bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Motorsports Design Concepts to Further STEM
Education

Authors: Hylton Pete
Published: June 2016

Few career paths are as dynamic, exciting, and engaging to potential Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students as those in motorsports. Secondary
school students, looking forward to their initial driver’s licenses and their first
cars, are captivated by the speed and color of the sport. Indiana University Purdue
University Indianapolis (IUPUI), which offers the first Bachelor’s Degree in Motorsports
Engineering in the United States, has found motorsports to be an excellent mechanism for
attracting STEM students, of both genders, regardless of demographic background. This
article will discuss how this connection has been used to promote STEM growth.
Factors Affecting College Students’ Knowledge and Opinions of Genetically
Modified Foods

Authors: Laux Chad M. , Mosher Gretchen A. , Freeman Steven A.
Published: June 2016

The use of biotechnology in food and agricultural applications has increased
greatly during the past decade and is considered by many to be a controversial topic.
Drawing upon a previous national study, a new survey was conducted of U.S. and
international college students at a large, land-grant, Research University to determine
factors that may affect opinions about genetically modified (GM) food products. Factors
examined included nationality, discipline area of study, perceptions of safety, and
awareness and levels of acceptance regarding GM food. Results indicated students born
outside the United States had more negative opinions about genetically modified foods
than did American-born students. Students who were studying a physical science-based
curriculum had a more positive opinion of GM food than did students studying a
curriculum that was not based in the physical science. In addition, students who
reported a higher level of acceptance of genetically modified foods felt more positively
about the safety of the technology.
Improving Geometric and Trigonometric Knowledge and Skill for High School
Mathematics Teachers: A Professional Development Partnership

Authors: Merrill Chris , Devine Kevin L. , Brown Joshua W. , Brown Ryan A.
Published: June 2016

In the summer of 2009, a professional development partnership was established
between the Peoria Public School District (PPSD), a local education agency (LEA), and
Illinois State University (ISU) to improve geometric and trigonometric knowledge and
skill for high school mathematics teachers as part of the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Partnership (MSP) grant, which was funded by the Federal Department of
Education. The MSP is aimed at improving the content knowledge of mathematics teachers
regarding the implementation of three-dimensional (3-D) solid modeling in the
mathematics classroom; the ultimate goal is to improve students’ learning in
mathematics. The premise for this professional development grant can be found in the
literature that suggests that there is a significant positive relationship between
spatial visualization abilities and mathematical performance. Also, the literature
implies that spatial ability and visual imagery play vital roles in mathematical
thinking. Further, the professional development program maintains that spatial
visualization and reasoning are core skills that all students should develop. Eight
mathematics teachers from the PPSD and the LEA’s Mathematics Coordinator completed over
80 hours of professional development geared toward the improvement of teaching
mathematics; they used 3-D solid modeling software (SolidWorks, 2009) during the summer
and fall semesters of 2009 and during the spring 2010 semester, these teachers conducted
action research projects based on their professional development. Formative and
summative evaluation techniques were developed and implemented.
Networking Labs in the Online Environment: Indicators for
Success

Authors: Lahoud Hilmi A. , Krichen Jack P.
Published: June 2016

Several techniques have been used to provide hands-on educational experiences to
online learners, including remote labs, simulation software, and virtual labs, which
offer a more structured environment, including simulations and scheduled asynchronous
access to physical resources. This exploratory study investigated how these methods can
be used from the learner’s perspective to enhance the online learning experience by
improving its effectiveness and maintaining students’ satisfaction while keeping the
same level of standards and outcomes as face-to-face courses. Current and former online
learners from several community and four-year colleges were surveyed to evaluate their
experiences for utilizing different networking lab techniques. An analysis of survey
results highlights the importance of lab accessibility to learner satisfaction and
evaluates the interaction between learner experience and preference for networking labs.
These results are used to recommend the best implementation practices and to guide
future studies in online networking labs.
Perceived Life Satisfaction of Workplace Specialist I Faculty and Mentors
Participating in a First-Year STEM Teacher Training Project

Authors: Nickolich David , Feldhaus Charles , Cotton Sam , Barrett II Andrew J. , Smallwood Jim
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to measure perceived professional and personal life
satisfaction of Indiana Workplace Specialist I (WS I) faculty and their mentors.
Workplace Specialist I teachers are all first-year career and technical education (CTE)
faculty who must complete the WS I training program to be eligible for the Workplace
Specialist II teaching license. These new teachers bring significant professional skills
and experience to the secondary classroom; however, none had completed traditional
teachers college training before they were licensed. WS I faculty are assigned mentors
during the first year of training. Mentors must have at least five years of
kindergarten-12 (K-12) teaching experience, and typically they are CTE faculty
members.
During a WS I / Mentor training workshop, 84 first-year WS I faculty and
68 mentors were asked to take the Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age (LSITA) in
an effort to determine perceived overall life satisfaction; 105 total people
participated in the study. Of these 105, 45 mentors perceived life satisfaction as
higher than did the 60 first-year WS I CTE teachers. The results of the statistical
analyses revealed statistical significance at the 0.1 level (0.068).
When analyzing
only participants (both mentors and WS I teachers who were 50 years of age or older, the
results of the statistical analyses revealed a statistical significance at the 0.05
level (0.023) between the perceived life satisfaction results of the 10 first-year WS I
faculty and the 28 mentors. Mentors who were 50 years of age or older had a higher level
of perceived life satisfaction than did the first-year WS I faculty members of the same
age group.
Resourceful Thinking about Printing and Related Industries: Economic
Considerations and Environmental Sustainability

