bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity and Exertional Desaturation Are Associated with Mortality in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Vainshelboim Baruch , Kramer Mordechai , Izhakian Shimon , Lima Ricardo , Oliveira Jose
Published: August 2016

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease that manifests in hypoxemia, inactivity, and poor prognosis. This study aimed to assess the prognostic role of physical activity (PA) and exertional desaturation (ED) with mortality in IPF. At baseline, 34 IPF patients (68 (50–81) years) were interviewed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and SpO2 was assessed pre to post 6-min walking test (∆SpO2). Patients were prospectively followed up for 40 months. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis determined cut-off points associated with mortality, and Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) were conducted. Thresholds for increased mortality risk in IPF patients were determined as IPAQ ≤ 417 metabolic equivalent task (METS)-min/week, p = 0.004 (HR; 9.7, CI 95% (1.3–71.9), p = 0.027), and ∆SpO2 ≥ 10%, p = 0.002, (HR; 23.3, CI 95% (1.5–365), p = 0.025). This study demonstrated a significant association of PA and ED with mortality in IPF patients. The findings emphasize the clinical importance of PA and ED assessments to aid in IPF risk stratification, prognosis prediction, and in providing early appropriate treatments, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, PA consultation, oxygen supplementation, and lung transplantation referral. These results underscore that even low levels of PA corresponding to 100–105 min/week were associated with a reduced mortality risk and better survival in IPF.
Neuroprotection by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced HRD1 and Chaperones: Possible Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Nomura Jun , Hosoi Toru , Kaneko Masayuki , Ozawa Koichiro , Nishi Akinori , Nomura Yasuyuki
Published: August 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are neurodegenerative disorders with a severe medical and social impact. Further insights from clinical and scientific studies are essential to develop effective therapies. Various stresses on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cause unfolded/misfolded proteins to aggregate, initiating unfolded protein responses (UPR), one of which is the induction of neuronal cell death. Some of the pathogenic factors for AD and PD are associated with UPR. ER molecules such as ubiquitin ligases (E3s) and chaperones are also produced during UPR to degrade and refold aberrant proteins that accumulate in the ER. In this review, we examine the role of HMG-CoA reductase degradation protein 1 (HRD1) and the chaperone protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI), which are both produced in the ER in response to stress. We discuss the importance of HRD1 in degrading amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Parkin-associated endothelin receptor-like receptor (Pael-R) to protect against neuronal death. PDI and the chemical chaperone 4-phenyl-butyrate also exert neuroprotective effects. We discuss the pathophysiological roles of ER stress, UPR, and the induction and neuroprotective effects of HRD1 and PDI, which may represent significant targets for novel AD and PD therapies.
Evaluation of Biosynthetic Pathway and Engineered Biosynthesis of Alkaloids
Authors: Kishimoto Shinji , Sato Michio , Tsunematsu Yuta , Watanabe Kenji
Published: August 2016

Varieties of alkaloids are known to be produced by various organisms, including bacteria, fungi and plants, as secondary metabolites that exhibit useful bioactivities. However, understanding of how those metabolites are biosynthesized still remains limited, because most of these compounds are isolated from plants and at a trace level of production. In this review, we focus on recent efforts in identifying the genes responsible for the biosynthesis of those nitrogen-containing natural products and elucidating the mechanisms involved in the biosynthetic processes. The alkaloids discussed in this review are ditryptophenaline (dimeric diketopiperazine alkaloid), saframycin (tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid), strictosidine (monoterpene indole alkaloid), ergotamine (ergot alkaloid) and opiates (benzylisoquinoline and morphinan alkaloid). This review also discusses the engineered biosynthesis of these compounds, primarily through heterologous reconstitution of target biosynthetic pathways in suitable hosts, such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus nidulans. Those heterologous biosynthetic systems can be used to confirm the functions of the isolated genes, economically scale up the production of the alkaloids for commercial distributions and engineer the biosynthetic pathways to produce valuable analogs of the alkaloids. In particular, extensive involvement of oxidation reactions catalyzed by oxidoreductases, such as cytochrome P450s, during the secondary metabolite biosynthesis is discussed in details.
Emission Enhancement and Intermittency in Polycrystalline Organolead Halide Perovskite Films
Authors: Li Cheng , Zhong Yu , Luna Carlos , Unger Thomas , Deichsel Konstantin , Gräser Anna , Köhler Jürgen , Köhler Anna , Hildner Richard , Huettner Sven
Published: August 2016

