bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RISK GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Erin Olayinka , Bamigboye Omololu , Arumona Jonah
Published: November 2020

This study examines the influence of risk governance on financial performance of 50 quoted firms in the Nigerian financial sector for the period of five years (2013–2017). Panel data was used to examine how the risk governance variables (Enterprise Risk Management_index, Chief Risk Officer_presence, Board Risk Committee_size, Board Risk Committee_activism, and Board Risk Committee_independence) affects financial performance (Return on Asset). The study reveals empirically that most of the risk governance variables (ERM_index, CRO_presence, BRC_activism, and BRC_independence) have a significant and positive impact on the performance of the firm with the exception of BRC_size which shows a negative association with the financial performance of the studied firms. The study empirically reveals that strong Chief Risk Officer (CRO) presence, effective board risk committee, and inclusion of independent directors in the risk committee will go far in serving as factors that would improve the performance of firms in today’s financial environment. This study made a lot of core findings that contribute to the emerging literatures on risk governance and risk management research.
A Stochastic Theory of the Hierarchical Clustering. I. Halo Mass Function
Authors: Lapi Andrea , Danese Luigi
Published: November 2020

We present a new theory for the hierarchical clustering of dark matter (DM) halos, based on stochastic differential equations, that constitutes a change of perspective with respect to existing frameworks (e.g., the excursion set approach); this work is specifically focused on the halo mass function. First, we present a stochastic differential equation that describes fluctuations in the mass growth of DM halos, as driven by a multiplicative white (Gaussian) noise dependent on the spherical collapse threshold and on the power spectrum of DM perturbations. We demonstrate that such a noise yields an average drift of the halo population toward larger masses, that quantitatively renders the standard hierarchical clustering. Then, we solve the Fokker–Planck equation associated to the stochastic dynamics, and obtain the Press & Schechter mass function as a (stationary) solution. Moreover, generalizing our treatment to a mass-dependent collapse threshold, we obtain an exact analytic solution capable of fitting remarkably well the N-body mass function over a wide range in mass and redshift. All in all, the new perspective offered by the theory presented here can contribute to a better understanding of the gravitational dynamics leading to the formation, evolution, and statistics of DM halos across cosmic times.
A Framework for Multiphase Galactic Wind Launching Using TIGRESS
Authors: Kim Chang-Goo , Ostriker Eve C. , Fielding Drummond B. , Smith Matthew C. , Bryan Greg L. , Somerville Rachel S. , Forbes John C. , Genel Shy , Hernquist Lars
Published: November 2020

Galactic outflows have density, temperature, and velocity variations at least as large as those of the multiphase, turbulent interstellar medium (ISM) from which they originate. We have conducted a suite of parsec-resolution numerical simulations using the TIGRESS framework, in which outflows emerge as a consequence of interaction between supernovae (SNe) and the star-forming ISM. The outflowing gas is characterized by two distinct thermal phases, cool (T ≲ 104 K) and hot (T ≳ 106 K), with most mass carried by the cool phase and most energy and newly injected metals carried by the hot phase. Both components have a broad distribution of outflow velocity, and especially for cool gas this implies a varying fraction of escaping material depending on the halo potential. Informed by the TIGRESS results, we develop straightforward analytic formulae for the joint probability density functions (PDFs) of mass, momentum, energy, and metal loading as distributions in outflow velocity and sound speed. The model PDFs have only two parameters, star formation rate surface density

and the metallicity of the ISM, and fully capture the behavior of the original TIGRESS simulation PDFs over

. Employing PDFs from resolved simulations will enable implementations of subgrid models for galaxy formation with wind velocity and temperature (as well as total loading factors) that are based on theoretical predictions rather than empirical tuning. This is a critical step to incorporate advances from TIGRESS and other high-resolution simulations in future cosmological hydrodynamics and semi-analytic galaxy formation models. We release a Python package to prototype our model and to ease its implementation.
Kорелација помеѓу средниот артериски притисок (МАР) и мозочната сатурација (rSO2) кај пациенти подложени на хипотензивна општа анестезија при септо- и ринопластика
Authors: Kraleva Silvana , Shirgoska Biljana , Trajkova Radmila , Klisevska Ilcevska Ivana
Published: November 2020