Authors: Wikina Suanu Bliss , Thompson Cynthia Carlton , Blackwell Elinor
Published: June 2016

Increasing population, total economic volume, and human consumption levels have
resulted in problems of resource shortages, climate change, ozone layer depletion, land
regression, and deteriorating environmental pollution. Printing and related industries
constitute one of the major sources of environmental pollution due to heavy energy and
resource (materials) use. Therefore, there is a need to adopt resourceful thinking
regarding activities in the printing and related industries, so they can contribute to
environmental protection by adhering to greener, eco-friendly, and sustainable
practices. This article discusses strategies that these industries could adopt, which
would put their businesses on sound economic footing as they adhere to sustainable
business practices that contribute to and safeguard the environment.
Student Reflective Perceptions of High School Educational Cell Phone
Technology Usage

Authors: Humble-Thaden M. Beth
Published: June 2016

High school students are prohibited from using cell phones during the school day
within most public schools in the United States; the majority of students, however,
maintain possession of a personal cell phone within the high school setting. Most
administrators and teachers regard cell phone possession and usage as a negative
distraction and deterrent to learning rather than as an educational learning tool. This
study investigates college freshman students’ reflective perceptions of potential high
school utilization of cell phones by students and teachers as educational learning
tools. Positive response from surveys suggests there is interest in and potential for
educational implementation and use of cell phones as learning tools in schools.
Perceptional gender differences were uncovered suggesting further study is necessary
before successful implementation can occur.
Sustainable Design: An Educational Imperative

Authors: Klein David , Phillips Kenneth R.
Published: June 2016

This contribution presents a curriculum model and pedagogy for teaching
sustainability concepts to industrial design students at the Metropolitan State College
of Denver (MSCD). The curriculum provides students with instruction about low-impact
material and process selection (renewable, toxic, embodied energy); energy efficiency
(transportation, processing, use of product); quality and durability; design for
reuse/recycling; and social relevancy/value, consumer value, responsible
production/procurement (fair labor). Although the authors are aware of the
interrelationship of these categories, they isolated each one to make them easier to
teach, explain, and assess.
In our industrial design studio courses, sustainability
and product life cycle assessment are established as design parameters for all projects
throughout the curriculum. Sustainable principles are internalized as students devise
practical design solutions. This pedagogy enables students to practice sustainability in
relation to product design as they conduct product feasibility studies, design
development, and production planning.
This article aims to advance design education
by serving as an example of how sustainability may be taught and integrated into a
curriculum and by providing case studies of completed student design projects.
Toward a Zero Energy Home: Applying Swiss Building Practices/Attitudes to
U.S. Residential Construction

Authors: Koch Daphene C. , Hutzel William J. , Kutch Jason M. , Holt Eric A.
Published: June 2016

This project evaluated typical U.S. and Swiss homes to identify construction
practices that are most energy efficient and have economic payback. A net zero energy
home (ZEH) produces as much energy as is consumed in it over time. Students in a College
of Technology in a Midwest Indiana State University and a technical University in
Switzerland resulted in developing models of homes that combined U.S. and Swiss
standards. The project was completed in two phases: during the first phase of this
project, construction costs, energy use, and economic payback was calculated for six
homes that were designed using both Swiss and U.S. standards. During the second phase of
the project, cultural norms that influence energy use were explored. A survey was used
to compare U.S. and Swiss college students’ lifestyles and energy habits. All homes had
the same basic size and layout, but some used construction practices typical for the
United States and others were designed according to Swiss guidelines for residential
construction. The results of the study showed that a Swiss-style low-energy home is not
cost effective for the Midwestern United States if energy costs remain low, but it could
become attractive if energy rates escalate significantly. It was also recognized that
technology by itself will not minimize energy consumption, a result of the second part
of the project that explored cultural norms that influence energy use. From the survey
of both U.S. and Swiss college students’ lifestyles and energy habits, it was revealed
with a high level of confidence that Swiss students are more energy conscious than their
U.S. counterparts.
Impact of Climate and Geographic Location on Moisture Transport in Wood
Construction Walls and Implications for Selecting Vapor Retarders

