bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Natural Language Processing in 2015: Leveraging the Variety of Texts of Clinical Interest
Authors: Zweigenbaum P. , Névéol A. ,   Section Editors for the IMIA Yearbook Section on Natural Language Processing
Published: November 2016

Objective: To summarize recent research and present a selection of the best papers published in 2015 in the field of clinical Natural Language Processing (NLP).

Method: A systematic review of the literature was performed by the two section editors of the IMIA Yearbook NLP section by searching bibliographic databases with a focus on NLP efforts applied to clinical texts or aimed at a clinical outcome. Section editors first selected a shortlist of candidate best papers that were then peer-reviewed by independent external reviewers.

Results: The clinical NLP best paper selection shows that clinical NLP is making use of a variety of texts of clinical interest to contribute to the analysis of clinical information and the building of a body of clinical knowledge. The full review process highlighted five papers analyzing patient-authored texts or seeking to connect and aggregate multiple sources of information. They provide a contribution to the development of methods, resources, applications, and sometimes a combination of these aspects.

Conclusions: The field of clinical NLP continues to thrive through the contributions of both NLP researchers and healthcare professionals interested in applying NLP techniques to impact clinical practice. Foundational progress in the field makes it possible to leverage a larger variety of texts of clinical interest for healthcare purposes.
The clinical utility of circulating neuroendocrine gene transcript analysis in well-differentiated paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas
Authors: Pęczkowska M , Cwikla J , Kidd M , Lewczuk A , Kolasinska-Ćwikła A , Niec D , Michałowska I , Prejbisz A , Januszewicz A , Chiarelli J , Bodei L , Modlin I
Published: November 2016

Context

Paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGLs) exhibit variable malignancy, which is difficult to determine by histopathology, amine measurements or tissue genetic analyses.

Objective

To evaluate whether a 51-neuroendocrine gene blood analysis has clinical utility as a diagnostic and prognostic marker.

Design

Prospective cohort study. Well-differentiated PPGLs (n = 32), metastatic (n = 4); SDHx mutation (n = 25); 12 biochemically active, Lanreotide treated (n = 4). Nine patients had multiple sampling. Age- and gender-matched controls and GEP-NETs (comparators).

Methods

Circulating neuroendocrine tumor mRNA measured (qPCR) with multianalyte algorithmic analysis. Metabolic, epigenomic and proliferative genes as well as somatostatin receptor expression were assessed (averaged, normalized gene expression: mean ± s.e.m.). Amines were measured by HPLC and chromogranin A by ELISA. Analyses (2-tailed): Fisher’s test, non-parametric (Mann–Whitney), receiver-operator curve (ROC) and multivariate analysis (MVA). All data are presented as mean ± s.e.m.

Results

PPGL were NETest positive (100%). All exhibited higher scores than controls (55 ± 5% vs 8 ± 1%, P = 0.0001), similar to GEP-NETs (47 ± 5%). ROC analysis area under curve was 0.98 for differentiating PPGLs/controls (cut-off for normal: 26.7%). Mutation status was not directly linked to NETest. Genetic and molecular clustering was associated (P < 0.04) with NETest scores. Metastatic (80 ± 9%) and multicentric (64 ± 9%) disease had significantly (P < 0.04) higher scores than localized disease (43 ± 7%). Progressive disease (PD) had the highest scores (86 ± 2%) vs stable (SD, 41 ± 2%) (P < 0.0001). The area under the curve for PD from SD was 0.93 (cut-off for PD: 53%). Proliferation, epigenetic and somatostatin receptor gene expression was elevated (P < 0.03) in PD. Metabolic gene expression was decreased in SDHx mutations. Repeat NETest measurements defined clinical status in the 9 patients (6 SD and 3 PD). Amine measurement was non-informative. Multivariate analysis identified NETest >53% as an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusion

Circulating NET transcript analysis is positive (100% diagnostic) in well-differentiated PCC/PGL, scores were elevated in progressive disease irrespective of mutation or biochemical activity and elevated levels were prognostic.
Autoimmune comorbidities in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: different patterns of association in adulthood and childhood/adolescence
Authors: Ruggeri R M , Trimarchi F , Giuffrida G , Certo R , Cama E , Campennì A , Alibrandi A , De Luca F , Wasniewska M
Published: November 2016

Objective

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), the most common autoimmune thyroid disease at any age, is often associated with other autoimmune diseases. The present study was aimed to describe the type and frequency of non-thyroidal autoimmune diseases (NTADs) in HT patients and to delineate the clinical pattern of diseases clustering in pediatric/adolescent and adult age.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

1053 newly diagnosed HT patients (500 adults (467 F, mean age 40.2 ± 13.7 years) and 553 children/adolescents (449 F, mean age 11.1 ± 3.0 years)) were evaluated for common NTADs by means of careful recording of medical history, physical examination and assessment of selected autoantibody profiles.

