bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on laser engineered net shaping of multilayered structures in H13 tool steel
Authors: Manvatkar V. D. , Gokhale A. A. , Reddy G. J. , Savitha U. , De A.
Published: May 2015

Laser engineered net shaping process is widely used to build multilayered structures for critical applications by melting and solidification of metallic powders in a layer by layer manner using a focused laser beam. An a-priori estimation of the influence of laser beam power and scanning speed on the layerwise build dimensions, thermal cycles, and mechanical properties is requisite in laser engineered net shaping process. We present here a three-dimensional heat transfer model to estimate the temperature field and layer profile in single line multilayer depositions of H13 tool steel. A novel approach is undertaken to account for the laser beam energy input to the substrate and the depositing powder materials considering the attenuation of the beam power. The computed build profiles are validated with the corresponding experimentally measured results. The computed cooling rates show a reducing trend from the bottom to the top layers while that in the transformation temperature range tend to increase toward the top layer. The measured hardness shows a gentle reducing trend from the top to the bottom layers but exhibits a relatively steep increase in the layers near to the substrate.
Comparison of the effects of glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide, and hydroxyethyl starch solutions for cryopreservation of avian red blood cells
Authors: Graham Jennifer E. , Meola Dawn M. , Kini Nisha R , Hoffman Andrew M.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE To compare effectiveness of glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions for cryopreservation of avian RBCs.

SAMPLE RBCs from 12 healthy Ameraucana hens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

PROCEDURES RBCs were stored in 20% (wt/vol) glycerol, 10% (wt/vol) DMSO freezing medium, or various concentrations of HES solution (7.5%, 11.5%, and 20% [wt/vol]) and frozen for 2 months in liquid nitrogen. Cells were then thawed and evaluated by use of cell recovery and saline stability tests, cell staining (7-aminoactinomycin D and annexin V) and flow cytometry, and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS Percentage of RBCs recovered was highest for 20% glycerol solution (mean ± SE, 99.71 ± 0.04%) and did not differ significantly from the value for 7.5% HES solution (99.57 ± 0.04%). Mean saline stability of RBCs was highest for 10% DMSO (96.11 ± 0.25%) and did not differ significantly from the value for 20% HES solution (95.74 ± 0.25%). Percentages of cells with 7-aminoactinomycin D staining but without annexin V staining (indicating necrosis or late apoptosis) were lowest for 10% DMSO freezing medium (3%) and 20% glycerol solution (1%) and highest for all HES concentrations (60% to 80%). Scanning electron microscopy revealed severe membrane changes in RBCs cryopreserved in 20% HES solution, compared with membrane appearance in freshly harvested RBCs and RBCs cryopreserved in 10% DMSO freezing medium.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cryopreservation of avian RBCs with HES solution, regardless of HES concentration, resulted in greater degrees of apoptosis and cell death than did cryopreservation with other media. Transfusion with RBCs cryopreserved in HES solution may result in posttransfusion hemolysis in birds.
Plasma and serum serotonin concentrations and surface-bound platelet serotonin expression in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Cremer Signe E. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Reimann Maria J. , Eriksen Nynne B. , Petersen Stine F. , Marschner Clara B. , Tarnow Inge , Oyama Mark A. , Olsen Lisbeth H.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE To investigate serum and plasma serotonin concentrations, percentage of serotonin-positive platelets, level of surface-bound platelet serotonin expression (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]), and platelet activation (CD62 expression) in platelet-rich plasma from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

ANIMALS Healthy dogs (n = 15) and dogs with mild MMVD (18), moderate-severe MMVD (19), or severe MMVD with congestive heart failure (CHF; 10).

PROCEDURES Blood samples were collected from each dog. Serum and plasma serotonin concentrations were measured with an ELISA, and surface-bound platelet serotonin expression and platelet activation were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS Dogs with mild MMVD had higher median serum (746 ng/mL) and plasma (33.3 ng/mL) serotonin concentrations, compared with MMVD-affected dogs with CHF (388 ng/mL and 9.9 ng/mL, respectively), but no other group differences were found. Among disease groups, no differences in surface-bound serotonin expression or platelet activation were found. Thrombocytopenic dogs had lower serum serotonin concentration (482 ng/mL) than nonthrombocytopenic dogs (731 ng/mL). In 26 dogs, a flow cytometry scatterplot subpopulation (FSSP) of platelets was identified; dogs with an FSSP had a higher percentage of serotonin-positive platelets (11.0%), higher level of surface-bound serotonin expression (MFI, 32,068), and higher platelet activation (MFI, 2,363) than did dogs without an FSSP (5.7%, 1,230, and 1,165, respectively). An FSSP was present in 93.8% of thrombocytopenic dogs and in 29.5% of nonthrombocytopenic dogs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A substantive influence of circulating serotonin on MMVD stages prior to CHF development in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels was not supported by the study findings. An FSSP of highly activated platelets with pronounced serotonin binding was strongly associated with thrombocytopenia but not MMVD.
Evaluation of three point-of-care meters and a portable veterinary chemistry analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentrations in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)
Authors: Higbie Christine T. , Eshar David , Bello Nora M.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE To compare blood glucose concentrations of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) measured by use of a variety of portable analyzers with results from a laboratory biochemistry analyzer.

