bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
20 cm VLA radio-continuum study of M31-images and point source catalogues DR2: Extraction of a supernova remnant sample
Authors: Galvin T.J. , Filipovic M.D.
Published: October 2014

We present Data Release 2 of the Point Source Catalogue created from a series
of previously constructed radio-continuum images of M31 at ?=20 cm (v=1.4
GHz) from archived VLA observations. In total, we identify a collection of
916 unique discrete radio sources across the field of M31. Comparing these
detected sources to those listed by Gelfand et al. (2004) at ?=92 cm, the
spectral index of 98 sources has been derived. The majority (73%) of these
sources exhibit a spectral index of ?<-0.6, indicating that their emission is
predominantly non-thermal in nature, which is typical for background objects
and Supernova Remnants (SNRs). Additionally, we investigate the presence of
radio counterparts for some 156 SNRs and SNR candidates, finding a total of
only 13 of these objects in our images within a 500 search area. Auxiliary
optical, radio and X-ray catalogues were cross referenced highlighting a
small population of SNRs and SNR candidates common to multi frequency
domains.
Calling Balls and Strikes: The Question of Authority and Power in Dialogical Education
Authors: Sarid Ariel
Published: October 2014

Given both the theoretical and practical complications arising from the use of authority in dialogical education, this article explores the kind of authority that dialogical education presupposes. By referring to the special responsibilities of dialogic teachers, this article claims that questions of authority and power in classroom dialogical practices must be seen as connected to the idea of authentic self-creation – of all involved in the learning process. Next, by applying the notion of publicly shared authority, this article offers a new understanding of authentic authority, one which is most compatible with dialogic practices, enabling educational practitioners to balance inherent tensions or incompatible demands (on teachers and students) that lie at the very heart of dialogical education. Finally, this new understanding of authentic authority is clarified and spelled out by presenting three aspects of ‘openness’, each perceiving authentic authority from different yet complementary points of view.
Narrating Anger: Conceptualisations and Representations of Children's Anger in Programmes for Social and Emotional Learning
Authors: Bartholdsson Åsa
Published: October 2014

This article offers a critical investigation into the conceptualisation and the representations of anger in manual-based programmes for social and emotional training used in a Swedish preschool group and in a preschool class. The study is based on participant observation and analysis of programme materials (teachers' manuals, materials for exercises, children's workbooks) used in these settings. Anger is hyper-cognised in the programmes, highlighted as a destructive emotion which needs to be under control. It is argued here that the examples of anger presented in the programmes, and the narratives of anger which are positively sanctioned by teachers in exercises, appear as adult representations of children's anger rather than reflecting children's own experiences of being angry. The anger (situations) proposed in the programmes thus become models for real-life experiences, rather than models of real-life experiences. The situations proposed by the programme constructors and the teachers become general representations into which the children are expected to organise their personal experiences. The aim of the exercises dealing with anger is not about understanding why anger occurs in some situations, but to identify situations where children need to be in control. Real life experiences of anger do not match the provided conceptualisations and representations of anger and actually undermine the aim of the exercises, which is to shape self-regulating institutional persons who do not challenge the prevailing social order.
PFI and the Performative Politics of Dissent: Lessons for Democratic Education
Authors: McDonnell Jane
Published: October 2014

This article reports on an instance of direct political action undertaken in the form of a boycott of a school canteen. The action was staged by students at the school, following redevelopment through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project. The young people's experiences of the boycott and its impact on their learning were analysed in the context of a larger, interpretative study exploring the relationships between democratic education and the arts. The research offers some important insights into the nature of young people's political engagement and suggests some important implications for democratic education. Specifically it indicates that – at least in the case of the participants in this study – young people are not politically disengaged but are rather differently engaged, and that such engagement can act as an important resource within a critical approach to democratic education.
Entanglements of Neoliberal Capitalism, Whiteness, and Technoculture in Early Childhood Art Encounters
Authors: Clark Vanessa
Published: October 2014

This article seeks to trouble the art materials and practices that are often found in early childhood education (ECE) spaces. It situates its discussion of a children's art encounter within the worlds of neoliberal capitalism entangled with technocultures of whiteness. Certain bodies and subjectivities are produced through these systems, revealing how power adheres in local phenomena. For example, these systems circulate through art in the ECE classroom. The article presents new ways of mapping these complex political worlds. It is hoped that engaging and confronting ECE arts within these worlds will provide spaces, without any easy escapes or solutions, for educators to grapple with these complexities.
Optimal asymmetric thread for orthodontic microimplants: Laboratory and clinical evaluation
Authors: Alrbata Raed H. , Ha Do-Won , Yu Wonjae , Kyung Hee-Moon
Published: October 2014

Objectives: 

To investigate the performance of microimplants incorporating a newly designed asymmetric thread.

