bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α7-nAChR Knockout Mice Decreases Biliary Hyperplasia and Liver Fibrosis in Cholestatic Bile Duct-Ligated Mice
Authors: Ehrlich Laurent , O’Brien April , Hall Chad , White Tori , Chen Lixian , Wu Nan , Venter Julie , Scrushy Marinda , Mubarak Muhammad , Meng Fanyin , Dostal David , Wu Chaodong , Lairmore Terry C. , Alpini Gianfranco , Glaser Shannon
Published: March 2018

α7-nAChR is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor [specifically expressed on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer cells, and cholangiocytes] that regulates inflammation and apoptosis in the liver. Thus, targeting α7-nAChR may be therapeutic in biliary diseases. Bile duct
ligation (BDL) was performed on wild-type (WT) and α7-nAChR−/− mice. We first evaluated the expression of α7-nAChR by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in liver sections. IHC was also performed to assess intrahepatic bile duct mass (IBDM), and Sirius Red staining
was performed to quantify the amount of collagen deposition. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess colocalization of α7-nAChR with bile ducts (costained with CK-19) and HSCs (costained with desmin). The mRNA expression of α7-nAChR, Ki-67/PCNA (proliferation), fibrosis genes
(TGF-β1, fibronectin-1, Col1α1, and α-SMA), and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) was measured by real-time PCR. Biliary TGF-β1 and hepatic CD68 (Kupffer cell marker) expression was assessed using IHC. α7-nAChR immunoreactivity was observed
in both bile ducts and HSCs and increased following BDL. α7-nAChR−/− BDL mice exhibited decreased (i) bile duct mass, liver fibrosis, and inflammation, and (ii) immunoreactivity of TGF-β1 as well as expression of fibrosis genes compared to WT BDL mice. α7-nAChR
activation triggers biliary proliferation and liver fibrosis and may be a therapeutic target in managing extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
Enzymatically promoted release of organic molecules linked to magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Lambruschini Chiara , Villa Silvia , Banfi Luca , Canepa Fabio , Morana Fabio , Relini Annalisa , Riani Paola , Riva Renata , Silvetti Fulvio
Published: March 2018

Magnetite-based magnetic nanoparticles have been successfully coupled to an organic system constituted of a fluorescent molecule, a tripeptide specifier and a spacer. The system is able to selectively release the fluorescent molecule upon targeted enzymatic hydrolysis promoted by a lysine/arginine specific protease.
Stepwise radical cation Diels–Alder reaction via multiple pathways
Authors: Shimizu Ryo , Okada Yohei , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: March 2018

Herein we disclose the radical cation Diels–Alder reaction of aryl vinyl ethers by electrocatalysis, which is triggered by an oxidative SET process. The reaction clearly proceeds in a stepwise fashion, which is a rare mechanism in this class. We also found that two distinctive pathways, including “direct” and “indirect”, are possible to construct the Diels–Alder adduct.
THE IMPACT OF AGEING ON THE BITUMEN STIFFNESS MODULUS USING THE CAM MODEL
Authors: CHOLEWIŃSKA Małgorzata , IWAŃSKI Marek , MAZUREK Grzegorz
Published: March 2018

This article presents the results of the viscoelastic properties of the polymer-modified bitumen produced in Warm Mix Asphalt technology. A Fischer-Tropsch synthetic wax and a liquid surface-active agent (fatty amine) were used as bitumen viscosity-reducing modifiers. All tested parameters were determined after short-term and long-term ageing. The complex modulus G* and phase angle δ were measured with a cone-plate rheometer. All dynamic tests were performed at 60 °C within the frequency range from 0.005 Hz to 10 Hz. On the basis of the rheological index R determined using the Christensen−Anderson−Marasteanu (CAM) model, it was found that the fatty amine additive slowed down the age-hardening process in the bitumen. In contrast, the synthetic wax increased the stiffness of the bitumen at all levels tested, regardless of the type of ageing simulation process.
POTENTIAL OF MSWI BOTTOM ASH TO BE USED AS AGGREGATE IN ROAD BUILDING MATERIALS
Authors: VAITKUS Audrius , GRAŽULYTĖ Judita , VOROBJOVAS Viktoras , ŠERNAS Ovidijus , KLEIZIENĖ Rita
Published: March 2018

In the European Union, more than 140 million tonnes of municipal solid waste is incinerated annually. It generates about 30–40 million tonnes of residues known as municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash, which is typically landfilled. To deal with growing landfills, there is a need to utilize municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash as a building material. It has been known that municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash properties strongly depend on waste composition, which is directly influenced by people’s habits, economic policy, and technologies for metals recovery of bottom ash. Thus, municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash produced in a specific country or region has primarily to be tested to determine its physical and mechanical properties. The main aim of this study is to determine municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash physical and mechanical properties (aggregate particle size distribution, water content, oven-dried particle density, loose bulk density, Proctor density, optimal water content, California Bearing Ratio after and before soaking, permeability, Flakiness Index, Shape Index, percentage of crushed and broken surfaces, resistance to fragmentation (Los Angeles coefficient), water absorption and resistance to freezing and thawing). Municipal solid waste in-cinerator bottom ash produced in the waste-to-energy plant in Klaipėda (Lithuania) was used in this research. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals were separated after more than three months of municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash ageing in the atmosphere. The study showed promising results from considering municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash as possible aggregates for road building materials.
Chandra X-Rays from the Redshift 7.54 Quasar ULAS J1342+0928
Authors: Bañados Eduardo , Connor Thomas , Stern Daniel , Mulchaey John , Fan Xiaohui , Decarli Roberto , Farina Emanuele P. , Mazzucchelli Chiara , Venemans Bram P. , Walter Fabian , Wang Feige , Yang Jinyi
Published: March 2018

