bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Self-Directed Learning in Communication Competence and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Song Youngshin , Yun Soon Young , Kim Sun-Ae , Ahn Eun-Kyong , Jung Mi Sook
Published: September 2015

Background:

Although effective self-directed learning (SDL) has been shown to improve clinical performance, little is known about its role between communication competence and communication self-efficacy in nursing students. This study aimed to identify whether SDL mediates the relationship between communication competence and communication self-efficacy.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 213 nursing students taking a basic fundamentals of nursing course. A path diagram, using structural equation modeling, was used to estimate the direct and indirect effects of communication competence on communication self-efficacy, controlling for SDL as a mediator.

Results:

A structural equation model confirmed direct and indirect effects of communication competence on communication self-efficacy when SDL was controlled as a mediator. An appropriate fit to the data was identified in this mediation model of SDL.

Conclusions:

For enhancing self-efficacy regarding communication skill, the specified SDL program based on the level of communication competence will yield more effective results. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(10):559–564.]
Bibliometric Patterns of Research Literature Production on Nursing Informatics Competence
Authors: Kokol Peter , Vošner Helena Blažun , Železnik Danica , Vošner Janez , Saranto Kaija
Published: September 2015

Background:

Nursing informatics competence is a prerequisite for successful information management, evidence-based practices optimizing patient care health promotion, and communication with information communication technology–literate patients.

Method:

The aim of this study was to assess the trends in the production of nursing informatics competence research literature and to identify the most productive bibliometric entities. In addition to the correspondence analysis, bibliometric analysis and mapping were used to achieve the aim.

Results:

A total of 366 information sources were extracted, 14.5% of which were sponsored studies. The production of research literature on nursing informatics competence is growing, but this research is only occasionally published in the most recognized nursing journals.

Conclusion:

Identifying where the intensive research on nursing informatics competence is beneficial to care for the patient of the future and building user-friendly online lifelong learning platforms, where a required level of nursing informatics competence could be acquired, are two gaps in the current research that should be covered in future. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(10):565–571.]
An ECM-ISC based Study on Learners’ Continuance Intention toward E-learning
Authors: Tan Mingjie , Shao Peiji
Published: September 2015

E-learning has been developing rapidly in recent years; however, as the student number and market scale are growing fast, there is also a growing concern over the issue of high dropout rates in e-learning. High dropout rate not only harms both education institutions and students, but also jeopardises the development of e-learning systems. Understanding the behavioural mechanism of students’ continuance learning in online programmes would be helpful for reducing the dropout rate. In order to explain students’ continuance intention toward e-learning, his study combines theories from the fields of information management and pedagogy. By adding two constructs, namely academic integration and social integration, from the theories of dropout as antecedent variables, an improved ECM-ISC model for e-learners’ continued learning intention was put forward. Results from structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrate a stronger explanatory power of the new model. Based on the results from empirical analyses, corresponding suggestions are proposed in the end of this paper.
A Review on Semantic Text and Multimedia Retrieval and Recent Trends
Authors: Menemencioğlu Oğuzhan , Orak İlhami Muharrem
Published: September 2015

Semantic web works on producing machine readable data and aims to deal with large amount of data. The most important tool to access the data which exist in web is the search engine. Traditional search engines are insufficient in the face of the amount of data that consists in the existing web pages. Semantic search engines are extensions to traditional engines and overcome the difficulties faced by them. This paper summarizes semantic web, concept of traditional and semantic search engines and infrastructure. Also semantic search approaches are detailed. A summary of the literature is provided by touching on the trends. In this respect, type of applications and the areas worked for are considered. Based on the data for two different years, trend on these points are analyzed and impacts of changes are discussed. It shows that evaluation on the semantic web continues and new applications and areas are also emerging. Multimedia retrieval is a newly scope of semantic. Hence, multimedia retrieval approaches are discussed. Text and multimedia retrieval is analyzed within semantic search.
Agent-Based Resource Management for Mobile Cloud
Authors: Sun Zhili , Yang Yichao , Zhou Yanbo , Cruickshank Haitham
Published: September 2015

Mobile cloud computing is a new computing paradigm to integrate cloud computing technology into the mobile environment. It takes full advantages of cloud computing with great potential to transform a large part of the IT industry. The objectives of mobile cloud computing are to meet user demand, efficiently utilize a pool of resources, including mobile network, storage, and computation resources, and optimize energy on mobile devices. Here, the authors review the current mobile cloud computing technologies, highlight the main issues and challenges for the future development, and focus on resource management. Then, combining the current agent architectures and resource optimization strategies, they present an agent-based resource management to deal with multiple data and computation intensive applications of user demand. The chapter offers a promising solution of selecting the best service provider and efficiently utilizing mobile network resources given the user's request constraint.
A Semantically Enabled Service Delivery Platform
Authors: Toma Ioan , García José María , Larizgoitia Iker , Fensel Dieter
Published: September 2015