Materials and Methods: 

Three microimplants were compared. The control group comprised microimplants with the original v-shaped thread. The two experimental groups (Taper 1.0 and Taper 1.25) comprised prototype microimplants constructed with the new asymmetric thread; the Taper 1.25 specimens had a 1.25-mm-long and sharper tip, while the Taper 1.0 and control groups had a less sharp 1-mm tip. Two specially designed artificial bone blocks mimicking soft (maxillary) and hard (mandibular) bone were used to evaluate the microimplant insertion characteristics and postinsertion lateral stability. The peak insertion torque, insertion time, Periotest value (PTV), and torsional strength were measured. Then the microimplants were evaluated clinically over a 3-month period.

Results: 

Significant differences in peak insertion torque, insertion time, and PTV were observed and favored the experimental groups. Although statistically insignificant, the clinical success rate was also higher in the Taper 1.25 experimental group than in the control group (87.2% vs 75.6%).

Conclusions: 

The better performances of the experimental microimplant, under both laboratory and clinical conditions (although statistically insignificant in the latter), demonstrate the superiority of the new asymmetric thread.
International survey of veterinarians to assess the importance of competencies in professional practice and education
Authors: Bok Harold G. J. , Teunissen Pim W. , Boerboom Tobias B. B. , Rhind Susan M. , Baillie Sarah , Tegzes John , Annandale Henry , Matthew Susan , Torgersen Anne , Hecker Kent G. , Härdi-Landerer Christina M. , Gomez-Lucia Esperanza , Ahmad Bashir , Muijtjens Arno M. M. , Jaarsma Debbie A. D. C. , van der Vleuten Cees P. M. , van Beukelen Peter
Published: October 2014

Objective—To determine the perceived importance of specific competencies in professional veterinary practice and education among veterinarians in several countries.

Design—Survey-based prospective study.

Sample—1,137 veterinarians in 10 countries.

Procedures—Veterinarians were invited via email to participate in the study. A framework of 18 competencies grouped into 7 domains (veterinary expertise, communication, collaboration, entrepreneurship, health and welfare, scholarship, and personal development) was used. Respondents rated the importance of each competency for veterinary professional practice and for veterinary education by use of a 9-point Likert scale in an online questionnaire. Quantitative statistical analyses were performed to assess the data.

Results—All described competencies were perceived as having importance (with overall mean ratings [all countries] ≥ 6.45/9) for professional practice and education. Competencies related to veterinary expertise had the highest ratings (overall mean, 8.33/9 for both professional practice and education). For the veterinary expertise, entrepreneurship, and scholarship domains, substantial differences (determined on the basis of statistical significance and effect size) were found in importance ratings among veterinarians in different countries.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated a general consensus regarding the importance of specific types of competencies in veterinary professional practice and education. Further research into the definition of competencies essential for veterinary professionals is needed to help inform an international dialogue on the subject.
Review of gunshot injuries in cats and dogs and utility of a triage scoring system to predict short-term outcome: 37 cases (2003–2008)
Authors: Olsen Lisa E. , Streeter Elizabeth M. , DeCook Rhonda R.
Published: October 2014

Objective—To describe the signalment, wound characteristics, and treatment of gunshot injuries in cats and dogs in urban and rural environments, and to evaluate the utility of the animal trauma triage (ATT) score as an early predictor of survival to discharge from the hospital.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—29 dogs and 8 cats.

Procedures—Medical records of cats and dogs evaluated for gunshot wounds from 2003 and 2008 at a private urban referral practice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and an urban veterinary teaching hospital in Ames, Iowa, were reviewed. Information collected included signalment, chief reason for evaluation, circumstance of the injury, general physical examination findings, wound characteristics, treatments provided, cost of care, survival to discharge from the hospital (yes vs no), and duration of hospital stay. For each animal, ATT scores were calculated and evaluated as a prognostic tool.

Results—37 animals met study inclusion criteria. Animals with higher ATT scores had a greater likelihood of poor outcome following gunshot injury. Animals with higher ATT scores, classified as low (< 4.5) or high (> 4.5), were found to have a longer duration of stay, classified as zero (0 days), short (1 to 3 days), or long (> 3 days). Young male dogs generally considered working breeds were overrepresented (29/37 [78.4%]). A preference for low-velocity, low-kinetic-energy firearms was identified (19/37 [52%]). The most numerous wounds were those inflicted to the limbs (12/37 [32.4%]), during low-visibility hours or hunting excursions. Calculated ATT scores on admission were higher in animals requiring blood products or surgical procedures and in nonsurvivors.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study suggested that regional preferences in breed ownership and firearm choice are responsible for variation in gunshot injury characteristics and management in animals sustaining injuries in rural and urban settings in Iowa. In cats and dogs, calculation of an ATT score may provide a useful predictor of the need for surgery or blood products, duration of stay, and likelihood of survival to discharge from the hospital.
A Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation Architecture for Integration of Smart Buildings and Distributed Energy Resources in Micro Grids
Authors: Costanzo G. , Ferrarini L. , Mantovani G. , Krusteva A. , Georgiev M. , Antchev M.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the design, implementation and test of hardware in the loop simulation architecture for integration of Smart Buildings and distributed energy resources in Micro Grids. The rationale for this work is the integration of off-the-shelves devices in a HIL simulation setup within software development. The architecture and preliminary results are presented, together with a case study for integrating flexible units, such as a space heating system and Electric Vehicles in a Smart Building equipped with local solar energy production.
Polydrug use by European adolescents in the context of other problem behaviours
Authors: Kokkevi Anna , Kanavou Eleftheria , Richardson Clive , Fotiou Anastasios , Papadopoulou Sonia , Monshouwer Karin , Matias Joao , Olszewski Deborah
Published: October 2014

