bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La frontière albanaise de la Grèce : ségrégation nationalitaire ou complémentarité balkanique (The albanian border of Greece : from ethnic segregation to regional complementing)
Authors: Péchoux Pierre-Yves
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - La réouverture récente de la frontière albanaise de la Grèce, autrefois tracée sans satisfaire ceux qu 'elle séparait, facilite, en dépit de la médiocrité des équipements de ses rares postes-frontière et des itinéraires de desserte, un afflux d'immigrants, parfois clandestins, dont la force de travail est aussi utile à l'économie grecque que leur remise est nécessaire à l 'économie albanaise.
SIG et gestion de l'étalement urbain (GIS and spraw management)
Authors: Maret Isabelle , Dakan Bill
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Les Américains ont inventé un nouveau mode de vie et changé presque toutes les routines de travail, les activités de loisirs. Leur recherche d'une qualité de vie «péri-urbaine » remet en cause la ville traditionnelle.

La croissance « péri-urbaine » fragmentée pose cependant des problèmes environnementaux et préoccupe les acteurs politiques locaux. Revitaliser le centre-ville tout en maîtrisant l'étalement urbain, est le défi qui s'impose aux aménageurs. Il est d'autant plus difficile à relever que les données sont dispersées, les règles de planification morcelées entre les Etats, les comtés, les villes.

Cet article propose une utilisation des SIG capable de décrire et d'analyser l'étalement urbain et d'en montrer les différentes facettes, dans un Etat à la croissance démographique modérée : le Kentucky. Les SIG permettent de visualiser les changements rapides et profonds qui affectent les paysages. Ils offrent des synthèses utiles à la compréhension des mécanismes de transformation de l'utilisation de l'espace et pourraient aider à apporter des réponses aux urbanistes soucieux d'un développement harmonieux de leur ville.
La gestion de l'eau à l'Office du Niger : bilan, enjeux et perspectives (Water management in the Office of Niger: assessment, stakes and perspectives )
Authors: Brondeau Florence
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Les récents réaménagements entrepris sur le réseau hydraulique de l'Office du Niger ont permis de rationaliser la gestion de l'eau. Dans la perspective des extensions importantes envisagées par l 'Etat, un certain nombre de problèmes restent à dénoncer. Les gaspillages demeurent excessifs et le système de gestion est balbutiant. Certains usages et usagers ont par ailleurs été négligés : la qualité de l'eau à usage domestique est déplorable, l'usage pastoral de l'eau a longtemps été occulté.
«Quel droit à polluer ?» : la gestion de la pollution des fleuves internationaux entre droit et géographie (Pollution Rights : States, Geography and the Management of the Pollution of International Rivers)
Authors: Garcier Romain
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Le droit international de la pollution des fleuves internationaux a longtemps manqué de règles claires. Les débats préliminaires à l 'établissement des droits et des devoirs des Etats ont vu s 'affronter plusieurs lectures, certaines privilégiant la «souveraineté sur les fleuves » au détriment de la qualité des eaux et d'autres insistant sur la nécessaire coopération entre Etats appartenant à un même bassin versant. C'est cette dernière lecture - très géographique - qui l'emporte aujourd'hui et informe la quasi-totalité des accords contemporains portant sur les fleuves internationaux.
La crise de l'eau à Pékin : fondements, système d'approvisionnement et transfert des eaux du Yangzi (The water shortage in Beijing : factors, supply system and north-south water transfer)
Authors: Giroir Guillaume
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - This study presents the physical and human factors of Beijing' s water shortage. It also shows the limits of Beijing 's water supply system. Finally, it analyses the issue of south-north water transfer to the Chinese capital.
L'agriculture sur l'eau en milieu urbain : les hortillonnages d'Amiens et les chinampas de Xochimilco (On water agriculture in urban area : hortillonnages of Amiens and chinampas of Xochimilco)
Authors: Musset Alain
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - In very different socio-economic, historic and cultural contexts, the farmers of Amiens (Somme) and Xochimilco created comparable agricultural systems, based on conquest and expoitation of swamp areas. Water plays an essential part in the creation of these original landscapes, today enclaved in the urban area and subjected to land pressures. A land politics of protection preserved the hortillonnages and chinampas, but the the agricultural activities are declining, while green spaces for urban people progress.
Modèles spatiaux à grande échelle en climatologie : exemple de la température et du vent au Spitsberg
Authors: Brossard Thierry , Elvebakk A. , Fury R. , Joly Daniel , Nilsen L.
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Le climat est l'un des facteurs clef de la distribution des plantes. L'objectif de cet article est de présenter la méthode sur laquelle nous nous sommes appuyés pour acquérir de telles données à haute résolution (5 m). Des analyses spatiales appliquées aux couches d'information archivées dans un SIG permettent de modéliser la température et le vent observés en une cinquantaine de postes climatologiques. L'aire d'étude (8 km2) est située sur le piémont de deux petits glaciers en Baie du Roi (Spitsberg du NO).
La progradation des littoraux meubles au Spitsberg : une réponse sédimentaire paraglaciaire au réchauffement climatique contemporain (Shorelines progradation in Spitsbergen : a paraglacial sedimentological respons to contemporary climatic change)
Authors: Mercier Denis , Laffly Dominique
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Les milieux polaires comme le Spitsberg répondent avec une grande acuité aux changements climatiques comme celui que nous connaissons depuis la fin du Petit Age glaciaire. Le retrait glaciaire s'accompagne d'un accroissement de la dynamique d'écoulement remobilisant les stocks sédimentaires glaciaires hérités. En aval, à la périphérie des sandurs, les littoraux meubles enregistrent une progradation dans les secteurs actifs et une érosion dans les secteurs ayant perdu les apports fluvio-glaciaires. Cette manifestation géomorphologique illustre la nouvelle dynamique paraglaciaire des paysages du Spitsberg.
Le Sud de l'Islande : un univers minéral sous la dépendance des microorganismes ? (The south of Island : a mineral world depending on micro-organisms ?)
Authors: Étienne Samuel
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - The visual pre-eminence of frost-shattering products in periglacial landscapes led to the construction of a morphogenic model dominated by specific (zonal) processes. Studies on rock weathering at small-scale level suggest a revision of the model where the place of micro-organisms might be more crucial.
Interactions territoriales, dynamique des usages et de la biodiversité dans les zones humides du delta du Rhône : une approche par la modélisation multi-agents (Territorial interactions, uses and biodiversity dynamics within the wetlands of Rhone river delta : a multi agent modelling approach)
Authors: Mathevet Raphaël , Mauchamp André , Lifran Robert , Poulin Brigitte , Lefebvre Gaétan
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Les roselières méditerranéennes sont l'objet de multiples usages, chacun étant associé à une gestion de l'eau et du roseau qui affecte le fonctionnement de l'écosystème et la conservation des espèces associées. Nous présentons ici la structure générale de ReedSim, un modèle multi-agents qui intègre les relations horizontales (configurations spatiales) et les relations verticales (organisations sociales) du territoire. Utilisant la plateforme de simulation CORMAS, le modèle se décompose en un sous-modèle écologique (roselière, niveaux d'eau et oiseaux), et un sous- modèle socio-économique (marché du roseau et gestion). Le modèle est destiné à être utilisé en aménagement du territoire et comme support d'aide à la décision collective.
Sainte-Radegonde d’Agen, une église transformée en « salle à tour » au début du XIIIe siècle
Authors: Corvisier Christian
Published: May 2015

