bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave-Assisted γ-Valerolactone Production for Biomass Lignin Extraction: A Cascade Protocol
Authors: Tabasso Silvia , Grillo Giorgio , Carnaroglio Diego , Calcio Gaudino Emanuela , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: March 2016

The general need to slow the depletion of fossil resources and reduce carbon footprints has led to tremendous effort being invested in creating “greener” industrial processes and developing alternative means to produce fuels and synthesize platform chemicals. This work aims to design a microwave-assisted cascade process for a full biomass valorisation cycle. GVL (γ-valerolactone), a renewable green solvent, has been used in aqueous acidic solution to achieve complete biomass lignin extraction. After lignin precipitation, the levulinic acid (LA)-rich organic fraction was hydrogenated, which regenerated the starting solvent for further biomass delignification. This process does not requires a purification step because GVL plays the dual role of solvent and product, while the reagent (LA) is a product of biomass delignification. In summary, this bio-refinery approach to lignin extraction is a cascade protocol in which the solvent loss is integrated into the conversion cycle, leading to simplified methods for biomass valorisation.
Yeast Extract and Silver Nitrate Induce the Expression of Phenylpropanoid Biosynthetic Genes and Induce the Accumulation of Rosmarinic Acid in Agastache rugosa Cell Culture
Authors: Park Woo , Arasu Mariadhas , Al-Dhabi Naif , Yeo Sun , Jeon Jin , Park Jong , Lee Sook , Park Sang
Published: March 2016

The present study aimed to investigate the role of yeast extract and silver nitrate on the enhancement of phenylpropanoid pathway genes and accumulation of rosmarinic acid in Agastache rugosa cell cultures. The treatment of cell cultures with yeast extract (500 mg/L) and silver nitrate (30 mg/L) for varying times enhanced the expression of genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway and the production of rosmarinic acid. The results indicated that the expression of RAS and HPPR was proportional to the amount of yeast extract and silver nitrate. The transcript levels of HPPR under yeast extract treatment were 1.84-, 1.97-, and 2.86-fold higher than the control treatments after 3, 6, and 12 h, respectively, whereas PAL expression under silver nitrate treatment was 52.31-fold higher than in the non-treated controls after 24 h of elicitation. The concentration of rosmarinic acid was directly proportional to the concentration of the applied elicitors. Yeast extract supplementation documented the highest amount of rosmarinic acid at 4.98 mg/g, whereas silver nitrate addition resulted in a comparatively lower amount of rosmarinic acid at 0.65 mg/g. In conclusion, addition of yeast extract to the cell cultures enhanced the accumulation of rosmarinic acid, which was evidenced by the expression levels of the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway genes in A. rugosa.
Selective Labeling of Proteins on Living Cell Membranes Using Fluorescent Nanodiamond Probes
Authors: Sotoma Shingo , Iimura Jun , Igarashi Ryuji , Hirosawa Koichiro , Ohnishi Hidenori , Mizukami Shin , Kikuchi Kazuya , Fujiwara Takahiro , Shirakawa Masahiro , Tochio Hidehito
Published: March 2016

The impeccable photostability of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) is an ideal property for use in fluorescence imaging of proteins in living cells. However, such an application requires highly specific labeling of the target proteins with FNDs. Furthermore, the surface of unmodified FNDs tends to adsorb biomolecules nonspecifically, which hinders the reliable targeting of proteins with FNDs. Here, we combined hyperbranched polyglycerol modification of FNDs with the β-lactamase-tag system to develop a strategy for selective imaging of the protein of interest in cells. The combination of these techniques enabled site-specific labeling of Interleukin-18 receptor alpha chain, a membrane receptor, with FNDs, which eventually enabled tracking of the diffusion trajectory of FND-labeled proteins on the membrane surface.
The Performance of Five Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Prediction Equations against Dual X-ray Absorptiometry in Estimating Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass in an Adult Australian Population
Authors: Yu Solomon , Powell Alice , Khow Kareeann , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: March 2016

Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) is a diagnostic criterion for sarcopenia. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) offers a bedside approach to measure ASM but the performance of BIA prediction equations (PE) varies with ethnicities and body composition. We aim to validate the performance of five PEs in estimating ASM against estimation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We recruited 195 healthy adult Australians and ASM was measured using single-frequency BIA. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the predictive accuracy of ASM as determined by BIA against DXA. Precision (root mean square error (RMSE)) and bias (mean error (ME)) were calculated according to the method of Sheiner and Beal. Four PEs (except that by Kim) showed ASM values that correlated strongly with ASMDXA (r ranging from 0.96 to 0.97, p < 0.001). The Sergi equation performed the best with the lowest ME of −1.09 kg (CI: −0.84–−1.34, p < 0.001) and the RMSE was 2.09 kg (CI: 1.72–2.47). In men, the Kyle equation performed better with the lowest ME (−0.32 kg (CI: −0.66–0.02) and RMSE (1.54 kg (CI: 1.14–1.93)). The Sergi equation is applicable in adult Australians (Caucasian) whereas the Kyle equation can be considered in males. The need remains to validate PEs in other ethnicities and to develop equations suitable for multi-frequency BIA.
Forest Disturbance Mapping Using Dense Synthetic Landsat/MODIS Time-Series and Permutation-Based Disturbance Index Detection
Authors: Frantz David , Röder Achim , Udelhoven Thomas , Schmidt Michael
Published: March 2016

