bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Surface NO2 Volume Mixing Ratio in Four Metropolitan Cities in Korea Using Multiple Regression Models with OMI and AIRS Data
Authors: Kim Daewon , Lee Hanlim , Hong Hyunkee , Choi Wonei , Lee Yun , Park Junsung
Published: June 2017

Surface NO2 volume mixing ratio (VMR) at a specific time (13:45 Local time) (NO2 VMRST) and monthly mean surface NO2 VMR (NO2 VMRM) are estimated for the first time using three regression models with Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) data in four metropolitan cities in South Korea: Seoul, Gyeonggi, Daejeon, and Gwangju. Relationships between the surface NO2 VMR obtained from in situ measurements (NO2 VMRIn-situ) and tropospheric NO2 vertical column density obtained from OMI from 2007 to 2013 were developed using regression models that also include boundary layer height (BLH) from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and surface pressure, temperature, dew point, and wind speed and direction. The performance of the regression models is evaluated via comparison with the NO2 VMRIn-situ for two validation years (2006 and 2014). Of the three regression models, a multiple regression model shows the best performance in estimating NO2 VMRST and NO2 VMRM. In the validation period, the average correlation coefficient (R), slope, mean bias (MB), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and percent difference between NO2 VMRIn-situ and NO2 VMRST estimated by the multiple regression model are 0.66, 0.41, −1.36 ppbv, 6.89 ppbv, 8.98 ppbv, and 31.50%, respectively, while the average corresponding values for the other two models are 0.75, 0.41, −1.40 ppbv, 3.59 ppbv, 4.72 ppbv, and 16.59%, respectively. All three models have similar performance for NO2 VMRM, with average R, slope, MB, MAE, RMSE, and percent difference between NO2 VMRIn-situ and NO2 VMRM of 0.74, 0.49, −1.90 ppbv, 3.93 ppbv, 5.05 ppbv, and 18.76%, respectively.
A Cost-Effective Vehicle Localization Solution Using an Interacting Multiple Model−Unscented Kalman Filters (IMM-UKF) Algorithm and Grey Neural Network
Authors: Xu Qimin , Li Xu , Chan Ching-Yao
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose a cost-effective localization solution for land vehicles, which can simultaneously adapt to the uncertain noise of inertial sensors and bridge Global Positioning System (GPS) outages. First, three Unscented Kalman filters (UKFs) with different noise covariances are introduced into the framework of Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) algorithm to form the proposed IMM-based UKF, termed as IMM-UKF. The IMM algorithm can provide a soft switching among the three UKFs and therefore adapt to different noise characteristics. Further, two IMM-UKFs are executed in parallel when GPS is available. One fuses the information of low-cost GPS, in-vehicle sensors, and micro electromechanical system (MEMS)-based reduced inertial sensor systems (RISS), while the other fuses only in-vehicle sensors and MEMS-RISS. The differences between the state vectors of the two IMM-UKFs are considered as training data of a Grey Neural Network (GNN) module, which is known for its high prediction accuracy with a limited amount of samples. The GNN module can predict and compensate position errors when GPS signals are blocked. To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution, road-test experiments with various driving scenarios were performed. The experimental results indicate that the proposed solution outperforms all the compared methods.
A New Filtering and Smoothing Algorithm for Railway Track Surveying Based on Landmark and IMU/Odometer
Authors: Jiang Qingan , Wu Wenqi , Jiang Mingming , Li Yun
Published: June 2017

High-accuracy railway track surveying is essential for railway construction and maintenance. The traditional approaches based on total station equipment are not efficient enough since high precision surveying frequently needs static measurements. This paper proposes a new filtering and smoothing algorithm based on the IMU/odometer and landmarks integration for the railway track surveying. In order to overcome the difficulty of estimating too many error parameters with too few landmark observations, a new model with completely observable error states is established by combining error terms of the system. Based on covariance analysis, the analytical relationship between the railway track surveying accuracy requirements and equivalent gyro drifts including bias instability and random walk noise are established. Experiment results show that the accuracy of the new filtering and smoothing algorithm for railway track surveying can reach 1 mm (1σ) when using a Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG)-based Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with gyro bias instability of 0.03°/h and random walk noise of 0.005 °h while control points of the track control network (CPIII) position observations are provided by the optical total station in about every 60 m interval. The proposed approach can satisfy at the same time the demands of high accuracy and work efficiency for railway track surveying.
Stabilizing Valences of an Optimum Monetary Zone in a Resilient Economy—Approaches and Limitations
Authors: Popescu Gheorghe , Nica Elvira , Ciurlău Florin , Comănescu Mihaela , Bițoiu Teodora
Published: June 2017

