bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Entrepreneurship and the Circular Economy
Authors: Saiz-Alvarez Jose Manuel
Published: July 2019

Social entrepreneurship plays a fundamental role in the economy and especially in the firm. Mainly in developing countries, social entrepreneurship is of primary importance and is socially necessary to try to alleviate social inequalities among the richest and the poorest in society. In this process of diminishing social differences, business models are of fundamental importance, especially digital models with intensive use of ICT. In this chapter, the author synthesizes the 57 digital business models that exist today and enhances the importance of the Circular Economy and the Socioeconomics of Solidarity as an emerging trend in economic thinking.
Co-Engagement of Organisational Leadership in Collective Decision-Making
Authors: Van der Westhuizen Thea , Mkhonta Max
Published: July 2019

Co-engagement of organisation leadership in collective decision-making is recognised as a key modality for encouragement of collective creativity as well as responsible and sustainable business practices. In cases of public enterprise (PE) collective decision-making regarding organisational policy is necessary for organisation leadership to co-engage with key decision-makers in government to ensure responsible and sustainable execution of policy. Often policy-making and implementation allows little scope for innovation and creativity, in other words, for flexibility, with direct consequences for success or failure of collaboration. This chapter explores key inferences such as the need for creative strategic intent; need for co-engagement; need for responsible and sustainable business practices to build morale and the need for innovate approach to policy-making.
How to Join the Market?
Authors: Saiz-Alvarez Jose Manuel
Published: July 2019

Based on teamwork in globalized working environments and linked to the balanced scorecard approach to provide a balanced view of the organizational goals, value creating Design Thinking is an applied methodology to solve problems following a creative approach to stimulate team cooperation and creativity with the ultimate purpose of achieving innovative processes to improve the organization. To do this, the author describes the Business Model Canvas, Social Business Model Canvas, and Lean Canvas Model as comprehensive tools to foster entrepreneurship. In the chapter, the author proposes the matrix of stakeholders to have a clear vision of the firm and to suggest a successful strategy focused on creating value for the company joining the market.
The Influence of Cultural Factors on Corporate Training in East Asia
Authors: Lee Doris
Published: July 2019

In the context of the increasing economic importance of the Pacific Rim, the unique historical and cultural factors that impact organizational and corporate culture in the East Asian business world have been the subject of much discussion. East Asian culture and its attendant philosophical influences will first be discussed. Improving corporate training in East Asian business can be aided by the application of a whole-system approach that is able to encompass the cultural and philosophical background of East Asian business. Drawing from systems theory, human resource management, and instructional systems design, this chapter will propose suggestions for East Asian corporate training. In addition, suggestions for online learning design using this theoretical background will be established.
Incubators Management Models
Authors: Machado Andreia de Bem , Catapan Araci Hack , Sousa Maria José
Published: July 2019

Management models are grounded in three basic pillars: people, processes, and technologies. In this scenario, the business incubator management model is fundamental because it is important for business incubators to meet the demands of new entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. Therefore, the objective of this chapter is to map the incubator management models of companies in the world and national scenario. To do so, the methodology used was the integrative review of the literature using the Scopus database and regulations, international, and national documents. One of the problems encountered in these models is that most management models for business incubators describe a business incubator as a transformation mechanism, but do not explain in detail the incubator process and best management practices for the continuous improvement of incubated business.
Bibliometric Analysis of Lean, Agile, and Leagile Supply Chains in Automobile Industry (1990 - 2017)
Authors: Iyengar Venkatesh , Bharathi S. Vijayakumar
Published: July 2019

This article describes how organizations embrace various supply chain strategies aiming at effective and efficient performance outcomes for gaining competitive advantage. The authors conducted an extensive search for academic publications on lean, agile, and leagile (hybrid) supply chains in context with automobile industries, published since year 1990 in reliable repositories such as Google Scholar, Scopus and ResearchGate. None of these papers used bibliometric analysis on the topic. This paper systematically maps, publications on lean, agile, and legal strategies in automobile industry published during 1990–2017. A five-step process is followed, namely (i) defining appropriate search terms, (ii) initial search results, (iii) refinement of search results, (iv) initial data, statistics, and (v) data analysis; adopted for inclusion of relevant documents for publication and citation analysis. Selected documents include primary search term ‘automobile' along with associated secondary terms such as ‘lean', ‘agile', ‘lean and agile', and ‘leagile' as part of the title, abstract, or keywords. The analysis finds several documents on lean or agile strategies, but only one document exists on ‘leagile' paradigm. Maximum articles are contributed on engineering subjects followed by business, management and accounting and computer sciences. Large publication and high citation counts were observed for lean from United States and Chinese authors, whereas Indian authors contributed in agile studies. This article identifies areas of current research interests discussing crucial contributions by several authors' and provides potential directions for further research investigations in the field.
Innovative Business Models for E-Learning Entrepreneurs
Authors: Sambhanthan Arunasalam , Potdar Vidyasagar
Published: July 2019

