bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interhospital transfer of pediatric neurosurgical patients
Authors: Vedantam Aditya , Hansen Daniel , Briceño Valentina , Moreno Amee , Ryan Sheila L. , Jea Andrew
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of transfer, resource utilization, and clinical outcomes associated with the interhospital transfer of pediatric neurosurgical patients.

METHODS

All consecutive, prospectively collected requests for interhospital patient transfer to the pediatric neurosurgical service at Texas Children's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed from October 2013 to September 2014. Demographic patient information, resource utilization, and outcomes were recorded and compared across predefined strata (low [< 5%], moderate [5%–30%], and high [> 30%]) of predicted probability of mortality using the Pediatric Risk of Mortality score.

RESULTS

Requests for pediatric neurosurgical care comprised 400 (3.7%) of a total of 10,833 calls. Of 400 transfer admissions, 96.5%, 2.8%, and 0.8% were in the low, moderate, and high mortality risk groups, respectively. The median age was 54 months, and 45% were female. The median transit time was 125 minutes. The majority of transfers were after-hours (69.8%); nearly a third occurred during the weekend (32.3%). The median intensive care unit stay for 103 patients was 3 days (range 1–269 days). Median length of hospital stay was 2 days (range 1–269 days). Ninety patients (22.5%) were discharged from the emergency room after transfer. Seventy-seven patients (19.3%) required neurosurgical intervention after transfer, with the majority requiring a cranial procedure (66.2%); 87.3% of patients were discharged home.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights patient characteristics, resource utilization, and outcomes among pediatric neurosurgical patients. Opportunities for quality improvement were identified in diagnosing and managing isolated skull fractures and neck pain after trauma.
Suppression of tumor growth by a heterologous antibody directed against multiple myeloma dominant CD38 antigen in SCID mice injected with multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Barabas Arpad Z. , Cole Chad D. , Graeff Richard M. , Kovacs Zoltan B. , Lafreniere Rene
Published: July 2016

Employing passive immunization - using a heterologous anti-CD38 IgG antibody containing serum - in SCID mice injected subcutaneously with human multiple myeloma cells, we have shown that treatments with the antiserum - especially in the presence of complement - significantly decreased cancer growth. However, administered antibody and complement was not sufficient in amount to prevent cancer cell multiplication and cancer growth expansion to a satisfactory degree. Larger volumes of the same components more than likely would have further reduced cancer growth and prolonged the life of mice. In control mice, cancer growth progressed faster proving that lytic immune response against multiple myeloma cells is necessary for cancer cell kill.
Non-Invasive Methods to Monitor Mechanisms of Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Ulivi Paola
Published: July 2016

The induction of resistance mechanisms represents an important problem for the targeted therapy of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The best-known resistance mechanism induced during treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is EGFR T790M mutation for which specific drugs are have been developed. However, other molecular alterations have also been reported as induced resistance mechanisms to EGFR-TKIs. Similarly, there is growing evidence of acquired resistance mechanisms to anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-TKI treatment. A better understanding of these acquired resistance mechanisms is essential in clinical practice as patients could be treated with specific drugs that are active against the induced alterations. The use of free circulating tumor nucleic acids or circulating tumor cells (CTCs) enables resistance mechanisms to be characterized in a non-invasive manner and reduces the need for tumor re-biopsy. This review discusses the main resistance mechanisms to TKIs and provides a comprehensive overview of innovative strategies to evaluate known resistance mechanisms in free circulating nucleic acids or CTCs and potential future orientations for these non-invasive approaches.
New Isoxazolidine-Conjugates of Quinazolinones—Synthesis, Antiviral and Cytostatic Activity
Authors: Piotrowska Dorota , Andrei Graciela , Schols Dominique , Snoeck Robert , Grabkowska-Drużyc Magdalena
Published: July 2016

A novel series of (3-diethoxyphosphoryl)isoxazolidines substituted at C5 with various quinazolinones have been synthesized by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of N-methyl-C-(diethoxyphosphoryl)nitrone with N3-substitued 2-vinyl-3H-quinazolin-4-ones. All isoxazolidines were assessed for antiviral activity against a broad range of DNA and RNA viruses. Isoxazolidines trans-11f/cis-11f (90:10), trans-11h and trans-11i/cis-11i (97:3) showed weak activity (EC50 = 6.84, 15.29 and 9.44 μM) toward VZV (TK+ strain) which was only one order of magnitude lower than that of acyclovir used as a reference drug. Phosphonates trans-11b/cis-11b (90:10), trans-11c, trans-11e/cis-11e (90:10) and trans-11g appeared slightly active toward cytomegalovirus (EC50 = 27–45 μM). Compounds containing benzyl substituents at N3 in the quinazolinone skeleton exhibited slight antiproliferative activity towards the tested immortalized cells with IC50 in the 21–102 μM range.
PROBING X-RAY ABSORPTION AND OPTICAL EXTINCTION IN THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM USING CHANDRA OBSERVATIONS OF SUPERNOVA REMNANTS
Authors: Foight Dillon R. , Güver Tolga , Özel Feryal , Slane Patrick O.
Published: July 2016

