bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative perspectives on how Manchester United Football Club developed and sustained serial winning
Authors: Horrocks David E , McKenna Jim , Whitehead Amy , Taylor Paul J , Morley Andy M
Published: June 2016

Talent development in sport is well represented in scientific literature. Yet, the drive to protect ‘trade secrets’ often means that access to these high performing groups is rare, especially as these high-level performances are being delivered. This leaves the details of high-end working practices absent from current academic commentary. As a result, clubs interested in developing excellent practice are left to build on personal initiative and insight and/or custom-and-practice, which is unlikely to yield successful outcomes. To address this shortfall, the current study reports on prolonged engagement with a single high performing club, considering how their practice corresponds with existing sport talent development models. The article ends by proposing an evidence-based, football-specific model for talent development, maintained high-level performance and serial winning. This model emphasises four dominant features: culture, behavioural characteristics, practice engagement and the managing and guiding of performance ‘potential’. The study provides insights into the visceral reality of daily experiences across the life course of professional soccer, while advancing the evidence-base for understanding how Manchester United achieved their serial success.
Plotting prisons, flows and affections: Brazilian female prisoners between the transnational drug trade and sex markets in Barcelona
Authors: Padovani Natália Corazza
Published: June 2016

This article draws on data from a larger study: a multi-site ethnography of the networks established by people confined in female prisons in the cities of São Paulo and Barcelona. Focusing on ethnographic data from my fieldwork in Barcelona, I analyze the displacements created by transnational drug trade networks which involve sex work and marriage in Spain. Brazilian prisoners in Barcelona (accused of “crimes against public health” – involvement in the sale and transportation of cocaine) create aid networks involving the “owners” of apartment-based prostitution and trade relations with men who are also prisoners in Catalonian penitentiaries. These entanglements forged between transnational drug trade, sex trade and aid networks, as seen from the carceral and migration trajectories of the Brazilians imprisoned in Catalonia, allow us to analyze how through plots produced between (il)legal markets and networks, Brazilian women imprisoned in Catalonia reframe their foreign national prison experience. I argue that in transnational contexts social markers such as class, race, gender, sexuality and nationality are managed by the subjects in their relationships. Hence, the analysis exposed in this article emphasizes the possibilities of agency managed by Brazilian women arrested in Barcelona facing the Catalan prison system as well as the way these women rearrange their conditions as “imprisoned foreigners” and their prospects of freedom.
From banlieue youth to undocumented migrant: Illegalized foreign-nationals in penal institutions and public space
Authors: Boe Carolina Sanchez
Published: June 2016

This article addresses the similarities between the experiences of life as a banlieue youth, as a prisoner and as an undocumented migrant, from the perspectives of foreign-national youths who grew up in French suburbs but were ordered to be deported as a consequence of a criminal sentence. The article draws on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with such ‘illegalized’ and deportable inmates at different stages of their trajectories and their way through the criminal justice and immigration enforcement systems in the Paris region.
Anteroposterior Pulmonary Venous Anatomy
Authors: Dutta Baruah Sudip , Sharma Rajesh
Published: June 2016

We have encountered a hitherto undescribed anatomical variant of pulmonary vein anatomy in hearts with d-transposition or congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. In this variant, the inferior right pulmonary vein lies posterior rather than inferior to the superior right pulmonary vein. This variant of pulmonary vein anatomy may predispose to the development of pulmonary venous pathway obstruction following a Senning operation, since it is difficult to open the pulmonary veins in a way that ensures a wide-open pulmonary venous pathway to the atrioventricular valve of the systemic ventricle. A method of neutralizing this effect is described, with medium-term results.
Impact of Quota System and Catchment Area Policy on the University Admissions in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Omeje Joachim Chinweike , Egwa Ene Inyamu , Adikwu Victoria Ogwa
Published: June 2016

The quota system and the catchment areas are federal government policies formulated to bridge the gap between the educationally developed states and the educationally less developed states. Sequel to the enactment of these policies, government established several universities across the country to create equal opportunity for all candidates. In spite of the astronomical growth of the universities in Nigeria, both the federal and the state governments have not been able to contend with the surging demand for the university education, hence the adoption of the quota system and catchment area policies. Serious concerns were expressed by relevant stakeholders on their perceived impact of the quota system and the catchment area on admissions into the federal and state universities in North Central Nigeria. This study therefore examined the impact of the quota system and catchment area policies on students’ admissions in North Central Nigeria. A research question and a null hypothesis guided the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 14,347 staff in the federal and state universities in North Central Nigeria. A sample of 1,435 was drawn through stratified proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaire and interviews. Mean scores and standard deviations were used to answer the research question, whereas t-test statistics were used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the results showed, among others, that the impact of the quota system and catchment area policies on students’ admission was to a high extent.
Analysis of Human Trafficking Cases in Rhode Island, 2009-2013
Authors: Skodmin Faith , Dunham Rachel , Hughes Donna M.
Published: June 2016

This article is an analysis of law enforcement identified cases of human trafficking in Rhode Island from 2009 to 2013. Information was collected from police and court records, prosecutors’ press releases, and reports in the media. During this period, there was one case of forced labor of a domestic worker and six cases of domestic sex trafficking. Many of the characteristics of the Rhode Island cases were consistent with other human trafficking cases in the United States. Discussions of key findings include (a) outcomes of a criminal case using a new human trafficking statute on fraud in foreign contracting and a civil suit, (b) how online prostitution ads are used to market victims to sex buyers using ethnicity of the victims and age and social standing of the sex buyers, and (c) how mothers of victims are involved in locating their daughters and making reports to the police that initiated investigations.
Integrating Social Responsibility of University and Corporate Sector for Inclusive Growth in India
Authors: Singh Seema
Published: June 2016

