bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Impacts of a Faculty Development Program for the Internationalization of Curriculum in Higher Education
Authors: Urban Emily , Navarro Maria , Borron Abigail
Published: October 2017

Faculty development programs for internationalization of the curriculum in higher education are often evaluated for short- and medium-term outcomes, but more long-term assessments are needed to determine impact. This study examined the long-term (6 years) impacts on faculty from colleges of agriculture after participating in a one-year professional development program for internationalization, which included a two-week experience in Costa Rica with immersion in both pedagogical and global topics. The objectives of this study were to identify (1) the long-term impacts of the program and (2) the factors (program, personal, and environmental) that contribute to, or hinder, the success of internationalization efforts. Guided by social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1978), the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with program participants (N = 8). Findings showed that perceived impacts varied considerably among participants and were highly dependent on their personal characteristics and their current environment, as predicted using social cognitive theory. Strengthened peer relationships was the most common and significant theme among participants, with sub-themes that included cross-departmental collaborations, a support group on campus, friendships/informal interactions, and validation of own scholarship. The other two themes included internationalization and new/broader perspectives.
Mentalizing, but not autistic traits, predicts religious belief in a sample of healthy Japanese youth
Authors: Ishii Tatsunori
Published: October 2017

The present research examined the hypothesis that religious belief is derived from humans’ mentalizing ability in the context of East Asia where polytheistic religion is the mainstream. Two studies were conducted with a Japanese healthy sample, and both revealed that contrary to the hypothesis, autistic traits did not predict religious belief, whereas mentalizing predicted increased religious belief as expected. These findings suggest that further practical and theoretical investigations on the origin of religious belief are needed.
Observations of nitrated phenols in four sites in North China: Concentrations, source apportionment, and secondary formation
Authors: Wang Liwei , Wang Xinfeng , Gu Rongrong , Wang Hao , Yao Lan , Wen Liang , Zhu Fanping , Wang Weihao , Xue Likun , Yang Lingxiao , Lu Keding , Chen Jianmin , Wang Tao , Zhang Yuanghang , Wang Wenxing
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Samples of fine particulate matters were collected at four sites in North China (urban, rural, and mountain) in summer and winter, and the contents of nine nitrated phenols were quantified in the laboratory with the use of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. During the sampling periods, the concentrations of particulate nitrated phenols exhibited distinct temporal and spatial variation. On average, the total concentrations of particulate nitrated phenols in urban Ji'nan in the wintertime reached 48.4 ng m−3, and those in the summertime were 9.8, 5.7, 5.9, and 2.5 ng m−3 in urban Ji'nan, rural Yucheng and Wangdu, and Mt. Tai, respectively. The elevated concentrations of nitrated phenols in wintertime and in urban areas demonstrate the apparent influences from anthropogenic sources. The positive matrix factorization receptor model was then applied to determine the origins of particulate nitrated phenols in North China. The five major source factors were traffic, coal combustion, biomass burning, secondary formation, and aged coal combustion plume. Among them, coal combustion played a vital role, especially at the urban site in the wintertime, with a contribution of around 55 %. In the summertime, the observed nitrated phenols were highly influenced by aged coal combustion plumes at all of the sampling sites. Meanwhile, in remote areas, contributions from secondary formations were significant. Further correlation analysis indicates that nitrosalicylic acids were produced mostly from secondary formations that were dominated by NO2 nitration.
Multivariable integrated evaluation of model performance with the vector field evaluation diagram
Authors: Xu Zhongfeng , Han Ying , Fu Congbin
Published: October 2017