Église d’une paroisse suburbaine d’Agen, Sainte-Radegonde se présente comme un édifice roman simple, vaisseau unique prolongé par une abside en hémicycle, édifice qu’on a surhaussé dans ses parties orientales pour servir de refuge et de fortification. La nef a subi en outre quelques remaniements bien visibles autour de 1700 (plafond, chapelles latérales). Au-delà de cette lecture superficielle quelque peu trompeuse, un examen attentif révèle un programme architectural médiéval beaucoup plus original qu’il n’y paraît. Avant même l’achèvement de la nef de l’église initiale, construite d’est en ouest, une mutation profonde est intervenue dans la conception et le fonctionnement de l’édifice, à une date inconnue qu’on peut situer au début du XIIIe siècle. Le voûtement prévu de la nef n’a pas été exécuté, au bénéfice d’une salle d’étage sur plancher construite au-dessus de cette nef. Salle à caractère civil et seigneurial, elle comportait une porte accessible par un escalier de bois, trois grandes fenêtres dont une géminée et deux trigéminées, et une cheminée d’angle à hotte conique. À la phase qui suit la construction de cette salle, la haute travée droite du choeur a été surhaussée pour former une tour carrée hourdée sans fonction campanaire initiale, et l’abside a été surmontée d’une chambre haute demi-circulaire, ces deux éléments, sans communication directe avec la salle, étant desservis par une tourelle d’escalier en vis. Cette mutation d’une église en maison forte à tour, avec probable réduction de l’espace liturgique, cas rare sans être unique, n’est identifiable que par l’archéologie du bâti, faute de sources d’archives.
L’enceinte du château de Louis XIII à Versailles
Authors: Le Guillou Jean-Claude , Dufour Jean-Yves
Published: May 2015