Following De Grauwe (2016), this research advances the idea according to which economies that are part of a monetary union issue debt in a medium of exchange they cannot control: financial markets develop the capacity to impose default on such economies. We are interested in how previous research analyzed the notion that, when economies are autonomous and they employ the exchange rate as a vehicle to handle asymmetric shocks, they confront comparable constraints on the performance of exchange rate strategies. When a monetary union is affected by significant asymmetric shocks, the member economies have to deal with tough adjustment issues. Empirical and secondary data are used to back the assertion that, in a monetary union, economies that are affected by long-lasting asymmetric demand shocks demand wage elasticity and labor flexibility to rectify for them, and if the latter generate substantial budget deficits, financial markets tend to intensify the consequences of the asymmetric shocks, boosting the demand for severe regulation of wages and labor flexibility. Our article makes conceptual and methodological contributions to the view that member economies of a monetary union are exposed to varying market reactions, generating more volatility in the business cycle: an economy undergoing a recession and a rise in the budget deficit might be affected by wide-ranging transactions of its government bonds, causing a liquidity crisis and superior interest rates, and possibly coercing the government of that economy to adopt budgetary austerity measures, thus intensifying the recession.
Food System Sustainability across Scales: A Proposed Local-To-Global Approach to Community Planning and Assessment
Authors: Carlsson Liesel , Callaghan Edith , Morley Adrian , Broman Göran
Published: June 2017

Interest in food systems sustainability is growing, but progress toward them is slow. This research focuses on three interrelated challenges that hinder progress. First, prevailing visions lack a concrete definition of sustainability. Second, global level conceptions fail to guide responses at the local level. Third, these deficiencies may lead to conflicting initiatives for addressing sustainable food systems at the community level that slow collective progress. The purpose of this article is to (1) describe the development of a framework for assessing food system sustainability which accommodates local-level measurement in the context of broader national and global scale measures; and (2) to propose a process that supports community determinacy over localized progress toward sustainable food systems. Using a modified Delphi Inquiry process, we engaged a diverse, global panel of experts in describing “success” with respect to sustainable food systems, today’s reality, and identifying key indicators for tracking progress towards success. They were asked to consider scale during the process in order to explore locally relevant themes. Data were analyzed using the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) to facilitate a comprehensive and systematic exploration of key themes and indicators. Key results include a framework of indicator themes that are anchored in a concrete definition of sustainability, stable at national and global scales while remaining flexible at the local scale to accommodate contextual needs. We also propose a process for facilitating community-level planning for food system sustainability that utilizes this indicator framework. The proposed process is based on insights from the research results, as well as from previous research and experience applying the FSSD at a community level; it bears promise for future work to support communities to determine their own pathways, while contributing to a more coordinated whole.
Integrated Use of Aerial Photographs and LiDAR Images for Landslide and Soil Erosion Analysis: A Case Study of Wakamow Valley, Moose Jaw, Canada
Authors: Raouf Abdul , Peng Yulu , Shah Tayyab
Published: June 2017

Urban parks and open spaces offer a unique setting that can play a vital role in improving health and quality of life in cities and towns, making cities more attractive places to live and work, and connecting residents to nature. Degradation of park facilities caused by natural processes or recreational activities requires continuous monitoring for efficient maintenance and management. Identification and continuous monitoring of areas prone to natural hazards such as landslides within an urban park are particularly important for public safety. Traditional techniques for identification and monitoring of such areas involving field surveys, being costly and time-consuming, cannot be used on a regular basis. This research explored the integrated use of aerial photographs and point cloud LiDAR data for identification of areas prone to landslide and soil erosion zones in an urban park and a conservation area known as Wakamow Valley, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. This study used the point cloud LiDAR of 2014 to develop a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the area. The accuracy of the DEM was validated through a series of well-distributed ground control points collected through a survey grade handheld GPS device. The areas prone to potential landslides and soil erosion were identified using slope analysis techniques. A typical criterion of areas having a slope greater than 35° was used for classification of potential hazardous zones. Geospatial information including land-cover, land-use, and trail system was extracted from a 2014 aerial photograph to create a base map. It has been estimated that 5.3 km along the banks of the Moose Jaw River and 8 km along the cliff of the canyon-shaped Wakamow Valley are under a possible threat of soil erosion and landslides. This portion of the valley was classified as high-risk for possible landslides and soil erosion.
Kinetic analysis of mechanoradical formation during the mechanolysis of dextran and glycogen
Authors: Doi Naoki , Sasai Yasushi , Yamauchi Yukinori , Adachi Tetsuo , Kuzuya Masayuki , Kondo Shin-ichi
Published: June 2017

A detailed electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis of mechanically induced free radicals (mechanoradicals) formation of glucose-based polysaccharides, dextran (Dx) and glycogen (Gly) was performed in comparison with amylose mechanoradicals. The ESR spectra of the samples mechanically fractured at room temperature were multicomponent. The radical concentration of Dx and Gly mechanoradicals gradually decreased during vibratory milling after reaching the maximum value. Although the molecular weight of Dx or the particle diameter of Gly steeply diminished until reaching the each maximum value of radical concentration, after that the molecular weight or the particle diameter slowly decreased. These results suggested that Dx and Gly mechanoradicals might be more unstable than amylose radicals possessing an intramolecular helical structure due to the branched structure.
Speakers’ rapidly-updated expectations influence prosodic realization of information structure
Authors: Ouyang Iris Chuoying , Spala Sasha , Kaiser Elsi
Published: June 2017

