bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Letter to the Editor: “Circulating Cell-Free DNA and Circulating Tumor Cells as Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with First-Line Chemotherapy”
Authors: Nicolazzo Chiara , Raimondi Cristina , Loreni Flavia , Gazzaniga Paola , Gradilone Angela
Published: June 2017

To the Editor, We read with great interest the article “Circulating Cell-Free DNA and Circulating Tumor Cells as Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with First-Line Chemotherapy” published by Coco, S. et al. in International Journal of Molecular Sciences on 11 May 2017 [1].[...]
The Effects of Eccentric Exercise on Muscle Damage and Blood Redox Status in Men and Women
Authors: Nikolaidis Michalis
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the present investigation was to study the possible differences between men and women in muscle damage indices and oxidative stress biomarkers in response to eccentric exercise. Ten males and ten females performed a bout of eccentric exercise using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle damage indices (i.e., isometric torque, range of movement, delayed onset muscle soreness, and creatine kinase (CK)) and oxidative stress biomarkers (i.e., protein carbonyls and glutathione) were measured before and 48 h after eccentric exercise. No significant main effect of group or time–group interaction was found for muscle damage indices and oxidative stress biomarkers. However, the main effect of time was significant for all measured parameters. The findings of the present investigation indicate that eccentric exercise caused muscle damage and oxidative stress (i.e., protein and glutathione oxidation) in both males and females with no significant differences between the two groups. It is concluded that there are no differences between males and females regarding muscle damage and oxidative stress after eccentric exercise.
Biotechnological Potential of Cold Adapted Pseudoalteromonas spp. Isolated from ‘Deep Sea’ Sponges
Authors: Borchert Erik , Knobloch Stephen , Dwyer Emilie , Flynn Sinéad , Jackson Stephen A. , Jóhannsson Ragnar , Marteinsson Viggó T. , O’Gara Fergal , Dobson Alan D. W.
Published: June 2017

The marine genus Pseudoalteromonas is known for its versatile biotechnological potential with respect to the production of antimicrobials and enzymes of industrial interest. We have sequenced the genomes of three Pseudoalteromonas sp. strains isolated from different deep sea sponges on the Illumina MiSeq platform. The isolates have been screened for various industrially important enzymes and comparative genomics has been applied to investigate potential relationships between the isolates and their host organisms, while comparing them to free-living Pseudoalteromonas spp. from shallow and deep sea environments. The genomes of the sponge associated Pseudoalteromonas strains contained much lower levels of potential eukaryotic-like proteins which are known to be enriched in symbiotic sponge associated microorganisms, than might be expected for true sponge symbionts. While all the Pseudoalteromonas shared a large distinct subset of genes, nonetheless the number of unique and accessory genes is quite large and defines the pan-genome as open. Enzymatic screens indicate that a vast array of enzyme activities is expressed by the isolates, including β-galactosidase, β-glucosidase, and protease activities. A β-glucosidase gene from one of the Pseudoalteromonas isolates, strain EB27 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and, following biochemical characterization, the recombinant enzyme was found to be cold-adapted, thermolabile, halotolerant, and alkaline active.
Enhanced Adsorption Removal of Pb(II) and Cr(III) by Using Nickel Ferrite-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite
Authors: Lingamdinne Lakshmi , Kim Im-Soon , Ha Jeong-Hyub , Chang Yoon-Young , Koduru Janardhan , Yang Jae-Kyu
Published: June 2017

The heavy metals, such as Pb(II) and radioisotope Cr(III), in aqueous solutions are toxic even at trace levels and have caused adverse health impacts on human beings. Hence the removal of these heavy metals from the aqueous environment is of the utmost importance to protect biodiversity, hydrosphere ecosystems, and human beings. In this study, the reduced graphene oxide based inverse spinel nickel ferrite (rGONF) nanocomposite has been prepared and was utilized for the removal of Pb(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. The prepared rGONF has been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The surface characteristics of rGONF were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface analysis. The average particle size of rGONF was found to be 32.0 ± 2.0 nm. The surface site density for the specific surface area (Ns) of rGONF was found to be 0.00238 mol·g−1, which was higher than that of the graphene oxide (GO) and NiFe2O4, which was expected. The prepared rGONF has been successfully applied for the removal of Pb(II) and Cr(III) by batch mode. The batch adsorption studies concluded that the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cr(III) onto rGONF was rapid and the adsorption percentage was more than 99% for both metal ions. The adsorption isotherm results found that the adsorptive removal of both metal ions onto rGONF occurred through monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface of rGONF. The pH-edge adsorption results suggest the adsorption occurs through an inner-sphere surface complex, which is proved by 2-pKa-diffusion model fitting, where the pH-edge adsorption data was well fitted. The adsorption of metal ions increased with increasing temperature. The overall obtained results demonstrated that the rGONF was an effective adsorbent for Pb(II) and Cr(III) removal from wastewater.
Three-Dimensional Calcium Alginate Hydrogel Assembly via TiOPc-Based Light-Induced Controllable Electrodeposition
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Cong , Lai Hok Sum Sam , Liu Yan Ting , Li Wen Jung , Shen Ya Jing
Published: June 2017