Aim

Previous studies of the association between polydrug use and other risk behaviours have generally been limited to specific substances and a small number of behaviours. The aim of this study is to obtain better insight into polydrug use (comprising legal and illegal substances: tobacco, alcohol, tranquillisers/sedatives, cannabis, and other illegal drugs) and its association with co-occurring problem behaviours drawn from various broad domains (sexual, aggressive, delinquent, school achievement, relationships) among European adolescents.

Methods

Data were obtained from 101,401 16-year-old students from 35 European countries participating in the 2011 ESPAD survey. Associations between polydrug use and other problem behaviours were examined by multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses.

Results

Tranquillisers/sedatives appeared among the commonest combinations in the polydrug use pattern, especially for females. A strong trend was found between levels of involvement with polydrug use and other problem behaviours for both genders. The highest associations with polydrug use were for problems with the police, risky sexual behaviour and skipping school. Gender differences showed higher prevalences among boys than girls of problem behaviours of aggressive, antisocial type, while girls prevailed over boys in relationship problems.

Conclusion

An incremental relationship exists between the level of involvement with polydrug use and the co-occurrence of problem behaviours. Preventative interventions should consider the misuse of tranquillisers/sedatives within the context of polydrug use by adolescents and expand their target groups towards multiple problem behaviours.
Trends in the association between prescribed and non-prescribed use of tranquillisers or sedatives among adolescents in 22 European countries
Authors: Fotiou Anastasios , Kanavou Eleftheria , Richardson Clive , Kokkevi Anna
Published: October 2014

Aims

Tranquillisers and sedatives are valuable medicines with high misuse potential, increasingly used by adolescents without a doctor's prescription. We examined the changing association between lifetime non-prescribed use of tranquillisers or sedatives and their prescribed use in European adolescents in 2003-2011.

Design

Cross-sectional data from 199,231 16-year-old students were collected through anonymous questionnaires administered in schools in 22 European countries participating in the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Results

Logistic regression analyses showed a modest increase in lifetime non-prescribed use of tranquillisers or sedatives (adjusted OR [AOR] = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06-1.11, p < 0.001) and a decrease in prescribed use (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.87-0.91, p < 0.001) between 2003 and 2011. Adjusting for gender and survey year, any versus no prescribed use increased the odds tenfold for non-prescribed use (AOR = 10.15, 99% CI: 9.60-10.74, p < 0.001). Adjusting also for changes in cannabis use did not affect the strength of the association. Interactions of factors with survey year showed that between 2003 and 2011, there was an increase of 38% in the odds that tranquilliser or sedative misusers had not used these drugs also with a doctor's prescription (AOR = 1.38, 99% CI: 1.28-1.50, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The waning strength of the association between prescribed and non-prescribed use of tranquillisers or sedatives among adolescents may suggest changes both in the patterns of use and the channels of diversion and access to this class of medication in Europe.
Collectivity of drinking behavior among adolescents: An analysis of the Norwegian ESPAD data 1995-2011
Authors: Brunborg Geir Scott , Bye Elin K. , Rossow Ingeborg
Published: October 2014

Aims

The aim of the current study was to test empirically two predictions from Skog's theory of collectivity of drinking behavior, using time series data from Norwegian adolescents. The two specific predictions were: 1) A change in mean alcohol consumption is positively associated with a change in the proportion of heavy drinkers, and 2) A change in mean alcohol consumption is positively associated with a change at all consumption levels.

Data & Methods

The present analyses are based on ESPAD data collected from Norwegian adolescents (15-16 years) in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. The relationship between mean consumption and the proportion of heavy drinkers was analyzed by regressing the proportions of heavy drinkers at each time point on the consumption means at each time point. In order to assess whether adolescents at all consumption levels, from light to heavy drinkers, changed collectively as mean consumption changed, we regressed log-transformed consumption means on the log-transformed percentile values (P25, P50, P75, P90 and P95). The analysis was restricted to adolescents who had consumed alcohol in the last 30 days (total n = 7554).