Inorganic-organic halide organometal perovskites have demonstrated very promising performance for opto-electronic applications, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, lasers, single-photon sources, etc. However, the little knowledge on the underlying photophysics, especially on a microscopic scale, hampers the further improvement of devices based on this material. In this communication, correlated conventional photoluminescence (PL) characterization and wide-field PL imaging as a function of time are employed to investigate the spatially- and temporally-resolved PL in CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite films. Along with a continuous increase of the PL intensity during light soaking, we also observe PL blinking or PL intermittency behavior in individual grains of these films. Combined with significant suppression of PL blinking in perovskite films coated with a phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) layer, it suggests that this PL intermittency is attributed to Auger recombination induced by photoionized defects/traps or mobile ions within grains. These defects/traps are detrimental for light conversion and can be effectively passivated by the PCBM layer. This finding paves the way to provide a guideline on the further improvement of perovskite opto-electronic devices.
Antibacterial Activity and Membrane-Disruptive Mechanism of 3-p-trans-Coumaroyl-2-hydroxyquinic Acid, a Novel Phenolic Compound from Pine Needles of Cedrus deodara, against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wu Yanping , Bai Jinrong , Zhong Kai , Huang Yina , Qi Huayi , Jiang Yan , Gao Hong
Published: August 2016

Recently, we reported that a novel phenolic compound isolated from Cedrus deodara, 3-p-trans-coumaroyl-2-hydroxyquinic acid (CHQA), exhibits a potent antioxidant activity. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of CHQA against eleven food-borne pathogens and to elucidate its mechanism of action against Staphylococcus aureus. The results from minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations showed that CHQA exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on all of the tested pathogens with MIC values ranging from 2.5–10 mg/mL. Membrane potential measurements and flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that CHQA damaged the cytoplasmic membrane of S. aureus, causing a significant membrane hyperpolarization with a loss of membrane integrity. Moreover, CHQA induced an increase in membrane fluidity and conformational changes in membrane protein of S. aureus, suggesting that CHQA probably acts on the cell membrane by interactions with membrane lipid and protein. Transmission electron microscopic observations further confirmed that CHQA disrupted the cell membrane of S. aureus and caused severe morphological changes, which even led to leakage of intracellular constituents. These findings indicated that CHQA could have the potential to serve as a natural antibacterial agent to control and prevent the growth of pathogens in food and in food-processing environments.
Associations of Pre-Defined Dietary Patterns with Obesity Associated Phenotypes in Tehranian Adolescents
Authors: Mohseni-Takalloo Sahar , Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: August 2016

Obesity has become a public health problem in adolescents and could be a risk factor for both short-term and long-term health consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of Dietary Guidelines for Americans Adherence Index (DGAI), Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) and Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) with risk of obesity associated phenotypes in Tehranian adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, on 722 adolescents, aged 10–19 years. Usual dietary intakes were assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality scores were obtained based on DGAI, HEI-2005 and HEI-2010. General obesity and cardio metabolic risk factors were defined according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and de’Ferranti cut-offs, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, energy intake and physical activity, compared to those in the lowest quartile, participants in the highest quartile of HEI-2010 had lower risk of general obesity (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38–0.93; Ptrend = 0.03) and central obesity (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44–0.95; Ptrend = 0.04). No association was observed between different types of obesity and scores of other diet quality indices. In conclusions, considering the role of HEI-2010 in decreasing the risk of obesity, these findings suggest that HEI-2010 may be useful for assessing diet-related progress in obesity prevention efforts.
Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Gonzales-Arimborgo Carla , Yupanqui Irma , Montero Elsa , Alarcón-Yaquetto Dulce , Zevallos-Concha Alisson , Caballero Lidia , Gasco Manuel , Zhao Jianping , Khan Ikhlas , Gonzales Gustavo
Published: August 2016

The plant maca, grown at 4000 m altitude in the Peruvian Central Andes, contains hypocotyls that have been used as food and in traditional medicine for centuries. The aim of this research was to provide results on some health effects of oral administration of spray-dried extracts of black or red maca (Lepidium meyenii) in adult human subjects living at low (LA) and high altitude (HA). A total of 175 participants were given 3 g of either placebo, black, or red maca extract daily for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in sexual desire, mood, energy, health-related quality of life score (HRQL), and chronic mountain sickness (CMS) score, or in glycaemia, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels. Secondary outcomes were acceptability and safety, assessed using the Likert test and side effect self-recording, respectively, and the effect of altitude. At low altitude, 32, 30, and 32 participants started the study receiving placebo, red maca, or black maca, respectively. At high altitudes, 33, 35, and 31 participants started the study receiving placebo, red maca, and black maca, respectively. Consumption of spray-dried extracts of red and black maca resulted in improvement in mood, energy, and health status, and reduced CMS score. Fatty acids and macamides were higher in spray-dried extracts of black maca than in red maca. GABA predominated in spray-dried extracts of red maca. Effects on mood, energy, and CMS score were better with red maca. Black maca and, in smaller proportions, red maca reduced hemoglobin levels only in highlanders with abnormally high hemoglobin levels; neither variety of maca reduced hemoglobin levels in lowlanders. Black maca reduced blood glucose levels. Both varieties produced similar responses in mood, and HRQL score. Maca extracts consumed at LA or HA had good acceptability and did not show serious adverse effects. In conclusion, maca extract consumption relative to the placebo improved quality of life parameters. Differences in the level of improvement between red and black maca are probably due to differences in the composition of these two plant varieties. Both maca extracts were well tolerated and safe.
“Like a Second Home”: Conceptualizing Experiences within the Fox River Watershed through a Framework of Emplacement
Authors: Van Auken Paul , Barron Elizabeth , Xiong Chong , Persson Carly
Published: August 2016