SAMPLE Venous blood samples (3 mL) obtained from each of 16 healthy black-tailed prairie dogs.

PROCEDURES A portion of each blood sample was used to measure glucose concentrations by use of an amperometric human point-of-care glucometer and a colorimetric species-specific portable blood glucose meter designed for veterinary use with both canine (code 5) and feline (code 7) settings. The remainder of each blood sample was placed into 2 tubes (one contained lithium heparin and the other contained no anticoagulant). A portable veterinary chemistry analyzer (PVCA) and a handheld analyzer were used to measure glucose concentration in heparinized blood. Serum glucose concentration was measured in the remaining portion by use of a biochemistry analyzer. A general linear mixed models approach was used to compare glucose concentrations and measurement bias obtained with the various measurement methods.

RESULTS Measurement bias and differences in mean glucose concentrations were apparent with all measurement methods. In particular, the veterinary glucometer, whether used on the canine or feline setting, overestimated mean glucose concentrations, whereas the human glucometer, PVCA, and handheld analyzer underestimated mean glucose concentrations relative to the concentration obtained with the biochemistry analyzer.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that none of the measurement methods provided consistently accurate blood glucose concentrations of black-tailed prairie dogs, compared with values determined with a biochemistry analyzer.
Indirect prediction of total body water content in healthy adult Beagles by single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors: Yaguiyan-Colliard Laurence , Daumas Caroline , Bousbiat Sana , Jaffrin Michel , Cardot Philippe , Grandjean Dominique , Priymenko Nathalie , Nguyen Patrick , Roux Françoise
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE To develop equations for prediction of total body water (TBW) content in unsedated dogs by combining impedance (resistance and reactance) and morphological variables and to compare the results of those equations with TBW content determined by deuterium dilution (TBWd).

ANIMALS 26 healthy adult Beagles.

PROCEDURES TBW content was determined directly by deuterium dilution and indirectly with equations developed from measurements obtained by use of a portable bioelectric impedance device and morphological variables including body length, height, weight, and thoracic and abdominal circumferences.

RESULTS Impedance and morphological data from 16 of the 26 dogs were used to determine coefficients for the following 2 equations: TBW1 = −0.019 (BL2/R) + −0.199 (RC + AC) + 0.996W + 0.081H + 12.31; and TBW2 = 0.048 (BL2/R) + −0.144 (RC + AC) + 0.777W + 0.066H + 0.031X + 7.47, where AC is abdominal circumference, H is height, BL is body length, R is resistance, RC is rib cage circumference, W is body weight, and × is reactance. Results for TBW1 (R21 = 0.843) and TBW2 (R22 = 0.816) were highly correlated with the TBWd. When the equations were validated with data from the remaining 10 dogs, the respective mean differences between TBWd and TBW1 and TBW2 were 0.17 and 0.11 L, which equated to a nonsignificant underestimation of TBW content by 2.4% and 1.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that impedance and morphological data can be used to accurately estimate TBW content in adult Beagles. This method of estimating TBW content is less expensive and easier to perform than is measurement of TBWd, making it appealing for daily use in veterinary practice.
Evaluation of the ability of a gravitational filtration system to enhance recovery of equine bone marrow elements
Authors: Mundy Lauren N. , Ishihara Akikazu , Wellman Maxey L. , Bertone Alicia L.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE To assess efficiency of gravity filtration to enhance recovery of equine bone marrow elements including stem and progenitor cells.

ANIMALS 12 healthy adult horses.

PROCEDURES Bone marrow aspirates were collected from the fifth sternebral body and filtered by gravitational flow to obtain bone marrow elements. Raw and harvested bone marrow and marrow effluent were evaluated for WBC and platelet counts, automated and cytomorphologic cell differential counts, mesenchymal stem cell CFUs, cell viability, and differentiation capacity. Isolated cells were analyzed for CD90 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II antigens.

