bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Semantic Analysis of the Learner’s Disorientation
Authors: Ait Adda Samia , Bousbia Nabila , Balla Amar
Published: June 2016

Learning systems are dedicated for learning about a particular area organized through non-linear documents. Therefore, it is always useful to recognize the state of knowledge and the navigation behaviour of a learner in order to evaluate customize and adapt the learning process. In this paper, we aim to make a semantic analysis of the learner’s navigation during his apprenticeship in hypermedia content. The main reason of this analysis is to identify the browsing behaviour of a learner with the current course. We assume that if the semantic distance between the domain concepts of the documents (or pages) that follow each other in the navigation of a learner is great, then this reflects the unstructured navigation behaviour and interprets that the learner is disoriented. This type of behaviour could be due to the poor organization of the content and the bad structuring of the course. Indeed, this analysis will allow to the tutor, to identify the disoriented learners and help them, and to the course author, to specify the causes to restructure and to deepen the analysis of the existing content and the navigation links between the parts of the course.
A Survey of Assignments in Undergraduate Computer Architecture Courses
Authors: Kehagias Dimitris
Published: June 2016

Computer architecture is an essential topic in undergraduate Computer Science (CS) curricula. Teaching computer architecture courses to CS students can be challenging, as the concepts are on a high abstraction level and not easy to grasp for students. Learning of computer architecture abstracts is strongly reinforced by hands-on assignment experience. This paper presents results from a survey of assignments from 40 undergraduate computer architecture courses, which are offered in 40 CS departments. These surveyed courses are selected from universities listed among the 120 top North America universities by the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities 2015. The information used for this survey is based solely on material publicly accessible on the websites of courses.
Mobile First E-Learning
Authors: Curinga Matthew Xavier , Saravanos Antonios
Published: June 2016

The rapid rise in mobile computing—primarily smartphones and tablets—has led software and interface designers to adopt a “mobile first” strategy, where they develop applications with mobile users in mind as the primary audience. More than just bringing desktop computing to smaller devices, this turn has opened up qualitatively different computing experience, refocusing interaction design on high quality user experiences. This chapter explores the ways that mobile first can help instructional designers realize a more contextual learning experience embedded in the world. We look at the primary approaches of mobile first design and then explore some cases of mobile design for learning that foster authentic and deep learning.
Collaboration via Technology as a Means for Social and Cognitive Development within the K-12 Classroom
Authors: Boyd N. Leigh
Published: June 2016

Collaboration within the K-12 classroom has been shown to benefit students' social and cognitive development. However, the results are not automatic, and there is some disagreement as to how to structure classroom collaboration to benefit students' development. Likewise, though technology seems nearly ubiquitous these days in the classroom, neither technology in general nor mobile technology specifically automatically offers benefits for students. This chapter will examine the research on collaboration and technology in the classroom, including Mercer's (2013) three products of collaboration (appropriation, co-construction, and transformation) and Stevenson and Hedburg's (2013) three interdependent elements of learning (task, environment, and experience). Finally, based on the research, a theoretical framework for understanding how best to set up mobile technology-enabled collaboration in the K-12 classroom is offered, including specific suggestions for curriculum planning.
EMxC3 = e&mLearning Cultivating Connected Communities
Authors: Mentor Dominic
Published: June 2016

This chapter covers the building of an ecological system to convert a workforce development organization to adopt blended electronic and mobile learning (e&mLearning) as part of its processes and practices. The chapter describes the organic approach to diffuse the technological innovation to cultivating supportive teaching and learning communities. Starting with the process of establishing and implementing an academic vision and strategy, the building of a blended, electronic, and mobile learning criteria taxonomy, as well as a technology integrated educational framework. The results and findings of the implementation of an LMS as the foundation of the e&mLearning vision is also shared followed by recommendations from current successes and organizational needs.
Mobile Learning for Social Change
Authors: Alehegn Tseday , Mentor Dominic
Published: June 2016

This chapter focuses on how mobile apps and smartphones can be used to enhance democratic education in schools and society at large, why such opportunities need to be more seriously considered as integral to the school learning environment, and how it can empower citizens for civic engagement. Using Dewey's philosophy of democratic education this chapter provides examples of mobile apps designed through classroom, community-based or after school programs that provide youth with coding training opportunities as well as macro-level highlights of civic engagement for social change. Reviewing theories of technology – from determinism to social embeddedness – this chapter reflects on the inherent “democratic” design of mobile technologies, as well as the challenge to embrace the interest that youth and society in general have for mobile app use. It is a call to promote mobile-driven democratic education in an environment encouraging continuous learning as well as cultivating and leveraging mobile technologies to develop an informed public voice and participatory agency.
Incorporating Touch-Based Tablets into Classroom Activities
Authors: Sung Woonhee , Ahn Junghyun , Kai Shi Ming , Choi Ahram , Black John B.
Published: June 2016