We propose and implement a new emplacement framework through exploration of the socio-spatial landscape of the Fox River Watershed (FRW) in Northeastern Wisconsin from a particular cultural perspective. Based primarily upon interviews conducted with 16 Hmong people to better understand and learn from the experiences of an important but overlooked FRW stakeholder group, we present our findings through the components of this framework: displacement, misplacement, replacement, and emplacement. Our research reveals that the strength of Hmong culture has persisted through tremendous loss and displacement, to survive and evolve in a new setting. The resettlement of Hmong people in the FRW has afforded relatively widespread access to landscapes that facilitate recreation, social interaction, and food production, enhancing physical and mental health and augmenting household incomes. It has also led to empowerment of women and the emergence of a generation of group members with formal ecological knowledge to add to their existing ethnobiological understanding and cultural foundation of ecological conscience. For such reasons, conservation organizations, policy makers, and departments of natural resources should look to build linking social capital between those in power and marginalized groups such as the Hmong.
Delbos et Bergson, un spiritualisme nouveau
Authors: Vieillard-Baron Jean-Louis
Published: August 2016

À l’occasion du centenaire du décès de Victor Delbos (1862-1916), une présentation d’ensemble de son œuvre d’historien de la philosophie d’inspiration spiritualiste et une analyse de sa note critique de 1897 sur Matière et Mémoire .
Effect of General Anesthesia on Preoperative Hip Range of Motion in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Chadayammuri Vivek , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia , Garabekyan Tigran , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Milligan Kenneth , Bedi Asheesh , Mei-Dan Omer
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of general anesthesia on preoperative passive hip range of motion (ROM) in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for various indications. A total of 260 consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were included in this study. Passive hip ROM was evaluated bilaterally in the clinic and subsequently under general anesthesia immediately preoperatively. Demographic variables, including age, height, weight, and clinical diagnosis, were recorded for all patients. Hips with pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and hips with acetabular dysplasia showed a mean increase of 4° and 6°, respectively, in hip external rotation at 90° of hip flexion (ER-90) with induction of anesthesia (
P
=.018 and
P
=.021, respectively). In contrast, a statistically significant reduction in hip abduction (2°) and hip flexion (4°) was observed following induction of anesthesia in healthy contralateral hips of patients presenting with unilateral hip pathology (
P
=.01 and
P
<.001, respectively). Hip ROM does not change to a clinically significant extent with induction of general anesthesia. Small increases in external rotation in patients with FAI or acetabular dysplasia are within the standard error for ROM measurements. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1165–e1169.]
Choroidal Infiltration by Retinoblastoma: Predictive Clinical Features and Outcome
Authors: Kaliki Swathi , Tahiliani Prerana , Iram Sadiya , Ali Mohammed Hasnat , Mishra Dilip K. , Reddy Vijay Anand P.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

To identify the clinical features predictive of choroidal infiltration by retinoblastoma on histopathology and to report the outcome in these patients.

Methods:

Retrospective study.

Results:

Of the 403 patients who underwent primary enucleation for retinoblastoma, 113 patients had choroidal tumor infiltration and 290 patients had no choroidal tumor infiltration. There was a higher incidence of metastasis and related death in the choroidal tumor infiltration group compared to the no choroidal tumor infiltration group (4% vs 1%;P= .02). On multivariate analysis, the clinical features predictive of histopathologic massive choroidal infiltration included prolonged duration of symptoms for more than 6 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.04;P= .001) and secondary glaucoma (HR = 2.24;P= .005).