Artificial reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel microstructures would greatly contribute to tissue assembly in vitro, and has been widely applied in tissue engineering and drug screening. Recent technological advances in the assembly of functional hydrogel microstructures such as microfluidic, 3D bioprinting, and micromold-based 3D hydrogel fabrication methods have enabled the formation of 3D tissue constructs. However, they still lack flexibility and high efficiency, which restrict their application in 3D tissue constructs. Alternatively, we report a feasible method for the fabrication and reconstruction of customized 3D hydrogel blocks. Arbitrary hydrogel microstructures were fabricated in situ via flexible and rapid light-addressable electrodeposition. To demonstrate the versatility of this method, the higher-order assembly of 3D hydrogel blocks was investigated using a constant direct current (DC) voltage (6 V) applied between two electrodes for 20–120 s. In addition to the plane-based two-dimensional (2D) assembly, hierarchical structures—including multi-layer 3D hydrogel structures and vessel-shaped structures—could be assembled using the proposed method. Overall, we developed a platform that enables researchers to construct complex 3D hydrogel microstructures efficiently and simply, which has the potential to facilitate research on drug screening and 3D tissue constructs.
Metabolomics Characterization of Two Apocynaceae Plants, Catharanthus roseus and Vinca minor, Using GC-MS and LC-MS Methods in Combination
Authors: Chen Qi , Lu Xueyan , Guo Xiaorui , Guo Qingxi , Li Dewen
Published: June 2017

Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) and Vinca minor (V. minor) are two common important medical plants belonging to the family Apocynaceae. In this study, we used non-targeted GC-MS and targeted LC-MS metabolomics to dissect the metabolic profile of two plants with comparable phenotypic and metabolic differences. A total of 58 significantly different metabolites were present in different quantities according to PCA and PLS-DA score plots of the GC-MS analysis. The 58 identified compounds comprised 16 sugars, eight amino acids, nine alcohols and 18 organic acids. We subjected these metabolites into KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and highlighted 27 metabolic pathways, concentrated on the TCA cycle, glycometabolism, oligosaccharides, and polyol and lipid transporter (RFOS). Among the primary metabolites, trehalose, raffinose, digalacturonic acid and gallic acid were revealed to be the most significant marker compounds between the two plants, presumably contributing to species-specific phenotypic and metabolic discrepancy. The profiling of nine typical alkaloids in both plants using LC-MS method highlighted higher levels of crucial terpenoid indole alkaloid (TIA) intermediates of loganin, serpentine, and tabersonine in V. minor than in C. roseus. The possible underlying process of the metabolic flux from primary metabolism pathways to TIA synthesis was discussed and proposed. Generally speaking, this work provides a full-scale comparison of primary and secondary metabolites between two medical plants and a metabolic explanation of their TIA accumulation and phenotype differences.
Systemic Induction of the Defensin and Phytoalexin Pisatin Pathways in Pea (Pisum sativum) against Aphanomyces euteiches by Acetylated and Nonacetylated Oligogalacturonides
Authors: Selim Sameh , Sanssené Jean , Rossard Stéphanie , Courtois Josiane
Published: June 2017

Oligogalacturonides (OGs) are known for their powerful ability to stimulate the plant immune system but little is known about their mode of action in pea (Pisum sativum). In the present study, we investigated the elicitor activity of two fractions of OGs, with polymerization degrees (DPs) of 2–25, in pea against Aphanomyces euteiches. One fraction was nonacetylated (OGs − Ac) whereas the second one was 30% acetylated (OGs + Ac). OGs were applied by injecting the upper two rachises of the plants at three- and/or four-weeks-old. Five-week-old roots were inoculated with 105 zoospores of A. euteiches. The root infection level was determined at 7, 10 and 14 days after inoculation using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results showed significant root infection reductions namely 58, 45 and 48% in the plants treated with 80 µg OGs + Ac and 59, 56 and 65% with 200 µg of OGs − Ac. Gene expression results showed the upregulation of genes involved in the antifungal defensins, lignans and the phytoalexin pisatin pathways and a priming effect in the basal defense, SA and ROS gene markers as a response to OGs. The reduction of the efficient dose in OGs + Ac is suggesting that acetylation is necessary for some specific responses. Our work provides the first evidence for the potential of OGs in the defense induction in pea against Aphanomyces root rot.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on IGF-1 and Calcitriol: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Authors: Trummer Christian , Schwetz Verena , Pandis Marlene , Grübler Martin , Verheyen Nicolas , Gaksch Martin , Zittermann Armin , März Winfried , Aberer Felix , Lang Angelika , Friedl Claudia , Tomaschitz Andreas , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Pieber Thomas , Pilz Stefan , Treiber Gerlies
Published: June 2017