This paper reports a state of the art literature survey undertaken on innovative e-learning business models. A review of existing business models of e-learning providers is undertaken. Three business model classification approaches for e-learning businesses are adapted for the evaluation. The e-learning business models are classified into three main categories namely managerial classification, service oriented classification and economic classification. We have then classified the literature in this line and present a priori framework developed for evaluating the e-Learning business enterprises. The research concludes with a summary of classification approaches available in the existing e-learning business domain.
SMED
Authors: Reza Jose Roberto Diaz , Gayosso Deysi Guadalupe Márquez , Fernández Julio Blanco , Macías Emilio Jiménez , Muro Juan Carlos Sáenz Diez
Published: July 2019

Short changeover times have always been critical in manufacturing and are a necessity nowadays in all types of industries, due every wasted minute means inefficiency. Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) is a methodology developed by Shigeo Shingo in 1985, which seeks to reduce the setup time of a machine to less than ten minutes (Shingo, 1985). It provides a rapid and efficient way of converting a manufacturing process from a current product that is been running in the production process, to the next product (Tharisheneprem, 2008), aimed always to decrease the setup time in industrial machinery, given flexibility in product and their characteristics. Through this research, we found that we can achieve some benefits through the implementation of the SMED methodology such as: the reduction of changeover time up to 90% with moderate investments (Cakmakci, 2009), reduce waste and increase quality, it makes low cost flexible operations possible.
English Journal Writing on Moodle for EFL College Learners
Authors: Yang Pei-Ling
Published: July 2019

The present study is to explore the effect of Moodle English journal writing for general purposes on language learners' writing performance, conjunction preferences and English self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, claimed by a large number of researchers, has a direct and powerful influence on learners' academic accomplishments. However, there is little research on enhancing the level of English self-efficacy and writing performance through keeping E-journals, particularly in an EFL context where the learners develop both native and foreign languages and cultures. Multiculturalism should be taken into consideration before language curricula are designed. The participants, in the study, 40 non-English-majored college students in Taiwan, were required to keep a journal through Moodle. The findings of the study reveal that the participants' general perceived English abilities and writing confidence were enhanced after their efforts on Moodle E-journal writing. From the pieces of writing, they present both characteristics of the native and target languages and cultures.
Cultural Problems in Teaching and Learning of English as a Foreign Language in Tunisia
Authors: Rahal Aicha
Published: July 2019

Culture now becomes a key element in most educational systems, particularly in Higher education, where cultural Studies are an essential part of most language instruction. The aim of this chapter is to explore the cultural challenges that hinder the process of learning English in Tunisia and to suggest solutions for overcoming these. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection material. It was found that lack of authentic materials, lack of cultural knowledge of the target language, poor textbooks, limited exposure to authentic culture environment and native culture interference are considered to be the main problems. The results also showed that these challenges can be remedied by using more authentic materials, revising the content of textbooks, the integration of technology and cultural awareness.
Intercultural Nonverbal Communication Competence as Intercultural Responsiveness in the Second Language Learning Classroom
Authors: Yang Ping
Published: July 2019

This chapter examines the important role intercultural nonverbal communication competence plays as intercultural responsiveness in the second language learning classroom. The researcher reviewed relevant theory about intercultural nonverbal communication competence and focused on the research question. First, nonverbal communication styles are part of a culture, and the differences between low-context culture and high-context culture are represented in direct and indirect communication style in classroom communication activities. Second, speakers from different cultures use different nonverbal communication rules and behave differently and this can cause misunderstanding. Third, intercultural nonverbal communication differs between people from polychronic culture and those from monochronic culture. Different time concepts result in different behaviour patterns. Second language teachers should undertake training in intercultural nonverbal communication to facilitate students learning. The pedagogical implications for the second language teachers are discussed.
A Brief Review of Game Engines for Educational and Serious Games Development
Authors: Marin-Vega Humberto , Alor-Hernández Giner , Zatarain-Cabada Ramon , Barron-Estrada Maria Lucia , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis
Published: July 2019