Abstract. This paper develops a multivariable integrated evaluation (MVIE) method to measure the overall performance of climate model in simulating multiple fields. The general idea of MVIE is to group various scalar fields into a vector field and compare the constructed vector field against the observed one using the vector field evaluation (VFE) diagram. The VFE diagram was devised based on the cosine relationship between three statistical quantities: root mean square length (RMSL) of a vector field, vector field similarity coefficient, and root mean square vector deviation (RMSVD). The three statistical quantities can reasonably represent the corresponding statistics between two multidimensional vector fields. Therefore, one can summarize the three statistics of multiple scalar fields using the VFE diagram and facilitate the intercomparison of model performance. The VFE diagram can illustrate how much the overall root mean square deviation of various fields is attributable to the differences in the root mean square value and how much is due to the poor pattern similarity. The MVIE method can be flexibly applied to full fields (including both the mean and anomaly) or anomaly fields depending on the application. We also propose a multivariable integrated evaluation index (MIEI) which takes the amplitude and pattern similarity of multiple scalar fields into account. The MIEI is expected to provide a more accurate evaluation of model performance in simulating multiple fields. The MIEI, VFE diagram, and commonly used statistical metrics for individual variables constitute a hierarchical evaluation methodology, which can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of model performance.
TOPOLOGICALLY CONSISTENT MODELS FOR EFFICIENT BIG
GEO-SPATIO-TEMPORAL DATA DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Jahn M. W. , Bradley P. E. , Al Doori M. , Breunig M.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Geo-spatio-temporal topology models are likely to become a key concept to check the consistency of 3D (spatial space) and 4D (spatial + temporal space) models for emerging GIS applications such as subsurface reservoir modelling or the simulation of energy and water supply of mega or smart cities. Furthermore, the data management for complex models consisting of big geo-spatial data is a challenge for GIS and geo-database research. General challenges, concepts, and techniques of big geo-spatial data management are presented. In this paper we introduce a sound mathematical approach for a topologically consistent geo-spatio-temporal model based on the concept of the incidence graph. We redesign DB4GeO, our service-based geo-spatio-temporal database architecture, on the way to the parallel management of massive geo-spatial data. Approaches for a new geo-spatio-temporal and object model of DB4GeO meeting the requirements of big geo-spatial data are discussed in detail. Finally, a conclusion and outlook on our future research are given on the way to support the processing of geo-analytics and -simulations in a parallel and distributed system environment.
ESTIMATION OF TREE POSITION AND STEM DIAMETER USING SIMULTANEOUS LOCALIZATION AND MAPPING WITH DATA FROM A BACKPACK-MOUNTED LASER SCANNER
Authors: Holmgren J. , Tulldahl H. M. , Nordlöf J. , Nyström M. , Olofsson K. , Rydell J. , Willén E.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. A system was developed for automatic estimations of tree positions and stem diameters. The sensor trajectory was first estimated using a positioning system that consists of a low precision inertial measurement unit supported by image matching with data from a stereo-camera. The initial estimation of the sensor trajectory was then calibrated by adjustments of the sensor pose using the laser scanner data. Special features suitable for forest environments were used to solve the correspondence and matching problems. Tree stem diameters were estimated for stem sections using laser data from individual scanner rotations and were then used for calibration of the sensor pose. A segmentation algorithm was used to associate stem sections to individual tree stems. The stem diameter estimates of all stem sections associated to the same tree stem were then combined for estimation of stem diameter at breast height (DBH). The system was validated on four 20 m radius circular plots and manual measured trees were automatically linked to trees detected in laser data. The DBH could be estimated with a RMSE of 19 mm (6 %) and a bias of 8 mm (3 %). The calibrated sensor trajectory and the combined use of circle fits from individual scanner rotations made it possible to obtain reliable DBH estimates also with a low precision positioning system.
DEVELOPMENT OF SMART PRECISION FOREST IN CONIFER PLANTATION IN JAPAN USING LASER SCANNING DATA
Authors: Katoh M. , Deng S. , Takenaka Y. , Cheung K. , Oono K. , Horisawa M. , Hyyppä J. , Yu X. , Liang X. , Wang Y.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Currently, the authors are planning to launch a consortium effort toward Japan’s first smart precision forestry project using laser data and to develop this technology throughout the country. Smart precision forestry information gathered using the Nagano model (laser scanning from aircraft, drone, and backpack) is being developed to improve the sophistication of forest information, reduce labor-intensive work, maintain sustainable timber productivity, and facilitate supply chain management by laser sensing information in collaboration with industry, academia, and government. In this paper, we outline the research project and the technical development situation of unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning.
A COMPARISON OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK AND HOMOTOPY CONTINUATION IN 3D INTERIOR BUILDING MODELLING
Authors: Jamali A. , Anton F. , Abdul Rahman A. , Mioc D.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Indoor surveying is currently based on laser scanning technology, which is time-consuming and costly. A construction model depends on complex calculations which need to manage a large number of measured points. This is suitable for the detailed geometrical models utilized for representation, yet excessively overstated when a simple model including walls, floors, roofs, entryways, and windows is required, such a basic model being a key for efficient network analysis such as shortest path finding. To reduce the time and cost of the indoor building data acquisition process, the Trimble LaserAce 1000 range finder is used. A comparison of neural network and a combined method of interval analysis and homotopy continuation in 3D interior building modelling for calibration of inaccurate surveying equipment is presented. We will present the interval valued homotopy model of the measurement of horizontal angles by the magnetometer component of the rangefinder. This model blends interval analysis and homotopy continuation. The results prove that homotopies give the best results both in terms of RMSE and the L∞ metric.
LADM AND INTERLIS AS A PERFECT MATCH FOR 3D CADASTRE
Authors: Kalogianni E. , Dimopoulou E. , Quak W. , Van Oosterom P.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Standardization in land administration domain has been expanded to 3D and even 4D representations, adopting a multipurpose character, in order to become the foundation of a sustainable and smart economic development. At the moment, although the potential benefits of 3D Cadastre is argued to be enormous and there are plenty of standards related to 3D Cadastre while others enhancing the role of 3D Cities, there is no complete solution for 3D Cadastre. That being so, the last years, there has been a rapid increase in the integration, harmonization and implementation support of such standards. In this context, the integration of 3D legal spaces with 3D physical objects is gaining ground, as the (invisible) legal boundaries do not always match with the physical counterparts, leading to obscure situations. LADM, the International Standard for land administration, was proved to be one of the best candidates to unambiguously represent 3D Rights, Restrictions and Responsibilities. On the other side, spatial data models and virtual city models manage 3D urban structures without focusing on legal aspects. Many researchers have explored integrations between those aspects giving promising results. In this direction, apart from international standards, also national standards have been developed to enable the communication between land information systems. One of the most representatives is INTERLIS, a Swiss standard, a precise, standardized Object Relational modelling language on the conceptual level, which allows for automated quality control. Thus, in this paper the focus is given on how INTERLIS and LADM complement each other in the actual implementation of land administration systems. Main challenges among others in the context of this research include: 1. extensible hierarchical and versioned code lists in INTERLIS models, 2. formally define LADM constraints in INTERLIS, 3. discuss 3D geometry types and 4. introduce a holistic LADM/INTERLIS approach for country profiles.
A WEBGIS TO SUPPORT GPR 3D DATA ACQUISITION: A FIRST STEP FOR THE INTEGRATION OF
UNDERGROUND UTILITY NETWORKS IN 3D CITY MODELS
Authors: Tabarro P. G. , Pouliot J. , Fortier R. , Losier L.-M.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. For the planning and sustainable development of large cities, it is critical to accurately locate and map, in 3D, existing underground utility networks (UUN) such as pipelines, cables, ducts, and channels. An emerging non-invasive instrument for collecting underground data such as UUN is the ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Although its capabilities, handling GPR and extracting relevant information from its data are not trivial tasks. For instance, both GPR and its complimentary software stack provide very few capabilities to co-visualize GPR collected data and other sources of spatial data such as orthophotography, DEM or road maps. Furthermore, the GPR interface lacks functionalities for adding annotation, editing geometric objects or querying attributes. A new approach to support GPR survey is proposed in this paper. This approach is based on the integration of multiple sources of geospatial datasets and the use of a Web-GIS system and relevant functionalities adapted to interoperable GPR data acquisition. The Web-GIS is developed as an improved module in an existing platform called GVX. The GVX-GPR module provides an interactive visualization of multiple layers of structured spatial data, including GPR profiles. This module offers new features when compared to traditional GPR surveys such as geo-annotated points of interest for identifying spatial clues in the GPR profiles, integration of city contextual data, high definition drone and satellite pictures, as-built, and more. The paper explains the engineering approach used to design and develop the Web GIS and tests for this survey approach, mapping and recording UUN as part of 3D city model.
Formation, breaching and flood consequences of a landslide dam
near Bujumbura, Burundi
Authors: Nibigira Léonidas , Havenith Hans-Balder , Archambeau Pierre , Dewals Benjamin
Published: October 2017

