bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet activation and erythrocyte lysis during brief exposure of blood to pathophysiological shear stress in vitro
Authors: Majumdar Suvankar , Patil Chetan N. , Ladner-Threadgill Tammy , Randolph Erica , Burgreen Greg W. , Kermode John C.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:

Interaction of von Willebrand factor (VWF) with circulating platelets is the trigger for thrombosis in a region of arterial stenosis. These events are typically studied in vitro under conditions where platelets adhere to a VWF-coated surface. Our approach assesses platelet responses in the absence of adhesion.

OBJECTIVE:

To characterize extent of platelet activation and erythrocyte lysis in an artificial stenosis model.

METHODS:

Whole blood is perfused through a length of polyetheretherketone tubing that includes an artificial stenosis, comprising narrow-bore (89–381 μm) tubing. Secretion of [14C] serotonin and hemoglobin release was measured to evaluate platelet activation and hemolysis respectively at various perfusion rates and different stenosis dimensions.

RESULTS:

Platelet activation and erythrocyte lysis increased progressively with increasing perfusion rate and decreasing stenosis diameter; the length of the stenosis had negligible influence. Modest platelet activation (5–10% secretion of [14C] serotonin) occurred without significant erythrocyte lysis under a limited range of perfusion conditions (4–6 mL/min flow through a 127 μm stenosis).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our experimental approach mimics conditions in severe arterial stenosis or a mechanical heart valve. It could be a valuable aid in the development of novel drugs to treat arterial thrombosis and in the design of heart valves.
Fluid in the tissue channels of vascular adventitia investigated by AFM and TEM
Authors: Han Xinxiao , Li Hongyi , Hua Wenda , Dai Luru , Ao Zhuo , Liao Fulong , Han Dong
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:

Tissue channels as a part of microcirculation system have been proposed over three decades, playing an important role in fluid transportation as reported. Adventitia of inferior vena cava (IVC) is a typical hierarchical porous media with abundant tissue channels. Its fluid transportation behaviors attract massive research interest. However, the mechanism of the driving force and microstructure was lack of deep research.

OBJECTIVE:

This study was to investigate the microstructural basis of fluid transportation within inferior vena cava (IVC).

METHODS:

Rat IVC samples were extracted and fixed on a gelatin substrate. Four samples were randomly used as 4 cases: Case 1 with AFM loading and the fluorescent tracer adding; Case 2 with fluorescent tracer adding only; Case 3 with AFM loading only as the control group; Case 4 with no treatment. The movement of fluorescent tracer was observed by two-photon fluorescent microscope and analyzed by self-made Matlab program. The microscopic structure was characterized by high resolution TEM.

RESULTS:

The fluorescent tracer in Case 1 exhibited faster and longer transportation comparing to other cases, while in Case 2 diffused normally following Fick’s law. Case 3 with only AFM loading demonstrated that collagen bundles twisting along the fluid orientation, while the bundles in Case 4 with no treatment were straggling. The brush-like macromolecule structure of collagen microfibril was found on the bundle surfaces under TEM.

CONCLUSIONS:

Transportation within loose connective tissues is observed ex vivo. AFM loading, as the mechanical stimulation resemblance to muscle constrictions and blood pulsations, can facilitate the transportation as the driving force. The brush-like glycosaminoglycan macromolecules on the surfaces of the collagen bundles can be considered as a type of hierarchical porous media, which might form the transport pathway for fluids. The possible mechanism was conducted regarding the conformation of the superficial macromolecule brushes.
Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injury during Racing on New Zealand Racetracks 2005–2011
Authors: Bolwell Charlotte , Rogers Chris , Gee Erica , McIlwraith Wayne
Published: August 2017

The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of veterinary events that resulted in a horse failing to finish a race and identify risk factors for musculoskeletal injury (MSI) during a race. Data were obtained on Thoroughbred flat race starts in New Zealand between 1 August 2005 and 31 July 2011 (six racing seasons). Stipendiary Steward’s reports were key-word searched to identify veterinary events that prevented a horse from finishing a race. Race data were used calculate the incidence of veterinary events per 1000 horse starts and Poisson regression was used to investigate risk factors for MSI. There were 188,616 race starts and 177 reported veterinary events. The incidence of MSI on race day was 0.72 per 1000 starts, whilst the incidence of respiratory events was 0.21 per 1000 starts. The rate of MSI was significantly lower on ‘dead’ and ‘slow’ tracks compared with ‘good’ tracks and significantly greater in longer races (≥1671 m) compared with races of ≤1200 m. The rate of MSI during flat races in New Zealand appears lower than that reported worldwide, which may be due to the management and training of horses in New Zealand or differences in case definitions used in comparable studies.
Energy Prediction of Access Points in Wi-Fi Networks According to Users’ Behaviour
Authors: Rodriguez-Lozano David , Gomez-Pulido Juan , Lanza-Gutierrez Jose , Duran-Dominguez Arturo , Crawford Broderick , Soto Ricardo
Published: August 2017

