bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVERSE PREDICTION AND APPLICATION OF HOMOTOPY PERTURBATION METHOD FOR EFFICIENT DESIGN OF AN ANNULAR FIN WITH VARIABLE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY AND HEAT GENERATION
Authors: Mallick Ashis , Ranjan Rajiv , Prasad Dilip K. , Das Ranjan
Published: September 2016

In the present work, various thermal parameters of an annular fin subjected to thermal loading are inversely estimated using differential evolution (DE) method. In order to obtain the temperature field, the second order nonlinear differential equation for heat transfer with variable thermal conductivity and internal heat generation is solved using Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM). Classical thermoelasticity approach coupled with an HPM solution for temperature field is employed for the forward solution of thermal stresses. It is interesting that the internal heat generation does not affect the radial stresses, while the temperature field and the tangential stresses are influenced by the heat generation parameters. As the tangential stresses are mainly responsible for mechanical failure due to thermal loading in an annular fin, the unknown thermal parameters are inversely estimated from a prescribed tangential stress field. The reconstructed stress fields obtained from the inverse parameters are found to be in good agreement with the actual solution.
Impact of ACIP Pile Drilling Technique on Subsurface Soil Density
Authors: Schäfer René
Published: September 2016

For the foundation of an industrial complex, auger-cast-in-place piles (ACIP-Piles) have been installed on behalf of the recommendation of a local geotechnical consultant. With respect to the poorly graded sand deposits and the high ground water table, the installation was critically reviewed with respect to the European Code DIN EN 1536. In the course of the installation process of a couple of working piles, extensive soil was drilled by the auger, which led to a loss of soil mass in the vicinity of the pile shafts. A detailed engineering analysis came to the conclusion, that the reasons of the damage can be attributed to a concurrence of the subsurface soil conditions, the chosen drilling technique, the choice of the contractor as well as the workmanship. However, a distinct soil loosening could also be measured by a plenty of cone penetration tests in the vicinity of those working piles, which have apparently been installed properly. Surprisingly, the compact sand layers were much more affected by the installation process than the loose deposits. These findings lead to the conclusion, that the installation process of ACIP piles has to be critically evaluated during the construction process and may become a decisive design influence in the case of a pile design by empirical pile capacity magnitudes.
German Proposals for the Revision of Eurocode 7 “Geotechnical design”
Authors: Braun Markus , Schuppener Bernd , Richter Thomas , Ruppert Franz , Ziegler Martin
Published: September 2016

After implementing the Eurocodes, concerns were raised that the set of rules and regulations is not suitable for the designer’s day-to-day use. The first generation of Eurocodes consists of 58 codes with more than 5,200 pages. Moreover, practitioners have to cope with national supplementary codes. As a result, an “Initiative on Improving the Practicability of Technical Rules for Building Constructions” (PRB) was established by the German construction industry and associations of structural engineers in 2011. As part of the initiative, a Project Group for Geotechnical Design was established alongside groups for the other Eurocodes, with the aim of streamlining Eurocode 7 and reducing the number of design approaches and partial safety factors. The paper will analyse the shortcomings of the two parts of Eurocode 7 and present a concept for a more concise and user-friendly code. Furthermore, comparative calculations have been performed for standard geotechnical design applications to investigate the potential for European harmonization in geotechnical design. The results are described and it is shown how they can be incorporated in the revision of EC 7. Moreover, a new formula for verifying geotechnical ultimate limit states is presented which formally covers all design approaches and also enables other parameters such as consequence classes, human error etc. to be incorporated by applying different multiplicative partial safety factors.
Research of Horizontal Tensile Strains Determined with Triaxial Appratus
Authors: Zhussupbekov Askar , Kaldanova Balzhan
Published: September 2016

This report described the methodology and results of soil tests in the compression device with the ability to specify horizontal motions. The research introduced of behaviour of undermining soils – the areas affected by underground mining applications for the extraction of minerals, which resulted in the undermining thickness may occur uneven subsidence of the earth’s surface and soil subsidence. This paper is important for understanding of interaction of foundations with subsidence ground.
A Framework for Versatile Shape of Yield Surfaces for Structured Aniso-tropic Soft Soils
Authors: Sivasithamparam Nallathamby , Castro Jorge
Published: September 2016