Authors: Larson Kennard G.
Published: June 2016

This research effort studied two similarly built homes in two different geographic
locations in an attempt to demonstrate the affect that climatic conditions have on the
selection and installation of appropriate vapor diffusion retarders to control moisture
transport in wood-framed structures. Much misinformation and suppositions exist
regarding which vapor diffusion retarder to use, where to place it within the structure,
and whether it is even necessary. As a result, uncontrolled moisture transport is often
a significant factor in the premature degradation of a structure; this also adds to poor
indoor air quality resulting from the growth of mold and mildew. Nine climatic values of
temperature, humidity, and air pressure were recorded at 20-30 minute intervals at
various locations within the wall cavities and the outside of both test structures, for
a 12-week period from January to March. These data allowed the researchers to perform
calculations to predict the potential for growth of mold or mildew within the structure.
Ultimately, these data were further compared for moisture transport behavior with the
simulation software WUFI (“Wärme und Feuchtigkeit Instationären), a PC program developed
by the Institute for Building Physics in Germany and the Oak Ridge National Laboratories
in Tennessee for calculating coupled heat and moisture transfer in building
components.
Leveraging Green Computing for Increased Viability and
Sustainability

Authors: Fazarro Dominick , McWhorter Rochell
Published: June 2016

Greening of computing processes is an environmental strategy gaining momentum in
the 21st century as evidenced by increased virtual communications. Because of the rising
cost of fuel to travel to meetings and conferences, corporations are adopting
sophisticated technologies that provide a “personal” experience for geographically
disbursed colleagues to interact in real time. This article highlights several companies
and academic professional organizations that utilize video conferencing, virtual
classrooms, and virtual worlds to create digital spaces for collaboration. The article
compares the impact of face-to-face collaboration that includes business travel expenses
to the impact of the same activity in a virtual space. The human side of technology is
also examined through virtual human resource development that increases employees’
learning capacity and performance improvement. As advances in technology continue, it is
expected that meetings will become more lifelike with the improvement of holographics.
Corporations must continue to integrate green strategies to satisfy both environmental
concerns and financial viability.
Historiography in Graduate Technology Teacher Education

Authors: Flowers Jim , Hunt Brian
Published: June 2016

A proposal is made suggesting the inclusion of historiography (i.e., historical
research and the writing of history) into graduate technology teacher education. In
particular, a strategy is forwarded to have graduate students in technology teacher
education, who are working at schools in different locations, conduct historical
research and write histories describing how local inhabitants transmitted technical
learning dating back to the earliest human inhabitants. There are potential benefits for
the graduate students, the students they teach, and the field of technology teacher
education. Collaboration among institutions is recommended. After arguing for the
proposal, this article uses a personalized historical narrative approach to evoke a
connection with the reader that is not possible with more impersonal approaches and thus
illustrating some of the richness of historical techniques.
Developing Occupational Programs: A Case Study of Community
Colleges

Authors: Doyle Duane E.
Published: June 2016

A progressively more technological and competitive employment environment in
today’s world economy requires employees to have a firm understanding of critical
technical skills to build on when they arrive at the workplace. This study examines how
differences in the environmental conditions and organizational factors facing four
community colleges contributed to the development of occupational and technical
education programs.
This study was driven by one primary research question: What
environmental conditions and organizational factors influence the nature of the
strategic response in the form of technical education program development within
community colleges? To answer this question, a qualitative study of both stakeholders in
higher education (which included individuals at four community colleges in the state of
Arkansas) and individuals at the Arkansas Department of Higher Education was conducted.
The institutions selected represented the widest possible range of organizations.
A
conceptual framework was developed that included previous research on normative,
regulative, and cultural-cognitive environments and organizational response processes.
The framework served as a guide to identify how external conditions in these processes
influence the nature of the development of occupational and technical education programs
at community colleges in Arkansas.
EnviroTech: Student Outcomes of an Interdisciplinary Project That Linked
Technology and Environment

Authors: Rose Mary Annette
Published: June 2016

Within technology education, few interdisciplinary models exist that attempt to
simultaneously promote the development of environmental literacy and technology
assessment skills. EnviroTech, an online professional development project for secondary
teachers, was designed to achieve this mission. This report, the second in a series on
the project, describes the interdisciplinary content of the EnviroTech project and the
impact it had on the students of 18 middle and high school teachers who participated in
the project. The curriculum was set against a consumer decision regarding the purchase,
use, and disposal of light bulbs. This scenario enabled the examination of environmental
processes (e.g., mercury cycle and bioaccumulation), mercury’s impact upon human health,
and practices and policies regarding the disposal and recycling of mercury-containing
lamps. Teachers employed guided inquiry strategies and several assessment tools (e.g.,
experimentation and life cycle assessment) to help students hone their technology
assessment and decision-making skills. Differences between preassessments and
postassessments indicated moderate improvements in students’ knowledge of technology,
environmental processes, and strategies to protect themselves against mercury exposure.
Significant changes occurred in students’ attitudes with students reporting greater
attention to sustainability issues when purchasing and designing products.
Economics, Innovations, Technology, and Engineering Education: The
Connections