Some maintenance tasks in Wi-Fi networks may involve removing an access point due to several reasons. As a result, the new infrastructure registers a different number of roamings in the access points according to the users’ behaviour, with a certain energy impact added to the consumption caused by the own operations of the devices. This energy effect should be understood in order to tackle the measures aimed at planning the infrastructure deployment. In this work, we propose a methodology to predict the energy consumption in the access points of a Wi-Fi network when we remove a particular device, based on a twofold support. We predict the number of roamings following a method previously validated; on the other hand, we assess the relationship between roamings and energy in the full infrastructure, using the data collected from a high number of network users during a given time in order to reflect the users’ behaviour with the maximum accuracy. From this knowledge, we can infer the energy prediction for a different environment where the roamings are predicted using techniques based on recommender systems and machine learning.
FITNET’s Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Is Ineffective and May Impede Natural Recovery in Adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A Review
Authors: Ghatineh Simin , Vink Mark
Published: August 2017

The Dutch Fatigue In Teenagers on the interNET (FITNET) study claimed that after 6 months, internet based cognitive behaviour therapy in adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), led to a 63% recovery rate compared to 8% after usual care, and that this was maintained at long term follow up (LTFU). Our reanalysis shows that their post-hoc definition of recovery included the severely ill, the unblinded trial had no adequate control group and it used lax selection criteria as well as outcomes assessed via questionnaires rather than objective outcomes, further contributing to exaggerated recovery figures. Their decision not to publish the actometer results might suggest that these did not back their recovery claims. Despite these bias creating methodological faults, the trial still found no significant difference in recovery rates (“~60%”) at LTFU, the trial’s primary goal. This is similar to or worse than the documented 54–94% spontaneous recovery rates within 3–4 years, suggesting that both FITNET and usual care (consisting of cognitive behaviour and graded exercise therapies) are ineffective and might even impede natural recovery in adolescents with ME/CFS. This has implications for the upcoming costly NHS FITNET trial which is a blueprint of the Dutch study, exposing it to similar biases.
X-Rays Writing/Reading of Charge Density Waves in the CuO2 Plane of a Simple Cuprate Superconductor
Authors: Campi Gaetano , Ricci Alessandro , Poccia Nicola , Fratini Michela , Bianconi Antonio
Published: August 2017

It is now well established that superconductivity in cuprates competes with charge modulations giving an electronic phase separation at nanoscale. More specifically, superconducting electronic current takes root in the available free space left by electronic charge ordered domains, called charge density wave (CDW) puddles. This means that CDW domain arrangement plays a fundamental role in the mechanism of high temperature superconductivity in cuprates. Here we report about the possibility of controlling the population and spatial organization of the charge density wave puddles in a single crystal La2CuO4+y through X-ray illumination and thermal treatments. We apply a pump-probe method—based on X-ray illumination as a pump and X-ray diffraction as a probe—setting a writing/reading procedure of CDW puddles. Our findings are expected to allow new routes for advanced design and manipulation of superconducting pathways in new electronics.
ICA and ANN Modeling for Photocatalytic Removal of Pollution in Wastewater
Authors: Razvarz Sina , Jafari Raheleh
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses the elimination of Colour Index Acid Yellow 23 (C.I. AY23) using the ultraviolet (UV)/Ag-TiO2 process. To anticipate the photocatalytic elimination of AY23 with the existence of Ag-TiO2 nanoparticles processed under desired circumstances, two computational techniques, namely artificial neural network (ANN) and imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) modeling are developed. A sum of 100 datasets are used to establish the models, wherein the introductory concentration of dye, UV light intensity, initial dosage of nano Ag-TiO2, and irradiation time are the four parameters expressed in the form of input variables. Additionally, the elimination of AY23 is considered in the form of the output variable. Out of the 100 datasets, 80 are utilized in order to train the models. The remaining 20 that were not included in the training are used in order to test the models. The comparison of the predicted outcomes extracted from the suggested models and the data obtained from the experimental analysis validates that the performance of the ANN scheme is comparatively sophisticated when compared with the ICA scheme.
Biomarker Research in Parkinson’s Disease Using Metabolite Profiling
Authors: Havelund Jesper , Heegaard Niels , Færgeman Nils , Gramsbergen Jan
Published: August 2017