We present a 45 ks Chandra observation of the quasar ULAS J1342+0928 at z = 7.54. We detect

counts from the quasar in the observed-frame energy range 0.5–7.0 keV (6σ detection), representing the most distant non-transient astronomical source identified in X-rays to date. The present data are sufficient only to infer rough constraints on the spectral parameters. We find an X-ray hardness ratio of

between the 0.5–2.0 keV and 2.0–7.0 keV ranges and derive a power-law photon index of

. Assuming a typical value for high-redshift quasars of Γ = 1.9, ULAS J1342+0928 has a 2–10 keV rest-frame X-ray luminosity of

. Its X-ray-to-optical power-law slope is

, consistent with the general trend indicating that the X-ray emission in the most bolometrically powerful quasars is weaker relative to their optical emission.
Extremely 54Cr- and 50Ti-rich Presolar Oxide Grains in a Primitive Meteorite: Formation in Rare Types of Supernovae and Implications for the Astrophysical Context of Solar System Birth
Authors: Nittler Larry R. , Alexander Conel M. O’D. , Liu Nan , Wang Jianhua
Published: March 2018

We report the identification of 19 presolar oxide grains from the Orgueil CI meteorite with substantial enrichments in 54Cr, with 54Cr/52Cr ratios ranging from 1.2 to 56 times the solar value. The most enriched grains also exhibit enrichments at mass-50, most likely due in part to 50Ti, but close-to-normal or depleted 53Cr/52Cr ratios. There is a strong inverse relationship between 54Cr enrichment and grain size; the most extreme grains are all <80 nm in diameter. Comparison of the isotopic data with predictions of nucleosynthesis calculations indicate that these grains most likely originated in either rare, high-density Type Ia supernovae (SN Ia), or in electron-capture supernovae (ECSN), which may occur as the end stage of evolution for stars of mass 8–10 M
⊙. This is the first evidence for preserved presolar grains from either type of supernova. An ECSN origin is attractive, as these likely occur much more frequently than high-density SN Ia, and their evolutionary timescales (∼20 Myr) are comparable to those of molecular clouds. Self-pollution of the Sun’s parent cloud from an ECSN may explain the heterogeneous distribution of n-rich isotopic anomalies in planetary materials, including a recently reported dichotomy in Mo isotopes in the solar system. The stellar origins of three grains with solar 54Cr/52Cr, but anomalies in 50Cr or 53Cr, as well as of a grain enriched in 57Fe, are unclear.
A Quinoline Compound Inhibits the Replication of Dengue virus Serotypes 1–4 in Vero Cells
Authors: Beesetti Hemalatha , Tyagi Poornima , Medapi Brahmam , Krishna Vagolu Siva , Sriram Dharmarajan , Khanna Navin , Swaminathan Sathyamangalam
Published: March 2018

Background

The global occurrence of dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by four distinct dengue viruses (DENV-1, -2, -3 and -4), is reported to have increased approximately 30-fold in the last 50 years, causing approximately 400 million infections a year. A limited use, sub-optimal live attenuated dengue vaccine has become available recently. It is becoming apparent that antibodies to DENVs can promote infection by Zika virus (ZIKV), a related mosquito-borne flavivirus. A drug to treat these flaviviral infections continues to be an unmet public health need.

Methods

We screened an ‘in-house’ library of approximately 2,000 small molecules for inhibitors of cloned DENV-2 protease. Putative inhibitor binding to DENV-2 protease was analysed by in silico docking. Anti-DENV activity was analysed by monitoring viral antigen synthesis by ELISA, viral RNA synthesis by reverse-transcription coupled to real-time polymerase chain reaction and infectious virus production by plaque assay, in DENV-infected Vero cells.

Results

A quinoline derivative, BT24, was identified for the first time as a potent inhibitor of the cloned DENV-2 protease (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50]=0.5 μM). In silico analysis revealed that BT24 binds to an allosteric site in the vicinity of the active site of DENV-2 protease. Cell-based assays demonstrated that BT24 can inhibit all four DENVs in infected Vero cells.