Results

The prevalence of associated NTADs was significantly higher in adults than that in pediatric/adolescent HT patients (P < .0001). In addition, the number of adult patients suffering from two or more associated NTADs was significantly higher than that of children/adolescent (P < 0.0001). A female prevalence was evident in both cohorts, but was significant in the adults (P < 0.0001). The epidemiological distribution of NTADs was strongly different in the two cohorts, the most frequent associated diseases being arthropathies and connective tissue diseases in adults and type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease in children/adolescents. Skin diseases were represented with similar prevalence in both cohorts, vitiligo being the most common.

Conclusions

Age at HT presentation may influence autoimmune diseases clustering, favoring the association of specific NTADs in different ages of life. Moreover, the association between HT and NTADs increases with age and occurs most frequently in adults.
CRISPR Technology Reveals RAD(51)-ical Mechanisms of Repair in Roundworms: An Educational Primer for Use with “Promotion of Homologous Recombination by SWS-1 in Complex with RAD-51 Paralogs in Caenorhabditis elegans”
Authors: Turcotte Carolyn A , Andrews Nicolas P , Sloat Solomon A , Checchi Paula M
Published: November 2016

The mechanisms cells use to maintain genetic fidelity via DNA repair and the accuracy of these processes have garnered interest from scientists engaged in basic research to clinicians seeking improved treatment for cancer patients. Despite the continued advances, many details of DNA repair are still incompletely understood. In addition, the inherent complexity of DNA repair processes, even at the most fundamental level, makes it a challenging topic. This primer is meant to assist both educators and students in using a recent paper, “Promotion of homologous recombination by SWS-1 in complex with RAD-51 paralogs in Caenorhabditis elegans,” to understand mechanisms of DNA repair. The goals of this primer are to highlight and clarify several key techniques utilized, with special emphasis on the clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats technique and the ways in which it has revolutionized genetics research, as well as to provide questions for deeper in-class discussion.
Comunidades fitoplanctónicas indicadoras del estado trófico en las Playas del Este, La Habana, Cuba
Authors: Bustamante López Claudia , Carmenate Fernández Mayelín , Lugioyo Gladys Margarita , Loza Álvarez Sandra
Published: November 2016

En los ecosistemas costeros los análisis del fitoplancton permiten pronosticar cambios del estado trófico. Este trabajo se propuso caracterizar la estructura y composición de comunidades fitoplanctónicas como indicadoras del estado trófico y describir variaciones interanuales y espaciales del fitoplancton relacionadas con factores abióticos en las Playas del Este. Se ubicaron 11 estaciones y se determinó la estructura fitoplanctónica a partir de muestras de fitoplancton de red y de botella. Los flagelados y el género Navicula sp. mantuvieron una presencia espacio-temporal constante en la etapa muestreada. Otros géneros y especies que también mostraron una alta frecuencia de aparición en febrero y julio del año 2011 y febrero y agosto del año 2012 fueron: Scrippsiella trochoidea y Gymnodinium sp. Se detectaron organismos potencialmente nocivos como: Oscillatoria sp., S. trochoidea, Akashiwo sanguinea, Alexandrium sp. y Gambierdiscus sp., sobre todo en los meses de febrero de ambos años. La contribución por grupos a la comunidad fitoplanctónica en ambos años mostró un predominio de los flagelados (más del 50%), con un escaso aporte de diatomeas y dinoflagelados al total de la comunidad (menos del 25%). La principal afectación al desarrollo fitoplanctónico se debe a la disponibilidad de nitrógeno y fósforo. Las estaciones Tropicoco, Tarará y Bacuranao son las de mayor densidad fitoplanctónica para ambos años. Existió poca diferenciación entre épocas del 2011 (R = 0.465) y 2012 (R = 0.212) y estaciones por cada período climático (R = 0.324). El estado trófico de las aguas se clasificó en los años 2011 y 2012 como oligomesotróficas.
Primer registro de albinismo en la raya redonda enana, Urotrygon nana (Urotrygonidae: Elasmobranchii), en el Pacífico oriental
Authors: Anislado-Tolentino Vicente , Medina-Lerma Marcela G. , Del Moral-Flores Luis Fernando
Published: November 2016

El albinismo es una condición genética en la cual la proteína melánica está ausente o no es funcional y ocasionalmente ha sido reportado en el grupo de los condrictios. En este trabajo se describe el albinismo total en una raya redonda enana, Urotrygon nana, hembra madura de 81 mm del ancho de disco y con un peso de 18.42 g, fue capturada por medio de arrastre de fondo a una profundidad de 40 m frente a Puerto Madero, Chiapas, Golfo de Tehuantepec, Pacífico oriental (14° 31ʼ 6ʼʼ N - 92° 26ʼ 75ʼʼ W). Se cuantificaron las características morfométricas del ejemplar albino y se compararon con las de un espécimen normal del mismo sexo. Este trabajo representa el primer registro de esta anormalidad en la familia Urotrygonidae.
Co-occurring substance-related and behavioral addiction problems: A person-centered, lay epidemiology approach
Authors: Konkolÿ Thege Barna , Hodgins David C. , Wild T. Cameron
Published: November 2016

Background and aims

The aims of this study were (a) to describe the prevalence of single versus multiple addiction problems in a large representative sample and (b) to identify distinct subgroups of people experiencing substance-related and behavioral addiction problems.