Increasing evidence suggests a possible interaction between vitamin D and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). We aimed to investigate effects of vitamin D supplementation on IGF-1 (primary outcome) and calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D) concentrations (secondary outcome). This is a post-hoc analysis of the Styrian Vitamin D Hypertension Trial—a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) conducted from 2011 to 2014 at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. Two-hundred subjects with arterial hypertension and 25(OH)D concentrations <30 ng/mL were randomized to either receive 2800 IU of vitamin D daily or placebo for eight weeks. A total of 175 participants (mean ± standard deviation age, 60 ± 11 years; 49% women) with available IGF-1 concentrations were included in the present analysis. At baseline, IGF-1 concentrations were significantly correlated with 1,25(OH)2D (r = 0.21; p = 0.005) but not with 25(OH)D (r = −0.008; p = 0.91). In the RCT, vitamin D had no significant effect on IGF-1 (mean treatment effect 3.1; 95% confidence interval −5.6 to 11.9 ng/mL; p = 0.48), but it increased 1,25(OH)2D concentrations (mean treatment effect 9.2; 95% confidence interval 4.4 to 13.9 pg/mL; p ≤ 0.001). In this RCT, in hypertensive patients with low 25(OH)D concentrations, there was no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on IGF-1 concentrations. However, we observed a cross-sectional correlation between 1,25(OH)2D and IGF-1 and an increase of 1,25(OH)2D after vitamin D supplementation.
Novel Descattering Approach for Stereo Vision in Dense Suspended Scatterer Environments
Authors: Nguyen Chanh , Park Jihyuk , Cho Kyeong-Yong , Kim Kyung-Soo , Kim Soohyun
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose a model-based scattering removal method for stereo vision for robot manipulation in indoor scattering media where the commonly used ranging sensors are unable to work. Stereo vision is an inherently ill-posed and challenging problem. It is even more difficult in the case of images of dense fog or dense steam scenes illuminated by active light sources. Images taken in such environments suffer attenuation of object radiance and scattering of the active light sources. To solve this problem, we first derive the imaging model for images taken in a dense scattering medium with a single active illumination close to the cameras. Based on this physical model, the non-uniform backscattering signal is efficiently removed. The descattered images are then utilized as the input images of stereo vision. The performance of the method is evaluated based on the quality of the depth map from stereo vision. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by carrying out the real robot manipulation task.
Wuhan Ionospheric Oblique Backscattering Sounding System and Its Applications—A Review
Authors: Shi Shuzhu , Yang Guobin , Jiang Chunhua , Zhang Yuannong , Zhao Zhengyu
Published: June 2017

For decades, high-frequency (HF) radar has played an important role in sensing the Earth’s environment. Advances in radar technology are providing opportunities to significantly improve the performance of HF radar, and to introduce more applications. This paper presents a low-power, small-size, and multifunctional HF radar developed by the Ionospheric Laboratory of Wuhan University, referred to as the Wuhan Ionospheric Oblique Backscattering Sounding System (WIOBSS). Progress in the development of this radar is described in detail, including the basic principles of operation, the system configuration, the sounding waveforms, and the signal and data processing methods. Furthermore, its various remote sensing applications are briefly reviewed to show the good performance of this radar. Finally, some suggested solutions are given for further improvement of its performance.
Two Novel Two-Stage Direction of Arrival Estimation Algorithms for Two-Dimensional Mixed Noncircular and Circular Sources
Authors: Shi Heping , Leng Wen , Guan Zhiwei , Jin Tongzhi
Published: June 2017

This paper addresses the two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation problem with two novel methods for mixed noncircular and circular signals. The first proposed method is named the two-stage direction-of-arrival matrix (TSDOAM) method, and the other is called the two-stage rank reduction (TSRARE) method. The proposed methods utilize both the circularity and the direction-of-arrival differences between the noncircular and circular sources to estimate the 2D directions-of-arrival (DOAs). The maximum detectable 2D angle parameters of the TSDOAM and TSRARE methods are twice those of the existing methods. Moreover, the TSRARE method can detect more incident signals than the TSDOAM method due to the array aperture of two parallel uniform linear arrays (ULAs) being fully utilized. Simulation results show that compared to the existing methods for the small angle separation of 2D directions-of-arrival, the two proposed methods perform well in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and snapshots.
A Novel Extreme Learning Machine Classification Model for e-Nose Application Based on the Multiple Kernel Approach
Authors: Jian Yulin , Huang Daoyu , Yan Jia , Lu Kun , Huang Ying , Wen Tailai , Zeng Tanyue , Zhong Shijie , Xie Qilong
Published: June 2017