RESULTS Mean cell viability of harvested bone marrow was 95.9%. Total WBCs and platelets were efficiently captured on the filter (> 95%), and mean recovery in harvested bone marrow was 30%. Cytologic cell differential counts indicated that the percentage of neutrophils was significantly less and the progenitor cell population was significantly higher and concentrated 1.56-fold in harvested bone marrow, compared with results for raw bone marrow. Flow cytometry and cell culture were used to characterize harvested bone marrow cells as positive for expression of CD90 and negative for MHCI and MHCII, which indicated stem cells with a multipotent phenotype that differentiated into chondrocytes, osteocytes, adipocytes, and tenocytes.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Gravitational filtration of bone marrow efficiently yielded platelets and cells and produced a progenitor-enriched, leukocyte-reduced product, compared with raw bone marrow.
Seismic signals from large, tabular icebergs drifting along the Dronning Maud Land coast, Antarctica, and their significance for iceberg monitoring
Authors: Pirli Myrto , Matsuoka Kenichi , Schweitzer Johannes , Moholdt Geir
Published: May 2015

In this study, we analyze a large dataset of seismic signals, recorded by station TROLL in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. The signals, recorded in April–December 2012, came from sources near the edge of the ice shelves, at distances of 230–500 km from TROLL. The sources, which moved westward with time, could be associated with four large, tabular icebergs, drifting between 15° E and 8° W. Combining the seismological data with information from satellite remote sensing, we find that one-third of the signals can be attributed to individual icebergs. The trajectories of three of the associated icebergs are known through iceberg-tracking databases, whereas the fourth, a fragment of one of the other three, is untracked, and only scarce information is available from satellite imagery. The observed seismic signals exhibit a wide variety of frequency characteristics, from unstructured episodes to occurrences of iceberg harmonic tremor. Although we are not able to determine the exact cause of the signals, we classify them into five classes on a phenomenological basis. This study demonstrates the potential of regional seismic networks for iceberg monitoring as supplementary resources to information obtained with remote-sensing technologies.
*informatics: Identifying and Tracking Informatics Sub-Discipline Terms in the Literature
Authors: Sarkar I. N. , Chen E. S.
Published: May 2015

Objective: To identify the breadth of informatics sub-discipline terms used in the literature for enabling subsequent organization and searching by sub-discipline.

Methods: Titles in five literature sources were analyzed to extract terms for informatics sub-disciplines: 1) United States (U.S.) Library of Congress Online Catalog, 2) English Wikipedia, 3) U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) Catalog, 4) PubMed, and 5) PubMed Central. The extracted terms were combined and standardized with those in four vocabulary sources to create an integrated list: 1) Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), 2) Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), 3) U.S. National Cancer Institute Thesaurus (NCIt), and 4) EMBRACE Data and Methods (EDAM). Searches for terms in titles from each literature source were conducted to obtain frequency counts and start years for characterizing established and potentially emerging sub-disciplines.

Results: Analysis of 6,949 titles from literature sources and 67 terms from vocabulary sources resulted in an integrated list of 382 terms for informatics sub-disciplines mapped to 292 preferred terms. In the last five decades, “bioinformatics”, “medical informatics”, “health informatics”, “nursing informatics”, and “biomedical informatics” were associated with the most literature. In the current decade, potentially emerging sub-disciplines include “disability informatics”, “neonatal informatics”, and “nanoinformatics” based on literature from the last five years.

Conclusions: As the field of informatics continues to expand and advance, keeping upto-date with historical and current trends will become increasingly challenging. The ability to track the accomplishments and evolution of a particular sub-discipline in the literature could be valuable for supporting informatics research, education, and training.
In vitro biomechanical testing of different configurations of acrylic external skeletal fixator constructs
Authors: Tyagi S. K. , Kinjavdeka P. , Amarpal Sharma , Pawde A. M. , Srivastava T. , Singh J. , Madhu D. N. , Aithal H. P.
Published: May 2015

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro biomechanical properties of four different configurations of acrylic external skeletal fixator constructs.

Materials and methods: Simulated bone constructs were prepared using two segments of 20 mm ultra-high-density polyethylene rods with a gap of 5 mm. The full pins (1.5 mm) were passed through the proximal and distal segments of ultra-high-density polyethylene rods, in the same plane, parallel to each other in configuration U, and were crossed in the M1, M2 and C configurations at a 90° angle to each other. Configuration U was a single bilateral uniplanar construct, M1 was a double orthogonal bilateral construct, M2 was a double orthogonal bilateral construct with proximal and distal connecting articulations, and C was a double orthogonal bilateral construct with proximal and distal circumferential articulations. Temporary scaffolds of different external skeletal fixator configurations were constructed using commercially available polyvinyl chloride pipes (20 mm) connected and secured to the fixation pins at a fixed distance from the rods. Acrylic powder (polymer) mixed with liquid (monomer) was poured into the pipes and allowed to solidify to form the side bars and rings. The external skeletal fixator constructs were then subjected to axial compression, cranio-caudal three-point bending and torsion (n = 4 each) using a universal testing machine. Mechanical parameters, namely stress, strain, modulus of elasticity, stiffness and bending moment of fixator constructs, were determined from load-displacement curves.