Biomarker research in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has long been dominated by measuring dopamine metabolites or alpha-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid. However, these markers do not allow early detection, precise prognosis or monitoring of disease progression. Moreover, PD is now considered a multifactorial disease, which requires a more precise diagnosis and personalized medication to obtain optimal outcome. In recent years, advanced metabolite profiling of body fluids like serum/plasma, CSF or urine, known as “metabolomics”, has become a powerful and promising tool to identify novel biomarkers or “metabolic fingerprints” characteristic for PD at various stages of disease. In this review, we discuss metabolite profiling in clinical and experimental PD. We briefly review the use of different analytical platforms and methodologies and discuss the obtained results, the involved metabolic pathways, the potential as a biomarker and the significance of understanding the pathophysiology of PD. Many of the studies report alterations in alanine, branched-chain amino acids and fatty acid metabolism, all pointing to mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. Aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan) and purine metabolism (uric acid) are also altered in most metabolite profiling studies in PD.
The Role of Solvent-Accessible Leu-208 of Cold-Active Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain AMS8 Lipase in Interfacial Activation, Substrate Accessibility and Low-Molecular Weight Esterification in the Presence of Toluene
Authors: Yaacob Norhayati , Ahmad Kamarudin Nor , Leow Adam , Salleh Abu , Raja Abd Rahman Raja , Mohamad Ali Mohd
Published: August 2017

The alkaline cold-active lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens AMS8 undergoes major structural changes when reacted with hydrophobic organic solvents. In toluene, the AMS8 lipase catalytic region is exposed by the moving hydrophobic lid 2 (Glu-148 to Gly-167). Solvent-accessible surface area analysis revealed that Leu-208, which is located next to the nucleophilic Ser-207 has a focal function in influencing substrate accessibility and flexibility of the catalytic pocket. Based on molecular dynamic simulations, it was found that Leu-208 strongly facilitates the lid 2 opening via its side-chain. The KM and Kcat/KM of L208A mutant were substrate dependent as it preferred a smaller-chain ester (pNP-caprylate) as compared to medium (pNP-laurate) or long-chain (pNP-palmitate) esters. In esterification of ethyl hexanoate, L208A promotes a higher ester conversion rate at 20 °C but not at 30 °C, as a 27% decline was observed. Interestingly, the wild-type (WT) lipase’s conversion rate was found to increase with a higher temperature. WT lipase AMS8 esterification was higher in toluene as compared to L208A. Hence, the results showed that Leu-208 of AMS8 lipase plays an important role in steering a broad range of substrates into its active site region by regulating the flexibility of this region. Leu-208 is therefore predicted to be crucial for its role in interfacial activation and catalysis in toluene.
UPLC-QTOF-MS Identification of the Chemical Constituents in Rat Plasma and Urine after Oral Administration of Rubia cordifolia L. Extract
Authors: Zheng Zuoliang , Li Shengqing , Zhong Yuping , Zhan Ruoting , Yan Yan , Pan Huafeng , Yan Ping
Published: August 2017

An effective ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with the quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF/MS) method was developed for analysing the chemical constituents in rat plasma and urine after the oral administration of Rubia cordifolia L. extract. Under the optimized conditions, nine of 11 prototypes in rat plasma and four prototypes in urine were identified or characterized by comparing the retention time, accurate mass, fragmentation patterns, reference compounds, and literature data. In total, six metabolites, including alizarin-1-O-β-glucuronide, alizarin-2-O-β-glucuronide, alizarin-1-O-sulfation, alizarin-2-O-sulfation, purpurin-1-O-β-glucuronide, and purpurin-3-O-β-glucuronide, were identified in rat plasma, which were confirmed by lavaging standard solutions. Purpurin was found to be able to be transformed into alizarin based on the results in which alizarin was detected in rat plasma after the oral administration of a purpurin solution. In total, four metabolites were found in rat urine, but their chemical structures were not confirmed. The results indicate that the metabolic pathway of alizarin involves glucuronidation and sulfation, with the purpurins having undergone glucuronidation. The components absorbed into the blood, and the metabolites have the opportunity to become bioactive constituents. The experimental results would supply a helpful chemical basis for further research on the mechanism of actions of Rubia cordifolia L.
Recent Trends on Electrochemical Sensors Based on Ordered Mesoporous Carbon
Authors: Walcarius Alain
Published: August 2017

The past decade has seen an increasing number of extensive studies devoted to the exploitation of ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) materials in electrochemistry, notably in the fields of energy and sensing. The present review summarizes the recent achievements made in field of electroanalysis using electrodes modified with such nanomaterials. On the basis of comprehensive tables, the interest in OMC for designing electrochemical sensors is illustrated through the various applications developed to date. They include voltammetric detection after preconcentration, electrocatalysis (intrinsically due to OMC or based on suitable catalysts deposited onto OMC), electrochemical biosensors, as well as electrochemiluminescence and potentiometric sensors.
Self-gravity in Magnetized Neutrino-dominated Accretion Disks
Authors: Shahamat Narjes , Abbassi Shahram
Published: August 2017