A framework based on logarithmic contractancy is proposed to produce versatile shapes of yield surfaces for structured anisotropic clays. The recently proposed constitutive model (E-SCLAY1S) is an extension of existing model called S-CLAY1S, which is a Cam Clay type model that accounts for anisotropy and structure. A new parameter called contractancy parameter is introduced to control the shape of the yield surface as well as the plastic potential (as an associated flow rule is applied). This new parameter can be used to fit the coefficient of earth pressure at rest, the undrained shear strength or the stiffness under shearing stress paths predicted by the model. The model predicts the uniqueness of the critical state line and its slope is independent of the contractancy parameter. The effect of the shape of the yield surface was investigated on computed results of a benchmark embankment constructed on Bothkennar (Scotland) clay by employing the E-SCLAY1S model as a user-defined soil model into the PLAXIS finite element code. The results demonstrate that the contribution of the shape of yield surface (logarithmic contractancy parameter) have a relatively large effect on lateral movement of subsoil beneath the toe of the embankment compared to the settlement of subsoil at the centre of the embankment.
Analytical Stability Checks for Diaphragm Wall Trenches and Boreholes Supported by Polymer Solutions
Authors: Henning Lesemann , Norbert Vogt , Matthias Pulsfort
Published: September 2016

Polymer solutions are increasingly used as supporting fluids for the temporary stabilization of diaphragm wall trenches and boreholes. However, analytical stability checks as they are common practice for geotechnical structures like retaining walls or slopes are rarely performed in these cases. Fundamental considerations for such stability checks will be presented here. For trenches and boreholes supported by bentonite suspensions analytical stability checks have proven themselves over a long time. Based on this concept, characteristics of hydraulic support by polymer solutions will be described in detail. The focus will be on the derivation of the time-dependent penetration length of a polymer solution into the surrounding foundation soil and of the hydraulic gradient over this penetration length which correlates with the efficiency of hydraulic support. Findings of other references dealing with three-dimensional failure body geometry, layered soils etc. may be combined with the approach in this paper as the hydraulic gradient around the trench or borehole is always required for such investigations. Unlike trial trenches or boreholes (typical in construction practice) analytical stability checks allow to evaluate relevant parameters for a specific application and to determine a level of safety for a given system. Such calculations should therefore complement trials on site.
Jacked Pile Interaction with Strengthened Foundation
Authors: Medzvieckas Jurgis , Sližytė Danutė
Published: September 2016

During the reconstruction old, often historical heritage, buildings are changing their working conditions. Therefore, in most cases the foundations need to be strengthened. One of the reasons is, because the actions on foundations are changing. Other reason is building state for the foundations deformation. Foundation bearing capacity can be increased by strengthening the foundation ground or changing of the foundation construction. Reliable and effective method of strengthening is to use the jacked piles. This method must be assessed in the two approaches. One is the influence on building structures and foundations during installation, the other, relationship between piles and foundation after reconstruction. In the article is given simulation of the actions on foundation during reconstruction and load distribution between the foundation and piles. It also assesses influence of the piles stiffness on load distribution between the strengthened foundation and piles.
Road Embankment Test Sections over Soft Peat Layer, Võõbu, Estonia
Authors: Forsman Juha , Dettenborn Taavi , Skepast Peeter , Mets Mait , Olep Mattias , Ellmann Artu , Vallas Ivo , Tõnts Taavi , Kontson Karli
Published: September 2016

Various road embankment reinforcements on over a 2 to 4 meter thick peat deposit have been constructed in summer to autumn 2015 in the area of Kose-Võõbu in the northern part of Estonia. The test sections consist of five different reinforced road embankments: one layer of georeinforcement, two layers of georeinforcements, geocell mattress, light weight aggregate (LWA) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) light weight embankment structures with georeinforcement. An additional test section is a mass replacement. To accelerate the consolidation of the peat, reinforced test sections are loaded with surcharge. This paper presents information about peat field and laboratory tests, geodetic monitoring, settlement predictions and preliminary evaluation of the structures. The settlements of each test section are precisely measured with settlement plates installed over the peat layer, over e.g. EPS and LWA layers and surface dressing (bituminous layer). In addition, the surface treatment layer has been mapped by high-resolution laser scanning, also after surcharge removal the scanning will be conducted to obtain settlement profile due the surcharge. The intent of this test construction is to validate technical and economic feasibility of different reinforcement methods over designed road alignment (road E263).
Determination of landscape hotspots of Slovenia
Authors: Perko Drago , Hrvatin Mauro , Ciglič Rok
Published: September 2016

Based on digital data on relief, rock, and vegetation, the most significant elements of the internal structure of Slovenian landscapes, and their external appearance, a geographic information system was used to calculate landscape diversity of Slovenia. Areas with high landscape diversity are landscape hotspots, and areas with low landscape diversity are landscape coldspots. One-tenth of Slovenia with the highest landscape diversity was defined as landscape hotspots, and one-tenth of Slovenia with the lowest landscape diversity was defined as landscape coldspots. Most landscape hotspots are located in the Alpine part of Slovenia (more than two-thirds of their total area), and most landscape coldspots in the Dinaric part of Slovenia (almost half of their total area).
Les poèmes visuels espagnols des années 1960-1970 : objets hybrides et balancement d’une voix perdue ?
Authors: Lavergne Lucie
Published: September 2016

