bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pride and Prejudice
Authors: Signorile Nicola
Published: February 2018

The first building of the Murattiano district fell in 1954. Since then, a constant devastation, that between 1963 and 1964 alone counts more than 200 building replacements. Maybe the deterioration of the Murattiano district had already been decided in its birth certificate. Still, has the example contained in their best works truly disappeared or can we recognize nowadays its effect in some pieces of architecture that have most recently been built in Bari? Before expressing a judgment about quality, it is necessary to identify a list of all those cases that during the second half of last century and the first years of the new one and therefore in very recent times witness the innovations that were introduced in the local architectural culture. Innovations that concern the culture of the project and the styles of expression. Finally—through the search for the “ordinary” quality to build—the discovery of an unsuspected continuity between the compositional rule of the Murattiano neoclassicism and the experiences of the “Modern Murattiano.”
A New Useful Tool or a Further Misunderstood Obligation?
Authors: Carini Cristian , Teodori Claudio , Giacomini Davide
Published: February 2018

Italy offers an important experience on the consolidated report since it was one of the first countries in the European Union to expressly provide for compulsory adoption. Using institutional theory to explain the role of shared values, culture and the influence of existing practice during the accounting reform, the paper aims to explore the perception of local government (LG) on the users, the uses, and the utility. We sent a questionnaire to a statistical stratified sample of 800 LG, collecting a response rate of 17%. The results find out that social legitimization pressures than by accountability patterns or performance analysis drive the adoption process more. Even if the empirical evidence confirms that the stakeholders most interested are perceived on the internal members, the results indicate that the report is perceived as a potential tool for pursuing performance assessment strategies in a group context. However, this potentiality depends on the coordination effort made by the LG. This raises many questions on how the council views the LG group.
Internal Control in a Public Hospital
Authors: Morim Ana Cristina Vaz Pires , Inácio Helena , Vieira Elisabete
Published: February 2018

Internal control (IC) is receiving increasing attention at the level of public administration including the hospitals of the National Health Service. It is seen as a privileged instrument of management, administration and control, which provides an increase of efficiency and effectiveness, a greater information reliability and compliance with legal standards. In this chapter, the authors intended to analyze existing procedures and controls in the Financial Sector of Public Hospitals, in particular the expenditure department, and taking into account the human, material and technical resources available to effect systematization of control practices and the identification of key IC system vulnerabilities. Using the information collected by interviews and documentary analysis between December 2014 and 2015, a set of actions is proposed in order to mitigate the vulnerabilities of the procedures studied, as well as the structure for a manual of IC procedures, applicable to the expenditure department as an instrument to promote the legality and efficiency of the management of public funds.
Cost Accounting in Brazil's Public Sector
Authors: Monteiro Renato Pereira , Pinho Carlos
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to identify the importance, use, and level of implementation of cost accounting in Brazil's public sector and its relationship with the features of user's professional experience. The research is positivistic and quantitative, carried out through a survey to the employees of the accounting and internal control departments from the municipalities, states, and of the executive branch of the union. A total of 344 answers were obtained, and the analysis was performed only in 320 respondents from the executive branch of the Brazilian's public sector. The results show the users' belief in the importance of cost information for the public sector, but in spite of this belief, there is a low use of information that can be motivated by the lack of cost system implementation or by the primacy of the use of financial and budgetary information in decision making. The results show that the importance level of cost information is not significantly different independent of a low, high, or moderate experience in accounting or management experience.
Impacts of Electronic Public Procurement in the Portuguese Construction Sector
Authors: Gomes João Pedro Faria , Laureano Raul M. S.
Published: February 2018

The adoption of fully electronic public procurement (EPP) systems is a requirement laid out in a group of European Union directives. These standards seek to improve the rationalization of resources (i.e., on an economics level) in public administration through the replacement of paper-based procedures with electronic services (i.e., e-services), thereby contributing to the growth of electronic government (i.e., e-government) in all member states. This chapter evaluates the impacts of EPP based on information and communication technologies. Research was conducted in Portugal, in which data on five companies operating on an international scale were examined for any organizational difficulties in the adoption of e-procurement. The findings include the positive impacts of following the objectives of the European Union directives in question. User satisfaction regarding EPP-related electronic platforms was also investigated.
The Myth of Knowledge-Based Urban Development in the Middle Eastern Cities
Authors: Alraouf Ali A.
Published: February 2018