In the present work we study self-gravity effects on the vertical structure of a magnetized neutrino-dominated accretion disk as a central engine for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Some of the disk physical timescales that are supposed to play a pivotal role in the late-time evolutions of the disk, such as viscous, cooling, and diffusion timescales, have been studied. We are interested in investigating the possibility of the occurrence of X-ray flares, observed in late-time GRBs’ extended emission through the “magnetic barrier” and “fragmentation” processes in our model. The results lead us to interpret self-gravity as an amplifier for Blandford–Payne luminosity (BP power) and the generated magnetic field, but a suppressor for neutrino luminosity and magnetic barrier processes via highlighting the fragmentation mechanism in the outer disk, especially for the higher mass accretion rates.
Kinetic Scale Structure of Low-frequency Waves and Fluctuations
Authors: López Rodrigo A. , Viñas Adolfo F. , Araneda Jaime A. , Yoon Peter H.
Published: August 2017

The dissipation of solar wind turbulence at kinetic scales is believed to be important for the heating of the corona and for accelerating the wind. The linear Vlasov kinetic theory is a useful tool for identifying various wave modes, including kinetic Alfvén, fast magnetosonic/whistler, and ion-acoustic (or kinetic slow), and their possible roles in the dissipation. However, the kinetic mode structure in the vicinity of ion-cyclotron modes is not clearly understood. The present paper aims to further elucidate the structure of these low-frequency waves by introducing discrete particle effects through hybrid simulations and Klimontovich formalism of spontaneous emission theory. The theory and simulation of spontaneously emitted low-frequency fluctuations are employed to identify and distinguish the detailed mode structures associated with ion-Bernstein modes versus quasi-modes. The spontaneous emission theory and simulation also confirm the findings of the Vlasov theory in that the kinetic Alfvén waves can be defined over a wide range of frequencies, including the proton cyclotron frequency and its harmonics, especially for high-beta plasmas. This implies that these low-frequency modes may play predominant roles even in the fully kinetic description of kinetic scale turbulence and dissipation despite the fact that cyclotron harmonic and Bernstein modes may also play important roles in wave–particle interactions.
Assessment and Measurement of Education Programs of Information Literacy
Authors: Siamak Marzieh , Fathi Shida , Isfandyari-Moghaddam Alireza
Published: August 2017

In this chapter, types of assessment and measurement of education programs of information literacy is introduced. For this, in first, is explained briefly a few concepts of estimation such as measurement, test, assessment, examination, evaluation, etc. and the boundary between assessment and evaluation. Then it is mentioned to necessity of tackling the assessment of students' information literacy and the steps of compilation of a design for the assessment of students' learning (with emphasis on instrumentation for information literacy assessment). Types of information literacy assessment and too information literacy assessment methods are presented. After that, the main forms of information literacy assessment which are mostly used will be discussed and their advantages and disadvantages are briefly mentioned. Finally, information literacy assessment pyramid is presented.
Commonwealth Professional Fellowship
Authors: Siddaiah Dinesh K
Published: August 2017

The main purpose of writing this paper is to provide strategic directions to the higher education library system in India for transforming libraries into dynamic digital learning spaces as per the changing trends. It is the responsibility of the Indian Library administrators and policy makers to bridge the technology and knowledge gap exist between the commonwealth countries. This paper gives many clues on how the fellowship help the libraries in transition from print to electronic content and also gives many ideas for the overall planning and development of libraries in India. This paper provides many hints on redefining the libraries attached to the higher educational institutions in line with the libraries of western counties. This paper is written based on the learning experience of the author from his 2014 Commonwealth Professional Fellowship programme that was successfully completed at University of East London, United Kingdom. Information technology based services along with best practices adapted and which are successfully using in UK are major supportive elements for the implementation. Some of the concepts introduced in this paper are relatively new to the Indian context. Overall, the paper provides experience based inputs and insights for further development of higher education library system in India.
Mobile Applications for Libraries
Authors: Haugh Dana
Published: August 2017

This chapter will detail the use of mobile applications in libraries. It will begin by briefly exploring the history of mobile application development, its inception, and progress to its relevance and use within libraries as a means of improving access and resource delivery for patrons. The prevalence of mobile devices, both inside and outside of the library, has affected the way individuals locate and use information. Libraries play an essential role in delivering resources to enhance the way users retrieve information, and therefore it is important to facilitate learning and scholarship through meaningful experiences in a variety of areas and mediums. A mobile application, not just a mobile-friendly website, can appeal to an increasingly digital population of library users in an environment that is both familiar and modern.
Pulling Content out the Back Door
Authors: Hunsaker Amy J , Majewski Natasha , Rocke Laura E.
Published: August 2017