Spatio-temporal information on process-based forest loss is essential for a wide range of applications. Despite remote sensing being the only feasible means of monitoring forest change at regional or greater scales, there is no retrospectively available remote sensor that meets the demand of monitoring forests with the required spatial detail and guaranteed high temporal frequency. As an alternative, we employed the Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM) to produce a dense synthetic time series by fusing Landsat and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) nadir Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) adjusted reflectance. Forest loss was detected by applying a multi-temporal disturbance detection approach implementing a Disturbance Index-based detection strategy. The detection thresholds were permutated with random numbers for the normal distribution in order to generate a multi-dimensional threshold confidence area. As a result, a more robust parameterization and a spatially more coherent detection could be achieved. (i) The original Landsat time series; (ii) synthetic time series; and a (iii) combined hybrid approach were used to identify the timing and extent of disturbances. The identified clearings in the Landsat detection were verified using an annual woodland clearing dataset from Queensland’s Statewide Landcover and Trees Study. Disturbances caused by stand-replacing events were successfully identified. The increased temporal resolution of the synthetic time series indicated promising additional information on disturbance timing. The results of the hybrid detection unified the benefits of both approaches, i.e., the spatial quality and general accuracy of the Landsat detection and the increased temporal information of synthetic time series. Results indicated that a temporal improvement in the detection of the disturbance date could be achieved relative to the irregularly spaced Landsat data for sufficiently large patches.
Complex Deformation Monitoring over the Linfen–Yuncheng Basin (China) with Time Series InSAR Technology
Authors: Yang Cheng-sheng , Zhang Qin , Xu Qiang , Zhao Chao-ying , Peng Jian-bing , Ji Ling-yun
Published: March 2016

The Linfen–Yuncheng basin is an area prone to geological disasters, such as surface subsidence, ground fissuring, fault activity, and earthquakes. For the purpose of disaster prevention and mitigation, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) was used to map ground deformation in this area. After the ground deformation characteristics over the Linfen–Yuncheng basin were obtained, the cross-correlations among regional ground subsidence, fault activity, and underground water level were analyzed in detail. Additionally, an area of abnormal deformation was found and examined. Through time series deformation monitoring and mechanism inversion, we found that the abnormal deformation was related mainly to excessive groundwater exploitation.
Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection Based on Low-Rank Representation and Learned Dictionary
Authors: Niu Yubin , Wang Bin
Published: March 2016

In this paper, a novel hyperspectral anomaly detector based on low-rank representation (LRR) and learned dictionary (LD) has been proposed. This method assumes that a two-dimensional matrix transformed from a three-dimensional hyperspectral imagery can be decomposed into two parts: a low rank matrix representing the background and a sparse matrix standing for the anomalies. The direct application of LRR model is sensitive to a tradeoff parameter that balances the two parts. To mitigate this problem, a learned dictionary is introduced into the decomposition process. The dictionary is learned from the whole image with a random selection process and therefore can be viewed as the spectra of the background only. It also requires a less computational cost with the learned dictionary. The statistic characteristic of the sparse matrix allows the application of basic anomaly detection method to obtain detection results. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to other anomaly detection methods, the proposed method based on LRR and LD shows its robustness and has a satisfactory anomaly detection result.
An Evaluation of Sensor Performance for Harmful Compounds by Using Photo-Induced Electron Transfer from Photosynthetic Membranes to Electrodes
Authors: Kasuno Megumi , Kimura Hiroki , Yasutomo Hisataka , Torimura Masaki , Murakami Daisuke , Tsukatani Yusuke , Hanada Satoshi , Matsushita Takayuki , Tao Hiroaki
Published: March 2016