Results: Configuration U was the weakest and configuration C was the strongest under all the testing modes. Under compression, the M1, M2 and C configurations were similar. Under bending, a significant difference was observed among the uniplanar, multi -planar and circular configurations with no difference between M1 and M2. However, under torsion, all the external skeletal fixator configurations differed significantly.

Clinical significance: The freeform external skeletal fixator using acrylic as a replacement for a metallic bar may be useful to treat bone fractures and luxations in small animals, as it is mechanically strong, lightweight, economical, and pins can be passed from any direction depending upon the clinical situation.
Improved optical limiting performance of laser-ablation-generated metal nanoparticles due to silica-microsphere-induced local field enhancement
Authors: Du Zheren , Chen Lianwei , Kao Tsung-Sheng , Wu Mengxue , Hong Minghui
Published: May 2015

For practical application, optical limiting materials must exhibit a fast response and a low threshold in order to be used for the protection of the human eye and electro-optical sensors against intense light. Many nanomaterials have been found to exhibit optical limiting properties. Laser ablation offers the possibility of fabricating nanoparticles from a wide range of target materials. For practical use of these materials, their optical limiting performance, including optical limiting threshold and the ability to efficiently attenuate high intensity light, needs to be improved. In this paper, we fabricate nanoparticles of different metals by laser ablation in liquid. We study the optical nonlinear properties of the laser-generated nanoparticle dispersion. Silica microspheres are used to enhance the optical limiting performance of the nanoparticle dispersion. The change in the optical nonlinear properties of the laser-generated nanoparticle dispersion caused by silica microspheres is studied. It is found that the incident laser beam is locally focused by the microspheres, leading to an increased optical nonlinearity of the nanoparticle dispersion.
N-Alkyl derivatives of diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranoside; synthesis and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Walczewska Agata , Grzywacz Daria , Bednarczyk Dorota , Dawgul Małgorzata , Nowacki Andrzej , Kamysz Wojciech , Liberek Beata , Myszka Henryk
Published: May 2015

Diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranoside is a synthetic saponin exhibiting attractive pharmacological properties. Different pathways tested by us to obtain this glycoside are summarized here. Moreover, the synthesis of N-alkyl and N,N-dialkyl derivatives of the glucopyranoside is presented. Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activities of these derivatives indicates that they have no inhibitory activity against Gram-negative bacteria, whereas many of the tested N-alkyl saponins were found to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and human pathogenic fungi.
The Effect of a High Upper Input Limiting Level on Word Recognition in Noise, Sound Quality Preferences, and Subjective Ratings of Real-World Performance
Authors: Oeding Kristi , Valente Michael
Published: May 2015

Background:One important factor that plays a role in front-end processing is the analog-to-digital converter within current hearing aids. The average input dynamic range of hearing aids is 96 dB SPL with an upper input limiting level (UILL) of 95‐105 dB SPL. The UILL of
standard hearing aids could distort loud signals, such as loud speech or music, which have root-mean-square values of 90 and 105 dB SPL with crest factors of 12 dB SPL to 14‐20 dB SPL, respectively. This indicates that these loud sounds could create a distorted signal for patients when
the input limiting level is reached.Purpose:To examine if significant differences in word recognition in noise, sound quality preferences, and subjective ratings of real-world performance exist between conventional and high UILL hearing aids.Research Design:Words in noise and
sound quality preferences were assessed using recordings on a Knowles Electronic Manikin for Acoustic Research with conventional and high UILL hearing aids, different microphone modes, and listening conditions. Participants wore the hearing aids for 2 mo and completed questionnaires on subjective
performance.Study Sample:Ten adults with bilateral slight to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss were recruited.Results:A four-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences between the conventional and high UILL across microphone
modes and listening conditions for words in noise [F(2, 18) = 6.0; p < 0.05]. A three-factor repeated-measures ANOVA for sound quality preferences revealed a significant difference only for presentation level [F(1, 9) = 81.0; p < 0.001].
A one-factor ANOVA did not reveal significant differences between the conventional and high UILL on subjective ratings of real-world performance.Conclusions:Word recognition and sound quality preferences revealed significant differences between the conventional and high UILL; however,
there were no differences in subjective ratings of real-world performance. One participant preferred the conventional UILL, two the high UILL, and seven thought performance was equal, which may be due to the listening environments participants encountered, as evidenced by datalogging.
La montée en charge des risques sociaux depuis 1945
Authors: Mikou Myriam , Solard Julie , Roussel Romain
Published: May 2015