Conclusions

BT24 is a DENV-2 protease inhibitor which manifests the capacity to inhibit the replication of all four DENVs in cultured cells. It may provide a lead for a pan-DENV inhibitory drug.
Micro-entreprises du secteur informel dans le Mono (Bénin) : vers un approfondissement à travers une approche d’économie populaire
Authors: Kervyn de Lettenhove Maïté , Lemaître Andreia
Published: March 2018

L’article présente la littérature traditionnelle sur le micro-entrepreuneuriat dans le secteur informel, en particulier la théorie des segments qui s’est développée à partir des années 1990. Dans un second temps, il confronte celle-ci, d’une part, aux résultats d’enquêtes exploratoires de terrain menées dans le département du Mono au Bénin et, d’autre part, à la littérature sur l’économie populaire qui s’est développée principalement en Amérique latine. Les conclusions dégagées questionnent en retour les programmes de développement traditionnels de soutien au micro-entreprenariat et d’accès au microcrédit.
Dettes et liens : deux moteurs de l’épargne populaire au Sud Kivu (R.D. Congo)
Authors: Le Polain Maïté
Published: March 2018

Les groupes d’épargne, nouvel outil de microfinance, sont souvent présentés comme des tontines « améliorées ». Ils se fondent sur les cotisations régulières des membres mais substituent au principe de rotation des fonds, l’octroi en prêts des cotisations des membres. Notre article démontre, à partir des résultats d’une enquête de terrain menée au Sud Kivu, comment, malgré un engagement à cotiser similaire, les groupes d’épargne affaiblissent le principal atout de la tontine, l’incitation à épargner.
Fragilisation des revenus maraîchers par la progression des zones urbaines en périphérie de Kinshasa (R.D. Congo)
Authors: Masiala Bode Mabu , Kinkela Savy Charles , Lebailly Philippe
Published: March 2018

L’article montre que, dans les conditions de production maraîchère à Kinshasa, la réduction des superficies emblavées suite à l’étalement des zones urbaines vers la périphérie baisse le niveau des récoltes et entame, par l’effet même, la capacité desdits revenus à subvenir aux exigences de survie des exploitants. Apparaît donc la nécessité de penser à la durabilité du maraîchage en vue de satisfaire la demande en légumes frais des populations locales et le bien-être des ménages exploitants.
Coexistence du surpoids ou obésité et retard de croissance dans les ménages du Sud-ouest Bénin
Authors: Dembélé Bernard , Sossa Jérôme Charles , Saizonou Jacques , Makoutodé Patrick Charles , Mongbo Adé Virginie , Guedègbé Capo-Chichi Justine , Dona Ouendo Marius-Edgard
Published: March 2018

Introduction : Déterminer la prévalence et les déterminants du phénotype coexistence du surpoids ou obésité de la mère et le retard de croissance de l’enfant du double fardeau nutritionnel (DFN/SORCE) dans les ménages du Sud-ouest du Bénin. Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale conduite en juin 2015 qui a concerné 357 couples mère-enfants sélectionnés par échantillonnage aléatoire à deux degrés dans la ville de Comè et sa périphérie rurale. Les données socio-économiques, familiales, de soins de santé et sur la qualité de l’alimentation ont été collectées par questionnaire, observation et exploitation des documents. Les mesures anthropométriques ont été réalisées chez les mères et les enfants. L’analyse de régression logistique a été utilisée pour rechercher les déterminants de la coexistence des deux faces de la malnutrition. Résultats : Parmi les mères, 19,3 % étaient en surpoids, 5,7 % étaient obèses. Chez les enfants, 46 % présentaient un retard de croissance. La prévalence du DFN/SORCE était de 11,5 %. Les principaux facteurs associés au DFN/SORCE étaient l’âge de l’enfant, la profession, l’ethnie, le statut social, le niveau d’instruction et l’âge de la mère, le niveau économique, le moyen de déplacement, l’insécurité alimentaire et la taille du ménage. Conclusion : La fréquence de la coexistence du surpoids ou obésité de la mère et du retard de croissance de l’enfant dans les ménages est importante dans la commune de Comè. Les stratégies basées sur les déterminants identifiés permettront de lutter simultanément contre ce double fardeau de la malnutrition dans les ménages de la commune de Comè.
Representations of Masked Figures: A Comparative Study and an Interpretative Approach to their Cult-Use and Meaning
Authors: Spathi Maria G.
Published: March 2018

This note is a condensed version of a forthcoming study to appear in Popular religion and ritual in Prehistoric and ancient Greece and the east Mediterranean, edited by G. Vavouranakis, K. Kopanias, K. Kanellopoulos and Y. Papadatos, Oxbow, 2017. It focuses on handmade figurines of the Classical period with mold-made, mask-like faces that were brought to light at the Cave of the Nymphs in Lechova, Corinthia. An examination of their iconographic characteristics in relation to other representations of similar iconography, as well as literary sources mentioning the use of masks in ritual, shed light on their use in initiation rites.
Figurines masculines en contextes votif et funéraire de la Thessalie à la Thrace : Marqueurs identitaires et témoins des rituels d’intégration et de socialisation ?*
Authors: Aït Salah Souad
Published: March 2018