This chapter explores the role of computational thinking in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning and proposes effective classroom strategies that foster computational thinking. In a study conducted in an elementary after school classroom, the authors found that incorporating Computational Perspective Practice (CPP) to STEM subjects fosters higher-level cognitive thinking skills as well as learning in STEM domain. The 10 week-long after school program demonstrates positive effects of incorporating CPP to embodied activities in mathematic units prior to programming practice on learning coding as well as mathematics. The chapter concludes with recommendations for interweaving physical activities and a tablet-based programming application into elementary-level STEM classrooms.
Natural Human-Computer Interaction with Musical Instruments
Authors: Tzanetakis George
Published: June 2016

The playing of a musical instrument is one of the most skilled and complex interactions between a human and an artifact. Professional musicians spend a significant part of their lives initially learning their instruments and then perfecting their skills. The production, distribution and consumption of music has been profoundly transformed by digital technology. Today music is recorded and mixed using computers, distributed through online stores and streaming services, and heard on smartphones and portable music players. Computers have also been used to synthesize new sounds, generate music, and even create sound acoustically in the field of music robotics. Despite all these advances the way musicians interact with computers has remained relatively unchanged in the last 20-30 years. Most interaction with computers in the context of music making still occurs either using the standard mouse/keyboard/screen interaction that everyone is familiar with, or using special digital musical instruments and controllers such as keyboards, synthesizers and drum machines. The string, woodwind, and brass families of instruments do not have widely available digital counterparts and in the few cases that they do the digital version is nowhere as expressive as the acoustic one. It is possible to retrofit and augment existing acoustic instruments with digital sensors in order to create what are termed hyper-instruments. These hyper-instruments allow musicians to interact naturally with their instrument as they are accustomed to, while at the same time transmitting information about what they are playing to computing systems. This approach requires significant alterations to the acoustic instrument which is something many musicians are hesitant to do. In addition, hyper-instruments are typically one of a kind research prototypes making their wider adoption practically impossible. In the past few years researchers have started exploring the use of non-invasive and minimally invasive sensing technologies that address these two limitations by allowing acoustic instruments to be used without any modifications directly as digital controllers. This enables natural human-computer interaction with all the rich and delicate control of acoustic instruments, while retaining the wide array of possibilities that digital technology can provide. In this chapter, an overview of these efforts will be provided followed by some more detailed case studies from research that has been conducted by the author's group. This natural interaction blurs the boundaries between the virtual and physical world which is something that will increasingly happen in other aspects of human-computer interaction in addition to music. It also opens up new possibilities for computer-assisted music tutoring, cyber-physical ensembles, and assistive music technologies.
Using a Multi-Tiered System of Support
Authors: Daniel Kimberly M. , Blackman Cheryl H. , Kardiasmenos Katrina S. , Lewis-Jack Ometha O.
Published: June 2016

In the K-12 setting, multi-tiered models have emerged over the past 10 years to address academic and behavioral student issues. Various models (e.g., Response to Intervention or Positive Behavioral Supports) have been developed using a multi-tiered framework in an effort to be proactive and reduce special education referrals. Key components in this framework include teacher training, universal screenings, early intervention, on-going assessment, and use of evidenced-based practice. A review of the recent literature did not yield any studies related to the application of a multi-tiered model at the post-secondary level. This chapter describes the design of a multi-tiered support model for use at the college level. This proposed model utilizes a peer tutoring/mentoring program and other college support services. It is designed to coordinate campus services and provide various levels of support for incoming students at Bowie State University, especially those with pre-existing learning, behavioral and mental health issues.
Toward an HBCU-Based Model of Learning Communities
Authors: Arroyo Andrew T. , Ericksen Kirsten S. , Walker Jonathan M. , Aregano Patrisha E.
Published: June 2016

Drawing from the non-Eurocentric and Afrocentric approach of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the authors advance the first HBCU-based learning communities model in the literature to date. The model combines institution-level assets and inputs with student-level assets and inputs to foster a supportive learning community environment that is consistent with HBCU tradition and postmodern organization. Implications for practice and research conclude the chapter, with an emphasis on preparing HBCUs to meet relevant challenges and opportunities.
Use of Innovative Pedagogies and Creative Partnership Strategies to Promote Undergraduate STEM Education at an HBCU
Authors: Fakayode Sayo O. , Snipes Vincent , Kanipes Margaret I. , Mohammed Abdul K. , Wilson Zakiya S.
Published: June 2016