Authors: Ritz John M. , Bevins P. Scott
Published: June 2016

Throughout history the success of economies around the world has in large part
been influenced by technological growth and innovations. Along with such growth and
innovations came higher living standards and an improved quality of life for citizens
residing and participating in those economies. However, not all countries were able to
grow and develop at the same rate, resulting in considerable differences in economic
welfare across populations. As nations around the world address the 21st century,
economic growth and prosperity for some nations will depend upon how well their citizens
are equipped and motivated to seek new technological discoveries and innovations or
participate in the supply chain for the production of such new innovations. Such
decision making by individuals will be influenced by both economic and political factors
existing within each respective country. After providing a description of economic
development, the researchers analyze the current economic conditions in several advanced
and developing countries and regions around the world, identifying factors that impact
the development in those areas. In the remainder of the article, the focus is placed on
the skills needed for 21st century workers and the role technology and engineering
education might play in eroding the gaps in skill sets required for developing a
workforce, thus moving a country forward in development and affluence.
Student Professional Development: Competency-Based Learning and
Assessment

Authors: Baughman Jacqulyn A. , Brumm Thomas J. , Mickelson Steven K.
Published: June 2016

This case study examines the implementation of competency-based learning (CBL) and
assessment as a measure of student professional development. Students enrolled in an
industrial technology undergraduate course at a Midwestern university participated in
this study. Based on the degree program outcomes, the “top five” course competencies
were identified, and their key action items were assessed using an industry-based,
360-degree assessment process. Significant differences in the average initial and final
assessed values were used to determine professional development gains. Findings showed
that self-assessed professional gains were achieved, self-assessed results were higher
than peer results, and overall peer assessments indicated aggregate gains in
professional development. This case study provides a foundational framework for further
research studies in competency-based learning and assessment.
Addressing Safety and Liability in STEM Education: A Review of Important
Legal Issues and Case Law1

Authors: Love Tyler S.
Published: June 2016

Labs of today are less safe, students are inadequately instructed in safety, and
faculty members do not have adequate experience to lead students safely (Haynie, 2008).
Technology education, career and technical education (CTE), industrial education,
engineering education, and science education laboratories are potentially dangerous
places, which is why faculty members working in these areas must not only be concerned
with student and faculty safety, but also protection against their own liability
(Gathercoal & Stern, 1987; Frantz, Friedenberg, Gregson, & Walter, 1996; Hall
& Marsh, 2003; Toglia, 2009). Injuries resulting from school laboratory activities
are a harsh reality due to the hands-on design-based learning that is the cornerstone of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Despite potential
injuries, STEM educators cannot fear liability and sacrifice the advantages of
laboratory experiences that foster inquiry-based science and are essential to student
learning (Zirkel & Barnes, 2011).
Studying and following developing case law
can serve as a viable means for institutions, administrators, and faculty members
potentially to prevent an accident and to avoid being found liable. STEM education
teacher preparation programs must adequately prepare pre-service and in-service teachers
and administrators through coursework, professional development, and developing case
law. Being proactive about potential litigation will save time, money, and other costly
measures that are important considering today’s tight budgets and trying to prevent
losses (Janosik, 2005). This article examines current legal cases regarding classroom
and laboratory safety issues for grades P-16 STEM education programs. In addition,
strategies for managing these risks and reducing liability will be discussed.
Reducing the Bullwhip Effect in the Supply Chain: A Study of Different
Ordering Strategies

Authors: Badar M. Affan , Sammidi Shyamsundarreddy , Gardner Leslie
Published: June 2016

Profitability of a company can be affected by the costs associated with backlogs
and large inventories due to the bullwhip effect in the supply chain. This work aims to
find an ordering strategy that is practical and can minimize the bullwhip effect. Five
strategies with different levels of information about inventory and components along the
supply line have been compared with the just in time (JIT) pull strategy and the usage
of point of sale (POS) data. This work uses the beer game spreadsheet simulation
developed by Adams, Flatto, and Gardner (2008). The simulation shows material and
information flow in a four-echelon supply chain. Expressions for cost incurred and
profit obtained by each player (manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, and retailer)
have been developed. Graphs for cost and profit with time are plotted. The strategy
using POS data is found to be the best, and the pull strategy to be the next best.
However, both require discipline. This study shows that putting information about the
inventory levels and components of the supply line into an ordering strategy can also
minimize the bullwhip effect.
Feasibility Assessment of Using the KIP System to Achieve an
Energy-Savings Potential for an Electronic Marquee

