bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mainstreaming Development Policies for Climate Change in Fiji
Authors: Goundar Sam , Appana Subhash
Published: September 2017

Fiji is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and to the Kyoto Protocol. This chapter examines the development policies implemented since ratifying these agreements to mitigate greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. This includes an analysis of Fiji's effort in mitigating climate change issues by “mainstreaming” - an operational approach for making development more sustainable. A country's use of renewable energy sources is a good indicator of its efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. Fiji's renewable energy projects and agricultural sector are examined. Identification is made of the gaps in development policies that take control of climate change issues with the process of mainstreaming. Suggestions are provided to close the gaps. ICT (information communications technology) has a critical role to mitigate the impacts of climate change by advancing renewable energy efforts and reducing emissions. Social media is now widely used to inform and educate about sustainable development efforts and to address broader development challenges.
Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Akan Mahmure Övül Arıoğlu , Selam Ayşe Ayçim , Fırat Seniye Ümit Oktay
Published: September 2017

Sustainability concerns resulting from the consumption of natural resources, life-threatening levels of pollution, global warming, climate change and the ever-increasing worldwide energy use have brought renewable energy sources to forefront. Given the possibility of depletion of fossil fuels in the near future, the utilization of clean and renewable energy sources have become inevitable. Consequently, governments and global organizations adopted respective regulations to ensure the production and use of renewable energy and promote the respective new investments. In the light of these developments, the aim of this study is to conduct a detailed review and evaluation on the current literature and global energy statistics. The respective projects, binding regulations, incentives, and pricing mechanisms have also been studied to analyze and compare the renewable energy policies adopted worldwide. Ultimately, the goal is to make certain suggestions and lay out possible solutions regarding global energy problems.
Sustainability Reporting in Transitional Economies
Authors: Hassaan Marwa
Published: September 2017

This chapter provides insights on some issues associated with the development of sustainability reporting in Egypt as a transitional economy that recently developed the S&P/EGX ESG index. In a dynamic world, and faced with a scientific proof that relates dangerous climatic changes to corporate activity, corporate financial reporting needs to be placed in perspective. Hence, as a social science, accounting should play a vital role in integrating corporate financial and non-financial measures. Semi-structured interviews were employed to investigate the extent to which sustainability reporting is appreciated in the Egyptian market by both business enterprises and the investors. Results indicate that sustainability information is of limited interest to markets except when it is identified as relevant in terms of risk or governance. On the investors' side, returns were seen as the main driver of portfolio selection. However, sustainability issues would be seriously considered when comparing among alternatives with similar returns.
Green Development
Authors: Doğru Bülent , Beken Hikmet Gülçin
Published: September 2017

The focus of this chapter is to assess green or sustainable development concept because of its increased importance throughout the world. Droughts, environmental degradation, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions are important problems that the humankind have been facing since the Industrial Revolution. Renewable energy sources can be used to overcome these problems. The general tendency of modern-day societies is to transform traditional production techniques and development models to new renewable energy sources and also move towards to sustainable development path. Therefore, this study tries to explain current status of Norway, China and Turkey in terms of their renewable energy sources and policy implementations.
Transforming University Curricula Towards Sustainability
Authors: Makrakis Vassilios
Published: September 2017

The UNESCO Chair ICT in Education for Sustainable Development in cooperation with the RCE Crete (Regional Centre of Expertise) on Education for Sustainable Development responding to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD 2005-2014) took the initiative to establish a North-South Network for embedding sustainability in higher education institutions. A Consortium with 12 universities (six from Europe and six from Middle East) led by the UNESCO Chair and the RCE Crete at the University of Crete prepared a proposal submitted to the Tempus- European Commission programme for funding. The RUCAS (Reorient University Curricula to address Sustainability) project, studied in this chapter, has initiated various activities in the partner countries' institutions, which seem to exert significant curricular changes. The changes include the revision of courses, building the appropriate infrastructure, the development of an online community of practice and the RUCAS Toolkit that are being used as drivers for reorienting university curricula to address sustainability. As a result, a growing number of academics in the partner institutions are concerned with the current sustainability crisis and claim for a transformative shift in what they teach and how teaching is practiced.
Integration of Education for Sustainable Development Into Formal Secondary Curricula of East Timor
Authors: Capelo Ana
Published: September 2017