Mise en œuvre dès 1945, la Sécurité sociale française a instauré un système d’assurances sociales obligatoires contre les risques sociaux. Toutefois, les différents risques de protection sociale sont montés en charge progressivement et selon leur calendrier propre, en réponse aux différents besoins sociaux dont l’importance s’est révélée au fil des années. Très rapidement, les risques famille et accidents du travail-maladies professionnelles ont fait l’objet d’une attention particulière. Les principaux piliers du système, en termes de montants de dépenses, se sont constitués pendant les Trente Glorieuses autour des branches maladie et vieillesse, cette dernière demeurant encore à ce jour assez émiettée. Plus récemment, dans un contexte financier plus difficile, ont émergé des problématiques nouvelles, qui n’ont pas nécessairement été intégrées à la Sécurité sociale stricto sensu  : il s’agit en particulier de l’assurance chômage, des dispositifs mis en œuvre pour lutter contre la pauvreté et aider les plus modestes à se loger ou encore de la prise en charge de la dépendance.
États providence en devenir, devenir des États providence
Authors: Merrien François-Xavier
Published: May 2015

L’invention du «  Welfare State  » moderne ne peut être comprise sans être située dans un mouvement international plus large qui débute à la fin du xix e siècle et pousse toutes les nations industrielles à prendre au sérieux la question de l’insécurité ouvrière, puis à vouloir stabiliser le salariat, quitte à remettre en cause les principes de l’ordre libéral. Après la Seconde Guerre mondiale, le social est considéré comme le complément indispensable de l’économique (Déclaration de Philadelphie 1944). Les réalisations qui en sont issues permettront à Esping Andersen de parler de trois idéaux types : national universaliste, corporatiste continental et résiduel. Dans les années soixante-dix, l’installation durable dans la crise économique et sociale s’accompagne d’un nouveau référentiel libéral de l’action publique : les juristes reculent devant les économistes et les « managers ». Il faut « responsabiliser l’acteur social ». Au début du xxi e siècle un troisième moment se fait jour avec les Objectifs du millénaire pour le développement ( omd ), le social est réévalué comme condition de la cohésion sociale et de la croissance.
Perspectives sur la protection sociale
Authors: Laroque Michel , de Montalembert Marc
Published: May 2015

Cet article de conclusion ouvre, notamment à partir des articles de ce numéro, des perspectives sur les limites et réformes souhaitables de la protection sociale française. Il constate, au regard des leçons de l’histoire, plusieurs limites : échec de l’objectif d’unité de la protection sociale légale, brouillage des concepts, des politiques et des gestions, prédominance des stratégies financières à court terme, difficulté des réformes. Il se positionne sur les débats en cours : équilibre financier ou déficit, remplacement des cotisations sociales salariées par la contribution sociale généralisée, cotisation sociale du xxi e siècle, et mise en place d’une tva sociale ; adaptation de la gouvernance sociale, notamment par une réorganisation territoriale ; poursuite des réformes de l’assurance vieillesse pour un équilibre entre actifs et retraités, une unification de l’organisation et un aménagement des droits des femmes et des hommes ; fusion des organismes d’assurance maladie et poursuite de la maîtrise des dépenses de santé ; prestations familiales équilibrant redistribution horizontale et verticale pour ne pas désinciter à l’emploi formel ; remise en ordre de la protection de l’invalidité, du handicap et de la dépendance ; activation mesurée des dépenses sociales. Il émet des suggestions sur des questions négligées en pratique : démocratie sociale et participation des bénéficiaires, logement, jeunes, solidarité européenne et internationale.
A Museum Educator's Guide to Implementing a Digital Pedagogy Using Connectivism
Authors: Ruanglertbutr Purnima
Published: May 2015

Using international case studies from art museums, this chapter examines how museum educators are integrating iPads in their programming to offer interactive learning opportunities for K-12 audiences. It argues for the importance of a digital pedagogy in museum education as well as the adoption of a new learning theory for the digital age, within a museum educator's pedagogy. The chapter demonstrates how Siemens' and Downes' theory of connectivism can be applied to analyse and develop strategies that enable museum educators to embed the iPad in museum learning and support the development of General Capability and Visual Art specific skills. The strategies and challenges associated with implementing iPad technology in museum education are discussed within the context of the motivations and trends for digital education pedagogy, the shifting role of art museum education, and the role of the museum educator in the digital age. Findings demonstrate the applicability of connectivism in museum education and recommendations for museum educators to integrate iPads in their pedagogy.
Through the Lens of the Museum Curator
Authors: Coleman Kathryn
Published: May 2015

