de diffusion des droits de l’homme. La globalisation de la mémoire des « Justes parmi les Nations » et de leur constitution en figures humanitaires exemplaires fournit l’occasion de questionner, empiriquement, ce lien apparent entre mémoire et droits de l’homme pour cerner, en amont comme en aval, ce qui est susceptible de se jouer d’autres que le «global» et «l’humanitaire» dans ces politiques dites de «la mémoire». Ce faisant, cet article croise approche néo-institutionnaliste et approche discursive des politiques publiques pour revisiter l’articulation entre dimensions stratégique, cognitive et institutionnelle au cœur des processus mémoriels.
The Nature of Carbon Flux in Gunungsewu Karst, Java-Indonesia
Authors: Haryono Eko , Danardono Danardono , Mulatsih Sekti , Putro Sutanto Trijuni , Adji Tjahyo Nugroho
Published: November 2016

The research documented here aims to clarify the transport and fate of carbon species that evolved in a typical conical karst system in Gunungsewu. Special interest is attributed to the estimate of carbon flux by considering the conical karst as a whole system. It includes carbon input to karst area, soil respiration, SOC, soil CO2, particulate-dissolved and organic carbon, as well as dissolved organic carbon. The research was conducted between 2012 and 2015. Two study sites were selected to represent different morphological and hydrogeological settings. Carbon input was collected for one year round on the basis of conical hill topo-sequence. Carbon input included in this research was litter fall, plant residue, and organic fertilizer. Incorporated with field measurement, soil samples were also collected for SOC estimation. DIC and DOC were estimated from the underground river of Gilap. The results show that carbon flux in the Gunungsewu karst is favored by the agricultural land uses and practices. Accordingly, the organic carbon input to the karst area is governed by spatial distribution of agricultural land uses and practices. Organic carbon input tends to be in the order of organic fertilizer > litter input > and plant residue. Soil CO2 varies in depth and season. Soil organic carbon also varies seasonally, of which the higher content occurs in the rainy season. Most of the carbon is stored as SOC, 20 % is emitted to the atmosphere through soil respiration, and 9 % is transferred to the deeper zone through a hydrological cycle in the form of dissolved organic carbon and particulate-dissolved organic carbon. The results suggest that carbon sink in the karst area is ten order higher than that previously estimated from DIC.Key words: soil organic carbon, carbon flux, Gunungsewu, Java, karst carbon sink.
S/N enhancement by means of array simulation for near surface seismic investigations
Authors: Tognarelli Andrea , Stucchi Eusebio
Published: November 2016

We present a procedure for enhancing the signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) of shallow seismic reflection data based on two different steps: 1) an acquisition step that requires the recording of closely spaced common source records with standard source and receiver equipment and 2) a processing step where weighted or un‐weighted source and receiver arrays are simulated on the basis of required needs for source related noise attenuation and depth penetration. The data acquisition can be carried out employing single source‐single geophone recordings, with a standard 24 or 48‐channel equipment. Simple energy sources such as weight drop or sledgehammer are considered. The design and application of the spatial filters in the processing phase is very flexible and can be tailored to the specific needs. In fact, the simulated source and/or receiver arrays can be time and/or space variant and can be weighted to provide the desired responses. Optimal weights can be determined by means of Chebyshev polynomials. Real data examples show the increase in the data quality in terms of better coherent noise attenuation and of enhanced depth penetration.
The downward continuation of the tilt angle
Authors: Cooper Gordon
Published: November 2016

The tilt angle filter can be used both to enhance images of aeromagnetic data and as the basis of semi‐automatic interpretation methods. For vertically magnetised and vertically dipping contacts, rescaling by factor is equivalent to computing from sources with all depths decreased by a factor . This downward continuation is much less sensitive to noise than Fourier transform‐based downward continuation techniques, and because it reduces interference, it allows more accurate source depth determination from methods such as the tilt‐depth method. The method can be applied irrespective of the source and magnetisation type if the tilt angle of the analytic signal amplitude is used.
Application of 2D elastic Rayleigh waveform inversion to ultrasonic laboratory and field data
Authors: Köhn D. , Meier T. , Fehr M. , De Nil D. , Auras M.
Published: November 2016

