bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ebola virus disease: Case management in the Institute of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Sassari, Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Bertoli Giulia , Mannazzu Marco , Madeddu Giordano , Are Riccardo , Muredda Alberto , Babudieri Sergio , Calia Giovanna , Lovigu Carla , Maida Ivana , Contini Luciana , Miscali Anna , Rubino Salvatore , Delogu Fiorenzo , Mura Maria Stella
Published: May 2016

Since the onset of the worst epidemic of Ebola virus disease in December 2013, 28,637 cases were reported as confirmed, probable, or suspected. Since the week of 3 January 2016, no more cases have been reported. The total number of deaths have amounted to 11,315 (39.5%). In developed countries, seven cases have been diagnosed: four in the United States, one in Spain, one in the United Kingdom, and one in Italy. On 20 July 2015, Italy was declared Ebola-free. On 9 May 2015, an Italian health worker came back to Italy after a long stay in Sierra Leone working for a non-governmental organization. Forty-eight hours after his arrival, he noticed headache, weakness, muscle pains, and slight fever. The following day, he was safely transported to the Infectious Diseases Unit of University Hospital of Sassari. The patient was hospitalized for 19 hours until an Italian Air Force medical division transferred him to Rome, to the Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute. Nineteen people who had contacts with the patient were monitored daily for 21 days by the Public Health Office of Sassari and none presented any symptoms. So far, neither vaccine nor treatment is available to be proposed on an international scale. Ebola is considered a re-emerging infectious disease which, unlike in the past, has been a worldwide emergency. This case study aimed to establish a discussion about the operative and logistic difficulties to be faced and about the discrepancy arising when protocols clash with the reality of facts.
Quand dire, c’est faire taire
Authors: Le Caisne Léonore
Published: May 2016

À partir de la comparaison des médiatisations de deux histoires d’inceste – l’« affaire Fritzl » et l’« affaire Gouardo » –, l’auteure montre comment le traitement médiatique d’un crime dépend des spécificités de la mise en récit des histoires rapportées et de leurs protagonistes, notamment de la représentation médiatique de la « vraie » et de la « fausse » victime. Elle interroge la possibilité (ou non) du traitement médiatique de l’inceste à travers le choix des éléments médiatisés et le parcours et l’enchevêtrement des médiatisations des deux histoires, et analyse la manière dont la médiatisation de l’histoire de Lydia Gouardo permit finalement de taire l’inceste.
Le rôle du « perceptif » dans la pensée de Pierre Marty
Authors: Botella Sára
Published: May 2016

L’approche du « rôle du perceptif » dans la pensée de Pierre Marty conduit l’auteur à une étude comparative avec la pensée de Freud dans les années fondatrices de la psychanalyse. Il démontre l’importance accordée par Pierre Marty à l’association convergente des éléments perceptifs dans l’expérience fondatrice de la pratique psychosomatique. Marty rend ainsi possible un élargissement de la méthode freudienne aux traitements de névroses de caractère et des états non-névrotiques.
Du rôle de l’endoperception corporelle à partir d’un cas de vulvodynie
Authors: Stathopoulos Georgios
Published: May 2016

À partir d’un cas de vulvodynie, l’auteur aborde la fonction aussi bien protectrice que transformatrice de la perception du corps. Le modèle de l’hypocondrie nous sert de base pour une étude de l’endoperception corporelle ; la vignette clinique présentée dévoile les points de passage entre hypocondrie et hystérie et par là entre perception et représentation. Le texte s’interroge enfin sur la relation entre le corps et l’autre et la manière dont elle a pu être réintroduite dans le transfert.
La « popularité » sur les SAV peut-elle être payante ? Les candidats préférés des utilisateurs de smartvote et leur résultat aux élections fédérales suisses de 2007
Authors: Ladner Andreas , Pianzola Joëlle
Published: May 2016

Les Systèmes d’Aide au Vote (SAV) fournissent des conseils aux électeurs avant les élections et les aident à choisir entre les différents candidats et partis politiques en se basant sur la proximité politique. Bien que les SAV soient aujourd’hui largement utilisés à travers le monde, seules quelques recherches scientifiques portant sur leur effet sur le comportement électoral ont été publiées à ce jour. Cet article apporte un élément à ce débat en cours en se focalisant sur la question de savoir si la ‘popularité’ des candidats sur le SAV smartvote peut être considérée comme annonciatrice de leur succès personnel aux élections. Autrement dit : les candidats qui arrivent le plus souvent en tête des recommandations émises par smartvote sont-ils aussi les candidats qui obtiennent les meilleurs scores préférentiels aux élections ? Si tel était le cas, ces outils pourraient, en plus de leur rôle premier d’information aux électeurs, servir dans la prédiction des résultats électoraux.
COP 21 : quelle stratégie de lutte contre le changement climatique dessine l’Accord de Paris ?
Authors: Geoffron Patrice
Published: May 2016