It is expected that virtual factories and enterprises of the future will be able to self-organize in distributed, autonomous, interoperable, non-hierarchical, innovation ecosystems and be dynamically delivered as services, end-to-end along the global value chain. In this scenario, services and service ecosystems become central artifacts, and it is necessary to model and manage them appropriately for automation and scalability. Two main popular architectural approaches for realizing service orientation are WSDL-based SOA and the RESTful style. The level of automation offered by these approaches is limited, and human intervention is required in order to achieve most of the service-related tasks such as discovery, ranking, invocation, and monitoring. In order for service-oriented technologies to scale, they need to offer a significant degree of automation. To address the scalability issues in service composition, this chapter proposes a semantically enabled service-oriented architectural approach (SESA) and its implementation in the form of a platform. The authors detail the principles, models, architecture, and implementation underlying the approach in which lightweight semantics play a central role.
The Development of Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhu Yuenong , Hua Kun
Published: September 2015

In this chapter, the authors mainly discuss mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs). First, the authors are introduce the evolution of MWSNs from sensor networks to wireless sensor networks, and finally to mobile networks. Second, to provide a general context of MWSNs the authors then compare the peer work of MWSNs in chronological order. The third section discusses typical issues including localization, deployment, resource/energy efficiency and coverage issues. Cross-layer design is considered as one of the most useful ways to improve MWSNs in the future.
Semantic Web Services-Based Knowledge Management Framework
Authors: Podgorelec Vili , Grašič Boštjan
Published: September 2015

In this chapter, a Semantic Web services-based knowledge management framework that enables holistic knowledge management in organizations is presented. As the economy is becoming one single global marketplace, where the best offer wins, organizations have to search for competitive advantage within themselves. With the growing awareness that key potentials of an organization lie within its people and their knowledge, efficient knowledge management is becoming one of key focuses in organizational activities. The proposed knowledge management framework is based on Semantic Web technologies and service-oriented architecture, supporting the operational business processes as well as knowledge-based management of services in service-oriented architecture.
Web 3.0 in Web Development
Authors: Vieira João , Isaías Pedro
Published: September 2015

The Web 3.0 has revolutionized the Internet in the last years and its benefits are still being studied. The way that websites are being developed is also changing because of this Web evolution, giving to Web developers new technologies where computers can better understand and give meaning to content. This chapter presents an overview of technologies considered to be included on the Web 3.0 concept. The main objective of the chapter is to introduce a conceptual framework of Web 3.0, or Semantic Web, technologies that can be used for developing a website. This review of literature introduces the evolution of each of the technologies mentioned, as well as their functions. Some examples and opportunities for use are also presented. The chapter offers a current state-of-the-art and an opportunity for future relevant research in the Web development area.
Pattern Based Feature Construction in Semantic Data Mining
Authors: Ławrynowicz Agnieszka , Potoniec Jędrzej
Published: September 2015

The authors propose a new method for mining sets of patterns for classification, where patterns are represented as SPARQL queries over RDFS. The method contributes to so-called semantic data mining, a data mining approach where domain ontologies are used as background knowledge, and where the new challenge is to mine knowledge encoded in domain ontologies, rather than only purely empirical data. The authors have developed a tool that implements this approach. Using this the authors have conducted an experimental evaluation including comparison of our method to state-of-the-art approaches to classification of semantic data and an experimental study within emerging subfield of meta-learning called semantic meta-mining. The most important research contributions of the paper to the state-of-art are as follows. For pattern mining research or relational learning in general, the paper contributes a new algorithm for discovery of new type of patterns. For Semantic Web research, it theoretically and empirically illustrates how semantic, structured data can be used in traditional machine learning methods through a pattern-based approach for constructing semantic features.
MAC Protocol for CRSN
Authors: Jamal Amna , Tham Chen-Khong , Wong Wai-Choong
Published: September 2015

