bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of growth traits in Mecheri sheep
Authors: Jeichitra1 V. , Rajendran R. , Karunanithi2 K. , Rahumathulla P.S.
Published: December 2015

Data on 1763 Mecheri sheep, maintained at the Mecheri Sheep Research Station, Pottaneri, Salem, south India, and recorded between 1991 and 2006, were analysed to study the growth related traits and their genetic control. The average weights at birth and at 12 months of age were 2.25 ± 0.01 and 17.48 ± 0.14 kg, respectively. The pre- and post-weaning (3-6, 3-9 and 3-12) average daily weight gains were 63.40 ± 0.58, 39.57 ± 0.57, 37.48 ± 0.44 and 34.31 ± 0.42 g respectively. The heritabilities of body weights and weight gains were in general moderate to high. The phenotypic and genetic correlations among body weights were positive and moderate to high. The phenotypic and genetic correlations among average daily gains were positive and low to high. The estimates of genetic correlation among average daily gains and body weights were positive and high with few exceptions.
Seasonality and volatility in arrivals and prices of oilseeds in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state, India
Authors: Sudhakarrao* More Sachin , Katkade J.L.
Published: December 2015

Oilseed sector occupies an important place in Indian economy but oilseed crops are cultivated in high risky regions where there are uncertainties on production level, leads to wider fluctuation in arrivals of these crops in the markets which ultimately contribute to price instability. Therefore present study was carried out to know the arrivals and prices fluctuation in oilseed crops over time. Soybean and safflower, which are important oilseed crops of the region, were selected for the study. Monthly time series data for sixteen major markets from eight district of Marathwada region were collected and analyzed for the period of twenty years from 1991-92 to 2009-10. Mean, coefficient of variation and seasonal indices (Ratio to moving average method) were worked out. Results showed that, arrivals and prices of oilseed crops i.e. soybean and safflower in all selected markets of Marathwada region of Maharashtra were seasonal. Peak arrivals of soybean and safflower were observed during October to December and March to May, respectively. The price index of soybean and safflower was highest in the month of December and June with modest coefficient of variation value of 29 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively. Maximum arrivals and price of soybean were observed in Latur market. Whereas maximum arrival of safflower was observed in Latur market but maximum prices prevailed in Aurangabad market.
Genotypes performance and genetic variability studies in Hot Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: Kadwey* Satish , Dadiga Ashwini , Prajapati Sunil
Published: December 2015

Twenty five diverse chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes were evaluated in a field study to assess genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. The highest PCV were recorded for number of fruit plant-1 (42.0), dry fruit yield plant-1 (30.34), seed yield plant-1 (28.94), fruit weight of dry chilli (23.38), number of primary branches plant-1 at 30 DAT (21.88) and fruit width (21.0). While, highest GCV was observed for number of fruit plant-1 (41.77), dry fruit yield plant-1 (29.61), seed yield plant-1 (27.67) and fruit weight of dry chilli (21.67), The value of heritability (h2bs) was found to be very high for fruit yield plant-1 (97.91), seed yield plant-1 (96.82), dry fruit yield plant-1 (95.24), days to first picking (94.88), fruit length (93.30), fruit weight of green chilli (93.26), fruit yield plot-1(92.91), fruit yield ha-1 (92.90) and fruit width (92.02). The highest estimates of genetic advance as percentage of mean was recorded for number of fruit plant-1 (45.59), fruit weight of dry chilli (41.38), fruit width (39.82), dry fruit yield plant-1 (39.52), seed yield plant-1 (38.70), fruit weight of green chilli (38.10), fruit yield plant-1 (37.33) and fruit length (36.78) were observed for these all the above characters, imply the potential for crop improvement in chilli through selection.
Primary education teacher training policies of South Korea and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Authors: Baskan Gülsün Atanur , Atalar Erim
Published: December 2015

Abstract The aim of this study is to make proposals for the development of Northern Cyprus training teachers in primary education policies applied in the Turkish Republic. In the collection of research data, examining the document method was used.In this context; Among the most successful countries in international exams such as PISA and TIMSS, the structure of the institutions that train teachers for primary education, programs, teachers' selection and appointment process of the teachers were examined in South Korea.The study also examined the teacher training policy in primary education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,consequently determine similarities and the differences were presented. Also in the light of the similarities and the differences found in primary teacher training policy applied in South Korea and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has some suggestions.Keywords: Primary education, training policies, teacher.
Terrestrial mammal three‐dimensional photogrammetry: multispecies mass estimation
Authors: Postma M. , Tordiffe A. S. W. , Hofmeyr M. S. , Reisinger R. R. , Bester L. C. , Buss P. E. , de Bruyn P. J. N.
Published: December 2015