La COP 21 a débouché sur l’Accord de Paris qui est « historique » en ce sens qu’il implique tous les pays du monde. Mais les engagements pris à Paris sont insuffisants pour atteindre l’objectif de 2˚C (d’augmentation de la température à la fin du siècle) et conduiraient plutôt aux alentours de 3˚C. Pour réduire encore les émissions, l’Accord de Paris devra donc être « dynamique » en conduisant les Etats à revoir leurs engagements tous les cinq ans. Mais, pour cela, des facteurs d’inertie devront être surmontés, liés aux subventions en faveur de la consommation d’énergies fossiles ou au caractère très instable de leurs prix, ou bien encore à la dynamique de demande d’énergie dans les pays émergents.
Intravenous leiomyomatosis disguised as a large deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Gunderson Camille Catherine , Parsons Blake , Penaroza Shyla , Peyton Marvin D , Landrum Lisa M
Published: May 2016

Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a benign smooth muscle tumor which despite its histology can have devastating consequences. Furthermore, the clinical manifestations are variable and nonspecific, typically leading to delayed or missed diagnosis. Thus, it is critical for clinicians to be aware of this condition and have a high index of suspicion in a middle-aged woman with a history of uterine leiomyoma presenting with an inferior vena cava mass to enable early diagnosis and treatment. We report a case of a large intravenous leiomyoma which was initially considered to be a very large deep venous thrombosis; with thorough preoperative planning, it was successfully removed intact and in entirety with a single-stage operation.
Spinal Metastases of Extramammary Paget Disease with Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Little Jason Timothy , Lehman Vance , Morris Jonathan , Lehman Julia , Diehn Felix
Published: May 2016

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is an uncommon malignancy. It manifests either in the primary form in the skin as an intraepithelial neoplasm, or in secondary form as pagetoid (intraepithelial) spread of an underlying internal carcinoma to the skin. Although local invasion and recurrence of primary extramammary Paget disease are relatively frequent, widespread metastases are rare. As such, there are very few reports and little characterization of the radiologic features of widespread spinal metastases. To our knowledge, there are no prior reports of a metastatic extramammary Paget disease presenting as a painful pathologic vertebral body compression fracture. We report the radiological features of a case of primary extramammary Paget disease with subsequent spinal metastases presenting as a painful compression fracture.
Planning Transit System for Indian Cities
Authors: Jana Arnab , Bardhan Ronita
Published: May 2016

Indian cities are currently in a phase of transition. Continuous urbanization and seamless connectivity is the paradigm. Proliferating bourgeois class is extending the demand for private automobiles. With limited opportunity to increment land use allocated to transportation and rapid shift towards automobile ownership, importance of transit system is being sensed. City managers believe that public transit could be an alternative in providing solution to ever increasing problem of traffic congestion, parking demand, accidents and fatalities, and global environmental adversities. This chapter examines the critical planning issues that need to be addressed. It highlights the opportunities and challenges these cities are poised towards transit system planning. The experiences from cities worldwide that have adopted transit systems to create compact city forms fostering mixed land use development are exemplified here. A ‘3P' developmental framework of ‘provide', ‘promote' and ‘progress' has been proposed to harness the opportunity.
Emerging Value Capture Innovative Urban Rail Funding and Financing
Authors: Jillella Satya Sai Kumar , T G Sitharam , Matan Anne , Newman Peter
Published: May 2016

Urban rail transit is emerging around the world as a catalyzing developmental solution to enable 21st century sustainable cities. However, these transit systems are capital intensive and cities worldwide are seeking innovative funding and financing mechanisms. Recently, land based value capture (VC) mechanisms have emerged as a pioneering solution to fund urban rail projects. This chapter introduces the VC concept and provides global best practice. The chapter aims to help enhance the understanding and rationale behind VC approaches through assessing the transit impacted accessibility value proposition and various VC mechanisms to capture the value created. A six-step Strategic Value Capture (SVC) framework is proposed which offers a step-by-step guidance to help define the VC based urban rail transit funding and financing processes from VC planning to VC operations.
Analyzing Intercity Modal Choice and Competition Between High Speed Rail (HSR) and Other Transport Modes in Indian Context
Authors: Verma Ashish , Raturi Varun
Published: May 2016

In this study, a theoretical framework is developed in order to assess the viability of transport infrastructure investment in the form of High Speed Rail (HSR) by assessing, the mode choice behaviour of the passengers and the strategies of the operators, in the hypothetical scenario. Discrete choice modelling (DCM) integrated with a game theoretic approach is used to model this dynamic market scenario. DCM is incorporated to predict the mode choice behaviour of the passengers in the new scenario and the change in the existing market equilibrium and strategies of the operators due to the entry of the new mode is analysed using the game theoretic approach. The outcome of this market game will describe the strategies for operators corresponding to Nash equilibrium. In conclusion, the impact of introduction of HSR is assessed in terms of social welfare by analysing the mode choice behaviour and strategic decision making of the operators, thus reflecting on the economic viability of the transport infrastructure investment.
Automated Testing
Authors: Asbach Lennart , Hungar Hardi , Meyer zu Hörste Michael
Published: May 2016