Abstract. This paper investigated the possible formation of a landslide dam on the Kanyosha River near Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, as well as the interplay between the breaching of this landslide dam and the flooding along the river. We present an end-to-end analysis, ranging from the origin of the landslide up to the computation of flood waves induced by the dam breaching. The study includes three main steps. First, the mass movement site was investigated with various geophysical methods that allowed us to build a general 3D model and detailed 2D sections of the landslide. Second, this model was used for dynamic landslide process modelling with the Universal Distinct Element Code. The results showed that a fifteen-meter-high landslide dam may form on the river. Finally, a 2D hydraulic model was setup to find out the consequences of the breaching of the landslide dam on flooding along the river, especially in an urban area located downstream. Based on 2D maps of maximum water depth, flow velocity and wave propagation time, the results highlight that neglecting the influence of such landslide dams leads to substantial underestimation of flood hazard in the downstream area.
Simulated dynamic regrounding during marine ice sheet retreat
Authors: Jong Lenneke M. , Gladstone Rupert M. , Galton-Fenzi Benjamin K. , King Matt A.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Marine terminating ice sheets are of interest due to their potential instability, making them vulnerable to rapid retreat. Modelling the evolution of glaciers and ice streams in such regions is key to understanding their possible contribution to sea level rise. The friction caused by the sliding of ice over bedrock, and the resultant shear stress, are important factors in determining the velocity of sliding ice. Many models use simple power-law expressions for the relationship between the basal shear stress and ice velocity or introduce an effective pressure dependence into the sliding relation in an ad hoc. manner. Sliding relations based on water-filled sub-glacial cavities are more physically motivated, with the overburden pressure of the ice included. Here we show that using a cavitation based sliding relation allows for the temporary regrounding of an ice shelf at a point downstream of the main grounding line of a marine ice sheet undergoing retreat across a retrograde bedrock slope. This suggests that the choice of sliding relation is especially important when modelling grounding line behaviour of regions where potential ice rises and pinning points are present and regrounding could occur.
Pediatric Pulmonary Hemorrhage vs. Extrapulmonary Bleeding in the Differential Diagnosis of Hemoptysis
Authors: Vaiman Michael , Klin Baruch , Rosenfeld Noa , Abu-Kishk Ibrahim
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Hemoptysis is an important symptom which causes a major concern, and warrants immediate diagnostic attention. The authors compared a group of patients with pediatric pulmonary hemorrhage with pediatric patients diagnosed with extrapulmonary bleeding focusing on differences in etiology, outcome and differential diagnosis of hemoptysis.Methods: We performed the retrospective analysis of medical charts of 134 pediatric patients admitted to the Emergency Department because of pulmonary and extrapulmonary hemorrhage and were diagnosed with suspected hemoptysis or developed hemoptysis (ICD10-CM code R04.2). The cases with pulmonary hemorrhage (Group 1) were compared with cases of extrapulmonary bleeding (Group 2) using the Fisher Exact test or Pearson’s χ2 test for categorical variables. The t-test was used to assess differences between continuous variables of the patients in the two groups.Results: Bloody cough was the presenting symptom in 73.9% of cases. 30 patients had pulmonary hemorrhage (Group 1), while 104 patients had extrapulmonary bleeding (Group 2). The underlying causes of bleeding in Group 2 included epistaxis, inflammatory diseases of nasopharynx and larynx, foreign bodies, gingivitis, and hypertrophy of adenoids. Mortality rate was 10% in Group 1, whereas Group 2 did not have any mortality outcomes during the observation period. Etiologycal factors were significantly different between hemoptysis and extrapulmonary bleeding in childrenConclusions: Our research suggested that pulmonary and extrapulmonary bleeding are two conditions that differ significantly and cannot be unified under one diagnostic code. It is important to differentiate between focal and diffuse cases, and between pulmonary and extrapulmonary hemorrhage due to the diversity of clinical courses and outcomes.
Documentos clave de la Unión Europea sobre Educación Musical en las enseñanzas obligatorias
Authors: López García Narciso José , De Moya Martínez María Del Valle
Published: October 2017