Rapid, simple, and low-cost screening procedures are necessary for the detection of harmful compounds in the effluent that flows out of point sources such as industrial outfall. The present study investigated the effects on a novel sensor of harmful compounds such as KCN, phenol, and herbicides such as 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine (atrazine), and 2-N-tert-butyl-4-N-ethyl-6-methylsulfanyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (terbutryn). The sensor employed an electrode system that incorporated the photocurrent of intra-cytoplasmic membranes (so-called chromatophores) prepared from photosynthetic bacteria and linked using carbon paste electrodes. The amperometric curve (photocurrent-time curve) of photo-induced electron transfer from chromatophores of the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides to the electrode via an exogenous electron acceptor was composed of two characteristic phases: an abrupt increase in current immediately after illumination (I0), and constant current over time (Ic). Compared with other redox compounds, 2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) was the most useful exogenous electron acceptor in this system. Photo-reduction of DCBQ exhibited Michaelis-Menten-like kinetics, and reduction rates were dependent on the amount of DCBQ and the photon flux intensity. The Ic decreased in the presence of KCN at concentrations over 0.05 μM (=μmol·dm−3). The I0 decreased following the addition of phenol at concentrations over 20 μM. The Ic was affected by terbutryn at concentrations over 10 μM. In contrast, DCMU and atrazine had no effect on either I0 or Ic. The utility of this electrode system for the detection of harmful compounds is discussed.
Performance Improvement of Total Ionization Dose Radiation Sensor Devices Using Fluorine-Treated MOHOS
Authors: Hsieh Wen-Ching , Lee Hao-Tien , Jong Fuh-Cheng , Wu Shich-Chuan
Published: March 2016

Fluorine-treated titanium nitride–silicon oxide–hafnium oxide–silicon oxide–silicon devices (hereafter F-MOHOS) are candidates for total ionization dose (TID) radiation sensor applications. The main subject of the study reportedherein is the performance improvement in terms of TID radiation-induced charge generation effect and charge-retention reliability characterization for F-MOHOS devices. In the case of F-MOHOS TID radiation sensors, the gamma radiation induces a significant decrease of threshold voltage VT and the radiation-induced charge density is nearly six times larger than that of standard metal–oxide–nitride–oxide–silicon MONOS devices. The decrease of VT for F-MOHOS after gamma irradiation has a strong correlation to the TID up to 5 Mrad gamma irradiation as well. The improvement of charge retention loss for F-MOHOS devices is nearly 15% better than that of metal–oxide–hafnium oxide–oxide–silicon MOHOS devices. The F-MOHOS device described in this study demonstrates better feasibility for non-volatile TID radiation sensing in the future.
Silicon Soil Amendments for Suppressing Powdery Mildew on Pumpkin
Authors: Lepolu Torlon J. , Heckman Joseph , Simon James , Wyenandt Christian
Published: March 2016

A greenhouse experiment was conducted with Cucurbita pepo L. “Howden” pumpkin to compare the effectiveness of various soil amendments for providing Si nutrition, improving soil fertility, and suppressing powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii). A sandy loam soil with an initial soil pH of 4.5 was left unamended or amended with various liming materials or silicon sources. Calcite limestone, dolomite limestone, wollastonite, CaMg silicate slag, and wood ash were similarly effective liming materials for neutralizing soil acidity, but Montanagrow™ and glacial rock flour were not shown to be effective liming materials. Powdery mildew disease incidence and severity was visually scored on the foliage. Disease development was inversely related to Si concentration in vine tissue. Wollastonite was the most effective amendment at increasing Si uptake and for suppressing powdery mildew disease and glacial rock flour was not effective.
Handling Diversity of Visions and Priorities in Food Chain Sustainability Assessment
Authors: Galli Francesca , Bartolini Fabio , Brunori Gianluca
Published: March 2016

Food chain sustainability assessment is challenging on several grounds. Handling knowledge and information on sustainability performance and coping with the diversity of visions around “what counts as sustainable food” are two key issues addressed by this study. By developing a comparative case study on local, regional and global wheat-to-bread chains, and confronting the multidimensionality of sustainability, this work focuses on the differing visions and perspectives of stakeholders. We integrate qualitative and quantitative data, stakeholder consultation and multi-criteria analysis to align the visions and the multiple meanings of sustainability. Because of the complexity and the dynamicity of the food system, the multidimensionality of the sustainability concept and its pliability to stakeholders priorities, sustainability is an object of competition for firms in the agro-food sector and has major implications in the governance of food chains. Results identify key propositions in relation to: (i) the value of combining science-led evidence with socio-cultural values; (ii) multidimensional sustainability assessment as a self diagnosis tool; and (iii) the need to identify shared assessment criteria by communities of reference.
Distribution drivers and physiological responses in geothermal bryophyte communities
Authors: García Estefanía Llaneza , Rosenstiel Todd N. , Graves Camille , Shortlidge Erin E. , Eppley Sarah M.
Published: March 2016

PREMISE OF STUDY:

Our ability to explain community structure rests on our ability to define the importance of ecological niches, including realized ecological niches, in shaping communities, but few studies of plant distributions have combined predictive models with physiological measures.