In addition to geophysical applications from the near surface to a global scale, seismic full‐waveform inversion can be applied to ultrasonic data on the centimetre and decimetre scales for nondestructive testing of pavements, facades, plaster, sculptures, and load‐bearing structures such as pillars or core samples from boreholes, which can consist of geo‐materials and non‐geomaterials. Classical non‐destructive testing approaches are based on the inversion of body‐wave travel times to deduce P‐wave velocity models. In contrast, surface waves (especially Rayleigh waves) are well suited to quantify surficial alterations of material properties, e.g., due to weathering. Furthermore, ultrasonic measurements of test samples with known material parameters close the gap between synthetic tests or analytical solutions and field data applications to estimate the accuracy of seismic modelling and inversion codes. Due to the scale invariance of the problem, the full‐waveform‐inversion approaches developed on the ultrasonic scale are also applicable to larger scale geophysical problems. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of two‐dimensional Rayleigh waveform inversion on the ultrasonic scale using two data examples acquired with a single‐fold, low‐coverage acquisition geometry. For a simple homogeneous Plexiglas block in a controlled laboratory environment, we discuss the accuracy of visco‐elastic Rayleigh wave modelling, as well as the sensitivity of two‐dimensional elastic full‐waveform inversion with respect to small data residuals. While the inversion is restricted to the recovery of the S‐wave velocity model, a passive visco‐elastic modelling approach with a homogeneous average ‐model is required in order to describe amplitude loss and dispersion of the Rayleigh wave. The applicability of this approach under field conditions is illustrated for an ultrasonic data example from the weathered sandstone facade of the Porta Nigra in Trier (Germany). In addition to a random medium resolution analysis of the full‐waveform‐inversion result, we particularly emphasise the importance of lateral model smoothing to mitigate small‐scale inversion artefacts and to avoid erroneous interpretations. The estimated two‐dimensional S‐wave velocity anomalies correlate well with prominent surficial weathering effects in the upper about 3 cm.
Decentralization and Subnational Governance
Authors: Ryan Roberta , Woods Ronald
Published: November 2016

A trend towards decentralized systems of government and the strengthening of subnational governance is underway globally. However, decentralization has many different meanings, and it is frequently left undefined, even while it is being implemented. This chapter argues that enhanced understanding of concepts and theories can contribute to improved practice during decentralization reforms, and consequently be of benefit both to governments and their citizens. Drawing on the theoretical, research and public administration literature, an approach is adopted that aims to inform decentralization praxis, that is, the interplay of policy, strategy, implementation and review. The material is used as a foundation for presenting a synthesis-framework for praxis that draws attention to: appreciating the theoretical scope of fiscal decentralization; focusing on the country and its goals; considering the design of the system of multi-level governance; focusing on central and local capacity; and adopting flexibility, supported by feedback mechanisms, in the process of decentralization.
Fiscal Decentralization
Authors: Chigwata Tinashe Carlton
Published: November 2016

Decentralization has been adopted in a number of African countries, in part to improve the capacity of the state to mobilize “additional” resources that are needed for development. Several years after the adoption of decentralization programs, the critical question is whether local government have indeed managed to mobilize this “additional” revenue. This question is answered by examining revenue mobilization by local governments in Zimbabwe. Practice in Zimbabwe, as in many other African countries, paints a gloomy picture on local revenue-raising, since local governments are constrained in this respect by a number of factors, many of which are outside their control and influence. The lesson from this finding is that the effectiveness of a decentralization program should not be judged solely on the quality of its design, but also on the basis of the prevailing contextual environment.
Operation Sukuma-Sakhe
Authors: Tshishonga Ndwakhulu
Published: November 2016