La Unión Europea, asumiendo las directrices de la UNESCO sobre la importancia de la Educación Artística en el desarrollo integral de la persona, lleva décadas trabajando por la plena inclusión de esta área de conocimiento en los currículos de sus estados miembros y encargando a sus instituciones educativas una serie de informes que recojan el estado actual de esta materia en los sistemas educativos de los veintiocho, con la idea de conocer su configuración en las normas educativas de los mismos para, posteriormente y tras su estudio, lanzar las propuestas de mejora oportunas que permitan consolidar su presencia en los currículos nacionales. Nuestro trabajo se ha basado en recoger y analizar los aspectos más significativos publicados en estos textos y en seleccionar aquellos que, por su contenido específico, mejor reflejan la postura comunitaria sobre la educación musical en las enseñanzas básicas, ofreciendo una breve reseña de los once documentos que ofrecen, a nuestro parecer, los aspectos más relevantes sobre las políticas educativo-musicales que se vienen desarrollando en el ámbito comunitario, cómo estos han influido en los diseños curriculares nacionales y las conclusiones generales derivadas de este proceso analítico.
Enculturación, música y emociones
Authors: Tizón Díaz Manuel
Published: October 2017

La música es un acto inevitablemente emocional. Por ello, no es de extrañar que desde los albores del siglo pasado hubiera una preocupación en conocer científicamente el vínculo entre la música y las emociones. En esta búsqueda, los autores han encontrado numerosas variables musicales y socioculturales que influyen en la percepción musical. Centrándonos en los factores socioculturales, además de la edad, el sexo o la experiencia musical, la enculturación juega un papel relevante. En este artículo analizamos la metodología utilizada, los factores socioculturales que influyen en la percepción musical, y desarrollamos una base conceptual e implicación de las emociones en la enculturación, para así dejar el camino allanado a las conclusiones. En este trabajo concluimos que las emociones musicales gozan de cierta universalidad, aunque con algunos matices, tal y como se muestra en el apartado correspondiente.
Impacto de la educación musical: una revisión de la literatura científica
Authors: Carrillo Aguilera Carmen , Viladot Vallverdú Laia , Pérez-Moreno Jéssica
Published: October 2017

Este artículo estudia el impacto de la educación musical cursada en las enseñanzas obligatorias a partir de una revisión de la literatura académica existente. La búsqueda en bases de datos especializadas proporcionó un total de 25 artículos publicados durante el periodo 2005 - 2016. Tras analizarlos se establecieron dos categorías de impacto: DENTRO, en relación con la propia disciplina y FUERA, con implicaciones más allá de la disciplina. Buena parte de las publicaciones analizadas contemplaron el impacto de acuerdo con temáticas que sobrepasan lo que es estrictamente la educación musical obligatoria abarcando aspectos personales, intelectuales y/o sociales. En consecuencia, se presenta una conceptualización de impacto en educación musical que va más allá de los aspectos mensurables asociados a las políticas educativas de reforma.
Tecnología y educación musical obligatoria en España: referentes para la implementación de buenas prácticas
Authors: Serrano Pastor Rosa María
Published: October 2017

