bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptual Framework for Mentoring Doctoral Students
Authors: Yob Iris M. , Crawford Linda
Published: November 2015

In the research and professional literature, there are at least four lines of inquiry around mentoring: perceptions of successful mentoring in general, mentoring of doctoral dissertations in particular, mentoring specific to the online environment, and relative importance of mentoring behaviors. In each case, particular qualities that make for successful mentoring are identified and described but not coalesced into a conceptual model of mentoring. In examining this literature, the authors identified 94 mentor behaviors and characteristics of effective mentors, which were reduced for redundancies to 55. These were clustered into a conceptual model of mentoring with two domains, academic and psychosocial with four attributes in the academic domain (competence, availability, induction, and challenge) and three in the psychosocial domain (personal qualities, communication, and emotional support). The two domains and seven attributes of this model are described and discussed, outlining some of the implications of this model for further research.
General Education: Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future
Authors: Gersten Karen
Published: November 2015

This article explores the widening gap between business and societal needs and current general education curricula. Research is presented that documents gaps between projected needs of industry and current practices in postsecondary education especially in the general education areas. Positive efforts to close the gap are highlighted. Also highlighted are changing regulatory environments, some that support forward-thinking approaches to liberal education and others that revert to traditional educational practices. With a focus on adaptability and intentional teaching and learning, recommendations are presented for flexible curriculum, intentional pedagogy, and a backwards approach to the teaching-learning enterprise that begins with authentic assessment of student learning.
Challenges and Opportunities in the World of Tourism from the Point of View of Ecotourism
Authors: González Fonseca Fredy
Published: November 2015

This article emerges from the analysis of the data corresponding to the tourism activity in the world and in Mexico, considering: the arrival of tourists and international visitors, and the arrival of tourists in the North American region. Subsequently, it is intended to place ecotourism as an option for sustainable development, which helps generate additional income for local communities and contributes to the protection and conservation of natural resources. The analysis of global tourism in the above categories, in addition to the discussion about the criteria and characteristics of ecotourism versus sustainable development, allows us to visualize the potential that this activity poses to emerging economies such as Mexico. The discussion about Ecotourism and sustainability shows that there is a mutually beneficial relationship when the community is incorporated in the development of ecotourism projects, as demonstrated in EcoAlberto Park. Nonetheless, an activity that has no government support or equitable tourism legislation, in addition to the absence of quality research, can overshadow any potential natural resource to practice ecotourism activities in global markets representing tourism.
Lifestyle Entrepreneurs: Insights into Blackpool’s Small Hotel Sector
Authors: Rowson William , Lashley Conrad
Published: November 2015

Branded chains dominate sections of commercial hospitality provision; however, the vast majority of firms in the sector are micro businesses employing 10 or fewer staff. In fact most are so small as to employ no permanent staff. In many cases, those running these businesses are not classic entrepreneurs driven by a need to maximise profits and build a business empire. Actually, many are best described as lifestyle entrepreneurs, their key motives are more associated improving their quality of life. This paper reports on the owners of a significant sample of Blackpool hotels. For most, this is their first entrepreneurial venture.
Regional Development and Sustainability: Cultural Tourism in the Southern Region of Jalisco
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G. , Reza Noruzi Mohammad
Published: November 2015

This study aims to determine the potential of cultural tourism in the municipalities that comprise region 6 of the State of Jalisco, territorially delimited in the South of Jalisco. (Subject is missing) Are tested first to identify the demand for cultural tourism to determine the profile of the cultural tourist under the assumptions that tourists especially motivated by culture tend to travel longer distances than most tourists. It discusses the motivations and satisfactions of cultural tourists in order to establish the potential market in accordance with the characteristics of the target market in the southern region of Jalisco. Any operation of cultural tourism companies should make the strategic diagnosis, which explains the use of SWOT analysis as a tool for strategic planning of cultural tourism enterprises. Finally, we propose some development strategies of cultural tourism in this region of Southern Jalisco.
Blogs, Webinars and Significant Learning: A Case Report on a Teacher Training Program for College Teachers
Authors: Polanco-Bueno Rodrigo
Published: November 2015

 This paper reports on a teacher training experience for College professors in which participants were trained, taking advantage of technological tools, in two main teaching competences. First, professors were trained to use technology to enrich students’ learning outcomes. Second, they applied strategies of significant learning in the design of students’ learning experiences. The learning experience consisted in an International Certificate on Significant Learning integrated by six modules, 20 hours each. Every module of the program consisted of two consecutive webinars with online activities in between. The results showed the positive impact of the program on participants perceptions about the quality of the contents, evidence of learning and products (E-portfolios) that served as content mastery evidences, as well as learning products produced by their students. 
Educational Attainment: Success to the Successful
Authors: Anthony Peter John , Anthony Peter John , Gould David , Smith Gina
Published: November 2015

Systems archetypes are patterns of structure found in systems that are helpful in understanding some of the dynamics within them. The intent was to examine educational attainment data using the success-to-the-successful archetype as a model to see if it helps to explain the inequality observed in the data. Findings indicated that this archetype is useful in explaining the variation, and there are several other terms and concepts that are helpful as well as the terms / concepts: success-to-the successful, the rich get richer, Pareto’s law, Zipf’s law, and power law distributions are related and sometimes used interchangeably.