Gamification is the use of game design elements to enhance the teaching-learning process and turn a regular, non-game activity into a fun, engaging game. Simultaneously, serious games are proposed as an efficient and enjoyable way of conducting cognitive assessment, as they combine a serious intention with game rules and targets. In this scenario, game engines have emerged as information technologies for serious games and educational games development; however, this development has usually been performed without a guide to identifying game attributes to be present in the game. To address this gap, we present an analysis of the most used game engines to identify game and learning attributes supported for serious and educational games development. Findings from this analysis provide a guide of the most popular game engines that offer the largest support for game attributes, which were also classified by game categories.
Indonesian Mobile Learning Information System Using Social Media Platforms
Authors: Parinsi Mario Tulenan , Ratumbuisang Keith Francis
Published: July 2019

As a developing country, Indonesia continues to improve its quality as a state, in which the attempt to optimize all of its potential both in terms of economic, political, social, cultural, technological, educational, health, etc. This modern era, all aspects of life are depending on technology. This makes the technology becomes one of necessary in people's life. The utilization of technology has been used by all people in all aspects of life. Specifically, this paper tries to offer an innovation that has never been designed before, namely a platform of M-Learning in form of social media related to the development of technology for learning. Nowadays, internet users and smartphone ownership in Indonesia increased dramatically, then writers took initiative to design an innovation related to this case. Social media technologies provide the opportunity for teachers to engage students in online classes, thereby supporting the development of skills and learners to achieve competency. In addition to students, the opportunity is also open to outside the community to get information that can add knowledge. This case study provides a platform for M-Learning based learning that facilitate student learning also helps society size to obtain information more easily. The design of this platform using models UML (Unified Modeling Language) to design a visual model of this platform.
Divergent Teacher Viewpoints of Technology Integration in the Language Classroom
Authors: Halvorsen Andy D.
Published: July 2019

This chapter presents a qualitative analysis of the beliefs and practices of three language teachers in Thailand vis-à-vis their integration of technology in the classroom as well as their views regarding social networking site participation as a facilitative tool for instruction. The study brings together research on the identity development work of teachers and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Through the analysis of extensive teacher interview data and classroom observations, the study demonstrates how these teachers self-identify as users of technology, and how this sense of self interacts with and shapes various aspects of their teaching practice. The three teachers in this study represent a range of divergent viewpoints related to technology use and integration in the classroom, and the analysis of these viewpoints helps to illustrate the specific factors underlying how and why they choose to make pedagogic use of technology.
Cloud Applications in Language Teaching
Authors: Aburezeq Ibtehal Mahmoud , Dweikat Fawzi Fayez Ishtaiwa
Published: July 2019

This study examined pre-service teachers' expertise, perceptions and integration of cloud applications in teaching of Arabic and English. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection methods. The findings of the study specified that pre-service teachers did not own sufficient expertise for effective integration of cloud applications. The findings also revealed that participants perceived cloud applications as a valuable tool to improve many aspects of language education. Nonetheless, participants concentrated on integrating limited features of cloud applications. While the study revealed that there was no significant difference in participants' expertise in integrating cloud applications based on the language they teach, it found that pre-service English teachers had significantly higher levels of positive perceptions and integration of cloud applications than pre-service Arabic teachers. Finally, a positive significant correlation was found between expertise, perceptions, and integration of cloud applications.
Challenges and Perspectives of Language Education Technology in Brazil
Authors: Bodah Eliane Thaines , Alldredge Josh Meuth , Bodah Brian William , Neckel Alcindo , Goellner Emanuelle
Published: July 2019

Our chapter aims to explore the challenges, advances, and perspectives of language-education technology in Brazil. Language-education is an extremely important topic for Brazil because many indigenous languages are nearing extinction due to the legacies of colonization and the fact that Portuguese, the national language of Brazil, is the only official language and thus the single most utilitarian method of communication. This issue is further complicated by Brazil's increasingly globalized economy, which, for many individuals, demands the acquisition of a foreign language in order to compete. The English language has been introduced into the curriculum of the vast majority Brazilian public schools over the course of the past few decades. Additionally, several private, for-profit English learning enterprises now have widespread services throughout the country. But rates of English (and even Portuguese) fluency still vary greatly among the population. This raises a number of critical questions that will be discussed in this work. Why is learning a new language such a challenge? Which methodologies can be utilized to increase language acquisition and build fluency? What are the new technologies that are used in teaching a second language in Brazilian schools, and how is their impact being measured? Are Brazilian teachers prepared to integrate new technologies and innovative methods of teaching and learning? Our methodology involves bibliographical research including a literature review, a case-study, and participatory research through semi-structured interviews. Our results have shown that several technologies are being implemented in Brazil, and that as a theoretical framework, educational communication has been recognized as a powerful tool to incorporate such technologies in language education. Overall, the use of learning technologies is common and growing among students, while it is increasing at a more institutional pace among teachers.
Technological Innovation and the Agricultural Sustainability
Authors: Khaled Rachida , Hammas Lamine
Published: July 2019