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Хипотензивната анестезија е таква анестезиолошка техника при која средниот артериски притисок на пациентот се намалува за повеќе од 20% од неговата предоперативна вредност. Мотив: да се спречи појава на хипооксија на мозокот при употреба на хипотензивна анестезиолошка техника кај пациенти подложни на септо/ринопластика. Цели на трудот: да се утврди просечната вредност на мозочната сатурација кај будни пациенти, да се одреди корелацијата на средниот артериски притисок и мозочната сатурација при умерена хипотензија, и да се анализираат постоперативните несакани ефекти. Материјали и методи: во студијата беа вклучени 20 пациенти, АСА 1, водени со умерена хипотензивна анестезија предизвикана со ремифентанил и севофлуран. Во пет временски интервали (Т1-Т5) се следеа параметрите: MAP, HR, rSO2 и се одреди нивната корелација. Резултати: умерена хипотензија се постигна во Т4 (МАР=69,05±7,09). За просечна базална вредност на мозочната сатурација се утврдија: 73,30 ± 5,44% за левата и 75,30±5,18% за десната мозочна  хемисфера. Кривата на мозочната сатурација покажуваше нагорен тренд и пик кој се совпаѓаше со воведот во анестезија, а во понатамошниот тек тенденција кон опаѓање. Се најде слаба до умерена позитивна корелација помеѓу MAP и rSO2 во текот на хипотензивната анестезија, а во целиот тек на мерењето  rSO2 беше повисоко од базалната вредност.  Заклучок: умерената хипотензија и стабилниот среден артериски притисок придонесуваат за стабилна мозочна сатурација.
Поврзаност на полиморфизмите rs20325282 во генот ABCB1 и RS1695(A313G) во генот GSTP1 со токсичните ефекти при хемотерапија на карцином на дојка со циклофосфамид и доксорубицин
Authors: Ismaili Ilir
Published: November 2020

Карциномот на дојката е меѓу водечките причини за морбидитет и морталитет и е меѓу најчестите малигни неоплазми кај женскиот пол во светски рамки. Адјувантната хемотерапија со комбинација на циклофосфамид и доксорубицин често е проследена со низа токсични ефекти со различен степен на изразеност и клиничка значајност за што клучна улога имаат конститутивните полиморфизми во гените вклучени во детоксификацијата и метаболизмот на хемотерапевтиците. Основната цел на студијата беше да се определи генетската поврзаност на полиморфизмите rs20325282 во генот ABCB1 и rs1695 во генот GSTP1 со појавата на токсични ефекти во текот на хемотерапијата со циклофосфамид и доксорубицин кај пациентките со карцином на дојка. Материјал и методи: определувањето на двата полиморфизма се изврши врз DNA примероците изолирани од 110 случаи со карцином на дојка кои биле третирани адјувантно со циклофосфамид и доксорубицин, по претходно добиена согласност од пациентките. Статистичките анализи беа извршени споредувајќи ги клиничките податоци за токсичните ефекти со фреквенциите на генотиповите и алелите од испитуваните генски полиморфизми. Резултати: анализите покажаа дека полиморфизмите rs1695 во генот GSTP1 и rs20325282 во генот ABCB1 имаат предиктивна вредност во проценката на веројатноста, односно ризикот од појава на неутропенија, леукопенија и на кој било токсичен ефект, со исклучок на гадење и повраќање. Покрај тоа, полиморфизмот rs1695 во генот GSTP1 има предиктивна вредност при идентификација на ризикот од појава на анемија. Заклучок: во иднина овие сознанија можат да се користат за прилагодување и персонализирање на хемотерапијата според индивидуалната генотипска комбинација кај секој поединечен пациент.
Sociodemographic characteristics and thrombophilic mutations in women with in vitro fertilization failure â€“ initial results from case control study
Authors: Petkovikj Elena , Hristova Dimceva Anita , Grubovic Rastvorceva Rada , Useini Sedula
Published: November 2020