Systems archetypes are, as Senge (2006) noted, patterns of structure found in artificial, natural, and social systems. These archetypes, few in number, provide a toolkit for thinking about social systems such as corporations, government agencies, military organizations, and educational institutions, among others. These archetypes are helpful in understanding patterns of structure within systems. This article considers one specific archetype, success-to-the-successful (STS), to examine educational attainment level in the United States.

Meadows (2008) described STS as competition for resources. Whether in business, education, or even ecology; those who are successful attaining the most resources tend to expand their success further and further, sometimes at the expense of those who have minimal resources. In business, leaders use knowledge, experience, and organizational politics to expand their success.Meadows provides an example of the game of Monopoly that resembles business success where players compete to buy property and expand hotels that bring more and more success as the game continues. In education, how successful students are depends on availability of resources to expand knowledge, including availability of quality schools and teachers, personal desire to learn, financial status, and family and community support. In ecology, animals compete for food and safety to determine which animal rises to the success of the successful status. All walks of life compete for resources and those who are the successful will have more resources to continue to be more and more successful
Scholarly Activities in Hospitality and Tourism Higher Education among Private Higher Institutions in Australia
Authors: Goh Edmund
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion of scholarship and develop research and scholarship strategies among Private Higher Institutions delivering Tourism and Hospitality degree programs in Australia. In doing so, this paper confronts the traditional view of research publications as the only form of scholarship by traditional universities. This paper argues that the purpose of scholarship should be focused towards improving a teacher’s teaching and learning process. These new knowledge need not be limited through peer reviewed journals only, but can be achieved through less formal means of communication such as fieldtrips to industry and attending conferences. This paper utilizes the six Scholarship key points as defined on P. 19 of the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes in Australia by MCEETYA  to investigate methods to capture scholarship beyond traditional research publications.
Using Professional Certification Criteria to Assess Occupational Safety Curricula in Degree Programs Investigating Accreditation
Authors: Loushine Todd William , Feyen Robert G.
Published: November 2015

This paper demonstrates a novel assessment method developed to determine if the curriculum from two separate safety degree programs provided sufficient opportunity for students to obtain the knowledge required for professional practice in occupational safety. The method relies on the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) examination blueprints. In the graduate program case study, over 88% of the BCSP criteria were met through an explicit means and up to 64% through assignments or better. Aggregating criteria into respective subject areas showed that the curriculum covered anywhere from 58% to 100% of the items within each BCSP topic.  In the undergraduate case study, over 96% of the BCSP criteria through an explicit means, and 82.8% of knowledge items were assessed in assignments, exams or better. Aggregating criteria into respective subject areas showed that the curriculum covered anywhere from 75% to 100% of the items within each BCSP topic.

Once briefed on the results, all faculty/instructors agreed that the approach helped identify strengths and weaknesses in their current curriculum. Most importantly, presentation of results acted as a catalyst for curricular discussions amongst the faculty that resulted in improvement priorities and a better understanding of student learning potential in course assignments.
The Relationship between Psychological Well-Being and Perceived Wellness in Graduate-Level Counseling Students
Authors: Martin Magy , Harris Michel , Martin Don
Published: November 2015

Research has established that individuals who provide personal therapy to others should have stable personal and professional lives, and possess a keen and accurate perception of wellness. Unfortunately, sometimes students pursuing careers in counseling and psychotherapy have unresolved psychological issues that, if unresolved, could later affect them in their professional lives. However, nowadays few counselor education programs have a systematic way to evaluate and improve wellness in their students. Furthermore, the field lacks research studies addressing the well-being of counselors-in-training, their perception of wellness, and their need for self-care. As a result, this study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological well-being and perceived wellness in a sample (N = 97) of graduate students in a CACREP-accredited counseling program at a state university in Pennsylvania. It measured the participants' psychological well-being by the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB) and their perception of wellness by the Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between psychological well-being and perceived wellness of counselors-in-training.
 