Methods

A random sample of 6,000 respondents from Alberta, Canada, completed survey items assessing self-attributed problems experienced in the past year with four substances (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine) and six behaviors (gambling, eating, shopping, sex, video gaming, and work). Hierarchical cluster analyses were used to classify patterns of co-occurring addiction problems on an analytic subsample of 2,728 respondents (1,696 women and 1032 men; Mage = 45.1 years, SDage = 13.5 years) who reported problems with one or more of the addictive behaviors in the previous year.

Results

In the total sample, 49.2% of the respondents reported zero, 29.8% reported one, 13.1% reported two, and 7.9% reported three or more addiction problems in the previous year. Cluster-analytic results suggested a 7-group solution. Members of most clusters were characterized by multiple addiction problems; the average number of past year addictive behaviors in cluster members ranged between 1 (Cluster II: excessive eating only) and 2.5 (Cluster VII: excessive video game playing with the frequent co-occurrence of smoking, excessive eating and work).

Discussion and conclusions

Our findings replicate previous results indicating that about half of the adult population struggles with at least one excessive behavior in a given year; however, our analyses revealed a higher number of co-occurring addiction clusters than typically found in previous studies.
Site characterisation for the Ballina field testing facility
Authors: Kelly R. B. , Pineda J. A. , Bates L. , Suwal L. P. , Fitzallen A.
Published: November 2016

A soft soil field testing facility has been recently established near Ballina, New South Wales, on the east coast of Australia, which is aimed at improving design and construction methods for transport infrastructure. Several sampling, laboratory and in situ testing campaigns have been performed to characterise the material properties of the soil. High-quality laboratory testing has been performed at one location through the soil profile and a range of geophysics, cone penetrometer, seismic dilatometer, shear vane and permeability tests have been carried out at other locations. The in situ tests have demonstrated that the stratigraphy and test data are reasonably uniform across the site. Seasonal groundwater variations cause the in situ stress state to vary with time. In situ test data have been compared with laboratory tests in order to estimate soil material properties at the locations of the in situ tests. The accuracy of published correlations was variable and site-specific correlations were found to provide a better outcome. The coefficient of consolidation and the water permeability obtained from small-scale laboratory tests shows good agreement with in situ estimations based on piezocone penetration test (CPTu) dissipation tests and BAT tests, respectively. The correlation between laboratory and in situ data is used to develop a robust geotechnical model for the Ballina site.
Visiones de la electrificación rural en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana: disputando lógicas hegemónicas
Authors: Ten Palomares Maria , Boni Aristizabal Alejandra
Published: November 2016

La energía se considera clave para el desarrollo. Sin embargo, son escasos los proyectos de electrificación elaborados en torno a las aspiraciones de las poblaciones rurales y, menos aún, de las poblaciones indígenas amazónicas. A través de las distintas visiones de la electrificación de dos comunidades amazónicas, kichwa y siona, ubicadas en la Amazonía Norte y tres comunidades achuar situadas en la Amazonía Centro del Ecuador, este artículo señala los retos que supone trasladar las visiones del Buen Vivir y la energía de las poblaciones indígenas al diseño de proyectos de electrificación rural aislada. Argumentamos que el reconocimiento de esta diversidad de visiones supone una oportunidad para la construcción de nuevas lógicas de electrificación rural que trasciendan al paradigma tradicional de desarrollo y conciban a la energía como un elemento para la transformación social.
Fitness levels of South African youth of Indian Descent - 1977-1997
Authors: Coopoo Y , Naidoo K
Published: November 2016

SA Sports Medicine Vol.15(1) 2003: 4-8
Medical care of the South African Olympic team - the Sydney 2000 experience
Authors: Derman WE
Published: November 2016

SA Sports Medicine Vol.15(3) 2003: 22-25
On-field identification and management of concussion in amateur rugby union
Authors: Brown J
Published: November 2016

Background: Rugby is a popular team sport and due to its contactnature carries a relatively high potential for injury, includingconcussion. Moreover, it is estimated that as much as 50% ofconcussions are not reported due to a variety of reasons, includingnot considering the injury to be sufficiently serious or not wantingto miss game time.Objectives: The aim of this brief review was to investigate andsummarise current best practice for on-field identification andon-field management of concussion in amateur rugby.Methods: PubMed and ClinicalKey were searched betweenSeptember and December 2014 for articles in the five yearspreceding the search dates. The latest versions of the ConsensusStatement for Concussion in Sports and World Rugby’s concussionguidelines were also consulted.Results: Based on this search strategy, eight systematic reviews,one physician information article and four patient guidelineswere investigated. Four reviews specifically described an “actionplan” for on-field evaluation and management. Education of keystakeholders could reduce the number of unreported concussions.Once identified or suspected, concussions should be managedaccording to best practice procedures, which include removingthe player from play immediately and consulting a medical doctor.If a medical doctor is not immediately available on the field toolssuch as the BokSmart on-field pocket “Concussion Guide”, andWorld Rugby’s “Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool”, are freelyavailable online.Conclusion: Stakeholder education (including players, parents,teachers, coaches, referees, spouses) on both the on-fieldidentification and management of concussions could reduceunder-reporting and improve the overall management ofconcussed rugby players.Keywords: injury prevention, injury management, head injury,football
Transformation in cricket: the black African experience
Authors: Dove M
Published: November 2016