Conclusions:

In this study, the patients with retinoblastoma with prolonged duration of symptoms (> 6 months) had a three-fold greater risk and those with secondary glaucoma at presentation had a two-fold greater risk of massive choroidal tumor infiltration.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(6):349–356.]
Conservative Management of Lower Eyelid Epiblepharon in Children
Authors: Simon John W. , Williams Kathryn H. , Zobal-Ratner Jitka L. , Barry Gerard P.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

Although much literature has focused on various techniques to repair epiblepharon, no study has addressed how frequently surgical intervention is required.

Methods:

The authors tabulated data from all patients with epiblepharon seen over the past 15 years.

Results:

Eighty-nine patients were included, 61 (69%) with tearing, discharge, conjunctival injection, or eye rubbing. Trichiasis was present in 15 cases (17%), 6 (7%) with corneal staining. In all cases, the initial treatment was conservative: antibiotic ointment or tear substitutes in 73 cases with trichiasis, symptoms of irritation, or corneal changes and observation in the remaining 16 cases. Three children (3%) were referred for eyelid surgery because of persistent symptoms. No patient had corneal scarring or long-term complications.

Conclusions:

Although vision-threatening complications can result, a trial of topical antibiotic ointment and/or ocular lubricants was effective in nearly all patients. Most resolved with minimal symptoms. The few eventually requiring eyelid surgery suffered no long-term complications. The authors recommend a trial of conservative treatment before eyelid surgery is undertaken.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(1):15–16.]
Iglesia luterana de Sarasota
Authors: Lundy Victor A.
Published: August 2016

La arquitectura de Lundy —arquitecto solitario de Florida— se caracteriza por la rebeldía a la adopción de formas tradicionales, por el empleo de la madera (aprovechando todas, absolutamente todas sus cualidades), por la perfecta estructuración constructiva de la forma adoptada y por el estudio concienzudo de sus plantas, que, con la máxima sencillez, llegan a alcanzar el funcionalismo más racional.
Hybrid Learning
Authors: Abdelrahman Nahed , Irby Beverly J.
Published: August 2016

Hybrid learning has been utilized as a transitional learning method to make advantage of both face-to-face and online learning platforms. In this article, the authors explored how faculty members perceive using simultaneously multiple platforms in higher education such as face-to-face, online, and hybrid platforms in teaching. In this study, the authors examined how faculty members defined hybrid learning. They also explored how the participants perceive both hybrid and online learning as vehicles for higher education advancement as well as strategies to attract more students to higher education. The purpose of this research was to develop an analytical overview of one of the learning approaches such as hybrid and its impact on higher education. The authors have interviewed ten faculty members in order to achieve this objective. The results illustrated that faculty members do not have one single definition of hybrid learning but rather they have multiple definitions. Faculty members also demonstrated that they support online learning because it achieves more accessibility to higher education, yet, they believe the face-to-face learning achieve more quality of education.
The Peer Instruction Flipped Learning Model
Authors: Faulkner Troy , Green Jennifer
Published: August 2016

Peer instruction flipped learning blends the concepts of flipped classroom and peer instruction in order to maximize the strengths of both techniques. Peer Instruction, a student-centered learning approach developed by Eric Mazur of Harvard University, engages students in the learning process through small group discussions. Flipped classroom, credited largely to Jon Bergmann and Aaron Sams, reverses the roles of traditional lecture and “homework” in order to maximize student learning. This chapter discusses the research on peer instruction and flipped learning, the details of implementing the peer instruction flipped learning model, and the benefits of using a peer instruction flipped learning model. This chapter also details one high school's experiences with these strategies.
Master in Innovative Tourism Development
Authors: Vasconcelos Sandra Vieira , Balula Ana , Almeida Pedro
Published: August 2016

This chapter analyses a Portuguese HEI's first experience with blended learning. Focusing on the Master in Innovative Tourism Development currently being held at the Superior School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, it presents the institutional background and rationale behind the course's implementation, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas of potential development. Based on an evaluation research carried out throughout the course's first three editions and that involved students, faculty and institutional leaders, it summarizes the main results of a long term-study, putting forth a set of recommendations for improvements and defining potential areas of intervention in future editions of the course.
Deceptive Promises
Authors: Popenici Stefan
Published: August 2016

Since 2011, massive open online courses (MOOCs) fired the imagination of the general public as well as the academics, university administrators and investors alike. This chapter is an analysis of the main promises and expectations associated with MOOCs in higher education. This analysis is largely informed by a literature review of new extensive research reports, press releases, media articles, scholarly blogs and academic papers. Considering costs and benefits, ethical aspects and the impact on the landscape of higher education, the author explores whether MOOCs stay consistent with their initial promises and rhetoric. This chapter continues the discussion on the book section ‘RIA and education practice of MOOCs,' with the particular focus on the topic of ‘educational training design.'
Mobile First E-Learning
Authors: Curinga Matthew Xavier , Saravanos Antonios
Published: August 2016