There are many factors for in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure, and hereditary thrombophilia has been mentioned as one of them in the last few years. Thrombophilia is a condition of predisposition to thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics and to examine the representation of thrombophilic mutations in women with IVF failure. Material and methods: In a retrospective-prospective case-control study we evaluated 52 women, divided in two groups. Twenty-twowomen with at least three IVF failures were included in the examined group (EG). Thirty women, age matched, who gave birth to at least one healthy child without obstetric complications were included in the control group. Presence of gene mutations for factor II Prothrombin (G20210A), factor V Leiden (FVL) and methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T) was examined in both groups. Sociodemographic data, data from personal, family and obstetric anamnesis was collected with standard questionnaire. Results: Representation of nationality in both groups roughly corresponds to the national structure in Republic of Macedonia. In both groups the most prevalent age was from 30 to 34 years (40% in the CG and 50% in the EG). According to the degree of education, homogeneity between the two groups was registered. In most of the EG, MTHFR heterozygous was 63.6% vs. 56.7% in the CG, followed by the FV Leiden heterozygous with 13.6% vs. 3.3% in the CG, MTHFR homozygous with 9.1% vs. 6.7% in CG, factor II Prothrombin (G20210A) heterozygous with 4.5% vs. 6.7 in CG. 72.7% of women in the EG and 60% in the CG had one thrombophilic mutation, and 9.1% of women in EG and 6.7% in CG had two thrombophilic mutations. 18.2% of women in EG and 33.3% in CG did not have any mutations. Conclusion: The sociodemographic profile of women with IVF failure is a woman aged between 30 and 34 years with a university degree, with at least one thrombophilic mutation. Thrombophilic mutation has not been registered in only a small percentage of women with failed IVF.
Correlation Between Cognitive Function Impairment and Chronic Kidney Disease With a Low Glomerular Filtration Rate at Sanglah Hospital Denpasar
Authors: Laksmidewi Anak Agung Ayu Putri , Dewi Cok Istri Gangga Dewi , Kandarini Yennny
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a condition of chronic kidney damage with abnormal structure and function of the kidneys that lasts more than 3 months, accompanied or not by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Organic kidney disease leaves accumulated organic waste that cannot be removed by the kidneys. Furthermore, several biochemical and metabolic mechanisms such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can cause executive disorders.
AIM: The aim of the study was to find out an increased risk of impaired cognitive function in patients with chronic kidney disease with a low glomerular filtration rate in Sanglah Hospital.
METHOD: This study uses a retrospective case–control analytic observational study design. We included all patients with chronic kidney disease in Sanglah Hospital in December 2017–January 2018. This study involved 46 subjects with chronic kidney disease who met eligibility criteria, classified as a case group with cognitive impairment and a control group without cognitive impairment.
RESULTS: Each decrease in glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min/173 m2 in patients with chronic renal failure correlates with an increased incidence of cognitive impairment of around 15–25%. The risk of chronic kidney disease patients with glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 decreased cognitive function 13 times compared to subjects with glomerular filtration rate > 30 ml/min/ 1.73 m2.
CONCLUSION: Low glomerular filtration rate correlate with increased risk of cognitive impairment.
Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Pathway-Focused Genes Expression Analysis in Patients with Different Forms of Thyroid Pathology
Authors: Bilous Iryna , Pavlovych Larysa , Krynytska Inna , Marushchak Mariya , Kamyshnyi Aleksandr
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones are key regulators of essential cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, and finally apoptosis.
AIM: The aim of study was to detect changes in the expression of apoptosis and cell cycle pathway-focused genes in patients with different forms of thyroid pathology.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: 36 patients with thyroid pathology were enrolled in the study. We used the pathway-specific real-time PCR array (Neurotrophins and Receptors RT2 Profiler PCR Array, QIAGEN, Germany) to identify and verify apoptosis and cell cycle pathway-focused genes expression in patients with postoperative hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism as a result of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and AIT with elevated serum an anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies.
RESULTS: It was shown that patients with elevated serum anti-Tg and anti-TPO antibodies and with hypothyroidism resulting from AIT had a significantly lower expression of FAS, TGFB, TP53, TGFA, while the expression of CD40 was increased. The mRNA levels of BCL2 and BAX decreased in the patients with elevated serum anti-Tg and anti-TPO antibodies and increased in the patients with hypothyroidism resulting from AIT and postoperative hypothyroidism. The patients with hypothyroidism resulting from AIT and postoperative hypothyroidism had significantly lower expression of HSPB1. NF1 expression did not change in all groups of patients.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that AIT and hypothyroidism affect the mRNA-level expression of apoptosis and cell cycle pathway-focused genes in gene specific manner and that these changes to gene expression can be responsible for the apoptosis signs and symptoms associated with thyroid pathology.
Taxonomic revision of Russula subsection Amoeninae from South Korea
Authors: Wisitrassameewong Komsit , Park Myung Soo , Lee Hyun , Ghosh Aniket , Das Kanad , Buyck Bart , Looney Brian P. , Caboň Miroslav , Adamčík Slavomír , Kim Changmu , Kim Chang Sun , Lim Young Woon
Published: November 2020

Russula subsection Amoeninae is morphologically defined by a dry velvety pileus surface, a complete absence of cystidia with heteromorphous contents in all tissues, and spores without amyloid suprahilar spot. Thirty-four species within subsection Amoeninae have been published worldwide. Although most Russula species in South Korea have been assigned European or North American names, recent molecular studies have shown that Russula species from different continents are not conspecific. Therefore, the present study aims to: 1) define which species of Russula subsection Amoeninae occur on each continent using molecular phylogenetic analyses; 2) revise the taxonomy of Korean Amoeninae. The phylogenetic analyses using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and multilocus sequences showed that subsection Amoeninae is monophyletic within subgenus Heterophyllidiae section Heterophyllae. A total of 21 Russula subsection Amoeninae species were confirmed from Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and Central America, and species from different continents formed separate clades. Three species were recognized from South Korea and were clearly separated from the European and North American species. These species are R. bella, also reported from Japan, a new species described herein, Russula orientipurpurea, and a new species undescribed due to insufficient material.
New species and records of Cloeodes Traver, 1938 (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) from Costa Rica
Authors: Vásquez-Bolaños Oscar , Sibaja-Araya Fabián , Guevara-Mora Meyer
Published: November 2020