A production experiment was conducted to investigate the role of perspective-taking in the prosodic marking of information structure. Participants played an interactive game in which they produced verbal instructions that directed an addressee to place objects in locations on the computer screen. We manipulated (i) the participants’ assumptions about the addressee’s familiarity with the objects and (ii) the addressee’s accuracy in identifying the objects. F0 measurements of the participants’ utterances were analyzed with Smoothing-spline ANOVA models. We find that speakers’ expectations about the addressee’s knowledge state influence the prosodic realization of both new and given information, and that speakers rapidly update their expectations based on the addressee’s behavior during the conversation.
Witnessing a Large-scale Slipping Magnetic Reconnection along a Dimming Channel during a Solar Flare
Authors: Jing Ju , Liu Rui , Cheung Mark C. M. , Lee Jeongwoo , Xu Yan , Liu Chang , Zhu Chunming , Wang Haimin
Published: June 2017

We report the intriguing large-scale dynamic phenomena associated with the M6.5 flare (SOL2015-06-22T18:23) in NOAA active region 12371, observed by RHESSI, Fermi, and the Atmospheric Image Assembly (AIA) and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The most interesting feature of this event is a third ribbon (R3) arising in the decay phase, propagating along a dimming channel (seen in EUV passbands) toward a neighboring sunspot. The propagation of R3 occurs in the presence of hard X-ray footpoint emission and is broadly visible at temperatures from 0.6 MK to over 10 MK through the differential emission measure analysis. The coronal loops then undergo an apparent slipping motion following the same path of R3, after a ∼80 minute delay. To understand the underlying physics, we investigate the magnetic configuration and the thermal structure of the flaring region. Our results are in favor of a slipping-type reconnection followed by the thermodynamic evolution of coronal loops. In comparison with those previously reported slipping reconnection events, this one proceeds across a particularly long distance (∼60 Mm) over a long period of time (∼50 minutes) and shows two clearly distinguished phases: the propagation of the footpoint brightening driven by nonthermal particle injection and the apparent slippage of loops governed by plasma heating and subsequent cooling.
The Association between Detected drug Resistance Mutations and CD4+ T-Cell Decline in HIV-Positive Individuals Maintained on a Failing Treatment Regimen
Authors: Schultze Anna , Paredes Roger , Sabin Caroline , Phillips Andrew N , Pillay Deenan , Mackie Nicola , Castagna Antonella , Chadwick David , Falconer Karolin , Geretti Anna Maria , Post Frank A , Hill Teresa , Kirk Ole , Pozniak Anton , Nelson Mark , Tostevin Anna , Dunn David , Lundgren Jens , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro
Published: June 2017

Background

To analyse the effect of drug resistance mutations (DRM) on CD4+ T-cell (CD4) trends in HIV-positive people maintained on virologically failing anti-retroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

Individuals from two large cohorts experiencing virological failure (VF) while maintained on ART with ≥1 CD4 count and ≥1 resistance test were included. CD4 slopes were estimated using linear mixed models. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the effect of clusters of mutations, defined using extracted component based scores from the PCA, on CD4 decline.

Results

5,357 individuals contributing 7,661 VF episodes were included: any DRM were detected in 88.8% of episodes. After adjustment, CD4 counts declined less steeply during episodes where DRM were detected compared to episodes with no DRM (difference =28 cells/mm3/year, 95% CI =18, 39; P<0.001). Among individuals with at least one DRM, we found evidence that any nucleoside/ nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance, the reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations M184V, D67N and T215Y as well as the protease mutations V82A and I54V were associated with reduced CD4 declines. The detection of any non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance, the RT mutations V179D and L74V were associated with steeper CD4 declines. The presence of some mutation patterns similar to the clusters identified by the PCA also affected the CD4 decline.

Conclusions

Detection of resistance and of certain DRM during VF of ART has a small but significant favourable effect on CD4 decline.
Impact of Prompting Agents on Task Completion in the Virtual World
Authors: Xie Tao , Luo Laiming
Published: June 2017

Based on a realized 3D virtual laboratory and virtual agents, this study was to investigate whether the virtual agents influence task completion. A total of 90 students participated in the experiment. They were evenly divided into three groups, one for the control group with no intervention and the other two for experiment groups with different interventional levels. The results show students who used the virtual agents worked much faster and more efficient than those who did not. The satisfaction of the experiment groups was superior to that of the control group. The correlation analysis showed a weak negative correlation between time in total and satisfaction (r = -.365), a strong positive correlation between speed and satisfaction (r = .626), and a strong negative correlation between time per task and satisfaction (r = -.685). However, correlation degree wasn't in concord with the interventional levels. This study suggests that virtual agents have promising effects on task completion and perceived satisfaction.
Hand Gesture Recognition Algorithm for Smart Cities based on Wireless Sensor
Authors: Ganokratanaa Thittaporn , Pumrin Suree
Published: June 2017