A continued decline in the student enrollment and retention and graduation rates of Underrepresented Minorities (URM) in STEM majors is a potential threat to future sustainability, viability, and competiveness of several STEM degree programs, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The development of a broad-based and inclusive strategy to motivate, excite, retain, and graduate highly qualified URM students in STEM disciplines is therefore a national priority and is imperative for HBCUs. This book chapter highlights four major strategies including: 1) the design and implementation of new curriculum initiatives, active learning pedagogy, and other student engaging pedagogies, 2) early involvement of URM students in hands-on and guided inquiry research experiences in STEM majors, 3) establishing collaborations between HBCUs and Community Colleges, and 4) establishing strong collaborations between HBCUs and local K12 school districts to promote a grass root science education to promote a quality pipeline for HBCUs.
In Sync
Authors: Dunston Yolanda Lyght
Published: June 2016

This chapter explores the concept of student involvement in distance education, and whether or not it is possible for HBCUs to provide an online learning environment that upholds their traditional ideals of a close and personalized educational experience, particularly in a teacher education program that requires field experiences. Based on responses from 269 student surveys, the key factor appears to be the extent to which instructors recognize that online students are individuals with genuine concerns that deserve similar attention as their classmates on campus. This includes being flexible, assisting students who are not as skilled at setting and/or maintaining a pace, establishing and maintaining lines of communication, providing transparency with course grading, being prepared and organized, making themselves available, providing multiple levels of support and interaction, and dealing effectively with technical problems. Faculty at HBCUs should remember that teaching online is still teaching, and be careful not to remove the human element from the process.
The Role of HBCUs in Preparing African American Males for Careers in Information Technology
Authors: Kvasny Lynette , Trauth Eileen M. , Joshi K. D.
Published: June 2016

African Americans represent only two percent of the professionals working in computer occupations. Many policy makers and researchers argue that the educational pipeline is the major impediment to hiring a more diverse workforce. In this chapter we review literature and use findings from our prior research to inform a discussion about the issue and challenges faced by African American male undergraduates enrolled in technology majors at HBCUs. Our work also highlights the unique role that HBCUs can play in broadening the educational pipeline through corporate partnerships and community outreach. We offer recommendations for attracting African American men to information technology, supporting them as they pursue undergraduate degrees, and providing professional development opportunities that foster successful careers in information technology. We conclude with a discussion of research trends to further understand the issue of under representation, and innovative strategies that HBCU s can adopt to broaden the participation of African American men in information technology.
Sustainable Consumption Trends in the World in the Context of Green Economy and Sustainability
Authors: Yıldırım Seda , Yıldırım Durmuş Çağrı , Gedikli Ayfer
Published: June 2016

Nowadays, sustainable growth and development are main economic policies for the countries all over the world. Decreasing natural resources, deepening environmental pollution and global warming problems are red alert of our planet. Every single country on the earth has the responsibility to protect our planet. So, increasing environmental awareness caused new tendencies in consumer behaviors. Countries aim not to pollute or harm the environment while improving their economic performance and life quality by green economy. Besides, by sustainable consumption, it is aimed to support personal sustainable development. In this context, sustainable consumption trends and the reflections of green economy applications in the world will be discussed in this chapter. In addition, developed countries and developing countries will be compared with each other through results of global ecological footprint.
Organic Cooperatives Facilitating Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Sutton-Brady Catherine , Raswant Arpit
Published: June 2016

Organic food consumption worldwide is growing. This chapter investigates this growth and outlines the major reasons behind the growth. Lack of consumer confidence in food produce from traditional channels is at the forefront of the increasing prominence of organic food consumption. A distribution channel, which has restored consumer confidence in food products, is organic cooperatives. This chapter provides a much needed definition of the organic cooperative and examines this concept through a social network lens. It further highlights the importance of close ties in the supply chain to build consumer confidence. It provides several examples of community cooperatives that use network ties and relationships to achieve success in this industry.
Energy Efficiency Policies in Some of the European Countries
Authors: Çevik Savaş , Erdoğdu M. Mustafa , Turna Fatma
Published: June 2016

This chapter deals with the instruments and policies to achieve energy efficiency in some of the European Union (EU) member states. The main aim of the study is to search for any efficient combination of policy instruments in the EU. The analysis is based on a unique database, derived out of the MURE project, related to energy efficiency policy measures in 28 EU countries and Norway. The study first describes and evaluates the main purposes and instruments of energy efficiency policies. Then, it classifies the measures applied to promote energy efficiency in sample countries by sectors and examines the impact level of different policy packages on energy efficiency.
Employment Aspect of Energy Performance Practices in Buildings and Fiscal Policy Proposals for Turkey
Authors: Altun Tülin , Görkem Hilal
Published: June 2016