An Institutional Approach to Developing a Culture of Student Persistence
Authors: Burkholder Gary J , Lenio Jim , Holland Nicole , Jobe Rebecca , Seidman Alan , Neal Diane , Middlebrook Jimmy
Published: November 2015

There continues to be increasing focus on college student retention and persistence. This focus is coming from the United States federal government, accrediting organizations, and from students, parents and the public. Given the spiraling costs of education and the fact that retention rates have not improved over time, various stakeholders are concerned about the value of a higher education credential. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the efforts of a for-profit, distance education institution to focus its resources, in an evidence-based manner, on retention and to develop a culture of retention and persistence throughout the institution. The literature review and analysis of internal initiatives demonstrates that (a) institutions must make a commitment to retention, include retention efforts as part of its strategic plan, and provide resources to support retention efforts; (b) mastery of knowledge of the research on retention and persistence is critical for designing evidence-based interventions; and (c) institutions should identify, develop, and implement pilot projects aimed at improving student progress and share results to help stimulate development of best practices throughout higher education.
Students’ Perception of Diversity in an International Classroom
Authors: Jeannin Loïse
Published: November 2015

This paper presents students’ perception of diversity in an international classroom in one international university in Thailand. The aim of this exploratory study is to better understand students’ perception of diversity to better meet their learning needs. By conducting a survey among students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s international programs, this study explores how students perceive their classmates’ diversity, such as, but not limited to, cultural, language, and knowledge differences. How does diversity affect students’ learning in an international setting? What kind of diversity is the most disturbing for learners? Some recommendations grounded in the conceptual framework of cultural responsive teaching are derived from the results.
Internationalization: From Concept to Implementation
Authors: Billingham Craig , Gragg Monica , Bentley Guy
Published: November 2015

Higher education is in a phase of rapid internationalization, with practices and impacts ranging from curriculum reform to satellite campuses to affiliated partner institutions. Internationally, higher education institutions are increasingly engaged with issues pertaining to technology integration. The primary reason for this is a growing acceptance of the importance of student-centered and heuristic learning, and the emergence of mobile devices as learning tools. This paper is also concerned to show technology integration as an internationalizing practice that promotes and enables brand, staff, and student mobility. The paper presents an evidence-based case study for technology integration at Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS), a higher education institution that provides international business education, specializing in hotel, resort, and event management. In responding to the nascent trends in technology, and the continuing impacts globalization is having on higher education, BMIHMS has demonstrated that technology integration is an effective internationalizing practice.
Blended Learning as an Effective Pedagogical Paradigm for Biomedical Science
Authors: Hartfield Perry
Published: November 2015

Blended learning combines face-to-face class based and online teaching and learning delivery in order to increase flexibility in how, when, and where students study and learn. The development, integration, and promotion of blended learning in frameworks of curriculum design can optimize the opportunities afforded by information and communication technologies and, concomitantly, accommodate a broad range of student learning styles. This study critically reviews the potential benefits of blended learning as a progressive educative paradigm for the teaching of biomedical science and evaluates the opportunities that blended learning offers for the delivery of accessible, flexible and sustainable teaching and learning experiences. A central tenet of biomedical science education at the tertiary level is the development of comprehensive hands-on practical competencies and technical skills (many of which require laboratory-based learning environments), and it is advanced that a blended learning model, which combines face-to-face synchronous teaching and learning activities with asynchronous online teaching and learning activities, effectively creates an authentic, enriching, and student-centred learning environment for biomedical science. Lastly, a blending learning design for introductory biochemistry will be described as an effective example of integrating face-to-face and online teaching, learning and assessment activities within the teaching domain of biomedical science.
Engaging Disenfranchised Urban Youth in Science Learning
Authors: D'Elia Luis Alberto , Wishart Diane
Published: November 2015

This article shows selective international perspectives on how teachers, university professors, and researchers in teacher education programs strive to support school completion for disenfranchised students. The purpose of this work was to elicit the perceptions of science and humanities educators in Spain and in Alberta, Canada, regarding enhancing opportunities to retain disenfranchised students in secondary schools. Anecdotes, comments, and opinions from those educators support the basic contention in this article. This part of the research focuses on the science education of disenfranchised students and brings insight into the crucial role that higher education professionals play in educating science teachers in the appropriate pedagogy. For the purpose of this article, disenfranchised is defined as at-risk of leaving school prior to high school completion due to personal circumstances such as poverty, family difficulties, drug addiction, and violent communities.
Tracking and Explaining Credit-Hour Completion
Authors: Kwenda Maxwell Ndigume
Published: November 2015