The relationship between humans and computers is called human computer interaction (HCI). HCI is a major research topic in the area of assistive technology. In the field of medical assistive technology specifically, a hand gesture is considered a suitable method to convey information. It can help elderly people, who are unable to walk or speak, communicate with caregivers whenever they need help. This paper proposes a system to recognize the hand gestures of elderly people using an inexpensive Raspberry Pi. A vision-based algorithm is developed to detect and classify dynamic hand gestures in real time on the Raspberry Pi embedded platform. There are three main procedures; contour detection, convex extraction, and rule-based classification. The system can detect six different gestures on both hands in various orientations. The experiment showed good results in detecting and classifying their meanings as lingual descriptions.
A New Mobility Model for Ad Hoc Networks in Disaster Recovery Areas
Authors: Manaseer Saher , Alawneh Afnan
Published: June 2017

Over the last decade, many researchers have focused on Mobile Ad Hoc Networks as the main communication method in disaster recovery situations. In these researches, there has been marginal focus on the mobility patterns of nodes in disaster recovery scenarios. In this paper, a deeper analysis has been performed on some of the main mobility models used in testing new protocols and a new mobility model is proposed to incorporate some neglected factors concerned with disaster recovery situations.
Inveja do gado: o fazendeiro como figura de poder e desejo entre os Karitiana
Authors: Velden Felipe Ferreira Vander
Published: June 2017

Projetos de criação animal vem sendo defendidos como uma das formas de solucionar problemas como a carência alimentar e a falta de alternativas econômicas nas aldeias indígenas na Amazônia. Contudo, o exemplo dos Karitiana – povo de língua Tupi-Arikém no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira – aqui discutido aponta para as múltiplas razões que podem estar envolvidas no desejo que vários grupos indígenas manifestam por ter gado bovino e projetos de criação animal. Argumento que é, sobretudo, a vontade de ser ‘fazendeiro’ que comanda a intenção de constituir rebanhos e, assim sendo, os bois acabam por não ser utilizados para a alimentação humana.
Não basta abrir a janela...* Reflexões sobre alguns efeitos dos discursos médico e jurídico nas (in)definições da transexualidade
Authors: B.Teixeira Flavia
Published: June 2017

Nesse artigo problematizo os discursos médico e jurídico, tendo como ponto de partida os processos de pessoas (transexuais) inscritas no Programa de Transgenitalização coordenado pela Promotoria de Justiça de Defesa dos Usuários dos Serviços de Saúde (Pró-Vida), do Ministério Público do Distrito Federal e Territórios, que possuía o objetivo de autorizar e viabilizar a cirurgia de transgenitalização. Questiono os efeitos desse emaranhado imaginário – cujos conteúdos recobrem as percepções da sexualidade feminina/masculina, a compreensão do direito das pessoas (transexuais) sobre seus próprios corpos, bem como dos significados atribuídos ao gênero – que atravessa de diferentes maneiras e intensidades as práticas/ discursos e é forjado para que práticas institucionais sejam justificáveis, ainda que fujam das expectativas éticas, morais ou legais. Argumento que o silenciamento sistematicamente imposto às/aos envolvidas/os, nos processos (que permanecerá nas Resoluções e Portarias) denuncia a ausência da autonomia do sujeito para falar de si mesmo.
Política indigenista argentina: una construcción inconclusa
Authors: Lenton Diana
Published: June 2017

La política indigenista argentina se vio comprometida desde los inicios de la Organización Nacional por el éxito hegemónico de la idea de la pronta extinción de los Pueblos Originarios en el territorio estatal. Esta idea se impuso a lo largo del siglo XX en el discurso político y en el sentido común ciudadano, pese a las frecuentes pistas en contrario ofrecidas por la praxis política -que incluyó desde continuidades en la acción militar expansiva o represiva, arduas de explicar, hasta la experiencia siempre leída como “positiva” de utilización de mano de obra aborigen en las agroindustrias regionales estratégicas, pasando por involucramientos políticos nuevos en una desconfiada base participativa, hacia el fin de siglo. Las tensiones derivadas de este esquema ideológico dieron a la política indigenista argentina un carácter inorgánico, errático y pleno de contradicciones, pese a lo cual es posible hallar continuidades y etapas de desarrollo de conceptos y tópicos que, no obstante su adhesión a contextos sociopolíticos determinados, perduran y decantan en el discurso indigenista actual. El siguiente es, entonces, un intento de des-cubrimiento de la genealogía de ciertos conceptos hoy vigentes en la política estatal argentina respecto a los Pueblos Originarios.
A cultura invisível: conhecimento indígena e patrimônio imaterial
Authors: Souza Marcela Stockler Coelho de
Published: June 2017