A novel classification model, named the quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO)-based weighted multiple kernel extreme learning machine (QWMK-ELM), is proposed in this paper. Experimental validation is carried out with two different electronic nose (e-nose) datasets. Being different from the existing multiple kernel extreme learning machine (MK-ELM) algorithms, the combination coefficients of base kernels are regarded as external parameters of single-hidden layer feedforward neural networks (SLFNs). The combination coefficients of base kernels, the model parameters of each base kernel, and the regularization parameter are optimized by QPSO simultaneously before implementing the kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) with the composite kernel function. Four types of common single kernel functions (Gaussian kernel, polynomial kernel, sigmoid kernel, and wavelet kernel) are utilized to constitute different composite kernel functions. Moreover, the method is also compared with other existing classification methods: extreme learning machine (ELM), kernel extreme learning machine (KELM), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), radical basis function neural network (RBFNN), and probabilistic neural network (PNN). The results have demonstrated that the proposed QWMK-ELM outperforms the aforementioned methods, not only in precision, but also in efficiency for gas classification.
Active2Gether: A Personalized m-Health Intervention to Encourage Physical Activity
Authors: Klein Michel , Manzoor Adnan , Mollee Julia
Published: June 2017

Lack of physical activity is an increasingly important health risk. Modern mobile technology, such as smartphones and digital measurement devices, provides new opportunities to tackle physical inactivity. This paper describes the design of a system that aims to encourage young adults to be more physically active. The system monitors the user’s behavior, uses social comparison and provides tailored and personalized feedback based on intelligent reasoning mechanisms. As the name suggests, social processes play an important role in the Active2Gether system. The design choices and functioning of the system are described in detail. Based on the experiences with the development and deployment of the system, a number of lessons learnt are provided and suggestions are proposed for improvements in future developments.
The Relationship between Fundamental Motor Skill Proficiency and Participation in Organized Sports and Active Recreation in Middle Childhood
Authors: Field Stephanie , Temple Viviene
Published: June 2017

Motor skill proficiency in middle childhood is associated with higher physical activity levels at that age and is predictive of adolescent physical activity levels. Much of the previous research in this area has used accelerometry in determining these relationships, and as a result, little is known about what physical activities the children are engaging in. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine rates of participation in physical activities, the relationships between motor proficiency and how often children participate, and if there were gender-based differences in participation, motor skills, or the relationship between these variables. Participants were 400 boys and girls (Mean age = 9 years 6 months) in grade 4. Motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) and physical activity participation was measured using the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). Descriptive statistics, chi-squared analyses, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to examine activity patterns and whether these patterns differed by gender. Correlation coefficients were used to estimate the relationships between fundamental motor skill proficiency and participation. The boys and girls participated in many of the same activities, but girls were more likely to participate in most of the informal physical activities. More boys than girls participated in team sports, boys participated more frequently in team sports, and the boys’ object control and locomotor skill proficiency were significantly associated with participation in team sports. There were some significant associations between motor skills and participation in specific activities; however it is not clear if participation is developing skillfulness or those who are more skilled are engaging and persisting with particular activities.
The Future of North Rhine-Westphalia-Participation of the Youth as Part of a Social Transformation towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Treude Mona , Schostok Dorothea , Reutter Oscar , Fischedick Manfred
Published: June 2017

The future belongs to the youth, but do they really have a say in it? Learning processes with regard to a successful socio-ecological change must start in childhood and adolescence in order to succeed in social transformation. The youth cannot be a passive part in a changing society—they have to be actively included in its design. When allowed to participate, young people can make important and effective contributions—which should not be reduced to sub-projects and opportunity structures. In a socio-political context, participation means involvement, collaboration, and commitment. In the context of intra- and inter-generational equity, as the core part of sustainable development, participation strategies should be developed that allow for a permanent and purposeful involvement of children and adolescents. Participation of young people is an important and appropriate step in strengthening those who are so strongly affected by the planning processes but are otherwise powerless. A successful involvement and participation of non-professional actors requires a target group-oriented method, a supportive culture of participation, as well as clarity and decision latitude. Abiding by these rules leads to central results.
Addendum: Montagnier, L.; Aïssa, J.; Capolupo, A.; Craddock, T.J.A.; Kurian, P.; Lavallee, C.; Polcari, A.; Romano, P.; Tedeschi, A.; Vitiello, G. Water Bridging Dynamics of Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Gauge Theory Paradigm of Quantum Fields. Water 2017, 9, 339
Authors: Montagnier L. , Aïssa J. , Capolupo A. , Craddock T. , Kurian P. , Lavallee C. , Polcari A. , Romano P. , Tedeschi A. , Vitiello G.
Published: June 2017