Results

The results showed a strong relationship between mean alcohol consumption and the proportion of heavy drinkers. An increase in mean consumption was also associated with an increase at all consumption levels, from light to heavy drinkers.

Conclusion

The results of the current study are in line with the theory of collectivity of drinking behavior. The findings of this study suggest that by reducing the total consumption of alcohol among adolescents, consumption and risk of harm may be reduced in all consumer groups.
Social skills and their relationship to drug use among 15-16-year-old students in Estonia: An analysis based on the ESPAD data
Authors: Vorobjov Sigrid , Saat Helve , Kull Merike
Published: October 2014

Aim

to investigate the relationship between levels of social skills and drug use among 15-16-year-old students in Estonia.

Methods

A total of 2,460 Estonian schoolchildren, born in 1995, participated in the ESPAD study in 2011. Individual social skills levels were measured with questions on prosocial and antisocial behaviours assessing how children perform within their social milieu. The relationship between social skills levels and drug use was estimated using chi-squared tests and logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for gender, parents' education and financial well-being, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate risks of drug use by social skills level.

Results

Students with lower social skills were at greater risk of starting smoking and smoking daily (50% risk increase). Students with low social skills had a higher risk of lifetime use of cannabis (OR=1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.9), sedatives/tranquillisers without a prescription (OR=2.3; 1.4-3.9), and inhalants (OR=1.9; 1.2-3.0). The number of students with lower social skills was significantly higher among boys than girls: 35% vs 19%.

Conclusions

Students' social skill levels were related to their licit and illicit drug use. A low level of social skills can increase adolescents' vulnerability to drug use. As boys' social skills levels appeared much lower and their drug use higher than that of girls, we suggest that gender-related risk prevention programmes of social skills training could be beneficial in preventing drug use.
Seasonal cold adaptation dynamics of some carabid beetle species: Carabus granulatus, Pterostichus oblongopunctatus and Platynus assimilis
Authors: Ploomi Angela , Kivimägi Irja , Kruus Eha , Sibul Ivar , Jõgar Katrin , Hiiesaar Külli , Metspalu Luule
Published: October 2014

Cold-hardiness can be measured by supercooling points – the temperature
at which spontaneous freezing occurs. Seasonal changes in supercooling point were
assessed in field-collected predacious carabid beetle species: Carabus granulatus L.,
Pterostichus oblongopunctatus L. and Platynus assimilis Payk. (Coleoptera: Carabidae).
Supercooling ability of these beetles changed seasonally. The tested carabid beetles
proved to belong to freeze-avoiding cryotype.
The Role of Rab Proteins in Neuronal Cells and in the Trafficking of Neurotrophin Receptors
Authors: Bucci Cecilia , Alifano Pietro , Cogli Laura
Published: October 2014

Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that are important for neuronal development, neuronal survival and neuronal functions. Neurotrophins exert their role by binding to their receptors, the Trk family of receptor tyrosine kinases (TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC) and p75NTR, a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. Binding of neurotrophins to receptors triggers a complex series of signal transduction events, which are able to induce neuronal differentiation but are also responsible for neuronal maintenance and neuronal functions. Rab proteins are small GTPases localized to the cytosolic surface of specific intracellular compartments and are involved in controlling vesicular transport. Rab proteins, acting as master regulators of the membrane trafficking network, play a central role in both trafficking and signaling pathways of neurotrophin receptors. Axonal transport represents the Achilles' heel of neurons, due to the long-range distance that molecules, organelles and, in particular, neurotrophin-receptor complexes have to cover. Indeed, alterations of axonal transport and, specifically, of axonal trafficking of neurotrophin receptors are responsible for several human neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and some forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In this review, we will discuss the link between Rab proteins and neurotrophin receptor trafficking and their influence on downstream signaling pathways.
Potentialities of a Membrane Reactor with Laccase Grafted Membranes for the Enzymatic Degradation of Phenolic Compounds in Water
Authors: Chea Vorleak , Paolucci-Jeanjean Delphine , Sanchez José , Belleville Marie-Pierre
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the degradation of phenolic compounds by laccases from Trametes versicolor in an enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR). The enzymatic membranes were prepared by grafting laccase on a gelatine layer previously deposited onto α-alumina tubular membranes. The 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP) was selected from among the three different phenolic compounds tested (guaiacol, 4-chlorophenol and DMP) to study the performance of the EMR in dead end configuration. At the lowest feed substrate concentration tested (100 mg·L−1), consumption increased with flux (up to 7.9 × 103 mg·h−1·m−2 at 128 L·h−1·m−2), whereas at the highest substrate concentration (500 mg·L−1), it was shown that the reaction was limited by the oxygen content.
Force Sensor Characterization Under Sinusoidal Excitations
Authors: Medina Nieves , De Vicente Jesús
Published: October 2014