A cultura (imaterial) indígena vive apenas em suas materializações, visíveis ou invisíveis. Dar a ver, revelar — assim como ocultar — essa ‘cultura’ é parte da vida (“social”) indígena — é toda ela, se esta vida deve ser vivida em termos de conhecimentos, práticas, discursos, interpretações, expectativas e significados específicos cuja relativa coerência os antropólogos constroem como cultura. Pois é por meio dos efeitos produzidos por essas revelações e esses ocultamentos que são tecidas as relações (“sociais”) de que se faz a vida dos humanos — relações com outros humanos, animais, espíritos, brancos.Tecidas de uma maneira específica, porque do que se trata é de relações específicas (entre pessoas, humanas ou não, determinadas), cuja qualidade se reconhece por certas formas específicas (a beleza do padrão; a quantidade de enfeites; a eficácia do remédio). Por meio de alguns exemplos pinçados na literatura recente, relativos a saberes xamânicos, ornamentação e pintura corporal, este artigo procura tematizar os possíveis efeitos da constituição de contextos revelatórios que determinam esses conhecimentos como “cultura”, no bojo do debate recente sobre patrimônio imaterial e conhecimentos tradicionais.
Trajetórias juvenis: processos de autonomização de jovens cariocas e desigualdades sociais
Authors: Peixoto Clarice
Published: June 2017

Este artigo compara as trajetórias de jovens estudantes das camadas populares e médias do Rio de Janeiro, visando entender os processos de autonomia parental. Para a maioria deles, os estudos universitários estão associados à conquista de independência financeira familiar, mas para alguns é a possibilidade de uma ascensão social. Dentre as enormes dificuldades que enfrentam para se manter nas universidades, as principais são: a) o déficit escolar em relação aos jovens das camadas médias e superiores, o que leva a uma enorme defasagem na aprendizagem; b) as universidades públicas ficam longe de seus domicílios e o custo dos transportes é muito alto; c) as condições de moradia são precárias e eles não têm meios para comprar livros, sendo algumas bibliotecas precárias. Apesar das dificuldades de acesso ao sistema universitário, ele ainda é considerado um dos principais meios para se obter melhor inserção no mercado de trabalho. Contudo, muitos são os jovens que procuram outras formações de nível técnico, artístico ou esportivo. Analisaremos as diferentes estratégias desses jovens para continuarem os estudos e construírem a autonomia e a independência financeira.
Sensibilidades jurídicas, saber e poder: bases culturais de alguns aspectos do direito brasileiro em uma perspectiva comparada
Authors: Lima Roberto Kant de
Published: June 2017

Neste artigo, discuto resultados de pesquisas que venho realizando nos últimos 20 anos, referentes à compreensão e à aplicação do conceito de Clifford Geertz – sensibilidade jurídica – a diferentes contextos jurídicos ocidentais. Após sucessivas e cumulativas propostas de interpretação, cheguei a algumas conclusões, que me levam a propor alternativas e correções nas proposições que tanto eu como outros fizemos sobre as questões em pauta, pois as etnografias realizadas, embora inspiradas nessas discussões, foram abrindo portas para que outros aspectos das sensibilidades jurídicas ocidentais se explicitassem.Inicialmente, recapitulo os passos da pesquisa; depois, apresento os dados etnográficos construídos e aponto as insuficiências de alguns aspectos dos modelos teóricos interpretativos vigentes; finalmente, proponho outros modelos, de maior potencial interpretativo, cuja crítica, certamente, não tardará.
Trocas ilícitas e mercadorias políticas: para uma interpretação de trocas ilícitas e moralmente reprováveis cuja persistência e abrangência no Brasil nos causam incômodos também teóricos
Authors: Misse Michel
Published: June 2017

O artigo apresenta argumentos para a compreensão da corrupção e de outras formas de trocas ilícitas, especialmente as que implicam uma relação de poder, com base no conceito de mercadoria política, proposto pelo autor em outros trabalhos. Para isso, recorre a classificações policiais de crimes e ilegalismos e às diferenças de volume registrado entre crimes considerados graves e crimes econômicos e políticos de variados tipos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro.
Por que a ayahuasca? Da internacionalização de uma prática ritual ameríndia
Authors: Losonczy Anne-Marie , Mesturini Silvia
Published: June 2017

O argumento deste texto se baseia em observações convergentes que vêm mostrando como, para além dos usos locais e regionais, a bebida conhecida como ayahuasca funciona hoje, nas redes globalizadas de suacirculação,ao mesmo tempo como signo diacrítico e como núcleo de negociação e distribuição de sentido e legitimidade, reconfigurando simbolicamente as relações entre os atores na nova interface entre grupos indígenas locais e o mundo urbano, latino-americano ou internacional. Entender o sucesso contemporâneo da ayahuasca implica pois compreender a dinâmica entre continuidade e criações culturais e sociais emergentes que constitui a trama histórica e presente de contatos e adaptações mútuas entre diversos povos amazônicos de um lado e entre o mundo amazônico e seus visitantes, representantes de sucessivos poderes externos, de outro.
Social Welfare Issues in Childhood
Authors: Maundeni Tapologo , Jankey Odireleng Mildred , Levers Lisa Lopez
Published: June 2017