The authors wish to make the following addendum to their paper [1]:[...]
Development of a Station Based Climate Database for SWAT and APEX Assessments in the US
Authors: White Michael , Gambone Marilyn , Haney Elizabeth , Arnold Jeffrey , Gao Jungang
Published: June 2017

Water quality simulation models such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and Agricultural Policy EXtender (APEX) are widely used in the US. These models require large amounts of spatial and tabular data to simulate the natural world. Accurate and seamless daily climatic data are critical for accurate depiction of the hydrologic cycle, yet these data are among the most difficult to obtain and process. In this paper we describe the development of a national (US) database of preprocessed climate data derived from monitoring stations applicable to USGS 12-digit watersheds. Various sources and processing methods are explored and discussed. A relatively simple method was employed to choose representative stations for each of the 83,000 12-digit watersheds in the continental US. Fully processed climate data resulting from this research were published online to facilitate other SWAT and APEX modeling efforts in the US.
Effective Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing Based on Improved Social Learning Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Liu Zhizhong , Qin Jingxuan , Peng Weiping , Chao Hao
Published: June 2017

For the typical optimal problem of task scheduling in cloud computing, this paper proposes a novel resource scheduling algorithm based on Social Learning Optimization Algorithm (SLO). SLO is a new swarm intelligence algorithm which is proposed by simulating the evolution process of human intelligence and has better optimization mechanism and optimization performance. This paper proposes two learning operators for task scheduling in cloud computing after analyzing the characteristics of the problem of task scheduling; then, by introducing the Small Position Value (SPV) method, the two learning operators with continuous nature essence are enabled to solve the problem of task scheduling, and then the improved SLO is employed to solve the problem of cloud resource optimal scheduling. Finally, the performance of improved SLO is compared with existing research work on the CloudSim platform. Experimental results show that the approach proposed in this paper has better global optimization ability and convergence speed.
Crucifixos invisíveis: polêmicas recentes no Brasil sobre símbolos religiosos em recintos estatais
Authors: Giumbelli Emerson
Published: June 2017

O trabalho reúne, sistematiza e analisa os argumentos que se embatem em polêmicas recentes no Brasil acerca da presença de crucifixos em recintos públicos (tribunais, parlamentos etc.). Concepções de laici-dade e poderes da imagem são temas que ressaltam posições contra e a favor da permanência daqueles objetos. Procura-se demonstrar que a lógica da presença dos crucifixos depende de uma invisibilidade ativa.
A Simulation Methodology for Conducting Unbiased and Reliable Evaluation of MANET Communication Protocols in Disaster Scenarios
Authors: García-Campos José Manuel , Gutiérrez Daniel , Sánchez-García Jesús , Toral Marn Sergio
Published: June 2017

The need for a Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) in environments where there is a lack of communication infrastructure, such as disaster or emergency scenarios, is critical to save lives. MANETs can be used as an alternative network that solves the problem of communications. The selection of an appropriate MANET communication protocol is crucial for the good performance of the whole network. Due to the great variety of communication protocols available for MANETs such as routing and broadcasting protocols, the selection of the most suitable one for disaster scenarios is a relevant task. Routing protocols and broadcasting algorithms are normally evaluated and compared using simulation-based studies. However, conducting reliable and repeatable simulation studies is not a trivial task because many simulation parameters should be correctly configured. In this paper, we propose a methodology for conducting reliable simulations of MANET broadcasting algorithms in disaster scenarios. The proposed methodology is focused on the source nodes selection based on different metrics.
Using Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems to Support Humanitarian Logistic Operations
Authors: Tatham Peter , Ball Catherine M. , Wu Yong , Diplas Pete
Published: June 2017

Whilst there has been some limited use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) as part of the response to natural disasters, to date these have typically employed short range mini or micro systems. Using a case study of Cyclone Winston that struck Fiji in February 2016, this chapter demonstrates the potential for long endurance aircraft (LE-RPAS) to support the humanitarian logistic operations through the use of their high quality optics and communications capabilities. In doing so, it offers a high level route map for the development of the people, process and technology requirements that will be needed to underpin the future deployments of LE-RPAS in providing support to humanitarian activities.
To What End
Authors: Chapman Amy Bareham
Published: June 2017