We present a comprehensive study of interstellar X-ray extinction using the extensive Chandra supernova remnant (SNR) archive and use our results to refine the empirical relation between the hydrogen column density and optical extinction. In our analysis, we make use of the large, uniform data sample to assess various systematic uncertainties in the measurement of the interstellar X-ray absorption. Specifically, we address systematic uncertainties that originate from (i) the emission models used to fit SNR spectra; (ii) the spatial variations within individual remnants; (iii) the physical conditions of the remnant such as composition, temperature, and non-equilibrium regions; and (iv) the model used for the absorption of X-rays in the interstellar medium. Using a Bayesian framework to quantify these systematic uncertainties, and combining the resulting hydrogen column density measurements with the measurements of optical extinction toward the same remnants, we find the empirical relation N
H = (2.87 ± 0.12) × 1021
A
V cm−2, which is significantly higher than the previous measurements.
Désirabilité et utilité : deux composantes de la valeur des personnes dans l'évaluation sociale
Authors: Dubois Nicole , Beauvois Jean-Léon
Published: July 2016

On présente d'abord quelques recherches qui montrent l'existence de deux composantes de la valeur des personnes et la possible disjonction de ces composantes dans l'activité évaluative. La première composante relève de l'affectivité (ou des « motivations ») et correspond au concept de désirabilité. La seconde, nettement moins explorée, relève de la prescriptivité sociale et plus précisément de ce que cette prescriptivité désigne comme des utilités sociales dans le fonctionne­ment social actuel. D'autres recherches montrent que la position d'évaluateur prédispose à la prise en compte de la seconde de ces composantes, et que l'utilité, plus que la désirabilité, est associée à la normativité des jugements telle qu'elle intervient dans l'évaluation des personnes. On termine en évoquant les raisons pour lesquelles les évaluateurs peuvent ne pas distinguer désirabilité et utilité, s'en tenant à un concept indifférencié de la valeur des personnes.
Fast Medical Image Segmentation Using Energy-Based Method
Authors: Kashyap Ramgopal , Gautam Pratima
Published: July 2016

Medical applications became a boon to the healthcare industry. It needs correct and fast segmentation associated with medical images for correct diagnosis. This assures high quality segmentation of medical images victimization. The Level Set Method (LSM) is a capable technique, however the quick process using correct segments remains difficult. The region based models like Active Contours, Globally Optimal Geodesic Active Contours (GOGAC) performs inadequately for intensity irregularity images. During this cardstock, we have a new tendency to propose an improved region based level set model motivated by the geodesic active contour models as well as the Mumford-Shah model. So that you can eliminate the re-initialization process of ancient level set model and removes the will need of computationally high priced re-initialization. Compared using ancient models, our model are sturdier against images using weak edge and intensity irregularity.
Big Data
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Thakur Ramjeevan Singh
Published: July 2016

With every passing day, data generation is increasing exponentially, its volume, variety, velocity are making it quite challenging to analyze, interpret, visualize for gaining the greater insights from the available data. Billions of networked sensors are being embedded in devices such as smart phones, automobiles, social media sites, laptop, PC's and industrial machines etc. that operates, generate and communicate data. Thus, the data obtained from various resources exists in structured, semi-structured and unstructured form. The traditional database system is not suitable to handle these data formats. Therefore, new tools and techniques are developed to work with these data. NoSQL is one of them. Currently, many NoSQL database are available in the market, each one of them specially designed to solve specific type of data handling problems, most of the NoSQL databases are developed with special attention to problem of business organizations and enterprises. The chapter focuses various aspects of NoSQL as tool for handling the big data.
Profit Pattern Mining Using Soft Computing for Decision Making
Authors: Badhe Vivek , Thakur R. S. , Thakur G. S.
Published: July 2016