The rapid rise in mobile computing—primarily smartphones and tablets—has led software and interface designers to adopt a “mobile first” strategy, where they develop applications with mobile users in mind as the primary audience. More than just bringing desktop computing to smaller devices, this turn has opened up qualitatively different computing experience, refocusing interaction design on high quality user experiences. This chapter explores the ways that mobile first can help instructional designers realize a more contextual learning experience embedded in the world. We look at the primary approaches of mobile first design and then explore some cases of mobile design for learning that foster authentic and deep learning.
Mobile Technologies for Student Centered Learning in a Distance Higher Education Program
Authors: Amhag Lisbeth
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study is to analyze mobile technologies for student centered learning in a distance higher education program with a focus on mobile online webinars (web-based seminars or conferencing) using mobile applications such as laptops, smart phones, or tablets. As wearable technologies continue to grow it could very well extend to smart glasses, smart watches etc. These tools can provide face-to-face interactions, recording flipped classrooms and parallel chat communications. The data collection consists of observations of ten online face-to-face webinars with 22 students, six interviews, and two surveys. Theoretically, the study joins the research tradition of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning with emphasis on collaboration, and Computer Self-Efficacy concerned with individuals' media and information literacy. Important conclusions from the study demonstrated mobile interactions increased student centered learning on theoretical concepts, assisted in the ability to review information critically, and provided experiences bridging professional teaching practices.
Mobile-Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Nielson Katharine B.
Published: August 2016

This chapter outlines practical findings from the emerging body of research on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL). After briefly situating the conversation within a framework of how best to use technology for language instruction, the chapter opens with a review of what we know about how to use mobile technology for language learning. Then, the discussion turns to how to best apply these findings in various instructional contexts, including K–12, higher education, and workplace training. By the end of the chapter, students will have both a solid understanding of how mobile technology can facilitate second language learning as well as concrete examples of how to develop and execute a mobile language learning strategy in various educational contexts.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Interactive and Collaborative Resources to Improve Reading and Writing in English
Authors: Llorente Ana María Pinto , Gómez María Cruz Sánchez , García-Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a mixed research developed at the Pontifical University of Salamanca with students of intermediate level of English. It examines the effectiveness of the application of interactive and collaborative resources to improve reading and writing in English. Based on the overall evaluation of the blended course, most students believe that online glossary, online questionnaire, wiki and forum are good tools to improve their written skills. They are strongly aware of the necessity of improving these skills, and consider that the activities designed through these technological tools have allowed them to foster effective written communication in a variety of situations. Students also emphasize the potential of collaborative tools to communicate and develop collaborative learning. However, some students consider that there is a lack of privacy and fluency in communication, and believe that interactions are impersonal and disorganized, so they have had problems to do the activities and communicate suitably.
Investigating the Daily Use of Mobile Phones as Tools to Enhance mLearning for Local Cultural Subjects in the Context of Malaysian Universities
Authors: Ariffin Shamsul Arrieya
Published: August 2016

With the advent of mobile technology, students and academics are using mobile devices, such as mobile phones, for personal daily activities. Due to the heavy overseas ‘Mat Salleh' content from English speaking countries, such as the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom this contributes to the lack of content. In fact, there is a lack of local content for local cultural subjects. Furthermore, there are limited qualitative studies that take into consideration the potential of students in the Malaysian universities to make use of mobile phones as tools to enhance mobile learning or mLearning, particularly for studying local cultural subjects. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted for this largely qualitative study. Thematic analysis was then conducted on the data collected. The main themes that emerged from this study comprise multimedia usage and software for daily use. Thus, this study contributes to understanding by revealing future potential, including suggestions for the use of the multimedia functions of the mobile phones for better learning outcomes.
Library and Information Services for Open and Distance Learning
Authors: Esse Ugwunwa Chinyere , Ohaegbulam Happiness
Published: August 2016

For Reason of it tested capabilities Open and Distance Learning Education has been widely accepted and adopted in many institutions across the worlds. Knowing that the practice of Library and information service to the ubiquitous distance learners promises to be a clear departure from the traditional library system, Academic libraries have become new actors in the process of distance learning among other factors of education and research. Libraries are reshaping its services and Mobile learning services is now represents exciting new frontiers in education and pedagogy. With the features of ‘wearable' computing and multimedia content delivery via mobile technologies, library services and mobile learning becomes feasible and offers new benefits to instructors and learners. The full cost and complexity of providing quality library services to support open and distance education tend to be underestimated.
Teaching and Learning Requirements Engineering Based on Mobile Devices and Cloud
Authors: Moreira Fernando , Ferreira Maria João
Published: August 2016