Globalization has made the market in India very competitive. The lower segment of the workforce is under tremendous pressure to improve their productivity to sustain in the market. Being one of the important stakeholders, universities can play a very significant role in transferring knowledge created by them under their social responsibility. The article discusses that even though most of the universities are not explicit about their social responsibility, they are interacting with community through their students and faculty as part of course work or voluntary co-curricular activity. However, funding is always an issue and only those initiatives have proved to be sustainable which have collaborated with some other organization. Recently, by revising the company’s law, the Government of India has made it mandatory for high-earning companies to spend at least 2 per cent of their average net profit for the immediate preceding three financial years on corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the study reveals that education is one of the preferred channels for CSR in India. If corporate sector shares its CSR contribution with the university social responsibility for knowledge creation and its dissemination, it will have a lasting impact.
Teaching about Teaching
Authors: Srinivasan Rajashree
Published: June 2016

Developing a pedagogy of teacher education is an enduring concern for teacher educators. Drawing on data from a small study on teacher educators teaching in a secondary teacher education programme in India, this article examines their pedagogic practices. This is a qualitative study that sought to capture the narrations of 30 teacher educators teaching in diverse teacher education classrooms. The article frames the pedagogy of teacher education as four ‘problems’: as a curriculum problem; as a relational problem; as a professional knowledge base problem; and as a learning problem. Such a formulation highlights the challenges faced by the teacher educators, including the need for teacher educators to scrutinize their own practices. Implications for developing a framework on ‘what should teacher educators know and do in the context of India’ are considered in order to guide teacher educator preparation and their continuous development.
India of Ideas
Authors: Kuriakose Francis , Iyer Deepa Kylasam
Published: June 2016

The problems, policies and debates on the quality and access of research cannot be decoupled from higher education in an educational system like that of India where the impact of primary, secondary and higher education is sequential. The article traces the idea of education from the early Greek and Indian philosophers, the university tradition of India during the British rule which laid the foundations of modern Indian education, to the present-day globalized world that offers transnational education with a large number of private players in the fray. The changing contours of the concept of education, that is, what is to be taught and how it is to be taught, direct us in valuing education for the future by properly placing it in the socio-economic context. This is accomplished by critically examining various strands of literature that deals with the value of education from its economic valuation as a quasi-public good to Amartya Sen’s concept of education as a tool to widen social choices. The article then analyzes the problems plaguing higher education in the Indian context that include: a lack of pluralism in student and faculty profile; openness to travel across disciplines; maintaining the highest quality and integrity in research and learning, including publishing and handling of archives; the woes of mushrooming private institutes; and inadequate financial resources that severely demoralize ambition. Consequently, the article concludes with suggestions for reform to improve equity, access and excellence by applying the highest values of academic standards through rigour, dispassionate research, meticulous training and alternate sources of funding for acceptable standards of infrastructure and access to resources.
Becoming a Professional
Authors: Merzel Cheryl , Goodman Andrew
Published: June 2016

Cultivating professionalism among students is a key goal of the Master of Public Health (MPH) practicum. Achieving this goal, however, can be pedagogically challenging. We provide guidance on implementing and using an online student discussion board as a vehicle for promoting professional development, based on our experience overseeing the MPH internship (practicum) at a large urban university school of public health. Our approach is derived from the professional development literature identifying active reflection on practice experiences as a critical means of facilitating the process of developing mastery and proficiency. We have found that an online discussion board provides a supportive environment for discussing numerous professional challenges encountered in the internship and sharing strategies for addressing these challenges. Our experience suggests that online discussion boards are a useful tool to help MPH students develop their professional skillset, conduct, and values.
Characteristics, outcome, and response to therapy of multirefractory chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mahévas Matthieu , Gerfaud-Valentin Mathieu , Moulis Guillaume , Terriou Louis , Audia Sylvain , Guenin Sophie , Le Guenno Guillaume , Salles Gilles , Lambotte Olivier , Limal Nicolas , Viallard Jean-François , Cheze Stephane , Tomowiak Cecile , Royer Bruno , Neel Antoine , Debouverie Odile , Hot Arnaud , Durieu Isabelle , Perlat Antoinette , Cliquennois Manuel , Deteix Clémence , Michel Marc , Godeau Bertrand
Published: June 2016

Key Points

The baseline characteristics of multirefractory ITP differed from “typical” ITP, outcome was severe, and was associated with high morbidity and mortality. Combining immunosuppressant therapy with a thrombopoietin-receptor agonist may be a relevant option for these patients.
The role of leukocytes in thrombosis
Authors: Swystun Laura L. , Liaw Patricia C.
Published: June 2016

In recent years, the traditional view of the hemostatic system as being regulated by a coagulation factor cascade coupled with platelet activation has been increasingly challenged by new evidence that activation of the immune system strongly influences blood coagulation and pathological thrombus formation. Leukocytes can be induced to express tissue factor and release proinflammatory and procoagulant molecules such as granular enzymes, cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. These mediators can influence all aspects of thrombus formation, including platelet activation and adhesion, and activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways. Leukocyte-released procoagulant mediators increase systemic thrombogenicity, and leukocytes are actively recruited to the site of thrombus formation through interactions with platelets and endothelial cell adhesion molecules. Additionally, phagocytic leukocytes are involved in fibrinolysis and thrombus resolution, and can regulate clearance of platelets and coagulation factors. Dysregulated activation of leukocyte innate immune functions thus plays a role in pathological thrombus formation. Modulation of the interactions between leukocytes or leukocyte-derived procoagulant materials and the traditional hemostatic system is an attractive target for the development of novel antithrombotic strategies.
Functional characterisation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells from COPD patients
Authors: Broekman Winifred , Roelofs Helene , Zarcone Maria C. , Taube Christian , Stolk Jan , Hiemstra Pieter S.
Published: June 2016

Autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are evaluated for clinical use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but it is unclear whether COPD affects BM-MSCs.

To investigate this, BM-MSCs from nine COPD patients and nine non-COPD age-matched controls were compared with regard to immunophenotype, growth and differentiation potential, and migration capacity. Other functional assays included the response to pro-inflammatory stimuli and inducers of the nuclear factor (erythroid derived 2)-like 2 antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway, and effects on NCI-H292 airway epithelial cells.