Une opération de diagnostic archéologique eu lieu dans le secteur jadis occupé par la basse-cour ou avant-cour de la première maison de Louis XIII à Versailles. En 1624, un chemin médiéval est remblayé pour assoir l’enceinte du château royal. Deux murs parallèles, associés à une tour font partie d’une petite enceinte qui sépare la basse-cour et le parc du chemin public. Un bassin plus tardif nous prive d’observations sur la porterie. Trois murs perpendiculaires aux murs d’enceinte s’interprètent aisément comme les extrémités des communs ; écuries et offices. La distance entre ces murs permet quelques considérations sur l’avant-cour et commentaires sur une vignette extraite des Maisons royalles et remarquables aux environs de Paris accompagnant le plan de Paris réalisé par Gomboust en 1652, seul dessin connu représentant le premier château du roi à Versailles.
Linked Records of Children with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Bennett T. D. , Dean J. M. , Keenan H. T. , McGlincy M. H. , Thomas A. M. , Cook L. J.
Published: May 2015

Objective: Record linkage may create powerful datasets with which investigators can conduct comparative effectiveness studies evaluating the impact of tests or interventions on health. All linkages of health care data files to date have used protected health information (PHI) in their linkage variables. A technique to link datasets without using PHI would be advantageous both to preserve privacy and to increase the number of potential linkages.

Methods: We applied probabilistic linkage to records of injured children in the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB, N = 156,357) and the Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS, N = 104,049) databases from 2007 to 2010. 49 match variables without PHI were used, many of them administrative variables and indicators for procedures recorded as International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification codes. We validated the accuracy of the linkage using identified data from a single center that submits to both databases.

Results: We accurately linked the PHIS and NTDB records for 69% of children with any injury, and 88% of those with severe traumatic brain injury eligible for a study of intervention effectiveness (positive predictive value of 98%, specificity of 99.99%). Accurate linkage was associated with longer lengths of stay, more severe injuries, and multiple injuries.

Conclusion: In populations with substantial illness or injury severity, accurate record linkage may be possible in the absence of PHI. This methodology may enable linkages and, in turn, comparative effectiveness studies that would be unlikely or impossible otherwise.
FUZZY APPROACH TO DISCRETE DATA REDUCTION: AN APPLICATION IN ECONOMICS FOR ASSESSING THE SKILL PREMIUM
Authors: SULEMAN Abdul , SULEMAN Fátima , REIS Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

Measures of stock of skills alternative to human capital have raised fresh difficulties, especially in data managing. We propose to empirically compare the efficiency of a hierarchical cluster analysis and a fuzzy clustering in reducing discrete skill data. The outcomes of both methods are subsequently used to measure the impact of skills on earnings in addition to human capital. The proposed methodological comparison was made using an original dataset of retail bankers’ skills assessed by supervisors. Empirical evidence shows that the fuzzy approach is more efficient than the hierarchical clustering: the resulting clusters are fewer and easier to interpret. Furthermore, the earnings equation enriched with skill variables allowed us to correct the education premium, and provides information on monetary incentives related to individual skills. Our paper attempts to raise researchers’ and practitioners’ awareness of data reducing methods, and their implications for wage determinants.
Comprendre l’informatisation
Authors: Volle Michel
Published: May 2015

Quel individu est capable de mesurer l’étendue de l’informatisation dans son environnement quotidien ? Pourtant, celle-ci ne cesse de l’accompagner, d’agir sur son existence, de son domicile à son bureau. Quels bouleversements a-t-elle ainsi provoqués sur les plans culturels mais aussi sociologiques et économiques depuis sa création ? Voici quelques pistes de réflexion pour mieux comprendre ses effets, son impact.
Laïcité, respect des croyances et liberté d’expression
Authors: Leclerc Henri
Published: May 2015

La loi de 1905 de séparation des Églises et de l’État consacre l’affirmation de la neutralité de l’État en matière religieuse, et constitue le fondement du principe de laïcité dans notre République. Pour ce qui est de la liberté de conscience, l’article 10 de la Déclaration des droits de l’homme et du citoyen de 1789 affirme que «  Nul ne doit être inquiété pour ses opinions, même religieuses  ». Le respect des croyances s’inscrit dans cette double reconnaissance de la neutralité de l’État et de la liberté de conscience. Mais que recouvre précisément ce droit au respect des croyances ? La Cour européenne laisse une grande marge de manœuvre aux États et a tendance, dans ses arrêts, à privilégier la sensibilité des croyants sur la liberté d’expression. La jurisprudence française quant à elle a évolué ; elle a, à plusieurs reprises, refusé de condamner une publication dont le caractère choquant était manifeste, mais pour laquelle il n’était pas établi, de la part de l’auteur, une intention spécifique d’outrager les croyants. À propos des caricatures, les juges ont eu l’occasion de déclarer qu’il s’agissait d’un genre littéraire qui, bien que délibérément provoquant, participait indéniablement au débat démocratique. ■
Sur la chute de Blaise Compaoré. Autorité et colère dans les derniers jours d’un régime
Authors: Bonnecase Vincent
Published: May 2015