METHODS:

Using field surveys and statistical modeling, we predicted distribution drivers in geothermal bryophyte (moss) communities of Lassen Volcanic National Park (California, USA). In the laboratory, we used drying and rewetting experiments to test whether the strong species‐specific effects of relative humidity on distributions predicted by the models were correlated with physiological characters.

KEY RESULTS:

We found that the three most common bryophytes in geothermal communities were significantly affected by three distinct distribution drivers: temperature, light, and relative humidity. Aulacomnium palustre, whose distribution is significantly affected by relative humidity according to our model, and which occurs in high‐humidity sites, showed extreme signs of stress after drying and never recovered optimal values of PSII efficiency after rewetting. Campylopus introflexus, whose distribution is not affected by humidity according to our model, was able to maintain optimal values of PSII efficiency for 48 hr at 50% water loss and recovered optimal values of PSII efficiency after rewetting.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that species‐specific environmental stressors tightly constrain the ecological niches of geothermal bryophytes. Tests of tolerance to drying in two bryophyte species corresponded with model predictions of the comparative importance of relative humidity as distribution drivers for these species.
Contact-free experimental determination of the static flexural spring constant of cantilever sensors using a microfluidic force tool
Authors: Parkin John D , Hähner Georg
Published: March 2016

Micro- and nanocantilevers are employed in atomic force microscopy (AFM) and in micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) as sensing elements. They enable nanomechanical measurements, are essential for the characterization of nanomaterials, and form an integral part of many nanoscale devices. Despite the fact that numerous methods described in the literature can be applied to determine the static flexural spring constant of micro- and nanocantilever sensors, experimental techniques that do not require contact between the sensor and a surface at some point during the calibration process are still the exception rather than the rule. We describe a noncontact method using a microfluidic force tool that produces accurate forces and demonstrate that this, in combination with a thermal noise spectrum, can provide the static flexural spring constant for cantilever sensors of different geometric shapes over a wide range of spring constant values (≈0.8–160 N/m).
Investigation of the hydrodynamic processes of a centrifugal pump in a geothermal system
Authors: Bogdevičius Marijonas , Janutėnienė Jolanta , Didžiokas Rimantas , Razmas Saulius , Skrickij Viktor , Bogdevičius Paulius
Published: March 2016

The hydrodynamic and thermodynamic processes of geothermal well extraction are investigated and presented in this paper. The paper presents mathematical models for a multi-level centrifugal pump and pipeline system. The mathematical models were used to evaluate gas (nitrogen) emission in water and its effects on hydrodynamic processes. Experimental studies and mathematical modelling showed that the gas content of the fluid increases the pressure and flow pulsations within a centrifugal pump. The variation in the height of the liquid column in extraction has an influence on characteristics of the multistage centrifugal pump used in wells.
Analyzing fit in CSR strategy research in state-owned entreprises: Indonesia context
Authors: Muafi Muafi
Published: March 2016

Purpose: We attempted to empirically examine the fitness level of enterprises CSR strategy and its context with contingency and configuration approach. Furthermore, we used 213 CSR managers of state-owned enterprises in Indonesia as samplesDesign/methodology/approach: We used the purposive sampling technique to examine the data, also the contingency and configuration approach are measured with regression Euclidean distance.Findings: The result of the configuration and contingency approach has shown fit between CSR strategy and elements of contingency such as socialization tactic and time orientation. This condition also emerges on proactive CSR strategy and reactive CSR strategy, However, there are limitations of this study: an existence of the influence of the situation and condition when this study takes time; there is a concern on the result of not generalizing population, also the organizational performance only considered the size of organizational performance from non financial measure.Research limitation: (a) respondents’ answers are highly influenced by situation and condition when the study takes time. Although validity and reliability tests has shown the right outcome, there is still a possibility of a bias, (b) state-owned companies in Indonesia are represented by CSR manager samples or PKBL with purposive technique so there is a concern on the result for not generalizing population, (c) this research only used primary data through questionnaires. It would be better to combine both primary and secondary data for future researches, (d)  organizational performance only considered the size of organizational performance from non financial measure.Originality/value: There is a methodological contribution in testing the fit of a relationship, both contingency and configuration are superior in terms of research method which used Euclidean distance, and used multivariate fit and bivariate fit linear regression. This research model used systematic approach by testing the fit of a relationship, using deviation from design ideal type for socialization tactic and time orientation or contingency variable that influences organizational performance, hence it could be acknowledged the value of the influence between ideal relationship from CSR strategy, socialization tactic and time orientation.
Vision-based Vehicle Detection Survey
Authors: S Alex David , Kumar K. Antony , Kumar S. Ravi
Published: March 2016