A decade ago, Middle Eastern cities and particularly Gulf cities rushed into the implementation of knowledge-based urban development and knowledge cities as models for development and progress. Unlike the Western models of knowledge and creative cities, Middle Eastern cities attempts were characterized by the mere construction of technologically advanced yet isolated urban entities with the hope that they are promoting the same concepts essential for knowledge cities: integration and dissemination. By analyzing key projects selected from the Middle Eastern context, the chapter concludes that the common failure resulted from transforming these projects into gated communities fully isolated from the city and the community.
Creative Cities and Knowledge Capital
Authors: Galaby Aly Abdel Razek
Published: February 2018

Many nations of the world are responding to the shift from development policies that rely on intensified labor and capital into alternative policies that build on the intensification of knowledge. The trend towards knowledge-based development has received increasing attention from academics and policy makers in the world. Innovative development paradigms of existing urban models (cities of knowledge, creative cities, and local circles of the knowledge society [precincts]) have opened up alternative prospects for development to the nations of the world. The Emirate of Dubai was among the Arab countries that absorbed this lesson and took the initiative of transforming its economy into a knowledge economy, building their development policies on the intensification of knowledge, embarked on the creation of the creative city and the formation of a knowledge capital, and stopping to understand this experience and explain its constraints; perhaps the research findings would support this effort.
Cities of GCC in Post-Hydrocarbon Era
Authors: El-Kholei Ahmed O. , Al-Jayyousi Odeh
Published: February 2018

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are highly urbanized. The states of GCC countries are considered rentier states and suffer from the Dutch disease. Acknowledging this fact, many GCC States endeavored to diversify their economic base by attempting to transfer their economies from hydrocarbon-based to knowledge-based economy. Many reports and studies claim these attempts still in need to be integrated within their urban settings, not just a development at the hinterlands of existing cities. The chapter outlines key challenges and opportunities for cities of GCC to transfer their urban development into a knowledge base. The chapter calls for an enabling environment for knowledge transfer, a transition towards a green economy, and institutional development by building and fostering global partnerships for knowledge, innovation, and energy.
Intercultural Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
Authors: MacLeod Jason , Yang Harrison Hao
Published: February 2018

In the absence of an equitably distributed method for providing immersive intercultural learning experiences, teachers have used digital technologies to personalize domestic learning experiences that cultivate intercultural competence and collaborative skills. This chapter provides a review of intercultural computer-supported collaborative learning, discusses the main issues that students and teachers encounter, and provides a summary of research supporting teacher integration of this instructional approach.
Personal Analytics Explorations to Support Youth Learning
Authors: Lee Victor R.
Published: February 2018

While personalized learning environments often include systems that automatically adapt to inferred learner needs, other forms of personalized learning exist. One form involves the use of personal analytics in which the learner obtains and analyzes data about himself/herself. More known in informatics communities, there is potential for use of personal analytics for design of instruction. This chapter provides two cases of personal analytics learning explorations to demonstrate their range and potential. One case is of a high school student examining how sleep influences her mood. The other case is of a sixth-grade class of students examining how deviations from typical walking behavior change distributional shape in plotted step data. Both cases show how social support and direct experience with data correction are intimately involved in how youth can learn through personal analytics activities.
Measuring Phonological and Orthographic Similarity
Authors: Ögeyik Muhlise Coşgun
Published: February 2018

Marked and unmarked language forms can be distinguished with the level of simplicity or complexity denotations of the forms. Unmarked target language forms may create little or no difficulty, even if they do not exist in the native language of the learner, while marked forms can be relatively difficult for language learners. In addition to the notions of markedness/unmarkedness, there has also been an emphasis on similarity and dissimilarity between the items of first (L1) and second languages (L2). Along with similarity or dissimilarity of L1 and L2 forms, the level of difficulty may vary enormously in different language-specific procedures. In this chapter, therefore, it is intended to build an understanding of the recognized pronunciation and orthographic problems of similar loanwords in both Turkish (L1 of the participants) and English (L2).
The Emotional Aspect in Foreign Language Learning Process
Authors: Yıldız Işıl Gamze
Published: February 2018

Language is one of the most essential features of humans. Another basic feature that is common for all mankind is emotions, and expression of emotions is through the use of language whether it is verbally uttered or represented by body language. This interrelated and human-specific nature of language and emotions gains a place in foreign or second language learning process studies as well. However, the emotional aspect in learning a second or foreign language has mostly been neglected, or in other words, it has commonly taken the backseat. From this point forth, this chapter descriptively represents how the emotional development of an individual—specifically the child's—fosters the foreign language learning process. In doing this, learning/acquisition theories and a child's emotional development process—as a foreign language learner—are reviewed and assumptions/suggestions are displayed through a detailed literature review.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between Preschool Teachers' Picture Story Book Reading Activities and Children's Language Development
Authors: Cengiz Gülüzar Şule Tepetaş , Gönen Mübeccel
Published: February 2018