The nymph ofCloeodes dantasp. nov. is described from male and female nymphs collected from highland streams in the Caribbean Slope of the Costa Rica Central Volcanic Mountain Range. Adults are unknown. In addition,C. excogitatusandC. redactusare recorded for the first time in the country.Cloeodes dantasp. nov.can be differentiated from all described species by the predominantly brownish coloration on females and a similar coloration on males but with segments VII–IX light yellow and light brown, with no conspicuous marks or patterns; abundant scale-bases throughout most parts of the body; hindwings pads absent; the presence of three spines in the corners of the posterior margin of sternum III, and the posterior margin of tergum III with 28–30 spines on each side of the middle line (spine with a base width up to 0.5× spine length).
Information and taste interventions for improving consumer acceptance of edible insects: a pilot study
Authors: Woolf E. , Maya C. , Yoon J. , Shertukde S. , Toia T. , Zhao J. , Zhu Y. , Peter P.C. , Liu C.
Published: November 2020

Insects are a sustainable protein source with poor consumer acceptance in developed countries. An Eating Insects Conference and Tasting Demonstration was hosted with a goal of promoting consumption of edible insects. The event consisted of an educational session that provided information about entomophagy followed by a cooking and tasting demonstration of edible insects. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted to assess the effect of the event on participants’ acceptance of entomophagy. Forty-three attendees completed the surveys. After attending the event, participants felt more knowledgeable about entomophagy, which positively correlated with willingness to consume edible insects. Participants who believed that entomophagy is sustainable were more willing to consume edible insects than those who did not. Although all participants consumed insects at the tasting demonstration, those with prior consumption experiences had significantly higher post-intervention willingness scores, indicating repeated exposures may be necessary for improving consumer acceptance of edible insects. The event raised awareness of using insects as food and provided useful information for developing effective interventions to promote insect consumption.
Transcriptional responses of toxigenic and atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus to oxidative stress in aflatoxin-conducive and non-conducive media
Authors: Fountain J.C. , Pandey A.K. , Nayak S.N. , Bajaj P. , Wang H. , Kumar V. , Chitikineni A. , Abbas H.K. , Scully B.T. , Kemerait R.C. , Pandey M.K. , Guo B. , Varshney R.K.
Published: November 2020

Aflatoxin production by isolates of Aspergillus flavus varies, ranging from highly toxigenic to completely atoxigenic. Several mechanisms have been identified which regulate aflatoxin production including medium carbon source and oxidative stress. In recent studies, aflatoxin production has been implicated in partially ameliorating oxidative stress in A. flavus. To better understand the role of aflatoxin production in oxidative stress responses, a selection of toxigenic and atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus with moderate to high oxidative stress tolerance were exposed to increasing concentrations of H2O2 in both aflatoxin-conducive and non-conducive media. Mycelial mats were collected for global transcriptome sequencing followed by differential expression, functional prediction, and weighted co-expression analyses. Oxidative stress and medium carbon source had a significant effect on the expression of several secondary metabolite gene clusters including those for aflatoxin, aflatrem, aflavarin, cyclopiazonic acid, and kojic acid. Atoxigenic biological control isolates showed less differential expression under stress than other atoxigenic isolates suggesting expression profiles may be useful in screening. Increasing stress also resulted in regulation of SakA/Hog1 and MpkA MAP kinase signalling pathways pointing to their potential roles in regulating oxidative stress responses. Their expression was also influenced by medium carbon source. These results suggest that aflatoxin production along with that of other mycotoxins may occur as part of a concerted coping mechanism for oxidative stress and its effects in the environment. This mechanism is also regulated by availability of simple sugars and glycolytic compounds for their biosynthesis.
Evaluating Collective and Creative Problem-Solving Approaches and Tools for Wicked Problems
Authors: Fields Ziska
Published: November 2020

Societies and businesses are faced with problems that contain too many new, unknown, and unintended consequences and even more so as humans have to face and deal with more complexity created by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. These problems have become ‘wicked problems'. Creativity is needed to solve problems as it allows people to create new ideas by using their mental toolkit, creative characteristics and behaviours. It is possible to solve wicked problems using collective and creative problem-solving approaches and tools. This means that people need to work together to generate creative ideas to find novel and breakthrough solutions. To try and find a “silver bullet” to solve wicked problems, various problem-solving approaches and tools were evaluated and it became evident that a combination of approaches supported by various tools might lead to solving wicked problems collectively and creatively.
Emerging Economy Institutions of Higher Education Sustainability Initiatives to Solve Wicked Environmental Problems
Authors: Laban Comilla , Chiweshe Nigel
Published: November 2020