En la actualidad la tecnología se ha abierto paso tanto en el ámbito educativo general, como en el específico de la educación musical. Este documento revisa el uso que de ellas se está haciendo en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la música en la etapa obligatoria en la última década en España. Se examinan aquellos referentes de buenas prácticas en relación con el aprendizaje, la labor docente, el centro y el contexto que con mayor énfasis se están trabajando y aquellos que deberían ser abordados en mayor profundidad; resaltando la importancia de la evaluación, la difusión y la formación didáctica docente.
Educación Musical Escolar en las Américas: Condiciones, Prácticas, y Políticas desde una Perspectiva Socio-Ecológica
Authors: Abril Carlos R. , E. Abril Johanna
Published: October 2017

La educación musical formal está presente en un gran número de escuelas primarias y secundarias a lo largo de las Américas, aunque tanto las políticas educativas, planes de estudios y su implementación varían según regiones, estados e instituciones educativas. El conocimiento de las condiciones actuales de la educación musical en un hemisferio, cada vez más interconectado e interdependiente, podría ofrecer ideas para resolver desafíos de acceso, igualdad, y equidad hacia una educación artística de calidad. Este artículo ha sido escrito para proporcionar una sintaxis general, no exhaustiva, de la investigación sobre programas y políticas de música escolar a lo largo de las Américas. Más específicamente, dentro de un marco socioeconómico, hemos tratado de determinar de qué manera factores externos afectan las prácticas docentes así como el impacto de los docentes de aula en estas fuerzas. Se espera que esta examinación ofrezca ideas a quienes elaboran y promueven políticas educativas en artes, para asegurar que los estudiantes tengan igualdad de oportunidades y acceso a una educación musical escolar de calidad.
Supply Response of Milk Producers to Economic and Non-Economic Factors in Swaziland
Authors: Masuku Micah Bheki , C. Sukati Mlungisi , I Rugambisa Jeremiah
Published: October 2017

Supply response indicates the output change due to the change in price and non-price factors. The main aim of this study was to analyse the supply response of milk producers to various economic and non-economic factors. The specific objectives were to determine the responsiveness of milk supply in Swaziland to price and its substitute price (milk powder) and to examine the responsiveness of milk producers to non-economic factors such as rainfall, technology and dairy cattle inventory. The study used time series data from 2010 to 2014 and each year was given in months in-order to have 60 data points. Several techniques relevant for analysing time series data were employed, which included testing for stationarity of the data, checking if the independent variables if are able to explain the dependent variable (cointegration), running the long-run regression, then dropping some of the residuals which were not significant, after which the Vector Error-Correction Model and the diagnostic tests were conducted. Such analysis included the formal test for stationarity. The Johansen cointegration test was used which provided evidence of cointegration between Milk Output and its determinants. The long-run regression results revealed that Milk Powder Output and Milk Powder Price are significant in determining milk response in the long-run in Swaziland with the elasticities of -0.48 and -0.92 respectively, while the short-run coefficients were-0.21 and -0.70 respectively. Both variable were significant at 1% in the short-run and only the Milk Output was significant at 5% (P>0.05) in the short-run. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) came out with the correct -0.129 implying that only 12.9% of the shocks will be adjusted back to the long-run path within a month. The study therefore, recommended that the Swaziland Government should promote local market share and purpose policies to decrease the country’s reliance to imported dairy products, which negatively affects economic development.
A Study in the Humor of the Old Northeast: Joseph C. Neal's Charcoal Sketches and the Comic Urban Frontier
Authors: Sloane David E. E.
Published: October 2017

Joseph C. Neal pioneered the urban frontier of the Old Northeast in depicting what he called “hard cases” from the Philadelphia slums in his long-overlooked Charcoal Sketches, first published in book form in 1838. His characters' inability to change with the times, their false and vulnerable toughness, and their urban vernacular language look forward to the humor of Mark Twain, political commentators, and radio and TV sitcoms. In Neal's work, the cash economy, the lightly ironic euphuistic character study, and metaphors of the city are used to describe the new social and ethical paradoxes of the urban-industrial world already emerging in the urban Northeast in his time.
Emerging Issues and Future Prospects in the Management of Transnational Education
Authors: Bosire Joseph , Amimo Catherine
Published: October 2017

Transnational Education has gained momentum under the auspices of the General Agreement on Trade in Services administered by World Trade Organizations which have provided for successful marketing of higher education across borders. This paper reviews past research, discussions and analyses on the topic on a global perspective. The objectives are to establish the rationale for transnational education, emerging issues over the providers, mode of supply, the potential of the market and issues on curriculum and pedagogy. Past research reveals that transnational education is anchored on economic, political, cultural and educational rationales. The global market for transnational education is asymmetrical where some nations are exporters (UK, US, Australia), and others importers (Africa, Latin America and Central Asia). The modes of provision include cross-border supply, commercial presence and presence of natural persons. The potential of the market is growing - commercial presence being dominant. The emerging issues include competition, differences in pedagogical practices, loss of nations and learner autonomy, control and self-respect of higher education, confusions on qualifications and transfer of academic credits, escalated costs, commercialization of knowledge as a commodity, dominant language (largely English) used as a medium of communication, and de-contextualization of the national curriculum. Quality assurance and accreditation are also at stake since the national/states capacity for regulating the supply of transnational education is limited. Though discussions on transnational education are on-going, stakeholders need to work with governments, non-governmental organizations, Higher Education Institutions and regulators to improve the future of transnational education, including developing an acceptable code of conduct.
The Major in Cultural Context: Choosing Liberal Arts in the Marshall Islands
Authors: DeCoursey C. A. , Krawczyk Ewa B.
Published: October 2017