This chapter examines the relationship between teachers' picture story book reading activities and 48- to 60-month-old children's language development and to identify the effect of different variables on this relationship. The study sample was composed of 208 children in classrooms for 48- to 60-month-old children and 10 teachers in five independent pre-schools in the province of Kırşehir. The data obtained in the study were analyzed by using appropriate statistical methods. Based on the study results, a significant relationship was identified between pre-school teachers' picture story book reading activities during their daily programs and language development of children. The result of the study presents the importance of picture story book reading activities for language development. Longitudinal studies that will investigate teachers' and parents' involvement in picture story book reading activities in detail and development of programs that will support children's language development are suggested in the chapter.
Embracing Student Diversity
Authors: MacGregor Susan Kim Dedrick , Esmail Hala Walid
Published: February 2018

With an increased focus on internationalization and the worldwide rising enrollment of international students, faculty are recognizing the advantages of transforming their curricula to meet the needs of a diverse student population. International students often experience academic and social dissonance in new learning environments. Information and communication technologies (ICT) offer alternative ways of interacting with students by increasing their engagement while facilitating cross-cultural learning experiences. In this chapter, the authors discuss how ICT can be utilized to support the experience of international students as they navigate the academic landscape and to provide all students with a more holistic education. Research-based best practices are discussed to illustrate the ways technologies can be utilized to facilitate active learning and enhance cross-cultural interactions, thereby allowing students to develop cross-cultural competencies. Examples of applications or tools that support these practices are presented.
Transgressions on Students and Faculty of Color in Higher Education
Authors: Fuentes Milton A. , Shannon Casey R. , Ahluwalia Muninder K. , Collier Crystal S.
Published: February 2018

This chapter considers transgressions that students and faculty of color face in higher education. Specifically, the chapter examines how implicit bias and microaggressions affect the experiences of students and faculty of color. Special attention is paid to strategies that prevent or address these transgressions from both personal and contextual approaches. The chapter ends with a thought-provoking case study that portrays the multifaceted dimensions of these troubling transgressions in the classroom and provides the reader with some reflection questions to consider.
Who's Represented in Canadian Teaching and Learning Centres?
Authors: Gabay Danielle
Published: February 2018

As teaching and learning centres within Canadian universities have rapidly evolved and expanded over the last few decades, various aspects of these institutes have been researched and described, such as the history of the centres, the work of staff members, and the function and offerings they provide. However, information has not been gathered with regards to the diversity of social identities of those personnel (i.e., faculty, staff, students) working within Canada's teaching and learning support centres, nor has data been collected on a large scale with regards to personnel's conceptions of diversity. This chapter explores perceptions and experiences of diversity within these centres. The findings reveal a need for more diversity awareness, leadership intervention, and critical thought surrounding the concepts and practices of diversity in Canadian teaching and learning centres.
Diversity and Inclusion in Ontario Universities
Authors: Songsore Emmanuel , Buzzelli Michael
Published: February 2018

In relation to institutional-level policy and planning, the Province of Ontario signed strategic mandate agreements (henceforth, SMAs) with all 45 publicly funded colleges and universities. The SMA planning process is a comprehensive, province-wide exercise that identifies the respective strengths of each university and directions for growth and development. This chapter reports findings from a qualitative analysis of SMAs that was conducted to understand priorities for diversity and inclusion in the province's universities. This chapter finds that the general focus remains on promoting diversity and inclusion in the international and Indigenous contexts. In these contexts, universities are making a range of efforts to support international and Indigenous students and enhance overall learning by internationalizing and indigenizing curriculum. Surprisingly, very little emphasis is placed on diversity and inclusion in the faculty and staff context within all SMA documents. The chapter concludes with recommendations for institutions seeking to bolster diversity and inclusion.
Intercultural Effectiveness in Libraries
Authors: Abashian Nancy , Fisher Sharon
Published: February 2018

In response to the growing diversity represented on university college campuses, libraries are positioning themselves to contribute to student success by implementing cultural competency strategies into their policies, programs, and hiring practices. In this chapter, the authors outline the mutually beneficial relationship between student affairs and the libraries─most commonly situated within academic affairs. A historical review of the literature describes the emergence of student affairs within the academy and their relationship with academic affairs. The literature review is followed by a study in the evolving roles of student affairs and libraries in higher education. The authors go on to present a case study highlighting co-curricular partnerships between libraries and offices throughout student affairs that promote cultural competency and intercultural effectiveness.
Selection of Design Methods in the Modernization Process of Buildings to the nZEB Standard
Authors: Jędrzejuk Hanna Irena
Published: February 2018