This chapter explores the emerging new social contract that connects government departments, communities, civil society, and the private sector through Operation Sukuma-Sakhe (OSS) in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. This program is designed to expedite service delivery and development by addressing communal challenges such as poor or non-existent service delivery and lack of coordinated government programs and cooperative governance efforts. Social contract theory forms an analytical and conceptual framework to gauge the government's commitment through the OSS program in delivering decentralized services in partnership with communities and other development sectors. The effective functioning of OSS depends on the full and equal commitment of government, underpinned by a new social contract with other departments, the community, and citizens as both recipients and agents of decentralized service delivery. Primary data sources were interviews with OSS regional officials, supplemented by documentary data from the literature and state and local government sources.
Challenges in Institutionalizing Democratic Governance via Popularly Elected Mayor
Authors: Schoburgh Eris Dawn
Published: November 2016

The presumption underlying current policy discourse in the Caribbean – that local government represents a “convenient” political realm for the practice of democratic governance –resurrects a long-standing debate about the proximity of local government and democracy, and highlights the difficulty facing local governments in the region to “vindicate their democratic credentials,” especially given a pervasive view that local governments are the final frontiers of populism and patronage. This chapter employs a constructivist framework to analyze the extent to which popularly elected mayor, introduced in Jamaica in 2003, achieves a balance between democratic governance, populism, and patronage. Apart from its theorized democratic role, local government performs other subsidiary but critical functions dictated by the nature of the political environment. If democratic values are to predominate, innovations such as popularly elected mayor and the process of municipalization require sustained institutional support to minimize competition between old and new politico-administrative values.
Women's Political Empowerment
Authors: Ryan Roberta , Woods Ronald
Published: November 2016

Political participation by women is central to development and the empowerment of all citizens. This chapter argues for the recognition of opportunities for women in leadership, political participation, and the strengthening of democracy at the level of subnational governments. A key reason for focusing on gender equity in political life is that women constitute slightly more than half of the world's population, and they contribute to the social and economic development of all societies to a greater degree than men because of their dual roles in the productive and reproductive spheres. At the same time, their participation in formal political structures and processes, where they can contribute to decisions on the use of societal resources generated by both men and women, remains far below parity. Drawing examples from a range of national parliaments and countries, this chapter demonstrates lessons for increasing political participation by women in subnational governance.
Subnational Governance Model from the Integration of Online Media and Social Networks
Authors: Serna Ciro Alfonso , Pineda Abraham Allec Londoño , Rojas Oscar Alonso Vélez
Published: November 2016

This chapter presents a subnational model of governance in the city of Medellin, Colombia, based on the integration of information generated by citizens in an online news center, that may lead to the basis for government action through a collective and participatory approach to problem-solving. For this purpose, the online news center was chosen based on their interactivity characteristics. A population of 388 news items were selected resulting in a representative sample of 180 news items, chosen according to the highest scores obtained on the expansion/depth characteristics and serialization A joint analysis of news and comments identified the problems that citizens consider as priority for solutions to finally provide a governance model based on the results obtained.
The Influence of Crowdsourcing Business Model into Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Szopa Anna
Published: November 2016

We observe situation in which human computation processes leverage the abilities of people via the Web to perform complex computation. In this context human intelligence is harnessed to solve computational problems that are beyond the scope of existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. The aim of this paper is to achieve an in-depth understanding of the influence of crowdfunding business process into Artificial Intelligence and what kind of computational problems can be efficiently answered using human computation. Wisdom of crowd has been applied successfully to a range of tasks, from translating text and marking images, collecting information to building large databases and to solve problems that are difficult for machines to solve. Presented hybrid solutions will be considered as optimization- leveraging machine intelligence to help improve the accuracy and efficiency of algorithms.
An Imagination of Organizations in the Future
Authors: Zincir Oya , Tunç Ayşegül Özbebek
Published: November 2016