Institutions of higher learning are integral players on matters regarding sustainable development. Institutions of higher learning have incorporated sustainable development not only into their curriculum but also into their operating environments. The sustainability of higher education institutions provides a platform for mutual prosperity in the long run and therefore warrants the interrogation of sustainability at institutions of higher learning. Despite this importance, most of the research has been in the northern hemisphere. Very little research has been conducted in the Southern hemisphere, particularly in Africa. This chapter draws insights from a qualitative study. The findings revealed that UKZN had implemented several sustainability initiatives to manage energy and water. The institution also faced numerous challenges in the management of sustainability initiatives such as municipal services, staffing problems, poor communication, lack of knowledge and skills, poor infrastructure, no written policies, and weak collaborations with businesses.
Improving Experiential Learning in the Online Environment
Authors: Cerna Nidia , Piedra Daniel , Pollex Heather , Vallee Nathalie
Published: November 2020

This chapter provides a summary of the design and implementation of experiential learning at McMaster University's Continuing Education Unit within the Human Resources Management Program between its initial launch in 2017 through 2020. The chapter highlights the evolution of the model, its challenges, and improvements over the three-year period through which three versions of the experiential learning project were adapted and improved. The chapter concludes with recommendations for institutions who may be considering the adoption of experiential learning for online adult audiences in post-secondary education. Among the recommendations identified are, to provide clear expectations of the work and roles required by students, industry partners, and instructors. To create a tight-knit design and an implementation team, to provide sufficient training to instructors who will facilitate the process of work-integrated learning, and to adopt an attitude of continuous improvement.
Micro-Credentials in Higher Education
Authors: Rottmann Amy K. , Duggan Molly H.
Published: November 2020

Micro-credentials are becoming an efficient and financially sound method of delivering skills and content knowledge to adult learners. This chapter will define micro-credentials, explore how higher education and business organizations view and utilize them, and discuss the challenges of creating and implementing them. This chapter will conclude with a description of how a small private non-profit university created several micro-credentials by adapting components of their Online Teaching and Instructional Design Master's program. It will also outline the reasons behind the implementation, the research conducted to validate the change, and the process of creating the micro-credentials through template design.
Evidence-Based Virtual Exchange Models in Higher Education
Authors: Otieno Daniel
Published: November 2020

This chapter focuses on evidence-based practices of virtual exchange in higher education (HE). The chapter opens with a discussion of exchange programs in HEIs. A cursory look at the nature of academic exchange programs reveals the traditional models involving faculty and student mobility programs between universities have been and continue to be the modus operandi of many higher education institutions (HEI). The discussion revolves around the application of this traditional approach and the benefits that have accrued. Later sections of the chapter shift the discussion to emerging models and discusses virtual exchange as the new paradigm in global academic exchanges. Various models of virtual exchange programs are discussed with a view of documenting evidence-based global practices. The chapter concludes with change and policy recommendations and suggestions for further reading.
Implementing Blended Learning in Classrooms: Educators' Perspectives
Authors: Abrahams Ilhaam , Meda Lawrence , Ivala Eunice N.
Published: November 2020

Blended learning is one of the modalities used to enhance students' learning experiences in the 21st century. South African educators who migrate to countries overseas have mixed feelings about their teaching using technology in schools. This chapter presents findings on implementation of blended learning in mathematics classrooms from the perspectives of two South African educators working in an international school in Saudi Arabia. The study was done using a qualitative case study within an interpretivist paradigm and it was guided by the technology acceptance model. Two South African educators teaching at an international school in Saudi Arabia were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and document analysis. A significant contribution of the study was the development of a model which shows that perspectives of the educators on blended learning hinges on two entities: technology acceptance and educators' self-efficacy.
Student Collaborative Learning Strategies
Authors: Rugutt John K. , Chemosit Caroline C.
Published: November 2020

The authors of this study utilized the logistic regression analysis using extreme student groups (top and bottom quartiles) defined by students' collaborative learning scores to develop a model for predicting group membership of low and high levels of collaborative learning college students. The focus of the study was to identify characteristics of the learning environment that differentiate between high and low collaborative learning groups. Results of the logistic regression showed a statistically significant model that can be used to reliably predict student's classification into low or high collaborative learning groups based on the selected institution and personal variables. The logistic regression model showed the lowest total percent correctly classified was at 98.1% while the highest total percent correctly classified was at 98.6%. Majority of the model variables made significant differences between the low and high collaborative learning groups. ANOVA results indicate significant group differences in all the predictor variables.
Quality Practices in Higher Education Distance Learning
Authors: Bandeira Fernando , Cardoso João Casqueira
Published: November 2020