This chapter explores the relevance of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in formal education reform in East Timor. This chapter relied on relevant published documents and information published by various national and international agencies concerning East-Timor. It firstly reflects on the organization background of development of new secondary curriculum in East Timor; then it focuses on what protocols and principles form the basis of these new curricula. There is further description of the development and implementation of the new curricula inclusive of subject selection in consideration of ESD and Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) as illustrated with some examples of ESD integration in new textbooks for 10th year. Lastly, it highlights the challenges that team developers faced at the completion of curricular development and presents some solutions to overcome difficulties related to restructuring and implementation. Thus this chapter aims to provide an example of sustainable development integration into secondary curricula of a young country - East Timor – while illustrating the extent of curricular materials could contribute to developing skills, values and attitudes aligned with sustainable development perspectives.
Sustainability Campaigns and Consumer Involvement
Authors: Balanlı Zeynep , Hesapçı Özlem
Published: September 2017

The main aim of this chapter is to find out the effects of NGO campaigns on consumers in terms of attitude and behavior and discover any relationship between this effect and sustainable personality factors such as altruism, locus of control, and long-term orientation. A survey is conducted with 177 consumers who reside in Turkey for at least two years that are older than 18 years. Experimented with two popular environmental NGO campaigns, results reveal clearly that altruistic personality trait has a positive effect on consumers in terms of behavior. Locus of control and long-term orientation are not correlated with environmental behavior and attitude of consumers. In addition, only age is positively correlated with consumer behavior in one of the campaigns. Demographics are not found to be sufficient to explain consumer behavior in environmental campaigns.
A Fourth Wave of Education for Sustainability (EfS) in Higher Education
Authors: Brown Mike
Published: September 2017

Education for Sustainability (EfS) in Higher Education (HE) is described as developing through three waves. These are overviewed in this chapter and given due acknowledgement but are shown to fall short of what is needed going forward. Consequently, a fourth wave of EfS in HE is proposed. The fourth wave of EfS in HE needs to be directed at the collaborative project of constructing “sustainable universities” (Sterling, Maxey, & Luna, 2013). The concept of “neo-sustainability” (Farley & Smith, 2014) is adopted as the basis of this next wave, as is the three nested rings model of sustainability. The argument for a strategy to educate the HE educators is outlined. It is suggested that contemporary global and local sustainability issues need to become part of student engagement within all HE courses. Finally, effort needs to be exerted by HE lecturers to develop pedagogical practices that align to the aims and principles of EfS.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Development and Management of Urban Green Areas in Addis Ababa
Authors: Kefelew Gebrye , Lika Tebarek
Published: September 2017

This chapter examines the challenges of, and opportunities for, the development and management of cooperative housing green areas and street trees. To deal with this issue effectively, the study employed mixed research methods and used questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations and desk reviews, for the purposes of data collection. The findings of this study identify a lack of awareness on the part of the public and of government employees, weak institutional capacities, a lack of coordination among stakeholders, and the absence of clear ownership and enforcement mechanisms, as representing the major challenges impacting the development and management of cooperative housing green areas and street trees. Therefore, in order to develop and manage these green areas properly, the study recommends that the good will, the coordination and the efforts of all stakeholders, including communities, government authority, and non-governmental bodies, be enhanced and duly coordinated.
The Drive Towards NEAR Zero Energy Buildings Through Professional Training in Southern Europe
Authors: Amorim Filipa , Gomes Ricardo , Dao Hang , Carvalho Miguel , Silva Carlos , Ferrão Paulo , Guedes Manuel Correia , Almeida Manuela
Published: September 2017

This chapter gives an overall summary of the challenges faced by European countries regarding the adoption of nZEBs, particularly focusing in the training needs in the Southern Mediterranean countries, and on the experience reached so far by the ongoing SouthZEB Project. Therefore, it first elaborates on the nZEB concept definition framework focusing on the relevance of the topic to local and regional development purposes. Secondly, the chapter gives an overview of the definitions that may be used to the adoption of nZEB across European countries. The perspective presented is first through a top-down approach, based on the policy implementation efforts developed by the European Commission and, after that, based on a bottom-up perspective, including an overview of existent voluntary standards that may be regarded as contributing to the adoption of near zero energy buildings. Thirdly, the chapter reflects on some of the barriers encountered that hamper nZEB adoption, specifically addressing the need for professional training in Southern European countries. Finally, the methodology used by the SouthZEB Project to define the training and certification needs, which is based on the participatory process, is presented along with an overview of the project major results achieved until now and the main difficulties identified so far.
Energy and Carbon Footprint-Aware Management of Geo-Distributed Cloud Data Centers
Authors: Khosravi Atefeh , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: September 2017

Cloud computing provides on-demand access to computing resources for users across the world. It offers services on a pay-as-you-go model through data center sites that are scattered across diverse geographies. However, cloud data centers consume huge amount of electricity and leave high amount of carbon footprint in the ecosystem. This makes data centers responsible for 2% of the global CO2 emission. Therefore, having energy and carbon-efficient techniques for resource management in distributed cloud data centers is inevitable. This chapter presents a taxonomy and classifies the existing research works based on their target system, objective, and the technique they use for resource management in achieving a green cloud computing environment. Finally, it discusses how each work addresses the issue of energy and carbon-efficiency and also provides an insight into future directions.
Factors Influencing Foreign Land Acquisition and Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Authors: Noah Yusuf , Abdulganiy Olatunji , Moshood Issah
Published: September 2017