Choosing a major is part of liberal arts (LA) education in American-accredited colleges across the world. In global second-language (L2) contexts, the choice of major is shaped by local cultural factors. This study of 192 undergraduates at an English-medium-of-instruction (EMI) college in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) used a survey, content and Appraisal analyses to explore what the LA major means to RMI youth. Results showed they were positive about LA, but little engaged with it outside the classroom. This probably reflected the institution’s traditional concept of LA and outdated western teaching approaches, and a failure to incorporate elements of an authentic local culture of teaching and learning. Appraisal data indicated participants associated positive, congruent desire, interest and affection for the LA major, but also low utility and worth with LA class content, revealing a need to convey the utility of the LA skill set for employment. Finally, LA majors were intrinsically, whereas education, business and nursing majors were pragmatically motivated, reflecting the colonial heritage. Overall, results foreground the colonial character of current teaching practice, and the need to use authentic teaching and learning modalities, to support RMI students’ pragmatic needs, particularly given their emigration prospects.
R&D Spillover Effects on the Strategic Behavior of Large International Firms during the World Financial Crisis
Authors: Aldieri Luigi , Aprile Maria Carmela , Vinci Concetto Paolo
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between competition and innovation through the knowledge spillover effect. In particular, we investigate whether R&D competition is sensitive to economic shock. To this end, we consider a period of time related also to the 2008 financial crisis. We implement an empirical analysis of 879 worldwide R&D-intensive firms. In order to measure technological proximity, we use two approaches: one based on Jaffe industry weight matrix, relative to patents distributed across technology classes; one based on trade intensity between sectors using input–output matrix data. The empirical results show a positive effect of R&D externalities on competitive interactions before the beginning of crisis and a negative one after it. These findings are robust with respect to the procedure employed in the estimation method.
ITMA - IT Integration in Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Burke Declan , Kovela Serhiy
Published: October 2017

This study aims to identify key information technology (IT) integration issues experienced during mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the financial services sector. The study proposes an approach to increase the efficiency of such transactions. A comprehensive literature review and case study of a leading financial services organisation is undertaken, comprising of interviews with high ranking IT and business leaders. This research identifies the blueprint for a best practice framework, which Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and IT practitioners can employ to guide execution of their own M&A integration programme.
Pitfalls in the Implementation of District Assemblies’ Skills Training Program for the Informal Sector: A Case Study of Ghana
Authors: Joyce Owusu A. , Xinyan Liu
Published: October 2017

The informal sector plays a very significant role in the economy of many developed and developing countries across the globe. Hence many African countries have, as part of their national development agenda, made conscious efforts aimed at training their nationals, who were unable to pursue formal sector employment through higher education, for the informal sector trade. Ghana has done this for some decades now but not at a success that it wants. Using descriptive statistics, this paper seeks to uncover the pitfalls in the implementation of skills training programs conducted by the district assemblies of Ghana and subsequently offer solutions to the pitfalls. To harness the needed information, questionnaire and interview were employed in gathering data from the subjects. The paper has succeeded to identify 20 pitfalls categorized as financial, technical and other factors. A model has also been suggested for the combat of these pitfalls.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 12 No. 11
Authors: Lee Stephen
Published: October 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 12 No. 11, 2017
Selective Synthesis of Ortho-Substituted 2-Aryl-3-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one Sulfoxides and Sulfones by S-Oxidation with Oxone®
Authors: Cannon Kevin C. , Alkurdi Alaa , Himel Humayra , Kurochka Iryna , Liu Sabrina , Costa Miguel , Sundberg Brynn , Lagalante Anthony F.
Published: October 2017

S-oxidation of 2-aryl-3-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones with Oxone® was investigated. For all compounds evaluated, selective oxidation to the sulfoxide was realized using 3 equivalents of Oxone® at room temperature. Attempts to selectively prepare the sulfones of ortho-substituted 2-aryl-3-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones at high temperature by increasing the equivalents of Oxone® used were typically unsuccessful. These results contrast significantly with ortho-substituted 2-aryl-3-cyclohexyl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones evaluated previously. The extent of this selectivity was affected by the substituent and its position on the C2 aromatic ring. The ratio of the sulfoxide and sulfone products was quantified by isolating the products by liquid chromatography.Please find the scheme in PDF file.
Homology for one-dimensional solenoids
Authors: Amini Massoud , Putnam Ian F. , Saeidi Gholikandi Sarah
Published: October 2017