Typical methods of improving energy efficiency of buildings to the nZEB standard, such as better external envelope insulation, using better windows, or introducing a proper ventilation system, may prove inadequate. Often, it is necessary to apply unconventional systems and renewable energy sources. Each case has to be analyzed considering the location, building technology, usage of the building, and even conservation officer's requirements. To verify the effectiveness of standard activities in various climates, the following locations in Europe were chosen: Athens, Stockholm, and Warsaw. For evaluation, two methods were applied: the monthly balance method and the simplified hourly method 5R1C.
Energy Simulations as a Tool in Integrated Design Process
Authors: Rucińska Joanna
Published: February 2018

In the integrated building modelling, all aspects have the same importance. It means that the architect, construction, and HVAC engineers create a building with interactions. BIM guarantees permanent information about important indicators generated parallel during the whole design process. Sophisticated simulation gives opportunity to observe important factors, for example, thermal comfort, ventilation quality, energy performance of building, operating and investments costs. For effective design process, selection of the appropriate team of people should be done carefully. It is particularly important to have a proper approach to modernisation of buildings. Without careful analysis of the concept and cooperation at various stages, it is not possible to complex retrofit of the building, which is aimed not only at reducing the energy use but also at maintain the desired thermal comfort.
Chosen Case Studies of nZEB Retrofit Buildings
Authors: Klimowicz Joanna
Published: February 2018

The reasons why the buildings are named intelligent and the cities are called smart arise from the requirement to achieve effective use of natural resources while maintaining at least current standard of living when faced with global climatic changes and growing scarcity of resources. Now, energy efficient and environmentally friendly urban solutions tend to concentrate on the possibilities of upgrade of already existing buildings that form the majority of the contemporary urbanized landscape. Due to the increasing human population, our world is undergoing rapid urban development. This state overlaps with climate changes and growing scarcity of resources, which has a high impact on the ongoing transformation of our built environment. Many of those issues are mirrored by European legislation, especially in Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which makes nearly zero-energy buildings a standard by 2020. Many of the technologies are already available. nZEB renovation process will be a challenge for parties involved in the design and construction process.
Economic and Environmental Costs of Meat Waste in the US
Authors: Hardersen Nicholas , Ziolkowska Jadwiga R.
Published: February 2018

Food waste is a major issue around the globe impacting food security, resource use, economic operations, and the environment. Meat waste, constituting approximately half of total annual meat production in the United States, is particularly relevant to address due to significant resource inputs used in livestock breeding and the meat production process. In this chapter, the authors monetize annual costs of natural resources including water, land, and energy, as well as emissions of methane and nitrous oxide embedded in wasted meat in the United States. Results indicate the total annual cost of $32-32.5 billion. The outcomes substantiate the need to reduce current levels of wasted meat in order to minimize economic, social, and environmental impacts on natural resources and make food and meat production more sustainable.
Flipping the Script
Authors: Campbell Jessica Lynn
Published: February 2018

This chapter proposes to “Flip the Script” of the prescribed diet in USA today that primarily revolves around eating meat. The consumerization of the consumption of meat is pervasive in this country, and individuals are culturally constructed to believe animal proteins are essential to the human diet. Using script theory, this chapter examines social networking sites (SNSs) as channels for implementing a mass dietary change in today's society, that which excludes meat. Script theory determines that individuals use instrumental knowledge of how to understand, react, and respond to situations that are repeatedly encountered. Being ideal spaces for initiating social changes, SNSs replicate real-life situations and are platforms, whereby messages can be shared, promoted, and exchanged in a global networked public.
Is Meat a Luxury?
Authors: Bogueva Diana , Marinova Dora , Phau Ian
Published: February 2018

Once perceived as a nutritional and occasional bonus, meat has now daily presence in the affluent West, serving human appetite for food. Although meat is not a product typically associated with luxury, its large ecological footprint poses the question whether it is time to challenge consumers' perception about animal-based proteins. The purpose of this chapter is to gain a perspective on how consumers respond to the idea of meat being a luxury product. A 2017 Sydney study investigated the concept of luxury meat and meat consumption amongst three generations – Xers, GenY and GenZ. It shows the emerging meaning of luxury goods related to meat that is sustainable, healthy and socially responsible, in response to climate change and feeding the world's population. The Sydney evidence also suggests meat is no longer essential for human health. A shift towards plant-based and new meat alternatives can create more compassionate and environmentally responsible choices.
Marketing Meat Alternatives
Authors: Rödl Malte B.
Published: February 2018