The aim in the current work is the development of a method to characterize force sensors under sinusoidal excitations using a primary standard as the source of traceability. During this work the influence factors have been studied and a method to minimise their contributions, as well as the corrections to be performed under dynamic conditions have been established. These results will allow the realization of an adequate characterization of force sensors under sinusoidal excitations, which will be essential for its further proper use under dynamic conditions. The traceability of the sensor characterization is based in the direct definition of force as mass multiplied by acceleration. To do so, the sensor is loaded with different calibrated loads and is maintained under different sinusoidal accelerations by means of a vibration shaker system that is able to generate accelerations up to 100 m/s2 with frequencies from 5 Hz up to 2400 Hz. The acceleration is measured by means of a laser vibrometer with traceability to the units of time and length. A multiple channel data acquisition system is also required to simultaneously acquire the electrical output signals of the involved instrument in real time.
Milk Thistle Extract and Silymarin Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide Induced Lamellar Separation of Hoof Explants in Vitro
Authors: Reisinger Nicole , Schaumberger Simone , Nagl Veronika , Hessenberger Sabine , Schatzmayr Gerd
Published: October 2014

The pathogenesis of laminitis is not completely identified and the role of endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) in this process remains unclear. Phytogenic substances, like milk thistle (MT) and silymarin, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and might therefore have the potential to counteract endotoxin induced effects on the hoof lamellar tissue. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of endotoxins on lamellar tissue integrity and to test if MT and silymarin are capable of inhibiting LPS-induced effects in an in vitro/ex vivo model. In preliminary tests, LPS neutralization efficiency of these phytogenics was determined in an in vitro neutralization assay. Furthermore, tissue explants gained from hooves of slaughter horses were tested for lamellar separation after incubation with different concentrations of LPS. By combined incubation of explants with LPS and either Polymyxin B (PMB; positive control), MT or silymarin, the influence of these substances on LPS-induced effects was assessed. In the in vitro neutralization assay, MT and silymarin reduced LPS concentrations by 64% and 75%, respectively, in comparison PMB reduced 98% of the LPS concentration. In hoof explants, LPS led to a concentration dependent separation. Accordantly, separation force was significantly decreased by 10 µg/mL LPS. PMB, MT and silymarin could significantly improve tissue integrity of explants incubated with 10 µg/mL LPS. This study showed that LPS had a negative influence on the structure of hoof explants in vitro. MT and silymarin reduced endotoxin activity and inhibited LPS-induced effects on the lamellar tissue. Hence, MT and silymarin might be used to support the prevention of laminitis and should be further evaluated for this application.
Nanocrystalline ceria coatings on solid oxide fuel cell anodes: the role of organic surfactant pretreatments on coating microstructures and sulfur tolerance
Authors: Wu Chieh-Chun , Tang Ling , De Guire Mark R
Published: October 2014

Treatments with organic surfactants, followed by the deposition of nanocrystalline ceria coatings from aqueous solution, were applied to anodes of solid oxide fuel cells. The cells were then operated in hydrogen/nitrogen fuel streams with H2S contents ranging from 0 to 500 ppm. Two surfactant treatments were studied: immersion in dodecanethiol, and a multi-step conversion of a siloxy-anchored alkyl bromide to a sulfonate functionality. The ceria coatings deposited after the thiol pretreatment, and on anodes with no pretreatment, were continuous and uniform, with thicknesses of 60–170 nm and 100–140 nm, respectively, and those cells exhibited better lifetime performance and sulfur tolerance compared to cells with untreated anodes and anodes with ceria coatings deposited after the sulfonate pretreatment. Possible explanations for the effects of the treatments on the structure of the coatings, and for the effects of the coatings on the performance of the cells, are discussed.
Effect of cyclodextrin complexation on phenylpropanoids’ solubility and antioxidant activity
Authors: Kfoury Miriana , Landy David , Auezova Lizette , Greige-Gerges Hélène , Fourmentin Sophie
Published: October 2014