Energy efficiency practices in buildings can be an important tool in fighting unemployment by creating many new jobs, besides increasing the economic, social and environmental levels of welfare. Therefore, energy-saving measures in buildings constitute a major aspect of energy policies in many developed countries. This study focuses on two main issues. The first of these is the evaluation of the increase in employment resulting from energy efficiency in building measures, and the second is the development of fiscal policy proposals for Turkey by comparing practices applied in Sweden and Greece.
Bank Credit Applications and Advancement Recommendations in Regards to Sustainable Buildings in Turkey
Authors: Altun Tülin , Bildik Akın , Gökçeoğlu Gökhan
Published: June 2016

There are a wide variety of buildings that have been distinguished from traditional buildings with respect to their design, construction and utilization processes. These buildings are widely named ranging from passive, green, ecological to sustainable and are also differentiated as an intended consequence of their economic, social and environmental advantages. Consequently, the development of well-defined financial mechanisms aimed at promoting to business and individuals as well as the adoption of incentives by the governments are very important. This chapter recommends the following with respect to addressing sustainable building issues; the initiation of legal and regulatory structures concerning finance of energy investments, increasing the aggregate magnitude of the private credit packages prepared with the cooperation of energy productive focused firms and banks, diversification of the financial products and services as regards sustainable buildings, improvement of maturity extensions and tax exemptions pertaining to sustainable building private credits.
Investigating Students' Interactions with Discussion Forums, Facebook, and Twitter in a MOOC and their Perceptions
Authors: Liu Min , Kang Jina , McKelroy Emily , Harron Jason , Liu Sa
Published: June 2016

Given MOOCs being a relatively new format of online instruction, evidence-based research is needed to understand the role of MOOCs in changing the educational landscape, especially how students use the tools provided in MOOCs. This study investigated how students interacted with the discussion forum in a MOOC, and how they utilized Facebook and Twitter as an additional external space associated with this MOOC. Through both quantitative and qualitative data, the findings showed that MOOC participants found these tools to be helpful and can help create an active, collaborative, and participatory learning environment where they could share ideas and connect with other participants. The finding also indicated a poor interface design and low quality or low response to feedback can impact students' participation and perception of the usefulness of these tools. Results are discussed in the context.
Hispanic LEP, MOOCs, and Meetups
Authors: Talavera-Franco Ramón
Published: June 2016

The 21st Century demands the transformation of education into a more collaborative system. School stakeholders should strengthen the sharing of educational resources to make them more attainable for students. Hispanic LEP Meetups as MOOC communities of practice hubs explores the challenges of one of the minority groups living in the United States that has been affected by school segregation practices: the Hispanic Limited English Proficient (HLEP) community—and proposes an alternative for them to continue their education by using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and by taking advantage of meetups to develop local communities of practice.
Guidelines for Design and Implementation of Mobile Learning
Authors: Ally Mohamed , Samaka Mohammed
Published: June 2016

As technology evolves, there is a shift towards the use of mobile technology to deliver education both on-campus in a blended format and online delivery. This shift is moving at a very fast pace which is a major challenge for educational organizations which has to train staff and build the infrastructure for mobile delivery. Educators have to be trained on how to develop quality mobile learning materials, how to use the technology for the delivery, and how to provide quality support to students so that they are successful when using mobile technology to learn. This chapter provides guidelines for designing and implementing mobile learning.
Learning without Boundaries MOOCs in Malaysia
Authors: Tharmabalan Rachel Thomas
Published: June 2016

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been the focus of mainstream media which promises to change the entire world education and create a meaningful impact for all. This book chapter reports on the design and implementation of Malaysian MOOC. Malaysia is the first country in the world to implement the MOOCs initiative for public universities. This new platform of learning is also in line with the National Higher Education Strategic Plan that includes life-long learning, e-Learning, internationalization, and knowledge transfer.
Creativity in the Emerging Adult
Authors: Ferris Alicia
Published: June 2016

Before one can reflect upon the presence of creativity in the Emerging Adult, it is necessary to better understand and explore what it means to be an Emerging Adult. Reviewing the developmental theories of Jeffery Arnett, Erik Erikson, James Marcia, Jean Piaget, and Sigmund Freud is necessary in order to better understand the Emerging Adult and how creativity can optimally be stimulated during this time frame of development. Emerging Adulthood integrates a variety of developmental milestones, including the development of identity and intimacy and the transition of an adolescent from parental dependence to independence in college, relationships and work. This chapter will cover and discuss creativity in the context of group identity, personal identity, family, relationships, cognition, college education, and the workplace.
Creative Aging
Authors: Keyser Anna Kristina , Corning Michael
Published: June 2016