This study highlights those factors associated with changes in earned hours for two cohorts of incoming freshmen during their first year at Cameron University. The objectives of this study are twofold: (a) to derive model(s) regressing the cumulative hours earned and differential hours earned on student demographic, socioeconomic, and academic characteristics; and (b) to provide succinct conclusions that will increase students’ satisfactory academic progress (SAP) based on the results. The study found that there have been changes at Cameron University  related to the freshman first year experience, while there were no significant differences detected between the 2010 and 2011 cohorts. In addition, demographic variables (age, sex, race, and years since high school graduation) generally did not significantly explain earned hours or changes in earned hours. The significant predictors were generally tied to a student academic standing or factors for which the institution can exercise some control.
People Power – Computer Games in the Classroom
Authors: Hilliard Ivan
Published: November 2015

Computer simulations have strong potential as learning tools, both to deepen theoretical understanding and for skills development. However, it is important to understand the different factors that may affect the success of this relatively new classroom tool. This article is based on a computer simulation workshop for International Relations students, where the objective is to manage a transition to democracy from an authoritarian regime.
Producción de Contenido Multimedia en el Aula. Una Propuesta Docente para Alumnos de Periodismo y Comunicación Audiovisual. / Multimedia Content Production Inside the Classroom. A Teaching Proposal for Journalism and Audiovisual Communication Students.
Authors: Herrero Curiel Eva , Limón Serrano Nieves
Published: November 2015

Durante el curso académico 2012/2013 se llevaron a cabo en el grado de Periodismo y Comunicación Audiovisual dos actividades docentes, de forma independiente, en dos grupos prácticos. Ambas experiencias (A y B) utilizaron, como parte de sus programas, herramientas para la creación de contenidos multimedia. En la experiencia A se utilizaron diferentes dispositivos de grabación y software de edición y postproducción audiovisual con la intención de que los alumnos produjeran pequeñas piezas audiovisuales. En la experiencia B, los alumnos tenían que elaborar un reportaje multimedia a partir de una herramienta de “curaduría” de contenidos en el entorno de la web 2.0 (Storify). A la vista de estas primeras actividades, se diseñó un ejercicio en el que converjan los contenidos producidos en ambos grupos, de manera que la experiencia B se
nutra del contenido multimedia producido por los estudiantes de otra asignatura y que, a su vez, ofrezca a la experiencia A una plataforma de difusión digital. Con esta propuesta se pretende fomentar la colaboración y el trabajo en equipo entre los alumnos, mientras se incide en la necesaria transversalidad de los contenidos en el área de comunicación.

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During the 2012/2013 academic year, two teaching activities were carried out, independently, in two training groups within the Journalism and Audiovisual Communications program. Both experiences (A and B) used, as part of the program, tools for multimedia content creation. For experience A, diverse recording devices and editing and audiovisual postproduction software were used, so that students could produce short audiovisual pieces. During experience B, the students had to prepare a multimedia report using a content curation tool within the Web 2.0 environment (Storify). In view of these early activities, an exercise was designed so that the content produced in both groups be combined, and in that way the multimedia content produced by students in another course enriched experience B and, in turn, it offered a digital broadcast platform for experience A. This proposal aims to encourage collaboration and teamwork among students, while having an influence in the needed cross section of contents in the area of communication.
Common Ground: Addressing Attrition Across Diverse Institutions in Higher Education
Authors: Jobe Rebecca L. , Lenio Jim
Published: November 2015

Student attrition is an ongoing concern in American higher education, where institutions are being increasingly held accountable for the success of the students they admit. While differences across diverse institutions exist, research suggests that there are many similarities regarding issues related to student persistence and success. In fact, this common ground presents an opportunity for common solutions. The variety of higher education institutions utilizing knowledge gained through institutional initiatives continues to identify new, better ways of serving students. This article sheds light on the known differences between institution types while recognizing the common goals of improving student persistence. The article further supports the need for additional research in this area to fully understand how the higher education community can best prepare and support students of all types, from all institutions, to reach their educational goals.
A Different Viewpoint on Student Retention
Authors: Swail Watson Scott
Published: November 2015

Although student retention, persistence, and graduation is a high priority for institutions and policymakers, graduation rates are not improving. Nowadays, more students from first-generation and low-income backgrounds have access to traditional higher education. However, an educational system that fails to prepare many students for higher education and the growing costs of attending college are making it more and more difficult for many students to persist and graduate. Ultimately, we might need to decide, on a policy basis, who we want to go to college, who we want to succeed, and who will pay for it.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme: An International Gateway to Higher Education and Beyond
Authors: Saxton Susan E. , Hill Ian
Published: November 2015