Contrairement à leurs homologues féminines, les figurines masculines n’ont que très peu retenu l’attention des chercheurs jusqu’à présent, aussi sont-elles au cœur du projet de recherche doctorale développé ici. Il s’agit d’établir un répertoire iconographique des types masculins présents dans les sanctuaires et les tombes de l’Égée septentrionale du VIIe s. à la conquête romaine, de rechercher leur identification puis leur fonction dans chacun de ces contextes, en s’appuyant sur les avancées récentes des recherches sur les figurines féminines.
Figurines. A Microcosmos of Clay. An Exhibition
Authors: Koukouvou Angeliki
Published: March 2018

A major exhibition opened at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki on April 3, 2017. Entitled “Figurines. A Microcosmos of Clay,” this exhibition presents some 617 terracotta figurines from Macedonia and Thrace that range in date from the early Neolithic period to late antiquity.
Research Perspectives in Greek Coroplastic Studies: The Demeter Paradigm and the Goddess Bias
Authors: Uhlenbrock Jaimee P.
Published: March 2018

The ubiquitous presence of masses of figurative terracottas in Greek sanctuaries of the Archaic and Classical periods has given rise to their almost universal use as iconographic tools for the identification of cult. A practice that has its roots in the archaeological literature of the late 18th and early 19th century, it has engendered certain research biases that have been difficult to overcome. A review of these biases and their origins could be useful in reorienting the researcher of coroplastic topics away from dangerous preconceptions.
Le rapport Clavreul ou les errements d’un certain discours sur la laïcité
Authors: Degirmenci Selim
Published: March 2018

Ces dernières années ont vu une prolifération de la production non seulement normative mais également discursive traitant du principe de laïcité. A cet égard, un certain nombre d’avis, d’étude ou encore de rapport ont été rendus tant par des instances officielles (Conseil d’Etat ou autres autorités consultatives) que par des personnes missionnées par l’Etat. Le rapport de Gilles Clavreul, rendu sur commande du ministère de l’intérieur, avait ainsi vocation à se prononcer sur une amélioration de la coordination des actions menées par l’Etat et les collectivités territoriales en matière de laïcité. A la lecture, il s’avère que le rapport ne s’est pas limité au traitement de cette question, et a procédé davantage d’une volonté de faire ressortir des situations - réelles ou supposées - jugées problématiques en termes de  « laïcité, valeurs de la République et exigences minimales de la vie en société ». L’apparentement réalisé, à cette occasion, entre ces trois notions ou concepts n’est pas étranger aux tensions actuelles relatives à leur interprétation, et ne semble, en définitive, pas être de nature à contribuer à la tenue d’un débat public raisonné.
Effects of Trade Liberalisation in the SEE Countries
Authors: Kragulj Dragana , Parežanin Miloš , Jednak Sandra
Published: March 2018

A key factor for countries in transition is improving their export competitiveness in order to improve the economic performance of the country. The aim of this chapter is an insight into the influence of trade liberalisation within CEFTA 2006 to the member countries. Correlation analysis was used, and bilateral flows between member countries were analysed. The results show a significant influence of trade liberalisation to GDP growth, unemployment rate, public debt, and budget deficit. The results of correlation analysis are not the same for all the member countries. Greater participation in an exchange with other member countries surely would improve poor economic performances of the countries from South-East Europe. Possibilities are present for improving CEFTA 2006 through the further elimination of trade barriers and increase of total trade. The process of the accession to the EU and access to the single market is also determined by the success of CEFTA 2006.
Importance of Market Diversification in Foreign Trade
Authors: Sezer Sevgi
Published: March 2018

It is of great importance for developing countries to diversify their markets and products in their exports and imports in order to achieve stable foreign trade and economic growth. This chapter presents lessons that developing countries need to learn from the foreign trade experiences of Turkey. In this context, the foreign trade experiences of Turkey in the 1970-2016 period, the good practices that Turkey has implemented in this respect, topics that Turkey has made mistakes, and the issues that Turkey has suffered are examined with the help of tables and graphs. The most remarkable point in the chapter is the necessity of diversifying countries and markets in the foreign trade because foreign trade has close interaction with political and economic developments and it is always possible that existing markets are being lost or difficulties arise in existing supply sources.
Wake Interaction Using Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Kumar K. Karthik Selva , Kumaraswamidhas L. A.
Published: March 2018

In this chapter, a brief discussion about the application of lattice Boltzmann method on complex flow characteristics over circular structures is presented. A two-dimensional computational simulation is performed to study the fluid flow characteristics by employing the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with respect to Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) collision model to simulate the interaction of fluid flow over the circular cylinders at different spacing conditions. From the results, it is observed that there is no significant interaction between the wakes for the transverse spacing's ratio higher than six times the cylinder diameter. For smaller transverse spacing ratios, the fluid flow regimes were recognized with presence of vortices. Apart from that, the drag coefficient signals are revealed as chaotic, quasi-periodic, and synchronized regimes, which were observed from the results of vortex shedding frequencies and fluid structure interaction frequencies. The strength of the latter frequency depends on spacing between the cylinders; in addition, the frequency observed from the fluid structure interaction is also associated with respect to the change in narrow and wide wakes behind the surface of the cylinder. Further, the St and mean Cd are observed to be increasing with respect to decrease in the transverse spacing ratio.
Intrusion Detection System in Wireless Sensor Networks for Wormhole Attack Using Trust-Based System
Authors: Ghugar Umashankar , Pradhan Jayaram
Published: March 2018