Of the major factors of production, land is considered the most important. Land is such a valuable resources that the desire to acquire it has been a cause of struggle among the people virtually in all hitherto existing human societies. Land acquisition is influenced by numerous factors in which all play relevant roles in understanding the dynamics of land and its utilization among the people in the society. In Africa, foreign land acquisition has become a topical issue because of the richness of the African land resources, and the scamper for these resources has been a source of concern for many observers. This chapter analyzes the factors inhibiting foreign land acquisition in a developing country like Nigeria and examines the challenges posed by such practices to the attainment of sustainable development.
A New Barrier for the Future of Energy Market in Turkey
Authors: Okay Esin
Published: September 2017

The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) in Turkey has implemented a risk based framework since 2006, making bold moves of resulted in a stellar increase of capital adequacy in Turkish Banking System. But the enactment of the new law for the Internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP) is evaluated as being quite an early adoption. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) points that Turkey has early-adopted the implementation recommending further discussions for a reconsideration of the target capital adequacy ratio. The banks have already found it difficult to follow up high capital adequacy especially while financing energy projects, as the Turkish Banking system is preparing for the requirements of Basel III framework. Under the new regulation, the ICAAP is expected to decrease the capital adequacy of banks in Turkey. Meanwhile, the challenge in adopting ICAAP can be an additional barrier standing in the way to the development of energy market.
Modern Optimization Algorithms and Applications in Solar Photovoltaic Engineering
Authors: Tyukhov Igor , Rezk Hegazy , Vasant Pandian
Published: September 2017

This chapter is devoted to main tendencies of optimization in photovoltaic (PV) engineering showing the main trends in modern energy transition - the changes in the composition (structure) of primary energy supply, the gradual shift from a traditional (mainly based on fossil fuels) energy to a new stage based on renewable energy systems from history to current stage and to future. The concrete examples (case studies) of optimization PV systems in different concepts of using from power electronics (particularly maximum power point tracking optimization) to implementing geographic information system (GIS) are considered. The chapter shows the gradual shifting optimization from specific quite narrow areas to the new stages of optimization of the very complex energy systems (actually smart grids) based on photovoltaics and also other renewable energy sources and GIS.
Promoting Diversity and Public School Success in Robotics Competitions
Authors: Rosen Jeffrey , Stillwell Fred , Usselman Marion
Published: September 2017

The objective of robotics competitions, such as FIRST LEGO® League (FLL®), is to create a tournament that promotes high-level engineering and academic engagement in students by providing the most rewarding experience possible for the largest group of students. To increase the number of students age 9-14 successfully participating in FLL® from public schools, and to concurrently increase the diversity of the pool of student participants, the Georgia FLL® organizers have implemented a number of interventions. These interventions can be grouped into A) Centralized policy decisions that impact how the program is run at the state level; B) Outreach activities that provide low-income teams with training and supplies; C) Promotion of LEGO® Mindstorm use within the actual school curriculum; and D) Partnerships with school systems to promote after-school FLL® robotics clubs. This chapter reviews these efforts and their effect on tournament diversity.
She Designs Therefore She Is?
Authors: Cunningham Carolyn Michelle
Published: September 2017

Girls and women play video games in equal number to boys, yet they continue to be under-represented in the video game industry. The goal of this chapter is to examine initiatives that encourage gender equality in video game design. This chapter argues that the process of becoming a video game designer may have the potential to shift girls' notions of identity. Drawing on research on girls and video game design, as well as analyses of informal programs that teach girls video game design, this chapter emphasizes the intersection of design and identity. This chapter offers directions and recommendations for future research, including the need for expanded understandings of the cultural and democratic benefits of video game design for girls.
An Integral Approach to Active Learning in Mathematics
Authors: Yuen Chris L. , Clarke Veronika Bohac
Published: September 2017

In this chapter we examine the notion of “active learning” through Wilber's Integral AQAL Model and through two learning models based on AQAL. Our examination of Edwards' integral learning and Renert and Davis' five stages of mathematics, results in a multi-perspective, multi-level notion of “active learning”. We demonstrate, through the development of a rubric to gauge students' “activeness”, the complexity of what is involved in the teaching and learning process when one becomes mindful of the perspectives and levels (AQAL) that are present for every student. Several episodes of learning are used to show how each theoretical model applies, and an extended episode, which illustrates a student's repair strategy on a mathematically erroneous concept, is used to illustrate the analysis of the extent of active learning. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how the rubric of active learning, along with the four continua, can help teachers be mindful of the multiple perspectives that influence learning.
Semantics and Pragmatics in Mathematical Events
Authors: Kanvaria Vinod Kumar
Published: September 2017