Cet article revient sur la chute de Blaise Compaoré en questionnant le lien entre les manifestations explosives de la contestation qui se sont exprimées dans ce contexte précis et des formes d’expression plus diffuse de la colère et de l’autorité, observées dans le cadre d’un plus long terrain. Deux éléments y sont plus particulièrement discutés : le premier touche à la pluralité des régimes de légitimité mis en concurrence dans les derniers jours de la présidence de Blaise Compaoré, et le second à l’hétérogénéité des colères qui se sont agglomérées le temps d’une courte révolution. Au final, il s’agira de montrer que cette fin de régime, pas plus qu’elle n’a constitué l’issue inéluctable des manœuvres constitutionnelles de l’ancien président ou de l’épuisement de sa propre légitimité, n’a pas non plus suivi une logique uniforme qui aurait été encadrée par les associations et les partis d’opposition à des fins que partagerait le plus grand nombre, elle a davantage consisté en une rencontre fortuite de colères hétérogènes, dans un contexte d’affrontement marqué entre différents régimes de légitimité.
Performance Improvement in Cloud Based Supply Chains
Authors: Soliman Fawzy
Published: May 2015

This chapter summarises the findings on how improvement in the performance of the supply chain processes could assist the company becoming innovative. Through this report it is consistently held that improvement in the performance of the supply chain processes assists the company in becoming innovative.
Cloud Manufacturing towards Sustainable Management
Authors: Hao Yuqiuge , Helo Petri
Published: May 2015

Nowadays, most manufacturing companies have realized the importance of collaboration between dispersed factories, different suppliers, and distributed stakeholders. Cloud computing is an evolution of the Internet; it does not just change the technology, but also enables collaborative innovation. Cloud manufacturing (CM) is another form of networked manufacturing. It provides common and standard manufacturing services by cloud logic and principle. In this chapter, a new concept is suggested based on the fundamental theory and key technologies of CM. Cloud Future Factory, which is intended to manage a matrix-type organizational structure, focuses on improving communication in lean manufacturing. This case company has dispersed production lines and business departments. Therefore, it's very necessary to introduce an efficient and dynamic information integration platform. This chapter leads to a different way of thinking for using the cloud manufacturing concept in different formations. CM is not just suitable for small and medium sized enterprises, but also fits large size companies.
Technological Forecasting of Sustainable Products
Authors: Silva Luan Carlos Santos , ten Caten Carla Schwengber , Gaia Silvia
Published: May 2015

The purpose of the work described in this chapter is to analyze the eco-innovations about hybrid cars. The data collection method consisted of a technological forecast. The research was carried out on the patent base Derwent Innovations Index from Web of Science. The United States is the leader in the ranking of hybrid car patents. However, countries such as Japan, China and Germany demonstrated a considerable increase. This study contributes toward other studies that focus on the acceleration of decisions in applications for inventive patents and aims to identify new technologies which can be quickly used by the productive sector and universities stimulating the licensing and encouraging the innovation in many countries.
Applying Kolb Learning Experiential Theory with Cloud Computing in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Sanga Camilius Aloyce , Kibirige George
Published: May 2015

The maturity of free and open source movement has brought a number of ICT tools. It has affected the way courses are delivered, the way contents are developed, the way data are interoperable, the way learning and teaching materials are shared, the way learners access classes and the way library resources are shared. In developing countries, several libraries are migrating into digital libraries using low cost technologies readily available due to open access, free and open source technology and e-publishing tools. Recent development of cloud computing technology provides state of art tools for libraries. It provides a common platform for easy information storage and sharing. Thus, there is lowering of the cost required to procure and manage library ICT infrastructure due to the capability of that cloud computing which allows the storage to be on a single, efficient system that saves cost and time. In developing countries where most libraries suffer from limited budgets for ICT services, it is anticipated that the future of digital libraries is on cloud libraries.
Cloud Computing
Authors: Rao N. Raghavendra
Published: May 2015

The growth of the Internet has provided scope for multiple applications. Governments in both developed and developing nations have started making use of the Internet in their functioning. The idea behind these governments moving from manual work to IT enabled systems through the Internet is to improve governance. Framing policies pertaining to natural resources and managing them will not be with one department under any government. E-governance, consisting of multidisciplinary experts, is required to develop a model for natural resources management in a country. The electronic governance will help the members of the e-governance and the various departments in the government to facilitate in managing their natural resources. E-governance in the area of natural resources management in any country will be successful only when there is coordination among the various government departments. Cloud computing is economically viable for implementation of e-governance projects. This chapter suggests a conceptual model for managing natural resources and natural disaster management for a country under cloud computing environment.
The Role of Cloud Computing in Global Supply Chain
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: May 2015