The University of Nevada, Reno Libraries is building a project and assessment-based organization that utilizes applications to increase the discovery of digital collections, enhances the online user experience, supports a growing Digital Humanities measure on campus, and encourages faculty and students to create projects using digital curation and various existing tools. A GeoHumanities Digital Project Specialist and Digital Humanities Historian were added to the library organization to create interactive exhibits. ESRI software was employed to create place-based storytelling using digital content held by CONTENTdm, CatDV, and other library platforms. By reimagining how we use such tools at our disposal, we can create new ways of interacting with information to create innovative ways for our patrons to re-engage with our materials.
Applications of Virtualization Technology in Grid Systems and Cloud Servers
Authors: Gharajeh Mohammad Samadi
Published: August 2017

Grid systems and cloud servers are two distributed networks that deliver computing resources (e.g., file storages) to users' services via a large and often global network of computers. Virtualization technology can enhance the efficiency of these networks by dedicating the available resources to multiple execution environments. This chapter describes applications of virtualization technology in grid systems and cloud servers. It presents different aspects of virtualized networks in systematic and teaching issues. Virtual machine abstraction virtualizes high-performance computing environments to increase the service quality. Besides, grid virtualization engine and virtual clusters are used in grid systems to accomplish users' services in virtualized environments, efficiently. The chapter, also, explains various virtualization technologies in cloud severs. The evaluation results analyze performance rate of the high-performance computing and virtualized grid systems in terms of bandwidth, latency, number of nodes, and throughput.
Hands-On Vagrant
Authors: Ahmad Khaleel , Ansari Masroor
Published: August 2017

A vagrant is a freeware tool that facilitates to easily manage and configure multiple virtual machines. The main goal of its creation is to simplify the environment maintenance in a large project with multi technical tasks. It provides the better manageability and maintainability for the developers and prevents needless maintenance and improve the productivity for development using simple functions. Vagrant supports almost all main languages for the development, but it is written in the Ruby language. Vagrant was initially supported by Virtual Box, but the version 1.1 has the full vital support for VMware, KVM and other virtualization environment as well as for the server like Amazon EC2. It supports many programming languages such as C#, Python, PHP and JavaScript to enhance the project efficiency. Recently, version 1.6 may serve as a fully virtualized operating system due to the added support for Docker containers.
Biomedical Signal Analysis and Its Physio-Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Jha Kamlesh
Published: August 2017

The field of Biomedical engineering has brought two apparently diagonally placed poles of academia of excellence, i.e., field of medicine and the field of state of art engineering science to a closed proximity. Now a day most if not all of the state of art diagnostics in the field of medicine are almost totally dependent upon biomedical signal analysis. Whole of the biological systems are run by nothing but the bio-signals. The process of signal analysis depends upon the types of signals, recording methods, data types, need of compression and portability and possibility of artifacts. The important areas of the clinician's prime concern are the reliability of the data generated, the utility of the data produced in the real clinical settings in making a diagnosis and interference of the diverse type of equipment's signals with each other and its impact upon the final output. Physiologists act as a bridge between the biomedical engineering and the clinician's need assessment and product delivery process.
Development of a Wireless Controlled Iontophoretic Drug Delivery System
Authors: Pandey Preeti Madhuri , Nayak Suraj Kumar , Champaty Biswajeet , Banerjee Indranil , Tibarewala D. N. , Pal Kunal
Published: August 2017

The current study describes the development of a wireless controlled iontophoretic drug delivery system. The control system was made using ZigBee communication protocol. The performance analysis of the current injecting circuit was performed to ascertain minimal error combined with high efficiency. Finally, the developed controlled system was used to manipulate the functioning of the two independent iontophoretic drug delivery systems. In gist, a wireless controlled drug delivery system based on ZigBee communication protocol was developed and tested successfully.
Popular Businesses Model Located Inside a Retail Market in Chiclayo, Peru
Authors: Páramo-Morales Dagoberto , Malca Gerardo G. Deza
Published: August 2017

Having studied characteristics of micro-businesses located inside a public market a popular business model was discovered. Proximity between owners and customers is its strategic essence. Different types of popular businesses installed inside Moshoqueque market were studied. Since founding in 1974 it has satisfied its distribution traditional role of low-priced mass consumer products. Application of qualitative methodologies of scientific research in grounded theory was resorted to. In-depth interviews to owners were developed, multiple observations -participant and non-participant- on social practices management were made and, a review of this market history rooted in the population in zone was done to know its development. Essential findings are focused on construction of various types of external proximity: functional, relational, spatial, and identity. Other factors were discovered: agents' regulatory actions and their impact on infrastructure, traders' and customers' origins, role played by population in zone and the unceasing informality growth.
E-Learning in China
Authors: Ting S. Raymond , Smith Angela C. , Gomez Emily
Published: August 2017

