bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Novel 2,5-Disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazoles Clubbed 1,2,4-Triazole, 1,3,4-Thiadiazole, 1,3,4-Oxadiazole and/or Schiff Base as Potential Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Rezki Nadjet , Al-Yahyawi Amjad , Bardaweel Sanaa , Al-Blewi Fawzia , Aouad Mohamed
Published: September 2015

In the present study, a new series of 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole tethered 1,2,4-triazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole and Schiff base derivatives were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and elemental analyses. All compounds were screened for their antibacterial, antifungal and antiproliferative activity. Some of the synthesized derivatives have displayed promising biological activity.
Enantioselective Cycloaddition Reactions Catalyzed by BINOL-Derived Phosphoric Acids and N-Triflyl Phosphoramides: Recent Advances
Authors: Held Felix , Grau Dominik , Tsogoeva Svetlana
Published: September 2015

Over the last several years there has been a huge increase in the development and applications of new efficient organocatalysts for enantioselective pericyclic reactions, which represent one of the most powerful types of organic transformations. Among these processes are cycloaddition reactions (e.g., [3+2]; formal [3+3]; [4+2]; vinylogous [4+2] and 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions), which belong to the most utilized reactions in organic synthesis of complex nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocyclic molecules. This review presents the breakthrough realized in this field using chiral BINOL-derived phosphoric acids and N-triflyl phosphoramide organocatalysts.
Review of Platensimycin and Platencin: Inhibitors of β-Ketoacyl-acyl Carrier Protein (ACP) Synthase III (FabH)
Authors: Shang Ruofeng , Liang Jianping , Yi Yunpeng , Liu Yu , Wang Jiatu
Published: September 2015

Platensimycin and platencin were successively discovered from the strain Streptomyces platensis through systematic screening. These natural products have been defined as promising agents for fighting multidrug resistance in bacteria by targeting type II fatty acid synthesis with slightly different mechanisms. Bioactivity studies have shown that platensimycin and platencin offer great potential to inhibit many resistant bacteria with no cross-resistance or toxicity observed in vivo. This review summarizes the general information on platensimycin and platencin, including antibacterial and self-resistant mechanisms. Furthermore, the total synthesis pathways of platensimycin and platencin and their analogues from recent studies are presented.
Methods to Increase the Metabolic Stability of 18F-Radiotracers
Authors: Kuchar Manuela , Mamat Constantin
Published: September 2015

The majority of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds incorporating radiotracers that are considered foreign to the body undergo metabolic changes in vivo. Metabolic degradation of these drugs is commonly caused by a system of enzymes of low substrate specificity requirement, which is present mainly in the liver, but drug metabolism may also take place in the kidneys or other organs. Thus, radiotracers and all other pharmaceuticals are faced with enormous challenges to maintain their stability in vivo highlighting the importance of their structure. Often in practice, such biologically active molecules exhibit these properties in vitro, but fail during in vivo studies due to obtaining an increased metabolism within minutes. Many pharmacologically and biologically interesting compounds never see application due to their lack of stability. One of the most important issues of radiotracers development based on fluorine-18 is the stability in vitro and in vivo. Sometimes, the metabolism of 18F-radiotracers goes along with the cleavage of the C-F bond and with the rejection of [18F]fluoride mostly combined with high background and accumulation in the skeleton. This review deals with the impact of radiodefluorination and with approaches to stabilize the C-F bond to avoid the cleavage between fluorine and carbon.
Conceptual Pathways to Ethnic Transcendence in Diverse Churches: Theoretical Reflections on the Achievement of Successfully Integrated Congregations
Authors: Marti Gerardo
Published: September 2015

The concept of ethnic transcendence—defined as the process of co-formulating a shared religious identity among diverse members that supersedes their racial and ethnic differences through congregational involvement—captures a critical aspect of successfully integrating different racial and ethnic groups into a single, commonly shared, multi-ethnic congregation. Drawing on classic theoretical resources from Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, this paper expands on previous scholarship by conceptually articulating two different paths for the achievement of ethnic transcendence in multiracial congregations. In the first path, ethnic transcendence supports and encourages congregational diversification by inspiring members and mobilizing them to contribute their efforts to accomplish a common religious mission. In the second path, the achievement of ethnic transcendence involves the sublimation of congregational members’ religious selves to an overarching moral collective. Both paths involve privileging religious identities in favor of a particularistic ethnic or racial identity. Moreover, through both paths, the development of congregationally specific religious identities results in joining with co-members of different ethno-racial ancestries as a type of spiritually-derived kinship. Due to the fact that ethnic transcendence is an interactive process, congregational diversity is a bi-directional phenomenon representing the extent to which members allow for the integration of separate ethnicities/races into a common congregation through idealized and richly-symbolic notions of connection and belonging to a congregation. Overall, this paper suggests a heuristic framework that productively expands the concept of ethnic transcendence, allows an approach for observing cross-ethnic/inter-racial organizational processes, and ultimately contributes toward understanding how congregations (whether church, temple, or mosque) pursue alternative identity reconstruction projects to sustain cohesive collective identities.
Canopy Gap Mapping from Airborne Laser Scanning: An Assessment of the Positional and Geometrical Accuracy
Authors: Bonnet Stéphanie , Gaulton Rachel , Lehaire François , Lejeune Philippe
Published: September 2015