Cognitive Radio (CR) technology has gained popularity in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) because of scarcity caused by the increase in number of wireless devices and service, and it provides spectrum-efficient communication for the resource constrained WSNs. However, appropriate protocols have to be devised to satisfy the requirements of both WSNs and CRs and to enjoy the benefits of cognition in sensor networks. In this chapter, the authors review the existing schemes for wired, wireless, and cognitive radio networks. In addition, they propose a novel energy-efficient and spectrum-aware Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for the cognitive radio sensor network. The authors design a spectrum-aware asynchronous duty cycle approach that caters to the requirements of both the domains. The performance of the proposed MAC is evaluated via simulations. Performance evaluations are also compared with MCMAC, a multi-channel MAC for WSNs. The comparative results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the multi-channel scheme for WSN.
The Adoption of Web 2.0 by the State Government
Authors: Ahn Michael J. , Berardino Michael
Published: September 2015

The emergence of Web 2.0 introduced a new potential in e-government which empowers citizens to share information and mobilize spontaneously online, and enables citizens to communicate directly with the government and its elected officials while significantly lowering some of the traditional barriers of e-government adoption such as the lack of financial resources and technical expertise in government. This paper examined the pattern of Web 2.0 adoption on state web portals to identify key factors influencing its adoption. The results suggest that while the potential of the new technology is immense, its adoption is constrained by a number of political factors. In particular, the authors find that there is disinclination toward adopting Web 2.0 by incumbent governors while the technology was favored by governors who are newly elected into their office. Moreover, there was disinclination toward the new technology by governors with high approval rating while those with low approval rating sought to adopt them. Our findings point to a perception by governors about Web 2.0 as a powerful and effective instrument of communication but, at the same time, politically risky, creating disincentive to adopt the technology by governors with established political support. There is a “more to lose” mentality about Web 2.0 by political actors with high level of political support while “less to lose” by those with thin political support. This research sketches a picture of Web 2.0 adoption in government where political instability and newcomers facilitates the use of Web 2.0 increasing dialogue and communication with citizens while higher levels of political stability and support reduces the use of Web 2.0, diminishing the channel of communication created by the new technology.
Examining the Impact of Web 2.0 Applications on Knowledge Management Performance
Authors: Buechler Scott , Hartshorne Richard , Ajjan Haya
Published: September 2015

There has been an increasing interest in the use of Web 2.0 applications to enhance the effectiveness of internal communication and improve knowledge management within the organization. However, extant Web 2.0 research has focused on the implementation, adaption patterns, and benefits, and little has been done to empirically examine the determinants of continuance use of Web 2.0 within the organization and its impact on knowledge performance. The objective of this study is to empirically examine the impact of both hedonic and utilitarian performance on the intention of knowledge workers to continue to use Web 2.0 applications within an organization, and then investigate the influence of the continuance use decision on knowledge management performance. The proposed model is tested using a survey of knowledge workers using Web 2.0 applications in their organizations. The results of the PLS analysis empirically validate the relationship between antecedents, continuance use, and knowledge management performance. Research and managerial implications of our findings are presented.
Utilizing Augmented Reality in Library Information Search
Authors: Gibson Robert
Published: September 2015

A cross-disciplinary academic team at Emporia State University is currently in the process of developing and utilizing a mobile-based augmented reality application in the context of library information search. Specifically, the team is researching the use of mobile applications that can generate multi-sensory information retrieval relative to archives and special collections. Using this application, student and faculty researchers can physically point their mobile devices at an archival object that has been specifically marked with a photo-generated “tag” and, using specially designed software, access videos, photos, music, text, and other data that is germane to the object. This allows the archivist to preserve the object behind protective glass or other physical barriers, while allowing the information seeker to learn more about the object using embedded multimedia. This minimizes the potential for damage while providing extra dimensions of information. Of the many virtualizations currently under development are videos related to a rare novel and music compositions relative to rare sheet music – both currently housed within Special Collections at Emporia State University.
Environmental Monitoring Based on the Wireless Sensor Networking Technology
Authors: Karapistoli Eirini , Mampentzidou Ioanna , Economides Anastasios A.
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates real-life environmental monitoring applications based on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Wireless sensor networking is an emerging technology, which through the research in the labs and the real deployments has proved to be a significant and valuable tool for scientists in their effort to explore various environmental phenomena. During the last decades, this wireless networking technology has been adopted by many scientific fields in order to accurately and effectively monitor climate phenomena such as air pollution, destruction phenomena (i.e., landslides), etc. It has also been widely used in agriculture as well as in horticulture for field monitoring. This paper provides a critical overview of the basic components existing WSN deployments use. It also categorizes these deployments, 111 in total, into five different field categories, namely agricultural monitoring, environmental monitoring, air-water pollution monitoring, monitoring of destruction phenomena, as well as monitoring of livestock, and wild animal, in order to provide a general view of the technologies used, the conditions under which the deployments were conducted, and much more. Then, five easy-to-use guides are provided discussing basic considerations for deploying WSNs in each of these fields. These guides cover various issues, such as sensor node platforms, operating systems (OSs), topologies, installation and maintenance issues, and much more. In order to showcase the usefulness of consulting the resulted guides, this work considers representative application scenarios for each of these field deployments.
Using Semantic Search and Knowledge Reasoning to Improve the Discovery of Earth Science Records
Authors: Liu Kai , Yang Chaowei , Li Wenwen , Gui Zhipeng , Xu Chen , Xia Jizhe
Published: September 2015