Meat alternatives have been proposed as one solution to decrease meat consumption and thus its negative effects on individuals and the environment. Using three meat myths identified in literature on meat consumption—meat eating is normal, natural, and necessary—this chapter discusses how they emerge in six selected print adverts: (1) normal: dishes containing meat alternatives are portrayed as traditional, perpetuating normality; (2) natural: the myth that it is natural to eat meat is not explicitly opposed, but bypassed; (3) necessary: meat alternatives are portrayed as even more necessary for good health than meat. The author proposes changes to neutralise these meat myths; but they are unlikely to be adopted by advertising due to its commercial goals. Although meat alternatives are theoretically preferable over meat (and can help individual transitions to vegetarianism), their marketing perpetuates meat myths, and may therefore reinforce a meat-centred culture.
Numerical Assessment in Aeronautics for Electromagnetic Environmental Effects
Authors: Nuñez Miguel David Ruiz-Cabello , Romero Sergio Fernández , Pous Marc , Gil Enrique Pascual , Angulo Luis M. Diaz , Martínez David Poyatos , Chimeno Mireya Fernández , Gutierrez Guadalupe G. , Bretones Amelia Rubio , Cancela Manuel Añon , Silva Ferran , Alvarez Jesus , Pantoja Mario Fernández , Gallardo Borja Plaza , Nuño Luis , Martín Rafael Gómez , Bocanegra David Escot , Riu Pere J. , Trallero Rafael , Telleria Ricardo Jauregui , Garcia Salvador G.
Published: February 2018

Electrical and electronic systems on board air vehicles are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This has made the topic of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), a major concern for aircraft safety. The use of composite materials worsens this situation, for their poor shielding and low conductive capabilities. Some of the main experimental E3 certification scenarios used in aeronautics are revisited in this chapter. Guidelines to achieve simple, yet accurate, numerical models of them are provided, with appropriate tradeoffs between computational simplicity and accuracy. The numerical method, endowed with extended capabilities, has been chosen for this task for its ability and efficiency to deal with complex problems of arbitrary materials. The feature selective validation (FSV) IEEE standard procedure, commonly used to quantify the comparison of data in electromagnetic problems, is also revisited. The simulation of three different air vehicles in several certification scenarios is finally described and the numerical results compared to experimental data.
Progress in Advanced Materials Used in Electromagnetic Interference Shielding for Space Applications
Authors: Vargas-Bernal Rafael , Bermúdez-Reyes Bárbara , Tecpoyotl-Torres Margarita
Published: February 2018

Aerospace applications experience electromagnetic interference produced by the space environment and by the materials, devices, and systems used in satellites, space shuttles, the international space station, and airplanes. The advanced materials represent a technological possibility to develop coatings that are able to offer a better shielding effectiveness against electromagnetic interference due to the possibility of controlling its electrical and magnetic properties as well as to that the size of the materials is very similar to the electromagnetic waves that it receives. In this chapter, an analysis of progress over advanced materials is presented with the aim of diffusing the role that nanomaterials have had, have and will have to increase the shielding to electromagnetic interference. Nanomaterials will protect aerospace components in the range of Hz to THz, but the huge advantage is that the range of protection can be optimized according to the technical requirements with a considerable weight reduction.
Exploring Liminal Practices in Art, Technology, and Science
Authors: Doyle Denise
Published: February 2018

This chapter interrogates the notion of the liminal in relation to the virtual and the imaginary through a consideration of the field of art, science, and technology and current creative practices in virtual worlds and avatar-mediated space. In particular, the art project Meta-Dreamer (2009) is considered through the manifestation of the avatar as digital object. In its attempt to explore the experience of “living between worlds,” it reflects the concerns of contemporary arts practice exploration of time and space relationships. The art project is re-examined in light of key arguments in the provocative text Liminal Lives (Squier, 2004) that advocates a new approach to the liminal in light of current biomedicine and the shifting and emergent qualities of contemporary human life.
Use of Augmented Reality in Mobile Devices for Educational Purposes
Authors: Emiroğlu Bülent Gürsel , Kurt Adile Aşkım
Published: February 2018