Intrusion detection in wireless sensor network (WSN) has been a critical issue for the stable functioning of the networks during last decade. Wireless sensors are small and cheap devices that have a capacity to sense actions, data movement, and communicate with each other. It is a self-governing network that consists of sensor nodes deployed in a particular environment, which has wide applications in various areas such as data gathering, military surveillance, transportation, medical system, agriculture, smart building, satellite communication, and healthcare. Wormhole attack is one of the serious attacks, which is smoothly resolved in networks but difficult to observe. There are various techniques used to detect the malicious node such as LITEWORP, SAM, DelPHI, GRPW, and WRHT. This chapter focuses on detection methods for wormhole attacks using trust-based systems in WSN.
Automatic Detection of Tumor and Bleed in Magnetic Resonance Brain Images
Authors: E. Jayanthi V. , Mohan Jagannath , K. Adalarasu
Published: March 2018

Brain tumor and intracerebral hemorrhage are major causes for death among the people. Brain tumor is the growth of abnormal cells multiplied in an uncontrolled manner in brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique plays a major role for analysis, diagnosis, and treatment planning of abnormalities in the brain. Bleed is detected manually by radiologists, but it is laborious, time-consuming, and error prone. The automatic detection method was performed to detect the tumor as well as bleed in brain under a single system. The proposed method includes image acquisition, pre-processing, patch extraction, feature extraction, convolutional neural network (CNN) classification, and fuzzy inference system (FIS) to detect the abnormality with reduced classification loss percentage. This chapter is compared with the existing system of tumor detection using convolution neural network based on certain features such as skewness, kurtosis, homogeneity, smoothness, and correlation.
Dynamic Quota Calculation System (DQCS)
Authors: Çelenk Ulaş , Ertuğrul Duygu Çelik , Zontul Metin , Elçi Atilla , Uçan Osman Nuri
Published: March 2018

One of the most important IT sectors that requires big data management is mobile data communication systems (MDCS) of GSM companies. In the charging mechanism of current MDCS, a subscriber “surfs” on the internet that creates data traffic and a counter subtracts the amount of data used by the user from the subscriber's quota. In other words, instant constant quota values are assigned to subscribers without concern for their previous amount of internet usage in current MDCS. Moreover, constant quota values cause constant charge calls in control traffic that are repeated for all new quota requests. Thus, performance degradation occurs because of the repetition of quota request calls and allocations. In this chapter, a dynamic quota calculation system (DQCS) is proposed for dynamic quota allocations and charging in MDCS using data mining approaches as two cascaded blocks. The first block is self-organizing map (SOM) clustering based on a sliding window (SW) methodology followed by the second block, which is the markov chain (MC); the overall system is denoted as “SOM/SW and MC.”
Investigating Faculty Members' Beliefs About Distance Education
Authors: AI-Saleem Naifa Eid , Al-Suqri Mohammed Nasser
Published: March 2018

This research paper aims to investigate the beliefs (perceptions) about distance education(DE) held by the faculty members of Sultan Qaboos Uuniversity (SQU) at the Sultanate of Oman as well as the differences between their beliefs (perceptions) with regards to gender, teaching experience, college academic rank, nationality, etc. This study used a questionnaire as a method of data collection. Findings of the study indicated statistically significant difference in terms of gender. Results show that female faculty members hold positive beliefs (perceptions) about the use of DE in learning and teaching whereas compared to their male colleagues. With regards to nationality, the study found statistically slight differences, wherein the Omani faculty members yielded higher scores on the positive statements and lower at the negative statements.
Assessing Media Literacy in Teacher Education
Authors: Tomé Vitor
Published: March 2018

The twenty-first century citizens must develop their media literacy competence at several levels such as technique, reflective and creative, auto-regulation, social participation and pedagogical. Even though the citizens' empowerment is a general society responsibility, school plays a crucial role, especially if school is able to respond to a set of challenges, namely breaking the traditional resistance to change, integrating formal and informal learning, educating for the media beyond the technical dimension, overcoming the digital divides, protecting citizens' data, and training teachers. This chapter focuses on this last challenge, presenting three research projects which involved in-service teacher training (2007-2011; 2012-2015; 2016-2018). Results showed that K-12 teachers are able to develop media literacy activities with their pupils, using traditional and/or digital technologies, during in-service teacher training courses. As such, they are also able to overcome the lack of technologies in their classrooms by using their own devices or pupils' devices.
A Model for Teacher Training to Improve Students' 21st Century Skills in Online and Blended Learning
Authors: Breddermann Julia , Martínez-Cerdá Juan-Francisco , Torrent-Sellens Joan
Published: March 2018