Traditional Portfolios have a long history in the art world. The iconic and romantic image of an artist with their portfolio tucked under their arm is an image ever present in our minds when we see the term portfolio. Each portfolio that an artist presents to an audience has a different story to tell in their selection, collection and curation of artifacts and the narrative that they explore. Developing the necessary folio thinking (Chen & Black, 2010) skills as art students is an important learning outcome. Many students do not see the relevance of documenting their practice, experimentation or process as combined experiences. Changing and adapting to teach contemporary folio thinking skills, The author proposes that looking and learning from the artworld and role of museum curator to scaffold approaches to learning curation in a digital portfolio rather than asking students to reflect on their own can support identity formation and develop self efficacy skills.
K-12 Arts Pedagogies and Technology Use Transitioning into Higher Education
Authors: McPherson Megan J
Published: May 2015

Art and design students' transitions in the university studio and their careers are now a significant issue in higher education. There is a more explicit articulation of the graduate capabilities that students now need to cultivate to become artist and designers. The author focuses on the transition into the university setting and the pedagogic relationship with the graduate capabilities of artists and designers and their portfolio careers as a way to contextualize art pedagogies and technology use in K-12 education. The author argues that supporting students' expectations and aspirations in their desires to become artists and designers is relational to graduate capabilities and the notion of a portfolio career. The author concludes by suggesting that the use of arts education and technology have a pivotal role in helping students develop transitioning skills, graduate capabilities and portfolio careers.
Management and Modeling of Waste Water Treatment Systems
Authors: Lisichkov Kiril , Kuvendziev Stefan , Marinkovski Mirko
Published: May 2015

In this chapter wastewater treatment and water resource management are discussed and analyzed. The goal of this chapter is to deepen the knowledge of application of adequate, precise process eco-technologies in the wastewater treatment from scientific and applicative aspect. This represents an ongoing problem in the modern process eco-engineering. The appropriate wastewater management issue is regulated by domestic and EU regulative as well as through recommendations of several relevant water and wastewater management associations worldwide. This chapter elaborates the application of SuperPro Designer software for modeling of a wastewater treatment plant, considering the technological, technical, environmental and financial aspects. Regarding the management of a wastewater treatment system, the application of an appropriate control system is essential from an engineer's point of view. The SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) control systems were found to be most adequate and effective control systems practically applied to real life wastewater treatment systems.
Fishery Indicators for Policy Use in the Mediterranean and Black Sea
Authors: Damalas Dimitrios , Vassilopoulou Vassiliki , Pantazi Maria
Published: May 2015

The pursuit of sustainable fisheries development as a policy objective has become increasingly important in recent years and policy makers are requiring more information on how to measure progress towards sustainable development goals. In order to accomplish an effective fisheries management, the understanding of how a combination of the aforementioned multiple pressures reduce sustainable limits of harvest is considered a necessity. The multi-species and multi-gears nature of the Mediterranean fisheries hampers the implementation of management processes based on single species analyses. Therefore, the development of methods to integrate information of the fishery systems complexity could be proven advantageous. Among the different approaches, the application of indicators consist a valuable tool for tracking changes and monitoring the implementation of relevant policies. By reviewing the current state of Mediterranean fisheries and linking it to the legal status of fisheries management, a broad spectrum of available indicators, useful for policy, were further considered.
Maritime Spatial Planning Concepts and Approaches
Authors: Papatheochari Theodora , Vassilopoulou Vassiliki , Kokkali Athina , Grati Fabio , Coccossis Harry , Fabi Gianna , Bolognini Luca
Published: May 2015

Often human activities taking place at limited available marine space may lead to important spatial and temporal conflicts and synergies. Through Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) a series maritime issues have been addressed focusing on such interactions. This chapter makes a presentation of the development of Maritime Spatial Planning concepts and approaches on a global basis, highlighting best practices as well as gaps that need to be addressed. Lessons learned from two Mediterranean case studies of the EU FP7 research projects MESMA and COEXIST focusing particularly on fisheries, as one of the main human activities in the two marine areas, interacting with other uses and with conservation initiatives, is also discussed.
Heavy Metal Levels in Sediment of the Turkish Black Sea Coast
Authors: Bat Levent , Özkan Ebru Yesim
Published: May 2015