No significant differences were observed in terms of morphology, proliferation and migration, except for increased adipocyte differentiation potential in the COPD group. Both groups were comparable regarding mRNA expression of growth factors and inflammatory mediators, and in their potential to induce mRNA expression of epidermal growth factor receptor ligands in NCI-H292 airway epithelial cells. MSCs from COPD patients secreted more interleukin-6 in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli. Activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway resulted in a comparable induction of mRNA expression of four target genes, but the expression of the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 geneNQO1was lower in MSCs from COPD patients.

The observation that MSCs from COPD patients are phenotypically and functionally comparable to those from non-COPD controls implies that autologous MSCs can be considered for use in the setting of clinical trials as a treatment for COPD.
Cell surface proteins play an important role in probiotic activities of Lactobacillus reuteri
Authors: Singh Tejinder Pal , Malik Ravinder Kumar , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: June 2016

Background

Eight Lactobacillus reuteri strains, previously isolated from breast-fed human infant feces, were selected to assess the potential contribution of their surface proteins in probiotic activity. These strains were treated with 5 M LiCl to remove their surface proteins, and their tolerance to simulated stomach-duodenum passage, cell surface characteristics, autoaggregation, adhesion, and inhibition of pathogen adhesion to Caco-2 cells were compared with untreated strains.

Results

The survival rates, autoaggregation, and adhesion abilities of the LiCl-treated L. reuteri strains decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to that of the untreated cells. The inhibition ability of selected L. reuteri strains, untreated or LiCl treated, against adherence of Escherichia coli 25922 and Salmonella typhi NCDC113 to Caco-2 was evaluated in vitro with L. reuteri ATCC55730 strain as a positive control. Among the selected eight strains of L. reuteri, LR6 showed maximum inhibition against the E. coli ATCC25922 and S. typhi NCDC113. After treatment with 5 M LiCl to remove surface protein, the inhibition activities of the lactobacilli against pathogens decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis indicated that LR6 strains had several bands with molecular weight ranging from 10 to 100 KDa, and their characterization and functions need to be confirmed.

Conclusions

The results revealed that the cell surface proteins of L. reuteri play an important role in their survivability, adhesion, and competitive exclusion of pathogen to epithelial cells.
Second Derivative Calculations
Authors: Kunz Bruno F. J. , Rohoel-Gewinnungs A. A.
Published: June 2016

Leo J. Peter's and Thomas A. Elkins' remarks in reference to “Computation of the ‘Second Derivative’ from Gravity Data’ by O. Rosenbach (Geophysics, v. 18, p. 894-912. October 1953) and the author's reply are very interesting but they cannot satisfy the reader. From Figure “A”, one of the two methods of calculation looks better; from Figure “B” the other. Dr. Rosenbach, on p. 912, suggests that his critics may not have applied his computation method carefully enough and requests that they make available to him the observed gravity anomalies in the test area of Figure “Aȁ The same possibility might apply to the example in Figure “B” selected by the author. In this case too it would be desirable for the reader to be able to examine the observed gravity anomalies.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Authors: Tolstoy Ivan
Published: June 2016

In his article “Seismic Waves from a Transducer at the Surface of Stratified Ground,” GEOPHYSICS, October 1956, p. 939, F. F. Evison makes the following statement concerning a paper written by Eugene Usdin and myself in GEO-PHYSICS, v. 18, No. 4, October 1953, p. 844 (Dispersive Properties of Stratified Elastic and Liquid Media: A Ray Theory); “The group velocity curve shown by Tolstoy and Usdin for the second mode appears to be in error.”
Some Considerations When Abstracting
Authors: Mahrer Kenneth D.
Published: June 2016

My dictionary (Urdang, 1973) defines the abstract as “something that concentrates in itself the essential qualities of anything more extensive or more general, or of several things; essence.” As it applies to writing, Houghton (1975) says, “An abstract can be defined as a summary of the in/ormation in a document.” Although these definitions are clear and direct, they sometimes get muddled or lost during the writing of a manuscript. As a result, the abstract falls short of its function and the manuscript is greatly weakened. The reviewing, editing, and possible publication of the manuscript can be substantially delayed because of its weak and insufficient abstract. To help expedite matters, I offer the following comments concerning abstracts. I offer these for your benefit, for the benefit of your readers, and for the benefit of ditors, viewers, and publication staffs everywhere.
MEMORIAL
Authors: Wealherby B. B.
Published: June 2016

The many friends of Arland Irving Innes were saddened to learn that following a serious operation in the spring, cancer finally claimed his life on September 20, 1962.
Impact of anisotropic poroelastic parameters estimated using well logs and core measurements on stress prediction in organic-rich mudrocks
Authors: Valdes Clotilde Chen , Aderibigbe Aderonke , Heidari Zoya
Published: June 2016

The evaluation of rock mechanical properties in organic-rich mudrocks is challenging because of their heterogeneity, anisotropy, and complex lithology. Hence, geomechanical analysis should include a complete definition of the anisotropic elastic stiffness coefficients for stress prediction. Furthermore, typical assumptions made for poroelastic parameters, such as assuming that Biot’s parameter is equal to one, can result in unreliable geomechanical evaluation for stress prediction and failure in completion design. Our objectives included estimating (1) anisotropic elastic properties and (2) anisotropic poroelastic parameters and minimum horizontal stresses, using laboratory measurements and well logs, in organic-rich mudrocks with different levels of mechanical anisotropy and vertical heterogeneity. We have performed mechanical tests on core plugs and obtained correlations between the dynamic and static elastic stiffness coefficients. We have analyzed advanced acoustic well logs, as well as laboratory geomechanical measurements, to estimate dynamic elastic stiffness coefficients of the formations under investigation. The estimates of mineral composition, in conjunction with the estimates of elastic stiffness coefficients, yielded the anisotropic poroelastic parameters. Finally, we have estimated the stress profile under the assumption of transverse isotropy. We have quantified the impact of anisotropic elastic rock properties and poroelastic parameters on stress prediction in the lower Eagle Ford, Haynesville, and upper Wolfcamp Formations. The estimated minimum horizontal stress gradient, assuming anisotropic elastic properties and anisotropic poroelastic parameters, varied by approximately 30% (relative difference) compared with the case in which these parameters were assumed to be equal to one. This variation decreased to approximately 15% and 6% when the poroelastic parameters were assumed to be equal to 0.7 in formations with high and relatively low levels of heterogeneity and mechanical anisotropy, respectively. The results confirmed that transversely isotropic media require a thorough depth-by-depth estimation of anisotropic poroelastic parameters to estimate stress profile accurately. We have also determined the importance of integrated interpretation of petrophysical, compositional, and mechanical properties in geomechanical evaluation in organic-rich mudrocks.
Nivolumab in Combination With Platinum‐Based Doublet Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment of Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rizvi Naiyer A. , Hellmann Matthew D. , Brahmer Julie R. , Juergens Rosalyn A. , Borghaei Hossein , Gettinger Scott , Chow Laura Q. , Gerber David E. , Laurie Scott A. , Goldman Jonathan W. , Shepherd Frances A. , Chen Allen C. , Shen Yun , Nathan Faith E. , Harbison Christopher T. , Antonia Scott
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Nivolumab, a fully human immunoglobulin G4 programmed death-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor antibody, has demonstrated improved survival in previously treated patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CheckMate 012, a phase I, multicohort study, was conducted to explore the safety and efficacy of nivolumab as monotherapy or combined with current standard therapies in first-line advanced NSCLC. Here, we report results for nivolumab plus platinum-based doublet chemotherapy (PT-DC).