Canopy gaps are small-scale openings in forest canopies which offer suitable micro-climatic conditions for tree regeneration. Field mapping of gaps is complex and time-consuming. Several studies have used Canopy Height Models (CHM) derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS) to delineate gaps but limited accuracy assessment has been carried out, especially regarding the gap geometry. In this study, we investigate three mapping methods based on raster layers produced from ALS leaf-off and leaf-on datasets: thresholding, per-pixel and per-object supervised classifications with Random Forest. In addition to the CHM, other metrics related to the canopy porosity are tested. The gap detection is good, with a global accuracy up to 82% and consumer’s accuracy often exceeding 90%. The Geometric Accuracy (GAc) was analyzed with the gap area, main orientation, gap shape-complexity index and a quantitative assessment index of the matching with reference gaps polygons. The GAc assessment shows difficulties in identifying a method which properly delineates gaps. The performance of CHM-based thresholding was exceeded by that of other methods, especially thresholding of canopy porosity rasters and the per-pixel supervised classification. Beyond assessing the methods performance, we argue the critical need for future ALS-based gap studies to consider the geometric accuracy of results.
RB Particle Filter Time Synchronization Algorithm Based on the DPM Model
Authors: Guo Chunsheng , Shen Jia , Sun Yao , Ying Na
Published: September 2015

Time synchronization is essential for node localization, target tracking, data fusion, and various other Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) applications. To improve the estimation accuracy of continuous clock offset and skew of mobile nodes in WSNs, we propose a novel time synchronization algorithm, the Rao-Blackwellised (RB) particle filter time synchronization algorithm based on the Dirichlet process mixture (DPM) model. In a state-space equation with a linear substructure, state variables are divided into linear and non-linear variables by the RB particle filter algorithm. These two variables can be estimated using Kalman filter and particle filter, respectively, which improves the computational efficiency more so than if only the particle filter was used. In addition, the DPM model is used to describe the distribution of non-deterministic delays and to automatically adjust the number of Gaussian mixture model components based on the observational data. This improves the estimation accuracy of clock offset and skew, which allows achieving the time synchronization. The time synchronization performance of this algorithm is also validated by computer simulations and experimental measurements. The results show that the proposed algorithm has a higher time synchronization precision than traditional time synchronization algorithms.
Sustainability Issues and Opportunities in the Sugar and Sugar-Bioproduct Industries
Authors: Eggleston Gillian , Lima Isabel
Published: September 2015

Like many other industries, the sugar and sugar-bioproduct industries are facing important sustainability issues and opportunities. The relatively low and fluctuating profit for sugar, surpluses of sugar, world-wide trend to produce alternative, renewable bio-based fuels and chemicals to those derived from petroleum and reduce greenhouse gases, water- and energy-intensive factories and refineries, and increased consumer demands for sustainably manufactured products are putting pressure on the industries to diversify for sustainability. Sugar crops, including sugar and energy cane (Saccharum officinarum), sugar and energy beets (Beta vulgaris), and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), are excellent, renewable biomass feedstocks because of their availability, their being amongst the plants that give the highest yields of carbohydrates per hectare, and high sugar contents. While much research has been focused on conversion technologies for advanced biofuels and bioproducts, attention is now focused on developing sustainable supply chains of sugar feedstocks for the new, flexible biorefineries, with customers wanting maximum feedstock reliability and quality, while minimizing cost. All biomass from sugar crops are potential feedstocks. The cogeneration of bioelectricity from bagasse and leaf residues is being increasingly manufactured in more countries and, due to the high carbon content of bagasse and leaves, can also be converted into value-added products such as biochar. Sugar crops are superior feedstocks for the production of platform chemicals for the manufacture of a range of end-products, e.g., bioplastics, chemicals, and biomaterials. In several countries and regions, green sustainability criteria are now in place and have to be met to count against national biofuel targets. Processes to convert high-fiber sugar crop biomass into biofuel have been developed but there has only been limited commercialization at the large-scale.
Taxonomic Characterization and Secondary Metabolite Profiling of Aspergillus Section Aspergillus Contaminating Feeds and Feedstuffs
Authors: Greco Mariana , Kemppainen Minna , Pose Graciela , Pardo Alejandro
Published: September 2015