Authors: Pan Wen-Fu , Tu Shih-Chun , Chien Mei-Ying , Zhang Ya-Moo
Published: June 2016

Conventional electronic marquees continue to consume energy even without a human
presence. The purpose of this study is to assess energy-savings potential via the
installation of the Kinect and IP Power integrated system (KIP) on an electronic
marquee; this system will transfer the consumption data for total electricity to
electricity-monitoring software (EZ-HD) using a smart meter (EZ-RE) and the ZigBee USB
Dongle. An experiment was conducted at one school entrance for two periods during 10
school months, and it was found that the hourly electricity consumption rate for the
original electronic marquee system was 1.25 kWh. After the KIP system was installed, the
electronic marquee was activated only during human presence, and the hourly electricity
consumption rate was 0.97 kWh, providing an average electricity savings rate of 22.4%.
The results suggest that the KIP system can help to reduce the consumption of
electricity for electronic marquees. Compared to infrared sensor parts used in the past
as power switches for electronic equipment, the advantage of the KIP system is that it
can distinguish a human presence and would not be interfered by moving objects or
animals. In addition, the KIP system has a wider detection range and allows the users to
program and detect different electricity-saving contexts and configurations for
electronic equipment in different venues according to their individual needs. Therefore,
through this test and assessment, we suggest that it is feasible to apply the KIP system
in automatic lighting devices, televisions, air conditioners, or security monitoring
systems.
The Cognitive Processes and Strategies of an Expert and Novice in the
Design of a Wireless Radio Frequency Network

Authors: Lammi Matthew , Thornton Timothy
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to understand the cognitive processes and procedures
employed by an expert and a novice engineer in a realistic radio frequency (RF) systems
engineering design challenge by using verbal protocol analysis (VPA). The engineering
design challenge encompassed engineering, political, and social constraints. The audio
data were then transcribed, segmented, and coded for analysis. The processes and
strategies of the expert and novice were juxtaposed for analysis. The expert and novice
shared some similarities in their cognitive processes and strategies. However, the
expert’s domain knowledge and experience was vastly distinct from that of the
novice.
It’s a “Clicker,” not a Magic Wand: The Effect of a Classroom Response
System on Attendance

Authors: Amstelveen Raoul
Published: June 2016

This study employed a rank-based nonparametric test to examine the effectiveness
of a Classroom Response System (also known as a “clicker”) on attendance. A Mann-Whitney
U test revealed that attendance in the clicker class (experimental group) and attendance
in the nonclicker class (control group) did not differ significantly. However, a survey
of 28 participants in the clicker class showed that learners had positive perceptions of
clickers. Two focused group sessions in the clicker class also revealed that learners
enjoyed using clickers and that they found the clicker technology engaging, interactive,
and entertaining.
Technology Skill Development Among Education Majors

Authors: Sherman Chad
Published: June 2016

This study sought to determine the influence that numerous variables have on the
technology skill development of education majors. The study investigated how the
participants’ age, gender, race, ethnicity, level of comfort with technology, and
learning style(s) correlated with their level of digital literacy. The results revealed
that level of verbal-linguistic intelligence significantly correlated with the subjects’
level of digital literacy, whereas the other seven multiple intelligence variables did
not yield significant findings. Further statistical analysis demonstrated that each of
the multiple intelligence variables (including level of verbal-linguistic intelligence)
had a weak correlation with level of digital literacy when isolated from the other
variables. Each one of the independent variables was found to be a poor predictor of the
education majors’ technology capabilities. Therefore, this article suggests that these
variables (age, gender, level of prior technology use, etc.) should not be relied upon
to predict a student’s technology skills.
Examining the Impact and Cognition of Technology on Preservice Teachers of
English in Swaziland

Authors: Mthethwa Patrick M.
Published: June 2016

This study examined the impact and cognition of technology on preservice teachers
of English in Swaziland, where English is taught as a second language (ESL). Colleges
and universities in Swaziland embarked on an initiative to equip preservice teachers
with technology skills. However, despite that every preservice teacher who graduates
from either a university or college must complete a module in technology, it has not
been established if preservice teachers perceive technology as useful, and if they are
prepared to integrate it into their future teaching experiences. One hundred and
thirty-five ESL preservice teachers participated in this study. They completed a 20-item
questionnaire that was later analyzed using quantitative methods. Subsequently,
follow-up interviews were conducted with 23 participants. Overall, the results revealed
that while preservice teachers had positive perceptions of the usefulness of technology
in language teaching, they were less likely to integrate technology into their language
teaching experiences.
Technological Literacy Courses in Pre-Service Teacher
Education