This paper begins with a discussion of the origins of the IB and how, in the hands of some remarkable educators and statesmen, that pedigree has determined the knowledge, skills, and values that the IB represents. The nature of the Diploma Programme (DP) and its core components is briefly outlined and followed by what authoritative reports identify as skills for the future, esteemed by universities and the job market. There is a striking match between these skills and IB outcomes; thus, DP graduates perform well in higher education and add to the reputation of those institutions. Moreover these graduates are imbued with values of international mindedness that have become increasingly sought after by universities, along with cognitive attributes. The claims made are supported by examples of significant research, noting that there is a dearth of qualitative longitudinal studies to sufficiently substantiate the affective domain claims that currently rely more on anecdotal evidence.
Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education: State-of-the-Art, Barriers, and Challenges
Authors: Fernandez-Sanchez Gonzalo , Bernaldo María Olga , Castillejo Ana , Manzanero Ana María
Published: November 2015

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a new educational paradigm that allows Universities to lead and respond to social needs towards a more sustainable life. The ESD is a global preparedness and complex phenomena in relation to the effects of human activity on the environment, society and economy in spatial (global, regional and local) and temporal dimensions (learn from the past, act in the present and anticipate the future). This article provides an important synthesis of the vast literature in recent years in relation to ESD. It is analyzed the areas and elements to be integrated into the application and integration of Sustainability in Higher Education (SHE), the importance of sustainability curricula and changing the teaching and learning methods into more participative and active techniques. This paper ends with a proposal of steps to follow to implement a sustainability plan, the various existing integration strategies, and the identification of barriers and remaining challenges into ESD.
Making the Match Between Content and Foreign Language: A Case Study on University Students’ Opinions Towards CLIL
Authors: Martin de Lama M. Teresa
Published: November 2015

CLIL methodology is gaining path in Spanish universities as a promising means to train students to manage in a globalized world by increasing their competence in foreign languages, particularly English. The advent of CLIL in tertiary settings raises a variety of questions related to the possibility and the manner of applying this approach to English-Mediated learning contexts, especially regarding the syllabi planning and methodological development to scaffold the learning of the target language and the subject content. Although a number of experiences are currently starting to be reported in Spanish university settings, this phenomenon is still recent and needs to be extensively investigated. Thus, on the one hand, the present article intends to show the positive opinion of post-graduate university students after the curricular integration experience and the application of CLIL scaffolding techniques. On the other, it proposes to identify areas of methodological improvements and recommendations in the application of CLIL in the referred programme, as well as in other higher education contexts.
Linguistic Outcomes of English Medium Instruction Programmes in Higher Education: A study on Economics Undergraduates at a Catalan University
Authors: Ament Jennifer Rose , Pérez-Vidal Carmen
Published: November 2015

Globalisation and international mobility in the 21st century has led to the internationalisation of the English language (Crystal, 2003). Research regarding linguistic gains at university levels is however extremely scarce. This study aims to address this gap of knowledge and provide some answers as to how much linguistic gain can be expected after one year of English medium instruction. Two groups of undergraduate students enrolled in different levels of English medium instruction (EMI) were given a pre and post-test over a 1 year period. Results were analysed statistically; significant gains were found only in the semi- immersion group in the grammatical domain; although, there was a trend for improvement as well as higher scores for full immersion students. It might be interpreted that in order for linguistic gains to be seen in adults there needs to be some focus on form and language guidance (Muñoz, 2007; Pérez-Vidal, 2007). Thus, an integrated content and language (ICLHE) approach is more effective than a solely content based EMI model for university level content courses, if linguistic gains are the desired outcomes of the programme.
Motivation and Career-Development Training Programs: Use of Regulatory Focus to Determine Program Effectiveness
Authors: Anthony Peter John , Weide Jeffrey
Published: November 2015

Higgins (2005) developed a motivational theory that distinguishes between two foci: preventative and promotion. Individuals with a preventative focus are motivated to complete activities due to a necessity or expectation. However, those with a promotion focus find motivation from advancement, self-improvement, or social impact. Writers typically use Higgins’ theory on workplace teams and psychology, yet the theory has usefulness for determining training program effectiveness (Carter, 2011; Freeman, 2009; Gaither, 2009; Kohn, 2009; Richmond, 2009; Whiteford, 2009). However, there is a noticeable gap between this motivational theory and how training programs are developed, particularly to meet the needs of project managers and consultants.