Xerophilic fungal species of the genus Aspergillus are economically highly relevant due to their ability to grow on low water activity substrates causing spoilage of stored goods and animal feeds. These fungi can synthesize a variety of secondary metabolites, many of which show animal toxicity, creating a health risk for food production animals and to humans as final consumers, respectively. Animal feeds used for rabbit, chinchilla and rainbow trout production in Argentina were analysed for the presence of xerophilic Aspergillus section Aspergillus species. High isolation frequencies (>60%) were detected in all the studied rabbit and chinchilla feeds, while the rainbow trout feeds showed lower fungal charge (25%). These section Aspergillus contaminations comprised predominantly five taxa. Twenty isolates were subjected to taxonomic characterization using both ascospore SEM micromorphology and two independent DNA loci sequencing. The secondary metabolite profiles of the isolates were determined qualitatively by HPLC-MS. All the isolates produced neoechinulin A, 17 isolates were positive for cladosporin and echinulin, and 18 were positive for neoechinulin B. Physcion and preechinulin were detected in a minor proportion of the isolates. This is the first report describing the detailed species composition and the secondary metabolite profiles of Aspergillus section Aspergillus contaminating animal feeds.
Interior Dynamics of Neutral and Charged Black Holes in f(R) Gravity
Authors: Guo Jun-Qi , Joshi Pankaj
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we explore the interior dynamics of neutral and charged black holes in f(R) gravity. We transform f(R) gravity from the Jordan frame into the Einstein frame and simulate scalar collapses in flat, Schwarzschild, and Reissner-Nordström geometries. In simulating scalar collapses in Schwarzschild and Reissner-Nordström geometries, Kruskal and Kruskal-like coordinates are used, respectively, with the presence of f′ and a physical scalar field being taken into account. The dynamics in the vicinities of the central singularity of a Schwarzschild black hole and of the inner horizon of a Reissner-Nordström black hole is examined. Approximate analytic solutions for different types of collapses are partially obtained. The scalar degree of freedom Φ, transformed from f′, plays a similar role as a physical scalar field in general relativity. Regarding the physical scalar field in f(R) case, when dΦ/dt is negative (positive), the physical scalar field is suppressed (magnified) by Φ, where t is the coordinate time. For dark energy f(R) gravity, inside black holes, gravity can easily push f′ to 1. Consequently, the Ricci scalar R becomes singular, and the numerical simulation breaks down. This singularity problem can be avoided by adding an R2 term to the original f(R) function, in which case an infinite Ricci scalar is pushed to regions where f′ is also infinite. On the other hand, in collapse for this combined model, a black hole, including a central singularity, can be formed. Moreover, under certain initial conditions, f′ and R can be pushed to infinity as the central singularity is approached. Therefore, the classical singularity problem, which is present in general relativity, remains in collapse for this combined model.
Human Rights in the Portuguese Constitution
Authors: Gomez Da Silva José Carlos
Published: September 2015

Depuis 1976, le droit à l'environnement et à la qualité de la vie est inscrit dans la Constitution portugaise parmi les droits économiques sociaux et culturels du peuple portugais. Il est conçu comme un devoir non seulement de l'Etat mais des citoyens. En ce qui concerne ces derniers, il se concrétise par un certain nombre de droits procéduraux : droit à l'information, à la participation et à la résistance, droit de saisir les autorités administratives et le médiateur, accès à la justice au sens le plus large. Une loi fondamentale de 1987 pose des principes directeurs pour la mise en œuvre de ce droit à l'environnement.
Le droit de l'environnement et les règles du jeu contentieux, vu de l'enseignement et de la recherche
Authors: Romi Raphaël
Published: September 2015

|Si le juge administratif ne peut être dit « juge vert », sa contribution au droit de l'environnement est réelle. Si mesurée qu'elle ait été et demeure, elle est d'ailleurs contestée par le législateur qui manifeste une tendance certaine à sanctionner par des adaptations procédurales certaines décisions ou certaines attitudes. Le contentieux de l'environnement est également menacé dans sa légitimité et dans son efficacité par la tendance du même législateur à généraliser le recours au juge unique. Le problème, loin de n'être que théorique, est crucial pour la démocratie.
Le contentieux des installations classées, un contentieux à repenser ?
Authors: Courtin Michel
Published: September 2015

Le rôle d'administrateur que le juge administratif s'est reconnu dans le contentieux des installations classées, et qui est parfois pris comme référence de réflexion sur l'intérêt d'accroître les pouvoirs du juge vis-à-vis de l'Administration, n'est en fait que rarement mis en œuvre. Il devient d'ailleurs de plus en plus délicat d'en faire usage en raison, notamment, de la complexification des normes, lesquelles intègrent très largement des sources de droit communautaire (alors même qu'elles ne sont pas ou imparfaitement transposées en droit interne).