Nowadays thousands of drivers and passengers were losing their lives every year on road accident, due to deadly crashes between more than one vehicle. There are number of many research focuses were dedicated to the development of intellectual driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles over the past decade, which reduces the danger by monitoring the on-road environment. In particular, researchers attracted towards the on-road detection of vehicles in recent years. Different parameters have been analyzed in this paper which includes camera placement and the various applications of monocular vehicle detection, common features and common classification methods, motion- based approaches and nighttime vehicle detection and monocular pose estimation. Previous works on the vehicle detection listed based on camera poisons, feature based detection and motion based detection works and night time detection.
Causal and Total Order in Opportunistic Networks
Authors: Costea Mihail , Ciobanu Radu-Ioan , Marin Radu-Corneliu , Dobre Ciprian , Mavromoustakis Constandinos X. , Mastorakis George
Published: March 2016

Opportunistic network applications are usually assumed to work only with unordered immutable messages, like photos, videos or music files, while applications that depend on ordered or mutable messages, like chat or shared contents editing applications, are ignored. In this chapter, we examine how causal and total ordering can be achieved in an opportunistic network. By leveraging on existing dissemination algorithms, we investigate if causal order can be efficiently achieved in terms of hit rate and latency compared to not using any order. Afterwards, we propose a Commutative Replicated Data Type algorithm based on Logoot that uses the nature of opportunistic networks to its advantage. Finally, we present the results of the experiments for the new algorithm by using an opportunistic network emulator, mobility traces and chat traces.
The Online Feminine Mystique
Authors: Johns Raechel , Mackrell Dale , Dale Naomi F. , Dewan Saif
Published: March 2016

When the Internet was first commercialized and commonly utilized, men numerically dominated Internet use (Actman, 1995 and Johns, 1997). Over time, the population of Internet users has normalized and increasingly women are using the Internet at the same rate as men. This raises societal questions. Is social media conditioned to be more ‘female-dominated' due to the focus on social aspects, traditionally seen as more feminine? This introductory chapter explores the technology use of women. Taking a perspective of providing a background, first, the literature related to women and technology and the dominant theoretical underpinnings is discussed. Then the authors investigate conditioning of women in careers, lifestyles and general technology use. This discussion of the academic literature is then reinforced through an analysis of industry based data, to understand how women are utilizing technology. The chapter concludes with an agenda for further research into the use of technology by women.
Gender Differences in Motivations to Use Social Networking Sites
Authors: Noguti Valeria , Singh Sonika , Waller David S.
Published: March 2016

This chapter investigates gender differences in motivations to use social networking sites (SNS), a subset of social media. The present research focuses on Facebook given its prominence among currently available SNS. Analysing a survey of university students in Australia, the results indicate that female consumers are more likely than male consumers to use Facebook to seek information (to research and learn new things and to discuss products and brands) and for convenience (to obtain things with little effort). Both of these reasons in turn relate positively to their degree of engagement on Facebook, where engagement is operationalized as cognitive absorption which is a state of deep involvement with an activity.
The Role of Women from a Social Media Jihad Perspective
Authors: Torok Robyn
Published: March 2016

Female roles in online social media forums are continually changing and often reflect the global social and political context. In addition, the security context also plays an important part in the role of females online. Social media evidence suggests that females are very active online in terms of recruitment. This chapter looks at two case studies focusing on the roles of women as wives and warriors and the changing dynamic between the two roles. Overall, women demonstrate a high level of gender utility and can change roles as required by the security and political context.
Exploring Female Hispanic Consumers' Adoption of Mobile Social Media in the U.S.
Authors: Yang Kenneth C. C. , Kang Yowei
Published: March 2016

U.S. Hispanic purchasing power is estimated to reach $1.5 trillion by 2015. Because of this growing importance, there has been a surge of Hispanic consumer behavior research in recent years. Latinas account for 49.5 percent of the U.S. Hispanic population and increasingly become tech-savvy to adopt new mobile social networking technologies. In spite of their growing importance, there still lacks a thorough examination on factors affecting female Hispanic consumers' decision-making process related to mobile social media applications. This book chapter collected qualitative in-depth interview data that were interpreted from Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and TAM2 as theoretical lenses. Four major themes were identified: 1) family and peer influence; 2) perceived functional benefits of mobile social media; 3) Latinas as a primary decision-maker to adopt; 4) cultural and sub-cultural influence.
Machinima
Authors: Harwood Tracy
Published: March 2016

This chapter presents an overview of machinima, an important socio-cultural movement that originated in the 1990s gameplay movement known as demoscene. The chapter presents a review of literature and key issues related to its evolution. Modes of its production (perfect capture, screen capture, asset compositing, bespoke machinimation) are described, along with the range of different genres that have emerged, including fan vid, parody, documentary, music video, advertising, reportage, reenactment, activist, pre-visualization and artistic forms. Thereafter, the chapter identifies channels of distribution and growth trajectories for each. The chapter then presents four key phases of the emergence of machinima, identifying the key actors and roles of organizations within each phase. As a movement that continues to evolve, the discussion presented is by no means a final analysis, thus the aim of the chapter is to present a ‘state of the art' overview of its emergence and development.
Exposing Core Competencies for Future Creative Technologists
Authors: Connor Andy M. , Sosa Ricardo , Karmokar Sangeeta , Marks Stefan , Buxton Maggie , Gribble Ann Marie , Jackson Anna G. , Foottit Jacques
Published: March 2016