The diffusion of the technological innovation can affect the agricultural sector in the three-sided (social, economic and environmental), a hand, it can contribute to solve problems of the agricultural sector: the effects of the climatic changes, the farming exodus and the migration and the problems of poverty and it can improve the agricultural productivity. But on the other hand, he can lead to new problems, such as depletion of energy resources caused by excessive use of energizing technologies, pollution of air and water and the destruction of soil by industrial waste. This paper aims to theoretically and empirically analyze the role of technological innovation in improving agricultural sustainability through the impact of mechanization on agricultural productivity, energy production and net income per capita for a panel of three Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) during the period 1997-2012. By using simultaneous equations, the authors' finding that technological innovation cannot achieve the purpose of sustainable development in the agriculture sector in the Maghreb countries through the negative impact of mechanization and research and development on agricultural productivity.
Strategic Positioning of Turkey Agricultural Products on the Agricultural World Market
Authors: Sidibe Hamadoun
Published: July 2019

Applying a strategic management perspective, particularly the BCG tool, this chapter demonstrates that the agricultural products exported by Turkey are distributed unevenly on the four cells of the global agricultural markets matrix: almost of its products (236 products or 85.20% of its portfolio) are Question Marks, two products are a Star, one product is a Cash cow, and 38 products are Dogs. Such a situation creates important strategic choices for the leaders of the country and for its businesses. None of Turkey top ten exports were among the top ten growers in the world. Turkey is world export leader in ten products, but these products are not the world most growing markets, and the country should increase its relative market share in some of its ten top exports, and also consider developing organic product segments, and eliminate tobacco products in its portfolio.
Stakeholder Agriculture
Authors: Antonaras Alexandros , Kostopoulos Alexandros
Published: July 2019

The shift in agricultural production and agribusiness may be a solution in reducing unemployment and particularly that of young people which is dramatically high in several European countries that are experiencing the negative consequences of the recent global financial crisis that led to a dramatic decline in their GDP per capita and has affected all sectors of economic activity, including agriculture. The overall scope of this chapter is to present an Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation Framework that can lead to a new business model with social aspects, contribute to the economic growth and sustainability and hence combat the phenomenon of unemployment and poverty in rural areas that have been seriously affected by the recent financial crisis.
Impact on Agricultural Sustainability of Maghreb Countries
Authors: Khaled Rachida
Published: July 2019

This paper is aimed at making the diffusion of the technological innovation and their role in affecting the agricultural sector in the three-sided (social, economic and environmental), a hand, it can participate to resolve problems of the agricultural sector: the effects of the climatic changes, the farming exodus and the migration and the problems of poverty. The theoretically and empirically studies analyze the mechanical innovation role in improving agricultural sustainability through the impact of mechanization on agricultural productivity, CO2 emission and demographic growth for a panel of three Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) during the period 1999-2012. By using simultaneous equations, the authors' finding that mechanical innovation cannot achieve the purpose of sustainable development in the agriculture sector in the Maghreb countries through the negative impact of mechanization and research and development on agricultural productivity.
Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks for Soil Macronutrients Measurements in Farms
Authors: Simbeye Daudi Samson
Published: July 2019

Farmers need accurate information about soil nutrient content if they are to apply the correct amount of fertilizer. Farmers who do not practice regular soil tests are facing numerous difficulties such a lack of accurate statistical information for soil and crop management, increased costs for fertilizers, and environmental degradation. However, traditional laboratory testing is costly and laborious, taking up to three weeks to complete. This study presents a technology which integrated various elements into a portable in-field device that measures soil macronutrients of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and soil pH. Then it transmits the measured data wirelessly to remote base station for analysis, presentation and storage in real-time. Farmers can access the information from the base station server through their mobile phones. Firstly, the grower can use the test data to provide important indicators into the levels of nutrients in the soil which can be interpreted to stem over-use or under-use and efficiently manage their fertilizer application. Secondly, the system can decrease response time for the grower to implement alterations in the soil nutrient composition. And lastly, it can increase the awareness of precision agriculture, its benefits and usage amongst the average farmer. The results from this test provide important indicators into the levels of nutrients in the soil which can be interpreted to stem overuse or under-use. The grower can use the data compiled to efficiently manage their fertilizer application.
IoT Based Agriculture as a Cloud and Big Data Service
Authors: Gill Sukhpal Singh , Chana Inderveer , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: July 2019