Dans la poésie visuelle espagnole des années 1960-70, l’hybridité ne provient pas, d’abord, d’éléments extérieurs au texte mais de l’exploration du texte et de ses potentialités cachées. Son travail sur la page, le jeu sur les lettres, font apparaître de nouveaux modes de signifier qui interrogent les origines du langage et le sujet poétique, entre conscient et inconscient. A la fois lisible et illisible, le poème visuel met en scène une poétique du balancement : le doute, le vacillement, sont au cœur de la création poétique. La voix poétique se morcelle et semble se dissoudre, à moins qu’elle ne réapparaisse à travers une « esthétique du conflit » : l’hybridité est alors l’expression privilégiée d’un positionnement politique du poète dans un contexte (notamment linguistique) de crise.
A Creativity and Innovation Course for Engineers
Authors: Corazza Giovanni Emanuele , Agnoli Sergio , Martello Sara
Published: September 2016

In this chapter, the teaching methodologies and pedagogical styles adopted within the “Creativity and Innovation”course, offered at the University of Bologna in Italy are described. The main goal of the course is to give students both a theoretical foundation and a hands-on experience about meta-cognitive strategies for the control of the creative thinking process. The students were engaged in the selection of a focus area within the range promoted by a call for new start-ups, creating the playground for team-oriented sessions in which relevant information was collected, divergent modifiers were applied, ideas were generated, business models were sketched and assessed, and finally concluding the course with a team presentation of the generated ideas. The feedback received from the engineering students was very positive. While the ideational part of the class followed a learning-by-doing approach, this was preceded by a specific theoretical part, striking an effective balance between theory and practice.
Distributed Problem-Solving
Authors: Chemi Tatiana
Published: September 2016

This chapter aims to deconstruct some persistent myths about creativity: the myth of individualism and of the genius. By looking at literature that approaches creativity as a participatory and distributed phenomenon and by bringing empirical evidence from artists' studios, the author presents a perspective that is relevant to higher education. The focus here is on how artists solve problems in distributed paths, and on the elements of creative collaboration. Creative problem-solving will be looked at as an ongoing dialogue that artists engage with themselves, with others, with recipients and with materials, in asynchronous or synchronous relationships. The empirical background draws on qualitative narratives collected in 2011-2014 and based on interviews with recognized artists. The questions guiding the present chapter are: If creativity does not arise from talent but from exercise and hard work, what can educators at higher education learn from the ways creative groups solve problems? How can artists contribute to inspiring higher education?
Enhancing Students' Critical Thinking through Portfolios
Authors: Djoub Zineb
Published: September 2016

Portfolios can serve a crucial role in helping students develop their critical thinking in writing, thereby promoting write-to-learn philosophy in education. Still, not any portfolio's content and approach can guarantee the achievement of this goal. Teachers' concern in promoting students' critical thinking needs to be reflected in their decision that is related to the evidences of students' needs that helps to select their approaches of integrating and using them into class. Students' reflection needs to underpin all stages of portfolio assessment through providing opportunities for their decision-making, initiation and creativity. Therefore, this chapter puts forward a student portfolio model along with its content and process of use. This learning tool was integrated within the course of Written Expression and used by 33 students at the Department of English at Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University during the academic year 2013-2014. Recommendations are also provided in order to make it a vehicle for critical thinking.
Design Thinking in Higher Education
Authors: von Thienen Julia , Royalty Adam , Meinel Christoph
Published: September 2016

This chapter introduces design thinking as an educational approach to enhance creative problem-solving skills. It is a problem-based learning paradigm that builds on three pillars: A creative problem solving process, creative work-spaces and collaboration in multi-perspective teams. This chapter discusses central elements of design thinking education and contrasts the approach to conventional education as well as other problem-based learning paradigms. In particular, design thinking classes harness a unique “look and feel” and “verve” to help students acquire and experience creative mastery. Furthermore, the chapter overviews empirical studies on design thinking education. Four studies are described in more detail: Experiments on the three pillars of design thinking and one case study where a university class curriculum has been changed to a design thinking paradigm. Finally, the chapter provides resources for readers who want to learn more about design thinking education.
Students' Learning Experiences in Project-Based Learning (PtBL)
Authors: DuVivier Roxanne , Patitu Carol Logan , Stover Sheri
Published: September 2016

This chapter examines the perceptions of nineteen graduate students' regarding the incorporation of Project-Based Learning (PtBL) in a Student Affairs class. This chapter demonstrates that not all students in the class were prepared to assume the responsibility of PtBL learning and yearned for a “traditional” classroom environment where instructors provide structure and step-by-step instructions. However, through hard work and the support from the instructor, the students were successful in completing outstanding PtBL workshops. While students reported increased levels of stress and anxiety while creating their workshop, students also reported having high levels of pride and validation once they successfully conducted it. Students reported being taken outside of their comfort zones and reported high levels of personal growth once they successfully completed their workshops. The PtBL research supports the assertion, “with pain comes gain”.
An Integrated Fuzzy VIKOR Method for Performance Management in Healthcare
Authors: Shekarian Ehsan , Abdul-Rashid Salwa Hanim , Olugu Ezutah Udoncy
Published: September 2016