This chapter discusses the increased participation of undergraduate students in arts funding conversations, believing them to be valuable resources and voices in securing better arts education for future generations. The author primarily explores the success of Arts Leadership and Administration students in considering solutions to arts funding challenges and applauds student dedication to improving arts appreciation. Analyzing the current cultural trend of hiring creatives, the author considers why such a trend should encourage students to pursue Arts Leadership and Administration and what opportunities it presents for the right brained artist. Viewing funding as a means but not an end, this chapter calls for a resurgence of motivation in the arts funding movement.
Intercultural Dialogue through Design (iDiDe)
Authors: Ang Susan
Published: June 2017

Intercultural dialogue through design, globally known as “iDiDe” (pronounced i-dee-dee) was initiated by an Australian university in 2011 for architecture and built environment disciplines. Set within the context of international education and internationalisation, which are the focus of Australian universities this century, iDiDe offers a model of intercultural collaboration and student engagement. iDiDe is more than a generic international study tour. Firstly, there is collaborative academic leadership that comes from institutional partnerships between Australia and five Asian nations (Malaysia, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka), secondly, intercultural dialogue and intercultural understanding underpin the pedagogical approach, and thirdly, iDiDe projects extend discipline specific learning into the realms of reality. This chapter is an expose of iDiDe. It seeks to determine what elements of the model contribute to intercultural collaboration and student engagement. Findings are evaluated for their impact upon participants. The potential for transformative learning and response to global citizenship are discussed along with future research.
First Steps in the Development of a Model for Integrating Formal and Informal Learning in Virtual Environments
Authors: Marín Victoria I. , Salinas Jesús
Published: June 2017

Educational technologists are currently researching how to enhance education through integrating the different aspects of individuals' learning. People learn by different means and contexts, so formal learning is only a part of the whole process of their learning. In this chapter, the authors present current progress in developing a methodological strategy model that aims to integrate formal and informal learning at university. For this purpose, they start with the foundations of this study and a description of its design and initial rollout in an undergraduate course, “Primary Teacher Training,” at the University of the Balearic Islands in Spain. Although the study is currently still being carried out, it is worth highlighting some insights and reflections of the on-going implementation and future research directions of the study.
School Performance Analysis From a Scholastic Learning Process
Authors: Masmiquel Judit Lacomba , Ferrer August Climent , Fonseca David
Published: June 2017

In this study, the authors describe the design and use evaluation of a system that allows the academic behavior analysis of high school students using a data model based on business intelligence techniques. Based on the system data analysis information can be extracted and the right decisions taken in order to help and improve the student academic performance. From the design and implementation of the model, the relationship between the study habits of students and their academic performance is studied. More specifically, it aims to validate the initial hypothesis that there is a relationship between study habits of students and their academic performance. Based on the analysis it is concluded that the initial hypothesis is true. The proposed model also allows the extraction of information to other levels, where its primary objective is the application to improve the academic performance of students or to prevent situations of academic failure.
Supporting Learning Self-Regulation through a PLE
Authors: Garcia Iolanda , Gros Begoña , Noguera Ingrid
Published: June 2017

In the knowledge society, autonomous and Self-Directed Learning (SDL) have become particularly important for professional development and lifelong learning. This kind of learning can take place in physical and virtual spaces that may belong to formal institutions but also to extended communities and networks. In virtual spaces, self-directed learning and self-regulation skills and capacities play an important role in learners' performance. For this reason, it is highly recommended to empower students to design and deploy educational spaces and projects able to fuse formal and informal contexts. The use of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) can support learners to gain control over their experiences through Web-based tools and a task-orientated environment. It is known that time management is one relevant component of self-regulated learning. There are many Web-based tools that can be used to control time investment and promote planning but little research that takes into account time management in the design and use of PLEs. This chapter describes the results of the Just4me project1, aimed at designing and developing a PLE to support self-regulated learning dealing with time management as an important dimension in lifelong learning. From this perspective, this chapter contributes to the operationalization and analysis of the time factor in online learning regarding time management in self-regulated learning processes supported by PLEs.
Considerations for Online English Language Learning
Authors: Dogoriti Evriklea , Pange Jenny
Published: June 2017

This chapter examines the influence of Facebook (FB) in formal and informal learning in the language classroom. The theoretical framework of Web-based language teaching is first introduced. A selection of studies concerning the use of Social Networking Sites in the teaching of English (ELT) and conclusions drawn from the literature follow suit. The studies have been selected on the grounds of discussing students' engagement, motivation, collaboration, and communication through the use of SNS and, for the most part, Facebook in ELT. The studies also focus on the attitudes of higher education, foreign language learners towards FB, as well as the potential of FB as an academic teaching medium that may support other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools like Learning Management Systems. The review of the studies indicates that Facebook may reinforce communication skills and engagement in the learning process and support participation and collaborative learning in formal learning environments.
Authentic Online Branching Simulations
Authors: Bernstein Eric , McMenamin Sarah A. , Johanek Michael C.
Published: June 2017