Le moment est peut-être venu de repenser les règles actuelles d'organisation du contentieux des installations classées, en considération des conséquences de l'européanisation du droit de l'environnement, et notamment de la nécessaire harmonisation des pratiques juridiques nationales des Etats membres de l'Union européenne, qu'il s'agisse de la délivrance des autorisations d'exploitation ou des techniques de contrôle juridictionnel de celles-ci.
Description of Aegialoalaimus bratteni sp. n. from Skagerrak and a review of the genus (Aegialoalaimidae, Nematoda incertae sedis)
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr
Published: September 2015

The genus Aegialoalaimus de Man, 1907 includes 12 nominal species, of which three species are considered valid, two species were transferred to other genera and seven species have uncertain taxonomic status.

New species, Aegialoalaimus bratteni sp. n. was found in Skagerrak off the west coast of Sweden. It is particularly characterized by the 1.5-1.8 mm long body, short papilliform cephalic sensilla, excretory pore opening just posterior to nerve ring level, spicules that are straight in shape, supplements and gubernaculum absent, separating it from other valid species of the genus. It can be further differentiated from Aegialoalaimus elegans in having longer body (1.5-1.8 mm in A. bratteni sp. n. vs 0.8-1.3 mm in A. elegans), shape and size of spicules (straight and 22-29 µm long in A. bratteni sp. n. vs arcuate and 34 µm long in A. elegans), absence of precloacal supplements (vs seven-eight in A. elegans), absence of gubernaculum (vs present in A. elegans); from A. setosa in having shorter tail (c´=2.6-3.1 in A. bratteni sp. n. vs c´=4.2 in A. setosa), shorter cephalic sensilla (0.5-1.0 µm in A. bratteni sp. n. vs 9 µm in A. setosa), shape and size of spicules (straight and 22-29 µm long in A. bratteni sp. n. vs arcuate and 40-45 µm long in A. setosa), absence of precloacal supplements (vs eight in A. setosa), absence of gubernaculum (vs present in A. setosa); from A. leptosoma in having longer body (1.5-1.8 mm in A. bratteni sp. n. vs 0.5-0.7 mm in A. leptosoma) and other measurements, shape of spicules (straight in A. bratteni sp. n. vs arcuate in A. leptosoma), absence of precloacal supplements (vs three-five in A. leptosoma), absence of gubernaculum (vs present in A. leptosoma). Type specimens of Aegialoalaimus cylindricauda Allgén, 1933 and A. paratenuicaudatus Allgén, 1959 are redescribed and taxonomic status of these two species is re-evaluated. A taxonomic review, tabular compendium and identification key for species of the genus Aegialoalaimus are also given.
Simulation Design: Engaging Large Groups of Nurse Practitioner Students
Authors: Garnett Susan , Weiss Josie A. , Winland-Brown Jill E.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Little has been written about using human patient simulation to teach primary care management to large groups of nurse practitioner (NP) students. This article describes an innovative design for simulated clinical experiences based on a game show format.

Method:

This large-group design was conceived as a way to overcome several challenges, particularly limited faculty resources, to integrating simulation into NP education. Progressive variations evolved from this foundation, including the use of observer–participant groups; initial and follow-up visits on the same simulated patient; and mentor–mentee collaborations.

Results:

Student comments, while consistently positive about the simulated clinical experiences, have been used to guide revisions to strengthen the simulation program.

Conclusion:

The innovative large-group design enabled faculty to use simulation to enhance students’ skills in primary care management. Faculties with similar challenges might find these strategies useful to replicate or adapt. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2015;54(9):525–531.]
Nursing Students’ Experiences of Health Care in Swaziland: Transformational Processes in Developing Cultural Understanding
Authors: Murray Bethany A.
Published: September 2015

Background:

This study examined the experiences of nursing students following a service-learning placement in Swaziland. Students worked in a hospital and implemented community health clinics.

Method:

Six students were interviewed 1 month after their return from the overseas study experience. A thematic analysis was performed.

Results:

Four themes emerged. The first theme was transitions—students experienced personal hardships, emotional reactions, and language difficulties that created discomfort. The second theme was perceptions—cultural dissonance was encountered between the health care and nursing cultures of Swaziland and the United States. The third theme was internalization—discomfort and cultural dissonance activated coping mechanisms within students that generated a process of change in attitudes and beliefs. The fourth theme was incorporation—personal and professional growth were demonstrated with greater awareness, compassion, resourcefulness, and comfort with diversity.