Poor quality control has become a major threat to medical laboratory services, especially in the developing countries. It has become necessary to assess and rank the quality of diagnostic services in medical laboratories using systematic approaches. The main aim of this research is to develop and apply a quantitative method in ranking medical laboratory services. This method is based on a combination of Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) with fuzzy set theory. VIKOR is a multiple criteria decision making technique which focuses on ranking and selection from a set of alternatives, and determines the compromise solution for a problem with different criteria. This approach aids decision makers to achieve the most acceptable decision amidst numerous alternatives. In the present evaluation method, international standard ISO 15189 (Medical Laboratories Particular Requirements for Quality and Competence) proposed by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is used as a fundamental source of selected attributes of a medical laboratory. The study compares three medical laboratories to each other and ranks them. This study will be a valuable and effective contribution in enhancing both qualitative and quantitative criteria in the field of medical laboratory services. Finally, some directions for further studies are proposed.
A Conceptual and Pragmatic Review of Regression Analysis for Predictive Analytics
Authors: Kalaian Sema A. , Kasim Rafa M. , Kasim Nabeel R.
Published: September 2016

Regression analysis and modeling are powerful predictive analytical tools for knowledge discovery through examining and capturing the complex hidden relationships and patterns among the quantitative variables. Regression analysis is widely used to: (a) collect massive amounts of organizational performance data such as Web server logs and sales transactions. Such data is referred to as “Big Data”; and (b) improve transformation of massive data into intelligent information (knowledge) by discovering trends and patterns in unknown hidden relationships. The intelligent information can then be used to make informed data-based predictions of future organizational outcomes such as organizational productivity and performance using predictive analytics such as regression analysis methods. The main purpose of this chapter is to present a conceptual and practical overview of simple- and multiple- linear regression analyses.
The Evolution of Cyberspace, the Blogo-Sphere, and Their Impact on Political Autonomy and Political Participation
Authors: Masinde Michael Wabomba
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate the impact of cyberspace, the blogosphere on political autonomy and political participation. The cyberspace and the blogosphere have had a role to play in political autonomy and participation for as long as the internet has existed. The internet gives one a worldwide broadcasting capability. It is a mechanism for dissemination of information and a medium of collaboration and interaction between people irrespective of where they are situated in the world. Cyberspace and blogosphere are part of the bigger picture that is the internet.
Free Media and Democracy in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Naseer Moazzam , Aktaş Celalettin , Shehzad Hassan
Published: September 2016

The present chapter investigates the evolution of print media in general around the world and with particular emphasis in Turkey with respect to major transformation of freedom of speech, democracy and justice. The other equally important and major focus of this chapter is what causes the print media to evolve when it was long debated that the time for print media is over. In the age of globalization when there are plenty of media round the corner and the terms free media and democracy are contested and debated in different countries. An analysis is presented how a newspaper could work to bring the justice and democracy in a given society as a fourth pillar of the state in a contested environment of new media. Interviews with a print media journalist one who is not working in Turkey and with another one is influential reporter working in Turkey are conducted. The comments of the journalists are ethnographically evaluated and interpreted with storytelling and ethnographic techniques and discourse is presented.
Democracy and Child Rights Protection
Authors: Ogunde Oluwafifehan
Published: September 2016

The doctrine of constitutional supremacy is well entrenched in Nigerian constitutional and administrative law. A plethora of cases exists to establish the constitution as the supreme law-making instrument in Nigeria. This principle derives strength from a presumption that the constitution is reflective of the will of the people, as is expected under a democratic system of government. The aim of this chapter is to consider the relationship between human rights and democracy in the context of the Nigerian constitution. The first part of this chapter will be a brief overview of the Nigerian constitutional history leading up to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The author will then proceed to examine the 1999 constitution in the context of child rights. The significance of constitutional peculiarities in the context of child rights protection will be considered with reform measures suggested to address any emergent complexities.
States' Procedural Obligations Regarding Private Military and Security Companies' Activities
Authors: Tsiftzis Zafeiris
Published: September 2016