The complexation abilities of five cyclodextrins (CDs) with seven phenylpropanoids (PPs) were evaluated by UV–visible spectroscopy, phase solubility studies and molecular modeling. Formation constants (Kf), complexation efficiency (CE), PP:CD molar ratio, increase in formulation bulk and complexation energy were assessed. All complexes exhibited a 1:1 stoichiometry but their stability was influenced by the nature and the position of the phenyl ring substituents. A relationship between the intrinsic solubility of guests (S0) and the solubilizing potential of CD was proposed. Molecular modeling was used to investigate the complementarities between host and guest. Finally, the antioxidant activity of encapsulated PPs was evaluated by scavenging of the stable DPPH radical.
OARLCAM : An Ontology-based Approach for Reusing and Learning through Context-aware Annotations Memory
Authors: Aloui Nadia , Gargouri F.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we present an approach to adapt and reuse learning annotations and contexts. Then we explain the process to capitalization and reuse of learning annotations and associated learning contexts. This is to provide to the actor, an appropriate learning which is reviewed or validated previously by others, with similar learning contexts. The modeling and the formalization of learning annotations and learning contexts will allow to define functions for their comparison and their evaluations, in order to reuse them. We propose our method measuring similarities. In this way, we get learning annotations dedicated to a given and well-defined pedagogical goal. An alignment between the two types of ontology, respectively that of the annotation and that of the context will provide us with a learning based on annotations according to the current context which requires a pertinent criterion of similarity between the learning contexts and the learning annotations. This approach allows to manage annotations and adapt actors (learner, tutor, teacher, and coauthor) behaviours with the various contexts of their activities. It offers a great reutilisability to share and have a better quality of learning.
Black Box Metadata Creation: The Academic Problem
Authors: Maycock Keith , Keating John
Published: October 2014

Adaptive learning systems attempt to adapt learning content to suit the needs of the learners using the system. Most adaptive techniques, however, are constrained by the pedagogical preference of the author of the system and are always constrained to the system they were developed for and the domain content. Understanding the environmental constructs of a learning environment is critical to be able to consider adapting content to individual learners. A sample personal profile is described that can be used to automatically generate instructional content to suit the pedagogical preference and cognitive ability of a learner in real time, in an online learning environment. This paper introduces a Content Analyser (CA) that is used to automatically generate metadata to encapsulate cognitive resources within instructional content. The analyser is designed to bridge the perceived gap found within instructional repositories between inconsistent metadata created for instructional content and multiple metadata standards being used. All instructional content that is analysed is repackaged as Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) conforming content.
Social Media: An Optimal Virtual Environment for Learning Foreign Languages
Authors: Faizi Rdouan , El Afia Abdellatif , Chiheb Raddouane
Published: October 2014

The present paper aims at exploring the potential role that social media technologies play in learning foreign languages. For this purpose, a survey was carried out to examine students’ and language learners’ perceptions and attitudes about using these platforms. Results of the research study revealed that the great majority of the respondents actually use these web-based applications to enhance their language skills. Most importantly, they noted that social media contribute in improving their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. Accordingly, we strongly recommend that instructors use these online tools in distant, blended, or face-to-face language learning settings.
Using Activity Theory as Analytical Framework for Evaluating Contextual Online Collaborative Learning
Authors: Mohamad Said Mohd Nihra Haruzuan , Mohd Tahir Lokman , Ali Mohd Fadzli , Md Noor Norah , Atan Noor Azean , Abdullah Zaleha
Published: October 2014

In this article, Activity Theory is used as analytical framework for developing and evaluating the model of contextual online collaborative learning. Activity Theory is useful particularly because it provided the researcher with tool to structure human activities in relation to computer within a context. As in the context of this study, Activity Theory proved to be useful for developing and evaluating the incorporation of online collaborative learning within a particular chosen context, i.e. conventional tertiary classroom. Discussions on findings based on the analysis of contextual online collaborative learning are also provided.
Presenting Physics Content and Fostering Creativity in Physics among Less-Academically Inclined Students through a Simple Design-Based Toy Project
Authors: Amir Nazir , Subramaniam R.
Published: October 2014

One of the emphases of 21st century science education is in producing students who are creative and who can contribute to the economy. Physics affords immense scope in this regard. This study illustrates an instructional teaching approach to present the physics concepts of density and forces in liquids to kinesthetic students and, at the same time, offers an avenue to foster creativity among them through the fabrication of variants of a popular physics toy: the Cartesian diver. It was conducted during curriculum time in a physics laboratory. Results showed that the students were able to showcase their creative abilities through knowledge from physics in this design-based toy project. Students found the pedagogical approach suitable for learning physics content and also a fun way to showcase their creative abilities through knowledge from physics. They also developed positive attitudes towards studying physics after going through this project.
Application of Information and Communication Technology to Create E-Learning Environments for Mathematics Knowledge Learning to Prepare for Engineering Education
Authors: Cai Tianxing
Published: October 2014

The standards for mathematical practice describe varieties of expertise that mathematics educators should develop in their students, including NCTM process standards (problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, representation, and connections), NRC's report “Adding It Up” (adaptive reasoning, strategic competence, conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and productive disposition), common core state standards in mathematics (ICT application) to support mathematics teaching and learning. There is a need to provide effective ways that technology can be integrated into mathematics classrooms. Mathematical methods and techniques are typically used in engineering and industrial fields. It can also become an interdisciplinary subject motivated by engineers' needs. Mathematical problems in engineering result in rigorous engineering application carried out by mathematical tools. Therefore, a solid understanding and command of mathematical knowledge is very necessary. This chapter presents the introduction of currently available ICTs and their application of to create e-learning environments to prepare for the students' future engineering education.
China's Techno-Nationalism in the Global Era
Authors: Cunha Luís
Published: October 2014