The need for time- and cost-efficient tests is highly relevant for state-of-the-art safety-related train control and rail traffic management systems. Those systems get increasingly more complex and so testing becomes a more and more and important cost factor. This chapter discusses some approaches to relocate tests from the field to the lab, reduce cost and duration while improving quality of lab tests. The European Train Control System (ETCS) is used as an example, but the approaches and results can be applied to other systems as well, for instance interlocking.
Alertness Monitoring System for Vehicle Drivers using Physiological Signals
Authors: Sengupta Anwesha , George Anjith , Dasgupta Anirban , Chaudhuri Aritra , Kabi Bibek , Routray Aurobinda
Published: May 2016

The present chapter deals with the development of a robust real-time embedded system which can detect the level of drowsiness in automotive and locomotive drivers based on ocular images and speech signals of the driver. The system has been cross-validated using Electroencephalogram (EEG) as well as Psychomotor response tests. A ratio based on eyelid closure rates called PERcentage of eyelid CLOSure (PERCLOS) using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) is employed to determine the state of drowsiness. Besides, the voiced-to-unvoiced speech ratio has also been used. Source localization and synchronization of EEG signals have been employed for detection of various brain stages during various stages of fatigue and cross-validating the algorithms based in image and speech data. The synchronization has been represented in terms of a complex network and the parameters of the network have been used to trace the change in fatigue of sleep-deprived subjects. In addition, subjective feedback has also been obtained.
Integrated Traffic Management using Data from Traffic, Asset Conditions, Energy and Emissions
Authors: Böhm Thomas , Lackhove Christoph , Meyer zu Hörste Michael
Published: May 2016

The traffic management is the core of the railway operations control technology. It receives the timetable information as a target definition and advises the command control and signaling systems to execute the rail traffic. Hence the traffic management system (TMS) has to take into account many sources of requests towards the traffic operation e.g. coming from the maintenance planning or the power supply system and to optimize the operation with respect to many criteria as e.g. punctuality, energy consumption, capacity and infrastructure wear. This chapter shows the sources of information for the TMS as well the resulting criteria. The final approach to configure a specific has to be done with respect to a specific application.
Disruption Management in Urban Rail Transit System
Authors: Hassannayebi Erfan , Sajedinejad Arman , Mardani Soheil
Published: May 2016

The process of disruption management in rail transit systems faces challenging issues such as the unpredictable occurrence time, the consequences and the uncertain duration of disturbance or recovery time. The objective of this chapter is to adopt a discrete-event object-oriented simulation system, which applies the optimization algorithms in order to compensate the system performance after disruption. A line blockage disruption is investigated. The uncertainty associated with blockage recovery time is considered with several probabilistic scenarios. The disruption management model presented here combines short-turning and station-skipping control strategies with the objective to decrease the average passengers' waiting time. A variable neighborhood search (VNS) algorithm is proposed to minimize the average waiting time. The computational experiments on real instances derived from Tehran Metropolitan Railway are applied in the proposed model and the advantages of the implementing the optimized single and combined short-turning and stop-skipping strategies are listed.
Ventilation and Air Conditioning in Tunnels and Underground Stations
Authors: Waymel Frederic , Butaud Christophe
Published: May 2016

This chapter is an overview of the state of the art and advanced principles in the field of ventilation and air conditioning (AC) in tunnels and underground stations. The first part is dedicated to the background which deals with the design objectives that are generally retained for normal and emergency operation of underground rail projects. The second part provides solutions and recommendations of ventilation and AC strategies that can be used in metro and rail projects. Advantages and drawbacks of the proposed solutions are also discussed. The main parameters that can influence the design are introduced in this section. The possibility of using draught relief shaft is detailed. Advantages of Platform Screen doors and heat sink effects are also described. Various cooling technologies of station air conditioning systems are presented. Critical issues when designing longitudinal ventilation system for tunnel emergency situations are also discussed. The last part is a short list of future research directions in the field of cooling / heating production for air conditioning systems.
Customer Perceived Value of Frequent Flyer Programmes
Authors: Lin Zhibin , Quan Rose , Lau Marco Chi Keung , Ma Jie
Published: May 2016