The current chapter throws light on mathematical semantics and pragmatics. Believing that the mathematics has its own language and hence linguistics principles, the chapter tries to have an in-depth insight on how learner makes a meaning from an even simple event, while it takes place, and how these finally are assimilated by the learner. As learning is also experiential in nature, the contextual values, relationship, rapport, trust, confidence, in addition to simple interaction and plain interaction between learners and facilitators, play a vital and significant role in conceptual semantics and pragmatics of events and understanding of underlying mathematics. Context and situation are capable enough of changing perception-based mathematical meaning and meaning-making process, based on linguistics, associated with even the similar simple events. Hence, the context and situations must be created, associated and exploited up to the optimum level for enhanced conceptual teaching and learning of mathematics at par the daily life experiences for a better meaning-making process.
Analyzing Prospective Mathematics Teachers' Development of Teaching Practices in Mathematics
Authors: Incikabi Lutfi , Kacar Ahmet
Published: September 2017

This study analyzed the changes in mathematics teacher candidates' teaching processes in terms of content of lesson plan, pedagogy aspects, and classroom management based on the evaluations of the experts, peers, and their own. The results indicated that experts, peer, and self-evaluation of the teaching processes signaled positive changes in teacher candidates' pedagogical content knowledge in mathematics after the lesson study process. Further, the study also demonstrates that teacher candidates acknowledged lesson study as a tool for providing slight improvement in teaching practices while experts and peers provided evidence for impressive improvements in teaching experiences.
Examining What Elementary School Teachers Take Away From Mathematics Professional Development
Authors: Polly Drew
Published: September 2017

The process of providing effective ongoing professional development to teachers is an arduous task for educational leaders. In areas, such as mathematics, professional learning opportunities must deepen teachers' knowledge of content, pedagogy, and other skills connected to teaching. This chapter provides an examination of what teachers learned during a professional development project that was designed based off of principles for Learner-Centered Professional Development and addressed components of the Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching framework. The project included 3 half-day meetings with classroom-embedded activities completed between workshops. An inductive, thematic analysis of workshop evaluations indicated that teachers' learning related to: a) a deeper understanding of the Common Core Mathematics Standards, b) exploring mathematical tasks, and c) planning lessons that start with mathematical tasks instead of direct teaching.
The Use of Videos in the Training of Math Teachers
Authors: Bolondi Giorgio , Ferretti Federica , Gimigliano Alessandro , Lovece Stefania , Vannini Ira
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this chapter is to present a systematic observational research on the math teachers' assessment practices in the classroom. This research is a specific phase of an international project (FAMT&L - Comenius Multilateral Project) and it is aimed to promote the use of formative assessment in teaching mathematics to students aged from 11 to 16. The observational study is carried out by a plan of systematic observations of teachers' behaviour in the classroom with the help of video recording. Thanks to a specific tool of video analysis (a structured grid), developed using indications from international literature and experiences of teacher training in the five Partner countries involved (Italy, France, Holland, Switzerland and Cyprus), we managed to gather many different indicators on good and bad practices for the formative assessment of mathematics teachers. Furthermore, the analysed video will be used in in-service teacher training courses in order to promote a correct use of formative assessment and to improve achievements in learning mathematics.
The Role of Situational Context in High School Teachers Use of Graphing Calculator in Mathematics Instruction
Authors: Nzuki Francis
Published: September 2017

By taking into consideration the significance of the socio-economic contexts, this research investigates teachers' perceptions of the role of graphing calculators, as mediating tools, to help facilitate mathematics instruction of students from two different SES backgrounds. The main source of data are in-depth semi-structured interviews with four teachers, two from each SES school. In general, the participants' perceptions of the role of the graphing calculator were dependent on the context within which it was used. Also, the participants played a crucial role in determining the nature of graphing calculator use with the low-SES school's participants appearing not to involve their students in lessons that capitalized on the powerful characteristics of graphing calculators. To tease out the role of the situation context, a four-component framework was conceptualized consisting of teacher, student, subject matter, and graphing calculator use. The components of the framework were taken to be continuously in interaction with one another implying that a change or perturbation in one of the components affected all the other components. The continuous interactions of the components of this framework suggest that equity issues in connection to the nature of graphing calculator use should be an ongoing process that is continuously locating strategies that will afford all students appropriate access and use of graphing calculators.
Transformations of the Concept of Linear Function in Technological High Schools
Authors: Flores Garcia Rebeca
Published: September 2017