This chapter introduces techno-nationalism, a growing trend in the rise of China that has global implications, particularly for the European Union (EU). Techno-nationalism finds expression in efforts to set new technological standards and in the desire for a Chinese scientist to win the Nobel Prize. The country distinguishes itself through the “Chinese characteristics” of its techno-nationalism. The gap between China and the developed world is narrowing. And that includes the field of high technology. Currently, the EU and China are waging a battle for innovation, and for this purpose, they mobilize vast resources. The author argues that Europe is beginning to have difficulty keeping pace. It will be increasingly difficult for the West to maintain technological leadership. The author hopes that this chapter will help decision-makers and academics to comprehend China's techno-nationalism and the risks of protectionism in the EU-China relationship.
Huawei's Battle
Authors: Chung Mona , Mascitelli Bruno
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the causes and reasons for these actions and to ascertain what key strategic approaches and positioning lie behind the high-level political tension. This is a conceptual chapter that looks at Huawei, the giant Chinese telecommunications company that has become the focus of contract exclusion and finger pointing by certain Western governments. The finding of this chapter suggests that the argument of “national security” used by the US and Australia in refusing Huawei's NBN contract is controversial. The chapter provides the causes behind this argument. This chapter makes valuable contribution whether it be due to Cold War legacies or business competition; the exclusions do not sit well in this globalised economy.
A Conceptual Framework for Achieving Flexibility at Strategic Level in Large- and Medium-Scale Indian Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Singh Doordarshi , Oberoi Jaspreet Singh , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh
Published: October 2014

Manufacturing organizations have to cope with hypercompetitive, uncertain, and increasingly dynamic environments these days. This increased dynamism is created by the rapidly changing needs of the customer, the fast changes in technology and market, etc. Developing flexibility in manufacturing organizations better prepares them to respond to dynamic market conditions and rapidly shifting customer needs. Manufacturing organizations today tend to improve and implement manufacturing flexibility at a strategic level. In this chapter, different strategies to achieve flexibility at strategic level are identified. Further, the type of strategies to be adopted for a particular flexibility dimension at strategic level and under particular market environment are studied. In this chapter, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Set Theory (FST) are applied to develop a framework for achieving strategic flexibility in manufacturing organizations.
Relationship between Company's Intellectual Capital and Performance
Authors: Narwal Karam Pal , Soriya Sushila
Published: October 2014

This chapter examines the relationship between Financial Reporting of Intellectual Capital and Company's Performances in Indian Information Technology Industry. The sample consisted of 60 companies listed on NSE for a time period of 1999-00 to 2008-09. Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAICTM) method developed by Pulic (1998) was used for the analysis of the data. The chapter uses VAICTM model and regression equation for the evaluation of intellectual capital and their relationship with productivity, profitability, and market valuation of the companies. The result of the chapter supports the hypothesis that profitability of the company can be explained by the intellectual capital. However, there is no significant association of intellectual capital with productivity and market capitalization of the companies for the selected time period of year 1999-00 to 2008-09.
An Importance Sampling Method for Expectation of Portfolio Credit Risk
Authors: Qiu Yue , Wang Chuansheng
Published: October 2014

Simulation is widely used to estimate losses due to default and other credit events in financial portfolios. The accurate measurement of credit risk can be modeled as a rare event simulation problem. While Monte Carlo simulation is time-consuming for rare events, importance sampling techniques can effectively reduce the simulation time, thus improving simulation efficiency. This chapter proposes a new importance sampling method to estimate rare event probability in simulation models. The optimal importance sampling distributions are derived in terms of expectation in the normal copula model developed in finance. In the normal copula model, dependency is introduced through a set of common factors of multiple obligors. The intriguing dependence between defaults of multiple obligors imposes hurdles in simulation. The simulated results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach to solving the portfolio credit risk problem.
Intellectual Capital in Malaysian SMEs
Authors: Khalique Muhammad
Published: October 2014