This chapter presents and develops a model of teacher training considering six socio-technical areas that are currently affecting the K-12 educational environment in both face-to-face, blended and online learning: 1) development of 21st century skills; 2) conducting social innovations; 3) appropriate knowledge management among educators; 4) a renovation of classrooms in pursuit of creative classrooms; 5) effective educational practices; and 6) all these issues under a formal educational context that has its own standard and curricular rules. In this context, a literature review on skills needed in the knowledge based society has been realized together with an analysis of possible film education scenarios for media and web-enhanced classrooms, and an exploratory qualitative research about actual ICT activities at school and their outcomes. The entire research regards teachers' lifelong learning with the aim to acquire regularly new competencies. These new abilities enable them to face new professional challenges.
Online TPACK Learning Trajectory Tools and Processes
Authors: Niess Margaret L.
Published: March 2018

A multiple case, descriptive study provides research insights for illuminating the tools and processes in the online TPACK learning trajectory situated in a social metacognitive constructivist instructional framework for graduate coursework. In this course, inservice K-12 teachers' relearn, rethink, and redefine teaching and learning for developing a 21st century literacy significantly influenced by the proliferation and societal acceptance of multiple digital technologies. The research examination identifies insights about the incorporation of the key tools (community of learners and reflection) and processes (shared/individual knowledge development and inquiry) in the online learning trajectory for reframing teachers' Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). Three themes reveal how the online learning trajectory relies on these tools and processes for enhancing the participants' learning: the tools and processes are needed for constructing knowledge, for transitioning the participant's thinking as a student to that of a teacher, and for recognizing the value of pedagogical strategies for teaching and learning with technologies.
Visiting Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK)
Authors: Yu Chien , Franz Dana Pomykal
Published: March 2018

The TPACK framework has been widely discussed for effective technology integration, and the literature has also indicated TPACK has significant implications for teacher education and professional development. The purpose of this chapter is to examine interconnectedness of TPACK and teacher professional development. This chapter reviews the research on TPACK and the extensive literature on quality professional development for teachers. In addition, the chapter highlights how various content areas have addressed pedagogical content knowledge and implications for practice in technology and teacher development. The chapter seeks to contribute knowledge about the structure of professional development initiatives that involve instructional technology and integration into various content knowledge disciplines.
Developing Teachers' TPACK for Mathematics Through Professional Development
Authors: Orrill Chandra Hawley , Polly Drew
Published: March 2018

In this chapter, InterMath is introduced as a learner-centered professional development environment that supports the development of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). Evidence will be presented from the research and evaluation on InterMath to highlight some of the ways in which InterMath has been successful. Vignettes provide examples of a typical conversation in a TPACK professional development environment. An analysis of findings indicates that the InterMath project contributed to teachers' TPACK development, with a focus on teachers' knowledge of technology and content (TCK). The knowledge and skills of the professional development facilitator was a key factor in the teachers' development. Implications for the design of professional development include simultaneously developing teachers' integrated knowledge of technology, pedagogy, and content.
Globalization and Teacher Education
Authors: Ntuli Esther , Nyarambi Arnold , Agamba Joachim Jack , Ntuli Victor
Published: March 2018

This chapter examines the challenges to 21st century content preparation and pedagogy from the perspective of teaching professionals from different African countries: Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Specifically, the chapter explores the views and experiences of the participants during and after teacher preparation programs. Findings reveal common challenges, specific 21st century skills that are overlooked, and those not yet fully integrated in teacher preparation programs. The chapter offers suggestions for improvement based on the views of participants, research-based literature review, and best practices in teacher preparation programs.
Teacher, Students, and MOOCs
Authors: López Carlos Monge , Hernández Patricia Gómez
Published: March 2018

The main aim of this research is to understand future teachers' attitudes, knowledge and needs about Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These courses are a supplementary resource in Higher Education that can fill fields of knowledge in which the curriculum could not encompass. In addition, these types of courses can contribute significantly to teachers, both in initial and in-service, training. For this reason, the students' perspectives towards MOOCs are essential in these terms. In this way, fundamentally a questionnaire was administered to the students in the Degree in Teaching of Childhood Education, Degree in Teaching of Primary Education, and Masters Degree in Teacher Training of Secondary Education (n=145). The results indicated that a large part of the sample confirmed that they did not know anything about MOOCs. Therefore, Universities need to train competent future teachers in MOOCs culture. This chapter provides insights into the topic of advancing next generation elementary teacher education through digital tools and applications.
The Management and Construction of Knowledge as an Innovation Strategy for Collaborative Learning Through the Use and Creation of Learning Communities and Networks
Authors: Gonzalvez Marlin Alicia Aaron , Toledo Oscar Alonso Castañeda , Rodriguez Ana Rosa Ibarra
Published: March 2018

This article aims to approach the importance of a pedagogical strategy for collaborative learning through the use and construction of networks and learning communities directly connected to knowledge management. From my experience within the Networks, Learning Communities and Knowledge Management Seminar in the Masters of Education in the Information Technology and Communication Department at the University of La Guajira, the way members of a society communicate and interact by identifying a qualitative transition between the information society and the knowledge society, in which knowledge management in cyberspace has broken deeply rooted paradigms in the education system through the construction of effective teaching strategies that contribute to the development of processes in different parts of the world, contributes to the creation of virtual learning environments and the implementation of pedagogical strategies such as networking and learning communities that reinforce the collective work and resources that the web 2.0 offers in terms of knowledge management and the development of higher thinking abilities. Also, the teacher changed roles and acted as another member of the group, which provoked an interesting flow of communication.
TVGuarder
Authors: Lin Li , Li Shuang , Li Bo , Zhan Jing , Zhao Yong
Published: March 2018