The results shown in the following chapter come from a research that shows some of the transformations of the concept of linear function observed from its definition in mathematics when facing the written, intended and enacted curriculum. This study was developed in technological high school level, with the participation of three teachers of mathematics, who were teaching the course called Functions and Algebraic Thinking. A case study was considered as a practical research method to carry out the investigation, adopting various processes to gather evidence to describe, verify or create theory. Different sources of evidence were used to gather and analyze information, such as: the official program of the course, three textbooks, class recordings and the application of a questionnaire. The results show transformations in both, the concept of function and the concept of linear function, pointing out, in this way, an educational problem that should be solved by modifying not only the concept, but also the teaching and learning of it.
Contextual Influences on Science Teachers' TPACK Levels
Authors: Owusu Kofi Acheaw , Conner Lindsey , Astall Chris
Published: September 2017

The contextual factors influencing teachers' use of technology as well as teachers' Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) levels were investigated through multiple embedded case studies of five science teachers who were regular users of technology in their teaching. The case studies reported in this chapter revealed that teachers used technology to support inquiry learning through a wide range of ways in lower levels of high school but mostly to clarify concepts and theories for senior level students. This chapter identified that teachers demonstrated different TPACK levels of expertise and engagement in the use of technology when transferring different types of knowledge from one teaching and learning context to another and for addressing differences amongst learners. The context of assessment driven teaching influences science teachers' TPACK for integrating technology in instruction. The chapter noted that having teachers actively evaluate the effectiveness of the technology on students' learning may help increase teachers' TPACK levels.
Preservice Teachers Exploring the Nature of Science in Simulated Worlds
Authors: Marshall Jill A. , Erickson Tim , Sivam Kumaridevi
Published: September 2017

This article reports an investigation of preservice teachers' interactions with a computer simulation designed to allow them to explore the nature and practices of science. Participants included 188 preservice, secondary-level, science and mathematics teachers who were enrolled in one of seven consecutive semesters in a professional development course as part of the teacher certification program at a large research university. Artifacts, including articles published in an online journal, responses to focus questions, reflections on the activity, as well as audio and video recordings of the activities themselves, were analyzed following a grounded approach. The simulation activities qualified in many respects as authentic science as identified by . Further, what these activities revealed about student beliefs in regard to the nature and practice of science correlated with their reactions toward the simulation and their views of how it might be used in high school classes.
Building Bridges
Authors: Rowe Elizabeth , Bardar Erin , Asbell-Clarke Jodi , Shane-Simpson Christina , Roberts Su-Jen
Published: September 2017

This chapter describes the analysis of 729 daily teacher logs from a 2013-14 national classroom implementation study with hundreds of high school physics students using the game, Impulse, finding classrooms using materials to bridge implicit and explicit science learning performed significantly better than control classrooms (Rowe et al., 2014). This effect was moderated by whether or not the class was a Honors/AP class. The authors examine the student and teacher demographics, science content, instructional materials and methods, and game-based pedagogies as potential explanations for those findings. The largest difference among Honors/AP vs. non-Honors/AP classrooms using any Bridge activities was their use of formal, teacher-led discussion.
Using Authentic Earth Data in the K-12 Classroom
Authors: Marrero Meghan E. , Gunning Amanda M. , Woodruff Karen
Published: September 2017

Our planet is under intense observation—by satellites, seismometers, buoys, radar, and more. These instruments generate authentic data sets that are freely accessible online, and thus available for K-12 students and teachers to use in STEM classrooms. This chapter examines how teachers engaged in the NASA Endeavor program, a STEM teacher professional development initiative, use authentic online data in their classrooms and the effects of these activities on teaching and learning. Endeavor teachers use data in many ways, including through curriculum programs developed to scaffold earth data sets for use by students. Through qualitative analysis of teacher interviews, teacher course work, student work, and other relevant data, the researchers discovered that employing authentic online data in Endeavor teachers' classrooms helped students to construct explanations based on evidence and make real world connections to science content.
Serious Educational Games (SEGs) and Student Learning and Engagement With Scientific Concepts
Authors: Holmes Shawn Y. , Thurmond Brandi , Annetta Leonard A. , Sears Matthew
Published: September 2017

Situated in the video game design literature to foster problem-based learning, this chapter illustrates the application of educational theories to create Serious Educational Games (SEGs). SEGs present a learning condition where students can be engaged in standard-based STEM concepts and incorporate these concepts into a fun, interactive challenge where the goal is to solve a problem. This chapter explores a theoretical research investigation of such a learning environment. Students researched standard-based STEM concepts then used design techniques (i.e., story creation, flow chart, decision trees, and storyboarding techniques) and proprietary software to develop their own SEGs. This work sheds light on the process and encourages others to partake in creating similar learning environments, while providing insight into how to design for sustainability.
Understanding How Images and Attitudes Toward Scientists and Science Contribute to Science Identities
Authors: Farland-Smith Donna , Ledger Toni
Published: September 2017