Authors: Skophammer Roger , Reed Philip A.
Published: June 2016

The goal of this study was to determine to what extent technological literacy
courses were required in K-12 teacher education. A documents review of the appropriate
course catalogs for initial teacher preparation was conducted. The documents review
identified general education requirements and options for technological literacy
courses, as well as requirements and options for these courses for English, social
studies, mathematics, and science education majors. For this study, technological
literacy was defined as “the ability to use, manage, assess, and understand technology”
(ITEA, 2000/2002/2007, p. 9). This definition of literacy is broader than technology
literacy associated with computer use and instructional technology, as well as courses
limited to the history or philosophy of technology. A finding from this study is that
there is very little exposure to technological literacy courses for prospective K-12
teachers. This may be due in part to the confusion between instructional technology
literacy and technological literacy.
Augmented Reality Applications in Education

Authors: Antonioli Misty , Blake Corinne , Sparks Kelly
Published: June 2016

Technology is ever changing and ever growing. One of the newest developing
technologies is augmented reality (AR), which can be applied to many different existing
technologies, such as: computers, tablets, and smartphones. AR technology can also be
utilized through wearable components, for example, glasses. Throughout this literature
review on AR the following aspects are discussed at length: research explored,
theoretical foundations, applications in education, challenges, reactions, and
implications. Several different types of AR devices and applications are discussed at
length, and an in-depth analysis is done on several studies that have implemented AR
technology in an educational setting. This review focuses on how AR technology can be
applied, the issues surrounding the use of this technology, viewpoints of those who have
worked with AR applications; it also identifies multiple areas to be explored in future
research.
Proposed Progression of Lean Six Sigma

Authors: Taylor James , Sinn John , Ulmer Jeffrey M. , Badar M. Affan
Published: June 2016

Lean Six Sigma is a hybrid continuous improvement methodology that has various
definitions, from those that are Lean dominant to those that are Six Sigma dominant.
Text mining and cluster analysis based research has helped to illuminate the degree to
which Lean Six Sigma models, as described in articles published in the International
Journal of Lean Six Sigma, are Lean dominant versus Six Sigma dominant. The iterative
cluster analysis was used to identify clusters of articles that were interpretable. The
research found that some Lean dominant Lean Six Sigma articles ascertain Lean as the
dominant philosophy and Six Sigma as a subordinate tool used in achieving the Lean
objectives. The findings of this research as well extrapolation of the literature
informed a recommended Lean Six Sigma model as described in this article. The
recommended model is Lean dominant and consists of two subordinate methods – Six Sigma
and statistical process control. The three synergistic approaches not only each serve in
their own way to manifest process improvements, they also all contribute to
organizational learning, which is considered a chief contributor to competitive
advantage.
Value of Informal Learning Environments for Students Engaged in
Engineering Design

Authors: Denson Cameron , Lammi Matthew , White Tracy Foote , Bottomley Laura
Published: June 2016

A focus group study was conducted with purposefully sampled student participants
solving an engineering design challenge during a one-week engineering summer camp held
at a research-intensive university in the southeast. The goal of the study was to
further understand the student experience and ascertain the perceived value of an
informal learning environment for students engaged in an engineering design challenge.
Emergent themes are provided to illustrate the primary challenges related to the
engineering design challenge and the aspects of the engineering summer camp that were
beneficial to the student participants. It is anticipated that the results of this study
will constructively add to the literature on learning and teaching in engineering design
across informal and formal learning environments.
Examining the Demographics and Preparation Experiences of Foundations of
Technology Teachers

Authors: Love Tyler S.
Published: June 2016

When the Standards for Technological Literacy were released in 2000, Technology
and Engineering (T&E) educators were expected to integrate concepts from other
content areas within the context of engineering design and problem solving (ITEA/TTEEA,
2000/2002/2007). Fourteen years later, the Next Generation Science Standards called for
science educators to teach engineering content and practices within their cunicula (NGSS
Lead States, 2014). These integrative standards have increased the demands placed on
pie- and in-service teacher preparation efforts to ensure science and T&E educators
are properly prepared to teach cross-disciplinary concepts. However, requisite for
suggesting changes to adequately prepare educators for teaching such concepts, the
demographics and preparation expenences of those teaching within these content areas
must be thoroughly examined. This is especially important m T&E education, where
there arc fewer highly qualified T&E educators than openings m the United States
(Move, 2009). Given this shortage it begs to question, “What are the demographic and
preparation expenences of those tasked with teaching T&E courses?”
This study
examined the demographic and background charactensncs of 55 individuals who were
teaching Foundations of Technology (FoT). the International Technology and Engineering
Educators Association’s (1TEHA) flagship course. Furthermore, this research investigated
the types and amount of formal and informal preparation expenences that participating
FoT teachers completed within science and T&E education. The findings revealed
substantial variations among the preparation expenences of those participants in this
study. From these findings, recommendations to better prepare FoT teachers for integr
ating science concepts were suggested.
A Critical Meta-Analysis of Mobile Learning Research in Higher
Education