Problem of decision making is a crucial task in every business. Profit Pattern Mining hit the target by minimizes the gap between statistical based pattern generation and value base decision making. But this job is found very difficult when it depends on the large, imprecise and vague environment, which is frequent in recent years. The concept of soft computing with data mining is novel way to address this difficulty. The general approaches to association rule mining focus on inducting rule by using correlation among data and finding frequent occurring patterns. The major technique uses support and confidence measures for generating rules which is not adequate nowadays as a measure of interest, since the data have become more multifaceted these days, it's a necessary to find solution that deals with such problems and uses some new measures like profit, significance etc. In this chapter, authors apply concept of pattern mining with vague set theory, Genetic algorithm theory and related properties to the commercial management to deal with business decision making problem.
Effect of Odia and Tamil Music on the ANS and the Conduction Pathway of Heart of Odia Volunteers
Authors: Nayak Suraj Kumar , Srivastava Utkarsh , Tibarewala D. N. , Thakur Goutam , Mohapatra Biswajit , Pal Kunal
Published: July 2016

The current study delineates the effect of Odia and Tamil music on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and cardiac conduction pathway of Odia volunteers. The analysis of the ECG signals using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the features obtained from the HRV domain, time-domain and wavelet transform domain were statistically insignificant. But non-linear classifiers like Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Boosted Tree (BT) and Random Forest (RF) indicated the presence of important features. A classification efficiency of more than 85% was achieved when the important features, obtained from the non-linear classifiers, were used. The results suggested that there is an increase in the parasympathetic activity when music is heard in the mother tongue. If a person is made to listen to music in the language with which he is not conversant, an increase in the sympathetic activity is observed. It is also expected that there might be a difference in the cardiac conduction pathway.
Future School
Authors: Kurilovas Eugenijus
Published: July 2016

What learning content, methods and technologies are the most suitable to achieve better learning quality and efficiency? In Lithuania, we believe that there is no correct answer to this question if we don't apply personalised learning approach. We strongly believe that “one size fits all” approach doesn't longer work in education. It means that, first of all, before starting any learning activities, we should identify students' personal needs: their preferred learning styles, knowledge, interests, goals etc. After that, teachers should help students to find their suitable (optimal) learning paths: learning methods, activities, content, tools, mobile applications etc. according to their needs. But, in real schools practice, we can't assign personal teacher for each student. This should be done by intelligent technologies. Therefore, we believe that future school means personalisation plus intelligence. In this chapter, Lithuanian Intelligent Future School project is presented aimed at implementing learning personalisation and educational intelligence.
Collaborating Partnerships
Authors: Tossy Titus , Brown Irwin T.J.
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines the phenomenon of e-learning in East Africa. The classic grounded theory methodology was used to carry out the study. Through multiple encounters with 24 e-learning providers, the investigation revealed legitimizing of e-learning projects to be a significant issue for these providers. Developing collaborating partnerships was a key strategy used by the providers to legitimize e-learning projects. The study identified two types of collaborating partnerships: Asymmetrical and Reciprocal. These findings are positioned within literature to highlight the contribution that this paper makes to the discourse on e-learning projects in developing countries.
Application of Information Communication Technologies for Agricultural Development through Extension Services
Authors: Mabe L. K. , Oladele O. I.
Published: July 2016

This chapter outlines the role that Information Communication Technologies (ICT) play in the global context and in Africa, agricultural extension and Agricultural development. The role of and use of ICT by extension officers, the trends of ICT in agricultural information management, how ICT bridge the digital divide as well as the types of ICT tools used by extension officers such as radio, television, computers and internet. It also gives the perspective about the factors that influences use of ICT by extension officers which are seen as playing an important role human development.
Doing Classic Grounded Theory Research in Information Systems
Authors: Tossy Titus , Brown Irwin T.J. , Lowe Andy
Published: July 2016

Grounded Theory (GT) is a latent pattern recognition research method that was developed by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss (1967). GT, which can use either quantitative or qualitative data, is a general research methodology and it produces empirically grounded but modifiable theory. Since the development of GT in 1967, some researchers have attempted to modify the original GT method, and remodelled GT approaches have been widely used in Information Systems (IS) research, often with unfortunate results due to disregard of the basic rules of the original GT. The continued use of remodelled GT methods has caused confusion and has prevented those in the IS research community from stimulating the development of new theory, which is the main benefit of using GT as it was originally outlined. Following publication of the original grounded theory by Glaser and Strauss (1967), Glaser (1978) went on to explain in detail how to operationalize the GT method. Despite this, some researchers mistakenly continued to classify GT as a subset of the qualitative data analysis research methodology. In doing so, they reveal that they have misunderstood both the purpose of GT and how to use it correctly. In this paper the author will concentrate on the authentic approach to GT, which is termed “Classic Ground Theory” (CGT), so as to differentiate it from any misconceived remodelled version of the theory. This paper explains how CGT can be carried out in an IS context by trusting in the emergence from the data of the required information, rather than forcing it.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Industrial Development
Authors: Lyakurwa Felichesmi Selestine , Sungau Joseph
Published: July 2016