In this study, a modified Draw-A-Scientist Test (mDAST) and an Attitude Toward Science Survey (ATS) were analyzed. Results revealed that students' (N=127) drawings of scientists were not consistent with students' attitude toward science in grades 5, 9, and 12. Attitudes toward science continued to decline while student drawings became more positive in respect to where they were drawing scientists and what activities scientists were doing in grades 9 through 12. Most importantly, the fact that students' perception of the appearance of scientists did not change from the end of elementary school to the end of high school suggests the severity and longevity of these images. The findings of this study reinforce the significance of ATS and perceptions of scientists in conjunction with the interest of science-related careers.
Learning Biology With Situated Learning in Mexican Zapoteca Tele-Secondary Schools
Authors: Guerrero-Gutiérrez Paulina
Published: September 2017

Biology and Environmental education are increasingly important disciplines to be taught in rural settings, where indigenous communities frequently hold ownership of invaluable natural resources. However, the Mexican science curriculum does not cater for the specific educational needs of the country's numerous ethnic groups. Situated learning is a pedagogical alternative that affords the possibility of integrating the pupils' culture and ways of interpreting the world within the curricular aims. Nevertheless, there are no reports of its usage in indigenous schools. This paper analyses two 90-minute classes as examples of how situated learning can be used to introduce the concepts of biodiversity and ecosystems in indigenous Zapoteca tele-secondary science classes. The results suggest that using situated learning for these topics helped students understand the concepts, see the importance of what they were learning, and motivated them to learn further.
Using Digital Resources to Support STEM Education
Authors: Brown Carol Adamec
Published: September 2017

Scientists and science educators recommend use of dialog and argumentation to support scientific ideas. Use of peer-reviewed publications, shared data, images, models, and multimedia presentations provide the resources needed to support scientifically based arguments and design of inquiry learning projects. Open source digital resources are freely available for scientists and their students. These provide the rich data needed to educate young scientists and promote digital literacy in the science community. This chapter defines the meaning of science literacy, reviews digital resources recognized by professional scientists, and offers strategies for mapping digital resources to Science education curricular.
The Power of Computational Modeling and Simulation for Learning STEM Content in Middle and High Schools
Authors: Moallem Mahnaz , Morge Shelby P. , Narayan Sridhar , Tagliarini Gene A.
Published: September 2017

Using Squeak Etoys to Infuse Information Technology (USeIT) was designed to offer expanded information technology experiences to 155 middle and high school students over a three-year period by exploiting the Squeak Etoys media authoring tool as a simulation and modeling environment. Through problem-solving activities and development of Squeak Etoys modeling projects, USeIT investigated the impact of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and utilization of Squeak Etoys on student understanding of scientific and mathematical concepts. A design-based research method was used to collect data. The results revealed that when simulation and modeling are used under specific learning conditions, a deeper level of understanding of key science and mathematics concepts is observed. In addition, problem-based simulation tasks cognitively engaged students, particularly those who otherwise did not see the relevancy of STEM content in their lives. Less motivated students developed interests in STEM content and showed confidence in their abilities to learn mathematics and science.
Characteristics of FeCuAl Powder Compacts Formed through Uniaxial Die Compaction Route
Authors: Rahman Mujibur M. , Ismail M.A. , Rahman H. Y.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the development of FeCuAl powder compacts through uniaxial die compaction process. Iron powder ASC 100.29 was mechanically mixed with other elemental powders, i.e., copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al) for 30 minutes at a rotation of 30 rpm. The feedstock was subsequently shaped at three different temperatures, i.e., 30°C, 150°C, and 200°C through simultaneous upward and downward axial loading of 325 MPa. The as-pressed samples termed as green compacts were then sintered in argon gas fired furnace at 800°C for three different holding times, i.e., 30, 60, and 90 min at a rate of 10°C/min. The sintered samples were characterized for their relative density, electrical resistivity, and bending strength. The microstructure of the sintered samples was also evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the sample formed at 150°C and sintered for 30 min obtained the best final characteristics, i.e., higher relative density, lower volumetric expansion and electrical resistivity, and higher bending strength. Microstructure evaluation also revealed that the sample formed at 150°C and sintered for 30 min obtained more homogeneous distribution of grains and less interconnected pores compared to the other samples.
Microstructures of Nanocellulose and Reinforcement in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) Composites
Authors: Mohammad Taib Mohamad Nurul Azman , Muhd Julkapli Nurhidayatullaili , Yehye Wageeh Abdulhadi , Abdul Hamid Sharifah Bee O.A.
Published: September 2017