This chapter suggests that in terms of preparing creative technologies graduates it is better to define what skill sets will be in the future rather than attempting to define either what creative technologies is now or what a current creative technologist should be capable of. The chapter is a collaborative attempt to explore the future definition of a creative technologist through a form of creative expression. The chapter utilizes a combination of self-reflective narrative and performative writing to develop position descriptions for jobs that may exist in the future, where each job is an extension of an author's life trajectory. A cluster analysis is undertaken to identify common themes that define the possible characteristics and attributes of future graduates that can be used to design the curricula for creative technologies programmes to meet the needs of the changing world.
Information Systems as the Key Enabler in Engineer-to-Order Supply Chain Management
Authors: Nambiar Arun N.
Published: March 2016

Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environments are gaining more and more popularity these days with customers demanding custom-designed products to meet their specific needs. ETO enterprises are often having to rely on the combined design capabilities of the entire value chain in order to satisfy customer requirements. Due to the increased level of interaction with customers and between partners in the value chain, it becomes imperative to have an effective means of communication and data storage. Information systems can be leveraged to streamline the communication process and improve data exchange between the members of the value chain. This chapter will examine how information systems can be the key enabler in ETO supply chain management and identify some of the issues involved. The chapter will conclude with suggestions on future direction for research in this area.
Engineer-To-Order Product Development
Authors: Addo-Tenkorang Richard , Helo Petri , Kantola Jussi
Published: March 2016

Industrial manufacturers' complex product-development activities have seen various advancement and improvement approaches over the past decades. In order to enable the implementation of efficient and effective product-development support processes in the quest of achieving shorter product development lead-times and higher return on investments (ROIs). Engineer-To-Order (ETO) product capacity projects, including large electric machine, huge centrifugal pumps, Diesel/Natural fuel power plant engines, steam turbine, boiler, ship, etc., have challenges concerning their long product-development lead-times. The challenges confronting these enterprises industrial Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are enormous with one of the major ones being the effective and efficient network or flow of technical communication among the main stakeholders for complex / new product-development. Moreover, with all the industrial manufacturing complex product-development process improvements, in terms of complex engineering design and delivery, there are still a lot more variances to be addressed on the ‘better, faster and cheaper' paradigm. Furthermore, attention is needed on efficient information exchange systems as well as effective operational communication in their complex product-development processes for a sustainable competitive advantage. Therefore, this paper presents a proposed optimum conceptual information technology systems' architecture towards enhancing an industrial sustainable competitive advantage: By employing social network theory (SNT) analysis to advise on a strategic and effective communication network for industrial supply-chain (SC) sustainable competitive advantage.
Modeling and Synthesis of Supply Chain Networks Using High-Level Petri Nets
Authors: Yasuda Gen'ichi
Published: March 2016

This chapter presents a systematic methodology for modeling and control of supply chain networks, especially focusing on formal representation and control synthesis aspects. A supply chain is represented as a discrete event dynamic system. The use of high-level Petri nets is proposed to formulate event related rules commonly seen in supply chains and analyze cause-effect relationships between events. Petri nets have been successfully introduced as an effective tool for describing control specifications and realizing the control in automated supply chain processes. The extended net representation of the productive task flows can provide more synthetic specifications for consistent management and control of supply chain systems by a top-down refinement methodology. Software implementation is described to simulate and control real supply chain processes.
Management of Risk and Resilience within Collaborative Business Network
Authors: Shamsuzzoha Ahm
Published: March 2016

Global business communities are facing tremendous challenges from market places with respect to reduce cost and offer true customized products or services to the end customers. To cope such challenges companies are nowadays considering forming a business network with the objective to achieve several business benefits. However, to execute such business network is not risks free but always facing some problems for its continuation successfully. In such situation, it is necessary to formulate risk mitigation plan and strengthen the resilience within business network. The objective of this article is therefore to identifying and sharing risks within the collaborative business network and proposing necessary mitigating plan and resilience for it. In this research, a framework is also highlighted that provides a structural approach for identifying and assessing potential risks and resilience in business networks and their possible impacts on different levels of collaboration. The study is concluded with future research directions.
Profiling Internet Use of Portuguese Higher Education Students
Authors: Santos Rita , Azevedo José
Published: March 2016