 

Richmond (2009) highlighted that training is essential to the development of skill and competencies in complex and critical career paths. Project managers and consultants, particularly those tied to government projects, require a complex set of abilities in order to effectively complete projects on time and within budget. Without proper training programs, these individuals are not able to perform at the highest level possible. To explore how a project manager or consultant’s motivation can affect the effectiveness of training programs, this research study outlines the applicability of adapting career-development training programs to the learner’s motivational focus.
Population ecology of the gulf ribbed mussel across a salinity gradient: recruitment, growth and density
Authors: Honig Aaron , Supan John , Peyre Megan La
Published: November 2015

Benthic intertidal bivalves play an essential role in estuarine ecosystems by contributing to habitat provision, water filtration, and promoting productivity. As such, changes that impact population distributions and persistence of local bivalve populations may have large ecosystem level consequences. Recruitment, growth, mortality, population size structure and density of the gulf coast ribbed mussel, Geukensia granosissima, were examined across a salinity gradient in southeastern Louisiana. Data were collected along 100‐m transects at interior and edge marsh plots located at duplicate sites in upper (salinity ~4 psu), central (salinity ~8 psu) and lower (salinity ~15 psu) Barataria Bay, Louisiana, U.S.A. Growth, mortality and recruitment were measured in established plots from April through November 2012. Mussel densities were greatest within the middle bay (salinity ~8) regardless of flooding regime, but strongly associated with highest stem densities of Juncus roemerianus vegetation. Mussel recruitment, growth, size and survival were significantly higher at mid and high salinity marsh edge sites as compared to all interior marsh and low salinity sites. The observed patterns of density, growth and mortality in Barataria Bay may reflect detrital food resource availability, host vegetation community distribution along the salinity gradient, salinity tolerance of the mussel, and reduced predation at higher salinity edge sites.
Refugia and dispersal promote population persistence under variable arid conditions: a spatio‐temporal simulation model
Authors: Céré Julien , Vickery William L. , Dickman Christopher R.
Published: November 2015

In arid environments, population dynamics of many organisms follow resource pulses in time and space. This heterogeneity in resource accessibility is due to irregular and local rainfalls. In drought periods, the population density of small mammals such as rodents falls so that animals seem absent across the landscape. How can they avoid extinction and persist in time and space at low densities during droughts? We hypothesize that a fraction of the population may survive in refugia—less arid patches—and recolonize the landscape after drought‐breaking rains. When precipitation and resources abound again, rodents become abundant and disperse over large areas. Our spatio‐temporal simulation tests the hypotheses that refugia and dispersal promote population persistence over large temporal and spatial scales. We programmed a virtual desert (100 × 100 matrix) in which a virtual population changes over the course of 100 time steps representing 100 years. In our simulations, when rainfall is scarce, refugia and dispersal are insufficient to produce population persistence, and when rainfall is heavy or widespread, these factors are not necessary. At moderate rainfall frequency, refugia and dispersal are essential for persistence, and long‐distance dispersers need fewer refugia than short‐distance ones. With cyclic rainfall patterns mimicking La Niña's influence on desert precipitation, long drought periods and short wet periods, persistence requires both abundant refugia and long distance dispersal.
The Travelling Cylinder: A Practical Tool for Collision Avoidance
Authors: Thorogood J. L. , Sawaryn S. J.
Published: November 2015

The term "Travelling Cylinder" is used to describe a diagram employed in directional drilling on multi-well locations as an aid to collision avoidance. There are a number of variants and the differences between them can, if not properly appreciated, lead to a misinterpretation of the physical situation which, in turn, may put the drilling operation at risk.

During planning, and at the wellsite, the Normal Plane version of the Travelling Cylinder diagram is a powerful tool for collision avoidance due to its innate simplicity. Survey readings can be plotted on the diagram and an immediate visual assessment made not only of the trend of the well in relation to the plan but also relative to adjacent wells, The diagram can be used without recourse to computers. A major advantage of the Normal Plane diagram is that it provides an unambiguous method for displaying anti-collision tolerances. With a minimum of interpretation the plot provides a simple and direct technique for go/no-go drilling decisions in potential collision situations. The Normal Plane diagram provides a robust and computationally efficient method for collision checking. Scanning down drilled wells against the plan, as opposed to checking down the plan against drilled wells, ensures that potential intersections are not missed.