This chapter introduces the Developmental and Intelligence Theories of middle and late adulthood and relates them to the complex construct of creativity. Analyses of these theories in regard to middle adulthood assess why an individual may be the most immersed in creativity during this period of life. This is followed by a conclusive examination of ways in which to stimulate creativity in the later years, primarily through looking at the relation between developmental theories and the impact of a cognitively rich environment. These two periods of the lifespan encompass a majority of the average adult's existence in this world, and as such provide a framework upon which the necessity of stimulating creativity must be examined.
Revisiting the Relationships between Turkish Prospective Teachers' Thinking Styles and Behaviors Fostering Creativity
Authors: Dikici Ayhan
Published: June 2016

This chapter aims to reexamine the relationship between Turkish prospective teachers' thinking styles and creativity fostering behaviors. In the study, 182 Turkish prospective teachers were participated. The Thinking Styles Inventory (TSI) and Creativity Fostering Teacher Index Scale (CFTIS) were administered to participants. An exploratory factor analysis, zero order and partial correlation, linear and quadratic trend analysis were conducted on the data. The results indicated that Type I thinking styles are a more powerful predictor for creativity fostering behaviors than Type II thinking styles. Prospective teachers' implicit opinions about creativity negatively predicted to CFTIS. Relationship between Type I and Type II thinking styles, and creativity fostering behaviors were positively significant in the results of quadratic trend analysis; however, the relationship between implicit opinions about creativity and creativity fostering behaviors were negatively significant in the analysis. The results obtained from the study were discussed based on previous studies.
Realabilities
Authors: Silton Nava R.
Published: June 2016

Children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be victimized by bullying than their typical peers (Carter & Spencer, 2006). Since half of all preschool children with disabilities are now in mainstream classrooms (Diamond & Hong, 2010), it's imperative to reduce bullying and to enhance sensitivity to peers with disabilities. Since children tend to exercise more effort when they have higher expectations of their peers (Rosenthal, 1989), it's critical to showcase the competencies of children with disabilities (Siperstein et al., 2007). The following research assesses the impact of Realabilities, an animated TV show and comic book series, which emphasizes the strengths of five characters with disabilities (Autism, ADHD, Visual, Hearing and Physical Impairment) who harness their strengths and innate creativity to save their school from bullies. This chapter will present findings from five, creative Realabilities interventions using Morgan's (1996) Shared Activities Questionnaire and Siperstein and Bak's (1977) Adjective Checklist and will highlight future directions.
Avoiding Conscription in Israel
Authors: Gillath Nurit
Published: June 2016

This chapter tackles Zionism as a modern manifestation of nationalism that included religion as an essential component of national identity. Positing from a feminist perspective that national identity is synonymous with masculinity, the author searches for the women's place in the Zionist movement, particularly through the prism of military service. The Israeli army had a major role in the creation of a Zionist national ethos, and the concept of a people's army, where women should be equal participants shaped the country as the only western democracy that conscripted women. With the establishment of the state, conscription to the IDF was made mandatory for both men and women. However, women's conscription met bitter opposition from religious Orthodox circles. This chapter analyzes how orthodox women were political pawns in the hands of religious leaders. The author claims that they were robbed of their right to choose military service and as such to be an equal part of Israel's diverse society.
Information Communication Technology and the Street-Level Bureaucrat
Authors: Leavitt Lester
Published: June 2016

This chapter explains the theory behind an information communication technology (ICT) being developed to provide marginalised populations with a tool for uniting the voices of progressive-minded activists. The theory suggests that with this technology, seemingly incompatible progressive groups might enlarge their campaigns for social equity, creating a global, heterogeneous network. The ICT allows for the capture of crowd-sourced artistic creativity, and through algorithms that have been shaped by academics in public administration, makes content retrievable as pluralistic, policy-supporting narrative threads. The new narratives should also work to alter the discourse within communities by diminishing the worldview threats associated with zero-sum ideology. This ICT is seen as vital because of how powerful lobbyists (funded by global elites) have consistently been successful in skewing the outcomes of policymaking decisions and elections. The system is firmly rooted in the small-group, consensus-building organisational theories of respected authors dating back to the 1970s.
Decision-Making with Big Data Using Open Source Business Intelligence Systems
Authors: Bernardino Jorge , Neves Pedro Caldeira
Published: June 2016