This chapter reviews the role of cloud computing in global supply chain, thus describing the theoretical and practical concepts of cloud computing and supply chain management (SCM); the significance of cloud computing in global supply chain; the overview of electronic supply chain management (e-SCM); and the organizational information processing theory within global supply chain. The utilization of cloud computing is necessary for modern organizations that seek to serve suppliers and customers, increase business performance, strengthen competitiveness, and achieve continuous success in global business. Therefore, it is essential for modern organizations to examine their cloud computing applications, develop a strategic plan to regularly check their practical advancements, and immediately respond to the cloud computing needs of customers in global supply chain. Applying cloud computing in global supply chain will extremely improve organizational performance and reach business goals in the digital age.
Spatial Aspects of Mortality Rates and Neighborhood Environmental Characteristics in Seoul Mega City Region, South Korea
Authors: Joo Yoohyung , Lee Hee Yeon
Published: May 2015

This study of the spatial patterns of standardized mortality rates (SMRs) in Seoul Mega City Region (SMCR) explores whether neighborhood characteristics affect mortality rates and identifies important determinants of spatial disparity in mortality rates in SMCR. Spatial patterns of mortality rates show a strong positive spatial autocorrelation, suggesting that mortality rates are spatially clustered. A spatial lag model and a GWR model were used to reflect the spatial aspect of mortality rates. The spatial lag model showed better model fitness by considering spatial dependence of mortality rates. It indicates that a higher level of residential deprivation, a less walkable environment, less economic affluence and less social participation are all associated with higher mortality rates with statistical significance. This study suggests that health and welfare policy could incorporate urban planning to consider the neighborhood factors which determine mortality rates in order to improve the health of neighborhood residents.
Extending Metadata Standards for Historical GIS Research
Authors: Burleson Shelley , Giordano Alberto
Published: May 2015

This article proposes a structure for handling commonly observed uncertainties in geo-historical data, using as case studies two historical geographical information systems (HGIS) projects that interweave historical research with the geography of genocide. The first case involves the ghettoization of Budapest's Jews during the Holocaust in the second half of 1944. The more recent work, and the second case, covers the Armenian genocide spanning most of WWI and several years afterwards. The authors suggest using existing metadata standards as one way of handling the inherent uncertainties of geo-historical sources. While not a definitive solution, they argue that such an approach provides a starting point and a platform to conceptually frame the use of geo-historical data in HGIS.
Developing a Hierarchy Model for Selection of Social Media Manager
Authors: Hsu Pi-Fang , Su Yi-Wen , Tsai Chia-Wen
Published: May 2015

With the fast development of the Internet, communication tools are no longer limited to traditional media. Enterprises have become aware of the rapid emergence of social media in recent years. Social media marketing has become an important field that demands attention, especially its changing marketing strategies. It is necessary to designate a professional to manage the social media platforms of an enterprise to attract consumers. Hence this study develops a two-part model to assist employers in choosing the ideal social media manager. The first part derives criteria for choosing a social media manager by conducting a thorough literature review and employing the modified Delphi method. The second part applies the analytic hierarchy process to calculate and identify the best suited social media manager by ranking candidates according to the relative weights of the evaluation criteria. In addition, a renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain is used as an example, to demonstrate how a social media manager is selected by applying this model. The results show that enterprises emphasize social media capabilities, professional skills, innovation, personal characteristics, and social skills.
Supply Chain Simulation using Business Process Modeling in Service Oriented Architecture
Authors: Yoo Taejong
Published: May 2015

For supply chain optimization, as a key determinant of strategic resources mobility along the value-added chain, simulation is widely used to test the impact on supply chain performance for the strategic level decisions, such as the number of plants, the modes of transport, or the relocation of warehouses. Traditionally, a single centralized model that encompasses multiple participants in the supply chain is built when optimization of the supply chain through simulation is required. However, due to the heterogeneity of supply chain, a centralized simulation model has a limit to reflect the dynamics of each supply chain participant. This research focuses on the conceptual and the technical issues about the supply chain simulation with a parallel and distributed simulation (PADS) concept. In particular, to ensure the decomposition of supply chain simulation model by each supply chain participant, the simulation framework is proposed using Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) in e-collaboration environment. For a clear proof of concept, the virtual supply chain simulation model is implemented and experienced using business process modeling tools in SOA. Due to the reusable, interoperable, and scalable characteristics of the proposed supply chain simulation framework, various alternatives for supply chin optimization can be generated and evaluated.
Study on Quality Prediction Technology of Manufacturing Supply Chain
Authors: Zhang Genbao , Ran Yan , Luo Dongmei
Published: May 2015