Patients and Methods

Patients (N = 56) received nivolumab (intravenously) plus PT-DC concurrently every 3 weeks for four cycles followed by nivolumab alone until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Regimens were nivolumab 10 mg/kg plus gemcitabine-cisplatin (squamous) or pemetrexed-cisplatin (nonsquamous) or nivolumab 5 or 10 mg/kg plus paclitaxel-carboplatin (all histologies). The primary objective was to assess safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives included objective response rate and 24-week progression-free survival rate (per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1); exploratory objectives included overall survival (OS) and response by tumor programmed death ligand-1 expression.

Results

No dose-limiting toxicities occurred during the first 6 weeks of treatment. Forty-five percent of patients (25 of 56 patients) reported grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events (AEs); 7% of patients (n = 4) had pneumonitis. Twenty-one percent of patients (n = 12) discontinued all study therapy as a result of treatment-related AEs. Objective response rates for nivolumab 10 mg/kg plus gemcitabine-cisplatin, nivolumab 10 mg/kg plus pemetrexed-cisplatin, nivolumab 10 mg/kg plus paclitaxel-carboplatin, and nivolumab 5 mg/kg plus paclitaxel-carboplatin were 33%, 47%, 47%, and 43%, respectively; 24-week progression-free survival rates were 51%, 71%, 38%, and 51%, respectively; 2-year OS rates were 25%, 33%, 27%, and 62%, respectively. Responses were achieved regardless of tumor programmed death ligand-1 expression.

Conclusion

The safety profile of nivolumab plus PT-DC was consistent with that expected for individual agents; however, treatment discontinuation related to AEs was greater with the combination. Encouraging activity was observed, especially for the nivolumab 5 mg/kg plus paclitaxel-carboplatin group, with a 2-year OS rate of 62%.
Testosterone Treatment and Sexual Function in Older Men With Low Testosterone Levels
Authors: Cunningham Glenn R. , Stephens-Shields Alisa J. , Rosen Raymond C. , Wang Christina , Bhasin Shalender , Matsumoto Alvin M. , Parsons J. Kellogg , Gill Thomas M. , Molitch Mark E. , Farrar John T. , Cella David , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Cauley Jane A. , Cifelli Denise , Crandall Jill P. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Gallagher Laura , Zeldow Bret , Lewis Cora E. , Pahor Marco , Swerdloff Ronald S. , Hou Xiaoling , Anton Stephen , Basaria Shehzad , Diem Susan J. , Tabatabaie Vafa , Ellenberg Susan S. , Snyder Peter J.
Published: June 2016

Context:

The Testosterone Trials are a coordinated set of seven trials to determine the efficacy of T in symptomatic men ≥65 years old with unequivocally low T levels. Initial results of the Sexual Function Trial showed that T improved sexual activity, sexual desire, and erectile function.

Objective:

To assess the responsiveness of specific sexual activities to T treatment; to relate hormone changes to changes in sexual function; and to determine predictive baseline characteristics and T threshold for sexual outcomes.

Design:

A placebo-controlled trial.

Setting:

Twelve academic medical centers in the United States.

Participants:

A total of 470 men ≥65 years of age with low libido, average T <275 ng/dL, and a partner willing to have sexual intercourse at least twice a month.

Methods:

Men were assigned to take T gel or placebo for 1 year. Sexual function was assessed by three questionnaires every 3 months: the Psychosexual Daily Questionnaire, the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Function, and the International Index of Erectile Function.

Results:

Compared with placebo, T administration significantly improved 10 of 12 measures of sexual activity. Incremental increases in total and free T and estradiol levels were associated with improvements in sexual activity and desire, but not erectile function. No threshold T level was observed for any outcome, and none of the 27 baseline characteristics predicted responsiveness to T.

Conclusions:

In older men with low libido and low T levels, improvements in sexual desire and activity in response to T treatment were related to the magnitude of increases in T and estradiol levels, but there was no clear evidence of a threshold effect.
Reversibility of developmental heat and cold plasticity is asymmetric and has long lasting consequences for adult thermal tolerance
Authors: Slotsbo Stine , Schou Mads F. , Kristensen Torsten N. , Loeschcke Volker , Sørensen Jesper G.
Published: June 2016