Web resources exploration is increasingly driven by semantic web technologies with automated processing. Earth science communities generate large amounts of datasets described in hundreds of millions of metadata records. It is critical to discover the accurate data from the millions of data records based on the end user's searching intent. However, the big challenge is how to ensure that catalogs and Spatial Web Portals can understand end user's intents. To enable portals effectively ‘understand' the meaning of user's queries and to provide a better searching experience for end users, we collaborated with Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) to develop such a capability through a semantic Testbed. We implemented a reasoning engine using similarity calculations to facilitate the meaningful discovery of Earth science data and to improve the accuracy of searching results.
Integrating E-Learning 2.0 into Online Courses
Authors: Yuen Steve Chi-Yin
Published: September 2015

This paper provides an overview of e-learning 2.0 concepts and presents a case study that involves the design, development, and teaching of two online courses based on e-learning 2.0 concepts. The design and the construction of e-learning 2.0 courses, and their effects on the students' learning experience are examined. In addition, students' preferred Web 2.0 tools are included, as well as their opinions regarding the e-learning 2.0 instructional approach.
Human-Computer Interaction in Consumer Behaviour
Authors: Servidio Rocco , Davies Barry , Hapeshi Kevin
Published: September 2015

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) studies play an important role in the design, implementation, and evaluation of a new generation of graphical user interfaces designed to support consumer behaviours and information needs. In recent years, the spread of new virtual environments and innovative tools have revolutionized the field of e-commerce. Although new digital environments can enable or facilitate certain user activities, the quality of the user interface will remain a continuing challenge. The chapter aims to underline the relationships between HCI studies and consumer behaviour, focusing attention on virtual environments for electronic and Internet e-commerce (online retail) services. The potential of multi-modal interfaces and virtual environments for business and marketing are examined by: (1) providing an overview of the relationships between HCI and consumer behaviour, (2) showing how different interaction modalities can enhance the communication process between user and consumer system, (3) showing how digital and interactive technologies can offer to the consumer many advantages and unique opportunities in exploring information and products, and (4) new directions for possible future research.
A Study of Research Trends and Issues in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Islam Noman , Shaikh Zubair A.
Published: September 2015

Ad hoc networks enable network creation on the fly without support of any predefined infrastructure. The spontaneous erection of networks in anytime and anywhere fashion enables development of various novel applications based on ad hoc networks. However, ad hoc networks present several new challenges. Different research proposals have came forward to resolve these challenges. This chapter provides a survey of current issues, solutions, and research trends in wireless ad hoc networks. Even though various surveys are already available on the topic, rapid developments in recent years call for an updated account. The chapter has been organized as follows. In the first part of the chapter, various ad hoc network issues arising at different layers of TCP/IP protocol stack are presented. An overview of research proposals to address each of these issues is also provided. The second part of the chapter investigates various emerging models of ad hoc networks, discusses their distinctive properties, and highlights various research issues arising due to these properties. The authors specifically provide discussion on ad hoc grids, ad hoc clouds, wireless mesh networks, and cognitive radio ad hoc networks. The chapter ends with a presenting summary of the current research on ad hoc networks, ignored research areas and directions for further research.
Security Issues in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Dutta Kamlesh
Published: September 2015

A Mobile Ad hoc NETwork (MANET) is a self-organizing, infrastructure-less network of mobile nodes connecting by wireless links. In operation, the nodes of MANETs do not have a central control mechanism. It is known for its properties of routable network, where each node acts as a router to forward packets to other specific nodes in the network. The unique properties of MANET have made it useful for large number of applications and led to a number of security challenges. Security in the mobile ad hoc network is a very critical job and requires the consideration of different security issues on all the layers of communication. The countermeasures are the functions that reduce or eliminate security vulnerabilities and attacks. This chapter provides a comprehensive study of all prominent attacks in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks described in the literature. It also provides various proactive and reactive approaches proposed to secure the MANETs. Moreover, it also points to areas of research that need to be investigated in the future.
E-Learning and Web 2.0
Authors: Bejjar Mohamed Ali , Boujelbene Younes
Published: September 2015