Background: The small number of black African (BA) cricketplayers progressing through the talent development pathwaysto the elite level has been a constant concern for Cricket SouthAfrica (CSA). Previous attempts to accelerate the development ofBA players have not produced the desired results. A descriptionof the barriers to development is imperative for appropriateinterventions.Objectives: To understand the career progression of BA cricketersin South Africa by investigating their and other key informants’perceptions, and identifying factors that may influence progressto the elite level.Methods: A qualitative study consisting of 23 semi-structuredinterviews with BA players who had succeeded at the senior level(n = 11), and key informants (n = 12), was conducted. Contentanalysis of the data identified 92 themes, which were thenaggregated into 12 categories.Results: Five enablers (exposure to the game, education, facilitiesand equipment, coaching and support networks), and fivebarriers (team environment, quality opportunities to compete,socio-economic factors, cricket player development pathways andleadership) were identified. Two further factors (intrapersonalattributes and targets) were identified, but the differing opinionsof the interviewees on the influence of these variables made itdifficult to classify them. Whilst all categories were perceivedto contribute in the progress of BA players to the elite level,education, support networks, quality opportunities to compete,team environment and socio-economic factors were believed tobe the most important.Conclusion: The sustainable transformation of South Africancricket appears to be not only about ensuring demographicallyrepresentative teams, but also about addressing barriers affectingprogress that may be experienced by all players. This studyhighlighted the key factors that are perceived to be specific to BAcricketers.
Ranking South African provinces on the basis of MERRA 2D surface incident shortwave flux
Authors: Singh Jyotsna
Published: November 2016

The main objective of the present study is to rank South African provinces on the basis of incoming solar radiation. The surface incident shortwave flux (SWFlux, Wm-2) of NASA Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA 2D) reanalysis data for the period 1980–2009 over South Africa was analysed on annual, seasonal and monthly scales. The monthly mean ± standard deviation values of SWFlux for the period revealed that, Northern Cape received the most (267.38 ± 4.32 Wm-2) incoming solar radiation throughout the year, followed by North West (263.37 ± 7.13 Wm-2) and Free State (259.20 ± 7.66 Wm-2). The northern region of Limpopo also showed a good amount of incoming solar radiation (257.95 ± 6.16 Wm-2) at the surface. KwaZulu-Natal received least (232.99 ± 7.02 Wm-2) amount of mean monthlysolar radiation in comparison with other provinces. On an annual scale, the Northern Cape ranked first, and on seasonal and monthly scales North West ranked first. Limpopo and Free State also performed well in the present study.
Journal of Energy in Southern Africa. Volume 27. Number 3. August 2016
Authors: Roberts Mokone J
Published: November 2016

Publishers: University of Cape Town: Energy Research Centre
Musculoskeletal disorders in manual therapistis
Authors: Silva Kátia Karina Monte , Tenório Angélica da Silva , Guerino Marcelo Renato , Oliveira Mafra Raiele Torres , Mendonça Mannaly Braga de , Barros Maria de Fátima Alcântara , Carvalho Antônio Geraldo Cidrão de , Ferreira Ana Paula de Lima , Araújo Maria das Graças Rodrigues de
Published: November 2016

Introdução: Os distúrbios músculo-esqueléticos (MDEs) são inflamatórios e doenças degenerativas que são um problema de saúde pública. Nos últimos anos, as doenças ocupacionais registradas em todo o mundo são as mais prevalentes, afetando a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Investigar a ocorrência e as características dos MDEs em fisioterapeutas que utilizam técnicas de terapia manual em Recife-Pernambuco. Método: 34 terapeutas de ambos os sexos responderam ao questionário padronizado (características demográficas e queixas de doenças osteomusculares) em horário regular e no local de trabalho (serviços de saúde públicos e privados). Os dados foram analisados ​​pelo teste do qui-quadrado (χ2), nível de significância de 95% (p <0,05), programa BioEstat versão 3.0 Resultados: Verificou-se que 88,2% da amostra se refere a qualquer tipo de MDEs, mas o coluna vertebral (76,6%) e superior (70. 6%) foram os mais afetados, principalmente pulsos e mãos (56,7%). Não houve correlação significativa entre os MDEs e o sexo do terapeuta e não com a profissão de brincar (anos), no entanto, a ocorrência desses distúrbios foi correlacionada à idade do profissional. Havia uma relação direta entre carga de trabalho e presença de DMEs. Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que os terapeutas manuais no desempenho de parceiros de atividades intensas apresentam altos percentuais de envolvimento por distúrbios osteomusculares, exigindo medidas ergonômicas preventivas. no entanto, a ocorrência desses distúrbios foi correlacionada com a idade do profissional. Havia uma relação direta entre carga de trabalho e presença de DMEs. Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que os terapeutas manuais no desempenho de parceiros de atividades intensas apresentam altos percentuais de envolvimento por distúrbios osteomusculares, exigindo medidas ergonômicas preventivas. no entanto, a ocorrência desses distúrbios foi correlacionada com a idade do profissional. Havia uma relação direta entre carga de trabalho e presença de DMEs. Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que os terapeutas manuais no desempenho de parceiros de atividades intensas apresentam altos percentuais de envolvimento por distúrbios osteomusculares, exigindo medidas ergonômicas preventivas.
Editorial
Authors: Costa e Silva Margot Riemann , Vieira Jeferson De Castro
Published: November 2016