The ability of insects to cope with stressful temperatures through adaptive plasticity has allowed them to thrive under a wide range of thermal conditions. Developmental plasticity is generally considered as non-reversible phenotypic changes, e.g. in morphological traits, while adult acclimation responses are often considered to be reversible physiological responses. However, physiologically mediated thermal acclimation might not follow this general prediction. We investigated the magnitude and rate of reversibility of developmental thermal plasticity responses in heat and cold tolerance of adult flies, using a full factorial design with two developmental and two adult temperatures (15°C and 25°C). We show that cold tolerance attained during development is readily adjusted to the prevailing conditions during adult acclimation with a symmetric rate of decrease or increase. In contrast, heat tolerance is only partly reversible during acclimation and thus constrained by the temperature during development. The effect of adult acclimation on heat tolerance was asymmetrical, with a general loss of heat tolerance with age. Surprisingly, the decline in adult heat tolerance at 25°C was decelerated in flies developed at low temperatures. This result was supported by correlated responses in two senescence associated traits and in accordance with a lower rate of ageing after low temperature development, suggesting that physiological age is not reset at eclosion. The results have profound ecological consequences for populations, as optimal developmental temperatures will be dependent on the thermal conditions faced in the adult stage and the age at which they occur.
The Long-Term Effects of the Printing Press in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Cagé Julia , Rueda Valeria
Published: June 2016

This article investigates the long-term consequences of the printing press in the nineteenth century sub-Saharan Africa on social capital nowadays. Protestant missionaries were the first to import the printing press and to allow the indigenous population to use it. We build a new geocoded dataset locating Protestant missions in 1903. This dataset includes, for each mission station, the geographic location and its characteristics, as well as the printing-, educational-, and health-related investments undertaken by the mission. We show that, within regions close to missions, proximity to a printing press is associated with higher newspaper readership, trust, education, and political participation. (JEL L82, N37, N77, N97, O17, O43, Z13)
Do Employer Pension Contributions Reflect Employee Preferences? Evidence from a Retirement Savings Reform in Denmark
Authors: Fadlon Itzik , Laird Jessica , Nielsen Torben Heien
Published: June 2016

This paper studies how firms set contributions to employer provided 401(k)-type pension plans. Using a reform that decreased the subsidy to contributions to capital pension accounts for Danish workers in the top income tax bracket, we provide strong evidence that employers' contributions are based on their employees' savings preferences. We find an immediate decrease in employer contributions to capital accounts, whose magnitude increased in the share of employees directly affected by the reform. This response was large relative to average employee responses within private IRA-type plans and was accompanied by a similar magnitude shift of employer contributions to annuity accounts. (JEL D14, J26, J32)
The Impact of Disability Benefits on Labor Supply: Evidence from the VA's Disability Compensation Program
Authors: Autor David H. , Duggan Mark , Greenberg Kyle , Lyle David S.
Published: June 2016

Combining administrative data from the US Army, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Social Security Administration, we analyze the effect of the VA's Disability Compensation (DC) program on veterans' labor force participation and earnings. We study the 2001 Agent Orange decision, a unique policy change that expanded DC eligibility for Vietnam veterans who served in theater but did not expand eligibility to other veterans of this era, to assess the causal effects of DC enrollment. We estimate that benefits receipt reduced veterans' labor force participation by 18 percentage points, though measured income net of transfer income rose on average. (JEL H51, I12, I18, J14, J22, J28, J31)
Parental Job Loss and Children's Long-Term Outcomes: Evidence from 7 Million Fathers' Layoffs
Authors: Hilger Nathaniel G.
Published: June 2016

How do parental layoffs and their large attendant income losses affect children's long-term outcomes? This question has proven difficult to answer due to the endogeneity of parental layoffs. I overcome this problem by exploiting the timing of 7 million fathers' layoffs when children are age 12–29 in administrative data for the United States. Layoffs dramatically reduce family income but only slightly reduce college enrollment, college quality, and early career earnings. These effects are consistent with a weak estimated propensity to spend on college out of marginal parental income. I find that larger effects based on firm closures stem from selection. (JEL I23, I24, I26, J13, J22, J31, J63)
Παίζω και μαθαίνω στο Moodle - Μία εφαρμογή, παράδειγμα καλής πρακτικής
Authors: ΝΤΑΛΟΥΚΑΣ Β. , ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΟΥΛΑΣ Κ. , ΔΑΟΥΣΗΣ Δ. , ΛΙΑΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ Ε.
Published: June 2016

Η επιμόρφωση των εκπαιδευτικών αποτελεί ζητούμενο και αναγκαιότητα σύμφωνα με τα νέα εκπαιδευτικά και κοινωνικά δεδομένα. Οι μέθοδοι της εξ’ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης αποτελούν μια ενδιαφέρουσα πρόταση για την επιμόρφωση αυτή, που δεν έχει αξιοποιηθεί ακόμα σε ευρεία κλίμακα από την ελληνική πολιτεία. Στα πλαίσια αυτά, η παρούσα εργασία αποσκοπεί στην παρουσίαση μίας εφαρμογής ανοιχτής και εξ’ αποστάσεως επιμόρφωσης εκπαιδευτικών, που οργανώθηκε και υλοποιήθηκε επί 2 συνεχή έτη στο Ν. Ηλείας, σε εντελώς εθελοντική βάση. Για την υλοποίηση της παραπάνω επιμόρφωσης χρησιμοποιήθηκε το μεικτό σύστημα, συνδυάζοντας την εξ’ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση με δια ζώσης εκπαιδευτικές συναντήσεις. Η εξ’ αποστάσεως επιμόρφωση πραγματοποιήθηκε με χρήση του ηλεκτρονικού περιβάλλοντος μάθησης Moodle. Παρουσιάζονται στοιχεία σχετικά με τη συμμετοχή και την αξιολόγηση της εφαρμογής από τους επιμορφούμενους. Ειδική αναφορά γίνεται σε επιμέρους χαρακτηριστικά της εφαρμογής που αξιολογήθηκε ότι συνέβαλαν θετικά στην επιτυχή ολοκλήρωση της επιμόρφωσης και λειτούργησαν ως καλές πρακτικές: εφαρμογή της γνώσης, παιδαγωγική αξιοποίηση του λάθους, σύνδεση του εκπαιδευτικού υλικού με τις επαγγελματικές ανάγκες, ευελιξία συμμετοχής, συστηματική καλλιέργεια του κλίματος της ομάδας, εστίαση στον εθελοντισμό, την αλληλοϋποστήριξη και τη δημιουργία κοινότητας μάθησης.
Η ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΔΙΑΔΙΚΤΥΟ «Φυσαλίδες στο νερό που κοχλάζει»
Authors: ΖΑΧΟΣ Γεώργιος
Published: June 2016