Assessing body mass in mammals is of importance as it influences virtually all aspects of mammal physiology, behavior and ecological parameters. However, the assessment of body mass of large mammals is potentially dangerous and logistically challenging. Photogrammetry (measurements through the use of photographs) is a well‐established science. In zoology it has been used with varying success to estimate the size and mass of some marine and terrestrial mammal species. However, photogrammetric body mass estimation of terrestrial mammals has received comparatively little attention. This is largely due to species' variable morphological attributes which complicates measurement especially if, for 3D orientation, photogrammetric models are dependent on identifiable features on the animals themselves. Ninety‐two individuals belonging to 16 terrestrial mammalian species were weighed and photographed for body mass estimation using a volumetric photogrammetry method, purposely applied with commercially available software. This method is not dependent on identifiable body features for 3D orientation. Measured body mass ranged from 25 kg to 4060 kg. Photogrammetric mass estimates versus physically weighed mass was plotted and the goodness of fit assessed for each species. Body size, shape and physiological attributes influence the accuracy of body mass estimation between species (although consistent within species), largely attributed to morphological features (e.g., hair length and posture). This photogrammetric method accurately estimated the body mass of several terrestrial mammal species. It represents innovative use of photographs to create calibrated three‐dimensional imagery for accurate quantification of mammalian metrics, specifically body volume and mass. Advances of a method that is not subject to species, sex or age is advantageous and suitable for wide application in our effort to model population demography.
“Educate the Individual . . . to a Sane Appreciation of the Risk”A History of Industry’s Responsibility to Warn of Job Dangers Before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Authors: Rosner David , Markowitz Gerald
Published: December 2015

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Workers Right to Know laws later in that decade were signature moments in the history of occupational safety and health. We have examined how and why industry leaders came to accept that it was the obligation of business to provide information about the dangers to health of the materials that workers encountered. Informing workers about the hazards of the job had plagued labor–management relations and fed labor disputes, strikes, and even pitched battles during the turn of the century decades. Industry’s rhetorical embrace of the responsibility to inform was part of its argument that government regulation of the workplace was not necessary because private corporations were doing it.
Further Evidence that Human Endogenous Retrovirus K102 is a Replication Competent Foamy Virus that may Antagonize HIV-1 Replication
Authors: Laderoute Marian P. , Larocque Louise J. , Giulivi Antonio , Diaz-Mitoma Francisco
Published: December 2015

Objective:

The goals of the research were to determine if a foamy effect on macrophages was due to human endogenous retrovirus K102 (HERV-K102) replication, and to further address its potential significance in HIV-1 infection.

Methods:

An RT-PCR HERV-K HML-2 pol method was used to screen the unknown HERV, and isolated bands were sent for sequencing. Confirmation of RNA expression was performed by a real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) pol ddCt method. Rabbit antibodies to Env peptides were used to assess expression by immunohistology and processing of Env by western blots. A qPCR pol ddCt method to ascertain genomic copy number was performed on genomic DNA isolated from plasma comparing HIV-1 exposed seronegative (HESN) commercial sex workers (CSW) to normal controls and contrasted with HIV-1 patients.

Results:

HERV-K102 expression, particle production and replication were associated with foamy macrophage generation in the cultures of cord blood mononuclear cells under permissive conditions. A five-fold increased HERV-K102 pol genomic copy number was found in the HESN cohort over normal which was not found in HIV-1 positive patients (p=0.0005).

Conclusions:

This work extends the evidence that HERV-K102 has foamy virus attributes, is replication competent, and is capable of high replication rate in vivo and in vitro. This may be the first characterization of a replication-competent, foamy-like virus of humans. High particle production inferred by increased integration in the HESN cohort over HIV-1 patients raises the issue of the clinical importance of HERV-K102 particle production as an early protective innate immune response against HIV-1 replication.
A Matter of Perspective: Comparison of the Characteristics of Persons
with HIV Infection in the United States from the HIV Outpatient Study,
Medical Monitoring Project, and National HIV Surveillance System
Authors: Buchacz Kate , Frazier Emma L. , Hall H. Irene , Hart Rachel , Huang Ping , Franklin Dana , Hu Xiaohong , Palella Frank J. , Chmiel Joan S. , Novak Richard M. , Wood Kathy , Yangco Bienvenido , Armon Carl , Brooks John T. , Skarbinski Jacek
Published: December 2015

Comparative analyses of the characteristics of persons living with HIV infection (PLWH) in the United States
(US) captured in surveillance and other observational databases are few. To explore potential joint data use to guide HIV
treatment and prevention in the US, we examined three CDC-funded data sources in 2012: the HIV Outpatient Study
(HOPS), a multisite longitudinal cohort; the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a probability sample of PLWH receiving
medical care; and the National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS), a surveillance system of all PLWH. Overall, data from
1,697 HOPS, 4,901 MMP, and 865,102 NHSS PLWH were analyzed. Compared with the MMP population, HOPS
participants were more likely to be older, non-Hispanic/Latino white, not using injection drugs, insured, diagnosed with
HIV before 2009, prescribed antiretroviral therapy, and to have most recent CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell count ≥500
cells/mm3 and most recent viral load test<2 00 copies/mL. The MMP population was demographically similar to all
PLWH in NHSS, except it tended to be slightly older, HIV diagnosed more recently, and to have AIDS. Our comparative
results provide an essential first step for combined epidemiologic data analyses to inform HIV care and prevention for
PLWH in the US.
Comparing safety of heparin as continuous intravenous infusion and multiple subcutaneous injections
Authors: Izadpanah Mandana , Khalili Hossein , Mohammadi Mostafa
Published: December 2015