This chapter is an attempt to systematize the available knowledge in quality assurance and assessment in higher education distance learning, taking into consideration that information is consubstantiated mostly in grey literature produced in the past decade. It begins by framing the historical and the political approach to quality and accountability and then opts for an approach the outline the analyses, using the concept of distance learning as a system. This approach, which is a classical theoretical framework, considers the following sub-systems: management and administration; instructional design; teaching, provisions on teaching and learning; the teacher and the tutor; and students. As for the procedural aspects, it looks at the official information issued by specialized agencies that develop standards, benchmarks, audit and accreditations schemes, and to the information of the institutions themselves, in order to identify the most important topics and practices concerning quality assessment development and assurance.
Distance Learning
Authors: Pinto-López Ingrid N. , Montaudon-Tomas Cynthia M.
Published: November 2020

This chapter analyzes the main contribution to the field of distance learning and pedagogy based on bibliometric analysis. Series of bibliometric tools have been used, including citations and h-index. Additionally, VOSViewer software was used to identify maps that show the most relevant trends, and Excel was used to develop charts and graphs. The analysis includes scientific articles, journals, authors, institutions, and countries. Results show that the United States has been the leader in the number of published works, citations, and institutions involved. Nevertheless, other countries in Europe, Asia, and Oceania have dedicated significant efforts to distance learning, including the UK, Brazil, Spain, Australia, and China. Other relevant results show that nearly 60% of all articles have been published in the last decade. The period between 2000 and 2009 are the years with the highest number of citations. This discipline has a high potential of continuing to develop, specifically in uncertain environments that are highly globalized and competitive.
The ePortfolio
Authors: Calimag Maria Minerva P.
Published: November 2020

As we stand at the threshold of enhanced higher education curricula to meet global standard, this chapter contributes to the on-going discussion on reforms in higher education by clarifying the important role of e-portfolios as technology-enhanced formative and summative assessments of authentic tasks across the continuum in medical education. Medical educators should become adept with technological advancement and apply the same in designing learning experiences that effectively integrate technology in building a conceptual understanding of medical concepts. e-Portfolios are best suited for evaluating skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership and management, and other real-life skills needed to cope with the global demands of the 21st-century global healthcare workplace. The use of portfolios as a workplace-based assessment tool has emerged as an exciting opportunity for learners to record and analyze their learning in a digital environment. The role of reflective learning in a constructivist approach is emphasized.
Learning Objects in Hybrid Teaching Potential and Challenges for Their Use in the Context of Brazilian Education
Authors: Rocha Daiana Garibaldi da , Cardoso Adriana
Published: November 2020

In the context of distance education, one aspect materialized by educational technology is through the use of learning objects (LO). These elements can be defined as educational digital resources that favor students' interaction with many languages and different media. This chapter aims to present two scenarios. The first one involves a case study about the production of didactic content. This study will focus on teaching and will consist of showing the rationale behind the content production method used by the company and the methodology used in the construction of learning objects in the context of a learning unit. The second scenario will consist of students' views by means of a survey conducted with more than 4 thousand students from higher education institutions (HEIs) from different regions of Brazil who consume the content and make use of the learning objects. The reflections point to the pedagogical potential of learning objects but also to concerns in view of great challenges posed by hybrid teaching within the Brazilian scenario.
E-Learning vs. T-Learning
Authors: Coelho André Leite , Romera Sol Alonso
Published: November 2020

This chapter intends to explore distance learning today both in the television medium and in the online one, acknowledging that during these early decades of the 21st century multiple and diverse remote learning opportunities have arisen given the permanent technological evolution and of societies. In order to present this actual circumstance, focused analysis of both media is developed pointing out each main key characteristic, benefits, and disadvantages, examining the existence and reliability of each respective means of assessment.
Introduction to Agricultural Information Systems
Authors: Vajjhala Narasimha Rao
Published: November 2020

This chapter provides an introduction to agricultural and farm management information systems. This chapter provides an overview of the components, subsystems, processes, and operations in agricultural information systems. This chapter also covers the impact of these systems in improving the efficiency, and productivity of farm output. This chapter introduces several technologies related to the use of information systems in agriculture, including agricultural information systems (AIS), farm management information systems (FMIS), e-agriculture, and precision agriculture. This chapter introduces state-of-the-art technologies used in agriculture in the current context apart from providing an introduction to the use and adoption rates of these information systems. This chapter concludes with a brief discussion on the issues facing the adoption and implementation of agricultural information systems and presents some of the key issues that decision makers need to take to improve the acceptance and use of these information systems.
Agribusiness and Innovation Systems in Africa
Authors: Babikir Osman Mohammed
Published: November 2020