Organizations try to survive in a hypercompetitive, changing, and unpredictable environment. The form of this survival continuously changes and requires different tools, solutions, dynamics and drivers according to the actual time. Today organizations face with a big paradigm shift, the industrialization of information age. Organizations should find a new form on the basis of the new age requirements. Some authors have suggested some strategic prescriptions harmonized with the actual term such as McKinsey's 7S Model including strategy, structure, systems, skills, staff, style and shared goals. It is considered that there is a gap related to updating and upgrading these formulas by activating some new concepts such as morphing, organizational ambidexterity and so on. In this study, it is aimed to understand the organizations in the future with internal elements and outer changes which would affect them at the edge of the new era by using this model and offer many propositions.
The Organization of the Future and the Marketing Function
Authors: Gonzalez-Fuentes Mario
Published: November 2016

The past two decades—and the technology advancements experienced throughout them—have left marketers with a new context that has provided new business opportunities. This new context has prompted a change in the focus of the marketing function and demanded a shift in marketing imperatives and competencies. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the technological changes experienced by the marketing function in a company, as documented by both scholars and practitioners. It also provides a thorough discussion of the ongoing academic debate regarding the new set of technical skills that have defined employability in the marketing circles for the past couple of decades and the challenges ahead for future professionals and executives.
Competences as a Core Factor Impacting Market Research Usage in Poland
Authors: Bednarowska Zofia , Chrzanowski Michał Andrzej
Published: November 2016

Almost two-thirds of Polish companies declare that the most important source of information are their own observations and personal experience (Kaper & Kuziak, 2006, p. 6). Only 32% of companies use benchmarking as an external source of information, while over two thirds of the companies do not measure their effectiveness at all (Bednarowska, 2015). They do not mention market research, which is an essential element in the management and development of enterprises. Not only they provide knowledge about the environment, but also support knowledge management in the enterprise. In order to proceed with acquiring knowledge, it is necessary to overcome a group of internal and external determinants that prevent many Polish companies from proceeding with market research. However, one of the crucial one are competences of decision makers and power sponsors of market research projects.
Brave New Digital Tools for Action Research in Education
Authors: Bauer Reinhard , Himpsl-Gutermann Klaus , Sankofi Martin , Szucsich Petra , Petz Ruth
Published: November 2016

Due to the rapid development of digital media, the work of researchers in all scientific disciplines has dramatically changed. The objective of this chapter is to give a brief overview of digital tools that can be used for action or practice research in the context of seamless learning. It is the intention of the authors to, on the one hand, provide some initial orientation and deeper insight into the complex subject matter of digital science. On the other hand, researchers shall be equipped with a user guide that encourages them to try out various digital tools for searching, collecting, annotating, analyzing, visualizing, interpreting as well as publishing information. Owing to the dynamic nature of the issue under review this chapter will undoubtedly only offer a snapshot.
Is Digital Age “A Tsunami” for Distance Education?
Authors: Demiray Ugur
Published: November 2016

A popular question between academics is quite discussing about “is digital age really a “TSUNAMI” for distance education field and distance educators? Up to now distance education by usage of high and digital technology has been taken in every level of education and learning environments, it creates almost limitless platform of opportunities better than face to face learning at any level of learning environment specially a digital one. Mostly, the result of the discussion on digital age is regarded a kind of “Tsunami” that changed the phase of education, especially distance education and effected learning environment in the 21st century. This paper looks into the impact and the types of evidence that are generated across initiatives, organizations and individuals in order to make a summative analysis and it has recommendations from point of functional roles of scaffolding and meta-communication perspective within digital learning environment aspect.
Students as Producers of Digital Audio-Visual Clips in Preparation for a Study Abroad Period
Authors: Gabaudan Odette Rosalie
Published: November 2016

Students who avail of a period of study mobility abroad face many academic and day to day life challenges once in the host country. The language they learn in an academic setting only partly equips them to communicate with their peers in the foreign country. Colloquialisms are widely used among young adults. This chapter presents an independent language learning project that requires students who have chosen to study French, to collaborate with their peers and with visiting Erasmus students. Together, they produce digital audio-visual clips that familiarize students with the colloquialisms used by their native speaking peers. A key benefit of this project is that it encourages students to develop their own learning resource and engage with language learning in a self-directed manner. Casim and Yang's model of learning ownership underpins the discussion.
Use of the Codes of Audio-Visual Media
Authors: Yeromin Mykola , Charskykh Igor
Published: November 2016