A lot of attention has been paid by the international community to the responsibility of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) and to the prevention of human rights abuses committed their employees. The non-binding nature of the existing international initiatives with respect to PMSCs requests the human rights law to play a crucial role to the regulation of PMSCs and their employees during operations. This article examines the States' procedural obligation under international human rights law with regard to allegations of the right to life and the prohibition of torture. Moreover, it assesses the application of the jurisprudence of human rights bodies over the activities of PMSCs, whilst it focuses on the obligations of States to prevent and investigate human rights allegations committed by PMSCs' employees. Above all, this article advocates that human rights law has a significant role in the regulation of PMSCs and the prevention of the commission of human rights violations by PMSCs and their employees.
Transformation of Business through Social Media
Authors: Venkatesh R. , Jayasingh Sudarsan
Published: September 2016

Social media are widely used in regular operations of many companies, including start-ups, small, medium and large organizations. The Social media are fundamentally changing the way we communicate, consume, collaborate and create. It creates one of the most transformative impacts on business. The most significant consequence of social media has been the shift of power from the institution to the individual. These shifts in the consumer-brand relationship have thrown up new challenges and opportunities for business organization. Social media have transformed the ways businesses from marketing and operations to finance and human resource management. Increasingly, social media are also transforming the way businesses relate to workers, allowing them to build flexible relationships with remote talent, to crowdsource new ideas, or to engage in micro outsourcing. Social media are increasingly being used in organizations to improve relationships among employees and nurture collaboration and the sharing culture. The purpose of this research is to explore the major changes which have taken place in organization because of social media.
Productivity on the Social Web
Authors: Soler-Labajos Neus , Jiménez-Zarco Ana Isabel
Published: September 2016

Companies gain competitive advantage when they are in a better position than its competitors to keep customers, so for providing the greatest value, become a captivating option, generate satisfaction and achieve the loyalty of consumers, it is necessary that they know the market and enter into a profitable relationship with the customer. In order to get closer to the public, the social media presence stands as a very attractive option for the companies, but these wonder if the effort will offset the result obtained. In this chapter, we will define the concept of enterprise 2.0, and will explain the main benefits that a company can get with the adoption of social media, in relation to its brand image and reputation, communication with the public and the increase of traffic that it can get to the corporate website. Then, and after pointing out the most popular social software tools, we will focus on social media metrics, defining the different types of metrics, designing a framework of social analysis and highlighting those that prove to be of greater business value.
Social Media Metrics in an Academic Setup
Authors: Arif Tasleem , Ali Rashid
Published: September 2016

Social media is perhaps responsible for largest share of traffic on the Internet. It is one of the largest online activities with people from all over the globe making its use for some sort of activity. The behaviour of these networks, important actors and groups and the way individual actors influence an idea or activity on these networks, etc. can be measured using social network analysis metrics. These metrics can be as simple as number of likes on Facebook or number of views on YouTube or as complex as clustering co-efficient which determines future collaborations on the basis of present status of the network. This chapter explores and discusses various social network metrics which can be used to analyse and explain important questions related to different types of networks. It also tries to explain the basic mathematics behind the working of these metrics. The use of these metrics for analysis of collaboration networks in an academic setup has been explored and results presented. A new metric called “Average Degree of Collaboration” has been defined to quantify collaborations within institutions.
Social Media Metrics
Authors: Sudarsanam S. K.
Published: September 2016

Concepts and the theories related to social media are discussed in this chapter. This chapter talks about the various frameworks of social media for the use of organizations in developing social media framework with the business objectives. Definitions and guidelines in respect of social media metrics are mentioned in this chapter. Further it suggests the methods in choosing the right metrics for the key social media objectives in respect of canvassing or product launches. A new Social media metrics framework has been suggested and also the metrics have been identified for each framework group. This Chapter will help Organizations in identifying the key social media metrics for tracking and monitoring the measurement of the performance of one's brands, products, and services in the social media channels. Once the key social media metrics are identified, organizations can choose the right tool to measure the metrics defined. This would help Organizations to improve or enhance their marketing and operational business strategies by leveraging the power and reach of the social media channels. The future directions for research and the references indicated in this chapter would be of great help to researchers in the area of social media metrics.
Is it The Soul of a New/Lost Machine?
Authors: Soga Lebene Richmond
Published: September 2016

This paper is a throwback to The Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder (Kidder, 1981b). Bruno Latour (1987), upon examining Tracy Kidder's story, observes that the heroic tale of engineers who worked on Eagle, a 32-bit minicomputer, was actually inspired by a machine! Over the years, however, this Latourian viewpoint seems to have been ignored. This paper thus examines how Kidder's story was received over the past three decades by the academic and non-academic communities. It exposes how various reviews of the story reinforce one's assumptions about how one approaches narratives about technology. A total of 228 reviews/analyses/commentaries about the story were analysed in a qualitative undertaking that also led the enquiry into a detailed analyses of the story's historico-cultural agency. The findings indicate that non-academic reviews focused largely on heroism, whereas in the academy, the story was approached in light of the prevailing academic discourses in management theory per any given decade of the book's journey; the story then became The Soul of a Lost Machine!
Examining Ethical Decision Making Behavior in E-Learning Systems
Authors: Oakley Richelle L. , Singh Rahul
Published: September 2016