Supply chain quality is the assurance of product quality in its full life-cycle. Although supply chain quality control is a hot topic among researchers, supply chain quality prediction is actually an important but unsolved problem in manufacturing industry. In this paper, an approach of manufacturing supply chain quality prediction based on quality satisfaction degree is proposed to control supply chain better, in order to help ensure product quality. Supply chain quality prediction 3D model and model based on customer satisfaction and process control are established firstly. And then technologies used in quality prediction are studied, including quality prediction index system established on Expert scoring -AHP and prediction workflow built on ABPM. Finally an example is given to illustrate this approach. The customer satisfaction prediction result of supply chain quality can help supply chain management, and the quality prediction software system can make it easier, which provides a new direction for the product quality control technology research.
Information Search Habits of First Year College Students
Authors: Mora-Mora Higinio , Signes-Pont María Teresa , Casado Gregorio De Miguel
Published: May 2015

New technologies have transformed teaching processes and enabled new ways of study and learning. In these activities, it is suspected that the students don't make good use of new available technologies or, in the best case, they are underused. The analysis of this issue with the design of strategies to correct any defects found is the motivation that supports the development of this work and the main purpose of it. Evaluate information search habits used by the student and analyse their deduct synthesis and processing capabilities of the results found. The researchers of this study are university teachers of first year subjects, which allows them to know the information search performances by students.
Influence of Cultural Conditions on the Use of ICT for Learning
Authors: Varela-Candamio Laura , Novo-Corti Isabel
Published: May 2015

The use of technology is widespread in all areas of life, particularly among young people and particularly in learning environments. In this sense, college students have incorporated these technologies in different media and used them for many years. The use of ICT among students taking the same subjects is very different because of the sociological diversity thereof and, in particular, their different cultures and countries. This is the case of Erasmus students, who must take the same subjects and with the same instruments than the national ones. Although both groups must show the same academic performance, their conditions are very diverse, including difficulties related to language. This article analyzes the relationship between learning styles (active, reflexive, theoretical and pragmatic) and the use of ICT in training university students, comparing between Erasmus and domestic ones. The REATIC survey was conducted among 37 third-year students from the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of A Coruña (Spain), distinguished four different modules: knowledge of ICT, use of ICT, assessment of ICT and ICT as learning style. Results showed differences in all modules and especially in the last module that analyzes the use of ICT for learning.
The Future of the Natural Resources Sector in Russia
Authors: Kasimov N.S. , Alekseeva N.N. , Chulok A.A. , Sokolov A.V.
Published: May 2015

Environmental management, technologies, products and services are commonly expected to provide significant economic opportunities for companies and countries. This is mainly due to increasing awareness among politicians, academics and the wider population on the importance of environmental aspects in daily life. Consequently demand for environmentally friendly solutions is expected to grow continuously in the next decade. The present study is part of a broader research project which examines the long-term science and technology (S&T) agenda in Russia up to 2030. The project's results were approved by the Prime Minister of Russia in early January 2014. Researchers from the National Research University Higher School of Economics carried out the research project at the request of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science between 2011 and 2013. The research comprised six interrelated spheres: ICT; biotechnology, medicine and public health; new materials and nanotechnologies; environmental management; transport and space systems; and energy efficiency and energy conservation. For each sphere, the project explored in-depth the global emergent challenges and opportunities, the risks, and their degree of influence on Russia. The authors analysed the most important potential market niches, products and services that are capable of radically shaping world markets and highlighted their competitive advantages. Within the framework of these priority science areas authors emphasised several spheres of particular potential value and compared the level of research carried out in Russia and the leading countries. The current paper also covers the analyses the natural resources sector made within a project aimed at integration of national and sectoral S&T Foresight studies funded by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. Findings show that the potential applications for environmental products and services are manifold. The study is based on a thorough analysis of expert opinions and their assessment of future applications and the development of demand for these applications. However the authors note that the expert opinions included in the assessment of prospective products, services and markets, despite being based on rigorous assessment, still reflect expectations. Their opinions incorporate a degree of uncertainty especially with regard to how and when (or whether) the markets, technologies, products and services will develop in the expected ways.
Distinctiveness of Techno-Entrepreneurship
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: May 2015

Techno-Entrepreneurship referred by many as ‘Technology Entrepreneurship' usually denotes a vehicle or means to facilitate prosperity in individuals, firms, regions, and nations. The study of techno-entrepreneurship therefore, serves an important function beyond satisfying intellectual curiosity. Techno-entrepreneurship lies at the heart of many important debates, including those around launching and growing firms, regional economic development, selecting the appropriate stakeholders to take ideas to markets, and educating managers, engineers, and scientists. Through in depth literature review, analysis of secondary data, and keen observation the purpose of this paper is to understand the genesis of techno-entrepreneurship, distinctiveness of techno-entrepreneurship, provide a holistic definition and attempt to identify aspects relative to economics, entrepreneurship, and management.
Context-Aware Presentation of Linked Data on Mobile
Authors: Costabello Luca , Gandon Fabien
Published: May 2015