Η πρώτη δεκαετία του 21ου αιώνα χαρακτηρίζεται από την εισβολή του Διαδικτύου στις Ιστορικές Σπουδές. Στην Ελλάδα η εισβολή αυτή συνέβη σε μία περίοδο που παρατηρείται μία έκρηξη ιστορίας στα ΜΜΕ (ιστορικές εκδόσεις από εφημερίδες, Ιστορίες των Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων ενόψει της διοργάνωσης του 2004, τηλεκριτική ιστορικών εγχειριδίων, δημοσκοπήσεις-bingo για την δημοφιλέστερη ιστορική προσωπικότητα) (Λιάκος 2007: 14κ.ε.) που συνυπάρχει παράλληλα με μία υποβάθμιση των ιστορικών σπουδών στη δημόσια εκπαίδευση (Λιάτσου 2009). Ο εν πολλοίς ιδιωτικός χαρακτήρας που έλαβε αυτή η εισβολή, η απουσία διαλόγου για τον ρόλο του μέσου στις ιστορικές σπουδές και στην διαρκώς επικαλούμενη προβολή της Πολιτιστικής Κληρονομιάς, οδήγησαν σ’ αυτήν την αδρή χαρτογράφηση των σχετικών σελίδων του Ελληνικού Διαδικτύου. Η ταχύτητα με την οποία ξεπηδούν οι τελευταίες σαν «φυσαλίδες στο νερό που κοχλάζει», η τεχνοφοβία που υποκρύπτεται πίσω από προ-δικτυακές (pre-web), προ-ηλεκτρονικές μορφές των αντίστοιχων σελίδων των δημόσιων φορέων και η ταυτόχρονη αδυναμία των εθισμένων στην σπανιότητα ακαδημαϊκών ιστορικών να διαχειριστούν την υπερπληθώρα των πληροφοριών που παρέχει το μέσο συγκροτούν ένα ενδιαφέρον θέμα έρευνας, που, ωστόσο, ξεπερνά τους στόχους αυτού του κειμένου.
Εξ Αποστάσεως Εκπαίδευση και εργαστηριακές δραστηριότητες στις Φυσικές Επιστήμες
Authors: ΓΕΩΡΓΙΑΔΗ Ειρήνη , ΚΟΚΚΑΛΗ Άννα
Published: June 2016

Μια σημαντική ανησυχία στην εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση είναι πώς να υπερνικήσει τα προβλήματα που συνδέονται με την εργαστηριακή άσκηση στις Φυσικές Επιστήμες. Σκοπός της εργασίας λοιπόν, είναι να παρουσιάσει τους τρόπους και τα εκπαιδευτικά μέσα που χρησιμοποιούν τα εξ αποστάσεως ανώτατα εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα, προκειμένου να επιτύχουν την  εργαστηριακή εκπαίδευση των σπουδαστών τους, στις Φυσικές Επιστήμες.  Στην εισήγηση αυτή τονίζεται η σημαντικότητα της παροχής εργαστηριακής άσκησης στους σπουδαστές των προγραμμάτων αυτών και περιγράφονται οι εναλλακτικοί τρόποι εργαστηριακής εκπαίδευσης. Τέλος επισημαίνονται τα πλεονεκτήματα και τα μειονεκτήματα των εναλλακτικών τρόπων εξ αποστάσεως εργαστηριακής εκπαίδευσης.
Η Αξιολόγηση των εκπαιδευτικών οργανισμών και ιδρυμάτων, η συστημική θεωρία και το Ελληνικό Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο
Authors: ΧΟΥΛΙΑΡΑ Ξανθή
Published: June 2016

Κάθε ανθρώπινη δραστηριότητα, από την πιο απλή ως την πιο σύνθετη, περιλαμβάνει μια σειρά ενεργειών που σχετίζονται με την απόφαση, τον προγραμματισμό, την υλοποίηση και την αξιολόγηση του αποτελέσματος. Η αξιολόγηση αυτή μας επιτρέπει να εκτιμήσουμε την ορθή λειτουργία των συστημάτων ή την ανάγκη τροποποίησής τους. Προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση, σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας είναι να παρουσιάσει τα κυριότερα χαρακτηριστικά της αξιολόγησης των εκπαιδευτικών οργανισμών και ιδρυμάτων ως υπόβαθρο μίας θεωρητικής προσέγγισης και ανάπτυξης της διαδικασίας της αξιολόγησης στο Ελληνικό Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο, ώστε αφενός να γίνουν κατανοητές οι υπάρχουσες διαδικασίες μέσω των οποίων μέχρι σήμερα γίνεται η αξιολόγηση , αφετέρου να προκύψουν νέες πιο αποτελεσματικές. Τα ευρήματά της τονίζουν την ανάγκη για συστημική θεώρηση του εν λόγω ιδρύματος και  ανανέωση των μηχανισμών αξιολόγησής του, αποτελώντας σημαντικά τεκμήρια της αναγκαιότητάς της για την αποτελεσματικότητα  και βιωσιμότητα του ΕΑΠ.
ΤΠΕ και εξ Αποστάσεως Εκπαίδευση στην υπηρεσία της Δια Βίου Μάθησης. Πρόσβαση στη γνώση ή ένας νέος ψηφιακός δυϊσμός;
Authors: ΣΑΧΙΝΙΔΗΣ Κ. , ΠΟΛΥΧΡΟΝΑΚΗΣ Γ.
Published: June 2016

Στην παρούσα εργασία, γίνεται μια προσπάθεια ανάδειξης των ΤΠΕ και της εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης (ΕξΑΕ) μέσω Διαδικτύου ως ένα σύγχρονο ελκυστικό εκπαιδευτικό εργαλείο, το οποίο μπορεί να συμβάλλει στη βελτίωση του αποτελέσματος μάθησης και διδασκαλίας στην υπηρεσία της Δια Βίου Μάθησης (ΔΒΜ), λειτουργώντας, τόσο συμπληρωματικά, όσο ακόμη και ως βασικό μέσο παροχής εκπαίδευσης και ένταξης των ενηλίκων στα νέα κοινωνικά και εργασιακά δεδομένα.