Organizations have suffered a large (r)evolution at social, economic and technological levels. The increasing number of mobile devices on day-to-day of the general population and particularly among youth people, leads to the emergence of new paradigms in several areas of activity, particularly in education. As an example of a new paradigm in teaching and learning process, mobile learning supported by cloud environments and Bloom's taxonomy could be appointed. In this paper and in the context of a course of 1st cycle, following the guidelines of courses in Information Systems provided by ACM / AIS, it is proposed the use of Google tools, aligned with Bloom's taxonomy, the model Blended Mobile Learning-Context Oriented in a Requirements Engineering course.
The Commuter's Learning Journey
Authors: Mentor Dominic
Published: August 2016

This chapter covers a five-year research project using field observations to document mobile use in different contexts. The critical incident technique is used to interrogate the observation notes, discussions, interviews and reflections. The value of the field observations is important for planning mobile learning initiatives. The observed adults' Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) are interrogated for evidence of learning in the absence of formal assessments in either a formative or summative manner. The time frame and chapter will reveal patterns and behavioral changes which could inform future mobile learning and adoption of mobile technology for education.
Through the Eyes of Students and Faculty
Authors: Barakat Maysaa , Weiss-Randall Debra N.
Published: August 2016

Online enrollments have been growing substantially faster than overall higher education enrollments. It is argued that online learning can help address issues of educational inequity, poverty, and social exclusion. The momentum is moving towards online learning, and universities are pressured to develop more online options for their students in order to stay relevant and provide needed flexibility. On average, courses that are delivered online have higher attrition rates than regular face-to-face courses. There are numerous challenges and difficulties in developing online learning environments without sacrificing the quality of learning. This case study examines the development, delivery, and evaluation of online learning through the eyes of students and faculty of an educational leadership department in a Southeast research university.
How Students in a First-Year Composition Course Respond to the Flipped Classroom
Authors: Grimsley Christina R.
Published: August 2016

This qualitative pilot study investigated how 19 students enrolled in an entry-level college writing course responded to the use of video technology to supplement and flip class curriculum. Students were provided 10 video podcasts to augment course content and flip four class lessons. Collected through six student surveys and video download data, the results, including students' podcast viewership behaviors and attitudes toward the videos, are presented. The data revealed the college writing students involved in this study were generally satisfied with the flipped classroom and preferred it over the traditional lecture format. Download patterns indicated, however, less than half of the students watched the podcasts. Despite low viewership, the results suggest that the incorporation of video technology brings writing teachers opportunities to optimize class time by delving deeper into course content and by expanding the number of course assignments.
The Human Element MOOC
Authors: Kilgore Whitney , Lowenthal Patrick R.
Published: August 2016

The Human Element Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the Canvas open network was designed to be a connectivist experience exploring methods for the humanization of online education. This MOOC introduced and discussed methods that faculty could adopt in order to potentially increase instructor presence, social presence, and cognitive presence within their own online courses. The design of the MOOC and the learners' perceptions of social presence after taking part in this MOOC are discussed in this chapter.
A Blended Approach to Teacher Education
Authors: Vaughan Norman
Published: August 2016

This chapter describes the effectiveness of a blended approach to teacher education through the use of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) framework. Data was collected from students and faculty involved in the program via online surveys, focus groups, and the use of an editable Google Doc. The study participants provided recommendations for improving the quality of the blended program through the use of digital technologies based on the five NSSE benchmarks. For example, student and faculty interactions outside of the classroom could be enhanced through the use of web-based synchronous conferencing tools (e.g., Skype) to establish ‘virtual' meetings and office hours.
Complex Mobile Learning that Adapts to Learners' Cognitive Load
Authors: Deegan Robin
Published: August 2016

Mobile learning is cognitively demanding and frequently the ubiquitous nature of mobile computing means that mobile devices are used in cognitively demanding environments. This paper examines the use of mobile devices from a Learning, Usability and Cognitive Load Theory perspective. It suggests scenarios where these fields interact and presents an experiment which determined that several sources of cognitive load can be measured simultaneously by the learner. The experiment also looked at the interaction between these cognitive load types and found that distraction did not affect the performance or cognitive load associated with a learning task but it did affect the perception of the cognitive load associated with using the application interface. This paper concludes by suggesting ways in which mobile learning can benefit by developing cognitive load aware systems that could detect and change the difficulty of the learning task based on the cognitive state of the learner.
Unbounded Reading
Authors: Massey Dixie D.
Published: August 2016