Applicability of ICT has gained high research interests in both developed and developing countries due to the perceived social and economic benefits. With increased benefits of ICTs, many governments have invested heavily in the emerged technologies to gain competitive advantange over others in the business. Despite the high investment by many countries around the world, yet there are inadequate documentation about the cost - benefits of the massive ICT investment in developing countries especially Africa. Hence, developing an empirical study to reveal the perceived cost - benefits of ICT investment for the industrial development is critical. This chapter, presents a comprehensive review of various studies conducted in different countries of the world detailing the extent of ICTs, barriers hindering its use and the potential benefits. To date, there is existing empirical evidence to support the role of ICTs for industrial development in the developing countries, while the benefits of ICTs for industrial development in developing countries of Asia and Africa are not well documented.
Trading Orders Algorithm Development
Authors: Klapuch Bronislav
Published: July 2016

The chapter puts into the business of financial markets area in greater detail at FOREX currency market. It describes the main methods used for in currencies trade. The main goal of this paper is to explain the principle of creating an Automated Trading System (ATS) with the MQL4 language. The chapter shows concrete architectural elements of the program on the demonstration examples and it is a guide for the development of an ATS. The main benefit is creation of the original trading system, which optimizes an ATS usage on the base of historical data in practice. Optimization of the trading parameters is based on the equity performance in the historical periods.
Research on Processing the Brain Activity in BCI System
Authors: Svejda Jaromir , Zak Roman , Senkerik Roman , Jasek Roman
Published: July 2016

The basic idea of BCI (Brain Computer Interface) is to connect brain waves with an output device through some interface. Human brain activity can be measured by many technologies. In our research, we use EEG (Electroencephalography) technology. This chapter will deal with processing of EEG signal and its utilization in practical applications using BCI technology mentioned above. This chapter is organized as follows. Firstly, the basic knowledge about EEG technology, brain and biometry is briefly summarized. Secondly, research of authors is presented. Finally, the future research direction is mentioned.
Distribution Signals between the Transmitter and Antenna – Event B Model
Authors: Lazar Ivo , Krayem Said , Hrušecká Denisa
Published: July 2016

What we have solved: the possibility to receive DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial) with respect to local conditions for signal. We have deduced: variables that represent a set of so-called useful signal, i.e. the signal suitable for further processing – amplification and distribution. As a case study we have choosed few examples using Event B Method to show possibilty of solving komplex projects by this method. The resulting program can be proven to be correct as for its theoretical backgrounds. It is based on Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with axion of choice, the concept of generalized substitution and structuring mechanismus (machine, refinement, implementation). B methods are accompanied by mathematical proofs that justify them. Abstract machine in this example connected with mathematical modelling solves an ability to receive DVB-T signal from the plurality of signals, both useful and useless for further processing.
Crowdsourcing New Tools to Start Lean and Succeed in Entrepreneurship
Authors: Ambani Priti
Published: July 2016

The very essence of the new entrepreneur is shattering tradition. On the heels of the new social internet, we are seeing the rise of the solo-entrepreneur or intrapreneur who embraces globalisation, failure and successes and collaboration. Powerful networks brought together by crowdsourcing are supplying the tools to start lean, innovate and solve complex problems. This chapter by Priti Ambani explores the changing ecosystem and the effect of networked crowds on starting lean and succeeding with entrepreneurship.
The World's Oldest Profession - Now and Then
Authors: Cinelli Steven A.
Published: July 2016

Modern banking found its roots during the Renaissance period casted by the European merchant banks. Their success was due in large part to their aggregation, absorption and deployment of information about borrowers, structures and markets. In the 21st century, banking again is being advanced due to insights developed by vast amounts of information and data, this time gathered and managed through new technologies and models, in quest of efficiency, improved risk management and improved portfolio performance. New entrants into the business of banking operate outside of existing regulatory structures, and may enjoy a level of competitive flexibility compared to existing commercial banks. Might this portend the end of the so-called modern commercial banking model, or might it serve as a strategic imperative for the banks to adapt to innovation?
Principles in Crowdfunding Benefits and Validation Tools
Authors: Niederer Paul Morrell
Published: July 2016

This chapter provides the key benefits of a crowdfunding campaign together with a rich variety of validation tools provided to enhance the chance of a crowdfunding campaigns success. Benefits cannot be achieved in a crowdfunding campaign if it is not successful. Thorough validation of the campaign upfront can heighten success. The author in an internationally respected crowdfunding authority who has managed over 300 crowdfunding campaigns through the platforms he has been involved with. The author lists 11 benefits and 11 validation tools together with his own road tested processes plus a plethora of links to tools to assist both the novice and experienced crowdfunder.
Touring Pittsburgh's Glocal Narratives
Authors: Hudak Kasey Clawson
Published: July 2016