Cloud computing has transpired as a new model for managing and delivering applications as services efficiently. Convergence of cloud computing with technologies such as wireless sensor networking, Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data analytics offers new applications of cloud services. This paper proposes a cloud-based autonomic information system for delivering Agriculture-as-a-Service (AaaS) through the use of cloud and big data technologies. The proposed system gathers information from various users through preconfigured devices and IoT sensors and processes it in cloud using big data analytics and provides the required information to users automatically. The performance of the proposed system has been evaluated in Cloud environment and experimental results show that the proposed system offers better service and the Quality of Service (QoS) is also better in terms of QoS parameters.
Sustainability Assessment in a Geographical Region and of the Activities Performed
Authors: Kurşun Berrin , Bakshi Bhavik R.
Published: July 2019

The applicability of emergy analysis (EA), a nature oriented thermodynamic analysis technique, as a regional sustainability assessment tool is explored in the context of an Indian village (Rampura). EA provides information about how much environmental support is required, system renewability, system efficiency, load of system to environment and dependency of system on external resources (self-sufficiency). The results of Rampura analysis reveal that sustainability is achieved neither at village level nor at subsystem levels. The chapter shows that the effective use of the renewable local resources can reduce the dependence on external resources and increase self-sufficiency and sustainability
Spatio-Temporal Variability of Seasonal Drought Over the Dobrogea Region
Authors: Ionita Monica , Chelcea Silvia
Published: July 2019

In this study we have examined the spatial and temporal variability of seasonal short-term drought over Dobrogea region over the period 1965 -2005. The dominant mode of spatial variability captures an in-phase relationship of drought conditions over the entire analyzed region, for all the seasons. We show that the Arctic/North Atlantic Oscillation patterns control a significant part of the interannual drought variability over the Dobrogea region in all seasons. Dry (wet) periods in Dobrogea region are associated with geopotential height anomalies at 850mb that project onto the negative (positive) phase of Arctic/North Atlantic Oscillation. Moreover, the SST anomalies from the Atlantic Ocean realm and potential evapotranspiration anomalies over the south eastern part of Romania play also a significant role on the variability of drought conditions over Dobrogea region.
Mobile Robotics
Authors: Karabegović Isak , Doleček Vlatko
Published: July 2019

Mobile robots are increasingly becoming the subject of research and a very important area of science, so that the 21st century will be named as the century of development of service robots. Mobile robots are an excellent “System Engineering” research example because it includes a lot of scientific research, namely in the area of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, computer science, social science, and more. As mobile robots perform their tasks in the same environment as humans, mobile robots should have the abilities that people have. The mobile robots should be able to recognize faces, gestures, signs, objects, speech and atmosphere. Successful realization set of tasks results in bypassing obstacles without collision and destruction in the shortest possible time and distance. They should communicate with people on the basis of emotion. The range of mobile robots application is huge. Mobile robots have found application in many areas, but this chapter will cover the following distribution of mobile robots areas of application: medicine, agriculture, defense, logistics, construction, demolition, professional cleaning, space exploration, education and scientific research. The price of robots is declining steadily and they are coming into ever wider use. It is only a matter of time before robots become available to the population of today's high school students, just as it happened with computers and cell phones.
Mobile Vision for Plant Biometric System
Authors: Prasad Shitala
Published: July 2019

In human's life plant plays an important part to balance the nature and supply food-&-medicine. The traditional manual plant species identification method is tedious and time-consuming process and requires expert knowledge. The rapid developments of mobile and ubiquitous computing make automated plant biometric system really feasible and accessible for anyone-anywhere-anytime. More and more research are ongoing to make it a more realistic tool for common man to access the agro-information by just a click. Based on this, the chapter highlights the significant growth of plant identification and leaf disease recognition over past few years. A wide range of research analysis is shown in this chapter in this context. Finally, the chapter showed the future scope and applications of AaaS and similar systems in agro-field.
Information Societies to Interactive Societies
Authors: Dissanayeke Uvasara , Wickramasuriya H.V.A.
Published: July 2019