Use of technology in education has been widespread in the last decade, thanks to developments and improvements in information and communication technologies, especially in mobile devices. Among the fields in which mobile devices play important roles, education is one of the leading ones. Mobile devices help teachers and learners access educational resources when needed. To increase the reality of virtual learning environments on mobile devices, Augmented Reality (AR) technologies were introduced for mobile platforms, and the term Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) arose. MAR opens a new door for educators and trainers to experience new methods of teaching for mobile learners. In this chapter, educational use of AR on mobile devices will be explained. Throughout the content of the chapter, readers will be informed about how AR applications changed people's teaching and learning styles.
An Augmented-Reality-Based Intelligent Mobile Application for Open Computer Education
Authors: Köse Utku
Published: February 2018

Objective of this chapter is to introduce an Augmented Reality based intelligent mobile application (M-Learning application) to support courses of Computer Education. In the study, it was aimed to provide an alternative way of improving M-Learning experiences by employing both Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence based approaches in a common environment. Briefly, the application is able to use an intelligent mechanism evaluating students' several dynamic learning parameters to match them with the most appropriate course materials provided over the system. So, each student can encounter with appropriate course materials matching with their states over the application system. The related course materials include both AR based ones and standard ones as uploaded by teachers. An evaluation based flow has been run in the study by using the developed application through courses of Computer Education and the obtained results have shown that the application is effective and successful enough at improving students' learning experiences and achieving a good Open Computer Education.
Virtual Territorial Heritage in Education through mLearning Resources
Authors: Nagata Jorge Joo , Giner José Rafael García-Bermejo , Martínez-Abad Fernando
Published: February 2018

This research aims to establish the meanings and relations that exist between creating educational content for an application featuring Mobile Pedestrian Navigation Systems (MPNS) and Augmented Reality (AR), and the processes involved in Mobile Learning (mLearning). In this mobile context, the study aims to develop a training process linked to territorial information about the corresponding architectural and historical heritage of the cities of Salamanca (Spain) and Santiago (Chile), proving their educational importance. Methodologically, this research focuses on two main areas: (1) The optimized design of a learning platform with AR and MPNS resources in a historical context; and (2) the validation of the software's educational effectiveness in relation to other traditional teaching and learning tools. Finally, the study is in the process of creating a thematic heritage model determining the scope of this tool in the processes of mLearning, considering the elements of identity and local culture.
Big Data in Cloud Computing Environment for Market Trends
Authors: Hariharanath K.
Published: February 2018

The Industrial and Business landscape is changing because of the convergence of information technology and communication technologies. This convergence is creating new types of companies competing with each other. It is not about east or west, or developed markets versus developing markets; It is all about how soon a business enterprise understands the emerging technology and adapts it into its business. It is not enough that a business enterprise understands the technology but one has to be good at thinking about the applications of the technology. Now it has become a necessity for business enterprises to manage complex and interdisciplinary requirements in their organization. This chapter explores a business model developed by a textile mill to remain competitive in global market that uses the concepts of big data, cloud computing, virtual reality, and data warehousing.
Virtual Laboratories Development Using 3D Environments
Authors: Oliveira Toni Amorim , Marranghello Norian , Silva Alexandre César Rodrigues , Pereira Aledir Silveira
Published: February 2018

3D virtual worlds or metaverses are immersion environments that allow the simulation of some real environment characteristics such as sound and gravity. In this chapter we describe the development of a 3D virtual environment as well as its integration with Moodle platform using Sloodle plugin. We discuss related works dedicated to the development of virtual laboratories. We also describe the main software used and how to perform the settings required for the operation of the environment. To introduce the developed software utilization we present a laboratory built for teaching subjects based on multiple intelligences theory defined by Gardner.
Ubiquitous, Wearable, Mobile
Authors: Nucera Sebastiano , Tartarisco Gennaro , Epasto Aldo , Smeriglio Donatello , Mazzeo Alessandro , Pioggia Giovanni , Anastasi Alessandra
Published: February 2018

Ubiquitous devices and wearable technologies are becoming smaller and more rich in features to meet user demands and applications. The emergence of ever more sophisticated technologies has created new relationships between real, virtual, and augmented world. This is quite evident, within educational contexts. This chapter will explore new learning approaches based on virtual and augmented reality technologies. Virtual and augmented realities dispense specific knowledge and information. This chapter will discuss augmented reality and education applications based on virtual reality. The chapter will differentiate between ways in which wearable technologies enhance and restructure teaching and learning processes. To circumscribe a well-defined level of analysis, the chapter will examine experiences of using wearable technology within educational contexts.
Exploring 3D Immersive and Interactive Technology for Designing Educational Learning Experiences
Authors: Liu Min , Su Simon , Liu Sa , Harron Jason , Fickert Cynda , Sherman Bill
Published: February 2018