Cloud computing has a most vulnerable security concerns as virtualization. This paper presents a Trace-enable Virtualization protection framework named TVGuarder, which protects IaaS user's important data from being illegally accessed or maliciously damaged by insider attacks. A threat model is established to characterize cloud-oriented insider attacks and countermeasures are proposed in TVGuarder. First, LSM hooks in host OS kernel are leveraged to enforce that VM images could only be accessed by host virtualization service. Second, a trusted loading mechanism is proposed to prevent tampered or disguised virtualization process from being executed in Host OS. Third, a log-based back tracing mechanism is designed to record full call trace of VM operations and guarantee that only legitimate VM operations are allowed. TVGuarder has been implemented in Openstack platform and several comprehensive experiments are conducted. Experimental results show that TVGuarder can identify several important insider attacks and protect virtual machine images with only a small performance degradation.
Flow-Graph and Markovian Methods for Cyber Security Analysis
Authors: Jenab Kouroush , Khoury Sam , LaFevor Kim
Published: March 2018

A flow-graph depicts the interrelationships among cyber security and security threats/incidents (i.e., internal, external, and accidental). Using a flow-graph, the manner in which security threats may affect systems can be investigated. This paper reports analytical approaches to analyze time to security threats and probability of security threat occurrence. Considering embedded threat detection functions in a safe-guard unit, the proposed approaches use the flow-graph concept, and Markovian method to calculate time to security threat occurrence and its probability. The threat detection functions are featured by incident detection and recovery mechanisms. The results of this study can be used by all parties (public and private sector organizations, service providers, IT, and insurance companies) to better deal with cyber security issues with respect to utilizing technology, investment, and insurance. An illustrative example is demonstrated to present the application of the approach.
A Novel Ammonic Conversion Algorithm for Securing Data in DNA Using Parabolic Encryption
Authors: Jain Shipra , Bhatnagar Vishal
Published: March 2018

In today's era, the traditional cryptographic methods are not sufficient to provide security to the data. Everyone wants to secure their data whether the data is bank transaction, email transaction, personal data or the data related to work. To provide security to the data, DNA cryptography emerges as a new field. DNA cryptography is a new branch of cryptography. It provides security to the data by converting the data in the form of DNA sequence. A lot of research has been done in the area of this cryptography. It consists of various stages like converting data in the form of DNA, reverse conversion, various methods of encryption etc. Various methods of encryption are present until now in the DNA cryptography. But the problem with them is that they all have more emphasis on biological encryption methods. There is a need of methods which make use of simple biological methods and complex binary or other number system encryption. In this paper, the authors are proposing a new algorithm for providing security to the data at two levels. The authors propose a parabolic transposition in a circular arrangement of data. In the proposed algorithm, data is arranged in a circular way. The number of rows and columns acts as a key for binary encryption. For encrypting the DNA sequence, the authors convert the DNA sequence into amino acid. This amino acid sequence will act as a cipher text and send to the receiver through the open environment. The proposed algorithm is a type of block cipher. It is a transposition cipher. It changes the position of data for binary encryption.
Secure Architecture for Cloud Environment
Authors: Munir Kashif , Palaniappan Sellapan
Published: March 2018

Cloud computing is set of resources and services offered through the internet. Cloud services are delivered from data centers located throughout the world. Enterprises are rapidly adopting cloud services for their businesses, measures need to be developed so that organizations can be assured of security in their businesses and can choose a suitable vendor for their computing needs. In this chapter we identify the most vulnerable security threats/attacks in cloud computing, which will enable both end users and vendors to know about the key security threats associated with cloud computing and propose relevant solution directives to strengthen security in the cloud environment. This chapter also discusses secure cloud architecture for organizations to strengthen the security.
Pragmatic Solutions to Cyber Security Threat in Indian Context
Authors: Mahapatra Cosmena
Published: March 2018

Recent attacks on Indian Bank customers have exposed the vulnerability of banking networks in India and the ignorance that prevails in the system. Unlike their foreign counterparts Indian banking networks are not aware of solutions easily available in market to counter cyber theft and cyber terrorism. SIEM or Security Information and Event Management is one such solution which could have easily negated these attacks. This chapter focuses on studying various cyber security mechanisms including SIEM for implementation of cyber defense effectively.
Recent Developments in Cryptography
Authors: Balasubramanian Kannan
Published: March 2018