This chapter aims to examine Chinese air passengers' perceived value of the Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP), and its impact on passenger loyalty. The study develops and tests a conceptual model of three dimensions of FFP value (economic, emotional, and social), and passenger loyalty toward FFP (programme loyalty) and the airline (brand loyalty) with a sample of air passengers in China. The results show that emotional value has a positive impact on both programme loyalty and brand loyalty; economic value has a positive impact on programme loyalty only; but social value has no significant impact on either of the loyalty constructs. The chapter provides both theoretical implications to advance consumer research and practical implications for global airline business.
Perfume Consumption in India
Authors: Bamber David James , Gransden Clay Alex , Beg Swati Aisha
Published: May 2016

Perfumes have been important in India for millennia and so have the stories connected with them. The perfume business in India is worth billions. The chapter provides a background from which the Indian perfume industry can be understood in terms of the Berger's STEPP model, and the chapter shows how the consumers' cognitive schema and consumers' behaviors are necessarily entwined with the story of the product, brand and their own stories. Three sets of themes: product perceptions, concerns, and consumers' lifestyle are identified, each with their own sub-themes that are antecedents to perfume purchasing behavior. Segments in the Indian perfume market are also identified. Each consumer segment has their own behavioral nuances and they consider different aspects of the perfume product taking into account their own income and aspects of the three themes and nineteen sub-themes. It is important for perfume marketing managers to consider each aspect of the STEPPs model in relation to their target markets in order to maintain competitive advantage.
Market Receptiveness and Product Positioning Model of Chinese Firms in Emerging Markets
Authors: Iwaloye Olukayode Ojo , Shi Guicheng James
Published: May 2016

This study looks into the common strategic moves of Chinese firms to create appeal for their products in emerging markets. The focus is on the common competitive factors that make them to have high rate of success and prosperity compared to first movers firms from advanced markets in developing countries marketplace. Past studies showed that a firm without established brands, technology knowhow and management capabilities are likely to face with survival and performance problems, and may also reduce the firm's strategic options and growth opportunities in developing economies. Chinese firms are known to lack established brands and important core capabilities but have been able to demonstrate a unique trend in emerging countries market place. They have a common structure and trend in the ways Chinese firms create appeal to users and potential buyers in emerging market environment. This present research explored the situation with case research interview of seven Chinese firms in Nigeria.
Neuromarketing and the Potential Application of Scientific Methods in Measuring Consumer Behaviour
Authors: Bulley Cynthia A. , Adu-Brobbey Veronica , Duodu Esther O.
Published: May 2016

Consumer behaviour studies have taken a new turn. Marketers, economists and other consumer related disciplines are looking to science to accurately determine consumer behaviour. The purpose of this chapter is to provide insight into a burgeoning field of study, neuromarketing, documenting various research studies and applications of mechanisms in determining brain activities and other uses of science to benefit marketing research. Data for the study is derived from impartial cross-referencing of conceptual and empirical articles published in major journals. The application of neuroimaging technique in research have provided marketers with concrete evidence of brain activation that signal increased activities during stimulation (Lewis & Bridger, 2005; Rossiter et al., 2001). Further, the implication and causes of concern in using neuroscience methods in marketing are highlighted. Developing country studies on neuromarketing are examined to determine its application and use as a marketing research tool.
Consumer Values and Green Products Consumption in Malaysia
Authors: Chekima Brahim
Published: May 2016

To impede environmental deterioration and promote a more sustainable economy, one solution is to shift consumption from conventional to green products. However, inadequate information on how to promote consumers' green behavioral intention is slowing the growth of green markets and has become a barrier for when developing segments and communicating strategies for effective promotion of green products, in countries like Malaysia where the trend is new. This study attempts to examine consumers' green purchase intention motivational drivers and determine the moderating effect of education levels, gender and income. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was used to evaluate the causal model. The results suggest that cultural values and environmental advertising are the main influence in building green purchase intention while environmental knowledge is not significantly related. It also indicates that gender and education level have a significant positive moderation effect while income is not. The discussions and implications of these findings are further elaborated.
Correlates of Political Consumption in Africa
Authors: Adugu Emmanuel
Published: May 2016

Using the marketplace as a site for political action with social change motives is referred as political consumption. Boycott, as a form of political consumption is an innovative way being used by citizens to directly express their attitudes, interests and concerns with the ultimate goal of influencing public affairs. This book chapter specifically examines the correlates of boycott as a form of political consumption in Africa using Wave 6 of the World Values Survey. Based on binary logistic regression, the correlates of boycott action are: level of education, gender, social class, media usage, gender equality, institutional confidence, social network, interest in politics, life satisfaction, seeing oneself as being part of world citizenship, seeing oneself as being embedded in local community, importance of doing something for the good of society, importance of traditions, and importance of riches or expensive things. These findings have implications for reaching out to boycotters.
Systemic Risk Management
Authors: Raue Steve , Klein Louis
Published: May 2016