The fundamental goal of e-learning is to provide applications to share information, knowledge, and help learners in their learning activities efficiently and effectively by involving technologies. More recently, Web 2.0 has become a buzzword in education, and academics around the world have explored the potential of Web 2.0 technologies and online classrooms. Based on a literature review, this chapter focuses on the integration of pedagogical principles of virtual learning application of these new Web 2.0 technologies. The argument is that these tools provide an opportunity to design new models for education and training.
State of the Art on Ontology Alignment
Authors: Vargas-Vera Maria , Nagy Miklos
Published: September 2015

Ontology mapping as a semantic data integration approach has evolved from traditional data integration solutions. The core problems and open issues related to early data integration approaches are also applicable to ontology mapping on the Semantic Web community. Therefore, in this review the authors present the related literature, starting from the traditional data integration approaches, in order to highlight the evolution of data integration from the early approaches. Once the roots of semantic data integration have been presented, the authors proceed to introduce the state-of-the-art of the ontology mappings systems including the early approaches and the systems that can be compared through the Ontology Alignment Initiative (OAEI).
Conferences as Learning Spaces on Climate Change and Sustainability
Authors: El Zoghbi Mona Betour
Published: September 2015

The international community is increasingly recognizing the importance of youth's meaningful engagement and empowerment for managing long-term climate change challenges, and of their consultation on policies and decisions that affect their well-being and sustainable development. Yet the extent to which new learning is generated in current spaces for youth participation in local, national and global negotiations and decision-making on environmental issues remains less understood. This Chapter discusses the importance and effectiveness of youth-targeted and youth-led environmental conferences, forums, workshops and similar events in advancing the learning experiences of youth participants in these events. Testimonials from young people, generated through in-depth interviews of youth participants at environmental conferences and forums in the Netherlands and South Africa provide key insights into their engagement. The findings highlight the need for more empowering and critically engaging platforms for youth participation and for adequate mentoring of young participants.
Science Communication as a Tool for Advancing the Environmental Education on Climate Change
Authors: Chirisa Innocent , Bandauko Elmond , Kawadza Shingai T.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this chapter to describe and explain the role of science communication as a method to advance environmental education on climate change with a special reference on Africa being one of the regions suffering from the effects of climate-induced disasters and risks in the increased anthropogenic effects of modern development. The overall impression globally and regionally is the scientists are poor communicators on what they do hence are often misunderstood by the media and society over the work they spend their life and effort doing. The buttressing methodological philosophy to this chapter is applied systems approach that views actors, processes, inputs and outputs of the climate change, policy and science as intricately related hence require a trans-disciplinary, interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary approach. However, critical areas of reference are health and diseases, resilient communities, coastal adaptation and farming practices and technologies.
On the Use of Different Presentation Formats in an Exhibit at a Science Center to Communicate Sea Level Rise
Authors: Ramanathan Subramaniam , Feinstein Kenneth
Published: September 2015

This study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the different presentation formats (text, photographs; video and simulations) used in an exhibit at a science center in Singapore to communicate the message of sea level rise, an important manifestation of climate change. Interviews with visitors were used to obtain their views on the exhibit, the influence the message behind the exhibit had on them, and the implications of sea level rise for the tiny island state. The findings suggest that simulations are more effective in communicating abstract phenomena, provided the objectification is rendered effectively.
Zanzibari Seaweed
Authors: Hashim Nadra
Published: September 2015

Well before island nations began to consider rising ocean levels, a feature of global climate change (GCC), they have been concerned with the allocation of water resources. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the efforts of universities, in the Tanzanian cities of Zanzibar and Dar-Es-Salaam, to promote environmentally responsible entrepreneurial projects, which sustain women's economic empowerment, while advancing the general development of the broader community, in which they live. The object of this discussion is to examine the history of sea-weed production, and to examine how Zanzibar's seaweed farmers, who are largely women, have responded to adversity, and what, if anything, they can do to address current difficulties.
Gendered Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Mujere Never
Published: September 2015