Children around the globe are confronted with numerous social welfare issues that adversely affect their wellbeing. These issues differ across countries and regions. This chapter explores childhood social welfare issues in Botswana, illuminating the ideological differences between traditional and more contemporary conceptualizations of childhood. Because children's issues are currently so complex, this chapter focuses primarily on HIV and AIDS-related orphanhood, alcohol and substance abuse, and traumatic events in the lives of the children. Problems in the lives of children in Botswana are identified, related opportunities are discussed, and recommendations made. The chapter demonstrates, among other things, that a number of commendable efforts (at practice, policy, and research levels) have been undertaken by stakeholders to address social welfare issues in childhood: however, a lot more still needs to be done to improve the quality of life among Botswana's most vulnerable children. Therefore, the chapter concludes by highlighting recommendations for research, practice, and policy.
The Contest for American Culture
Authors: Koch Cynthia M.
Published: June 2017

This chapter is an account of the 1995 funding crisis that was written in 1998 when Koch was working at the University of Pennsylvania for the Penn National Commission on Culture and Community (PNC). The PNC was a “think tank” organized by then-university President Judith Rodin to find solutions to problems of failures of leadership, fragmentation of communities, and a culture of intolerance that plagued our public discussions and behavior. The article is, therefore, an analysis of the political and journalistic trajectory that led to the crisis of 1995 and its immediate aftermath.
A Framework for the Design of Online Competency-Based Education to Promote Student Engagement
Authors: Colson Robin , Hirumi Atsusi
Published: June 2017

Advances in technology offer opportunities for many varieties of online learning but much online learning design is based on past practices and technologies (Hirumi, 2013). This practice could prove to be particularly detrimental for competency-based education (CBE) given its unique profile as a form of online learning that is self-driven and asynchronous. Furthermore, the majority of CBE students in higher education are non-traditional adult learners who require a high level of support and engagement from their educational experiences. One instructional technique that has proven to be effective for promoting student engagement in online learning is interaction (Wang, Chen, & Anderson, 2014; Hirumi, 2006; Anderson, 2003). This chapter draws from Hirumi's (2002, 2006, 2013) framework for designing interaction in online learning courses to provide suggestions for creating online CBE instruction that engages and motivates non-traditional students in higher education.
A Framework for Designing Interactive Digital Learning Environments for Young People
Authors: Souto Virgínia Tiradentes
Published: June 2017

In this chapter a descriptive framework for designing interactive digital learning environments for young people is proposed. The proposed framework aims to analyse and compare interactive digital learning environments. This framework may be useful to guide the design of digital learning environments for young people and also to provide a structure for understanding the interface characteristics of such environments and how users interact with them. Young people's characteristics are briefly discussed in relation to the learning process. The approach to creating the framework is presented with the related literature. The framework is described and consists of three main components: learning, user interaction, and visual. Finally, conclusions on the design of interactive digital learning environments are drawn.
Implementing a Game-Based Instructional Design Strategy in the Eighth Grade Science Classroom
Authors: Dowling Angela , Ahern Terence C.
Published: June 2017

This chapter examines the effects of a game-like environment on instructional activity design and learning outcomes in a middle school general science class. The authors investigated if science content can be designed and successfully delivered instructionally using a game-like learning environment. The authors also wanted to investigate if by utilizing a game-design method could class and student engagement be increased. The results indicated that the instructional design of the unit using a game-like environment was successful and students exhibited learning. The authors also address the challenges inherent in utilizing this instructional strategy.
Affect Recognition for Web 2.0 Intelligent E-Tutoring Systems
Authors: Akputu Oryina Kingsley , Seng Kah Phooi , Lee Yun Li
Published: June 2017

This chapter describes how a machine vision approach could be utilized for tracking learning feedback information on emotions for enhanced teaching and learning with Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS). The chapter focuses on analyzing learners' emotions to show how affective states account for personalization or traceability for learning feedback. The chapter achieves this goal in three ways: (1) by presenting a comprehensive review of adaptive educational learning systems, particularly inspired by machine vision approaches; (2) by proposing an affective model for monitoring learners' emotions and engagement with educational learning systems; (3) by presenting a case-based technique as an experimental prototype for the proposed affective model, where students' facial expressions are tracked in the course of studying a composite video lecture. Results of the experiments indicate the superiority of such emotion-aware systems over emotion-unaware ones, achieving a significant performance increment of 71.4%.
Fantasy Workshop
Authors: Haugdal Marit Grande , Sundfaer Hilde
Published: June 2017