The field of cryptography has seen enormous changes ever since the invention of Public Key Cryptography by Diffie and Hellman. The algorithms for complex problems like integer factorization, Discrete Logarithms and Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithms have improved tremendously making way for attackers to crack cryptosystems previously thought were unsolvable. Newer Methods have also been invented like Lattice based cryptography, Code based cryptography, Hash based cryptography and Multivariate cryptography. With the invention of newer public Key cryptosystems, the signature systems making use of public key signatures have enabled authentication of individuals based on public keys. The Key Distribution mechanisms including the Key Exchange protocols and Public Key infrastructure have contributed to the development of algorithms in this area. This chapter also surveys the developments in the area of identity Based Cryptography, Group Based Cryptography and Chaos Based Cryptography.
Cybersecurity and Data Breaches at Schools
Authors: Shen Libi , Chen Irene , Su Anchi
Published: March 2018

Has anyone considered his/her family information going viral and through his/her trusted, chosen school district? This is an age where a mis-sent e-mail with student data can represent enormous liabilities, and a lost laptop can cause newspaper headlines. School institutes are facing new cyber security challenges in the Information Age. A number of school institutes were grappling with the loss of confidential information and protecting students on the Internet. How should school authorities react in case of data breach? What should they do to prevent data breaches at schools? What are upcoming trends in cybersecurity? The purpose of this chapter is to explore data breaches at K-12 schools as well as to examine the ways to improve cybersecurity. In this chapter, the researchers attempt to provide suggestions, solutions, and recommendations on cybersecurity after examining the problems of data breaches.
Legal Issues
Authors: Leonard Brian , Dawson Maurice
Published: March 2018

Privacy and security are two items being woven into the fabric of American law concerning mobile devices. This chapter will review and analyze the associated laws and policies that are currently in place or have been proposed to ensure proper execution of security measures for mobile and other devices while still protecting individual privacy. This chapter will address the fact that as the American society significantly uses mobile devices, it is imperative to understand the legal actions surrounding these technologies to include their associated uses. This chapter will also address the fact that with 9/11 in the not so distant past, cyber security has become a forefront subject in the battle against global terrorism. Furthermore, this chapter will examine how mobile devices are not like the devices of the past as the computing power is on par with that of some desktops and the fact that these devices have the ability to execute malicious applications. In addition, this chapter will discuss the reality, significance, legal and practical affects of the fact that suspicious programs are being executed offensively and security based attacks can be performed as well with the use of programs such as Kali Linux running on Android.
Mitigating Unconventional Cyber-Warfare
Authors: Vaseashta Ashok , Vaseashta Sherri B. , Braman Eric W.
Published: March 2018

Advances in S&T coupled with universal access to cyberspace have motivated both state and non-state sponsored actors to new levels in the development of novel and non-traditional modes of attack to coerce, disrupt, or overthrow competing groups, regimes, and governments using unconventional warfare strategies. Threat vectors, caused directly or indirectly are asymmetric, kinetic, and unconventional. Current national and defense strategies in Cyberspace are mostly reactive and defensive, rather than pro-active and offensive. The web-crawlers research innovative ways to target security breaches. Securing critical infrastructure requires a top tier protection. This chapter is focused on ways to understand and combat unconventional warfare in cyber-space from CIS standpoint. This is crucial in avoiding a potential Cyber 9/11. To provide accurate intelligence, surveillance, preparedness and interdiction of such combative postures, ongoing studies of the ways that advance S&T may be employed so as to remain aware, alert and proactive for any/all such contingencies of use, are advocated.
Exploring Cyber Security Vulnerabilities in the Age of IoT
Authors: Kohli Shruti
Published: March 2018

The modernization of rail control systems has resulted in an increasing reliance on digital technology and increased the potential for security breaches and cyber-attacks. Higher-level European Train Control System(ETCS) systems in particular depend on communications technologies to enable greater automation of railway operations, and this has made the protecting the integrity of infrastructure, rolling stock, staff and passengers against cyber-attacks ever more crucial. The growth in Internet of Things (IoT) technology has also increased the potential risks in this area, bringing with it the potential for huge numbers of low-cost sensing devices from smaller manufacturers to be installed and used dynamically in large infrastructure systems; systems that previously relied on closed networks and known asset identifiers for protection against cyber-attacks. This chapter demonstrates that how existing data resources that are readily available to the railways could be rapidly combined and mapped to physical assets. This work contributes for developing secure reusable scalable framework for enhancing cyber security of rail assets
The Emergence of Social Media as a Contemporary Marketing Practice
Authors: Solomon T. , Peter R.
Published: March 2018

In this era of rapid technological change, Social Media has emerged as a key marketing practice in the ICT sector in India. In this chapter, the authors examine the emergence of Social Media as a marketing practice, its application in Relationship Marketing and Market Research and the influence of these on Customer Satisfaction in a B2B market. This research integrates Social Media with the widely prevalent Marketing Management and Relationship Marketing paradigms. A web based survey was used to collect data from a sampling frame of ICT firms in India. Factor analysis evidenced the emergence of Social Media as a unique and distinct factor. It also clearly shows the use of Social Media for Relationship Marketing and Market Research purposes by these ICT firms. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant positive relationship between the independent variables - Social Media, Relationship Marketing and Market Research and the dependent variable Customer Satisfaction.