Information is crucial for the development of any sector, including agriculture where information needs to be exchanged with farmers and other stakeholders quickly. Thus, efficient linkages for information sharing are essential. ICT innovations enable the shaping and reshaping of communication and interaction. Many of the technology driven information dissemination methods have been initiated by government, private, non-profit making bodies and independent research groups. This chapter explains the integration of ICT within Sri Lankan agriculture communities and how the focus is changing from information dissemination towards facilitating interactions among the stakeholders. The present status of agriculture information dissemination, including the ICT interventions is given. Prevailing issues and limitations in these ICT-based information dissemination approaches initiated by the different entities is explained, giving due recognition to various factors that have contributed to the adoption of ICT initiatives. The chapter ends outlining the possibilities for future focus on ICT activities in an agriculture information society.
A Case Study of Innovation Platforms for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Development
Authors: Gboku Matthew L. S. , Modise Oitshepile M. , Bebeley Jenneh F.
Published: July 2019

Stakeholder organizations clearly need to have more than a symbolic role in IAR4D decision making. They are currently hindered by their lack of knowledge of leadership roles and capacity to implement the IAR4D. In this chapter, the authors have presented the use of the IAR4D in Sierra Leone with clear justification of how it fits into contemporary approaches and interventions at the national, regional and global levels. The chapter focuses on the “Dissemination of New Agricultural Technologies in Africa (DONATA)” project in Sierra Leone as a shining example of leadership development and adult learning in both formal and non-formal settings. The authors highlight current challenges of the use of innovation platforms through IARD and articulate implications of the case study for adult education, agricultural extension and non-formal training in agricultural research institutions. The chapter ends with recommendations for surmounting the current challenges of the case described.
The Role of Irrigation in the Development of Agriculture
Authors: Popović Vesna Ž. , Subić Jonel V. , Kljajić Nataša Ž.
Published: July 2019

The Srem district is home to producers of corn, oilseeds, sugar beet and tobacco, a leading region in the production of pome fruits (apples, pears) and drupes (plums, peaches, cherries) in the country and a perspective area for the development of organic plant and livestock production in protected areas. The current irrigation policy in the Republic of Serbia was not directed at systematic water use with the goal of forming an optimal structure of a market propulsive and a highly profitable agricultural production. The authors in the paper analyse the structure of agricultural production in the Srem district in Serbia and its market potentials as well as the economic effects of irrigation in light of the planned integral irrigation system construction in the Srem district in order to reflect economic benefits of irrigation and its role in the development of agriculture.
Characterization and Management Concerns of Water Resources Around Pallikaranai Marsh, South Chennai
Authors: Bhaskar Avantika , Rao G. Babu , Vencatesan Jayshree
Published: July 2019

Pallikaranai is one of the last remaining natural wetlands of Chennai. This marsh collects floodwater and increases groundwater levels in the region. The present study characterizes the water sources available around Pallikaranai Marsh. Groundwater was found to be the main source of water in the study area, extracted through domestic wells as well as commercially through a large number of agricultural wells. Direct surface water extraction from wetlands by private tankers was also observed in some areas. Acute water shortage and inefficient water supply by the government has led to thriving of tanker market in this area. Shrinking of the marsh and surrounding water bodies owing to construction, dumping of waste and encroachment accompanied by over-extraction of groundwater is driving this area towards extreme water crisis especially in event of climate change. Conservation of wetlands and evolving norms for sustainable water extraction of groundwater especially by commercial entities is recommended.
The Loss and Damage of Environmental Ethics in the Threshold of African Culture
Authors: Essien Essien
Published: July 2019

It has been argued that human actions through pollution and other activities have imperil survival, harm health and dislocate the well-being of man on earth. This argument's corollary is that, given the curious datum that human beings are implicated in loss and damage of the environment, actions performed by individuals have aggregate negative consequences on the environment. Yet, what African culture is and how it matters in environmental ethics is regrettably unexplored and disproportionately contested. This study examines the contributions of culture toward the preservation and protection of the environment for future generation. The study adopts qualitative methodology and content analysis, as well as “relational theory” to respond to the thesis that African culture has a moral responsibility and an in-built mechanism to protect human interactions with nature and environment. The findings show that culture has the capacity to avert loss and damage of the African environment through African ethics.
Competitiveness of Turkey in the Sectoral Transformation Process
Authors: Ay Sema , Keser Hilal Yildirir
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study is to measure the competitiveness of Turkey by making a comparative analysis between the Turkish agricultural, industrial, and services sectors involved in foreign trade and the corresponding sectors of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) nations. In addition to the determination of their relative competitiveness, assessments will be made about their competitiveness over time by analyzing the direction of the sectoral trends of the above-mentioned countries. In the study, after a brief theoretical overview, a summary of the literature related to the subject is provided, followed by a comparison of the competitiveness of the three sectors (agriculture, industry, and services) made by calculating the revealed comparative advantages (RCAs) of Turkey and the BRIC countries.
Agricultural Growth Accounting and Total Factor Productivity in Jordan
Authors: Akroush Samia Nadeem , Dhehibi Boubaker , Aw-Hassan Aden
Published: July 2019