Students' reading abilities and achievements are the focus of numerous national and international reports. At the same time, research on K-12 distance education offers a very limited description of the types of reading that students are asked to do or the students' abilities to accomplish this reading effectively. This chapter overviews the limited research about reading in online courses. The author then examines the potential of reading in online courses through bounded and unbounded contexts. The chapter concludes with instructional opportunities for teachers of online courses when designing reading assignments.
Research Trends in the Use of Mobile Learning in Mathematics
Authors: Crompton Helen , Burke Diane
Published: August 2016

The use of mobile learning in education is growing at an exponential rate. To best understand how mobile learning is being used, it is crucial to gain a collective understanding of the research that has taken place. This research was a systematic review of 36 studies in mobile learning in mathematics from the year 2000 onward. Eight new findings emerged: (1) The primary purpose of most studies was to focus on evaluating mobile learning. (2) Case studies and experimental design were the main research methods. (3) Most studies report positive learning outcomes; (4) Mobile phones were the mobile device used most often. (5) Elementary school settings were the most common research context. (6) The majority of researchers did not identify a specific mathematical concept being studied. (7) The majority of the studies took place in formal educational contexts; and (8) research on mobile learning in mathematics is geographically diverse.
The MOOCs
Authors: LeCounte John F. , Johnson Detra
Published: August 2016

In this chapter, the authors present the rapid rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) derived from a yearning to create and make widely available materials and conditions for participatory learning and creative space dedicated to the open education. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) were developed to provide open, meaning unrestricted, online courses without higher education cost constraints to students. This new technological platform was embraced, developed, and offered by some of the country's leading universities and institutions including Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Students may collaborate through strategic social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Further, according to LeCounte et al. (2014), the social media partnerships have been found to offer competitive advantages in terms of low cost and tremendous visibility to both corporations and institutions of higher learning.
A Learner-Centered Approach to Technology Integration
Authors: Yeh Ellen , Swinehart Nicholas
Published: August 2016

This chapter demonstrates a model for technology integration in learner-centered classrooms for educators, administrators, and policy makers. In this model, students are trained on how to use a technological tool but then given freedom to choose how much and in what specific content area they use the tool. Three key aspects of learner-centered curriculum design are supported by this model: 1) delivering scaffolding strategies to help students become active and autonomous learners; 2) giving learners a role in shaping the curriculum, and 3) recognizing each learner's diverse, unique background and learning style (American Psychological Association, 1997). The application of the model described here is rather narrow--training English as a Second Language (ESL) students to use online geographical tools (e.g., Google Earth) – but it can be adapted to suit a wide range of technological tools, subjects, and contexts.
Best Practices for Authentic Assessments in Learner-Centered Classrooms
Authors: Hagler Barbara
Published: August 2016

Although not new, many believe authentic assessments need to be used more frequently than traditional objective assessments in classrooms of all types and at all educational levels. Authentic assessments are subjective, provide a better picture of student learning, and require students to perform tasks more similar to what they will be required to do in the real world. While completing the assessments students also improve skills and apply knowledge from content learned in previous situations. Authentic assessments can be used to evaluate knowledge as well as soft and hard skills. Rubrics are frequently created and used by the teacher to evaluate these assessments.
Empathy and Mindfulness
Authors: Singh Aishwarya , Sengupta Santoshi , Sharma Swati
Published: August 2016

As the upsurge of information continues due to globalization of economies in the wake of fierce competition, the role of information technology becomes more important than ever. The dynamics of business arena requires leaders in the IT industry who are well versed with new technologies as well as at the same time exhibit essential leadership skills that builds trust to ensure success. This paper discusses an empirical research aimed at identifying the antecedents for authentic leadership style for the professional in the IT sector by examining empathy and mindfulness as potential antecedents to authentic leadership. The questionnaire was completed by 250 respondents from the Indian IT sector. Findings reveal that empathy of a leader is significantly related to the development of authentic leadership. However, mindfulness is not related to authentic leadership. The paper identifies empathy as a potential antecedent of authentic leadership that is intended to foster positive organizational outcomes. Intense literature review reflects that only few studies have been conducted focusing on the antecedents of authentic leadership. The study attempts to fill this void.
EEMI - An Electronic Health Record for Pediatricians
Authors: Lavariega Juan C. , Garza Roberto , Gómez Lorena G , Lara-Diaz Victor J. , Silva-Cavazos Manuel J.
Published: August 2016