The term “glocal” indicates a co-existence of local characteristics and global conditions that can lead to a co-dependency and counter-relationship between capitalism and culture. The hybridization of these spaces offers opportunities for glocal voices to become meaningful parts of the city brand, yet their inclusion within city branding techniques occurs primarily on the external level, i.e., within tourism or Destination Marketing Organizations' (DMOs) advertisements. This chapter explores how post-industrial cities can leverage the glocal in their city brand communications via narrative. It is argued that narratives reveal authentic perceptions of the city, while highlighting the complexities of a city's glocal identity. This study “tours” Pittsburgh's glocal narratives emerging from face-to-face, print, and online modalities to unearth the vitality of Pittsburgh's city brand for global and local audiences.
Los Angeles
Authors: Smirnov Kristen , Khowploum Gabriela
Published: July 2016

During the Twentieth Century, Los Angeles experienced periods of both positive and negative city branding. Its gleaming midcentury optimism devolved into challenges such as the Rodney King riots. However, modern leadership has a renewed sense of optimism in the Los Angeles city brand that appears to rest on a more integrated and therefore more sustainable foundation. This chapter examines examples of this more integrated and diverse approach toward Los Angeles' city brand. Examples include major events, industrial development, and examinations of certain cultural and ethnic enclaves. It ends with a discussion of how the specific actions taken by Los Angeles can be translated into other cities and their unique assets.
The Role of Local Governments in City Branding
Authors: Guler Emel Gonenc
Published: July 2016

Local governments provide a range of local services, preserve the life and liberty of residents, creating space for democratic participation and civic dialogue, supporting market-led and environmentally sustainable local development. City branding supplies the principles for the city developing policy to sustain the local development. In other words, city branding means being powerful to face the increasing wild competition for resources, investment and tourism facilities, both for addressing crucial social issues and cultural variation. The main objective of this study is to highlight the role of local governments and to emphasize the various destinations “bodies” used in the branding process in different administration systems. Although there are many different destination branding strategies over the world, the city branding success cannot be performed without the strong participation of the local governments.
Food and Cardiac Health
Authors: Jain Aditi , Rani Vibha
Published: July 2016

Emerging influence of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and its impact on the society has raised much awareness for its prevention. Healthy food habits and physical exercise has drawn a lot of attention of the people from scientific as well as common world. The role of food-based bioactive compounds in reducing risk of CVDs has been established with various health benefits apart from the basic nutrition have been reported. The present chapter provides an overview of the role of different foods on cardiovascular health of humans. Biological effects of plant derived food products and their bioactive compounds in the context of relevance to cardiovascular health promotion are discussed in detail. The chapter also covers the effects of the consumption of functional food on the intermediate clinical markers of CVDs including cholesterolemia, hypertension, endothelial function and inflammation. The chapter will enable the better understanding of the current knowledge on the potential health benefits of different functional foods and bioactive compounds on cardiovascular health.
Health Promoting Effects of Kimchi
Authors: Ju Kim Hyun , Eung-Soo Han
Published: July 2016

Kimchi is a traditional Korean food manufactured by fermenting vegetables with probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). Many bacteria are involved in the fermentation of kimchi, but LAB become dominant while the putrefactive bacteria are suppressed during salting of baechu cabbage and the fermentation. The addition of other subingredients and formation of fermentation byproducts of LAB promote the fermentation process of LAB to eventually lead to eradication of putrefactive and pathogenic bacteria, and also increase the functionalities of kimchi. Accordingly, kimchi can be considered a vegetable probiotic food that contributes health benefits in a similar manner as yogurt as a dairy probiotic food. Further, the major ingredients of kimchi are cruciferous vegetables; and other healthy functional foods such as garlic, ginger, red pepper powder, and so on are added to kimchi as subingredients. As all of these ingredients undergo fermentation by LAB, kimchi is regarded as a source of LAB; and the fermentative byproducts from the functional ingredients significantly boost its functionality. Because kimchi is both tasty and highly functional, it is typically served with steamed rice at every Korean meal. Health functionality of kimchi, based upon our research and that of other, includes anticancer, antiobesity, anticonstipation, colorectal health promotion, probiotic properties, cholesterol reduction, fibrolytic effect, antioxidative and antiaging properties, brain health promotion, immune promotion, and skin health promotion. In this review we describe the health functionalities of kimchi and the probiotic properties of its LAB.
Health Benefits and Risks of Rice
Authors: Howlader Md Zakir Hossain , Shekhar Hossain Uddin
Published: July 2016