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Automated problem generation in Learning Management Systems: a tutorial
Authors: Romero Jaime , Rozano Mercedes
Published: November 2016

Abstract

The benefits of solving problems have been widely acknowledged by literature. Its implementation in eâ€“learning platforms can make easier its management and the learning process itself. However, its implementation can also become a very timeâ€“consuming task, particularly when the number of problems to generate is high. In this tutorial we describe a methodology that we have developed aiming to alleviate the workload of producing a great deal of problems in Moodle for an undergraduate business course. This methodology follows a six-step process and allows evaluating studentâ€™s skills in problem solving, minimizes plagiarism behaviors and provides immediate feedback. We expect this tutorial encourage other educators to apply our six steps process, thus benefiting themselves and their students of its advantages.

 

Keywords: Learning management systems; problem generation; randomization; cloze questions
The Impact of M-Learning Activities on the IT Success and M-Learning Capabilities of the Special Education Teacher Candidates
Authors: Soykan Emrah , Ozdamli Fezile
Published: November 2016

The advantages of using mobile devices and cloud computing services in education are accepted by many researchers. Also, in educating students who are in need of special education, the use of cloud computing services is inevitable. So, this case requires teacher candidates who are planning to teach in those special education centers to be able to use these technologies sufficiently, be able to perceive positively and in order to be able to follow future improvements and innovations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the perceptions of teacher candidatesâ€™ mobile learning implementations that are supported by cloud computing services towards mobile learning. This is an experimental study. Study group consists of 56 teacher candidates from special education department. Lessons are lectured in a blended learning environment of SkyDrive cloud with a variety of materials. Pre-test and post-test results of the students in terms of using mobile tools in mobile learning environment, success in information technology.Keywords: Keywords: Mobile Learning, Cloud Computing, Information Technologies
Design Based Research: the Way of Developing and Implementing Educational Innovation
Authors: Štemberger Tina , Cencič Majda
Published: November 2016

Abstract

The appropriate implementation of innovation is a crucial factor in improving educational practice. In the implementation process, there is, however, often a lack of interaction between designers and practitioners that would enable the latter to become competent enough to implement theoretical knowledge into practice and to have an ongoing support from designers. Design-based research is based on close cooperation between researchers, practitioners and designers which consequently allows greater integration of research and practice in education. In the present paper, the beginnings, development, basic characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and the research process of design-based research are reviewed and an example of design-based research is presented.

 

Keywords: design-based research; educational research; educational innovation; mixed methods research; educational improvement
Determination of student opinions in augmented reality
Authors: Bicen Huseyin , Bal Erkan
Published: November 2016

The rapid development of the new technology has changed classroom teaching methods and tools in a positive way. This study investigated the classroom learning with augmented reality and the impact of student opinions. 97 volunteer undergraduate students took part in this study. Results included data in the form of frequencies, percentages and descriptive statistics. The results show that, with gamification methods, augmented reality content affected studentsâ€™ opinions in a positive way. When QR codes are used in the classroom, students feel independent from classroom materials and can access various resources. Moreover, students think that, when augmented reality in the classroom is used, education is more enjoyable.Â Keywords: Augmented reality; gamification; opinions; students
Undergraduate students’ opinions	with regard to ubiquitous MOOC for enhancing cross–cultural	competence
Authors: Plangsorn Boonrat , Na-Songkhla Jaitip , Luetkehans Lara M.
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to study undergraduate students’ opinions with regard to the ubiquitous massive open online course (MOOC) for enhancing cross-cultural competence. This descriptive research applied a survey method. The survey data were collected by using survey questionnaires and online questionnaires from 410 undergraduate students recruited from eight government universities. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were analyzed by using a computer program. The findings of this study revealed that all the components of ubiquitous MOOC for enhancing cross-cultural competence were evaluated at a high level. The significant correlations among the main research variables revealed that ulearning had the highest positive correlation with massive open online course. Keywords: ubiquitous learning, MOOC, ubiquitous MOOC, cross-cultural competence.
Teaching experience in university students using social networks
Authors: Carranza Alcántar María del Rocío , Ballesteros Nuria Salán , Islas Torres Claudia , Padilla Alma Azucena Jiménez , Barajas Rosa Elena Legaspi
Published: November 2016