The purposes of this chapter are three-fold: to (a) review the research on 3D immersive and interactive technology (or virtual reality, VR) conducted so far for educational purposes both in the earlier years of the technology and in more recent years, (b) discuss a few VR technology tools available today, and (c) describe three scenarios in science, mathematics, and language learning to demonstrate how the current VR technology can be designed for education. In addition, primary challenges of using 3D immersive and interactive technology in education are also discussed along with future research directions. The intent of this chapter is to provide ideas and insights for researchers and designers who are interested in applying the VR technology in education.
The Importance of Mobile Augmented Reality in Online Nursing Education
Authors: Yuksekdag Belgin Boz
Published: February 2018

The main topic of this chapter is the importance of mobile augmented reality in online nursing education. Firstly, imbalance nurse supply- demand will be discussed in the world and Turkey. Solution proposals of important institutions and organizations will be handled to increase the number and quality of nurses. One of these proposals is online nursing education. Secondly, the importance and use of mobile technology will be handled in online nursing education, and where mobile technology is used in nursing. Lastly, the use of mobile augmented reality will be tackled in theoretical and practical areas of online nursing education, and suggestions will be presented to online nursing education providers.
Case Analysis
Authors: Greer Annette , Meggs Susan Martin , Kibbe Sharon
Published: February 2018

This chapter describes an ongoing evaluation of Second Life (SL) virtual reality as a pedagogical tool in theory anchored undergraduate education. SL has been found to advance learning, collaboration, engagement, and critical thinking among students. This chapter presents a process for evaluating, documenting and analyzing the development and implementation of virtual learning environments at institutions of higher education using case examples to establish output measures. Important to successful incorporation of SL in undergraduate instruction is ensuring that the training students receive in SL align with the assignments they are expected to complete. Alignment of SL activities and the course curriculum into a workable sequence is an essential aspect of a “plan, implement, evaluate, refine” rotation for creating learning strategies within the virtual environment that meets learner styles. Since incorporating SL, the authors have found evidence that virtual reality enhances student engagement and learning outcomes are comparable to improved to those from a traditional classroom.
Preparing for the Forthcoming Industrial Revolution
Authors: Antonova Albena
Published: February 2018

Virtual worlds (VW) propose an immersive environment and sophisticated infrastructure for active learning and complex competence development. While recently the interest toward VW declined, it is expected the release of virtual/augmented reality hardware equipment to bring new impulse for its further explorations in education. The present research aims to discuss the challenges behind VW implementation in the educational process from three main perspectives. First, there will be identified the main benefits of applying virtual worlds for knowledge acquisition and development of complex competences. The second perspective discovers how virtual worlds can be used to transform the educational process, developing a new set of learning and training experiences. Finally, virtual worlds will be analyzed from a disruptive technology point of view, discovering its strengths and limitations for education. At the end, the discussion provides a general framework for assessing the VW benefits for education and its expected further development.
Making Lifelike Medical Games in the Age of Virtual Reality
Authors: Talbot Thomas B.
Published: February 2018

Medical simulations differ from other training modalities in that life processes must be simulated as part of the experience. Biological fidelity is the degree to which character anatomical appearance and physiology behavior are represented within a game or simulation. Methods to achieve physiological fidelity include physiology engines, complex state machines, simple state machines and kinetic models. Games health scores that can be used in medical sims. Selection of technique depends upon the goals of the simulation, expected user inputs, development budget and level of fidelity required. Trends include greater availability of physiology engines rapid advances in virtual reality (VR). In VR, the expectation for a naturalistic interface is much greater, resulting in technical challenges regarding natural language and gesture-based interaction. Regardless of the technical approach, the user's perception of biological fidelity, responsiveness to user inputs and the ability to correct mistakes is often more important than the underlying biological fidelity of the model.
Learning in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Sternig Christof , Spitzer Michael , Ebner Martin
Published: February 2018

With the introduction of Google Cardboard, a combination of mobile devices, Virtual Reality (VR) and making was created. This “marriage” opened a wide range of possible, cheap Virtual Reality applications, which can be created and used by everyone. In this chapter, the potential of combining making, gaming and education is demonstrated by evaluating an implemented math-game prototype in a school by pupils aged 12-13. The aim of the virtual reality game is to solve math exercises with increasing difficulty. The pupils were motivated and excited by immerging into the virtual world of the game to solve exercises and advance in the game. The results of the evaluation were very positive and showed the high motivational potential of combining making and game-based learning and its usage in schools as educational instrument.
Cognitive Exercising for Patients With MCI Using Serious Games
Authors: Tarnanas Ioannis , Tsolakis Apostolis , Tsolaki Magda
Published: February 2018