This study was done to investigate the microstructures of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) after hydrolysis with mineral acid concentrated. The optimum NCC was achieved through acid hydrolysis and the NCC was used as a reinforcement in nitrile butadiene rubber composites. The Field Emission Scanning Microscopy (FESEM) was used to study the structures and surfaces of the NCC and composites produced. The NCC that was synthesis from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) found to be more individual and agglomerated due to hydrogen bonding between the NCCs, the more individual NCC produced would create more surface area to be bonded with NBR as a reinforcement. More surface area of NCC was good to create physical bonding with NBR and increase mechanical performance of composites. The NCCs in NBR composite found to form agglomeration caused by different properties that exhibited by both materials. This can restrict and reduce the performance of composite produced. A combination of these materials can be used as a reinforcement but need more attention on the modification to make these materials more compatible. Further research can be done to find the best way to prevent agglomeration between these both materials.
Microstructural Analysis on Biochar Obtained from Rubber Wood Sawdust via Slow Pyrolysis
Authors: Farhaneem Norazman , Se Sian Meng , Dimin Mohd Fairuz , Shaaban Azizah
Published: September 2017

Biochar was derived from the crop residue as multifunction materials for agriculture purposes and a soil amendment to improve soil fertility. Rubber wood sawdust (RWSD) was heated slowly inside the vertical furnace for an hour at temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 700 °C. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of pyrolysis temperatures on the physiochemical properties of the biochar. The properties of biochar were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) attached with Energy Dispersive X-ray for elemental analysis. It was found that pore size distribution was more uniform on samples heated at higher temperature (700 °C). The SEM-EDX analysis confirmed the O:C ratio was directly proportional to the heating temperature. These means that slow pyrolysis of RWSD at 700 °C could produce biochar of greater cation exchange capacity (CEC) that important for soil fertility improvement.
Effect of Calcination Temperatures on Phase Transformation and Stability of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Powder Synthesized by a Wet Precipitation Method
Authors: Othman Radzali , Mustafa Zaleha , Mohd Juoi Jariah , Kien Pham Trung , Mohd Noor Ahmad Fauzi
Published: September 2017

Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) was never synthesized directly using an aqueous method. As-precipitated powder from a wet chemical method needs to undergo a heat-treatment process (or calcination) to enable the intermediate phase (s) to be transformed into single-phase TCP. In this work, calcium hydroxide, (Ca (OH)2), and phosphoric acid, (H3PO4), were mixed as the precursor materials with a Ca/P ratio of 1.5,. The mixture was stirred at a fixed stirring speed of 200 rpm and a stirring duration of 2 hours. The precipitate thus obtained was filtered and dried overnight before being tested by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry (DSC/TG) up to 1300°C for thermal behaviour upon firing. The powders were then calcined at various temperatures (500°C, 700°C, 900°C 1000°C, 1100°C, 1200°C and 1300°C) for a duration of 2 hours. The calcined powders obtained were analysed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the transformation of phases. Monetite and hydroxyapatite were the phases detected after calcination at 500°C and 700°C, whilst at a temperature of 900°C up to 1300°C, only a single phase β-TCP was observed. Microstructural observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted on the β-TCP powders obtained at calcination temperatures of 900°C to 1300°C. The results showed a massive crystal growth of the aggregated particles, but even so, the phase remained stable as monolithic β-TCP.
Bacto-Agar and Commercial Agar as Binder for Porous Zinc Anode
Authors: Muhammad Zamri Siti Nur Athirah , Sulaiman Muhammad Azwadi , Ismail Syahriza , Masri Mohamad Najmi
Published: September 2017

The use of synthetic binder led to environmental issues due to undergo chemical processes in manufacturing sector and even made it expensive material. Therefore, the present study focused on use of natural binder for porous zinc (Zn) anode because its advantages of abundance in raw material, biodegradable, environmental acceptability and cost effectiveness. Bacto-agar and commercial agar powder were selected as natural binder and both agars were characterized their morphologies using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images showed the difference in morphological structure between porous Zn anode with Bacto-agar binder and porous Zn anode with commercial agar binder. Bacto-agar binder possesses smooth surface compare to commercial agar binder indicated that Zn powder successfully mix with Bacto-agar.
Acidolysis Effect on Starch in Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) Blend
Authors: Ibrahim Noorizzah , Ab Wahab Mohamad Kahar
Published: September 2017