Aim:
In this study, safety of two methods of unfractionated heparin administration for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was compared in critically ill surgical patients.
Methods:
A total of 50 surgical critically ill patients randomly assigned to either subcutaneous unfractionated heparin 5000 units three-times a day or continuous intravenous infusion; 625 IU/h. During the intensive care unit (ICU) stay, patients’ hemodynamic parameters, laboratory tests, symptoms and signs of thrombosis and bleeding were monitored closely.
Results:
During the patients’ follow-up, no episode of bleeding or venous thromboembolism event was recorded. The differences in ICU and hospital stays were not significantly different between the groups.
Conclusion:
There are limited evidences regarding safety and efficacy of continuous intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin for thromboprophylaxis.
Formation of Fine and Coarse Grain Layer by Atmosphere Control in Case Hardening*
Authors: Ando T. , Inoue K.
Published: December 2015

Grain coarsening can cause decrease of the fatigue strength of carburized steel components. This artefact is considered to derive from a change in crack-initiation behaviour at the surface. However, grain coarsening can increase the hardenability of steel and thereby avoid the addition of alloying elements bringing about such hardenability. Thus, it is expected that steel with a dual-layer structure of a fine grain layer at the surface and a coarse grain layer in the inside achieves good fatigue strength and high hardenability while saving alloy elements. In this study, low pressure carburizing of JIS SCR420-Low N steels were carried out at 1323 K, both with and without the use of NH3 gas as a source of N to precipitate AlN. After carburizing without NH3 gas, only coarse grains were observed from the surface to the inside of the specimens. In contrast, after carburizing with NH3 gas, a dual layer structure with only fine grains at the surface and only coarse grains at the inside was observed. These results show that a dual-layer structure can be successfully obtained through the control of the AlN precipitation behavior by optimizing NH3 gas conditions during low pressure carburizing.
Traffic Performance Analysis of Dynamic Merge Control Using Microsimulation
Authors: Jiang Ximiao , Bared Joe , Maness Michael , Hale David
Published: December 2015

Dynamic merge control (DMC) can be used in freeway merge areas to change lane allocation dynamically at interchanges. DMC generally prioritizes the facility having higher volume and closes a lane on the lesser-volume roadway. DMC has been implemented in the Netherlands and Germany, where it was reported that the application of DMC significantly improved traffic operations. However the DMC strategy has rarely been studied and has not been implemented in the United States. This research used microsimulation studies with VISSIM to investigate the efficiency of the DMC strategy. Optimum traffic demand thresholds were sought specifically for the geometric case in which a two-lane freeway merged with a three-lane freeway and tapered into four lanes. Major-road traffic demands between 2,500 and 4,600 vehicles per hour were compared against minor-road demands between 3,000 and 4,600 vehicles per hour. The DMC strategy was applied by closing the right lane of the major road, ahead of the merging gore area. The results indicate that (a) the DMC strategy is beneficial for all the previously mentioned traffic demand combinations in regard to average vehicle delay and average vehicle speed; (b) when traffic demand on the minor road exceeds 1,900 vehicles per hour per lane, these benefits become statistically and practically significant; and (c) DMC can greatly alleviate the capacity reductions caused by lane changing in the merge area.
Impact of Traffic Incidents on Reliability of Freeway Travel Times
Authors: Wright Benjamin , Zou Yajie , Wang Yinhai
Published: December 2015

Travel time reliability is a key measure of a freeway system's performance. Traffic incidents are one of the more important factors affecting travel time reliability because they reduce the capacity of a freeway segment and generate a temporary bottleneck. In this study an empirical travel time reliability analysis was conducted with the use of 4 years of travel time and incident data collected on Interstate 5 and Interstate 405 in the Seattle, Washington, metropolitan area. The incident data used for this study are notable for their highly detailed information for each incident. Three incident types (i.e., shoulder, single-lane, and multiple-lane incidents) were considered in the data analysis. Travel time reliability was analyzed through several measures, including travel time variability, buffer index, and probability of freeway segment traffic breakdown. The results show that incidents result in higher values for all these measures. To be more specific, multiple-lane incidents induce the highest buffer index and variability in freeway route travel times, whereas shoulder incidents induce the lowest buffer index and variability. Travel time variability and buffer index during multiple-lane incidents increase by an average of 205% and 237%, respectively, compared with normal conditions (conditions with no incidents). Compared with normal conditions, shoulder incidents can significantly increase the probability of freeway segment traffic breakdown. In general, incidents can significantly reduce travel time reliability. The findings in this study can help shape incident mitigation and management policies for different incident types, especially when the aim is to improve freeway travel time reliability.
Reasons for Palliative Treatments in Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: What Contribution Is Made by Time-Dependent Changes in Tumour or Patient Status?
Authors: Robinson A.G. , Young K. , Balchin K. , Owen T. , Ashworth A.
Published: December 2015