The importance of supporting decision making for improving business performance is a crucial, yet challenging task in enterprise management. The amount of data in our world has been exploding and Big Data represents a fundamental shift in business decision-making. Analyzing such so-called Big Data is becoming a keystone of competition and the success of organizations depends on fast and well-founded decisions taken by relevant people in their specific area of responsibility. Business Intelligence (BI) is a collection of decision support technologies for enterprises aimed at enabling knowledge workers such as executives, managers, and analysts to make better and faster decisions. We review the concept of BI as an open innovation strategy and address the importance of BI in revolutionizing knowledge towards economics and business sustainability. Using Big Data with Open Source Business Intelligence Systems will generate the biggest opportunities to increase competitiveness and differentiation in organizations. In this chapter, we describe and analyze four popular open source BI systems - Jaspersoft, Jedox, Pentaho and Actuate/BIRT.
Essential E Learning Tools, Techniques and Open CourseWare for E Learners and Trainers
Authors: Sawant Sarika
Published: June 2016

E-learning includes several types of media that deliver text, audio, images, animation, and streaming video, and includes technology applications and processes such as audio or video tape, satellite TV, CD-ROM, and computer-based learning, as well as local intranet/extranet and web-based learning. E learning is a learner-friendly mode of learning, offering alternative, self-paced and personalised ways of studying. The present chapter explains the synchronous and asynchronous mode of e learning with its features. It also defines and summarises the impact of open source software on teaching and learning process. The numerous open source e learning tools are discussed with examples such as Open source LMS, Open source authoring tools, Open source audio editing software, Open source social bookmarking tools, Open source CMS etc. It also throws light on free e learning tools useful in e learning such as Slideshare, Youtube, Wikis, RSS, Wordpress etc. The search engines especially for academic purpose and for Open CourseWear are also discussed in the chapter. It identifies open courseware around the world spanning various subjects. The chapter concludes with e learning initiatives in India.
Developing an Economic Estimation System for Vertical Farms
Authors: Shao Yiming , Heath Tim , Zhu Yan
Published: June 2016

The concept of vertical farming is nearly twenty years old, however, there are only a few experimental prototypes despite its many advantages compared to conventional agriculture. Significantly, financial uncertainty has been identified as the largest barrier to the realization of a ‘real' vertical farm. Some specialists have provided ways to calculate costs and return on investment, however, most of them are superficial with calculations based on particular contextual circumstances. To move the concept forwards a reliable and flexible estimating tool, specific to this new building typology, is clearly required. A computational system, software named VFer, has therefore been developed by the authors to provide such a solution. This paper examines this highly flexible, customised system and results from several typical vertical farm configurations in three mega-cities (Shanghai, London and Washington DC) are used to elucidate the potential economic return of vertical farms.
A Hybrid Model for Rice Disease Diagnosis Using Entropy Based Neuro Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lavanya K. , Durai M.A. Saleem , Iyengar N.Ch.S.N.
Published: June 2016

Disease prediction is often characterized by a high degree of fuzziness and uncertainty. This may reside in the imperfect and complex nature of symptoms that aids in diagnosis.. For precise rice disease diagnosis, domain knowledge of expertise pathologists along with clinically screened database of crop symptoms is considered as knowledge base. The hybrid method pre treats the crop symptoms for removal of noise and redundancy. It forms as target data for rice disease diagnostic model. The Entropy assisted GEANN algorithm reduces the n- dimensionality of diagnostic symptoms and optimizes the target data search space for higher accuracy. Finally the neuro fuzzy system make way for prediction of diseases based on the rules derived from qualitative interpretation of crop symptoms uniqueness. The algorithm is tested for real time case studies of Vellore district, Tamilnadu, India and the results evolved consistent performance against regression, back propagation algorithm and fuzzy network in disease prediction.
A Location Allocation Model for a Territorial Design Problem with Dense Demand
Authors: Loranca María Beatríz Bernábe , Velázquez Rogelio González , Benítez Elias Olivares , Flores José Luis Martínez
Published: June 2016