This chapter has a purpose to persuade college and university professors to re-consider the role of audio-visual media in the processes of higher education and language learning and give it a try as a great way for educating and building close multi-cultural relation between students and professors, regardless of national and/or cultural background. Its contents are highlighted by examples of successful use of audio-visual media in language learning and intentions to formulate the path, which methodology will follow in the recent future, considering the wide-spread of “new media” and Internet, which make communications more global and international than ever. Also included are the recommendations, based on authors experience in the field of study and exclusive quotations (some of which were previously unpublished and gathered in-field by authors).
A Sociocultural Perspective into Intercultural Competence and Computer-Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Sahragard Rahman , Meihami Hussein
Published: November 2016

The theoretical underpinnings of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) enjoy a lot of shifts since when CALL has been introduced to second language acquisition (Chapelle, 2009). One of the least perused theories in this regard is sociocultural theory which purports that the practices human beings do can support language learning (Ortega, 2007). The sociocultural theory is the direct descendant of Vygotskian theory of learning in which learning is co-constructed through social interaction. This chapter provides an insight into the tenets of intercultural competence promoted through CALL. First, we explore culture and intercultural competence, then we review the studies done to investigate the effectiveness of CALL to promote intercultural competence, next, we review CALL materials through the tenets of sociocultural theory, then after, we examine how language practitioners can promote intercultural competence through CALL, finally, we propose a sociocultural based model on how to promote intercultural competence through CALL.
Teaching Collocations through Web-Based Concordancing
Authors: Kızıl Aysel Şahin , Kilimci Abdurrahman
Published: November 2016

With the advent of language corpora and concordancing activities, teaching collocations knowledge of which is considered significant for appropriate and fluent language use has gained new dimensions within the context of technology enhanced language learning. The present study investigates the impact of web-based concordancing activities on EFL learners' achievement and retention of verb-noun collocations compared to paper based-activities. A total of 62 EFL learners participated in the study by taking a pre-test and an immediate and a delayed post-test. Results indicated that learners in experimental group outperformed the control group making significant improvement in their knowledge of verb-noun collocation immediately after the web-based practice. Although both groups regressed later, final performance of the experimental group was still better than that of control group. This study, therefore, suggests that EFL practitioners craving for creating variations in their instructional settings employ web-based concordancing activities to raise collocational competence of learners.
Social Presence Functions in Task-Based Language Activities in a Virtual Classroom in Second Life
Authors: Akayoglu Sedat , Seferoglu Golge
Published: November 2016

As the developments occurred in terms of technology, new tools and platforms started to be used in classroom settings. However, there is a need for discourse analysis of these tools and environments in order to better understand the flow of communication. This study aimed at determining discourse patterns in terms of social presence observed in a course carried out in a 3D environment, Second Life. At the end of the study, it was found that the most frequently used social presence functions were expression of emotions, vocatives and asking questions respectively; the least frequently used social presence functions were phatics and salutations, referring explicitly to the others' messages and quoting from others' messages. The findings of this study were found to be in parallel with the literature. This study might be helpful for researchers, educators and students in order to better understand the contexts created in 3D virtual worlds.
Technology-Enhanced Vocabulary Development through Semantic Network Development Model vs. Syntactic Structure Development Model
Authors: Heirati Javad Kia , Azadsarv Mehdi , Golzari Arash
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of integrating technology-enhanced instruction with semantic network and syntactic structure development models on EFL learners' improvement in vocabulary learning. Therefore, 75 Iranian EFL learners received VKS, a pre-test and a post-test to measure their current vocabulary knowledge and development. The findings showed that both models and technology were significantly effective in improving the development of vocabulary. Moreover, those learners who received their instruction based on semantic network development and syntactic structure development models incorporated in CALL out-performed significantly those who were exposed solely to the two models of vocabulary instruction (i.e. semantic network development model and syntactic structure development model). The results suggest that teachers can consciously benefit from the mixture of technology-enhanced instruction and the models (and other successful teaching techniques) to improve the learners' vocabulary learning as well as other language skills and sub-skills in general.
Computer-Assisted Learning in Slovakia
Authors: Cimermanova Ivana
Published: November 2016