Introduction: Stage iii lung cancer is the most advanced stage of lung cancer for which the potential of curative treatment is often discussed. However, a large proportion of patients are treated with palliative intent. An understanding of the time-dependent and -independent factors contributing to the choice of palliative-intent treatment is needed to help optimize patient outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study of patients with stage iii non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) newly diagnosed between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario collected data including patient demographics, clinical characteristics, tumour characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Of 237 patients with stage iii nsclc included in the study, 130 were not treated with radical or curative intent (55%). Major time-independent variables cited for palliative-intent treatment included extreme age (5%), comorbidity (27%), patient choice (5%), and poor lung function (5%). Time-dependent variables included tumour progression on imaging (15%), weight loss (33%), performance status (32%), and the occurrence of a major complication such as hemoptysis, lung collapse, or pulmonary embolism (7%). A significant number of patients (20%) experienced a decline in performance status—to 2, 3, or 4 from 0 or 1—over the course of the diagnostic journey, and 12% experienced a transition from no weight loss to more than 10% weight loss. Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients receive palliative therapy for stage iii nsclc because of changes that occur during the diagnostic journey. Shortening or altering that pathway to avoid tumour growth or patient deterioration during care could allow for more patients to be treated with curative intent.
Improving Access to Cancer Guidelines: Feedback from Health Care Professionals
Authors: Sahota I.S. , Kostaras X. , Hagen N.A.
Published: December 2015

Purpose: We examined access to locally developed and other available clinical practice guidelines (cpgs) for the management of cancer and evaluated how to improve uptake. Methods: A 12-question online survey was administered to 772 members of 12 multidisciplinary tumour teams in a Canadian provincial oncology program. The teams are composed of physicians, surgeons, nurses, allied health professionals, and researchers involved in the provision of cancer care across the province. Many of these individuals construct or provide input into the provincial cpgs. The questionnaires were administered online and were completed voluntarily. Results: Responses were received from 232 individuals, a response rate of 30.1%. Most respondents (75.1%) indicated they actively referenced cpgs for cancer treatment. Of the 177 respondents who identified barriers to cpg access, 24.9% said that the cause was being too busy; 24.3% and 22.6% cited the user-unfriendliness of the Web site and a lack of awareness about the cpgs. When asked about innovative changes that could be made to improve access, the creation of cpg summary documents was identified as the most effective change (46.3%). The creation of summary documents was ranked highest by physicians, surgeons, and nurses. Conclusions: Clinical practice guidelines are important tools for standardizing treatment protocols and improving outcomes in health care systems, but support for their use is variable among health care professionals. We have identified barriers to—and potential mitigating strategies for—more widespread access to cpgs by the various health professions involved in cancer care. Local creation of succinct and easily accessible cpgs was identified as the single most effective way to enhance access by health care professionals.
Oncologist Heal Thyself: Hallmarks of Happiness
Authors: Jacobs C. , Clemons M. , Joy A.A.
Published: December 2015

It is 18h30 on a Friday; clinic ran late again. [...]
The role of change management in trust formation in commercial banks
Authors: Skvarciany Viktorija , Iljins Juris
Published: December 2015

Trust in commercial banks is considered to be one of the vital factors affecting the success of commercial banks’ activities. However, the level of trust in banks has decreased during last years and is quite low at present. Therefore, it is necessary to change the confidence level to higher. This scientific paper focuses on the ways of managing and changing business process to increase trust in banks through change management. To distinguish the factors of trust formation the qualitative research has been conducted. After summarizing the results of the survey seven factors of trust building were identified. To determine the factors of change management influencing trust formation the expert evaluation method was used, six main factors were distinguished, and relations between key impact factors were defined. As a result, the model of change management factors influencing the trust formation in commercial banks has been created. In other words, the model shows how change management factors could influence the change in trust level from low to higher one and, hence, to increase bank’s competitiveness.
Pratiques sociales et identité professionnelle dans le champ de l’enseignement primaire de la Seine (1870-1914)
Authors: Krop Jérôme
Published: December 2015