Risk management is a practice. It consists of activities which ought to be focused and integrated. This chapter argues for a systemic practice of project risk management. It shows what can be done with a systemic approach to improve risk management on different levels in different ways, and how systems thinking meets the challenges of increasing project complexity and the embedded risks. First, the benefits of a systemic perspective on projects in observing and describing actuality and possibility are explored, to provide a wider range of perspectives on the project itself and alternative ways to detect risk. The second part discusses why it is critical to establish risk management as an independent key practice in projects. A third part is concerned with proposing elements of risk management as a distinct project within projects, projects to detect, to mitigate and to fix risks.
Project Risk Management Process for Professionals
Authors: Toth Tamas , Sebestyen Zoltan
Published: May 2016

This chapter will provide an instantly applicable integrated project risk analysis method, which tracks the probabilities of the occurrences of harmful events perceived by the owners from the conceptual phase to the end of the project. The chapter follows a threefold structure. First, the paper provides a revised integrated project risk assessment framework that enhances conventional risk category-based methods. Second, the minimum requirements of the owners are clarified to attain the main goal of project risk assessment and to identify the harmful events jeopardizing this goal. Third, the widely known risk assessment procedures are revised, and a methodology for taking and selecting proper risks is provided. Finally, a new valuation approach to the monitoring phase is introduced, which is able to capture the current market value of the project based on the risk management and controlling system's data.
The Internalization of Attention at 28,000 Feet
Authors: Kutsch Elmar , Hällgren Markus , Turner Neil
Published: May 2016

In this chapter we argue that the ‘process' approach to developing reliable organizational performance, although powerful, is insufficient for increasingly complex environments. We offer the alternative perspective of ‘mindfulness-based' reliability, and use the K2 mountaineering tragedy of 2008 as a case in which this can be explored. This was the worst mountaineering disaster in history, in which 11 climbers lost their lives. Through extensive analysis and detailed interviews with survivors, we identify the underlying reasons and behaviors that can create ‘mindlessness'. Although this is an extreme example, we then explain how the issues can be valuable for managers in less extreme environments and synthesize a model of the organizational behaviors and cultural attributes that may be developed to support organizational mindfulness.
Using a Knowledge-Based Approach to Foster the Use of Risk Management in Construction
Authors: Serpell Alfredo Federico , Ferrada Ximena , Rubio Larissa
Published: May 2016

Knowledge is a key factor in carrying out and improving risk management in construction projects. Even so, it has been found that this management is done inadequately often mainly due to the lack of knowledge available for its execution. Thus, a knowledge-based system for addressing the problems of risk management in construction projects is proposed and described in this chapter. This is a web-based system that aims to supporting risk management for construction projects in an industry environment where risk management is not well valued yet. The system includes a tool that uses a maturity model for the assessment of risk management capabilities of contractors and owners, a module to propose improvements according to the existing gaps reported by the maturity evaluation module, and a knowledge base that supports a project's risk management and has the ability to acquire knowledge from experiences obtained during the implementation of different construction projects.
Systemic Evaluation of Knowledge Management
Authors: Ruíz Jésica Alhelí Cortés , Martínez Ricardo Morán , López Eduardo Antonio Vanegas
Published: May 2016

This chapter focuses on the study that will offer a systemic evaluation of the characteristics of knowledge management, from the approach of the postgraduate students in Mexico. It will consider the generation cycle – storage – distribution – utilization and generalization of knowledge, as stated by (Nonaka & Takeuchi, 1995). The purpose will be to design academic management strategies for the strengthening of human capital, which comprises the post-graduate students in Mexico, who are enrolled in this type of educational programmes. The proposed chapter is structured as follows: The first section centers in the description of the characteristics of knowledge management, the second one will target at the characteristics of postgraduate education in Mexico, the third section includes the study methodology, and the fourth one will be the research proposal for drawing the research conclusions.
Organizational Metaphors and the Evaluation of Higher Education Programs, Management Practices, and Change Processes
Authors: Van Den Hoven Melanie , Litz David R.
Published: May 2016

Utilizing a conceptual framework based on Morgan's (1998) organizational metaphors, this chapter reports on a qualitative study conducted with faculty members to evaluate their experience of a new program and influence change processes in a teacher-training higher educational institution in Abu Dhabi, UAE, during a period of major educational restructuring. With respect to metaphors generated in response to overall perceptions of organizational dynamics, management practices, and change processes, the study demonstrates tensions surrounding access to channels of communication and decision making within the local educational context; however, no overt concerns on culture shock are found. Moreover, many metaphors are consistent with Morgan's original constructs, whereas a number are unique to the localized context. Organizational metaphors may thus be used as a feedback mechanism to guide systemic decision making around change initiatives within this institution, and to stimulate management research in this region and other higher educational settings.
Challenges of Public Policies for an Inclusive Higher Education
Authors: Muñoz Diana Patricia Skewes , Patiño Jesús Gerardo Alfaro
Published: May 2016