In this paper the authors focus on context-aware adaptation for linked data on mobile. They split up the problem in two sub-questions: how to declaratively describe context at RDF presentation level, and how to overcome context imprecisions and incompleteness when selecting the proper context description at runtime. The authors answer their two-fold research question with PRISSMA, a context-aware presentation layer for Linked Data. PRISSMA extends the Fresnel vocabulary with the notion of mobile context. Besides, it includes an algorithm that determines whether the sensed context is compatible with some context declarations. The algorithm finds optimal error-tolerant subgraph isomorphisms between RDF graphs using the notion of graph edit distance and is sublinear in the number of context declarations in the system.
How Relevant is the Marketing Curriculum to Today's Market
Authors: Kassean Hemant , Gungaphul Mridula
Published: May 2015

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) operate in an environment that combine characteristics from both business and non-profit sectors and have to possess and operate a bundle of skills and resources to implement strategies adapted to educational market conditions. How does an HEI ensure that its curriculum keeps pace with these changes? The purpose of this paper is to examine the weaknesses of the current undergraduate marketing curriculum offered by the HEI and propose a curriculum that reflects the requirements of today's market which is also in line with the global marketing curricula. A list of criteria was drawn for the evaluation of the BSc (Hons) undergraduate marketing curriculum. Perspectives from three cohorts of marketing students, employers, lecturers and experts in the field were gathered over a period of 3 weeks. Students expressed concerns about the number of non - marketing modules which formed part of the curriculum. Lack of resources and classrooms with 120 students for common modules were found to be not conducive for their learning. There was a lack of space for computer labs and access to internet was limited and very slow for their research assignments. The stakeholders evaluation in relation to course content, relevance, lecturers' characteristics and attitude, assignments, resources/facilities provided to the marketing students, employment prospects, leadership issues the powerful role of higher education in economic development are discussed. This revamped curriculum has attempted to balance the critical requirements of the curriculum from three angles: Firstly, with increased globalisation, this modern curriculum is in line with evolution in marketing and is expected to adequately prepare the students as practitioners in a global environment. Secondly, the aspirations of students have been taken into account so as to make the curriculum more relevant to their needs, and finally the requirements from the industry in terms of knowledge, skills and competences have been incorporated so that the students are better prepared to face the world of work once they have graduated. Although great care has been taken to ensure that the curriculum is modernised in line with the needs of employers and employees, marketing being such a dynamic area, it is difficult to predict for how long this revamped curriculum will remain relevant and when this should ideally be revamped again, an exercise which is currently undertaken every 4-6 years.
The Use of Social Media as an Instructional Tool to Increase Marketing
Authors: Richardson Michael D. , Lemoine Pamela A.
Published: May 2015

The technological revolution of the past two decades has changed communication in contemporary higher education settings. Consequently, there is now a wide gulf between the unlimited use of technology and higher education, particularly with respect to digital communications and the rapid increase in the use of social media in instructional applications. Technology offers college students an array of options to socialize, network, stay informed and connected, but technology proficiency may not be the same for instructors. As social media use by students becomes more established, educators in higher education are pursuing methods to parlay expertise in instruction to advertise and market higher education institutions. Can social media be used in higher education to improve learning through student and faculty collaboration, and just as importantly can the use of social media be used as a recruiting tool for higher education institutions?
An assessment of the information content of South African alien species databases
Authors: Faulkner Katelyn T. , Spear Dian , Robertson Mark P. , Rouget Mathieu , Wilson John R.U.
Published: May 2015

National alien species databases indicate the state of a country’s biodiversity and provide useful data for research on invasion biology and the management of invasions. In South Africa there are several different published alien species databases, but these databases were created for different purposes and vary in completeness and information content. We assessed the information content of published South African alien species databases in the context of other such databases globally, and evaluated how the information content of South African databases varies across taxonomic groups. Although introduction pathway, date of introduction, region of origin and current broad-scale distribution data are available for most taxonomic groups assessed (60% – 90%), data on invasion status, introduction effort and introduction source are available for few taxonomic groups (5% – 18%). South African alien species databases have lower information content than the detailed databases available in other parts of the world and thus cannot be utilised to the same extent. We conclude with 11 recommendations for improving South African alien species databases. In particular, we highlight the data types that should be incorporated in future databases and argue that existing data should be collated in a single, standardised meta-database to facilitate cross-taxon comparisons, highlight gaps in effort, and inform managers and policy makers concerned with alien species.
Work-nonwork interference: Can ministers currently cope with increasing job demands against limited resources within South Africa?
Authors: Van der Westhuizen Anso , Koekemoer Eileen
Published: May 2015