Authors: Al Zahrani Hasan , Laxman Kumar
Published: June 2016

This paper is a critical meta-analysis of mobile learning research based on
qualitative descriptions of meta-analyses of m-learning research studies published
between 2009 and 2013. The study covered in this paper looks at the conceptual
frameworks and theories underpinning mobile learning research studies, the global
experiences of using mobile digital devices for learning, and the factors enhancing or
hindering the acceptance and use of mobile digital devices for learning in higher
education. The study concludes that without reference to theoretical and pedagogical
issues, including the design of m-learning, studies of m-learning will not necessarily
further our understanding of how m-learning can contribute to successful learning
outcomes globally.
Effect of the Aquatic Plant Hydrella vorticellata as a Fertilizer on Seed Germination and some Chemical and Cytogenetics Parameters in the cell of Hordeum vulgare and Vicia faba
Authors: Al-hallaq Abeer M. Y. , Al-Makdami Buthayna A. H. , Suliaman Nidhal E. , Ismael Abbas M.
Published: June 2016

The present study is concerned with studying the effect of aquatic plant Hydrella vorticellata with the concentration of 10 and 20 gm/2 K gm soil on percentage and growth rate of germinating seeds of Hordeum vulgare and Vicia faba. More overs, the quantitative amount of NPK in both tested plants and Hydrella vorticellata, are estimated as an organic fertilizer. It has also been find the total number of root cells, the number of dividing cells, and stages of mitosis.
The study reveales, that there are no significant differences between the concentration of hydrella used in germination percentage, growth rate, wet and dry weight. While there are differences in the plants containing NPK.
The number of cells dividing stages and number of dividing cells are increased significantly.
Population Density and Susceptibility of Some Varieties of Potato to Infested by Aphid and Thrips on Spring Plantation in the Middle of Iraq
Authors: AL – Jorany Redha S. , Yousif Ameena H. , Sadik Feryal H
Published: June 2016

Aphid Aphis spp (Hemiptera:Aphididae) and Thrips Thrips spp (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) an economically important pests on several crops in the world and Iraq, that transfer many viruses diseases to it. Field studies were conducted to assessment the population density of these insects and susceptibility of six varieties (Barin, Revera, Divela, Rudlph, Alazata and Pleny) to infestation during 2013 spring season. The results were showed that all Potato varieties were infested by Aphis and Thrips on spring plantation but with different percentage. The Divela variety was higher percentage of infestation and high population density of aphid which averaged 1.47 insect/ leaf while in Alazata was the lower population density which averaged 1.02 insect/ leaf .The higher population density of thrips was recorded on Revera variety with average 2.44 insect / leaf while the lower population density was recorded on Alazata with average 1.61 insect / leaf. The results also showed that the population density of both insect were high at the beginning of the season, reaching 5 insect /leaf for aphid and 6 insect / leaf for thrips in the season half of February,which coincided with emergence of the plants and the beginning of vegetation growth. Different susceptibility were found between varieties to infested by Aphis and Thrips on spring plantation in middle of Iraq.
Effect of different concentration of Gibberellic and Proline acid in the growth and production of pea plant Pisum sativum L.
Authors: AL –Saedi Abbas J. H. , Al–Kazzaz Amel Gh. M. , Yassen Samira M. , Yahya Suhad S.
Published: June 2016

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying with gibberellic acid concentrations (0,50,100)mg.L­¹ and proline acid concentrations (0, 25, 50)mg.L­¹ and their interactions on some growth parameters of pea plant using clay pots in the botanical garden of Biology Department College of Education for pure science Ibn –Al-Haitham ,Baghdad University, for the growing season 2012-2013 the experiment involved the studing of some growth parameters as plant?s height, dry weight, wt. of pods.plant­¹, biology yield and the concentration of some major elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium) in plant?s seeds. The experiment was designed according to Completely Randomized Desig(CRD) with three replications.
Results revealed that foliar application with the concentrations of both acid caused a significant increase in the growth parameters, and the interaction gave a significant effect, the concentration 100 mg.L­¹ gibberellic acid and the concentration 50 mg.L­¹ proline gave the best value for plant?s height, dry weight, the concentration of nitrogen and calcium in plant?s seeds, but the concentration 100 mg.L­¹ gibberellic acid and the concentration 25 mg. L­¹ proline acid gave the higheat value for the concentration of phosphorus in plant?s seeds while the concentration 50 mg .L­¹ gibberellic acid and the concentration 25 mg.L­¹ proline gave the best values for wt. of pods.plant­¹, biology yield.
Extraction and estimation of curcumin compounds from turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes by using different variables (solvent, time and temperature).
Authors: Mutasher Sahar S. , Alwan Abdul kadir Hadi , Jaafar Zainb M. T.
Published: June 2016