Social networks, specifically Facebook and Twitter, are currently one of the mainstream media in the world, yet its educational use for the dissemination of knowledge is not significantly evident, under this premise this report is presented, considering an experience in which teachers and university-level students used these networks as mediators of educational practices; such mediation was implemented in order to promote mobile learning as an option to facilitate the process of construction and socialization of knowledge; In this sense, the research presented aimed to identify the experience and opinion of students regarding the influence of this strategy in achieving their learning. The quantitative methodology was applied through the application type of a survey of students who participated and realized the importance of socialization of knowledge. The results showed favorable opinions regarding the use of these networks, highlighting the benefits of mobile learning as a way to streamline the training process. The proposal is to continue this type of strategies to promote flexible teaching-learning options.
The educational use of facebook as a social networking site in animal physiology classes
Authors: Koseoglu Pınar , Mercan Gamze
Published: November 2016

This study aims at performing a sample application of educational use of Facebook as a social networking site in Animal Physiology classes, and at determining sudentsâ€™ views on the application. The research sample was composed of 29 third year undergraduate students attending the Biology Education Department of Hacettepe University. The Applied part of the research was performed in the Spring semester of the 2014-2015 academic year in Animal Physiology classes. A Facebook group called â€œBIO 314 Animal Physiologyâ€ was created for sharing purposes in relation to the course content, and the lecturer as well as the students sharedÂ  several times in the group for fourteen weeks and they made comments on instances of sharing.Â  Besides, the lecturer assigned the students tasks for the activities and the students were expected to fulfill the tasks. Studentsâ€™ views were obtained through a survey of open-ended questions prepared as the tool of data collection and then the views were put to qualitative analysis. The results showed that the use of Facebook for educational purposes made such things as sharing, helping each other, increasing communication, reaching the lecturer and visualising the content easier for students but that there were also students holding negative views on the issue.
Los negocios inclusivos como fuente de trabajo de calidad para pequeñas empresarias en condición de pobreza: un estudio exploratorio en el municipio de Apartadó, Colombia
Authors: Pineda Escobar María Alejandra , Falla Villa Paola Liliana
Published: November 2016

This paper develops a prefeasibility study for the implementation of inclusive businesses in the municipality of Apartadó (Colombia), being understood as business plans that link the vulnerable population to the value chain of companies in order to generate economic and social value. Thus, the purpose was to analyze, together with the key stakeholders in the area, the business planning potential in the territory in an inclusive and sustainable manner, and the possibility of consolidating new quality work alternatives for small female entrepreneurs in poverty conditions. After exploring the theoretical framework of inclusive business, the paper presents the results of interviews and focus groups, as well as the main conclusions and suggestions for future research.
La formalización de los trabajadores por cuenta propia en Argentina: análisis del programa Monotributo Social y de los factores que condicionan su alcance
Authors: Castelao Caruana María Eugenia
Published: November 2016

La informalidad es un fenómeno persistente en las economías de América Latina, e incide en los trabajadores por cuenta propia más pobres. Los programas públicos que fomentan emprendimientos entre la población vulnerable tienen como principal objetivo crear empleo, al tiempo que se promueve la inclusión social por medio del trabajo. Un diseño de política pública coherente con este objetivo plantea la necesidad de desarrollar programas que faciliten la formalización de los trabajadores vulnerables por cuenta propia. Con esto en perspectiva, el Estado argentino implementó desde 2004 un régimen especial de tributación denominado Monotributo Social. Este trabajo identifica los desafíos que ha encontrado en su formulación e implementación desde su creación hasta la actualidad y las estrategias que ha adoptado para abordarlos. Adicionalmente, indaga en los límites que enfrenta el programa para llegar a la población destinataria, así como en las condiciones que caracterizan a estos trabajadores.
Ventajas económicas del aprovechamiento del agua lluvia
Authors: Sandoval Betancour Gustavo Adolfo
Published: November 2016

Este artículo cuantifica algunos beneficios económicos que aportaría una cultura de aprovechamiento de agua lluvia en el caso de Bogotá. El trabajo se realizó mediante proyecciones de necesidades futuras de agua hasta 2035, con base en el crecimiento poblacional y de la economía local como variables determinantes de las necesidades del servicio de acueducto. Se destaca lo apropiado que resultaría promover el aprovechamiento del agua como estrategia ante la situación de apremio del cambio climático, por las limitaciones que produciría al aprovisionamiento de agua a la ciudad. Las proyecciones de necesidades de abastecimiento de agua para la población creciente hasta 2035 indican que se requiere un aumento del 37,6 % de la capacidad de abastecimiento para consumo de la población de las localidades que componen la zona urbana de Bogotá. Se concluye que el aprovechamiento del agua lluvia generaría ahorros importantes de agua y costos de suministro de este recurso para los usuarios y el Estado.
GCP 1.0: una herramienta para la gestión de costos en las micro y pequeñas empresas de manufactura textil en Bucaramanga
Authors: Gómez Niño Ofelia , Gómez Prada Urbano Eliécer , Cárdenas Arenas Juan Sebastián
Published: November 2016

This article presents the results of a diagnostic study in which 52 textile manufacturing companies were observed in Bucaramanga to characterize the needs of these productive units. Based on the results, three strategic options were formulated to improve performance: a) To consolidate the productive system by tools that facilitate production processes, b) to strengthen cost structure by designing systems and tools and c) to share technological initiatives, knowledge and experience to improve resource management. From this perspective, the second phase of the research was oriented to develop the software GCP 1.0 for micro and small companies of children’s confection in Bucaramanga, a production cost information system that would facilitate cost management and the fixation of sale prices.
Maestras afrodescendientes del Caribe colombiano: Un estudio de caso
Authors: Martinez Carazo Piedad Cristina , Lago De Vergara Diana Elvira , Buelvas Martínez Armando
Published: November 2016