This article develops new estimates of historical agricultural productivity growth in Jordan. It investigates how public policies such as agricultural research, investment in irrigation capital, and water pricing have contributed to agricultural productivity growth. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) annual time series from 1961 to 2011 of all crops and livestock productions are the primary source for agricultural outputs and inputs used to construct the Törnqvist Index for the case of Jordan. The log-linear form of regression equation was used to examine the relationship between Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth and different factors affecting TFP growth. The results showed that human capital has positive and direct significant impact on TFP implying that people with longer life expectancy has a significant impact on TFP growth. This article concludes that despite some recent improvement, agricultural productivity growth in Jordan continues to lag behind just about every other region of the world.
Human Overpopulation
Authors: Uniyal Shivani , Paliwal Rashmi , Kaphaliya Bhumija , Sharma R. K.
Published: July 2019

Overpopulation has recognized as a global environmental problem since few decades, as it has caused a number of adverse effects on environment. Modern medical facilities and illiteracy in some interior regions of developing countries are the major reasons for development of this inverted pyramid demographic structure. Overpopulation has resulted in a series of catastrophic consequences by causing increased pressure on existing natural resources. Deforestation, effect on welfare, climate change, decline in biocapacity, urban sprawl, food security, increase in energy demand and effect on marine ecosystem are amongst most severe impacts of overpopulation. Concrete steps need to be taken on national and international level to combat the adverse effects of overpopulation, so that sustainability of natural resources can be ensured for future generations.
Digital Technologies and 4D Customized Design
Authors: Novak James I. , Loy Jennifer
Published: July 2019

Digital design tools are rapidly changing and blurring the boundaries between design disciplines. By extension, the relationship between humans and products is also changing, to the point where opportunities are emerging for products that can co-evolve with their human users over time. This chapter highlights how these ‘4D products' respond to the vision laid out three decades ago for ubiquitous computing, and have the potential to enhance human experiences by creating more seamless human-centered relationships with technology. These developments are examined in context with broader shifts in sociocultural and environmental concerns, as well as similar developments being researched in Responsive Architecture, 4D printing and systems designed to empower individuals during the design process through interactive, parametric model platforms. Technology is fundamentally changing the way designers create physical products, and new understandings are needed to positively guide these changes.
Enhancement of Surface Integrity of Titanium Alloy With Copper by Means of Laser Metal Deposition Process
Authors: Erinosho Mutiu F. , Akinlabi Esther T. , Pityana Sisa
Published: July 2019

The laser metal deposition process possesses the combination of metallic powder and laser beam respectively. However, these combinations create an adhesive bonding that permanently solidifies the laser-enhanced-deposited powders. Titanium alloys (Ti6Al4V) Grade 5 have been regarded as the most used alloys for the aerospace applications, due to their lightweight properties and marine application due to their excellent corrosion resistance. The improvements in the surface integrity of the alloy have been achieved successively with the addition of Cu through the use of Ytterbium laser system powered at maximum of 2000 Watts. The motivation for this research work can be attributed to the dilapidation of the surface of titanium alloy, when exposed to marine or sea water for a longer period of time. This chapter provides the surface modification of titanium alloy with the addition of percentage range of Cu within its lattices; and the results obtained from the characterizations conducted on the laser deposited Ti6Al4V/Cu alloys have been improved.
Integrated Manufacturing System for Complex Geometries
Authors: Zindani Divya , Kumar Kaushik
Published: July 2019

The chapter proposes an integrated manufacturing system consisting of three main components: digital prototyping, physical prototyping, and lost core technology. The integrated system combines the beneficial aspects of computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, rapid prototyping, and rapid tooling. The proposed integrated system is an attempt to compress the product development time while saving cost. The system can be efficient in designing of mold, parts with complex ducts and cavities, and carrying out design analysis through optimization and simulations. The system is therefore an attempt to minimize the waste of material that occurs in the development of a product and is therefore an efficient green technology for the manufacturing industries.
The “Arm” Line of Devices for Neurological Rehabilitation
Authors: Scano Alessandro , Chiavenna Andrea , Dinon Tito , Prini Alessio , Spagnuolo Giulio , Malosio Matteo , Tosatti Lorenzo Molinari
Published: July 2019