Fantasy Workshop is a project focused on the active use of a Learning Management System (LMS), itslearning, in teaching and learning in a K-12 blended environment. As teachers in this study, the authors used an LMS as a learning platform in their 6th grade literature class. The focus for the class was creative writing and learning about Fantasy, a fiction genre. The aim of the project was to enable all students, not only those students who love to read and write, to learn about the Fantasy genre in a way that would build on their previous knowledge and interests. In addition, the project was aimed at facilitating students' writing processes in such a way that was meaningful and motivating for all students. Most importantly, as teachers, the authors used this project to establish an effective blended environment that worked for teaching and learning in the 6th grade classroom.
Brevity is the Soul of Wit
Authors: Ullyot Michael
Published: June 2017

In 2011, students in an introductory course on William Shakespeare used Twitter to pose questions about the texts being read. This assignment was designed to measure students' preconceptions about the material and to focus part of each classroom session on the “conceptual change model” used in science education. This model was adapted to the humanities by pursuing student inquiries, because research methods in text-based disciplines are equally important to domain-specific concepts. This chapter describes the backward-design principles used to promote student engagement, the assignment's methods to measure preconceptions, and the quantitative data about student engagement and classroom activities. It offers a model for other educators to integrate Twitter and other social networking platforms into their classrooms.
Increasing Student Engagement through Virtual Worlds
Authors: Pigatt Yvonne , Braman James
Published: June 2017

Virtual worlds allow for an immersive 3D experience with rich content and interactive potential for students. Through this richness and interactivity, educators have abundant creative power to design and facilitate meaningful learning experiences and collaboration opportunities. In this chapter, we discuss one such initiative using Second Life as an educational space for a community college course activity as a means to enhance student engagement. A brief literature review on education using virtual worlds will be presented, which underpin our pedagogical methodology for the project framework. Focusing on a community college course titled “Diversity in a Technological Society”, the course goals and project requirements will be discussed. The chapter concludes with a detailed description of the proposed methodology for the next phase, recommendations and future work.
Cultural Orientation Differences and their Implications for Online Learning Satisfaction
Authors: Tankari Moussa
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this chapter, which uses sociocultural learning theory as its framework and a mixed-methods study design, is to understand the differences between personal culture orientation and online learning satisfaction by examining culture at the macro and micro level in an online learning environment. More specifically, this chapter examines the cultural orientation differences among graduate students enrolled in at least one online course in the fall of 2011 at a Western institution of higher education and how these cultural differences impact their level of satisfaction with online learning. Both quantitative and qualitative data is collected, respectively, via surveys, and interviews indicate that, although culture does not directly affect satisfaction, there is a need to raise awareness about the critical factors that may affect online learning experience and to provide guidance for practice and future research.
Predicting Academic Success for Business and Computing Students
Authors: Tani Kawtar , Gilbey Andrew
Published: June 2017

Various means to predict the success rate of students have been introduced by a number of educational institutions worldwide. The aim of this research was to identify predictors of success for tertiary education students. Participants were 353 students enrolled on Business and Computing programmes between 2009 and 2014, at a tertiary education provider in New Zealand. Enrolment data were used to determine the relationships between completion of the programme and prior academic achievement, age, ethnicity, gender, type of enrolment, and programme of study. These variables, as well as the overall GPA of the programme, were used to examine their relationship with the first year GPA. Results showed that pre- and post-enrolment data can be used for prediction of academic performance in ICT programmes. Based on the significance of some variables, tertiary education institutions can identify students who are likely to fail, these students can therefore be considered for additional support in the early stages of their study, in order to increase their chances of succeeding academically.
Understanding Online Cultural Learning Styles and Academic Performance of Management Students in an Ethnic Context
Authors: Bokhari Syed Raza Ali , Panhwar Iqbal Ahmed
Published: June 2017

This study utilizes Structural Equation Modeling with maximum likelihood discrepancy function to examine the relationship among various cultural dimensions and multicultural learning styles, and subsequently the impact thereof on student academic performance. 210 MBA students who enrolled in an online class were examined. The hypothetical model integrated proven learning styles and cultural theories. While Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) version 3.1 captured attributes of learning style preferences, the Cultural Dimensions of Learning Framework questionnaire developed by Parrish and Linder-VanBerschot (2010) captured cultural preferences. Three structural models (epistemological beliefs, social beliefs, and temporal perceptions dimension of culture) were analyzed. It was found that epistemological beliefs and temporal perceptions dimensions of culture exhibited a positive relationship with multicultural learning styles; the social relationship dimension showed negative relationship, while total effect on student academic performance across was relatively similar across all models.
Increased Engagement
Authors: Kowalski Susan
Published: June 2017

Rich collaboration with students has a powerful impact on a school library program, its students, and the entire school community. Strategies and best practices for the development of these collaborative partnerships are shared in this chapter. Leaders in school library programs should consider the following as they transform their program: Definition of student engagement in terms of collaboration with the library; Impact of high level of engagement on library program; Impact of high level of engagement on student; Strategies for increasing student engagement; and Best Practices that have increased student engagement in the past.
Design and Evaluation of Vision-Based Head and Face Tracking Interfaces for Assistive Input
Authors: Morikawa Chamin , Lyons Michael J.
Published: June 2017