El objetivo del presente artículo es indagar sobre las políticas estatales en torno a la etnoeducación, las maestras y su actividad en el aula, a través de la entrevista en profundidad realizada a una maestra afrodescendiente del Caribe colombiano y la revisión de antecedentes legales y empíricos del ámbito de la etnoeducación, mediante el uso de la metodología de estudio de caso. Los resultados revelan que la existencia de una política estatal sobre etnoeducación, pese a la carencia de recursos para su implementación, ha constituido una guía orientadora para la maestra objeto de estudio, quien, a través de sus prácticas pedagógicas ha cumplido un papel fundamental como dinamizadora del proceso de enseñanza y afianzamiento de la identidad en la que están involucrados los estudiantes, los padres de familia y la comunidad afrodescendiente a la que pertenece. Asimismo, sus tradiciones, costumbres, valores, formación, recursos del medio, tradición oral, y necesidades de los estudiantes, han influido en su práctica docente enfocada en la re-significación de su etnia, la búsqueda de la paz y la transformación social en el período de posconflicto vivido en la Región Caribe colombiana.
Experiencia pedagógica y voz multicultural: Pasos y palabras en historia de vida de maestra afrodescendiente
Authors: Cañón Flórez Lilia , Monroy González Myriam Esperanza , Salcedo Casallas Javier Ricardo
Published: November 2016

Este artículo plantea la constitución de interrelaciones multiculturales en contextos escolares; específicamente, con maestras afrodescendientes. Para esto, se plantearon ejes emergentes e integradores: subjetividades, multiculturalidad, territorio y experiencia pedagógica junto con el vigor formativo de la historia de vida en relación dialógica con los estudiantes. El trabajo tiene como objetivo indagar la cotidianidad y la interacción, desde el enfoque de la historia de vida, para visibilizar el entramado donde se tejen las prácticas y saberes escolares que constituyen subjetividades. Esta perspectiva sitúa la comprensión como posibilidad de trasformación, cimentada en la interpretación y el diálogo con los significados y los sentidos de lo que el otro quiere decir con sus palabras o sus silencios. Se originan, así, varias narrativas de una maestra afro del Colegio Ciudadela Educativa de Bosa en cuya ontología y epistemología se halla tanto la práctica como el concepto mismo de la experiencia pedagógica y se hace posible la emergencia de nuevas etnicidades afrourbanas que fortalecen las relaciones multiculturales.
Género y construcción científica del conocimiento
Authors: Guil Bozal Ana
Published: November 2016

El propósito de este trabajo es realizar una introducción sobre las principales aportaciones del feminismo a la construcción científica del conocimiento, observando cómo son necesarios no tanto métodos, como fuertes posicionamientos epistemológicos capaces de de-construir planteamientos positivistas, para co-construir una ciencia que supere los falsos objetivismos androcéntricos en aras de conocimientos contextualizados, inclusivos y consensuados intersubjetivamente, que sirvan de motor de cambio y transformación de las relaciones patriarcales de poder. La llegada de las mujeres a la Universidad supuso una revolución científica al incorporar su nuevo punto de vista, capaz de detectar los sesgos misóginos que las mantuvieron al margen de la historia categorizándolas como inferiores. A partir de ahí se ha producido una verdadera rebelión en las epistemologías académicas -las feministas del punto de vista, los feminismos negros, las feministas postmodernas y las empíricas contextuales- no tanto por el uso de determinadas metodologías, como por la fuerza de sus valores democráticos e igualitarios compartidos.
Reseña de Libros y Revistas
Authors: RLR Reseñas de Libros y Revistas
Published: November 2016

Reseña de Libros y Revistas
Presentación
Authors: Masera Mariana , Azuela Cristina
Published: November 2016

Presentación.
Presentacion
Authors: Múgica Cristina
Published: November 2016

Presentación.
Digital Learning Environments: New Possibilities and Opportunities
Authors: Peters Otto
Published: November 2016

This paper deals with the general problem whether and, if so, how far the impact of the digitised learning environment on our traditional distance education will change the way in which teachers teach and learners learn. Are the dramatic innovations a menace to established ways of learning and teaching or are they the panacea to overcome some of the difficulties of our system of higher learning and to solve some of our educational problems caused by the big and far-reaching educational paradigm shift? This paper will not deal with technical or technological achievements in the field of information and communication which are, of course, revolutionary and to be acknowledged and admired. Rather, the digital learning environment will be analysed from a pedagogical point of view in order to find out what exactly are the didactic possibilities and opportunities and what are its foreseeable disadvantages. 
Addressing some Common Problems in Transcript Analysis
Authors: Fahy Patrick J.
Published: November 2016

Computer conferencing is one of the more useful parts of computer-mediated communications (CMC), and is virtually ubiquitous in distance education. The temptation to analyze the resulting interaction has resulted in only partial success, however (Henri, 1992; Kanuka and Anderson, 1998; Rourke, Anderson, Garrison and Archer, 1999; Fahy, Crawford, Ally, Cookson, Keller and Prosser, 2000). Some suggest the problem is made more complex by failings of both technique and, more seriously, theory capable of guiding transcript analysis research (Gunawardena, Lowe and Anderson, 1997).