E-Learning has proliferated throughout the education sector in recent years. Unfortunately, an unintended and undesirable aspect of e-Learning is centered on unethical behavior exhibited by students engaged in technology-facilitated cheating. Interestingly, cheating in e-Learning systems occurs in the social context of the class. Using results from a qualitative field study, the authors investigate the socio-technical dimensions of ethical decision-making in e-Learning systems focusing on individual and situational factors. They developed propositions and provide an in-depth discussion of identified factors. Their findings provide the basis for researchers to develop testable propositions for further empirical investigations and provide insight for educators dealing with the unique challenges of the socio-technical dimensions of ethical behavior in e-Learning systems.
Agile Embedded System Development versus European Space Standards
Authors: Rantala Ville , Könnölä Kaisa , Suomi Samuli , Isomäki Minna , Lehtonen Teijo
Published: September 2016

Agile development methods are widely utilized in software development. There is a growing interest and effort to introduce them to other areas of technology, such as development of space systems. Space systems are typically safety- and mission-critical and therefore their development is strongly regulated and standardized. European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) has created a collection of standards which are extensively followed mainly in European space projects. In this paper, a review and discussion are presented to find out the conflicts between the agile development and the ECSS standards. The presented analysis and discussion show that the ECSS standards do not fully prevent the utilization of agile methods. However, there are aspects to be taken into account in the development methods, contracts and tailoring of standards.
Higher Education Analytics
Authors: Joseph Adrian , Rutz Patrick , Stachowiak Sean , Jaume Sylvain
Published: September 2016

The dispersion of talent within the United States is not uniform. There is sufficient statistical evidence to suggest that there is an interstate brain drain phenomenon occurring within the country. The authors set out to examine this by first determining whether states could be classified into four broad categories of talent: ‘repel', ‘loyal', ‘magnet' and ‘boring'. To do this they observed the relative pull or push of talent and looked at the results relative to which states tended to retain or lose their native talent, as well as which states tended to attract a large or small number of the migratory student population seeking education outside of their own respective home states. Once they completed this categorization, the authors attempted to see whether within these groupings, a set of randomly selected independent attributes or themes could be statistically significant to support these categorizations.
Learner-Interface Interactions with Mobile-Assisted Learning in Mathematics
Authors: Bringula Rex P. , Alvarez John Nikko , Evangelista Maron Angelo , So Richard B.
Published: September 2016

This study attempted to determine the effects on mathematics performance of learner-interface interaction with mobile-assisted learning in mathematics. It also determined the relationship between these interactions and students' mathematics performance. It revealed that students solved more complex problems as they went through the intervention period, and that they solved more than 50% of the problems correctly. Participants had little prior knowledge of linear equations. However, after the intervention period, students achieved a normalized class learning gain of 41%, which was higher than the 30% minimum. Testing of difference between means confirmed that the difference between posttest and pretest scores was significant. Most of the skill sets were correlated with time used in solving linear equations. Moreover, identifying equivalent mathematical expressions required all three forms of learner-interaction, for students to become familiar with this skill. Recommendations future studies are presented.
Management Efficiency Building Materials
Authors: Ion Ionit ă , Costel Serban
Published: September 2016

The main objectives in the field of construction materials management are closely linked to compliance with increasing population demand son building habitat. In order to meet the highest levels of these trends, managers are looking to select the best development strategy of the process of construction and commissioning work of the diversity of construction materials, facilities, equipment, etc., required to put into operation the investment objectives designed. For successful development strategies in the current conditions of increasing complexity, it is necessary to apply some antithetical principles and to deepen the factors that influence the effectiveness of global economic projects and to use mathematical modeling analytical knowledge multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary to contribute to the project. Based on these requirements, in this article, the authors aim to submit a brief description of these principles.
Protection of Consumer Rights
Authors: Pllana Mustafe , Kukaj Shyhrete
Published: September 2016

At the end of Ninteenth century and beginning of Twentieth entry starts a movement with name consumerism. The consumerists' movement, (in domain of politics) is consumer protection which seeks to protect and inform consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and advertising, product guarantees, and improved safety standards. Consumer protection as it is known today has its roots in the time of ancient civilizations. At the beginning of Twenty first century the consumer protection moves forward. EU is well known for ten fundamental principles of consumer protection. To become part of the European Union, Kosovo institutions are obliged to enact legislation and implement policies in accordance with EU standards. Regarding this has become a research haw is advanced legislation and institutions for consumer protection and what is the program for consumer protection. In the survey are included 150 respondents in 5 major centers of Kosovo. Collected data are processed in SPSS, and findings will be treated in this paper.
Il dibattito in bioetica - Perché dico no al tragico casalingo della pillola che provoca l’aborto
Authors: Ferrara Giuliano
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Dopo il referendum / After the referendum
Authors: Fiori Angelo
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
L’eredità di Giovanni Paolo II / The Legacy of John Paul II
Authors: Sgreccia Elio
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Dimensioni della salute e prevenzione dei comportamenti a rischio in adolescenza
Authors: Di Pietro Maria Luisa , Minacori Roberta
Published: September 2016