Smale spaces are a particular class of hyperbolic topological dynamical systems, defined by David Ruelle. The definition was introduced to give an axiomatic description of the dynamical properties of Smale's Axiom A systems when restricted to a basic set. They include Anosov diffeomeorphisms, shifts of finite type and various solenoids constructed by R. F. Williams. The second author constructed a homology theory for Smale spaces which is based on (and extends) Krieger's dimension group invariant for shifts of finite type. In this paper, we compute this homology for the one-dimensional generalized solenoids of R. F. Williams.
A note on Jacquet functors and ordinary parts
Authors: Sorensen Claus
Published: October 2017

In this note we relate Emerton's Jacquet functor $J_P$ to his ordinary parts functor $\operatorname{Ord} _P$, by computing the χ-eigenspaces $\operatorname{Ord} ^{\chi }_P$ for central characters χ. This fills a small gap in the literature. One consequence is a weak adjunction property for \textit {unitary} characters χ appearing in $J_P$, with potential applications to local-global compatibility in the $p$-adic Langlands program in the ordinary case.
On the Borel mapping in the quasianalytic setting
Authors: Rainer Armin , Schindl Gerhard
Published: October 2017

The Borel mapping takes germs at $0$ of smooth functions to the sequence of iterated partial derivatives at $0$. We prove that the Borel mapping restricted to the germs of any quasianalytic ultradifferentiable class strictly larger than the real analytic class is never onto the corresponding sequence space.
Range of Motion of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint After Different Capsulorrhaphies: A Comparative Cadaver Study
Authors: Xu Can , Li Mingqing , Wang Chenggong , Liu Hua
Published: October 2017

Background:

Capsulorrhaphy restricts the motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) in hallux valgus surgery. However, changes in motion of the first MTPJ immediately after surgery that resulted from different capsulorrhaphy methods have not been compared. The primary aim of this study was to compare the immediate effect of Y-shaped and inverted L capsulorrhaphy methods on the range of motion (ROM) of the first MTPJ.

Methods:

Y-shaped and inverted L capsulorrhaphies were performed on 16 human cadaveric feet. Passive dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the first MTPJ were then compared preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results:

In this cadaveric study, the inverted L capsulorrhaphy method led to a ROM loss in the first MTPJ; the joint stiffness from the Y-shaped capsulorrhaphy is significantly less than that from the inverted L capsulorrhaphy.

Conclusions:

The inverted L capsulorrhaphy may lead to a ROM loss in the first MTPJ immediately after surgery. We recommend that surgeons close the capsule of the first MTPJ with a Y-shaped capsulorrhaphy, which is less likely to result in a ROM loss in the first MTPJ in the early postoperative period.
Countercurrent heat exchange and thermoregulation during blood-feeding in kissing bugs
Authors: Lahondère Chloé , Insausti Teresita C , Paim Rafaela MM , Luan Xiaojie , Belev George , Pereira Marcos H , Ianowski Juan P , Lazzari Claudio R
Published: October 2017

Blood-sucking insects experience thermal stress at each feeding event on endothermic vertebrates. We used thermography to examine how kissing-bugs Rhodnius prolixus actively protect themselves from overheating. During feeding, these bugs sequester and dissipate the excess heat in their heads while maintaining an abdominal temperature close to ambient. We employed a functional-morphological approach, combining histology, µCT and X-ray-synchrotron imaging to shed light on the way these insects manage the flow of heat across their bodies. The close alignment of the circulatory and ingestion systems, as well as other morphological characteristics, support the existence of a countercurrent heat exchanger in the head of R. prolixus, which decreases the temperature of the ingested blood before it reaches the abdomen. This kind of system has never been described before in the head of an insect. For the first time, we show that countercurrent heat exchange is associated to thermoregulation during blood-feeding.
Model-based local density sharpening of cryo-EM maps
Authors: Jakobi Arjen J , Wilmanns Matthias , Sachse Carsten
Published: October 2017

Atomic models based on high-resolution density maps are the ultimate result of the cryo-EM structure determination process. Here, we introduce a general procedure for local sharpening of cryo-EM density maps based on prior knowledge of an atomic reference structure. The procedure optimizes contrast of cryo-EM densities by amplitude scaling against the radially averaged local falloff estimated from a windowed reference model. By testing the procedure using six cryo-EM structures of TRPV1, β-galactosidase, γ-secretase, ribosome-EF-Tu complex, 20S proteasome and RNA polymerase III, we illustrate how local sharpening can increase interpretability of density maps in particular in cases of resolution variation and facilitates model building and atomic model refinement.
COPI mediates recycling of an exocytic SNARE by recognition of a ubiquitin sorting signal
Authors: Xu Peng , Hankins Hannah M , MacDonald Chris , Erlinger Samuel J , Frazier Meredith N , Diab Nicholas S , Piper Robert C , Jackson Lauren P , MacGurn Jason A , Graham Todd R
Published: October 2017