We have previously described development and pilot-testing of an instrument and a process for transcript analysis, call the the TAT (Transcript Analysis Tool), based on a model originally developed by Zhu (1996). We found that the instrument and coding procedures used provided acceptable "sometimes excellent" levels of interrater reliability (varying from 70 percent to 94 percent in pilot applications, depending upon user training and practice with the instrument), and that results of pilots indicated the TAT discriminated well among the various types of statements found in online conferences (Fahy, et al., 2000).
USQ: An e-University for an e-World
Authors: Taylor James C , Swannell Peter
Published: November 2016

The rapid rate of technological change and the rapidly growing number of institutions now embarking on Internet-based delivery means that more institutions are involved in distance education than at any other time in history. As institutions throughout the world increasingly offer courses via the Internet, there will emerge a global higher education economy in which institutions will face global competition for students, especially those involved in continuing professional education and lifelong learning. The emergence of the global higher education economy could well act as a catalyst for overcoming the institutional inertia that typifies the organisational culture of many universities. This transition from the Industrial to the Information Age was encapsulated by Dolence and Norris (1995), who argued that to survive organisations would need to change from rigid, formula driven entities to organisations that were "fast, flexible, and fluid" (p. 31) -- adjectives not typically used to describe the salient features of universities! This case study outlines the response of a well-established dual mode institution, The University of Southern Queensland (USQ), to the "gales of creative destruction" (Schumpeter, 1950, p. 84) that currently beset higher education institutions throughout the world.
Patterns of Interaction in a Computer Conference Transcript
Authors: Fahy Patrick J. , Crawford Gail , Ally Mohamed
Published: November 2016

An analysis of the interaction patterns in an online conference from a distance education graduate course was conducted, using an approach that focused on the transcript's interactional and structural features. A new tool for transcript analysis, the TAT (Transcript Analysis Tool), was used to analyze interactional features, while structural elements suggested by social network theory were examined. Analysis of the patterns of interaction in the conference showed interaction was variable, and that while all participants were engaged, intensity and persistence of participation were unequal among individual participants in several ways. The TAT showed the proportions of five major types of sentences in the transcript, corresponding to different modes of interaction (questions, statements, reflections, engaging comments, and quotations/citations). The findings showed that the TAT seemed to relate usefully to other work in this area, and that social network principles were valuable in the analysis of conference interaction.
Bringing Online Learning to Campus: The hybridization of teaching and learning at Brigham Young University
Authors: Waddoups Gregory L. , Howell Scott L.
Published: November 2016

The primary purpose of Brigham Young University (BYU) is to provide students with a combination of sacred and secular education often described as the “BYU experience.” Achieving this purpose is challenged by the rapid growth in Church membership and an enrollment cap of 30,000 students. To address these challenges, BYU sponsors the use of technology to bridge the gap between the increased Church membership and the number of students allowed under the enrollment caps. This institutional case study shows how these challenges have influenced the hybridization of teaching and learning for on campus (resident) and off campus (distance) students. It also describes how BYU has brought distance education to campus, and is beginning to bring campus-based educational practices to distance education.
The University of Texas System TeleCampus: A statewide model for collaboration
Authors: Hardy Darcy W. , Robinson Robert L.
Published: November 2016

The University of Texas (UT) System has been meeting educational needs of students for over 150 years. In 1997, the UT System initiated the development of the UT TeleCampus, a centralized facilitation point for distance learning. The TeleCampus opened its virtual doors in May 1998, focused entirely on support services for students. By late 1998, the TeleCampus had begun developing what would become collaborative benchmark online programs for the UT System.

As a result of having developed over 12 complete online degree programs since that time, many lessons have been learned about (1) barriers to collaboration and how to overcome them; (2) faculty development and interaction; and (3) the commitment required to build successful online programs.

This article describes the UT TeleCampus initiative and how it has grown from a services-only organization to a nationally recognized model for delivering high quality distance education.
Out of the Shadow and Into the Spotlight: The Development of Distance Teaching in Norwegian Higher Education
Authors: Grepperud Gunnar , Støkken Anne Marie , Toska Jan Atle
Published: November 2016

On October 4, 1914, The Norwegian Correspondence School (NKS) accepted its first student, a woman, who, for a fee of NOK 10, registered for two courses (Amdam and Bjarnar, 1989). Seventy-five years later, distance education has become an important part of Norwegian higher education. However, there are several reasons why distance teaching did not gain acceptance in Norwegian higher education earlier. One of is the well-known skepticism of distance teaching as a strategy, the other was the adoption of other modes of making higher education accessible to more people, such as offering part-time studies and de-centralized study programmes in locations without higher education institutions. In Norway, because geography has been more of an obstacle than social class, might help explain the greater focus on building traditional education institutions during this period (Støkken 1999).