Conclusion:

The stress and cultural dissonance experienced by students led to an increase in cultural understanding and awareness. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(9, Suppl.):S65–S73.
Factors Associated With Interest in Working With Older Adults: Implications for Educational Practices
Authors: Chippendale Tracy
Published: September 2015

Background:

The aging population has created a pressing need for specialists in geriatrics. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the predictors of interest in working with older adults among students enrolled in or planning to enroll in a health science program, using an existing data set. The study was guided by Super’s theory of vocational development.

Method:

Multiple regression, with a significance level of
p
< 0.05, was used for the analysis.

Results:

Positive images of older adults and the participants’ current amount of contact were significant predictors of interest in working with older adults, whereas negative images and prior amount of contact with older adults were not.

Conclusion:

Results suggest implications for curriculum design and educational programs to increase the workforce in geriatrics practice, which are discussed. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(9, Suppl.):S89–S93.]
Exploring the Use of Critical Reflective Inquiry With Nursing Students Participating in an International Service-Learning Experience
Authors: Curtin Alicia J. , Martins Diane C. , Schwartz-Barcott Donna , DiMaria Lisa Adorno , Ogando Béliga Milagros Soler
Published: September 2015

Background:

Increasing interest in providing international educational experiences for nursing students has led to a variety of short-term international service-learning experiences. However, the impact of these experiences has not been clearly articulated.

Method:

In this qualitative descriptive research study, Kim’s critical reflective inquiry model was used to help guide students in reflecting on and identifying the impact of an international service-learning program in the Dominican Republic.

Results:

The model was helpful in promoting in-depth description and reflection on the students’ underlying assumptions and values, as well as identifying beginning strategies for emancipation in specific patient care situations.

Conclusion:

Providing a group process for critical reflection may optimize the perspective transformations in meeting the goals and objectives of the experience. [J Nurs Educ.2015;54(9, Suppl.):S95–S98.]
MOOCs Business Models
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: September 2015

MOOCs have grabbed the headlines and rightfully become the focal point of the disruption under way in higher education. The environment in which MOOCs and other forms of online education operate is changing virtually every day. The viral nature of MOOCs has been apparent through the rapid growth of providers, participating (significant) institutions, faculty members involved in providing courses, students enrolled, and other measures. And MOOCs are starting to exhibit the second trend desired by their startup investors: MOOCs don't seem to be going away. More courses are being added, more faculty members and students are becoming involved. While MOOCs have captured the interest of many, the business models and return on investment are still evolving. The aim of this chapter is to present an analysis of various business models being used by various MOOCs providers along with some future monetization strategies for MOOC providers.
Requirements Capture Analysis for MOOCS in Higher Education
Authors: Gordon Neil Andrew , Brayshaw Mike
Published: September 2015

One of the attention grabbing headlines in the last two years has been of hundreds of thousands of students enrolling on MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) that are being offered by some of the world's top Universities. Large numbers of students are starting these courses, and significant numbers – though only a small proportion of the cohorts – are apparently able to pass these courses. There is considerable momentum behind this movement and it is clearly here to stay in some form. This chapter includes a reflection on how MOOCS can become main stream and considers the requirements that such systems should meet, for students as well as for Higher Education (tertiary) institutions. The chapter considers requirements for students of Open and Free Access and the need for high quality materials. Furthermore, it considers how Computer science approaches for requirements capture can be used to identify features for MOOC and shows how these platforms can fit into blended learning.
A Systematic Map of Evaluation Criteria Applicable for Evaluating E-Portfolio Systems
Authors: McKenna Gary F. , Baxter Gavin J.
Published: September 2015

This chapter examines the literature on evaluation methods within e-learning with respect to their applicability to evaluate e-portfolio systems within higher education as evaluation criteria for reviewing e-portfolio provisions do not currently exist in the literature. The appr­oach taken is to initiate two extensive literature searches and reviews. The first search was undertaken in 2009 involved reviewing over 600 articles by abstract dating from 1995 to 2010 to develop evaluation criteria suitable for Blackboard LMS e-portfolio systems evaluation. The second search undertaken in 2013 involved extending the search criteria to include further terminology and databases and returned over 4107 articles, which were read by title and abstract dating from 2009 to 2013, in order to systematically map evaluation methods used within e-learning to assess their quality and applicability for evaluating e-portfolio systems. The implications of the research undertaken provide a starting-point for further research into the development of robust e-portfolio evaluation models and frameworks. The lack of evidence uncovered in the 2009 and 2013 searches of the literature justify the need for further research into the design, development, and testing of evaluation methods for the evaluation of e-portfolio systems.
Classification and Comparison of Strategic Information Systems Planning Methodologies
Authors: Kandjani Hadi , Mohtarami Amir , Taghva Mohammad Reza , Andargoli Amirhossein Eslami
Published: September 2015