Ministers of religion have a unique occupation with designated job demands and incongruous resources at their disposal. Literature indicates that stressors within the work environment are significant predictors of work-nonwork interference. Ministers play a key role within society and provide support for individuals on multiple levels. However, limited studies are found in South Africa focussing on ministers’ job characteristics related to work-nonwork interference, and how ministers cope. The main objective of this study was to investigate job demands and job resources as significant predictors of work-nonwork interference amongst ministers of religion, and to identify which coping strategies are most significant for ministers in dealing with work-nonwork interference. A cross-sectional survey design was used amongst ministers working in the three sister churches (N = 199). Various instruments were administered to measure job characteristics, work-nonwork interference and coping strategies empirically. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, product-moment correlations and multiple regression analyses. Results indicated that for ministers different job demands (i.e. cognitive demands and pace and amount of work) and job resources (i.e. financial support and job significance) significantly predicted work-parent, work-home and work-religion/spirituality interference. Results indicated turning to religion as the only significant coping strategy used by ministers to deal with work-parent interference and work-religion interference. Ministers of religion are continually exposed to increasing job demands and a lack of job resources, and therefore experience work-nonwork interference. Nevertheless, the ministers apparently cope by using the strategy best related to their profession, turning to religion/spirituality. Turning to religion/spirituality seems to be the most effective in dealing with work-nonwork interference.
Transformative remedies towards managing diversity in South African theological education
Authors: Naidoo Marilyn
Published: May 2015

South Africa is a complex society filled with diversity of many kinds. Because of the enormous and profound changes of the last 20 years of democracy, this can be perceived as a society in social identity crisis which is increasingly spilling over into many areas of life. Churches have also gone through a process of reformulating their identity and have restructured theological education for all its members resulting in growing multicultural student bodies. These new student constituencies reflect a wide spectrum of cultural backgrounds, personal histories and theological commitments, and represent diversity in race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, age, language and sexual orientation. These issues of diversity are theologically complicated and contested as they are attached to religious dogma. Diversity exists as a threat and promise, problem and possibility. Using current conceptualisations of diversity in South African Higher Education this article will seek to understand the notion of diversity and difference and the possibility of developing transformative remedies within the theological education curriculum.
Die Nuwe Testament en mitologie: Die probleem van die ontmitologisering van die Nuwe-Testamentiese verkondiging. Bultmann se 1941-opstel weer bekyk
Authors: Malan Gert J.
Published: May 2015

In the Afrikaans-speaking South African theological context, there was little positive regard for Bultmann’s work, especially for his demythologising program. More than seventy years have passed since Bultmann’s 1941 essay on demythologising started a lively debate. For most, Bultmann and his legacy have receded into the past. With the 130th commemoration of Bultmann’s birthday this year, it seems appropriate to revisit his 1941 essay on demythologising. The purpose of this paper is to listen again to the voice of Bultmann, unhindered by the interpretations of his work by others. This is possible, as the dust has long settled after the demythologisation debate. This exercise may reveal that Bultmann’s work is still relevant in our new theological context.
Safety and immunogenicity of Onderstepoort Biological Products’ Rift Valley fever Clone 13 vaccine in sheep and goats under field conditions in Senegal
Authors: Lo Modou M. , Mbao Victor , Sierra Pascale , Thiongane Yaya , Diop Mariame , Donadeu Meritxell , Dungu Baptiste
Published: May 2015

This blinded field safety study was conducted in Senegal to assess safety and immunogenicity of administration of the registered dose of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) Clone 13 vaccine (Onderstepoort Biological Products) to sheep and goats of West African breeds under natural conditions. A total of 267 small ruminants (220 sheep, 47 goats) were included; half received RVFV Clone 13 vaccine at the recommended dose and half received the diluent (as placebo) only. The study was performed on three commercial farms in the northern and eastern region of Senegal in accordance with veterinary good clinical practices. The animals were observed daily for 3 days after vaccination, and then weekly for 1 year. In both sheep and goats vaccinated against RVFV seroconversion rates above 70% were recorded. No seroconversion related to RVFV was observed in placebo-treated animals. No statistically significant differences were determined between placebo and vaccinated groups for mean rectal temperatures for the first 3 days after administration (p > 0.05). No abnormal clinical signs related to treatment were noted, and only one slight injection site reaction was observed in one vaccinated animal for 2 days after vaccination. Out of 176 births assessed over 1 year (93 from the vaccinated group, 83 from the placebo group), 9 were abnormal in the placebo group and 3 in the vaccinated group (p > 0.05). The frequency of adverse events was similar in the placebo and vaccinated groups. RVFV Clone 13 vaccine administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions was safe and well tolerated in West African breeds of sheep and goats, including animals of approximately 6 months of age and pregnant females, under field conditions in Senegal. Antibody levels persisted up to 1 year after vaccination.