À partir du début des années 1870, le processus de modernisation de l’enseignement primaire public repose dans la Seine, berceau de l’école républicaine, sur le travail de terrain d’un corps d’inspection rénové. Celui-ci assure le recrutement et la formation des jeunes enseignants, renforce l’homogénéité de leurs pratiques professionnelles, grâce à une inspection annuelle. L’apparition des rapports d’inspection témoigne du rôle nouveau joué par l’inspection dans les carrières. Cependant, l’identité professionnelle des enseignants se forge aussi dans un jeu de relations conflictuelles, opposant principalement les directeurs et leurs adjoints, qui contribue au processus d’autonomisation du champ de l’enseignement primaire.
Sural Versus Perforator Flaps for Distal Medial Leg Wounds
Authors: Schannen Andrew P. , Truchan Lisa , Goshima Kaoru , Bentley Roger , DeSilva Gregory L.
Published: December 2015

Soft tissue coverage of distal medial ankle wounds is a challenging problem in orthopedic surgery because of the limited local tissues and prominent instrumentation. Traditionally, these wounds required free tissue transfer to achieve suitable coverage and subsequent bony union. To better respect the reconstructive ladder and to avoid the inherent difficulty of free flap coverage, rotational flaps have been used to cover these wounds. Both sural fasciocutaneous flaps and rotational fasciocutaneous perforator (propeller) flaps have been described for distal medial soft tissue coverage. The authors performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent distal medial leg coverage with the use of either sural flaps or rotational fasciocutaneous perforator flaps. The authors identified 14 patients by Current Procedural Terminology code who met the study criteria. The average age and degree of medical comorbidities were comparable in the 2 groups. The authors reviewed their medical records to evaluate fracture healing, flap size, complications, and return to normal shoe wear. All 7 sural flaps healed without incident, with underlying fracture healing. Of the 7 perforator flaps, 6 healed without incident, with underlying fracture healing. One perforator-based flap was complicated by superficial tip necrosis and went on to heal with local wound care. All patients returned to normal shoe wear. Both sural artery rotational flaps and posterior tibial artery–based rotational flaps are viable options for coverage of the distal medial leg. Coverage can be achieved reliably without microsurgery, anticoagulation, or monitoring in the intensive care unit. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(12):e1059–e1064.]
Using the Anatomical Axis as an Alternative to the Mechanical Axis to Assess Knee Alignment
Authors: Tipton Shane C. , Sutherland John , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: December 2015

The treatment of knee osteoarthritis and the preparation for total knee arthroplasty require repetitive imaging to guide preoperative planning and operative technique. Full-length standing anteroposterior images are the gold standard in assessing the alignment of the limb via the measurement of the mechanical axis of the knee. The anatomical axis can be obtained from a more limited image of the knee, and as such is less expensive and exposes the patient to less ionizing radiation. The objective of this cross-sectional prospective study was to examine the extent to which the anatomical axis measured on a fixed-flexed posteroanterior (Rosenberg view) radiograph correlates with the mechanical axis. The data of 209 total knee arthroplasty radiographs were analyzed to compare the preoperative correlation between the mechanical and anatomical axis. The anatomical axis correlated with the mechanical axis when it was measured from both the standing full-length anteroposterior radiograph and from a fixed-flexed posteroanterior radiograph. Using an angle of offset found from linear regression, these correlations become closer. Body mass index and Kellgren-Lawrence grade were not found to have a significant effect. It is the conclusion of this study that the anatomical axis, as measured from a limited knee radiography, may serve as a plausible estimate of the mechanical axis when done with a neutral angle of offset, and that offset angle depends on gender and the imaging technique used to determine the anatomical axis. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(12):e1115–e1120.]
The role and importance of the landscape park Udin Boršt
Authors: Šmid Hribar Mateja , Ferk Mateja
Published: December 2015

Udin Boršt is an isolated conglomerate terrace in Gorenjska region, Slovenia. A number of surface karst features and caves developed here due to the predominance of carbonate gravel. It is one of the last contiguous areas of lowland forest in Gorenjska region, and a popular recreation location for the people living nearby. Due to its karst surface and the forest it offered shelter to the locals in turbulent times. Its role during the period when bandits (rokovnjači) was common and during the Second World War is still preserved in folk memory. Due to its natural and cultural heritage, the area was protected as a Memorial park in 1985, but the legislation has become outdated and needs to be amended and updated. This article presents new findings on the geomorphological and intangible cultural heritage that need to be incorporated in the amended legislation.
Jouer avec l’échelle du monde : la pratique de World of Warcraft sur un serveur privé
Authors: Zabban Vinciane
Published: December 2015

Les jeux en ligne ont connu depuis les années 2000, parallèlement à la diffusion des usages d’Internet, un accroissement et une diversification conséquente de leur audience. Le succès de World of Warcraft (WoW) a ainsi souvent été décrit comme un phénomène participant d’une sorte « globalisation culturelle » de ce type de divertissement. Partant de travaux antérieurs concernant l’usage et la régulation de ces univers de jeu, ce texte s’appuie sur une enquête exploratoire pour interroger la pratique de WoW sur des serveurs privés, soit à la marge de la version officielle. L’exploration amène à souligner, plus qu’un désir de contestation des choix des concepteurs ou de réinterprétation du monde de jeu, le goût chez les joueurs rencontrés pour la plus petite échelle d’interaction que ces espaces présentent. Jouer avec l’échelle du monde de jeu favorise ainsi la formation d’entre-soi qui se développent dans espaces techniques locaux, mais restent ancrés dans l’infrastructure globale du jeu. La pratique du jeu sur des serveurs privés renvoie alors à un questionnement plus large vers la complexité avec laquelle s’articulent logiques locales et globales au travers des médiations numériques.
The online dream of old ludi
Authors: Gandolfi Enrico
Published: December 2015