Strategic planning for information systems remains as one of the top concerns and continues to be a critical issue for many chief information officers and their organisations. Also, a comprehensive review of the recent information systems planning literature reveals that selecting a proper methodology used in developing an information systems plan is one of the success factors related to the success of the IS planning process. Although this individual success factor should have attracted more research and discussions, there have not been enough attempts to create a framework to compare and classify strategic information systems planning methodologies to select a proper method for a specific organisation with its unique requirements, hence a gap in literature. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is primarily to bridge this gap by proposing a conceptual framework to classify strategic information systems planning methodologies to choose the suitable methodology(ies) according to specific requirements of an organisation.
Learning through Immersive Virtual Environments
Authors: Ndinguri Erastus , Machtmes Krisanna , Hatala John Paul , Coco Mary Leah
Published: September 2015

Changes on how the workforce is learning/training today are evident in many organizations. Discussions about how Immersive Virtual Learning (IVL) is a part of the skill development process and outcomes in the workplace have increased (Salmon, 2009). There is an abundance of literature on the application of virtual and other learning technologies within learning institutions (Hew & Cheung, 2010); however, there is a paucity of literature on IVL organization learning. This chapter discusses the existing research and understanding of IVL and the application within an organizational setting. Further, this chapter explores the connection between knowledge transfer and the impact IVL has on the workforce. This exploration attempts to create a link between global connectivity, changing cultures, and changing technologies. In addition, this chapter examines the benefits of IVL in a workplace setting and offers suggestions for future research and practice.
An Action Research on Design, Delivery, and Evaluation of a Distance Course in a Vocational Higher Education Institution
Authors: Uzun Erman , Özden M. Yaşar , Yildirim Ali
Published: September 2015

In this chapter, the main purpose is to explain design, development, delivery, and evaluation process of a new distance web design course for the needs of students in a vocational higher education institution. It is important to highlight how wisely instructional technology was designed and used to mitigate problems to effectively support the course. Proactive action research was used as a framework of the study. This research focused on an analysis of the existing face-to-face course to mitigate its problems in the new design. Then, strengths and weaknesses of the new design in the new context were investigated. It is important to highlight that technology comes with its unique problems and opportunities. Thus, teaching in a technological environment confronts instructors with a wide range of pedagogical, technological, and physical challenges.
The Design of Service Systems Architecture for Building Smart Public Infrastructures
Authors: Kawano Katsumi
Published: September 2015

This chapter shows a systems technologies framework to lead the approach to design information service system architecture standing on the systems concept. It also presents application examples for building smart public infrastructures. Moreover, it shows that a systems concept, autonomous decentralization, gives a consistent design approach for the reference architecture, the concrete architecture, and the implementation. The presented service system provides an autonomous process for a service receiver to get valued information changing the state of the receiver. The example of the service system provides, recursively, the information to see in smart public infrastructures (MIERUKA in Japanese) for rapid decision making among stakeholders in the business process.
Designing and Delivering Web-Based Instruction to Adult Learners in Higher Education
Authors: Okojie Mabel C. P. O.
Published: September 2015

The essence of this chapter is to discuss theories and practices including approaches that instructional designers consider when designing Web-based instruction for adult learners. The importance of the chapter is to discuss best practice activities and theories as well as technologies that enable adult online learners to be involved in the design of their Web-based instruction. This represents recognition that adults have accumulated a repertoire of knowledge and experiences that inevitably will enrich the course materials. The theories discussed in this chapter are constructivism and connectivism; these theories improve adult involvement and help them to establish learning networks for exchanges of ideas using cultural artifacts and various interactive and video technologies. These technologies include Adobe Connect, Camtasia, Articulate Storyline, SoftChalk, Prezi, Google.docs, and Google Hangout. The idea is to provide rich virtual learning environments to help adult learners explore learning and connect with each other without inhibition. The traditional method of instruction, which is teacher-centered, is considered inadequate for the present digital age with its rapid knowledge transformation. The roles of technology leaders within the institutional leadership and factors that may impact negatively on Web-based instruction for adults are also considered.
Design of Web Services for Mobile Monitoring and Access to Measurements
Authors: Pencheva Evelina
Published: September 2015