This chapter aims at providing as close a picture as possible of the engagement of HE students with the Internet, especially as regards Web 2.0, and of the knowledge, attitudes, skills and opportunities associated with this use. For this purpose, the following chapter presents the results of a review of empirical studies conducted on a set of analysis dimensions of Internet use, including access, intensity, scope, and participation in the creation and sharing of content, digital literacy revealed by the students using the Internet and opportunities for the development of activities associated with the effective / competent learners.
Assessment ‘for' Learning
Authors: Rutherford Stephen M. , Prytherch Zoë C.
Published: March 2016

This chapter evaluates an assessment strategy designed to reinforce learning whilst supporting the learning of the whole student cohort, through development of multimedia learning resources. Once created and evaluated, the resources were shared online for students to use in their ongoing learning and revision. The majority of the resources designed by students used an unfamiliar form of technology, showing that digital natives were eager to learn new technological skills. The depth and challenge of the resources was considerable. The chapter investigates the activity of students during this assessment and evaluates their decision-making processes in the design of their learning resources. The analysis reveals that students were aware of how technology would impact on different learning styles, and of the needs of diverse learners. The key observation is that digital natives are a rich (and largely-untapped) resource for the development of materials that can support their learning and that of their peers.
Model for Identifying Competencies and Learning Outcomes (MICRA)
Authors: Gonçalves Maria José Angélico , Rocha Álvaro , Cota Manuel Pérez , Pimenta Pedro
Published: March 2016

This chapter introduces and describes an innovative model for a thorough, organized and systematic analysis of the educational context – the MICRA model (model for identifying and classifying Competencies and Learning Outcomes), based on the official documents of the Course Units (syllabus and assessment components). The MICRA model was validated by means of a case study. Competencies and Learning Outcomes were identified in the Computer Science Course Units of the Accounting and Business Administration degree at the Institute of Accounting and Administration of Porto (ISCAP/IPP).We are aware that the adoption of this model by different institutions will contribute to the interoperability of learning outcomes, thus enhancing the mobility of teachers and students in the EHEA (European Higher Education Area) and third countries.
Digital Natives in Online Learning Environments
Authors: Bilgiç Hatice Gökçe , Doğan Dilek , Seferoğlu Süleyman Sadi
Published: March 2016

With the developments of information technologies there exists two different generations. One of these generations was born into the technology age and grew up with technology. The other one meet with technology in the late ages. Thus, they have different habits, different expectations and different learning preferences. In the meantime, with the developments in technology and Internet infrastructure, online learning environments have become popular as an alternative learning environment in higher education. The aim of this chapter is to guide instructors to design their online learning environments based on the new generation's needs and expectations. To learn about new generations' needs a survey questionnaire was conducted on higher education students. The results indicated that, todays' students spends a lot of time on the Internet specifically in social media environments and they commonly get connected to the Internet with their mobile phones which necessitates a new design in online learning environments.
Using the WebQuest Approach to Elicit Student Engagement in a University Course
Authors: Asunka Stephen
Published: March 2016

Following a realization that first year undergraduate students at a private university in Ghana engaged very minimally in their learning processes, and consequently obtained very weak grades in their courses, this study adopted a qualitative research approach to investigate whether the integration of a WebQuest into the learning processes can help foster student engagement through interactivity, and thus improve learning outcomes. Five students and one instructor participated in the study, and over the course of one academic semester, teaching and learning processes were varied by introducing WebQuest-based learning. Data were gathered by observing student activities as they engaged in the learning processes, and also assessing student learning and satisfaction by looking at student grades and also administering a survey questionnaire to students. Findings indicate that educational technologies such as the WebQuest can potentially foster student engagement in learning and also help improve learning outcomes. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Tips Towards Tackling Distance Education Modules
Authors: Pombo Lúcia , Moreira António
Published: March 2016

Current information and communication technologies, including the internet and its services (web 2.0, email, conferences at a distance, etc.) have opened new perspectives in the field of education, by promoting communication and interaction between all participants at a distance. It is not the technology itself that will define the quality of teaching and learning in distance education, but the methodological approach that supports it. This paper aims to propose a methodological framework to implement in distance education modules supported by online pedagogy elements linked to innovative teaching methodologies. Its goal is to bring some contributions to those who are in charge of course design, providing a useful framework to improve active and technology enhanced collaborative learning in similar environments.
Master in Innovative Tourism Development
Authors: Vasconcelos Sandra Vieira , Balula Ana , Almeida Pedro
Published: March 2016

This chapter analyses a Portuguese HEI's first experience with blended learning. Focusing on the Master in Innovative Tourism Development currently being held at the Superior School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, it presents the institutional background and rationale behind the course's implementation, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas of potential development. Based on an evaluation research carried out throughout the course's first three editions and that involved students, faculty and institutional leaders, it summarizes the main results of a long term-study, putting forth a set of recommendations for improvements and defining potential areas of intervention in future editions of the course.
The Problems and Support Services in Web-Based Distance Education
Authors: Aksal Fahriye Altınay , Gazi Zehra Altınay , Sarı Ayhan , Berigel Muhammet , Emiroğlu Bülent Gürsel
Published: March 2016