The article focuses on the Italian game culture risen around Vassal and OCTGN – i.e., free online engines through which thousands of gamers play every day physical boardgames and wargames like Carcassone, Warhammer and The settlers of Catan. Specifically, the analysis addresses how the relation between this specific digital play and its material origin is articulated in terms of game system/practice and social environment. Accordingly, a framework that takes into account suggestions from Semiotics, Game Studies and Sociology was applied to empirically assess the concrete environments generated by these tools. Observation of related online forums (n: 4) was conducted and participant involvement in several matches (n: 43) was staged; finally, a survey was distributed among expert gamers (n: 58). Results show that Vassal/OCTGN culture is a soft articulation of the boardgame/wargame one: albeit the glaring differences in the media experience per se, subjects stated that these programs entail an articulation of their physical ludic hobby rather than a new and autonomous passion.
La mise en scène de la vie privée en ligne par les adolescents
Authors: Balleys Claire , Coll Sami
Published: December 2015

Lorsqu’ils font référence aux usages adolescents des médias sociaux, les adultes considèrent encore très souvent qu’ils n’ont pas de considération pour leur vie privée. Pourtant, une littérature récente montre plutôt que les adolescents maîtrisent mieux que les adultes les outils censés protéger leur vie privée. Rebondissant sur ce constat et sur la base de deux enquêtes empiriques à entrées multiples, cet article suggère qu’ils ne s’inscrivent pas dans une logique irréversible de dévoilement de leur intimité, mais davantage dans une forme de gestion stratégique. Il montrera comment les liens forts tissés et entretenus entre pairs adolescents sur les sites de réseaux sociaux constituent des ressources dans la gestion de leur capital social, essentiellement sollicité pour produire du capital symbolique.
Les conservateurs de données satellitales
Authors: Claveras Gemma Cirac
Published: December 2015

Les études sur la variabilité et les tendances du climat de la Terre nécessitent des séries de données sur le long-terme du fait qu’un bon nombre des changements environnementaux sont minuscules aux échelles annuelles ou décennales. La stabilité des données sur le long terme implique donc un travail de conservation des données collectées. Si cette agenda est bien établi, il est moins clair qui va s’en occuper dans le contexte qui est le nôtre, marqué par les sociétés de l’information. Nous retraçons l’évolution historique de la production, de l’archivage et de la diffusion des données satellitales en France entre 1960 et 2005, ce qui nous permet de montrer comment le travail de conservation des données satellitaires a progressivement été rendu invisible (aux yeux de certains) au sein d’une organisation sociotechnique qui s’est configurée et reconfigurée au cours des années. Ce papier explore donc l’organisation de la conservation de données satellitales et met en lumière un des enjeux pour les groupes qui sont mandatés pour une telle tâche : la reconnaissance sociale de leur travail.
Les méthodes de mise en valeur sur leboncoin.fr : Construire un lien marchand pour faire affaire
Authors: Bailly Adrien
Published: December 2015

À travers l’étude des pratiques concrètes des utilisateurs du site leboncoin.fr, ce travail identifie les méthodes déployées par les consommateurs du service d’intermédiation afin de parvenir à une transaction réussie. Dans cette optique, une perspective sur les implications des avancées de la recherche en comportement du consommateur sur la mise au travail des utilisateurs du site est proposée. A travers un design de recherche éthnométhodologique, les propriétés implicites des opérations de mise en valeur des offres sont analysées du point de vue de leurs conséquences pratiques pour les consommateurs qui ont recours au site leboncoin.fr. Enfin, cette approche originale permet une discussion des implications des mécanismes identifiés quant à la formation des appariements entre acheteurs et vendeurs sur cette plateforme et pose ainsi la question des conditions d’accès à un marché parfois présenté comme relevant d’une économie du partage.
Les objets numériques : perception des utilisateurs et tactiques d’appropriation
Authors: Guillemot Samuel , Gourmelen Andréa , Kovesi Klara , Tamaro Annick
Published: December 2015