In this research, the Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) is blended with Polylactic Acid (PLA). By treating TPS with CA, the interfacial adhesion of PLA/TPS blend was also being improved. The ratio between PLA/TPS was chosen at 60/40 and 40/60 and CA contents were varied from 0%, 3%, and 6%. After acidolysis of TPS by CA, the tensile strength (60/40) and (40/60) of the PLA/TPS blend were found to increase. However, the elongation at break of PLA/TPS (60/40) blend was lower compared to PLA/TPS (40/60) blend. Higher loadings of TPS in the blend tend to make the blend elongate due to the flexibility of TPS after CA modification. On the other hand, by modifying the TPS with CA, the surface tension at the PLS/TPS interface had been reduced. This can be seen through micrograph that obtained from scanning electron microscopy. Different CA content in PLA/TPS blend showed the dispersed or co-continuous structure, which were related with the mechanical properties.
Effect of Fly Ash Composition on Electrodeposited Nickel-Fly Ash Composite Coatings on Aluminium Alloy 7075 Substrate
Authors: Ahmad Muhamad Khaizaki , Othman Intan Sharhida , Zainal Abidin Muhammad Zaimi , Ahsan Qumrul , Abd Razak Jeefferie , Kamarudin Najwa
Published: September 2017

The nickel-fly ash (Ni-FA) composite coatings were deposited on zincated aluminium alloy 7075 (AA7075) substrate by using electrodeposition technique. The electrodeposition process was carried out for 1 hour at 40°C under the current density of 3 A/dm2 in nickel-citrate bath containing various composition of fly ash (FA) particles at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 g/l. The produced composite coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Microhardness and wear of Ni-FA composite coatings were also investigated in this study. The co-deposition of FA particles leads to significant increase in hardness and wear resistance.
Optimization of Fluidised Bed Granulation Process Parameters for Urea Granule Manufacturing Using the Response Surface Method
Authors: Zainal Abidin Mohammad Anas , Dimin Mohd Fairuz , Said Md Radzai , Se Sian Meng , Shaaban Azizah , Abd Rahman Md Nizam
Published: September 2017

Fluidised bed technology is commonly applied in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and food production technology. The aim of this work is to identify the optimum process parameters in order to gain the best hardness and density values for the urea granules from the fluidised bed granulation. The layout of the experiments are based on Central Composite Design of Response Surface Method. The analyzed data shown that the optimize value for each of these parameter are 0.10MPa, 32.11Hz, 50% w/w, 42.250C for spray pressure, fan speed, urea solution concentration and inlet air temperature with 1.71 kgf/granule hardness and 1.85 g/cm3 density were predicted. Experimentally, using the predicted optimize input parameter, the hardness and density observed were 0.20 kgf/granule and 1.30 g/cm3 respectively.
Characterization of Phase Formation in Al-20%Mg2Si-2%Cu Metal Matrix Composite
Authors: Nordin Nur Azmah , Abu Bakar Tuty Asma , Hamzah Esah , Farahany Saeed , Ourdjini Ali
Published: September 2017

Advantage of Al-Mg2Si metal matrix composite (MMC) is due to the particulate reinforced Mg2Si in the Al matrix that has improved mechanical properties of the in situ composite. In particular, the composite has been chosen as the structural material for automotive and aerospace components. The hypereutectic Al-Mg2Si composite should be comprised of two morphologies, namely primary Mg2Si and pseudo-eutectic Al-Mg2Si phase. However, as-received commercial Al-20Mg2Si-2Cu in situ composite contained a wide range of elements that affect the resultant microstructure of the in situ composite. In fact, four different morphologies have been identified in the in situ composites. The first phase is dark facet primary Mg2Si particles, surrounded by pseudo-eutectic Al-Mg2Si phase in lamellar structure. Along the eutectic boundary is the formation of needle-like Al5FeSi intermetallic and the phase is surrounded by Al5Mg8Si6Cu2+Al2Cu as last phase nucleated. Optical micrograph, SEM imaging, EDX analysis and elemental mapping have revealed these phases correspond to shape of morphologies and respective molecular compound.
Effect of Microwave Plasma Power on Topographical Change in Epoxy Composites
Authors: Choong Lai Fan , Cheong Kuan Yew
Published: September 2017

The effect of the microwave (2.45 GHz) plasma power on the surface topography was evaluated on a commercially available epoxy composite. The plasma treatment was performed by varying the microwave plasma power from 200 W to 500 W at a constant oxygen flow rate at 20 sccm for one min treatment. Based on the Atomic Force Microscopy analysis, the surface roughness root mean square was changed from -2% to 21% by increasing the plasma power from 200 W to 500 W. In oxygen plasma, the interaction of plasma ions with the substrate surface leads to oxidation and etching of surface materials. More plasma ion density and ion current can be produced by increasing the plasma power. As a result, more interaction between plasma ion and substrate surface using high plasma power. The surface roughness can be considerably increased by plasma treatment using power above 400 W.