In the modern scenario of neurological rehabilitation, which requires affordable solutions oriented toward promoting home training, the Institute of Industrial Technologies and Automation (ITIA) of the Italian National Research Council (CNR) developed a line of prototypal devices for the rehabilitation of the upper limb, called “Arm.” Arm devices were conceived to promote rehabilitation at affordable prices by capturing all the main features of the state-of-the-art devices. In fact, Arm devices focus on the main features requested by a robot therapist: mechanical adaptation to the patient, ranging from passive motion to high transparency, assist-as-needed and resistive modalities; proper use of sensors for performance monitoring; easy-to-use, modular, and adaptable design. These desirable features are combined with low-cost, additive manufacturing procedures, with the purpose of meeting the requirements coming from research on neuro-motor rehabilitation and motor control and coupling them with the recent breakthrough innovations in design and manufacturing.
Big Data, 3D Printing Technology, and Industry of the Future
Authors: Alabi Micheal Omotayo
Published: July 2019

This article describes how 3D printing technology, also referred to as additive manufacturing (AM), is a process of creating a physical object from 3-dimensional digital model layers upon layers. 3D printing technologies have been identified as an emerging technology of the 21st century and are becoming popular around the world with a wide variety of potential application areas such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, etc. Big Data is a large amount of imprecise data in a variety of formats which is generated from different sources with high-speed. Recently, Big Data and 3D printing technologies is a new research area and have been identified as types of technologies that will launch the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). As Big Data and 3D printing technology is wide spreading across different sectors in the era of industry 4.0, the healthcare sector is not left out of the vast development in this field; for instance, the Big Data and 3D printing technologies providing needed tools to support healthcare systems to accumulate, manage, analyse large volume of data, early disease detection, 3D printed medical implant, 3D printed customized titanium prosthetic, etc. Therefore, this article presents the recent trends in 3D printing technologies, Big Data and Industry 4.0; including the benefits and the application areas of these technologies. Emerging and near future application areas of 3D printing, and possible future research areas in 3D printing and Big Data technologies as relating to industry 4.0.
Building a Supportive Culture for Sustained Organizational Learning in Public Sectors Including Project Learning
Authors: Senaratne Sepani , Victoria Michele Florencia , Samaraweera Aparna
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an approach to build a supportive organizational culture for sustained organizational learning in public sectors and means of extending such learning culture to project level. Changing culture is not an easy task. It involves an in-depth understanding of culture and its relationship with organizational learning. First, this chapter provides a brief introduction to organizational learning, organizational culture and their relationship. Then, characteristics and attributes of a learning culture are identified. Such discussion is then extended to the project culture and the learning culture at project level. Next, using case study research findings of a public sector construction organisation operating in Sri Lanka, an approach is presented in this chapter on how to identify the present culture of the organisation and change it to a learning culture. Finally, possibility of extending such learning culture to project level is discussed at Sri Lankan context.
Communities of Practice for Promoting Organizational and Informal Learning in Public Administration
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez David , Gairin Joaquin
Published: July 2019

Professional development of the members of any organization is a key and essential factor to promote innovation and, ultimately, the improvement of public organizations. Communities of practice is one of the leading strategies used to promote knowledge management processes aimed at generating organizational and individual and informal learning. This chapter presents some of the results and proposals from an extensive study developed in two phases which focus on some key factors for promoting innovation in public administration. The first phase tries to identify some of the mechanisms that facilitate or hinder learning, organizational and informal, in public organizations. The second phase is focused on analysis of knowledge management practices through communities of practice in public administration. The results enable us to suggest some proposals and future research lines aimed at improving both organizational and informal learning, along with innovations that contribute to improving the public administration.
Barriers Impeding Knowledge Management Practices in the Public Sector
Authors: Wamuyu Patrick Kanyi , Ndiege Joshua Rumo
Published: July 2019

The 2017-2022 Kenya's Council of Governors strategic plan indicates that there is lack of a structured mechanism for systematic knowledge sharing and organizational learning among the county governments despite the council's effort to share information through statutory annual reports, devolution conferences, and quarterly committee meetings. The intention of this chapter is to assess the challenges faced by the Kenyan county governments in their quest to institutionalize knowledge management practices and to conceptualize a framework that can support continuous sharing of experiences, lessons, and innovations within and among the county governments in Kenya. Theoretical frameworks and models of knowledge management in governance, governments, and e-governments were considered and a novel theoretical framework for successful knowledge management initiatives among regional governments was formulated. The chapter provides recommendations for the council and other policy makers on how to manage knowledge management initiatives, while suggestions for future research directions are given.