This research note focuses on the major challenges of public policies emphasizing the implications guarantee quality education for all in order to contribute to achieving a socially inclusive future in a metropolis like Mexico City. The importance of inclusive education is directly linked to social, economic and sustainable development of the country, therefore, a quality education that includes everyone equally, calls for an analysis of the school and the social environment, our multiculturalism and active acceptance of that which is different from the norm and the relationship between it establishes for the formation of the common good. Therefore, we consider it necessary to address a comprehensive policy for education to eliminate exclusion factors such as: accessibility, infrastructure, equal treatment, access opportunities, gender and economic deciles access.
Evaluation of the Educational Opportunities of Middle High School Graduates
Authors: Hurtado Fernando Briseño , Espinosa Edgar Oliver Cardoso , Mendoza Joel García , Bricaire Jorge Mejía
Published: May 2016

The education enables individuals to add value to the economy, contributing to the cultural heritage, participate in society, improve health, protect the environment and increase their ability to continue to develop. Therefore it is essential that educational system promotes educational opportunities in order to be equitably distributed among all social sectors and boost that graduates and could have the opportunity to performance occupations in which they could take advantage the schooling they have acquired. So, the chapter proposal will be organized into three sections: the first related to globalization and middle education in Mexico; the second based on group interviews conducted with the technique called focus group and, third, the characteristics of the methodology-oriented design of a set of indicators that evaluate and feedback educational programs that graduates have studied, based this, they could achieve and improve educational opportunities.
Evaluation of Teaching Competency-Based Performance in Middle School Education
Authors: Hurtado María Elena Zepeda
Published: May 2016

The research analyzes the problem of teachers' evaluation of Middle School Education at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN, for its acronyms in Spanish), which has been practiced using the same instrument since the assessment process started until now. From this approach, the National Education Model of high-schools, and, consequently, of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional is competency-based. There are eight competencies assigned to teachers' development, which are included in the Comprehensive Reform of Middle School Education. The eight teaching competencies are unfolded as attributes that are displayed as performance and/or products, which make up: knowledges, skills and attitudes that are applied in the classroom in order to generate learning environments and to have students develop their own competencies to achieve the high-school degree profile. The general aim of the research is to design an evaluation instrument of middle school education at the IPN, so that students determine the teachers' development according to the model of competencies.
Exploring Perception, Cognition, and Neural Pathways of Stereo Vision and the Split–Brain Human Computer Interface
Authors: Garvey Gregory P.
Published: May 2016

This chapter examines research from psychology of perception and cognition as well as select developments in the visual arts that inspired the design of the split-brain user interface developed for the interactive documentary Anita und Clarence in der Hölle: An Opera for Split-Brains in Modular Parts (Garvey, 2002). This experimental interface aims at ‘enhanced' interaction while creating a new aesthetic experience. This emergent aesthetic might also be described as induced artificial cognitive dissonance and recalls select innovations in the rise of modernism notably the experiments of the Surrealists. The split-brain interface project offers a model for further investigations of human perception, neural processing and cognition through experimentation with the basic principles of stereo and binocular vision. It is conceivable that such an interface could be a design strategy for augmented or virtual reality or even wearable computing. The chapter concludes with a short discussion of potential avenues for further experimentation and development.
Better Visualization through Better Vision
Authors: Eisenberg Michael
Published: May 2016

Traditionally, the subject of “scientific visualization” focuses on the creation of novel or innovative graphical representations: essentially, new types of images to perceive. A truly complete approach to scientific visualization should include not only the perceived object, but also the abilities of the perceiver. Human “visual common sense” is a product of evolution, suited to the survival of the species; but it has severe and recurring limitations for the purposes of scientific understanding and education. People cannot readily understand phenomena that are too fast, slow, or complex for their visual systems to take in; they cannot see wavelengths outside visual spectrum; they have difficulty understanding three-dimensional (or, even worse, four-dimensional) objects. This chapter explores a variety of ideas and design themes for approaching scientific visualization by enhancing the powers of human vision.
Science and Art
Authors: Constant Jean
Published: May 2016

The fourth dimension is a complex concept that deals with abstract reasoning, our sense of perception, and our imagination. Mathematics posits that a four-dimensional space is a geometric space with four dimensions. For many the fourth dimension is the element of time added to the three parameters of length, height and depth. How does a geometer incorporates time in the description of a structure, or a visual artist integrates time in a two dimensional flat surface image, when they both rely on well-defined principles that are a tangible descriptive of our reality? This chapter gives a brief overview of the different schools of thought in the Humanities and in Science, offers a possible definition of this elusive element needed to anchor the fourth dimension in our larger abstract reasoning consensus, and focuses on the specific of Mathematics and visual imaging to illustrate the particular benefit of collaborating on a simple, usable descriptive to create a sound outcome.
A Signal Adaptation Mechanism for Power Optimization of Wireless Adapters
Authors: Bouras Christos , Kapoulas Vaggelis , Kioumourtzis Georgios , Stamos Kostas , Stahopoulos Nikos , Tavoularis Nikos
Published: May 2016