The COPI coat forms transport vesicles from the Golgi complex and plays a poorly defined role in endocytic trafficking. Here we show that COPI binds K63-linked polyubiquitin and this interaction is crucial for trafficking of a ubiquitinated yeast SNARE (Snc1). Snc1 is a v-SNARE that drives fusion of exocytic vesicles with the plasma membrane, and then recycles through the endocytic pathway to the Golgi for reuse in exocytosis. Removal of ubiquitin from Snc1, or deletion of a β'-COP subunit propeller domain that binds K63-linked polyubiquitin, disrupts Snc1 recycling causing aberrant accumulation in internal compartments. Moreover, replacement of the β'-COP propeller domain with unrelated ubiquitin-binding domains restores Snc1 recycling. These results indicate that ubiquitination, a modification well known to target membrane proteins to the lysosome or vacuole for degradation, can also function as recycling signal to sort a SNARE into COPI vesicles in a non-degradative pathway.
Computer assisted detection of axonal bouton structural plasticity in in vivo time-lapse images
Authors: Gala Rohan , Lebrecht Daniel , Sahlender Daniela A , Jorstad Anne , Knott Graham , Holtmaat Anthony , Stepanyants Armen
Published: October 2017

The ability to measure minute structural changes in neural circuits is essential for long-term in vivo imaging studies. Here, we propose a methodology for detection and measurement of structural changes in axonal boutons imaged with time-lapse two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM). Correlative 2PLSM and 3D electron microscopy (EM) analysis, performed in mouse barrel cortex, showed that the proposed method has low fractions of false positive/negative bouton detections (2/0 out of 18), and that 2PLSM-based bouton weights are correlated with their volumes measured in EM (r = 0.93). Next, the method was applied to a set of axons imaged in quick succession to characterize measurement uncertainty. The results were used to construct a statistical model in which bouton addition, elimination, and size changes are described probabilistically, rather than being treated as deterministic events. Finally, we demonstrate that the model can be used to quantify significant structural changes in boutons in long-term imaging experiments.
An orphan cbb3-type cytochrome oxidase subunit supports Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth and virulence
Authors: Jo Jeanyoung , Cortez Krista L , Cornell William Cole , Price-Whelan Alexa , Dietrich Lars EP
Published: October 2017

Hypoxia is a common challenge faced by bacteria during associations with hosts due in part to the formation of densely packed communities (biofilms). cbb3-type cytochrome c oxidases, which catalyze the terminal step in respiration and have a high affinity for oxygen, have been linked to bacterial pathogenesis. The pseudomonads are unusual in that they often contain multiple full and partial (i.e. ‘orphan’) operons for cbb3-type oxidases and oxidase subunits. Here, we describe a unique role for the orphan catalytic subunit CcoN4 in colony biofilm development and respiration in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14. We also show that CcoN4 contributes to the reduction of phenazines, antibiotics that support redox balancing for cells in biofilms, and to virulence in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of infection. These results highlight the relevance of the colony biofilm model to pathogenicity and underscore the potential of cbb3-type oxidases as therapeutic targets.
Dendritic small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels activated by action potentials suppress EPSPs and gate spike-timing dependent synaptic plasticity
Authors: Jones Scott L , To Minh-Son , Stuart Greg J
Published: October 2017

Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels) are present in spines and can be activated by backpropagating action potentials (APs). This suggests they may play a critical role in spike-timing dependent synaptic plasticity (STDP). Consistent with this idea, EPSPs in both cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons were suppressed by preceding APs in an SK-dependent manner. In cortical pyramidal neurons EPSP suppression by preceding APs depended on their precise timing as well as the distance of activated synapses from the soma, was dendritic in origin, and involved SK-dependent suppression of NMDA receptor activation. As a result SK channel activation by backpropagating APs gated STDP induction during low-frequency AP-EPSP pairing, with both LTP and LTD absent under control conditions but present after SK channel block. These findings indicate that activation of SK channels in spines by backpropagating APs plays a key role in regulating both EPSP amplitude and STDP induction.
Coupling chemosensory array formation and localization
Authors: Alvarado Alejandra , Kjær Andreas , Yang Wen , Mann Petra , Briegel Ariane , Waldor Matthew K , Ringgaard Simon
Published: October 2017

Chemotaxis proteins organize into large, highly ordered, chemotactic signaling arrays, which in Vibrio species are found at the cell pole. Proper localization of signaling arrays is mediated by ParP, which tethers arrays to a cell pole anchor, ParC. Here we show that ParP’s C-terminus integrates into the core-unit of signaling arrays through interactions with MCP-proteins and CheA. Its intercalation within core-units stimulates array formation, whereas its N-terminal interaction domain enables polar recruitment of arrays and facilitates its own polar localization. Linkage of these domains within ParP couples array formation and localization and results in controlled array positioning at the cell pole. Notably, ParP’s integration into arrays modifies its own and ParC’s subcellular localization dynamics, promoting their polar retention. ParP serves as a critical nexus that regulates the localization dynamics of its network constituents and drives the localized assembly and stability of the chemotactic machinery, resulting in proper cell pole development.