In recent decades, China has advanced in economic development and expanded education by developing e-learning through technologies. The development of distance education, including e-learning, has evolved in three stages: correspondence-based education, radio-and TV-based distance education, and e-learning or online education from 1998. E-learning is a new method of distance education in China, which integrates the use of computer network, satellite TV, and telecommunications technologies. However, China faces a lack of teacher and technology professional resources. There are gaps in urban vs. rural, public vs. private, and government-based programs vs. NGOs programs. Also, cultural influences are significant, such as social stability. Chinese government focuses on national security and maintaining social stability while simultaneously adopting new technologies for e-learning. More studies on online learning are needed, including teacher acceptance and development as well as design and learning support, to create a sustainable path for comprehensive e-learning in China.
Multimodal Semiotics in China
Authors: Xu Dan
Published: August 2017

With the rapid development of information and communication, China's digital technology was brought in line with international standards, and the studies of multimodal semiotics has emerged and developed quickly. This chapter has carried out an analysis of related papers published in Chinese core linguistic journals, as well as in linguistic-related journals indexed in Social Science Citation Index (hence forward SSCI). The results show that the research in multimodality has been on the increase. Present research contents are multidimensional but need to be broadened and deepened. Various theoretical perspectives have been explored but the increasing empirical research is still not sufficient; indigenous innovation research is inadequate, as most studies focus on the factors of foreign language teaching in college. This chapter intends to answer the following three questions: What is the basic profile of multimodal semiotics in China? What are the research foci of multimodal semiotics in China? And what are the successes and challenges of multimodal semiotics research in China?
Designing a State-of-the-Art High School in Suzhou, China
Authors: Spires Hiller A. , Himes Marie , Wang Lisa
Published: August 2017

Globalization, migration, transnational movements, and new economies have led educational leaders worldwide to view schools as key venues to develop global competence in working and learning with people from different cultures. With this global trend as a context, a state-of-the-art high school was created in Suzhou, China through a public-private partnership. Additionally, the school leaders invited North Carolina State University to be the creative partner for the school. This chapter traces the development of the new educational facility, the innovative curriculum embracing the best of Chinese and American education, and the successes and ongoing challenges that the members of the collaborative partnership experience.
A CALL-Mediated Course to Enhance EFL Pre-Service Teachers' Engagement
Authors: Murtiningsih Sri Rejeki , Rahmawati Fitria
Published: August 2017

It is important for students to be engaged in any given course. For EFL pre-service teachers, being engaged in a course is essential because they can benefit linguistically, cognitively, and pedagogically. The present chapter presents a CALL-mediated course that was able to enhance EFL pre-service teachers' engagement by using Edmodo as its learning platform. Also, this study explores the contributing factors that a CALL-mediated course has towards their engagement. Three EFL pre-service teachers agreed to voluntarily participate in this exploratory study. Through in-depth interviews, they described their engagement and factors affecting their participation. The findings reveal that the EFL pre-service teachers were highly encouraged and inspired to utilize Edmodo and adopt the activities designed for the course. Obstacles and challenges encountered by EFL pre-service teachers are also discussed.
Technology-Integrated Teaching and Assessment
Authors: Mihăeş Lorena Clara
Published: August 2017

The information revolution has enhanced the role of English as the lingua franca of global communication and has dramatically increased the demand for academic English courses which focus on discipline-specific knowledge. The present chapter examines the current state of teaching and assessing English for Specific Purposes at the University of Bucharest, Romania. Against the wider background provided by language education policies and digital initiatives within the European Union, the chapter presents how technology-integrated teaching methods have begun to shape both the content and the delivery format of the specialised English class and to renew the task-based framework on which the course is developed. The assessment, however, is more indebted to the traditional type of evaluation. The undergraduate English for History course will be given as an example in point.
Using Feedback in ESL and EFL Asynchronous Online Environments
Authors: Olesova Larisa , de Oliveira Luciana
Published: August 2017

Researchers and practitioners' interest in finding more effective ways to provide instructional feedback in order to help second language learners in online environments has increased. The majority of studies found evidence about effectiveness of written and oral feedback to improve student's writing in a target language when they enroll in online courses taught in English. However, some studies also found limitations of both types of feedback when they provided for second language learners. Therefore, researchers and practitioners investigated benefits of other types of feedback and among them is audio feedback. The purpose of this chapter is to overview instructional capabilities of written, oral and audio feedback and how they can support ESL and EFL students in asynchronous online courses. This chapter also discusses when and how to provide different types of feedback when ESL and EFL students are enrolled in online courses taught in English.
Internet of Things
Authors: Sharma Varsha , Sharma Vivek , Mishra Nishchol
Published: August 2017