Rice is a fundamental food in many cultural cuisines around the world, and it is an important cereal crop that feeds more than half of the world's population. The two main categories are white rice and whole grain rice or bow ice. Whole grain rice is not processed very much, so it is high in nutritional value, whereas white rice is processed so that the bran or outer covering is removed, leaving it with less nutritional value. People choose different styles of rice for particular flavors, depending on their culinary needs, the availability, and the potential for healthy benefits as well.
Soy and Soy Products, Isoflavones, Equol, and Health
Authors: Mayo Baltasar , Guadamuro Lucía , Flórez Ana Belén , Delgado Susana
Published: July 2016

In Asian countries, soybeans have been used as food and food ingredients for centuries and their consumption have been associated with beneficial health effects. In addition to their nutritive value, soybeans have many active chemical compounds, among which isoflavones are the most important. Isoflavones are plant-derived phytoestrogens, chemically comparable in their structure and properties to human estrogens. For isoflavones to become bioavailable, their activation and/or conversion into more active metabolites, such equol from daidzein, must occur. Equol is the isoflavone metabolite with the greatest estrogenic activity and antioxidant capacity. Epidemiological studies have suggested that high intakes of isoflavones reduce the symptoms of menopause as well as the incidence of hormone-dependent and aging-associated diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. This chapter reviews soy consumption, isoflavone metabolism, and briefly summarizes the results of recent clinical trials on, and meta-analyses of, the effects of isoflavone consumption on human health.
Defence Acquisition
Authors: Burgess Kevin
Published: July 2016

The speed of reforms within defence acquisition (DA) over the past forty years has greatly outstripped theoretical understanding. This development is of considerable concern because it weakens knowledge development at the very time DA's role, responsibilities and accountabilities are increasing. Modern defence organizations' increasing dependence on suppliers to generate military capability in turn requires DA to be more commercially effective (often with decreasing budgets) while at the same time developing and maintaining harmonious relationships at defence-supplier interfaces. The scale of changes generated by DA reforms have been such that past knowledge development processes are not able to effectively meet current requirements. Closing the theory-practice divide is the means most likely to generate the knowledge necessary to address present and emerging challenges. This chapter outlines the type of theory required to match DA's emerging role and what its development would entail.
Defence Acquisition
Authors: Neal Derrick J
Published: July 2016

Through the lenses of Strategy and Change management academic theory this chapter presents a view of the evolution of defence acquisition using the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) as the vehicle and assesses the impact of disruptive technologies. The chapter proposes a number of changes that need to be embraced by the defence acquisition community if it is to be able to meet the needs of the nation now and in the future. The chapter concludes that the UK MOD must accept that the old model is now flawed and that in order to bring about the necessary changes a shift in mind-set is a sine qua non and that this change will take time. The envisaged way forward with a fundamental change in the way defence capability is acquired will result in a smaller, more agile and more professional organisation if, and only if, the required transformational change can be implemented effectively.
Specific Concerns for Teachers, School Counselors, and Administrators
Authors: Christopher David Edward
Published: July 2016

This chapter describes the types of sexual misconduct most prevalent in schools and the types of professional conduct needed by educators to counteract these inappropriate behaviors. Teachers, school counselors, and administrators will learn the best ways to organize the physical space in several types of instructional settings as well as maintain professional interactions with students in all settings. Additionally, educators will learn to evaluate their own behaviors and how they may inadvertently be promoting inappropriate relationships between themselves and the students in their schools.
The Resonant Roar of the Internet
Authors: Slattery Cheryl A.
Published: July 2016

This chapter will examine the intersection of law, policy, and appropriate teacher conduct in the online environment through a series of vignettes and offer suggestions for both the pre-service and in-service teacher to successfully navigate social media throughout their careers. The author has captured contemporary relationships through the lifeline of social media and has highlighted some of the ultimate consequences of the line between personal and professional lives that became blurred in the online environment. The issue of the First Amendment protection as well as the issue of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) are addressed.
Creating Safe Meetings
Authors: Baker John
Published: July 2016