This chapter describes the use of online branching simulations, with varying levels of production value and using a variety of different development tools, to create authentic experiences for students in online courses. Simulations are a method of increasing student engagement, providing authentic learning experiences that enhance critical thinking skills and foster meaningful collaborative interactions among students. By creating simulations that are online, they are scalable and especially effective for use in distance and online learning environments. The use of these simulations draws on research supporting the effectiveness of simulations in education and in other professional fields, leveraging Social Learning and Social Cognitive Theories and builds off of a Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) framework.
A Blended Approach to Canadian First Nations Education
Authors: Vaughan Norman , Auger Neepin , Sacher Martin , Sacher Mavis
Published: June 2017

This chapter describes a research study that investigated how a blended approach to Canadian First Nations education could be used to foster student engagement and success. The study examined the SCcyber E-Learning Community program through the lens of the Seven Principles of Effective Teaching (Chickering & Gamson, 1999). Data was collected via an online survey, interviews, and site visits. The study participants indicated that the deliberate and intentional integration of mentors at local learning centers with online teachers, who provide synchronous tutorials through the use of a Web-based learning management system and conferencing tool, was the key to academic success.
Impact of Community Engagement in Higher Education
Authors: Huddleston Michelle D.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of community engagement on college students. It is an exploratory study investigating the attitudes and perceived impact of college students having participated in CE, measuring how effective CE is and how well these goals are met on a college campus. Mainly examined is the relationship between impact and student participation in CE. The amount of connectivity a student feels to the community will play a role in their continued college career. General civic engagement attitudes of respondents are assessed. Online surveys with demographic, Likert scale and open-ended questions are administered to give students the opportunity to put their experiences into their own words. Based on previous research in the area, researchers expect that students will gain employable attributes from their participation in CE during college as well as will report high impact and connectivity to the university and the community.
Understanding Language Experiences of International ESL Students in U.S. Classrooms
Authors: Zhao Juanjuan , Ng Dana Funywe
Published: June 2017

The authors examine how international ESL (English as second language) students construct their experiences of learning and using English in the classrooms. Studying language experiences of international students is crucial to understanding the factors that may affect their academic performance and engagement in social activities in American universities. The focus group discussions revealed various issues and difficulties faced by international students. These challenges included comprehending and writing academic texts in subject areas, engaging in classroom discourse, and communicating with native speakers outside the classrooms. In addition, the focus group discussions revealed discrepancies between language criteria used in ESL and subject area courses. Findings indicate that the language development of international ESL students and their academic experiences are complex. This study calls for a comprehensive inquiry approach to offer more support and better services for international students' successful adaptation into American academic and social lives.
Community Service Learning
Authors: Farris Tomesha Manora , Ross Denise , Fontenot Brandi , Johnson Gaige , Uwayo Margaret , Warrilow Garrett D.
Published: June 2017

Poverty and low-socioeconomic status can have negative effects on the academic and social outcomes of children and youth. However, despite the growing number of children and families from low-income communities, the American Psychological Association reports that the field of psychology has not contributed significantly to research, education, and advocacy initiatives for low-income families. The purpose of the START model was to recruit and train psychology majors to work in low-income communities by engaging them in service, research, and teaching activities in a middle school located in a high-poverty community. For one semester, psychology undergraduate and graduate students collaborated on a literacy and classroom management project with a local middle school in a low-income community. Results showed an increase in the number of psychology students interested in working with low-income populations and high rates of satisfaction for the teacher who participated. Barriers and facilitators to implementation are discussed.
Second Language Learners' Spoken Discourse
Authors: Cucchiarini Catia , Strik Helmer
Published: June 2017

This chapter examines the use of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology in the context of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and language learning and teaching research. A brief introduction to ASR is first provided, to make it clear why and how this technology can be used to the benefit of learning and development in second language (L2) spoken discourse. This is followed by an overview of the state of the art in research on ASR-based CALL. Subsequently, a number of relevant projects on ASR-based CALL conducted at the Centre for Language and Speech Technology of the Radboud University in Nijmegen (the Netherlands) are presented. Possible solutions and recommendations are discussed given the current state of the technology with an explanation of how such systems can be used to the benefit of Discourse Analysis research. The chapter concludes with a discussion of possible perspectives for future research and development.
Game Theory for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Kim Sungwook
Published: June 2017

An ad hoc network typically refers to any set of networks where all devices have equal status on a network and are free to associate with any other ad hoc network device in link range. In particular, ad hoc network often refers to a mode of operation of IEEE 802.11 wireless networks. A wireless ad hoc network is a decentralized type of wireless network. The network is ad hoc because it does not rely on a pre-existing infrastructure, such as routers in wired networks or access points in managed (infrastructure) wireless networks. The decentralized nature of wireless ad hoc networks makes them suitable for a variety of applications where central nodes cannot be relied on and may improve the scalability of networks compared to wireless managed networks, though theoretical and practical limits to the overall capacity of such networks have been identified. This chapter explores this.
Basics of Mobile Marketing Strategy
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Mulloo Bibi Nafiisah
Published: June 2017