The authors present in this work a proposal that allows establishing the relationships between the facilities location problem and the client allocation within a dense demand environment in territorial design. This proposal can be seen as a basic methodology to give support to the decision making. The use of this application lets one know the production facilities location, warehouses or distribution centers in a geographical space division. On the other hand, solving the client's dense demand for goods or services, means finding the location of facilities in a populated geographic territory, where the population has a demand for services in a constant basis. Finding the location is obtaining the decimal geographical coordinates in longitude, latitude where the facility is located, such that the product or service transport costs the least. The implications and practical benefits of the results from this work allow an organization to be able to design an efficient logistics plan in benefit of its supply chain. The problem the authors present is a territorial design and optimization one due to the fact that the required territorial partition demands the creation of compact zones where the minimum distance between the geographical objects is implicitly optimized. This problem belongs to the NP-hard class, where the use of a metaheuristic to attain approximated solutions becomes a necessity, Variable Neighborhood Search was chosen because it achieves good solutions for this kind of problems. Once the territory has been partitioned into k zones where the centroid of each zone is the distribution center, as a first step the authors proceed to apply the dense demand with continuous functions and this is the main original contribution of this paper: Finding the location of facilities inside a territory where the population has a dense demand for services. The location obtained means having available the decimal geographic coordinates in longitude and latitude from the location point in such a way that the products or services transfer has a minimum cost. Finally the Weber function is minimized, which weights are a function that represents the population's demand in every territory, multiplied by the Euclidean distance between the potential location points and demand points.
Implementing Public-Private Partnerships
Authors: Fredouet Charles , Desplebin Olivier , Guerin Frank
Published: June 2016

Shippers' frequent re-designs of their transportation networks directly impact the relative strength of the positions held by ports in these networks. Therefore, Port Authorities need to adjust their investment/cooperation strategies, often using public-private partnerships. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the analysis of the motivations, implementation and evaluation of such partnerships. The methodology is case-based and fully qualitative, both for data collection and for data processing. Three main motivations have been identified. Implementation features a standard activity split between partners, but proves to be rather context-specific on some other aspects. Evaluation is made through three main criteria.
Seven Years of IJANTTI Articles
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: June 2016

The International Journal of Actor-Network Theory and Technological Innovation (IJANTTI) is now in its eighth year, and this article provides a brief summary of the journal's content over its first seven years. It offers an historical view of how the articles have changed (or not changed) over this period as an indication of the range of some of the topics that have been subject to an ANT analysis. A brief summary of the types of issues covered is also provided.
Developing a Project to Investigate the Introduction of ICT to Mapuche Students in Chile
Authors: Toro Fernando , Tatnall Arthur
Published: June 2016

The article describes the design of a study, using aspects of Actor Network Theory (ANT), to provide a level of understanding of how Mapuche students in Chile have shaped information and communication technology (ICT) to meet their needs, whether these are cultural, educational, work or other. The investigation aimed to analyse the impacts experienced by the Mapuche students as a result of the introduction of ICTs into schools where the predominant school population is composed of Mapuche students. The study described is still on-going and this article describes how it was set up and developed and how it is proceeding. A later article will describe more of the results.
Adoption of ICT in Implementing Primary Health Care
Authors: Faruq Quazi Omar , Tatnall Arthur
Published: June 2016

For a new technology to be put into use, a decision must be made to adopt it or at least some aspects of it. This article discusses the introduction and use of information and communication technologies in primary healthcare and investigates reasons for adoption, or non-adoption, or these technologies. In particular, the article looks at use of ICT by medical general practitioners, eHealth and the Virtual Doctor Program. The context is adoption of healthcare technologies in the Australian environment, and Information Translation is used as a lens to investigate this.
How Apps are Used by and with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Krägeloh Christian U. , Briggs Sheree , An Hye Jeong Hannah , Hinckson Erica , Phillips James G. , Tonge Bruce J.
Published: June 2016

The number of smartphone- and tablet-applications, or apps, for health and wellbeing continues to grow at a rapid pace. This scoping study identified articles reporting on the use of apps by and with individuals with autism. Professionals and parents of children with autism also completed a questionnaire as part of stakeholder consultation. Of the 40 studies identified, 28 reported on the use of apps specifically designed for autism, with clearly the most frequently being the communication support app Proloquo2Go. Other uses include assistance in the teaching and maintenance of social and life skills as well as faciliation in the delivery of behavioral interventions. Stakeholders confirmed the importance of apps to assist communication. While empirical data are available on the effectiveness of apps for augmentative and alternative communication, areas for further research include the functionality and effectiveness of apps for delivery of behavioral interventions and educational games for individuals with autism.
Understanding Bystanders' Willingness to Intervene in Traditional and Cyberbullying Scenarios
Authors: Walker Justine A. , Jeske Debora
Published: June 2016