Other versions of the travelling cylinder diagram based on the Horizontal Plane projection or a Closest Approach calculation should not be used for anti-collision applications because of a number of distinctive shortcomings.
A Short Sequence Splicing Method for Genome Assembly Using a Three-Dimensional Mixing-Pool of BAC Clones and High-throughput Technology
Authors: Kang Xiaojun , Yang Cheng , Zhao Xuguang , Chen Weiwei , Zhang Sifa , Wang Yaping
Published: November 2015

Current genome sequencing techniques are expensive, and it is still a major challenge to obtain an individual
whole-genome sequence. To reduce the cost of sequencing, this paper introduced a high-throughput sequencing strategy
using a three-dimensional mixing-pools based on the cube. Following the strategy, BAC clones were injected into each
vertex of the cube, and sequencing of each plane provided information about multiple clones, thereby significantly
reducing the cost of sequencing. In addition, Velvet was used to assemble the sequencing data. The scaffold generated
from Velvet contained a number of contigs, which were orderless. Therefore, to address this problem, a scaffold
assembly algorithm based on multi-way trees was used. The algorithm used a multi-way tree to build the framework of
chromosomes, and subsequently, the frame was filled to complete the scaffold assembly. This algorithm alone
outperformed Velvet in the assembling of a scaffold.
Optimization for Fermentation of Cattle Manure to Produce Bio-Fertilizer
by Inoculating Complex Microbial Agents
Authors: Fu Ruimin , Lin Fang , Zhang Hong , Xing Wenhui , Chang Huiping , Chen Wuling
Published: November 2015

In this study, in order to determine the optimization technology of bio-fertilizer, the aerobic fermentation test
was conducted by using fresh manure and rice husk powder as materials. The inoculation, moisture content, C/N ratio and
turning frequency analysed by single-factor test. Following this, the optimal conditions in the first fermentation were
obtained through orthogonal experiments. After the first fermentation, the second fermentation was carried out by adding
complex microbes with the ability to release potassium, dissolve phosphate and fix nitrogen. The termination time of
second fermentation was determined by testing the growth condition of beneficial bacteria in the fermentation process.
The results show, that the optimal parameter in the first fermentation contained moisture content of 70%, C/N ratio of
20:1, inoculation of 3%, and turning frequency of once every three days. After a period of fifteen days of fermentation,
the germination index reached 91.3%. Following this, second fermentation was conducted at the sixth day and the
germination index was increased to 98.8%. Under this optimum condition, the material could heat up fast and the top
temperature could be high with a long duration.
Design of Special Plastic Bearings and Their Application in Renewable Energy Conversion System
Authors: Dong Yongjun , Zhu Wanqiang , Zhang Xueming , Guo Jingfu
Published: November 2015

To improve the operational reliability of renewable energy conversion system, high-performance polymers and
engineering plastics are used to make some parts and components of the energy conversion device, especially in the
marine renewable energy generation field. In this article, special plastic bearings based on the material of
polyoxymethylene (POM) were designed and applied in the power generation device of both tidal current energy and
island wind energy. The properties of POM were analyzed, and the load of a POM ball was tested. Special structures of
the plastic bearings were designed to meet the requirements of pressure resistance and to reduce the friction. These plastic
bearings had been used in the prototypes of 20 kW tidal current turbine generation device and 15 kW island wind turbine
generation device. According to the prototypes’ operation, the results indicate that these plastic bearings work well and
are very suitable for the application in renewable energy conversion system. By optimizing the structure, such plastic
bearings would be generalized and applied in the renewable energy generation device with a higher power level.
Demonstration of Evaporation Inhibition with Floating Polystyrene Board and Its Motion Response
Authors: Jiang Haibo , Tian Yan
Published: November 2015

Plain reservoirs in arid areas usually have a shallow water depth, a large surface area, and severe evaporative
water-loss. To lessen the water loss, a polystyrene board coverage technique was used. This paper represents a
demonstrative application study of the polystyrene board coverage technique in the Daquangou Plain Reservoir in the city
of Shihezi, Xinjiang. Six different polystyrene board structures were created and tested to measure the wind wave
resistance level, damage type, and reason for the damage. To study the motion of the floating polystyrene board in waves,
this paper applied the kinematic theory for rigid bodies and utilized the Newton’s Second Law to develop the coupling
kinematic equation for the polystyrene board. We also used a modified sectioning method to calculate the added mass of
the floating polystyrene board, fluid damping, and static water restoring force. The heave and pitch motion response of the
floating polystyrene board was analyzed and determined to be periodic. The connection and fix strategy for the
polystyrene board structures could resist the effect of level-6 wind waves, which served the purpose of inhibiting the
evaporation in the plain reservoir.
Serum IL-6 Level in Breast Cancer Surgery: Evaluating the Addition of
Hydrocortisone to Two Anesthetic Regimens
Authors: Abdelhamid Sherif , Talha Ahmed , Hamdy Salwa , Abdelhalim Ashraf Arafat , Elakany Mohamed
Published: November 2015

Background:

This study was purposed to compare in vitro the volumetric accuracy of a newly introduced
automatic infusion controller, AutoClamp with that of other commonly used infusion devices.