Recent years have witnessed a rapid growth in internet-enabled devices, including smartphones which have facilitated the performance of many tasks online. One of the major activities taking place on such online platforms is shopping. Indeed, smartphones are redefining the landscape of consumption from visiting conventional physical shops to consuming products and services in a digital arena. Despite a proliferation of both theoretical and empirical studies on smartphones marketplace, there is still a paucity of studies on how mobile phone devices enhance and facilitate consumption from physical marketplace to online marketspace. This chapter aims to contribute to extant studies on how smartphones impact on the consumption process.
A Secure and Optimized Proximity Mobile Payment Framework With Formal Verification
Authors: Ahamad Shaik Shakeel , Sastry V.N. , Udgata Siba K.
Published: June 2017

In this paper the authors propose a Secure and Optimized Proximity Mobile Payment (SOPMP) Framework using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, WPKI (Wireless Public Key Infrastructure), UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card). The novelty of this proposed mobile payment framework is messages are exchanged in the form of Digital Signature with Message Recovery (DSMR) and merchant sends Invoice in the form of Digital Invoice Certificate (DIC) (which is digitally signed by the merchant). The communication link between mobile phone and merchant POS (Point Of Sale) is NFC. Digital Signature with Message Recovery based on ECDSA eliminates the need of adopting PKI cryptosystems thereby reducing the consumption of resources i.e. it consumes less computational and communication cost. DSMR eliminates the need of certificates validation and removes the hurdle of PKI thereby reducing storage space, communication cost and computational cost. The authors proposed protocol ensures Authentication, Integrity, Confidentiality and Non Repudiation, achieves Identity protection from merchant and Eavesdropper, achieves Transaction privacy from Eavesdropper and Payment Gateway, achieves Payment Secrecy, Order Secrecy, forward secrecy, and prevents Double Spending, Overspending and Money laundering. In addition to these our proposed protocol withstands Replay, Man in the Middle and Impersonation attacks. The security properties of the proposed protocol have been verified using AVISPA and Scyther Tools and presented with results.
Models of Customer Experience for B2C E-Commerce Enterprises
Authors: Pei Yilei , Xue Wanxin , Li Dandan , Su Yong
Published: June 2017

With the rapid development of E-commerce, more and more E-commerce enterprises attach great importance to customer experience, and B2C E-commerce enterprises make no exception. The good customer experience can promote customers' perception of the service level of B2C E-commerce enterprises. Based on previous research literature, the research elaborates effect factors of customer experience of B2C E-commerce enterprises, such as website usefulness, website ease of use, transaction costs, customer involvement and Internet word of mouth; establishes the model of customer experience of B2C E-commerce enterprises based on the technology acceptance model and points out the directions for future research.
Android for Enterprise Automated Systems
Authors: Ncibi Fahmi , Hamam Habib , Ben Braiek Ezzedine
Published: June 2017

In this chapter, various aspects pertaining to the open operating system Android OS such as its history, architecture, features, and utility for business purposes will be introduced, following which the role of Android in enterprise management will be explained. The chapter will be concluded by a detailed report of the BYOD approach that uses Android for industrial control and automation. Since mobile devices have become progressively more powerful and accessible, mobile computing has greatly changed our daily lives. As one of the most popular mobile operating systems, Android provides the tools and API for Android developers to develop Android applications. Android is an open source operating system for mobile devices. Today its primary use is lodged in the mobile phone industry. During the recent past years, many projects have been created, with the objective to elevate Android to other platforms, such as sub-notebooks or embedded systems.
Mobile Value Added Services in Fiji
Authors: Sathye Milind , Prasad Biman , Sharma Dharmendra , Sharma Parmendra , Sathye Suneeta
Published: June 2017

While mobile phones are making significant inroads in many developing countries, little is known about the institutional drivers, policy barriers and industry challenges that affect their use for business growth of micro- enterprises. The authors address this gap. After conducting semi-structured interviews of 74 women-owned micro entrepreneurs and ten key informants from the government and industry in Fiji, the authors found that appropriate policy framework, supporting infrastructure and appropriate ecosystem are required for rapid uptake of mobile value added services by women-owned micro entrepreneurs. They contribute by proposing a revised technology adoption framework as well as the four shackles theory of women micro entrepreneurs' empowerment and emancipation. The authors also highlight the policy initiatives necessary to accelerate the growth of women-owned micro enterprises by mobile value added services which could also guide other developing and emerging economies.