Lower agricultural productivity levels in Africa calls for transformation of the sector from its historical level to a high potential, sustainable, and ecologically business-oriented sector. This chapter reviews the relevant literature on agribusiness in relation to use of innovation and value addition approach. The review first gives a background of conceptual understanding of the main terms and presents some case studies and efforts done until now. Transformation is happening across the globe through value addition, agribusiness principles and application of knowledge, innovation-driven solutions, and digitalization. Research for development and efficient advisory services are among the key factor of success.
Role of Agri-Food Value Chains in Bolstering Small and Marginal Farmers in India
Authors: Kashyap Dipanjan , Bhuyan Sanjib
Published: November 2020

India's agri-food value chains have been evolving over the last few decades to cater to the growing consumer demand for healthy, safe, and nutritious food. These value chains are increasingly getting integrated from production to marketing to cater to such demand. While large and/or commercial farmers have easy access to such modern food value chains, small and marginal farmers in India and other developing countries alike are unable to take advantage of the same. Focusing on improving the agri-food value chains, particularly for perishables, makes a strong case in India given most Indian farmers are small and marginal farmers and are unable to take advantage of economies of scale. It is encouraging that both public and private sector entities are getting engaged in connecting Indian farmers directly to the supply chains of various crops. However, more needs to be done to make the processes, particularly in the public sector, the least bureaucratic and more farmer-focused so that small and marginal farmers in particular, benefit widely.
MIDI-AM Model to Identify a Methodology for the Creation of Innovative Educational Digital Games
Authors: Solorzano Alcivar Nayeth Idalid , Elizalde Rios Elizabeth Stefania , Carrera Gallego Diego Alejandro , Park Kim Da Hee , Sornoza Quijije Lissenia Isabel
Published: November 2020

Educational game applications' production considers technical, pedagogical, and aesthetic resources guided by the type of device used, interfaces, and themes. In addition, it considers users' tastes and preferences, trends in society, and the environment. However, no evidence in the recent literature allows developers to identify entire patterns or structures in serious games production. This chapter analyzes university experiences and research related to the design, development, and use of ludic games application for mobile devices' MIDI-AM model series games as tested in local environments. These games are aimed at children in their first years of primary school education. The MIDI-AM model is proposed as a methodology that considers a technical and aesthetic platform to guide serious game applications' production and monitoring. These are suggested as supporting tools for the traditional teaching-learning process.
Generation of Digital Content Management Through Academic Entervention in EPS Organizations
Authors: Loor Rosales Joffre Bernardo , Orellana Mesías Francisco Daniel , Ortiz Elizalde Solangi Lisbeth , Jaramillo Escobar Bladimir Heriberto , Moncayo Cobos Naomi Melissa
Published: November 2020

The research takes cases from the project called visual corporate identity of the popular and solidarity economy (VIPSE), which is being carried out at the University of Guayaquil. The objective of the research is to analyze the type of generated digital content that was taken into account for the brand positioning. It was developed from brand management by representatives, digital communication progress, and content generation; this methodology was applied to each association with students in their degree work; this set of guidelines in the generation of digital content is the result of an effective academic intervention. The type of research is qualitative, comparing data from various static and dynamic content, graphical composition analysis charts, developing expert interviews on content management and creation. The impact of the project has resulted in 11 organizations participating in the branding and generation of digital content.
Green Resilience Eco-Oriented Land Uses in Urban Socio-Ecosystems
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: November 2020

This chapter is aimed to analyze the system of green resilience eco-urban land uses oriented in urban social-ecological systems. It reviews and analyses the relevant literature in green social-ecosystem resilience concept and present a discussion in relation to the sustainable development and ecological sustainability. It further discusses and gives an in-depth overview of the urban social ecosystems as a working structural and functional unit, describes decision support tools that could be applied to sustainable green land uses and development, and offers some strategies for engaging in urban ecosystems, ecological sustainability and adaptive development. It is concluded that the urban land use that through the innovative pro-environmental solutions can, in a natural way, support the system of green resilience eco-oriented urban land uses in urban eco-systems and serve to improve the quality of life in the city.
Cultural Creativity and Social Inclusion in Creative Cities
Authors: Askar Rehab Abdelwahab
Published: November 2020