Bullying incidents in traditional and online settings are a cause for concern to many parties. The goal of the current study was to explore the extent to which a bystander would intervene in a bullying incident and the degree to which this behavior is influenced by group size (the number of other witnesses), the setting (traditional or cyberbullying), and gender of the victim. Using an online survey method, participants were presented with eight bullying scenarios, each of which involved verbal bullying of a victim. Participants (N = 82) were asked to report how likely they would be to intervene in each of these scenarios. Results showed that female victims were more likely to be helped than male victims. Furthermore, female participants were more willing to intervene than the male participants in the cyberbullying scenarios. Altruism was a positive predictor of participants' willingness to intervene. The present findings suggest that certain gender differences in helping behavior may depend on the context in which bullying is observed (traditional or cyberbullying).
The Relation of Gender, Behavior, and Intimacy Development on Level of Facebook Addiction in Emerging Adults
Authors: Kimpton Melanie , Campbell Marilyn , Weigin Eliza Leong , Orel Alexandria , Wozencroft Kelly , Whiteford Chrystal
Published: June 2016

Social networking sites are changing the way in which young people develop and maintain friendships and relationships. This study investigated the relationship between level of Facebook addiction, Facebook behaviors, gender, and intimacy development in emerging adults. Participants were 273 university students aged 18 to 25. They completed an online questionnaire that measured their level of Facebook addiction, what they do on Facebook, and their ability to form intimate relationships. A gender difference was found with long distance, passive, active photo, and organizing behaviors relating to high levels of Facebook addiction in females, whereas gaming was related to high levels of Facebook addiction in males. Intimacy development was related to high Facebook use and long distance, active photo, and organizing behaviors, but not to the level of Facebook addiction. Implications regarding the identification of at-risk for addiction emerging adults are discussed.
Multimedia Social Network Modeling using Hypergraphs
Authors: Sperlì Giancarlo , Amato Flora , Moscato Vincenzo , Picariello Antonio
Published: June 2016

In this paper the authors define a novel data model for Multimedia Social Networks (MSNs), i.e. networks that combine information on users belonging to one or more social communities together with the multimedia content that is generated and used within the related environments. The proposed model relies on the hypergraph data structure to capture and to represent in a simple way all the different kinds of relationships that are typical of social networks and multimedia sharing systems, and in particular between multimedia contents, among users and multimedia content and among users themselves. Different applications (e.g. influence analysis, multimedia recommendation) can be then built on the top of the introduce data model thanks to the introduction of proper user and multimedia ranking functions. In addition, the authors provide a strategy for hypergraph learning from social data. Some preliminary experiments concerning efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach for analysis of Last.fm network are reported and discussed.
The Use of a Robotic Arm for Displacement Measurements in a Cantilever beam
Authors: Dias George Lucas , Magalhães Ricardo Rodrigues , Ferreira Danton Diego , Vitoriano Felipe Augusto
Published: June 2016

This paper is aimed to present a displacement measurements technique which was performed automatically in a cantilever beam using a robotic arm manipulator. This technique is based on the difference of measured coordinates of the robotic arm manipulator in order to provide displacement results. The robotic arm was supported by a micro-switch sensor which in contact with a sample, measured 21x3 points distributed along the sample. Measurements were performed before and after adding the loads on the free end of the cantilever beam, manufactured in ASTM A36 steel. Experiments were performed through loads of 1.96 N, 4.9 N, 9.8 N and 19.6 N using the robotic manipulator controller. Ten sets of measurement were performed for each load. The average and standard deviation for each set of points were also performed. Results were compared to Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations in order to verify the accuracy of the proposed compared to FEM results. Sum of squared errors presented values lower than 3% demonstrating the potentiality of the proposed technique for industries application.
Performance Evaluation of Geolocation Based Opportunistic Spectrum Access in Cloud-Assisted Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Reddy Swetha , Cushman Isaac , Rawat Danda B. , Song Min
Published: June 2016

The popularity of cloud-assisted database-driven cognitive radio network (CRN) has increased significantly due to three main reasons; reduced sensing uncertainties (caused by the use of spectrum scanning and sensing techniques), FCC mandated use of a database for storing and utilizing idle channels, and leveraging cloud computing platform to process big data generated by wideband sensing and analyzing. In database-driven CRN, secondary users periodically query the database to find idle channels for opportunistic communications where secondary users use their geolocation (with the help of Global Positioning System - GPS) to find idle channels for given location and time. Use of GPS makes the overall CRN vulnerable where malicious users falsify their geolocations through GPS spoofing to find more channels. The other main drawback of GPS is estimation error while finding location of users and idle bands. Due to this there will be probability of misdetection and false alarm which will have its effect on overall performance and efficiency of the system. In this paper, the authors present a three-stage mechanism for detecting GPS spoofing attacks using angle of arrival, received signal strength and time of arrival. They also evaluate the probability of misdetection and probability of false alarm in this system while detecting location of secondary users. The authors evaluate the performance of the proposed approach using numerical results.