Computer assisted learning is an increasingly important area of education especially now, in digital era. The past thirty years have seen increasingly rapid advances in the ICT infrastructure development in the educational facilities. However, this is just one part of the aspects needed for modernisation and innovation of education. The chapter discusses the situation in Slovakia, its rather well-developed infrastructure but it also points out how important it is to focus on teacher, learner and interaction in any – face-to-face, technology assisted or virtual environment. Numerous studies provide important insights into the situation where teachers have the possibilities and facilities, however, they are not trained to use them effectively. The author brings the survey based on the published studies, research results, statistics and her own experience.
Challenges Facing E-Learning
Authors: Naidoo Vannie
Published: November 2016

The rapid advancement in technology has set the stage to change teaching dynamics worldwide. Today's learners are very techno savvy. To enhance teaching and learning outcomes it is important to focus on using this new technology to engage with learners. E-learning is part of the new technological advancement taking place in teaching. Khan (2005, pp. 6-7) argues that the success of an e-learning system involves a systematic process of planning, designing, evaluating and implementing online learning environments where learning is actively fostered and supported. An e-learning system should be meaningful to all stakeholder groups including instructors, support service staff, and the institution. E-learning introduces learners to a new environment. In this system, learners are independent and must be self-motivated and committed to their learning. E-learners need to know how to use and manipulate software. According to Jones (2003), e-learning technologies bring as much change to instructors as they do to students, again requiring a new set of skills for success.
What Can Product Trial Offer?
Authors: Sun Kai , Zuo Meiyun , Kong Dong
Published: November 2016

New IT products emerge constantly and rapidly, which are new and unfamiliar to customers. Compared to customers in Europe and North America, generally speaking, most of Chinese customers have lower knowledge about the product, and then have lower beliefs and intention to adopt or purchase the new IT product. Product trial is an important and effective marketing method to promote and improve consumers' beliefs about new IT product. However, previous studies do not clearly discuss the effect of consumers' beliefs about product after product trial. In the present paper, authors try to discuss the relationship between beliefs after trial with consumers' attitude and intention to purchase. Results reveal that not every belief after trial have the same effect on consumers' attitude and intention to purchase.
The Systems Forum
Authors: Roderick Ian , Stowell Frank
Published: November 2016

This is a report on the first session of a new venture for the UK Systems Society, called 'The Systems Forum'. We seek to discover how the idea for a Systems Forum might develop and this account is a report on the feedback from this first session. The intention of ‘The Systems Forum' is to create a space for connecting policy and decision makers with the ideas and processes of system thinking. The Systems Forum is intended to identify then address complex global issues that impact at local level. Different systems approaches will be investigated to see how appropriate and useful they are in addressing large scale organisational problems and at the grass roots, day to day management activities1. The theme for the first session was ‘migration'.
Exploring the Usage of Big Data Analytical Tools in Telecommunication Industry in Oman
Authors: Al Jabri Himyar Ali , Al-Badi Ali H. , Ali Oualid
Published: November 2016

Big Data has recently become a very hot topic in the field of Information Technology and Data Management. Data generated by the company's daily operations through different resources such as social media, etc. is very important because it can bring a value that will lead to a competitive advantage. The objectives of this research are to: 1) Explore the analytical tools used to manipulate Big Data in Omani telecom industry, 2) Present the benefits of using these tools, the extent of use, and the features specifically promoted these tools, and 3) Highlight the challenges/obstacles that the telecom industry in Oman facing in adopting/using Big Data analytical tools. To achieve the research objectives two case studies were conducted among the main telecom operators in Oman. This research concluded that both studied telecom operators in Oman are not ready for the DBAs. Both operators need to invest in developing the capabilities that enable them to use these tools. Once that is satisfied, then other components like the infrastructure, tools, and data can be managed very well.
A Synergetic Model for Implementing Big Data in Organizations
Authors: Halaweh Mohanad , El Massry Ahmed
Published: November 2016