I comportamenti a rischio in adolescenza e le possibili e conseguenti patologie interpellano - in senso preventivo - quanti sono responsabili della salute pubblica. Le modalità di intervento che vengono proposte sono essenzialmente tre - la riduzione del rischio, la strategia della paura, l’educazione alla salute - e muovono da orientamenti etici diversi. In questo articolo viene presa in esame la proposta dell'educazione alla salute, che fa riferimento ad un’etica centrata sulla persona e trova giustificazione in un'interpretazione del concetto di salute comprensiva delle dimensioni fisica, psichica, sociale e morale. Ed è proprio la dimensione morale che, al di là di innegabili fattori di vulnerabilità (teoria ecologica, teoria della personalità adolescenziale, teoria della personalità dell'adolescente), condiziona - in adolescenza - la scelta di agire o meno un comportamento a rischio. Se, dunque, sia nella salute sia nella personalità dell’adolescente è così forte la dimensione morale, non solo vi è la possibilità di un’educazione alla salute che contestualizzi l’informazione nella formazione, ma vi è anzi il dovere di attuarla nella sua duplice dimensione di educazione ai valori e alle virtù. ---------- Public health care is called to prevent behaviours (and their pathological consequences) which expose teen-agers to a risk. There are three main proposals, which come from different ethical perspectives, on this topics: the risk reduction, the “fear” strategy, the health education. The paper examines the notion of health education from the perspective of personalistic ethics which consider the notion of health in its physical, psychic, social and moral dimensions. The moral aspects are very important to guide teen-agers, apart from their intrinsic vulnerability (ecological theory, adolescent personality theory), in the behaviour which can be either at risk or not. If the moral dimension is so important for teen-agers health and personality, the proposal advanced in this paper is an education to health which is not only “information” but also “formation”, and which has to be actualized in its twofold aspect of education to values and to virtues.
Quale economia sanitaria per il rispetto della persona?
Authors: Zamagni Stefano
Published: September 2016

Dopo aver descritto le principali ragioni per cui la spesa sanitaria è destinata ad aumentare nel corso del tempo, l’articolo esamina criticamente la nozione di libertà di scelta applicata all’area dei servizi sanitari. La proposta avanzata per superare la crescente distanza tra le risorse e le spese è passare dalla nozione di distretto sanitario a quella di distretto industriale sanitario. Infine, l’articolo esplora il tema del razionamento nei servizi sanitari discutendo i pro e i contro dei maggiori approcci al razionamento presenti nella letteratura e proposti a partire dalla prospettiva del personalismo filosofico. ---------- After describing the main reasons why health care expenditures are doomed to increase over time, the paper critically examines the notion of freedom of choice in the area of health services. The proposal advanced to overcome the growing gap between resources and expenditures is to move from the notion of health sector to that of health industry sector. Finally, the paper considers the notion of rationing in health care services and discusses the pros and cons of the major approaches to rationing so far advanced in the literature from the perspective of philosophical personalism.
La scoperta del corpo (etica e persona)
Authors: D’Addelfio Gisella
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Trapianti e terapia genetica: aspetti personalistici
Authors: Gallo Maria Letizia , Palermo Massimo
Published: September 2016

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Derecho de propiedad y píldora del día siguiente: un nuevo paradigma en la relación intergeneracional
Authors: Guzmán José López
Published: September 2016

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Helping relationship and personalism
Authors: Miglietta Guido
Published: September 2016

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Il dibattito in bioetica - Il rifiuto anticipato delle cure “salvavita” è uguale al rifiuto attuale?
Authors: Casini Marina
Published: September 2016

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Universalità e pluralismo in bioetica e nel biodiritto / Universality and pluralism in bioethics and biolaw
Authors: Sgreccia Elio
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Universality and cultural diversity
Authors: Ventura-Juncá Patricio
Published: September 2016