Climate change is a critical global issue with the potential to cause social, political, environmental and economic hardships. Women and the poor are disproportionately affected by climate change because of cultural norms, their dependence on natural resources; responsibility for water, fuel, food procurement and household care; their greater exposure to risk in crisis and severe weather events and the predominant presence of low technology in agriculture and their lack of resources and power. This chapter concentrates on vulnerability and adaptation responses at the community level and the context or factors that influence adaptation at this level. In particular, this it focuses gender based vulnerability and adaptation and the factors that influence they respond to climate change. It also highlights the importance of collective adaptation efforts in order to guide the design of more inclusive and effective adaptation projects and programs.
NGO Roles in Promoting Climate Change Awareness through Environmental Education
Authors: Pashollari Ediola
Published: September 2015

As the climate continues to deteriorate, government agencies and NGOs alike try their possible best to figure out ways to turn the tables around and fight the issue. While government helps to draft policies, implement laws that help to curb it, the major strategic publications and public awareness lies on the shoulders of NGOs for proper execution of the bottom-top public awareness. This report tends to explore, discuss and pinpoint ways NGOs can play a strategic important role in the promotion of public education and awareness of the changes in the climatic conditions of our society.
The Place of Concerns for Posterity in the Global Education for Sustainable Development Agenda
Authors: Vladimirova Katia
Published: September 2015

Education is a powerful tool to alter unsustainable values and mindsets. But in order for it to be used most efficiently it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what values should be advanced, changed, or developed. This chapter aims to clarify some conceptual difficulties with the value of future generations in education for sustainable development. Future generations are embedded in the definition of sustainable development and can be reasonably expected to be at the heart of education for sustainable development. This chapter explores this assumption and analyzes how future-oriented concerns are formulated and advanced in the global educational agenda put forward during the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) led by UNESCO. This analysis compares conceptual foundations of ESD against key developments in climate and environmental ethics on the treatment of posterity. This chapter can contribute to the disciplines of environmental education, philosophy of education, and to climate ethics.
Two-Decision-Maker Conflict Resolution with Fuzzy Preferences
Authors: Al-Mutairi Mubarak S.
Published: September 2015

A unique fuzzy approach is developed to model uncertainties in the preferences of a decision maker involved in a conflict. Human judgments, including expressing preferences over a set of feasible outcomes or states in a conflict, are usually imprecise. Situations characterized by vagueness, impreciseness, incompleteness and ambiguity, are often reflected in the decision maker's preferences. When modeling a conflict, it is assumed that the decision makers, the courses of actions available for each, and the preferences of each decision maker are known. When the preferences of the decision maker over a certain set of actions are not known with certainty, this could affect the overall equilibria which are predicted in an analysis. Hence, fuzzy logic is used to handle imprecise or vague preference information so that realistic equilibria can be found. The well-known game of Prisoner's Dilemma, in which one must decide whether or not to cooperate, is employed as an illustrative application to demonstrate how the fuzzy preference methodology works in practice.
An Agent-Mediated Platform for Business Processes
Authors: Dam Hoa Khanh , Ghose Aditya , Qasim Mohammad
Published: September 2015

Business processes have been widely becoming crucial assets of organisations across various industries and domains. The flexibility in dealing with changes when business processes are executed has significant impact on the success of an organisation's business operations, especially in the current ever-changing business environment. In this context, agent-based systems offer a promisingly powerful platform for business process execution. In this paper, the authors propose an agent-mediated platform for business processes with the aim to contribute to bridge the gap between business process management and agent-oriented development. They present a conceptual mapping method for a seamless transition from business process models in Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) to agent-oriented models in the Prometheus methodology, which is implemented using the ATLAS Transformation Language. The authors also developed an Eclipse-based plug-in which allows the designer to import BPMN models into the Eclipse-based Prometheus Design Tool.
An Appropriate and Complete Tourism Lexicon
Authors: Ielenicz Mihai , Nedelcu Adrian
Published: September 2015

Activities have been known as starting points in the tourist field since Antiquity. During the millennia, several practical aspects (as types - trips for recreation, sports, specific for the winter season or at the seaside, in aquatic environments, trips for balneal treatments, trips for discovering architectural, artistic treasures, etc., as participation form - from the individual ones to the mass or group ones, as beneficiary or service provider; with general fittings, but also specific ones), as well as theoretical aspects (the progressive achievement of a proper terminology, in order to be used by many participants in the tourist actions; the elaboration of guides, leaflets, encyclopaedias, maps, etc.); complete territorial analyses of tourist resources (considering the revaluation level, approaching tourism issues in treaties, doctoral theses, etc.); the scientific and methodological content of curricula from tourism schools, departments and faculties; setting the meaning of terms and directions in the decisions approved at national and international meetings, etc., have been recorded at the same time with the widening of the concerns in this area. The paper herein approaches the analyses of terms, the extension of the vocabulary basis suitable for the dialogue needs (at least related for the tourist heritage).
Distinct Roles of Cytoskeletal Components in Immunological Synapse Formation and Directed Secretion
Authors: Ueda Hironori , Zhou Jie , Xie Jianming , Davis Mark M.
Published: September 2015