The use of paper health records and handwritten prescriptions are prone to preset errors of misunderstanding instructions or interpretations that derive in affecting patients' health. Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems are useful tools that among other functions can assists physicians' tasks such as finding recommended medicines, their contraindications, and dosage for a given diagnosis, filling prescriptions and support data sharing with other systems. This paper presents EEMI, a Children EHR focused on assisting pediatricians in their daily office practice. EEMI functionality keeps the relationships among diagnosis, treatment, and medications. EEMI also calculates dosages and automatically creates prescriptions which can be personalized by the physician. The system also validates patient allergies. This paper also presents the current use of EHRs in Mexico, the Mexican Norm (NOM-024-SSA3-2010), standards for the development of electronic medical records and its relationships with other standards for data exchange and data representation in the health area.
Ex-Post Stakeholder Analysis of National ICT Policy Subsystem
Authors: Makoza Frank , Chigona Wallace
Published: August 2016

This paper presents an analysis of stakeholders of the national Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy subsystem using the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF). The study focused on the context of a developing country, Malawi, which was analysed using qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews and policy documents. The findings showed there was diversity in the stakeholders for national ICT policy who were engaged in different roles of the policy process despite being a unitary policy subsystem. The stakeholders included officials from government departments, donors, academia, private sector organisations, the media, law enforcement agents and telecom operators. Some of the roles of the stakeholders were related to policy formulation, implementation, regulation, ICT investment, and support. The study contributes towards the literature of national ICT policy in the context of developing countries. A further study is recommended to consider the interests of informal stakeholders not represented in the national ICT policy subsystem.
The Role of Mobile Phones Use on Agricultural Output and Household Income in Rural Rwanda
Authors: Musafiri Ildephonse
Published: August 2016

This paper assesses the role information and communication technology (ICT) on agricultural output and household welfare of smallholder farmers. The data used in this study comes from a household survey carried out in Nyabihu District, one densely populated area of rural Rwanda. The findings suggest substantial impact of cellular phones technology adoption by farm households. Using the propensity score matching technique, the author finds that agricultural output for mobile phone users is at least 38 percent higher than non-users, whereas their income levels are 26 percent higher on average. The provision of network infrastructure and electricity at community level will enhance agricultural and rural development through increased adoptions of telecommunication technology by smallholder farmers.
An Evaluation of Software Development Practices among Small Firms in Developing Countries
Authors: Chevers Delroy , Mills Annette M. , Duggan Evan , Moore Stanford
Published: August 2016

For software development firms to be competitive they must assure the quality of the software product. This has led many firms to adopt software process improvement (SPI) programs such as the capability maturity model integration (CMMI). However, for small software firms, especially those in developing countries with limited resources, these programs are often too cumbersome and costly to implement. To address this issue, this paper proposes a simplified SPI model for small firms (SPM-S) comprised of 10 key software development practices; with fewer practices, the proposed model should be more accessible and less costly to implement. Using data collected in four developing countries in the English-speaking Caribbean from 112 developer/user dyads, the model is evaluated with respect to its impact on software quality. The findings show that the software development process coupled with supporting technology (e.g. project management tools) significantly impact software product quality. Implications for software process improvement in small firms and future research are discussed.
Soteriology on the interface of traditional African religion and Christianity: Engaging Bediako’s soteriology and a soteriological alternative
Authors: Magezi Vhumani , Magezi Christopher
Published: August 2016

Many African scholars such as Bolaji Idowu, Mbiti, Bediako and others have posed a question about the interrelationship between traditional African religion and Christianity. Some scholars tend to exalt traditional African religion at the expense of the biblical meaning of salvation, as well as undermining the value of traditional African religion. In seeking to establish the interface between traditional African religion and Christianity, this article engages Bediako as one of the most influential African theologians who has thoroughly considered traditional African religion as a preparation for the Gospel. This approach has a danger of misidentifying the unique place of Israel in God’s redemptive history, as well as diminishing the biblical meaning of conversion and the newness of the Gospel. Thus, in contrast to Bediako’s inclusivism position, the article offers an alternative approach which argues that God’s general revelation in all pre-Christian traditional religions is a non-preparation for the Gospel. This is because in Pauline theology (Rm 1:18–32), general revelation grants humanity a very limited insight into the divine nature.
The diakonia of the elder according to 1 Peter
Authors: Breed Gert
Published: August 2016

In this article, the ministry of the elder is investigated according to 1 Peter 5:1–5 from the perspective of the usage of the diakon word group in 1 Peter. Firstly, the place of 1 Peter 5 in the context of the whole letter is examined. Then the connection between 1 Peter 5:1–4 and 1 Peter 4:7–11 is ascertained. That is followed by a detailed exegesis of 1 Peter 5:1–4. It is found that the immediate context (1 Peter 4), indicates that in 5:1–4, Peter describes the diakonia of the elders. Based on the research, guidelines are suggested for the diakonia of the elder according to 1 Peter.