The term BIG DATA has been increasingly used recently. Big data refers to the massive amount of data that are processed and analyzed using sophisticated technology to gain relevant insights that will help top executives with the decision-making process. This study is an attempt to investigate the big data implementation in organizations. The literature review reveals an initial model of indicators that might affect big data implementation. This model was examined and extended by primary data collected from key people (CEO and managers) from ten organizations. The extended model of indicators, which is the result from this research, includes the factors that would affect the success or failure of big data implementation in organizations. The research findings showed the following factors: top management support, organizational change, IT infrastructure, skilled professional, contents (i.e. data), data strategy, data privacy and security.
Modified Importance-Performance Analysis of E-service Quality
Authors: Luo Chu , Shen Lei , Gao Han
Published: November 2016

This study develops a comprehensive framework of e-service quality, and measures the e-service quality based on modified importance-performance analysis. Based on 300 consumer surveys of four popular retail websites, this study develops an e-service quality scale derived from previous studies, and compares the importance and performance of e-service quality by “regression coefficient approach” and “partial correlation approach”. Modified importance-performance analysis covers the verification of reliability and validity with critical statistical analysis, and offers different e-service quality management strategies for each attribute depending on the quadrant that it is positioned in both “regression coefficient approach” and “partial correlation approach”. 5 attributes are in the “concentrate here” quadrant. 1 attribute is in the “keep up the good work” quadrant. 2 attributes are in the “low priority” quadrant. 7 attributes are in the “possible overkill” quadrant. The results help practitioners to identify what problems exist, and formulate strategies to meet the consumers' needs.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Hydrated Calcium Phosphate Matrix and Biphasic Compositions with MgO and α-Al2O3
Authors: Franczak Priscila Ferraz , Camargo Nelson Heriberto Almeida , Floriano-Silva Daiara , Eckstein Marli Baltazar Roesler , Possamai Maicon Douglas
Published: November 2016

The calcium phosphate bioceramics are characterized by chemical and crystallographic similarity with the human skeleton. The wet synthesis method was used in the preparation of hydrated calcium phosphate nanostructured powders and biphasic compositions of calcium phosphate matrix. This study aimed the synthesis and characterization of a hydrated calcium phosphate matrix in the ratio Ca/P 1.67 molar and two biphasic compositions of hydrated calcium phosphate matrix, with 1% MgO and 5% α-Al2O3. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) helped with the powders morphological characterization, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) served for crystallographic characterization of powders and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) gave support to the identification of H2O, CO32- and PO43- grouping vibrational bands. The work showed that the presence of 1% MgO inside the hydrated calcium phosphate matrix provided brushite formation and the presence of 5% α-Al2O3 in the matrix provided the hydrated calcium phosphate powder.
Infiltrated Spinel-Based Ceramic (MgAl2O4) for Dental Application
Authors: Magnago Roberto de Oliveira , Miranda Pereira Fernanda de Assis Baião , da Silva Paula Cipriano , de Souza José Vitor Candido , dos Santos Claudinei
Published: November 2016

This work developed a ceramic material for dental application, spinel-base (MgAl2O4), a ceramic material with recognized translucency. Spinel powders were uniaxially pressed at 100 MPa and pre-sintered in order to obtain porous ceramic blocks. The pre-sintered blocks were characterized and indicated 80% of relative density. X-ray diffraction (XRD) only showed MgAl2O4 phase. Samples with 15 x 15 x 1 mm were submitted to infiltration using glass rich in lanthanum (La). The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical properties, as hardness and fracture toughness. Results were compared to the commercial product VITA-InCeram Spinell. Relative densities exceeding 92%, hardness around 900 HV and high toughness 2.5 MPa.m1/2 were obtained for both examined systems.