Une partie des objets autrefois tangibles, tels que les photos, les correspondances, les films et les musiques est aujourd’hui démocratisée sous forme numérique. Peut-on pour autant parler d’objets numériques ? Est-il possible de se les approprier ? Si oui, par quel(s) processus ? Cet article prend le parti d’aborder le numérique en termes d’objets, supports de diverses formes d’appropriation et de manipulations. Ces questions ne sont pas dénuées d’intérêt ; en témoigne le cas du célèbre acteur américain Bruce Willis qui a menacé de poursuivre en justice la société Apple quand il s’est rendu compte qu’il ne pouvait pas transmettre sa bibliothèque iTunes à ses enfants.
Sliding Mode Control Techniques in E-Learning Systems
Authors: Boiko I. , Hussein H. , Al Durra A.
Published: December 2015

Perspectives of using sliding mode control in e-learning are discussed. The concepts of variable structure systems and sliding mode control are given. Analysis of convergence based on the second Lyapunov's method is presented. The analysis presented is based on the dynamic models of learning available in the literature. The suitability of the use of sliding mode to adaptation of level of challenge of the tasks in e-learning is demonstrated. It is shown that with frequent enough evaluation of tasks, optimal level of task challenge can be ensured.
Explore the Possibility of Recourses and Elements of online Teachers Training Program
Authors: Vayndorf-Sysoeva Marina , Grjaznova Tatiana
Published: December 2015

In this chapter, the authors analyze and summarize the results of their development in the creation of electronic educational resources on any online platform use prof. Vardan Mkrttchian 2011-2015 publishing about online teaching. This chapter aims to show what the opportunities and pedagogical features of online learning are. It gives practical advice on searching for a particular platform with the similar elements of the traditional methods and forms of Pedagogy and Information Science and Technology, following the classical logic and the theory of similarity. This approach considers all the “surprises” that may arise on your platform. The authors provide all the necessary practical recommendations to overcome troubles and obstacles that may occur while developing online electronic educational resources.
An Integrated Approach to Automated Testing Knowledge
Authors: Mitsel A. A. , Poguda A. A.
Published: December 2015

Currently, higher education institutions actively use and apply new learning. An example is the following form: remote, evening, part-time and others In recent times, Universities are becoming more and more students who enrolled after colleges and high schools, and students who transferred between Institutions. In connection with the expansion of forms of education, there is a problem effectively determine the level of students' knowledge. This problem depends on many factors such as curriculum, methods of teaching and the teacher. As a rule, the decision on such issues take teachers of the respective subjects. But even in this case, it is difficult to determine the true knowledge of the student, because the evaluation may depend on various factors such as the mood of the teacher, the appearance of the student or even a way to interpret thoughts.
Models, Methods, and Algorithms for Control over Learning Individual Trajectory
Authors: Mitsel Artur , Cherniaeva Nina
Published: December 2015

The article discusses models, methods and algorithms of determining student's optimal individual educational trajectory. A new method of controlling the learning trajectory has been developed as a dynamic model of learning trajectory control, which uses score assessment to construct a sequence of studied subjects. In connection with the transition of the educational system to a competence-oriented approach, the problem of learning outcomes assessment and creating an individual learning trajectory of a student has become relevant. Its solution requires the application of modern information technologies.
Development of the System for Authoring Three-Dimensional Learning Applications for Use in E-Learning Environment
Authors: Evseeva Julia Igorevna , Bozhday Alexander , Gudkov Alexei Anatolievich
Published: December 2015

The problem of automated development of learning applications based on the three-dimensional graphics and having the property of adaptability is important when addressing a number of issues related to e-learning. Effective solution of this problem will provide some benefits to organizations that use in their work or provide e-learning technologies. This article describes the main benefits of using a common approach and tools to design learning applications for use in e-learning and based on the three-dimensional graphics and properties of adaptability. The existing software systems and technologies, which can be used for these purposes, are considered; their shortcomings are revealed. Methods for authoring three-dimensional adaptive applications that do not have the disadvantages of existing systems are suggested. The technology of modeling variability underlying the most important component functionality is proposed. The structure of the proposed system is considered.
Development of Model and Software for Tracking Head Avatars in E-Learning Systems
Authors: Korikov Anatoly , Krivtsov Oleg
Published: December 2015

In this chapter, we focus on the theoretical basis of the method of tracking a person's head, based on the construction of its geometric texture patterns, and finding the parameters of its movement between pairs of consecutive video frames. The task of tracking the position of geometric head model is formulated as the problem of determining the parameters of the model (translation and rotation) so that the projection of a 3D model of the head on the video frame coincides with the real image of the head in this picture. To solve this problem, we use an efficient algorithm for infrared imaging. The application of the expressions is obtained during movement of the head as a three-dimensional body with six degrees of freedom and the use of perspective projection and for avatars modeling by Prof Vardan Mkrttchian last publications in IGI Global 2011-2015.
Computer-Aided Design as Carrier of Set Development Changes System in E-Course Engineering
Authors: Sidorkina Irina , Rуbakov Aleksey
Published: December 2015