Methods:

In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 124 ASA I-II, female patients, aged 30-50 years,
undergoing conservative breast cancer surgery were randomly assigned to one of four equal groups receiving either
standard general anesthesia and two doses of hydrocortisone (Group GH, n=31), thoracic paravertebral block and two
doses of hydrocortisone (Group PH, n=31), standard general anesthesia with no hydrocortisone (Group G, n=31), or
thoracic paravertebral block with no hydrocortisone (Group P, n=31). IL-6 was measured at three time points: before
operation, 6 and 12 hours postoperatively. CRP and cortisol were measured preoperatively and 6 hours postoperatively.

Results:

On comparing group PH and GH, there was significant decrease in IL-6 level in group PH compared to group GH
at 6 hour (122.1±21.2 vs 135.8±29.8pg/dl), but insignificant difference at 24 hours (107.9±21.6 vs 106.8±15.9pg/dl). CRP
showed significant decrease in the postoperative reading in group PH compared to group GH (1.63±0.32 vs
1.91±0.43mg/l), and also group PH showed significant decrease compared to the control group P (1.63±0.32 vs 2.2±0.54).

Conclusion:

addition of hydrocortisone to general anesthesia or thoracic paravertebral block attenuated production of IL-6
and CRP levels significantly postoperatively compared to either anesthetic regimen alone, but not the serum cortisol level,
highlighting its role in modifying the stress response to surgery. However, the effect was more pronounced when
combined with thoracic paravertebral block.
Sheep Hip Arthroplasty Model of Failed Implant Osseointegration
Authors: Jakobsen Thomas , Kold Søren , Baas Jørgen , Søballe Kjeld , Rahbek Ole
Published: November 2015

Early secure stability of an implant is important for long-term survival. We examined whether micromotion of implants consistently would induce bone resorption and formation of a fibrous membrane and thereby prevent osseointegration.

One micromotion implant was inserted into one of the medial femoral condyles in ten sheep. The micromotion device consists of an anchor bearing a PMMA implant and a PE plug. During each gait cycle the PE plug will make the PMMA implant axially piston 0.5 mm. After 12 weeks of observation the bone specimens were harvested and a post-mortem control implant was inserted into the contra-lateral medial femoral condyle.

Histomorphometrical evaluation showed that the surface on the implant observed for 12 weeks was covered by fibrous tissue. The control implants were covered by lamellar bone. No difference was found with respect to the volume fraction of lamellar bone in a 1 mm zone around the implants.

This study indicates that implant micromotion is sufficient to induce bone resorption and formation of a fibrous membrane.
Condom Use Determinants and Practices Among People Living with HIV in Kisii County, Kenya
Authors: Emmanuel Wamalwa , Edward Neyole , Moses Poipoi , William Ringera , Geoffrey Otomu , Monicah Bitok , Rosemary Mbaluka
Published: November 2015

The male condom remains the single, most efficient and available technology to reduce sexual transmission of HIV as well as sexually transmitted infections. This study sought to establish condom use determinants and practices among people living with HIV (PLHIVs) in Kisii County, Kenya. We interviewed 340 PLHIVs and 6 health workers. Although most PLHIVs had correct knowledge and approved condoms as effective for HIV prevention, consistent use and condom use at last sex were notably low especially among PLHIVs aged 18 – 24, those who depended on remittances from kin as main source of income, as well as during sex with secondary and casual partners. This study notes that knowledge on various benefits of using condoms is associated with enhanced condom use practices. Non-disclosure of HIV status to secondary and casual partners remains a key barrier to condom use among PLHIVs Our observations highlight the need to further promote condom use among specific PLHIVs socio-demographic groups who continue to exhibit low condom use rates.
Volumetric Source Model to Predict Productivity of Fractured Horizontal
Well in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Tianhui , Li Haitao , Wang Junchao , Jia Yunlin , Liu Lifeng
Published: November 2015

A novel dinuclear Cu(II) complex material has been synthesized by the reaction of 1, 2-phenylenedioxydiacetic
acid, 1,10-phenantroline (phen) and Cu(CHCOO)·HO. And it has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV and
single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal belongs to tetragonal, space group I4/ with = = 25.381(4) Å, = 32.044(6) Å, = 20643(6) Å, = 16, D= 1.395 g·cm, = 0.898 mm, (000) = 8896, and final = 0.1026, = 0.3142. The structural analysis shows that two Cu(II) atoms adopt different coordination modes, Cu has five-coordination
with a trigonal bipyramidal configuration, and Cu has four-coordination with a distorted square planar configuration. The
cyclic voltammetric behaviour of the dinuclear Cu(II) complex has been investigated.