A hallmark of CD4+ T cell activation and immunological synapse (IS) formation is the migration of the microtubule organization center and associated organelles toward the APCs. In this study, we found that when murine CD4+ T cells were treated with a microtubule-destabilizing agent (vinblastine) after the formation of IS, the microtubule organization center dispersed and all of the major cellular organelles moved away from the IS. Cytokines were no longer directed toward the synapse but were randomly secreted in quantities similar to those seen in synaptic secretion. However, if the actin cytoskeleton was disrupted at the same time with cytochalasin D, the organelles did not shift away from the IS. These findings suggest that there is a complex interplay between the microtubules and actin cytoskeleton, where microtubules are important for directing particular cytokines into the synapse, but they are not involved in the amount of cytokines that are produced for at least 1 h after IS formation. In addition, we found that they play a critical role in mobilizing organelles to reorient toward the synapse during T cell activation and in stabilizing organelles against the force that is generated through actin polymerization so that they move toward the APCs. These findings show that there is a complex interplay between these major cytoskeletal components during synapse formation and maintenance.
The ANÌMO Decalogue for a Slow Medicine care: the general recommendations of the nurses of internal medicine for a sober, respectful and equitable care
Authors: Bordin Gabriella , Ganzini Claudia , Lince Mariapaola , Lucci Lucia , Martini Marilisa , Pentella Giovanna , Postal Nicoletta , Zuccone Annunziata , Gatta Claudia
Published: September 2015

Following the lead of Slow Medicine, the Association of Nurses of Internal Medicine (ANÌMO) saw the opportunity to build, through an analysis of the professional practice, an alliance between health professionals and citizens in order to support and facilitate informed choices. From this revision emerged The Decalogue, a document which summarizes the fundamental pillars of the slow nursing to guarantee a sober respectful and equitable care during the hospitalization.
Nailfold videocapillaroscopy in internal medicine
Authors: Faggioli Paola , Tamburello Antonio , Sciascera Alba , Gilardi Adele Giulia , Mazzone Antonino
Published: September 2015

Capillaroscopy is an actual inexpensive imaging technique, used to examine, non-invasively and safely, the morphology of nailfold dermal papillary capillaries. Many studies agree in the statement that the capillaroscopy is one of the gold standard methods for non-invasive examination of the microcirculation and it plays an important role in screening in Raynaud’s phenomenon and in monitoring of systemic sclerosis and other rheumatologic diseases. There are also many reports on the possible use of nailfold capillaroscopy in the diagnosis and monitoring of many other diseases in internal medicine.
Nosography of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, severe sepsis, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in internal medicine patients
Authors: Spoto Silvia , Valeriani Emanuele , Costantino Sebastiano
Published: September 2015

Sepsis is defined by the presence of at least two systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria associated with an infection microbiologically or clinically evidenced. In Italy sepsis is responsible for 80,000 hospital admissions per year and, in the last decades, severe sepsis and septic shock cases are increasing, in correlation with the increased prevalence of multi-drugresistant microbial strains. The predominant etiologic agents are Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but sepsis caused by fungi is increasing. The host response with both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes is responsible for organic failures, which complicate the syndrome, and for the susceptibility to secondary infections. The impairment of one or more organs or systems may be the onset clinical presentation. The organ dysfunctions complicating sepsis involve mainly cardiorespiratory system, kidneys, hemostatis and central nervous system. Fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, leukocytosis or leukopenia, elevated blood levels of lactate and procalcitonin, hypotension are diagnostically sensitive findings for sepsis. Definitive diagnosis requires isolation of the pathogen from blood sample or from the focus of infection. Therapeutic success against sepsis depends on the appropriate use of antibiotics, on the treatment of hemodynamic and respiratory disorder and on general supportive care. In some cases the use of activated protein C is to take in consideration.
How a scientific society progresses - regardless all the craps - to a serious fostering of sustainable medicine
Authors: Nardi Roberto
Published: September 2015

Not required
Distribution of Angiotensin-1 Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion and α-Actinin-3 Codon 577 Polymorphisms in Turkish Male Soccer Players
Authors: Ulucan Korkut , Sercan Canan , Biyikli Türker
Published: September 2015

Angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) gene and α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene polymorphisms are considered to be the most important candidate genes for genetic predisposition to human athletic performance. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the distribution of ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms for the first time in male Turkish soccer players. In this prospective study, our cohort consisted of 25 professional players, all with Turkish ancestry. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction length polymorphism was used for the characterization of the genotype of ACTN3 and single PCR for ACE. For ACE genotype, 16%, 44%, and 40% of the players had insertion/insertion (II), insertion/deletion (ID), and deletion/deletion (DD) genotypes, respectively, whereas 20% had XX, 36% had RX, and 44% had RR genotypes for ACTN3. When we examined the allelic percentages, for ACE, D allele was recorded as 62 and I as 38, and for ACTN3, R allele was 62 and X was 38. Our results were in agreement with the previous reports, indicating the presence of ACTN3 D and ACE X allele in soccer players. We suggest that ACE and ACTN3 genotypes are important biomarkers for genetic counseling for the individuals who are prone to be successful soccer players.
Chronic Antipsychotic Treatment in the Rat – Effects on Brain Interleukin-8 and Kynurenic Acid
Authors: Larsson Markus K. , Schwieler Lilly , Goiny Michel , Erhardt Sophie , Engberg Göran
Published: September 2015

Schizophrenia is associated with activation of the brain immune system as reflected by increased brain levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and proinflammatory cytokines. Although antipsychotic drugs have been used for decades in the treatment of the disease, potential effects of these drugs on brain immune signaling are not fully known. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of chronic treatment with antipsychotic drugs on brain levels of cytokines and KYNA. Rats were treated daily by intraperitoneally administered haloperidol (1.5 mg/kg, n = 6), olanzapine (2 mg/kg, n = 6), and clozapine (20 mg/kg, n = 6) or saline ( n = 6) for 30 days. Clozapine, but not haloperidol or olanzapine-treated rats displayed significantly lower cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of interleukin-8 compared to controls. Whole brain levels of KYNA were not changed in any group. Our data suggest that the superior therapeutic effect of clozapine may be a result of its presently shown immunosuppressive action. Further, our data do not support the possibility that elevated brain KYNA found in patients with schizophrenia is a result of antipsychotic treatment.
Analyzing the Factors Contributing to Withdrawal from Insulin Therapy following Additional Administration of Alogliptin: Retrospective Study after Removing Glucotoxicity with Insulin
Authors: Hamamoto Hiromi , Nakanishi Koji , Noda Mitsuhiko
Published: September 2015

We attempted to examine whether withdrawal from insulin therapy is or is not possible with administration of additional alogliptin and identify the contributing factors. The subjects were 43 adult patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing insulin therapy after admission. After glucotoxicity was removed, 25 mg alogliptin was additionally administered. Insulin was reduced by 15.6 ± 13.0 units (mean ± SD), and 17 patients (39.5%) completely withdrew from insulin therapy. Several factors were compared between the two groups of patients: those who could withdraw from insulin therapy and those who could not. The former group showed lower HbA1c levels on admission, a lower insulin dose before adding alogliptin, lower injection frequencies, and longer treatment histories prior to admission. Logistic regression analysis showed that lower insulin dose contributed significantly to withdrawal. These results suggest that a lower insulin dose is the best predictor for withdrawal from insulin therapy after adding alogliptin.
Experiences with Holistic Health Practices among Adults with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Shroff Farah M.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To explore experiences with holistic practices (HP) by people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in British Columbia, Canada, including the types of HP they access and the reasons they utilize these forms of treatment.

Method

This was a qualitative study of 53 adults with SCI. Participants were engaged in semistructured interviews in focus-group and one-to-one settings. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify prominent themes.

Results

Eighty-seven percent of participants had accessed some form of HP. They reported a variety of reasons for accessing HP, such as symptom relief and the desire to avoid side effects of conventional therapy. Caregivers and healthcare providers had important roles in encouraging HP. The perceived benefits of HP included physical, emotional, and spiritual components. Barriers to access included logistics, time, and financial constraints. Participants frequently mentioned the use of marijuana as a form of relaxation and pain relief—this was a surprise finding because marijuana is generally not considered a form of HP.

Conclusion

Eighty-seven percent of the participants in our study were actively engaged in various efforts to improve their health, including the use of HP. Reasons for accessing HP were based on a desire to improve mental, emotional, and physical health as well as to provide hope. Participants chose HP to alleviate pain, boost the immune system, gain strength, improve physical appearance, enhance relaxation, improve mood, feel empowered, and more. Rehabilitation professionals may wish to inform themselves of the range of products and services incorporated in the HP spectrum, and of their potential benefits for SCI patients.