This manuscript introduces, implements and evaluates a feedback-based adaptation mechanism that adjusts the transmission power of a wireless card on commodity mobile devices. Main focus of this work is to minimize the power consumption by adjusting the transmission power of the wireless card, thus extending the battery life, while negative effects on connection quality are avoided. To achieve that, a mechanism that optimizes the power depending on the quality of the connection is presented, which measures the quality of the transmission and adjusts the transmission power, by utilizing an expanded array of metrics, for more accurate estimation. The mechanism has been implemented and tested on actual wireless adapters. In order to evaluate, fine-tune and improve the mechanism, a list of real environment experiments has been performed. The results indicate that power consumption can be significantly reduced for nodes that are either almost stationary or slowly moving, without any significant increase in packet loss.
Revisiting the concept of inculturation in a modern Africa: A reflection on salient issues
Authors: Nche George C. , Okwuosa Lawrence N. , Nwaoga Theresa C.
Published: May 2016

This article revisited the concept of ‘Inculturation’ in modern Africa. Through the use of a historical phenomenological method, the article averred that Inculturation of Christianity in modern Africa is a herculean task that demands absolute caution. Hence, the article discussed some salient issues such as the evolutionary nature of African culture; the unity of the Christendom; and the Christian ecological concern, which should be put into serious consideration in the entire process of inculturation in Africa to safeguard the essence of the gospel of Christ and to meet contemporary challenges.
Agter elke man: Onderweg na inklusiewe taalgebruik in die Afrikaanse kerklied
Authors: Vermeulen Ockie C.
Published: May 2016

This article discusses the lack of inclusive language in the Liedboek van die kerk, which still remains the official hymnal of the Afrikaans Reformed churches in South Africa. Because there seems to be a general misconception about inclusive language, especially in this particular religious context, I will argue that the use of inclusive language will not only help to counteract the current identity crisis the church is experiencing (referring to matters such as the role of the woman, Belhar and sexuality), but will also reflect Christ’s theology of inclusivity during his time on earth. A broader understanding of the God image, rooted in biblical hermeneutics, is imperative and should be incorporated in the text of the Afrikaans hymn. I will argue that this inclusive spirituality may also lead to greater spiritual well-being of all Christians in the Afrikaans Reformed churches. This paper is critical qualitative research and arguments from the feminist theology will be interpreted and applied to the Afrikaans context.Keywords: Inclusive language; Afrikaans church; hymn; marginalised;
Liturgical pharmacology: Time of the question, complexity and ethics
Authors: Du Toit Calvyn C. , Loubser Gys M.
Published: May 2016

Bernard Stiegler depicts technics as the human’s tertiary memory retention generating a pharmakon with both curative and malignant potential. He additionally rues the posthuman epoch’s depletion of a ‘time of the question’: revealed in the prevalent inaptitude for wisdom – scilicet long-term acuity. We offer Christian liturgy as an abeyant psychotechnique arcing the current pharmakon to cure through soliciting a ‘time of the question’. Rejuvenating Christian liturgy as a psychotechnique can bolster a broader societal ‘time of the question’. Firstly, we describe technic’s du jour mise on scène. Secondly, we constrain Christian liturgies as complex systems incorporating malleability, temporality, and instability. Thirdly, we imagine Christian liturgy as empty tradition allowing amateur repetition of ancient art enticing a ‘time of the question’.Keywords: Liturgy; Ethics; Technology; Stiegler; Complexity; Paul Cilliers; Van Huyssteen
Parallelisms and revelatory concepts of the Johannine Prologue in Greco-Roman context
Authors: Zuiddam Benno
Published: May 2016

This article builds on the increasing recognition of divine communication and God’s plan as a central concept in the prologue to the Fourth gospel. A philological analysis reveals parallel structures with an emphasis on divine communication in which the Logos takes a central part. These should be understood within the context of this gospel, but have their roots in the Old Testament. The Septuagint offers parallel concepts, particularly in its wisdom literature. Apart from these derivative parallels, the revelatory concepts and terminology involved in John 1:1–18, also find functional parallels in the historical environment of the fourth gospel. They share similarities with the role of Apollo Phoebus in the traditionally assigned geographical context of the region of Ephesus in Asia Minor. This functional parallelism served the reception of John’s biblical message in a Greco-Roman cultural setting.Keywords: John's Gospel; Apollo Phoebus; Logos; Revelation; Ephesus
A worthy tribute to a South African giant
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: May 2016