The current stage of development of learning management systems is associated with use of opportunities provided by global computer networks and technological standards developed in distance education. It offers structuring of educational material in electronic course and approach to navigation modeling, which are consistent with international specifications of e-learning SCORM and IMS, adding to them specific adaptive algorithms for navigating through training courses based on use of the model of integral evaluation of student's knowledge. In this chapter professor Irina Sidorkina (Volga State University of Technology) and professor Vardan Mkrttchian (HHH University) using the results previously obtained for the implementation of Computer - Aided Design as Carrier of Set Development Changes System in E-Course Engineering. Dr. Alexey Rybakov (Omega-R Inc.) was a designing a software on the subject of this chapter.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Web 2.0 Technologies by University Students
Authors: Al-Otaibi Yasser D. , Houghton Luke
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this chapter is: (1) to examine Australian university students' awareness of the benefits of Web 2.0 technologies, and (2) to investigate the factors that influence students to adopt Web 2.0 technologies to supplement in-class learning, using the theoretical foundations of both Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour (DTPB). Web survey data of 60 students studying in 14 universities and 1 undergraduate college across Australia were used to examine the aforementioned purposes. Findings indicate that most students in this study's sample were aware of the benefits of Web 2.0 technologies to supplement in-class instructions. The findings also indicate that students' attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were strong determinants of their intention to use Web 2.0 technologies.
Creating an Integrated Second Life Curriculum
Authors: Ellis Maureen , Anderson Patricia J.
Published: December 2015

Second Life is a three-dimensional multi-user social virtual environment which emphasizes the use of immersive worlds for supporting an array of human activities and interactions within Web 2.0. Second Life presents innovative opportunities and challenges for enriching how users learn, work, and play (Boulos, Hetherington & Wheeler, 2007; Prasolova-Førland, Sourin, & Sourina, 2006). Originally developed as an entertainment-oriented technology, Second Life offers a positive opportunity for interaction between and among learners for teaching and learning in higher education. Supported by the Constructivist theory where students are active creators of knowledge, as faculty members consider adopting the Second Life platform, with pedagogical needs and learning outcomes at the forefront of design decisions. The interdisciplinary approach employs the combining of academic disciplines into one learning experience or course. Advocates of interdisciplinary teaching and learning in higher education stress that interdisciplinary courses offer opportunities for improved student outcomes. Enhanced affective and cognitive abilities, increased understanding of multiple perspectives, greater appreciation for ambiguity, and superior capacities for creating thinking can benefit student learning outcomes (Newell, 1994). This chapter describes how faculty from different disciplines adopted the interdisciplinary approach to design, develop, and deliver a Second Life course. This pedagogical model provides useful, practical advice for faculty considering interdisciplinary teaching projects in the Second Life platform.
Using Digital Resources to Support STEM Education
Authors: Brown Carol Adamec
Published: December 2015

Scientists and science educators recommend use of dialog and argumentation to support scientific ideas. Use of peer-reviewed publications, shared data, images, models, and multimedia presentations provide the resources needed to support scientifically based arguments and design of inquiry learning projects. Open source digital resources are freely available for scientists and their students. These provide the rich data needed to educate young scientists and promote digital literacy in the science community. This chapter defines the meaning of science literacy, reviews digital resources recognized by professional scientists, and offers strategies for mapping digital resources to Science education curricular.
Pedagogical Teaching or Andragogical Teaching via MOOCs?
Authors: Wang Victor X. , Ellington Linda
Published: December 2015

MOOCs are a relatively recent phenomenon in the field of teaching and learning. Although MOOCS are essentially online learning and web based course materials, which have been with us for a good many years, MOOCs, present a new perspective because of the extremely large participant numbers that are possible. As such, MOOCs require us to rethink online learning approaches, and in all likelihood, necessitate a degree of innovation in online teaching. To promote innovative teaching to help adults learn via technology, especially in the context of MOOCs, the authors of this article have compared and contrasted two teaching models. In doing so, the authors indicate that traditional teaching via technology is guided by behaviorism. However, in order to help adults learn in the online environment, instructors should go beyond the traditional teaching model characterized by the use of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives and incorporate humanism, from which andragogy flows. The two models addressed in this article were derived from pedagogical and andragogical assumptions. Traditional or pedagogical principles were developed in as early as the 7th and 12th centuries whereas andragogical principles emerged in the early part of the 19th century in Europe. Both pedagogical principles and andragogical (innovative) principles have been used to guide online adult teaching and learning since universities began to deliver courses in the virtual environments at the beginning of the 21st century.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Authors: Van Wingerden Christina , Lidz Ari , Barse AJ , DeMark Joanne , Hamiter David
Published: December 2015

In this chapter we look at how BYOD in educational “classroom” environments is touching each individual where they communicate, get their information, and connect socially and globally. We aim to provide perspectives which include the learner, faculty, and staff in higher education. Additionally, teaching methods, use and needs of faculty and staff are considered, as well as privacy, security and policy. This is an investigative look at the trends and possibilities of BYOD and its future, and a consideration of the impact on faculty, students, and staff in university settings.