The study aimed to investigate the effect of different times as follows 0.5, 1.00, 2.00 and 3.00 hrs, type of solvent (acetone, methanol and ethanol) and temperature (~ 25 and 50)ºc on curcumin percentage yield from turmeric rhizomes. The results showed significant differences (p? 0.05) in all variables. The curcumin content which were determined spectrophotometrically ranged between (0.55-2.90) %. The maximum yield was obtained when temperature, time and solvent were 50ºC, 3 hrs and acetone, respectively.
Investigations about the characteristic behavior of the linear mode of quantum acoustic waves ion
Authors: Jassim Rafal H. , Jassim Mustafa K.
Published: June 2016

The dispersion relation of linear quantum ion acoustic waves is derivate according to a fluid approach that depends on the kinetic description of the systems of charged particles model. We discussed the dispersion relation by changing its parameters and graphically represented. We found through graphs that there is full agreement with previous studies on the subject of interest. That motivates us to discuss the dispersion relation of waves depending on the original basic parameters that implicitly involved in the relationship which change the relationship by one way or another, such as electron Fermi temperature and the density at equilibrium state.
Study of total Immunoglobulin E and Eosinophil count in allergic disease
Authors: Brakhas Suaad A. , Hassan Abrar J. , Jassim Amna N.
Published: June 2016

The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of total immunoglobulin E and percentage count of eosinophil in some of allergic disease. Blood sample collected from 210 patients (110 female, 100 male) with allergic disease (allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and urticaria) their age between 10-70 years and 50 healthy control their age between 23-52 years. A highly significant (P
Level and Statistical Distribution of Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroid Hormones in Iraqi patients with Type1 Diabetes Mellitus at Al-Karkh Side
Authors: Jabar Sara S. , Mohammed Sanad B. , Mahdi Abass R.
Published: June 2016

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease frequently associated with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). The study is conducted at the Specialized Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes-Baghdad at Al-karkh side, during December 2013 up to April 2014. In this study, we investigate the prevalence of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody in(80) type1 diabetic patients with (AITD) and (30) healthy controls .Blood samples are taken for investigation of thyroid tests by using Vitek Immunodiagnstic Assay System (VIDAS).Enzeme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is used to detect anti-thyroid antibody(anti-TPO). The results show that age, gender and BMI (body mass index) are similar in both groups, p>0.05. Among 80 type1 diabetic patients 15(18.8%) are positive. There is a highly significant difference (p0.05) between T3 &T4 and frequency of positive and negative (anti-TPO).
Asemi-Empirical Study of the Adsorption of Some Organic Pollutants on Modified Iraqi Clays
Authors: Al-Saade Khulood A. S. , AL-Ani Huda N.
Published: June 2016

In this work semi–empirical method (PM3) calculations are carried out by (MOPAC) computational packages have been employed to calculate the molecular orbital's energies for some organic pollutants. The long– chain quaternary ammonium cations called Iraqi Clays (Bentonite – modified) are used to remove these organic pollutants from water, by adding a small cationic surfactant so as to result in floes which are agglomerates of organobentonite to remove organic pollutants. This calculation which suggests the best surface active material, can be used to modify the adsorption efficiency of aniline , phenol, phenol deriviatives, Tri methyl glycine, ester and pecticides , on Iraqi Clay (bentonite) by comparing the theoretical results with experimental results achived in previous experimental studies between some organic pollutants and modified bentonite by (1- Hexadecyl pyridinium bromide) (HDPYBr). The theoretical calculation is made by using three surface active materials [1- (Hexadecyl pyridinium bromide) (HDPYBr), (1,12- Dipyridiniododecane dibromide) (DPYDDBr2) and Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA)]. Using (HDTMA) leads to the best adsorption efficiency for most pollutants involved in this study. The enthalpy of formations, dipole and energy of molecular orbitale HOMO and LUMO energies levels are calculated for all pollutants and the three surface active materials.
Early Baldness in Males and Hormonal Changes
Authors: Sattar Sura A. Abdul , Al-Kazazz Fatin F. , Al-Ogaidi Othman Saleh
Published: June 2016

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or baldness is a common form of hair loss, affecting men more than women .The exact causes and pathogenesis of baldness are not well understood. A search for new drug is still needed. This study aims to evaluate the role of gonadotropins hormones in hair loss in males and its possibility to be used as treatment target.
A total of 78 volunteers 43 with baldness and 35 healthy men were participated in this study. Their age ranged between (20-49) years, the studied groups were divided into two categories: firstly according to age (group1: 20-29 year), (group2: 30-39 year),and (group3: 40-49 year).Secondly according to baldness degree. LH and FSH were measured by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits.
The results showed a significant decrease (p