No abstract available.
Views of teenagers on termination of pregnancy at Muyexe high school in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Ramakuela Nditsheni J. , Lebese Tsakani R. , Maputle Sonto M. , Mulaudzi Lindiwe
Published: May 2016

Background: Teenage pregnancy is a global social health concern especially because of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, sexually transmitted infections, high rate of termination of pregnancy (TOP), adolescents’ parenthood and decreased level of contraceptives.Aim: To explore the views of teenagers on the TOP at Muyexe high school in a rural village of Mopani District, Limpopo Province.Setting: Muyexe high school in a rural village of Mopani District, Limpopo Province, in South Africa.Methodology: A qualitative method using explorative and descriptive designs was used to find in-depth description and understanding of teenagers’ views on TOP. The target population was girls aged 15–19 years at Muyexe high school in Mopani District. Non-probability, convenient sampling was used to select high school teenage girls who had undergone TOP for the study. Data were collected using individual self-report technique (interview). Tesch’s eight steps of qualitative data analysis were used. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical considerations were observed.Results: Two major themes were revealed: (1) Views of teenagers regarding TOP (poverty, relationship problems and single parenthood, negative impact on the teen’s life while attending school) and (2) teenager’s fears regarding pregnancy (stigma, fear of parents and friends, rape and incest and fear of giving birth).Conclusion: Majority of participants had knowledge about TOP; some had experiences about TOP while others held inadequate knowledge. Recommendations were based on the findings by teaching dangers of TOP and various contraceptive methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies and TOP.Keywords: Views, teenagers and termination of pregnancy
Treatment outcomes in a rural HIV clinic in South Africa: Implications for health care
Authors: Omole Olufemi B. , Semenya Mary-Anne M.L.
Published: May 2016

Objective: To assess the treatment outcomes of an HIV clinic in rural Limpopo province, South Africa.Methods: A retrospective cohort study involving medical records review of HIV-positive patients initiated on antiretroviral treatment (ART) was conducted from December 2007 to November 2008 at Letaba Hospital. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, CD4 counts, viral loads (VLs), opportunistic infections, adverse effects of treatment, hospital admissions, and patient retention at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months on ART were collected. Analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square and t-tests.Results: Of 124 patient records sampled, the majority of patients were female (69%), single (49%), unemployed (56%), living at least 10 km from the hospital (52.4%), and were on treatment at 36 months (69%). Approximately 84% of patients achieved viral suppression (VLs < 400 copies/mL) by 6 months of ART and the mean CD4 count increased from 128 at baseline to 470 cells/mm3 at 24 months. There was a mean weight gain of 5.9 kg over the 36 months and the proportion of patients with opportunistic infections decreased from 54.8% (n = 68) at baseline to 15.3% (n = 19) at 36 months. Although the largest improvements in CD4, VLs, and weights were recorded in the first 6 months of ART, viral rebound became evident thereafter. Of all variables, only age < 50 years and being pregnant were significantly associated with higher VLs (p = 0.03).Conclusion: Good treatment outcomes are achievable in a rural South African ART clinic. However, early viral rebound and higher VLs in pregnancy highlight the need for enhanced treatment adherence support, especially for pregnant women to reduce the risk of mother to child transmission.Keywords: CD4 count; viral load; rura;, treatment outcomes; antiretroviral treatment; patient retention
Leveraging management information in improving call centre productivity
Authors: Mosese Manthisana , Mearns Martie
Published: May 2016

Background: The availability and efficient use of management information is one of the key strategic levers in driving growth and competitiveness for companies. Management information facilitates vital decision making that assists organisations in improving their competitiveness. For call centre operations, competitiveness entails improving productivity and customer service, and management information is essential in this endeavour.Objectives: This research explored the use of management information and its impact on two fundamental functions namely, improving productivity without compromising the quality of service, in the call centre of a well-known South African fashion retailer, Edcon. Following the implementation of the call centre technology project the research set out to determine how Edcon can transform their call centre to improve productivity and customer service through effective utilisation of their management information. Method: Internal documents and reports were analysed to provide the basis of evaluation between the measures of productivity prior to and post the implementation of a technology project at Edcon’s call centre. Semi-structured in-depth and group interviews were conducted to establish the importance and use of management information in improving productivity and customer service. Results: The results indicated that the availability of management information has indeed contributed to improved efficiency at the Edcon call centre. Although literature claims that there is a correlation between a call centre technology upgrade and improvement in performance, evident in the return on investment being realised within a year or two of implementation, it fell beyond the scope of this study to investigate the return on investment for Edcon’s call centre. Conclusion: Although Edcon has begun realising benefits in improved productivity in their call centre from their available management information, information will continue to play a crucial role in supporting management with informed decisions that will improve the call centre operations.[pdf to follow]