Professionals entering the fields of education and human services will spend much of their career engaged in meetings. The vast majority of these meetings will be in small group or private sessions. It is in these environments that sexual misconduct or other crimes of opportunity can easily occur if a professional does not take proactive steps to create a positive meeting environment. This chapter will discuss the vital importance of creating safe meetings so a professional can oversee not only a safe meeting for all those in attendance but also a productive and positive meeting designed to meet the needs of their students and clients.
Consumer Acceptance of Internet Banking
Authors: Haking Fandy Boy , Chin Chee Hou , Raoff Azan Shah Ambo Abdul , Kahar Mohd Rahmat Masri , Benjamin Jeffry , Boibi Azeres Olennero
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this research is to investigate the main factor that influences the usage of internet banking in Malaysia. This study applies the concept of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in internet banking context. This research implements hierarchical regression for All the bank company should be alert in customer satisfaction for their system and not just focus for the profit. The framework will be useful for bank to improve their system to more systematic and efficient. data analysis. Data was collected from 210 students of public higher learning institution in Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia via convenience sampling technique. The result of this study give impacts towards the future research in technology acceptance. The empirical results will be useful for financial institution or bank in order to improve the internet banking system that they currently used.
Students' Acceptance and Use of Interactive Whiteboard
Authors: Mokhtar Norsyarfarina , Jothi Heerashini Baithma , Gilos Rosalia Joan , Gunabalan Gayathri , Jalila Rimalyn , Jimmy Dofina Angil , Mohamad Nur Maisarah
Published: July 2016

The aim of this research is to examine the acceptance and use of interactive whiteboards among universities students. The research implements a hierarchical regression for statistics analysis over sample of research consists of 204 respondents, who have participated voluntarily for research purposes. The results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence positively effecting the behavioral intention. However, facilitating condition has negative impact on the acceptance of interactive whiteboard. University management and lecturers may gain further understanding and knowledge about the interactive whiteboard towards students. The results also provide insights for university management in improving the knowledge of students by giving more guidance, learning process and more practice of the usage during classes and presentations to improve the students understanding and make them learn more so it will benefit them in their future.
Students' Acceptance to Self-Archive in Institutional Repositories towards a Unified View
Authors: Masrich Fatin Amirah Amirah , Dili Noraisah , Hamzah Umi Amneezatun , Muhammed Malisa , Aidi Nurafida , Kisar Sailendra
Published: July 2016

This paper aims to examine the students' acceptance on using self-archive in open access repositories guiding by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. This paper utilized convenience sampling method, with a total of 204 sets of self-administered questionnaire collected among the students of public higher learning institution in Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia. Multiple regressions were performed to examine the relationships between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions towards the intention to use self-archive in institutional repository. The findings revealed that the students behavioural attention on the acceptance of using self-archive in repository were positively influence by social influence and facilitating condition. The repository administrators shall increase the efforts to enhance the quality of the repository as well as encouraging students' interest to use the service.
Roles of Interactivity and Usage Experience in E-learning Acceptance
Authors: Tan Pui Nee , Chan Si Ming , Kang Guan Kheng , Too Sit Wai , Ng Mei Wey , Liew Tong Seng
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study is to investigate how interactivity with E-learning influence learners' consideration to use based on Malaysian settings and the effect relating to the learners' experiences in using e-learning over a period of time. This study uses a multiple regression for data analysis across a sample of 204 respondents. Based on the analysis, the interactivity factor such as two-way communication has significantly affected among Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Enjoyment (PE) while controllability and personalization affect towards PU and responsiveness on PEOU. Moreover, PE has directly affect the usage intention of e-learning system over time with increased usage experiences. The results could assist schools or universities enhancing the contents of e-learning system in order to encourage learners to strongly engage in utilizing the education materials that is provided, as well as improving the interactivity factors on the system.
Factors Affecting the Students' Intention to Use Web-Based Learning System
Authors: Fook Chong Chin , Chin Desmond Low Jia , Tah Lau Yoon , Teik Mok Chin , Yuan Tee Fang , Rong Yau Thiam
Published: July 2016

This research examines the factors affecting students' intention to use web-based learning system by assessing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Sample was targeted to a public higher learning institution in Federal Territory of Labuan Malaysia, which implemented convenience sampling technique. A total of 204 questionnaire sets were collected and multiple regressions analysis was used in the research to analyze the variables relationships in the theoretical framework proposed. Empirical research confirmed that students' use of web-based learning was positively influenced by attitude towards use, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, facilitating condition, and anxiety. Results may benefits the education and teaching industry in building web-based learning system effectively. The education and teaching industry should increase the quality their own web-based learning system referred to the results based on the variables in order to increase the user to their web-based learning system besides maximizing profit.
Geospatial Resource Integration in Support of Homeland Defense and Security
Authors: Foster David , Mayfield Christopher
Published: July 2016

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has faced numerous challenges within the realm of Geospatial Information Systems and Science in fostering a Common Operational Picture suitable to homeland defense and security. This paper details the challenges and successes since September 11th, 2001 to build common ground for all federal, state, local governments, and non-government organizations that depend on geospatial data to provide for the safety and security of the Nation. An analysis of the protracted integration of commercial GIS technologies within the DoD and the speed, openness, and scale this expertise can bring is discussed as an issue for the Federal response to disasters. Finally, distinct successes of collaboration and integration of common standards and data currently in use at military commands is discussed as a robust path to improve future geospatial efforts.
The Direct and Indirect Effects of Computer Uses on Student Success in Math
Authors: Kim Sunha , Chang Mido , Choi Namok , Park Jeehyun , Kim Heejung
Published: July 2016