The opportunities provided by the development of web technologies can be seen in all aspects of people's lives. One of the major advantages of this development is being able to use and share visual, audio or text materials as well documents either synchronously or asynchronously. This study can serve as a reference guide for course planners or course designers for web-based distance education services for universities. This study can help anticipate realistic potential problems and design the course as well as the support services in a way for the expectations of tutors and learners. University administrators and distance education centers and can read about the expectations of tutors and learners as well as their real experience problems and consider these while designing a web-based support system. This study can also provide guidelines for those who are currently involved in web-based distance education systems and make improvement in the current courses.
Motivational Active Learning in Blended and Virtual Learning Scenarios
Authors: Pirker Johanna , Riffnaller-Schiefer Maria , Tomes Lisa Maria , Gütl Christian
Published: March 2016

The way people learn has changed over the last years. New pedagogical theories show that engaging and active learning approaches are particularly successful in improving conceptual understanding and enhancing the students' learning success and motivation. The Motivational Active Learning approach combines engagement strategies based on active and collaborative learning models with gamification. While many active learning models rely on in-class setups and active and personal interactions between students and between instructors, MAL was designed to integrate active learning in different settings. Our research project focuses on enhanced learning strategies with MAL in different computer-supported scenarios. This chapter outlines the potential of the pedagogical model MAL (Motivational Active Learning) in the context of blended and virtual learning scenarios; it also summarizes relevant literature and discusses implications and future work.
Policies and Strategies for Digital Inclusion
Authors: Muñoz Laura Alcaide , Bolívar Manuel Pedro Rodríguez , Alcaraz-Quiles Francisco José
Published: March 2016

E-government has enhanced the availability of government information, and expanding access to services, offering greater transparency and accountability for public administrations. However, previous research indicates that there are significant barriers for citizens, assuming major obstacles. In this sense, the EU and, in particular, the Spanish government has formulated policies and legal frameworks to introduce in the field of the provision of public sector services, in order to customize and to access these services. These initiatives seek to promote the development of networks and services, to improve the e-administration and the adoption of digital solutions for efficient delivery of public services, and to promote the inclusion and digital literacy. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to obtain a vision of government strategies adopted by Spanish regional governments to reduce the digital divide.
“A Girl Move”
Authors: Baasanjav Undrah Buyan
Published: March 2016

The confluence of gender and information technology in chess is explored in this chapter based on a small empirical interview study. By interviewing nine women chess players who compete in men's tournaments, the chapter examines the underrepresentation of women in the traditionally male domain of chess and discusses the role of computers and the Internet in women players' work/play routines. Five in-depth interviews were conducted Face-to-Face (FTF) and four interviews were conducted over the Internet using the textual chat feature of the International Chess Club during the summer of 2010. How women negotiate gendered identity and how they position themselves in regard to information technology are discussed. The interviewees' reflexive accounts discussing gendered practices and the changing notion of gender in chess challenge technologically infused male culture in ways that help us to understand the role of embodiment in mastery and expertise.
Increased Workforce Diversity by Race, Gender, and Age and Equal Employment Opportunity Laws
Authors: Carter Shani D.
Published: March 2016

This chapter reviews how the passage of United States federal Equal Employment Opportunity laws between 1960 and 2000 related to race, gender, age, and national origin led to increased diversity of the labor force in gender, race, and ethnicity, an increase which is ongoing. Data from the U.S. Departments of Labor and Census indicate these laws substantially increased the percentage of Black, Hispanic and Asian and female workers. Between 2003 and 2013, the percentage of the labor force that is women, Black, Hispanic and Asian continued to increase, with the largest gains being of Hispanic and Asian employees. The chapter demonstrates how utilizing diversity improves the research and practice of HRD. This increasing diversity requires practitioners to rethink the methods they use to deliver training and development programs. Further, researchers should examine how the increased diversity impacts all areas of HRD, such as training, mentoring, and work-life balance.
Minority-Owned Suppliers A Growing Global Supply Base
Authors: Greer Bertie Marie
Published: March 2016

The increased focus on globalization, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, supplier diversity and other socially responsible initiatives have made minority-owned businesses an important supply base for buyers. Moreover, this emphasis has established a need for buyers to develop long-term effective relationships with minority owned firms. Businesses seeking to increase their global supplier diversity need to understand the global challenges of defining “minority” and other critical relational issues in order to increase effectiveness. Based on a review of the literature, and interviews with a minority supplier director this chapter discusses these challenges and offers practical implications.