Sediments are an important repository for various pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals and also play a significant role as sensitive indicators for monitoring contaminants in aquatic systems. Heavy metals which are regarded as serious pollutants of aquatic ecosystems are a major environmental problem in the Black Sea. Contamination by heavy metals has not been extensively studied in the Black Sea coast of Turkey, even though these are subjected to intense discharges of pollutants. It is important, therefore, that sediment by heavy metals be assessed in order to facilitate better management and protection of these valuable coastal ecosystems. This is especially the case, since Turkish Black Sea coast represents a prominent area for fishing, industrial development and urban extension and tourism activities. In view of the economic importance of the Black Sea coastal region of Turkey, this review aims to analyses the distribution and concentrations of heavy metals in bottom sediment in the coastal sediment along the Black Sea.
Curriculum Design for Interprofessional Education in the Preclinical Health Sciences
Authors: Joyce Barbara Lynn , Afonso Nelia , Stefaniak Jill E. , Lucia Victoria C. , Swanberg Stephanie
Published: May 2015

This chapter focuses on interprofessional education (IPE) from the perspective of the preclinical health sciences - the time before learners practice the skills of real world clinical care. IPE allows students from varying healthcare arenas (including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, etc.) to collaborate, communicate, as well as nurture medical values to ultimately improve care. The IPE literature is quite extensive. National organizations, competency models, and educational theory promote the integration of IPE into the curriculum across all years of education. This chapter reviews the history of IPE within U.S. medical schools, competency frameworks from a global perspective, and the theoretical foundations of IPE. In addition, strategies for implementing IPE in the preclinical years, including teaching methods, learner assessment, examples, and curricular design tips are provided.
Promoting Complex Learning through Relevant Learning Experiences for the Health Sciences
Authors: Stefaniak Jill E. , Joyce Barbara L.
Published: May 2015

Educators in the health professions are faced with the daunting task of teaching highly complex skill acquisition and application, often without a framework to guide the development of instruction. Different learning outcomes warrant different learning strategies. Instructional sequencing is dependent upon the various learning outcomes that are intended for a particular course or instructional unit. Complex learning integrates a learner's knowledge, skills, and attitudes, new skill sets and the transference of learning in an applied environment. This chapter discusses the way complex learning can be incorporated within a health education framework that integrates the foundations of basic science, communication skills, and physical exam/procedural skills in a hands-on, learner-centered environment, providing alignment with performance assessment and expected outcomes.
Efficient Compression and Storage of XML OLAP Cubes
Authors: Boukraa Doulkifli , Bouchoukh Mohammed Amin , Boussaid Omar
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the authors present an approach to efficiently compress XML OLAP cubes. They propose a multidimensional snowflake schema of the cube as the basic physical configuration. The cube is then composed of one XML fact document and as many XML documents as the dimension hierarchy members. The basic configuration is reorganized into two ways by adding data redundancy on purpose in order to achieve a better compression ratio on the one hand and to improve query response time on the other hand. In the second configuration, all the documents of the cube are merged into one single XML document. In the third configuration, each reference between the fact and the dimensions or between the members of a dimension hierarchy is replaced by the whole XML referenced fragments. To the three physical configurations of the cube, the authors apply a new compression technique named XCC. They demonstrate the efficiency of the third configuration before and after compression and they also show the efficiency of their compression technique when applied to XML OLAP cubes.
An OLAM Operator for Multi-Dimensional Shrink
Authors: Rizzi Stefano , Golfarelli Matteo , Graziani Simone
Published: May 2015

Shrink is an OLAM (On-Line Analytical Mining) operator based on hierarchical clustering, and it has been previously proposed in mono-dimensional form to balance precision with size in the visualization of cubes via pivot tables during OLAP analyses. It can be applied to the cube resulting from a query to decrease its size while controlling the approximation introduced; the idea is to fuse similar facts together and replace them with a single representative fact, respecting the bounds posed by dimension hierarchies. In this paper the authors propose a multi-dimensional generalization of the shrink operator, where facts are fused along multiple dimensions. Multi-dimensional shrink comes in two flavors: lazy and eager, where the bounds posed by hierarchies are respectively weaker and stricter. Greedy algorithms based on agglomerative clustering are presented for both lazy and eager shrink, and experimentally evaluated in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
Evaluating a Mobile and Online System for Apprentices' Learning Documentation in Vocational Education
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto A. P. , Motta Elisa , Gurtner Jean-Luc
Published: May 2015

In Switzerland, 99% of teenagers own a mobile phone and use it as their primary spare-time activity. Exploiting the affordances that mobile devices have for fostering learning across contexts is therefore imperative for the educational community. This is especially true in the case of dual vocational education and training (VET) – a field under-investigated with respect to mobile learning – where apprentices alternate between a company and vocational school. After introducing the major issues characterising mobile learning and their relevance to the VET context, the paper presents a project involving apprentice chefs and their teacher, with the aim of exemplifying and exploring VET learning between workplace and classroom, as a conversation between the learner, the teacher and the in-company trainer, and to evaluate the results of its implementation in terms of usability, effectiveness, and satisfaction.
Presence and Perceived Learning in Different Higher Education Blended Learning Environments
Authors: Khodabandelou Rouhollah , Jalil Habibah Ab , Ali Wan Zah Wan , Daud Shaffe Mohd
Published: May 2015