Recently, Internet of Things (IoT) has aroused great interest among the educational, scientific research, and industrial communities. Researchers affirm that IoT environments will make people's daily life easier and will lead to superior services, great savings as well as a nifty use of resources. Consequently, IoT merchandise and services will grow exponentially in the upcoming years. The basic idea of IoT is to connect physical objects to the Internet and use that connection to provide some kind of useful remote monitoring or control of those objects. The chapter presents the overall IoT vision, the technologies for achieving it, IoT challenges and its applications. This chapter also attempts to describe and analyze threat types for privacy, security and trust in IoT as well as shows how big data is an important factor in IoT. This chapter will expose the readers and researchers who are interested in exploring and implementing the IoT and related technologies to the progress towards the bright future of the Internet of Things
Creative Thinking and Reflective Teaching in Prospective Teachers
Authors: Giannouli Vaitsa
Published: August 2017

Reflective thinking skills are vital for the modern education in schools. Five important reflective thinking skills are identified so far in the scientific literature: Observation, communication, judgment, decision making, and team working. Additionally, creative thinking is becoming more and more regarded as a necessary part of the educational process. In this chapter, an attempt is made to clarify what a sample of prospective teachers in Greece believe about reflective teaching, while at the same time their knowledge and attitudes towards creative thinking are examined. Results indicated that respondents were not fully informed during their formal university education about creative thinking and reflective teaching, while they also lacked hands-on experience and relevant skills. Future research should further focus on cross-cultural differences regarding creative thinking attitudes and reflective teaching in prospective and professional in-service teachers.
Using Video-Aided Self-Reflection to Prepare Novice Special Education Teachers
Authors: Davis Jason P. , Oh Kevin , Nussli Natalie
Published: August 2017

The growing diversity of America's public schools has created pressure for universities and teacher preparation programs to develop strategies to aid novice teachers in meeting a variety of student needs. In addition to cultural and linguistic differences, special education teachers must also be prepared to meet the variety of academic, social, and emotional needs of students identified with disabilities. To accomplish this, studies investigating the potential of video based reflection to impact novice and preservice teachers' ability to implement pedagogical theory into practice have increased. This chapter examines the use of video as a tool to engage novice special education teachers' reflection on the implementation of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), differentiated instruction (DI), and universal design for learning (UDL).
Refugee Parents' Preferential Values in Education
Authors: Kubilay Sevda , Yardibi Nursel
Published: August 2017

The aim of the study was to find out the values prioritized by the refugee parents. Knowing the prioritized values and making arrangements about this issue might facilitate the integration process of the refugees. It is a qualitative research and data were gathered by interviews done with nineteen refugee participants. The participants chose the five values in education and put them in order considering their importance and priority. According to findings, self-confidence is the most important asset their children should have, the next ones are being hardworking, rational and intellectual. Being respectful to others' rights and advocating world peace followed those values. Then honesty and morality were emphasized by the participants. Lastly, patriotism and commitment to family were declared as important values. The participants valued personal and academic values most, secondly moral and thirdly cultural values however environmental values were seen as the least important.
War-Induced Immigration and Education
Authors: Tunç Binali , Can Çiğdem Zeynep
Published: August 2017

This study aims to make clear the matter at hand that of the educational status of the Syrian refugees in Turkey. Turkey has become one of the countries that felt the impact of the war in Syria the most. In a very short period of time 1.5 million students have been added to the current 20 million students. The interviews were conducted by researchers using a semi structured form concurrent with the qualitative research pattern. The interviewees were asked questions under three main headings: Interviewees' educational background, current educational process in Turkey, and their plans about the future, their criticisms and suggestions. One of the significant points made in the study is the inadequacy to provide all citizens with educational opportunities equally. The most common struggle refugees' face is communication due to the “language barrier”. The most important reason behind Syrians having poor attendance is the uncertainty in their lives and economic struggles.
Morpho-Syntactic Developmental Features of Syrian Primary School Students Learning Turkish as a Foreign Language
Authors: Üredi Lütfi , Ulum Ömer Gökhan
Published: August 2017

Choosing and structuring a word, making a statement, and comprehending the formulated statement require complex principles and processes. Within this context, complicated procedures and processes might be faced in the second language learning as well. Learning a second language means grasping the syntactic principles of a language and transforming these principles into language skills. In our very specific study, ten Syrian primary school students coming from diverse psychological and sociological backgrounds, and being at varying ages were investigated. The participants were asked to narrate the pictured book Frog, Where Are You? by Mercer Mayer in Turkish language and the narrations were audio-taped by the researchers. Based on a descriptive research design, the data were collected and analysed qualitatively. As a result of this study which investigated the morpho-syntactic developmental features of Syrian primary school students, diverse and common morpho-syntactic features were detected among students coming from different backgrounds.
Imperative of Peace and Conflict-Sensitive Journalism in Development
Authors: Jimoh Jide , Kayode Jimi
Published: August 2017