According to the theoretical framework, this chapter examines the role of cultural capital in achieving social inclusion in creative cities and discussing the impact of creative cultural economy and cultural diversity in achieving knowledge-based urban development requirements. The author relies on showing the tangible and intangible forms of cultural capital represented by the urban and cultural assets possessed by the new administrative capital of Egypt (study model). The author then submits an analysis of the strategic urban cultural policies in an attempt to predict a set of preliminary indicators related to the possible forms of social and cultural inclusion and the anticipation of the social, cultural, and economic impacts of cultural creativity on the quality of life and Human security in creative cities.
The Features and Roles of Universities in Creative Cities
Authors: Kotb Khaled Salah
Published: November 2020

Universities are the most important institutions that any city needs to establish a good environment for producing knowledge in a creative way in knowledge economy age. This chapter investigated the nature of the relationship between the universities and creative cities and how could universities contribute in transforming a creative city through spreading culture and values of creativity. The limits of this role were studied and cases of creative universities all over the world were discussed. A descriptive analytical approach was used through analyzing previous studies and literature to identify the following points: 1) the universities as educational institutions (concept and roles), 2) creativity and creative cities and creative universities concepts, 3) the relations between creative city and higher education institutions, 4) universities in creative cities' practices all over the world, 5) a model of creative university. Features, requirements, and roles will be discussed.
A Tale of the Field
Authors: Wang Yao , Sercombe Peter
Published: November 2020

This chapter discusses a number of fieldwork challenges leading up to and during an ethnographic study undertaken in southwest China. The purpose of this study was to research the circumstances of privately-run migrant schools (PMSs) as forms of educational provision for internal migrant children and the coping strategies that were observed and/or reported to deal with these children. The authors consider the (pre-study) challenge of selecting an appropriate research site, recruitment of willing participants, possible language barriers, and potential issues arising from the role(s) of the researcher and the study population. By explicating the ethnographer's path from fieldwork constraints to potential opportunities, this chapter clarifies the importance of realizing the need for flexibility and adaptability when conducting fieldwork. The chapter is of relevance to current and future ethnographers conducting fieldwork or setting out to conduct fieldwork. Additionally, this chapter provides insight on the unknown eventualities that almost certainly arise during the research process.
Developing a Framework to Evaluate the Mediating Role of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) Strategies in Blended Learning Courses
Authors: Lim Chee Leong , Ab Jalil Habibah , Ma'rof Aini Marina , Saad Wan Zuhainis
Published: November 2020

Challenges students face in the online component of blended learning, especially in the areas related to self-regulation challenges, have deferred them in achieving their learning goals. Besides, improper utilization of online peer learning strategy has also been identified as an inherent problem related to self-regulation challenges in the blended learning environment. Therefore, this study adopted Zimmerman's perspective of SRL which draws from social cognitive theory and Bandura's self-efficacy theory to determine the influence of self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies and peer learning on students' learning satisfaction and academic achievement. This study proposes an integrated and actionable framework covering a variety of constructs, including SRL, peer learning, learning satisfaction, and academic achievement in the context of blended learning. In addition, it also provides insights for universities as to where future efforts need to be directed, especially in the areas related to the improvement of the facilities and infrastructure for blended learning implementation.
Integrating Service Learning Into Higher Education Curriculum
Authors: Guptan Vinitha , Rasiah Ratneswary , Turner Jason James
Published: November 2020

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of integrating service learning into the business curriculum of a higher education provider to enhance learners' competencies and reflective learning. Founded on the educational theories of constructivism and social learning, this research consolidates and takes research forward in the understanding of how transforming the business curriculum by integrating service learning through teacher-learner partnerships enhances a students' ability for reflective learning. Using a self-administered questionnaire-based survey with 256 respondents, the data were analysed using variance based PLS-SEM to reveal that service learning had a significant positive influence on reflective learning and on student competency development. The results indicate the positive impact that team-based service learning through teacher-learner partnerships had on the learners' experience. These findings offer some interesting insight for educators, researchers, and policy makers as a means to enhance the learning experience of students in tertiary education in Malaysia.
Innovating Teaching Pedagogy Through Teacher-Learner Partnership
Authors: Ng Foong Peng Veronica
Published: November 2020

Commonly, research methods module in many disciplines including architecture is taught in a lecture-based setting. However, this approach is often didactic and unable to engage students' learning. This chapter discusses an innovative approach to teaching and learning of research methods designed and implemented for Master of Architecture by coursework that is underpinned by a positive teacher-learner partnership. This approach has been explored since 2018-2019 by applying an integrated mixed method which includes experiential learning, online tools, independent guided learning, and peer and self-assessments. Besides describing the approaches, this chapter analyses students' assessment performance, module evaluation reports and survey for cohorts of student in 2018-2019 to discuss the development and impact of the module delivery as an outcome of teacher-learner partnership. The paper demonstrates how these methods capitalises on different styles of learning and create a dynamic setting for positive learners' engagement in the “classroom.”