The aim of this chapter is to shed light on the concept and application of intellectual capital in the food industry in Kuching, Malaysia. There is no doubt that intellectual capital is a most important strategic asset for the success of organizations. In a competitive business environment, intellectual capital has been a vital element of success, particularly in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study is to examine the role of intellectual capital in order to enhance the business performance of SMEs operating in the food industry in Kuching, Malaysia. In this chapter, three components of intellectual capital, namely human capital, customer capital, and structural capital, are employed to examine the role of intellectual capital in SMEs. A structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert Scale was used to gather the data from the targeted respondents by using a convenience-sampling technique. A total of 200 questionnaire sets were distributed to the targeted respondents. From the total distributed questionnaires, a total of 194 respondents gave their feedback. Four research hypotheses were addressed to find the objectives of this study. To test the proposed research hypotheses, multiple regression technique was used. The findings of this study show that the three components of intellectual capital collectively and individually have positive and significant relationships with the business performance of baking SMEs. Subsequently, the four hypotheses of this study were supported. This chapter is a preliminary study about the baking SMEs operating in the food sector in Malaysia.
A GIS Based Methodology in Renewable Energy Sources Sustainability
Authors: Caiaffa Emanuela , Pollino Maurizio , Marucci Alessandro
Published: October 2014

The exploitation of renewable energy sources has assumed a significant role, especially in an integrated vision of problems concerning energy policies, The 2009/28/EC Directive of the European Parliament and Council has indicated ambitious energy and climate change objectives for 2020 (according to the so-called “EU2020 Strategy”): greenhouse gas emissions reduction for 20%, renewable energy increase for 20%, improvement in energy efficiency for 20%. The aim of this paper is to present a GIS based methodology able to support decision-making in energy supply from Renewable Energy Sources (RES), focusing on two specific case-studies: Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind energy. To decide what type of renewable energy font is the best choice for a specific territory, it's important to know the local energetic situation, exploring the potential renewable energy sources available in that specific area, deciding what is the territory more compatible/sustainable among them, and if it's exploitable by suitable environmental and economic point of view. The methodology is largely directed towards the development of a tool to support siting decision.
An Examination of Personal Mobility Patterns in Space and Time Using Twitter
Authors: Birkin Mark , Harland Kirk , Malleson Nicolas , Cross Philip , Clarke Martin
Published: October 2014

New sources of data relating to personal mobility and activity patterns are now providing a unique opportunity to explore movement patterns at increasing scales of spatial and temporal refinement. In this article, a corpus of messages from the Twitter social networking platform are examined. An elementary classification of users is proposed on the basis of frequency of use in space and time. The behaviour of different user groups is investigated across small areas in the major conurbation of Leeds. Substantial variations can be detected in the configuration of individual networks. An interpretation of the patterns which result is provided in terms of the underlying demographic structures, and the basic form and function of the urban area.
Photo Based Volunteered Geographic Information Initiatives
Authors: Estima Jacinto , Painho Marco
Published: October 2014

Volunteered Geographic Information has become exponentially available over the Web in the last years. This availability can hide a vast geographical richness and provides us with both a great opportunity to explore new ways to use it and also big challenges related with its unstructured nature. This paper conducts a preliminary analysis of the adequacy of photos from the Flickr and Panoramio initiatives in order to use them as a source of field data in the quality control of the Land Use/Cover databases production. It evaluates its temporal and spatial distributions over Continental Portugal and also its distribution over Land Use/Cover classes using as a reference the European Corine Land Cover database. It concludes that this source is very valuable but needs to be combined with other sources due to its uneven spatial distribution.
Unravelling Design Controversies in a Transnational Healthcare Information System
Authors: Naidoo Rennie
Published: October 2014

Healthcare insurance firms are experimenting with integrating self-managed healthcare elements into their product and service design and making these available through transnational healthcare information systems (THISs). The purpose of this article is to analyze this technology using a socio-technical theoretical lens. Drawing from a longitudinal case study, this paper unravels some of the design controversies presented by a self-managed nutrition technology, designed by a South African healthcare insurance firm for the local and UK market. Using key concepts (inscription, translation, enrollment, delegation, and displacement) from actor-network theory, this paper reveals why, in this context, the traditional face-to-face dietetic practice could not be completely entrusted to a THIS. The results demonstrate that firms are sometimes better off resorting to traditional channels for complex and high contact healthcare interventions. Practitioners need to be aware of potentially ‘tricky' socio-technical entanglements when designing a novel THIS and future researchers must account for the increasing complexity involved in operating these technologies in different national healthcare contexts. Guidelines are offered for firms contemplating off-shoring self-managed healthcare technology developments.
Minecraft as a Creative Tool
Authors: Cipollone Maria , Schifter Catherine C. , Moffat Rick A.
Published: October 2014

Many scholars are enthusiastic about the potential learning opportunities present in the sandbox-style gaming environment, Minecraft. In the following case study, the authors explored the use of Minecraft in a high school literature class and the presentation of characterization and plot in three student-made machinima, or films made in the game world. The authors demonstrate that Minecraft offers a unique opportunity for students to display their creativity and understanding of concepts in ways that are more feasible than if they were attempted in the “real” world. It is also relevant to point out that the epistemology associated Minecraft is constructionist in its nature, which implicates a different style of instruction than is typically employed in the U.S. classroom. The authors pose some questions about the diffusion of games like Minecraft in the future, based on their discussion of similar technologies in the past.