L’articolo è incentrato sul tema della universalità e della diversità culturale nell’ambito dell bioetica, e mostra come questi elementi appaiono nella Dichiarazione Universale su Bioetica e Diritti Umani dell’UNESCO, che è stata il risultato di un lungo e fruttuoso dialogo, in cui i rappresentanti di molti paesi e culture hanno presero parte attiva. La diversità culturale esiste: è un fatto, riconosciuto oggi come una ricchezza grande per l’umanità; ma allo stesso tempo nella scienza sperimentale e nella filosofia, lo spirito umano cerca sempre l’universalità. In questo senso la bioetica non fa eccezione. Il primo e basilare principio universale stabilito nella Dichiarazione dell’UNESCO è quello di dignità umana. Questo concetto è la pietra angolare che sostiene gli altri principi -come il rispetto per la vita e il consenso informato. La dignità umana è un valore di ordine più alto e nonostante le differenze culturali è riconosciuto ovunque. È possibile, tuttavia, che in culture diverse esso possa essere compreso da prospettive differenti e con gradi di enfasi diversi. ---------- This article is about universality and cultural diversity in the field of bioethics, showing how these elements appear into the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, that has been the result of a lengthy and fruitful dialogue, in which representatives of many countries and cultures took an active part. Cultural diversity exists: it is a fact, recognized today as a great wealth for mankind, but at the same time in both experimental science and philosophy, the human spirit always seeks universality. Bioethics is no exception. The first and basic universal principle established in the UNESCO Declaration is that of human dignity. This concept is the corner stone that supports the other principles – like respect for life and informed consent. Human dignity is a value of the highest order and despite cultural differences it is recognized worldwide. Possibly, however, in different cultures it may be understood from different perspectives and with different degrees of emphasis.
La proporzionalità delle cure negli scritti di Gerald A. Kelly, s.j.
Authors: Calipari Maurizio
Published: September 2016

Il tema della proporzionalità delle terapie e dei mezzi di sostegno vitale è sicuramente uno degli argomenti più vivi ed attuali nel dibattito bioetico. Tra gli autori che più specificamente si sono occupati di questa problematica vi è il Gesuita Gerald A. Kelly, teologo moralista statunitense, che negli anni 50’ ha prodotto diversi lavori sul tema. Il presente contributo, articolato in due parti, dapprima si sofferma ad esporre il contenuto dei principali scritti di Padre Kelly circa la proporzionalità delle cure, evidenziandone in particolare gli elementi di maggiore novità; nella seconda parte, invece, viene presentata un’analisi critica dei contenuti precedentemente esposti, soprattutto in riferimento ad alcuni passaggi “problematici” presenti negli scritti di Kelly. Alla luce di quanto trattato in questo articolo, risulta chiaro come gli studi di Padre Kelly possano rappresentare, ancora oggi, un valido punto di riferimento per una approfondita e maggiormente elaborata riflessione sull’ampio tema della proporzionalità delle cure. ---------- The issue of proportionality of therapies and of life-sustaining means is surely one of the core arguments into the present bioethical debate. Amongst the authors interested in this problems there is the Jesuit Gerald A. Kelly, American moral theologian, who produced a lot of works on this issue, in 50’s of XX century. This article, divided into two parts, shows first the content of the principal Fr. Kelly’s writings on proportionality of therapies, pointing out particularly the elements of main originality, and then presents a critical analysis of the content previously exposed, above all referring to some “problematic” passages present in Kelly’s writings. In the light of what this article shoes, it’s clear how Fr. Kelly’s works can represent, even today, a valid benchmark for a deeper and a more elaborated reflection on the wide issue of proportionality of therapies.
La sindrome da iperstimolazione ovarica: tra clinica ed etica
Authors: Serebrovska Zoya , Di Pietro Maria Luisa
Published: September 2016

La sindrome da iperstimolazione ovarica è la complicanza più seria dell’induzione dell’ovulazione, a cui si ricorre in presenza di insufficienza dell’asse ipotalamo-ipofisi-ovaio o nei protocolli di fecondazione artificiale. Si tratta di una malattia tipicamente iatrogena, che comprende una serie di disfunzioni e varia da una forma benigna ad una condizione estremamente grave fino alla morte della donna. A fronte della difficoltà di interpretare i meccanismi eziopatogenetici responsabili e di attuare una reale prevenzione, sono stati proposti diversi accorgimenti. D’altra parte, in quanto malattia iatrogena, la sindrome da iperstimolazione ovarica pone in modo forte l’interrogativo sulla doverosità di tale prevenzione, anche se appare necessaria una riflessione molto più ampia proprio sulle giustificazioni e sui limiti della cosiddetta “medicina della riproduzione”. ---------- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the most serious complication of the induction of ovulation during the treatment of hypothalamus-hypophysis- ovary insufficiency or under the protocols of artificial fertilization. OHSS is a tipically iatrogenic disease, which contains different dysfunctions and varies from very soft forms to extremely grave conditions and even to death of woman. The mechanisms of the aetiology and pathogenesis of OHSS is still very unclear and there are serious problems of prevention. Because of iatrogenic origin of the syndrome, the question of necessity of prevention becomes even more urgent, and occupies an important place in the very large discussion about the justifications and the limits of so called “medicine of reproduction”.