Provisioning of applications and value-added services for mobile (remote) monitoring and access to measurements data is supported by advanced communication models such as Internet of Things (IoT). IoT provides ubiquitous connectivity anytime and with anything. IoT applications are able to communicate with the environment, to receive information about its status, to exchange and use the information. Identification of generic functions for monitoring management, data acquisition, and access to information provides capabilities to define abstraction of transport technology and control protocols. This chapter presents an approach to design Web Services Application Programming Interfaces (API) for mobile monitoring and database access. Aspects of the Web Services implementation are discussed. A traffic model of Web Services application server is described formally. The Web Services application server handles traffic of different priorities generated by third party applications and by processes at the database server's side. The traffic model takes into account the distributed structure of the Web Services application server and applies mechanisms for adaptive admission control and load balancing to prevent overload. The utilization of Web Services application server is evaluated through simulation.
Network-Based Continuous Education Opportunities
Authors: Butrimė Edita , Zuzevičiūtė Vaiva
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to analyze and present theoretical and empirical findings about the ways that teachers in Higher Education (HE) interpret the role of ICT for their professional development both as teachers in HE and as medical professionals in some cases. Two research questions were formulated: 1) Why is the employment of technologies fully accepted and promoted in almost all aspects of professional activity, but employment of ICT for teaching and learning at HE is not always used to its full potential? 2) What (if any) educational support is needed for university teachers to use available e-learning opportunities for their own development as teachers to a greater extent? Educational support for university teachers to use contemporary information communication technologies and network provisions more effectively for their competence development are presented.
Using the Internet to Make Local Music More Available to the South Wales Community
Authors: Bishop Jonathan , Mannay Lisa
Published: September 2015

Wales is the “land of the poets so soothing to me,” according to its national anthem. The political and economic landscape does not on the whole provide for the many creative people that are in Welsh communities. Social media Websites like MySpace and YouTube as well as Websites like MTV.com, eJay, and PeopleSound, whilst providing space for artists to share their works, but do not usually consider the needs of local markets, such as in relation to Welsh language provision through to acknowledgement of Welsh place names and Wales's status as a country. The chapter finds that there are distinct issues in relation to presenting information via the Web- or Tablet-based devises and suggests some of the considerations needed when designing multi-platform environments.
M-Learning in the Middle East
Authors: Marinakou Evangelia , Giousmpasoglou Charalampos
Published: September 2015

The introduction of e-learning in higher education has brought radical changes in the way undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are designed and delivered. University students now have access to their courses anytime, anywhere, which makes e-learning and m-learning popular and fashionable among university students globally. Nevertheless, instructors are now challenged, as they have to adopt new pedagogies in learning and teaching. This chapter explores the adoption of m-learning at universities in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the relevant current developments and challenges related to the major stakeholders (educators and students) in higher education. It mainly investigates the educators' views and perceptions of m-learning, as well as its future potential in higher education. Most of the educators use m-learning tools to some limited extent, and there is still opportunity to reach full integration with curriculum and the blended learning approach. Further, it is proposed that professional development should be provided to instructors to enable them to use the available new technologies in an appropriate and effective way.
Initial Adoption vs. Institutionalization of E-Procurement in Construction Firms
Authors: Huang De Chun , Tran Quang Dung , Nguyen Thi Quynh Trang , Nazir Sajjad
Published: September 2015

This study explores the role of government in fostering construction firms move from initial adoption to institutionalization of e-procurement in developing countries' context. It proposes the research model that consists of five external environmental constructs that are considered as factors influencing the different levels of e-procurement adoption. It uses PLS-SEM to analyze the data collected from 112 construction businesses in Vietnam in 2012. It finds that the role of government has an extremely significant influence on a decision of initial adoption of e-procurement in construction enterprises through government leadership, legal and regulatory infrastructure, information and technology infrastructure (ITI), and socio-economic and knowledge infrastructure. However, the role of government is less important to a decision of institutionalization of e-procurement when only ITI significantly influences on the decision-making. As a result, useful theoretical and practical implications are proposed.
The Impact of On-Line Consumer Reviews on Value Perception
Authors: Chang Hsin Hsin , Fang Po Wen , Huang Chien Hao
Published: September 2015

This study combines the dual-process theory (DPT) and the uncertainty reduction theory (URT) to examine how on-line consumer reviews affect consumer uncertainty reduction and value perceptions in order to understand whether consumer attitudes will be influenced by on-line consumer reviews and if relationships are built between consumers and companies as a result. The results indicated that argument quality, recommendation sidedness, source credibility, confirmation of prior beliefs, and recommendation ratings have a positive effect on the uncertainty reduction of consumers towards the businesses under consideration. Since uncertainty reduction has an effect on value perception, this study suggests that companies provide on-line consumer reviews on their websites to increase consumer uncertainty reduction and to improve consumer value perception of their companies.
The Driving Machine
Authors: Marcus Aaron
Published: September 2015

The Driving Machine seeks to provide an innovative vehicle dashboard that combines information design and persuasion design to change the driver's behavior, promoting safety, fuel efficiency, and sustainability.
Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning
Authors: Adeyinka Tella
Published: September 2015