Interaction methods based on computer-vision hold the potential to become the next powerful technology to support breakthroughs in the field of human-computer interaction. Non-invasive vision-based techniques permit unconventional interaction methods to be considered, including use of movements of the face and head for intentional gestural control of computer systems. Facial gesture interfaces open new possibilities for assistive input technologies. This chapter gives an overview of research aimed at developing vision-based head and face-tracking interfaces. This work has important implications for future assistive input devices. To illustrate this concretely the authors describe work from their own research in which they developed two vision-based facial feature tracking algorithms for human computer interaction and assistive input. Evaluation forms a critical component of this research and the authors provide examples of new quantitative evaluation tasks as well as the use of model real-world applications for the qualitative evaluation of new interaction styles.
Game-Based Control Mechanisms for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Kim Sungwook
Published: June 2017

Comprehensive control mechanism in cognitive radio networks is an important research topic within the scope of empowering cognitive radio functionality in beyond-4G mobile networks. Providing control mechanism for secondary users without interference with primary users is an ambitious task, which requires innovative management architecture designs and routing solutions. Operational challenges such as opportunistic spectrum access, solving problems related to spectrum and network heterogeneities, and requests for the provisioning of Quality-of-Service to different applications must be resolved. As part of a novel management architecture, the control mechanism advances a new approach for cognitive radio networks. We explore this in this chapter.
Understanding the Psychology of Mobile Phone Use and Mobile Shopping of the 1990s Cohort in China
Authors: Haught Matthew J. , Wei Ran , Xuerui Yang , Zhang Jin
Published: June 2017

As the first of its kind, this study presents a theory-informed large-scale survey of China's most independent-minded and media-savvy citizens — the 1990s cohort of the Millennial generation — to understand the psychology of their mobile telephoning and shopping habits. In doing so, we applied the lifestyle segmentation approach to predict mobile media consumption and mobile shopping. Using data collected from a probability sample 1,600 respondents from China's leading cities, this study identifies six population segments within the 1990s cohort and analyzed the media consumption and mobile shopping habits for each segment. Results show mobile shopping was in its infancy in China. The segment of Online Social Climbers spend the most on mobile handsets and on mobile services, while the Bargain-Seekers segment spent the least. Implications of the findings for mobile marketers are discussed.
Intelligent Big Data Analytics
Authors: Malhotra Dheeraj , Verma Neha , Rishi Om Prakash , Singh Jatinder
Published: June 2017

With the explosive increase in regular E Commerce users, online commerce companies must have more customer friendly websites to satisfy the personalized requirements of online customer to progress their market share over competition; Different individuals have different purchase requirements at different time intervals and hence novel approaches are often required to be deployed by online retailers in order to identify the latest purchase requirements of customer. This research work proposes a novel MR apriori algorithm and system design of a tool called IMSS-SE, which can be used to blend benefits of Apriori-based Map Reduce framework with Intelligent technologies for B2C E-commerce in order to assist the online user to easily search and rank various E Commerce websites which can satisfy his personalized online purchase requirement. An extensive experimental evaluation shows that proposed system can better satisfy the personalized search requirements of E Commerce users than generic search engines.
Consumer Impetuosity in M-Commerce
Authors: Bojorges Moctezuma Natasha Patricia
Published: June 2017

Existing research on impulsive buying focuses mainly on goods displayed in physical spaces and services delivered face to face. This paper aims to present a novel approach to analyze the impulsiveness on purchase through mobile devices by the development of a reliable and valid scale of impulsiveness in the context of mobile commerce, also known as m-commerce. To achieve the aforementioned research purpose, this paper views impulsiveness in m-commerce as a holistic process encompassing personal traits, stimulus level, and, product attributes to understand the motivational, emotional, and cognitive factors underlying the impulse buying journey and purchase decision on the basis of a scale to measure the construct. The paper concludes with a discussion on its conceptual and managerial contributions and interesting directions for future research.
Marketing and Mobile
Authors: Harvey Kenneth E. , An Yulia
Published: June 2017

Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) was gaining popularity even before the World Wide Web. But with the explosion of online marketing, it is nearly impossible to avoid integration. This chapter will explore how digital and mobile marketing are dictating such changes in marketing. An overview of modern mobile marketing practices and trends builds upon a comparison of the traditional marketing mix (4 Ps) with a more consumer-oriented concept of 4 Cs. As products are being replaced with consumers, promotion with communication, place with convenience, and price with cost, the rise of mobile devices and the mobile Internet brings up a multitude of new concepts into traditional marketing theory and practice. Supplemented with best industry examples, the review of emerging mobile marketing concepts moves from broad online strategies, like inbound marketing, to very mobile-specific trends, like the Internet of Things.