Στη εποχή μας, των συνεχών και γρήγορων μεταβολών στον κοινωνικοεργασιακό τομέα, η διαρκής ανανέωση και ο συνεχής εμπλουτισμός των γνώσεων και των δεξιοτήτων,  αναδεικνύουν τη ΔΒΜ ως την απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση για την  αρμονική  και παραγωγική ένταξη των ενηλίκων στις «νέες εξελίξεις». Ένα σημαντικό μέσο πραγμάτωσης των σκοπών της ΔΒΜ μπορεί να αποτελέσει και η ΕξΑΕ με τη χρήση των ΤΠΕ, με στόχο την μετάβαση των εκπαιδευόμενων από την Κοινωνία της Πληροφορίας στην Κοινωνία της Γνώσης.

Όμως, παρά το γεγονός, ότι η ΔΒΜ αναγνωρίζεται, σε Ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο καθώς και στην πατρίδα μας ως μια από τις σημαντικότερες ανάγκες-προτεραιότητες, στην πραγματικότητα η ΔΒΜ δεν έχει την θέση που της αρμόζει. Γιατί συμβαίνει κάτι τέτοιο; Ποιοι παράγοντες δυσχεραίνουν τη δυνατότητα των ευρύτερων πληθυσμιακών ομάδων για πρόσβαση στη γνώση μέσω της ΔΒΜ;  Η εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση με την χρήση των ΤΠΕ, μπορεί να προσφέρει τη δυνατότητα  για πρόσβαση στη γνώση ή θα έχει σαν αποτέλεσμα την δημιουργία ενός νέου ψηφιακού δυϊσμού;  Με ποιους τρόπους μπορεί να αποφευχθεί ο ψηφιακός δυϊσμός;­
Μελέτη περίπτωσης για τη χρήση του L.M.S. Open E-Class για την υλοποίηση ηλεκτρονικών μαθημάτων από τμήματα του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών
Authors: ΣΟΦΟΣ Αλιβίζος , ΠΑΡΑΣΧΟΥ Βασίλειος
Published: June 2016

Η εργασία αποτελεί μια μελέτη περίπτωσης για τη χρήση του learningmanagementsystemE-classαπό τμήματα του Εθνικού Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών για την υλοποίηση ηλεκτρονικών μαθημάτων στην πλατφόρμα ασύγχρονης τηλε-εκπαίδευσης του φορέα «η-Τάξη». Για τους σκοπούς της μελέτης εξετάστηκαν 367 ηλεκτρονικά μαθήματα από 15 πανεπιστημιακά τμήματα με σκοπό να διερευνηθεί ο τρόπος υλοποίησης των μαθημάτων αυτών αλλά και του συστήματος διαχείρισης μάθησης από το Εθνικό Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης καταδεικνύουν την περιορισμένη χρήση των δυνατοτήτων του E-Class για το σύνολο των υπό διερεύνηση ηλεκτρονικών μαθημάτων, σύμφωνα με το μοντέλο εμπλουτισμού (Siller, 2007),  με συνέπεια τα τμήματα να επιτυγχάνουν χαμηλή βαθμολογία στη φόρμα αξιολόγησης που χρησιμοποιήθηκε για την καταγραφή και συγκέντρωση των στοιχείων.
Συμπληρωματική εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο: Σχεδιασμός και Ανάπτυξη Πιλοτικού Έντυπου Εκπαιδευτικού Υλικού με την μέθοδο της εξαε με θέμα: «Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη και Ανανεώσιμες Πηγές Ενέργειας»
Authors: ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗ Δέσποινα , ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΑΔΗΣ Παναγιώτης
Published: June 2016

Η συμπληρωματική εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση αναδεικνύεται ως σημαντική παράμετρος στην εφαρμογή προγραμμάτων εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης στην πρωτοβάθμια και δευτεροβάθμια εκπαίδευση. Ο σχεδιασμός και η δημιουργία έντυπου εκπαιδευτικού υλικού με θέμα: «Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη και Ανανεώσιμες Πηγές Ενέργειας» αποτελεί το αντικείμενο ενασχόλησης αυτής της εργασίας. Το προτεινόμενο πιλοτικό εκπαιδευτικό υλικό σχεδιάστηκε για μαθητές των δύο τελευταίων τάξεων δημοτικού σχολείου και στοχεύει στην καλλιέργεια δεξιοτήτων ανάλυσης και κριτικής διερεύνησης περιβαλλοντικών προβλημάτων, στην καλλιέργεια θετικών στάσεων στο καινούριο και το εναλλακτικό και στην ενθάρρυνση του κριτικού στοχασμού   με στόχο την κοινωνική συνειδητοποίηση, την πολιτισμική κριτική, την ανάληψη πρωτοβουλιών και δράσεων για το περιβάλλον.
A Web-Based Distance Learning Joint Master Programme on ICT in Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Makrakis Vassilios
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with a M.Sc. joint programme in the field of ICT in Education for Sustainable Development. The UNESCO and European Union Strategy for the worldwide implementation of ESD require numerous key elements, which appear to be indispensable for the success of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). These elements include partnerships, network developments, capacity building, development and innovation, and monitoring and evaluation. In this context, the UNESCO Chair of ICT in Education for Sustainable Development established at the University of Crete in cooperation with the RCE Crete took the initiative to jointly develop a M.Sc. programme on ICT in Education for Sustainable Development to be delivered online through a virtual learning environment. This project was approved by the European Commission and was financially supported (Project Number: 510212-LLP-1-2010-1-GR-ERASMUS-EVC and agreement number 2010-3494/001-001). This paper starts with an overview of the rationale and context for such a programme, continues with the main concepts involved in its course curriculum design and development. It ends with a description of the programme and a discussion for its potential contribution to education for sustainability.
Αξιοποίηση διαδικασιών καθοδήγησης, κοινοτήτων πρακτικής και κοινοτήτων αναζήτησης στην εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση. Μελέτη περίπτωσης μεταξύ μελών ΣΕΠ του ΕΑΠ
Authors: Μανούσου Ευαγγελία , Γκιόσος Ιωάννης , Μαυροειδής Ηλίας , Κουτσούμπα Μαρία
Published: June 2016