In this chapter we demonstrate how older adults can benefit from novel technologies. One hundred and fourteen patients with MCI according to the revised Petersen criteria (Petersen, 2006), aged between 65 and 88 years, were recruited to participate in a Serious Game training (SG) and an Active Control group (AC). They benefited from neuropsychological testing and electroencephalography before and after the intervention. Our results showed that the SG group improved performance in specific cognitive functions such as working memory, dual task performance and visual conjunction search. The performance improvement was also supported only at the SG group by increased amplitude of the Event Related Potentials extracted from the electroencephalography measures. The results from our study suggest that older adults do not need to be technologically savvy to benefit from virtual reality training.
Private Label Sales through Catalogs With Augmented Reality
Authors: Ruiz Gerardo Reyes , Peña Samuel Olmos , Hernández Marisol Hernández
Published: February 2018

New technologies have changed the way today's own label products are being offered. Today the Internet and even more the so-called social networks have played key roles in dispersing any particular product in a more efficient and dynamic sense. Also, having a smartphone and a wireless high-speed network are no longer a luxury or a temporary fad, but rather a necessity for the new generations. These technological advances and new marketing trends have not gone unnoticed by the medium and large stores. The augmented reality applied to interactive catalogs is a new technology that supports the adding of virtual reality to a real environment which in turn makes it a tool for discovering new uses, forms, and in this case, spending habits. The challenge for companies with their private labels in achieving their business objectives, is providing customers with products and services of the highest quality, thus promoting the efficient and streamlined use of all resources that are accounted for and at the same time promoting the use of new information technologies as a strategic competitive.
Mixed Augmented Reality Systems for Real World Integration
Authors: N. R. Raajan , Kesavan Nandhini
Published: February 2018

Augmented Reality (AR) plays a vital role in the field of visual computing. AR is actually different but often confused to be the same is Virtual Reality (VR). While VR creates a whole new world, AR aims at designing an environment in real time with virtual components that are overlaid on the real components. Due to this reason, AR comes under the category of 'mixed reality'. AR could be viewed on any smart electronic gadgets like mobile, laptop, projector, tablet etc., AR could be broadly classified as Marker-based and Markerless. If it is marker-based, a pattern is used whereas in markerless system there is no need of it. In case of marker, if we show the pattern to a webcam it will get details about it and impose the object on the marker. We are incorporating a new efficient solution for integrating a virtual object on to a real world which can be very much handful for tourism and advertisement for showcasing objects or things. The ultimate goal is to augmenting the 3D video onto a real world on which it will increase the person's conceptual understanding of the subject.
Blended and Online Learning in Virtual K-12 Schools
Authors: Kumi-Yeboah Alex
Published: February 2018

Since 2000, there has been an increasing rate of online learning directed toward K-12 schools in the United States. The need for online courses has become evident as schools are searching for ways to meet student's learning needs. Online and blended courses provide options for schools with limited curricular offerings, scheduling conflicts, or find it difficult to provide highly qualified teachers. In the 2010/2011 school year, it was estimated that approximately 1.5 million students in K-12 schools across the United States were enrolled in an online course (Wicks, 2010). However, a literature search indicates that not much is known about K-12 blended and online learning instruction in virtual K-12 schools. Various issues such as types of instructional delivery, optional management skills, current trend of blended learning, the academic impact on K-12 education are critical areas for teachers and administrators to consider (iNACOL, 2011). This chapter seeks to demonstrate the growing trend of blended and online learning in the United States, analyze instructional implications of blended and online learning to students, discuss major obstacles to blended and online learning in K-12 schools, address possible solutions, and provide recommendations for further studies.
Implementation of Online Education for K-12 School Children
Authors: Jones Charlene Marie
Published: February 2018

This chapter contains information found in literature surrounding online education in K-12 settings. It offers a description of the terminology, a brief history and evolution of online education, issues with the use of online education, and influences supporting online tool usage. Despite support for online tools in K-12 settings, empirical research shows discouraging results related to such usage. Considering this discrepancy, this chapter suggests that implementation of online tools be executed by an informed user. Thus, it is necessary to acquire a clear understanding of the terminology and characteristics of online tool delivery before implementation. Also, educators are to be aware of student's and teacher's learning and teaching experiences online to be able to offer an optimum educational setting. Being cognizant of participant's exposure to online programs can provide helpful suggestions, like the importance of parental involvement, the relevance of socialization for learning, and the influence of literacy in promoting a stable foundation for successful implementation.