Even though the role of the media in development has long been recognized, more attention has been given to their role as purveyors and disseminators of news and little on how such news are framed. Against this background, this chapter looks at the nexus of peace and development and the role of journalism in the mix. The concept of development journalism as a kind of deliberative effort, may have received some impetus and the practice established, as governments, policy makers, scholars and practitioners assign developmental roles to the mass media beyond the ideas from the West. Similarly, the notion of peace journalism emerged as a dimension of development journalism. Originally conceived by the eminent peace scholar, Johan Galtung, the Peace Journalism model is a source of practical options for journalists which shows backgrounds and contexts of conflicts, explores hidden agendas, highlights peace ideas and initiatives in news coverage of conflicts and therefore is recommended for consideration by journalists especially in developing nations.
Rethinking Media Engagement Strategies for Social Change in Africa
Authors: Fayoyin Adebayo
Published: August 2017

Media engagement is a powerful strategy of achieving development outcomes in society. This has resulted in the deployment of different media platforms and processes (including the mass media, community media, mediated media and social media) by development agencies for social change. This chapter examined the imperatives for and the diverse approaches by development organizations in mobilizing the media for social change in Africa. While such media engagement processes have contributed to influencing public and media agenda in line with organizational mandates, they also heavily integrate corporate promotion and individual organizational positioning. Our analysis demonstrates the absence of a collective media engagement strategy aligned with the overarching global and continental development goals among development agencies. Drawing on insights from contemporary development frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 of the Africa Union, the study calls for a rethink of existing media engagement approaches in achieving social change in Africa. It also recommends actions to enhance issue positioning and advocacy journalism.
Performance Evaluation of Public IaaS Clouds for Web 2.0 Applications Using CloudStone Benchmark
Authors: Ahuja Sanjay P. , Soni Neha
Published: August 2017

Web 2.0 applications have become ubiquitous over the past few years because they provide useful features such as a rich, responsive graphical user interface that supports interactive and dynamic content. Social networking websites, blogs, auctions, online banking, online shopping and video sharing websites are noteworthy examples of Web 2.0 applications. The market for public cloud service providers is growing rapidly, and cloud providers offer an ever-growing list of services. As a result, developers and researchers find it challenging when deciding which public cloud service to use for deploying, experimenting or testing Web 2.0 applications. This study compares the scalability and performance of a social-events calendar application on two Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud services – Amazon EC2 and HP Cloud. This study captures and compares metrics on three different instance configurations for each cloud service such as the number of concurrent users (load), as well as response time and throughput (performance). Additionally, the total price of the three different instance configurations for each cloud service is calculated and compared. This comparison of the scalability, performance and price metrics provides developers and researchers with an insight into the scalability and performance characteristics of the three instance configurations for each cloud service, which simplifies the process of determining which cloud service and instance configuration to use for deploying their Web 2.0 applications. This study uses CloudStone – an open-source, three-tier web application benchmarking tool that simulates Web 2.0 application activities – as a realistic workload generator and to capture the intended metrics. The comparison of the collected metrics indicates that all of the tested Amazon EC2 instance configurations provide better scalability and lower latency at a lower cost than the respective HP Cloud instance configurations; however, the tested HP Cloud instance configurations provide a greater storage capacity than the Amazon EC2 instance configurations, which is an important consideration for data-intensive Web 2.0 applications.
Firefox OS Ecosystem
Authors: Janczukowicz Ewa , Bouabdallah Ahmed , Braud Arnaud , Tuffin Stéphane , Bonnin Jean-Marie
Published: August 2017

Firefox OS is an operating system for mobile devices. It is developed by Mozilla and is based on web technologies. Developed applications are therefore not tied to a given type of hardware. Mozilla works on standardisation of Web APIs, so that the device hardware could be accessed more easily. It also introduced its sign-in system for the Web and furthermore, it wants to redefine the way payments work for mobile applications. Firefox OS is not directly competing with Android and iOS, although it has some common target markets with Android. It could be an opportunity to weaken the iOS and Android duopoly. For now it targets users that don't have smartphones yet and is mostly used on low-end devices. The biggest challenge of Firefox OS is to assure a stable position in the mobile OS ecosystem and to get a large volume of users. Mozilla has an ambition to improve the web and make the web the platform. However developing the Firefox OS and ensuring its important place on the market is difficult because of technological and business limits that will be discussed in this chapter.