Information literacy is regarded as the basis for learning in our contemporary environment of rapid and sophisticated technological change. As information and communication technologies develop rapidly, and the information environment becomes increasingly complex, educators are recognizing the needs for learners to engage with the information environment as part of their formal learning processes. The achievement of lifelong learning and making citizens become information literate is the target of many nations as far as millennium development goals and vision 2015 are concerned. This chapter presents a literature review on information literacy and lifelong learning pointing out the relationship between the two and their benefits, and finally, the chapter makes recommendations to improve both programs.
Teachers as Researchers and Instructional Leaders
Authors: Loose Crystal
Published: September 2015

Professional development is a necessity for teachers in the K-20 system. To achieve effective teaching, teachers must be engaged in learning. On the job training and professional development provide learning opportunities for professional teachers in K-20 education. To achieve the most authentic professional development, students should be part of the learning process as they are part of the instructional equation. In order to promote lifelong learning of adults, teacher training needs to arise from problems and interests found in their practice. In this chapter, the author discusses Japanese Lesson Study (JLS) as a method for teacher professional development in the area of English Language Arts with emphasis on Situated Learning Theory as a necessary emphasis for teacher learning in K-20 classrooms. Connections are made to the National Common Core Standards as teachers compete globally to prepare students for success.
Homeland Security Information Technology and Engineering (ITE) Professional Development Training for Educators in Urban High Schools
Authors: Wright Brown Cecelia
Published: September 2015

This chapter focuses on an Information Technology and Engineering (ITE) professional development training project designed to increase the number of teachers in an urban school district with proficient skills, tools, and content knowledge in computer/information technology, engineering technology, and technical certifications that will support students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Through this process, high school teachers will use tools, resources, and training to understand homeland security issues and career opportunities for students in their schools. A cohort of STEM teachers from an urban school district located in Baltimore City participated in a professional development workshop that included information technology, engineering, and homeland defense education to support students pursuing technical careers in these areas. The training addressed deficiencies in content knowledge of homeland security issues and research linked to the high school STEM curriculum homeland security career opportunities available to high school students. The overall goal of the ITE profession development training was designed to increase the technical proficiency of STEM teachers in urban high schools serving historically underserved students to support students in Information Technology (IT), engineering, and homeland security careers, thus nurturing a homeland security science and engineering workforce.
Outlining the Value of Cognitive Studies in Increasing the Strategic Management within Organizations
Authors: Varela Aida Varela , Barbosa Marilene Lobo Abreu , Farias Maria Giovanna Guedes
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the value of cognitive studies in the optimization of strategic management through improved information systems. To reach this objective, cognitive concepts and their developments are initially contrasted with learning, mediation, and skills development, and the experiences in companies, for example, are presented by applying the Structural Cognitive Modifiability Theory (SCMT) and the Mediated Learning Experience theory (MLE), which were developed through the Instrumental Enrichment Programs (IEP) created by Reuven Feuerstein in order to describe the trajectory through which a subject arrives at a solution to a problem. In conclusion, professions undergo profound changes of a complex and diverse nature as a result of the political, economic, and social situation that leads to interdependence and competition, requiring an overhaul of theories and educational practices in order to align the professional profiles with the social and productive demands that require independent reflective, creative, proactive professionals.
LIS Undergraduate Education in New Zealand
Authors: Cossham Amanda , Wellstead Peta , Welland Sarah
Published: September 2015

This chapter reviews and discusses Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduate education in New Zealand over the past 30 years, and identifies issues and research needs. It examines contemporary issues facing LIS education in a rapidly changing information environment, affected by a particular historical and social context and changes to the higher education sector nationally and internationally. Issues include professionalization, the tension between education and continuing professional development, the difficulty of keeping programmes up to date and reflective of industry needs in times of fiscal restraint, and the complexities of the particular student body, as well as changes in the LIS sector more generally. It highlights research needs and shows how professional associations and LIS educators are addressing these issues through a range of solutions designed to strengthen the library, records, and archives professions.
Development of a Technology Plan
Authors: Bynog Melinda
Published: September 2015

The composition of a technology plan is a complex process composed of many parts. The integration of curriculum instruction, levels of technology across the curriculum, the establishment of technology standards, and strategies for the development of equity along with administration and support staff are just a few of the components that assist in the creation of a successful technology plan. A technology plan encompasses other plans, which provides the necessary support for the technology plan's development. For example, there are professional development plans and technology support plans that have completely different goals. This chapter focuses on components, strategies, and information that comprise the foundation of a technology plan. The technology plan is a basic tool that can be modified to suit the situation, and used to outline and identify the basic needs for the development of a technology plan.