Τα τελευταία χρόνια στο χώρο της εκπαίδευσης, είτε συμβατικής μορφής (πρόσωπο με πρόσωπο) είτε της από απόσταση, τόσο η έννοια της καθοδήγησης (mentoring) όσο και αυτή των κοινοτήτων αναζήτησης (communities of by WA" href="#70950164"> inquiry) αλλά και των κοινοτήτων πρακτικής (communities of practice) έχουν τραβήξει το ερευνητικό ενδιαφέρον των μελετητών. Οι έννοιες αυτές αποτελούν και το επίκεντρο της παρούσας εργασίας. Σκοπός λοιπόν της εργασίας αυτής είναι ο κριτικός αναστοχασμός της διαδικασίας συνεργασίας μίας ομάδας διδασκόντων στο πλαίσιο ενός μεταπτυχιακού προγράμματος στο Ελληνικό Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο ώστε να προσδιοριστεί η ταυτότητά της αλλά και η συσχέτισή της με τις έννοιες της καθοδήγησης και των κοινοτήτων πρακτικής και αναζήτησης. Για το σκοπό αυτό αρχικά παρουσιάζεται εν συντομία η διαδικασία συνεργασίας της ομάδας και, στη συνέχεια, συζητούνται θεωρητικά τα αποτελέσματα αυτής της διαδικασίας, ώστε να εξαχθούν συμπεράσματα και ενδεχόμενες προεκτάσεις τους στην εκπαιδευτική πρακτική. Διαπιστώνεται ότι πρακτικοί και χωροταξικοί λόγοι οδήγησαν αρχικά στη δημιουργία αυτής της άτυπης ομάδας, η οποία στην πορεία οδήγησε στη διαμόρφωση μιας κοινότητας με χαρακτηριστικά τόσο από τις κοινότητες πρακτικής όσο και από τις κοινότητες αναζήτησης εμπεριέχοντας και στοιχεία καθοδήγησης. Συγχρόνως, σημαντική είναι και η αναστοχαστική αξιοποίηση των πρακτικών αποτελεσμάτων της διαδικασίας για την ανατροφοδότησή της και τη βελτιστοποίηση της αποτελεσματικότητά της ή και για τυχόν επέκταση ή και θεσμοθέτησή της.
Νέες Τεχνολογίες στην Ειδική Αγωγή: Μία Μελέτη Περίπτωσης
Authors: Ξανθούλη Μαρία , Γουλή Ευαγγελία , Σμυρναίου Ζαχαρούλα
Published: June 2016

Η προστιθέμενη αξία της χρήσης των Νέων Τεχνολογιών στην εκπαίδευση όσον αφορά στα μαθησιακά αποτελέσματα και στη στάση των μαθητών έχει μελετηθεί εκτεταμένα στη γενική αγωγή ενώ στην ειδική αγωγή οι έρευνες είναι περιορισμένες, λόγω του μεγάλου εύρους των ιδιαίτερων αναγκών/χαρακτηριστικών κάθε περίπτωσης. Η μελέτη που παρουσιάζεται στην εργασία αποτελεί μία πρόταση αξιοποίησης των Νέων Τεχνολογιών και της Εκπαίδευσης από Απόσταση ως μέσων/εργαλείων που μπορούν να ενισχύσουν θετικά τη στάση και τα μαθησιακά αποτελέσματα των μαθητών με ειδικές ανάγκες και να βοηθήσουν τον εκπαιδευτικό να παρέχει στους μαθητές την κατάλληλη παράλληλη εκπαιδευτική υποστήριξη. Συγκεκριμένα, στο πλαίσιο της μελέτης περίπτωσης, σχεδιάστηκε ένα διαδικτυακό και εξ' αποστάσεως μάθημα Ιστορίας, διάρκειας 25 ωρών, με στόχο την παροχή παράλληλης εκπαιδευτικής υποστήριξης σε έναν βαρήκοο μαθητή, ο οποίος είναι ενταγμένος στο κανονικό σχολείο. Ο σχεδιασμός του μαθήματος βασίστηκε στις σύγχρονες θεωρίες μάθησης, στους σκοπούς/στόχους της ειδικής αγωγής, στις σχεδιαστικές αρχές της Εκπαίδευσης από Απόσταση και στις ιδιαίτερες ανάγκες/χαρακτηριστικά του μαθητή. Σύμφωνα με τα ποιοτικά αποτελέσματα της μελέτης, το μάθημα που σχεδιάστηκε επηρέασε θετικά τόσο την επίδοση όσο και τη στάση του υποκειμένου απέναντι στο μάθημα, επιτρέποντας του να αισθανθεί ως "φυσιολογικός" μαθητής.
Σχεδιασμός και υλοποίηση του περιβάλλοντος μάθησης της Ελληνικής ως Ξένης Γλώσσας - Επίπεδο Α1
Authors: Σπαντιδάκης Ιωάννης , Χατζηπαναγιωτίδη Άννα , Λενακάκη Εύα , Βασαρμίδου Δέσποινα
Published: June 2016

Στο άρθρο αυτό παρουσιάζεται το τμήμα του Ηλεκτρονικού περιβάλλοντος μάθησης του ΕΔΙΑΜΜΕ που απευθύνεται στους χρήστες του A1 επιπέδου ελληνομάθειας. Συγκεκριμένα, από τις ενότητες που συνθέτουν το μαθησιακό περιβάλλον του επιπέδου αυτού παρουσιάζεται η ενότητα «Γλώσσα» και, ειδικότερα, το περιεχόμενο, η δομή του και οι δυνατότητες που δίνει στο χρήστη καθώς και οι θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις από το χώρο της Γλωσσολογίας και της Γλωσσικής Μάθησης Υποστηριζόμενης από τον Υπολογιστή (ΓΜΥΥ/CALL Computer – assisted language learning), οι οποίες καθόρισαν το σχεδιασμό της.