To promote the academic success of middle school students, the authors examined the effects of computer uses on mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics performance of students, paying focused attention to immigrant students. They analysed the effects of computer use for schoolwork and gaming of middle school students applying a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) USA. The results showed that when students frequently used computer for schoolwork, they revealed high mathematics self-efficacy, which in turn led to high mathematics performance. On the other hand, the students that used computer for gaming frequently indicated low mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics performance. The authors' study results highlight the importance of guiding students to use computers properly, which is directly and indirectly associated with students' self-efficacy and performance in mathematics.
Cyber-Victimization and Cyber-Aggression among Portuguese Adolescents
Authors: Martins Maria José D. , Simão Ana Margarida Veiga , Freire Isabel , Caetano Ana Paula , Matos Armanda
Published: July 2016

This study aims to clarify how the quality of the family environment is related to the involvement in cyberbullying behaviors, either as a cyber-victim or as a cyber-aggressor, via a cross-sectional research design. With this purpose a diagnostic questionnaire with questions about both the quality of family environment and cyberbullying was conceived and administered to 3525 adolescents attending 6th, 8th and 11th grades at several schools in Portugal. The results suggested that two family aspects seem to be equally important in protection against cyberbullying: perception of family support and perception of rules within the family. A hierarchical regression analysis reveals that lack of family support is more predictive of cyber-victimization and that a lack of family rules is more predictive of cyber-aggression. The authors discuss the implications for the well-being of adolescents, as well as the challenges that parents face in the supervision of adolescents' use of digital technologies.
The Effect of Online Participation in Online Learning Course for Studying Trust in Information and Communication Technologies
Authors: Widjaja Andree E. , Chen Jengchung Victor , Hiele Timothy McBush
Published: July 2016

Among online learning factors mentioned in the education literature, it is argued that online participation is the strongest factor which contributes to online learning effectiveness. Drawing from the theory of online learning as online participation, an online learning experiment was conducted in a well-known public University in southern Taiwan. There were seventy-five International MBA students participated in the study. The online learning course contents were specifically designed for studying trust in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs). Furthermore, the online learning course was designed by incorporating active case-based learning to increase students' trust in ICTs. The experiment results showed that high online participation treatments could significantly increase online learning effectiveness, measured by grades, perceived skill development, and the level of students' trust in ICTs. Discussion and limitation of this study are discussed in the paper.
Big Five Personality in Online Learning and Games
Authors: Krátky Peter , Tvarožek Jozef , Chudá Daniela
Published: July 2016

Online learning gives promise of effective learning for masses. Personalized learning experiences tailored for individual needs and preferences of each student are key ingredients in making online learning successful. Current approaches to adaptive and personalized online learning use student's personality profile and preferred learning style to adapt learning content and activities in order to provide the best possible experience to each individual student. Research has shown that effects on different types of learning activities in various settings may be different. This study analyses how personality affects student's performance in an online learning environment for programming exercises and how the student's personality can be estimated unobtrusively using a casual online game. The data used to evaluate were collected from an online learning environment used in university programming courses over the course of several years. The activity indicators show significant correlations with overall academic results of students and particularly with personality traits.
Architecture of Combined e-Learning Environment and Investigation of Secure Access and Privacy Protection
Authors: Romansky Radi , Noninska Irina
Published: July 2016

The contemporary digital world based on network communications, globalization and information sharing outlines new important targets in the area of privacy and personal data protection which reflect to applied principles of secure access to proposed information structures. In this reason the aim of secure access to all resources of an e-learning environment is very important and adequate technological and organizational measures for authentication, authorization and protection of personal data must be applied. Strong security procedures should be proposed to protect user's profiles, designed after successful registration and all personal information collected by educational processes. The goal of this article is to present an idea to combine traditional e-learning technologies with new opportunities that give mobile applications, cloud services and social computing. These technologies can endanger data security since they make possible remote access to resources, sharing information between participants by network communications. In order to avoid data vulnerabilities users must be identified and authenticated before, i.e. to be allowed to access information resources otherwise integrity and confidentiality of e-learning system could be destroyed. In order to propose solution basic principles of information security and privacy protection in e-learning processes are discussed in this article. As a result, an organizational scheme of a system for information security and privacy is proposed. Based on these principles a graph formalization of access to the system resources is made and architecture for combined (heterogenic) e-learning architecture with secure access to the resources is designed. Analytical investigation based on designed Markov chain has been carried out and several statistical assessments delivered by Develve software are discussed.