Blended learning as “third generation” of distance learning has the potential to offer multimethod instruction through the blend, to leverage the strengths of current online and traditional instructions. Therefore, higher education institutions having recognized the fact that blended learning is beneficial, adopted this alternative approach as a new educational delivery method. The study determined the difference in perceived learning among three different blended learning environments in Malaysian higher education institutions. The data were collected from three public universities in Peninsular Malaysia and the respondents were undergraduate students from these universities. The result showed that the students' presence in classroom meetings contributes to their learning. The results also indicate that high levels of perceived learning were reported by undergraduate student in the blended learning environment face-to-face meeting rather than online sessions
Optimization Analysis on the Crashworthiness of Light Aircrafts
Authors: Chen Pu-Woei , Chen Yung-Yun
Published: May 2015

To protect passengers, large aircraft are equipped with multiple mechanisms to absorb impact energy during a crash. However, light aircraft rely only on the cabin structure to withstand the compression and energy generated during a crash. This study performed a topology optimization analysis on the model structure by using Abaqus/optimization and used strain energy as the objective function and cabin volume as a constraint to develop the optimal model. Subsequently, this work performed dynamic crash simulations based on the optimal and original models by using Abaqus/explicit. Compared with the original model, the optimal model yielded a 12% increase in the safety zone of the diagonal beams, a 13% increase in the X-direction safety zone, and a 10% increase in the overall safety zone. The results confirm that topology optimization can be used to effectively improve the crashworthiness of light aircraft.
Systems Thinking to Improve E-Government Evaluation
Authors: Córdoba-Pachón José-Rodrigo
Published: May 2015

Worldwide there is increasing interest in both academic and government sectors to evaluate the different impacts of electronic government (e-government) systems. A number of predictive, cause-effect, linearly and functionally oriented models of evaluation have been proposed and applied. The focus of these models is to identify and quantify costs and benefits derived from successful e-government systems implementation and adoption. However the inclusion of different stakeholders in e-government evaluation remains marginal and limited to input information for the above models. This paper criticises existing evaluation models in two particular aspects: 1) the uncritical identification and quantification of different evaluation elements (aspects, costs, benefits or impacts, people to be involved in evaluation); and 2) the lack of reflection in relation to how evaluation information is used in managerial decision making. Criticisms regarding these aspects are drawn with the help of systems thinking, a body of knowledge which includes theories, ideas and methodologies for complex problem solving and whose use could enable critical surface and review of evaluation stakeholders' concerns about e-government. Strategies to make e-government evaluation practice more inclusive and critical in relation to stakeholders' concerns in their evaluation context are proposed and discussed.
Advancing Performance Measurement of Smart City
Authors: Zhang Jian-Chuan , Chen Yu-Che
Published: May 2015

Smart city initiatives are thriving around the world. However, measuring the performance of a smart city becomes a critical challenge partially due to the lack of agreement on the concept and on the components that define a city as being “smart.” The primary purpose of this study is to propose a scheme of performance measurement on smart city, based on the understanding of smart city as an ICT-enabled complex governance system in the urban context. The measurement scheme is composed of five factors: institution, actors, interactions among the actors, ICT enactment, and outcomes. Each factor is further developed into a series of indicators. As a tentative effort, this study further utilizes the proposed scheme to make a brief comparison between two existing performance measurement frameworks in the United States and China. The comparison demonstrates the power of the set of measures in gauging and guiding the practice. Meanwhile, the authors recognize that the scheme should be understood as heuristics instead of a road map, as smart city is still an emergent phenomenon.
E-Government's Role in Shifting the Paradigm of Performance in the Public Sector
Authors: Noto Lidia
Published: May 2015

The emergence of e-government changed the world of the Public Administration (PA) and the discipline of Public Management dramatically. Through the presentation of a case- study of the municipality of Palermo, this article attempts to discuss the renewed need for assessing performance of e-government services in a local government and to disclose the main critical issues in accomplishing this evaluation. Palermo is experiencing the implementation of a second- generation e-government project that is embodied in the realization of a web portal. The conceptualization of a framework to assess the performance of the digital services appears to be crucial in order to improve the system and to avoid the errors of the first project. This work relies on a survey to the citizens and semi-structured interviews to managers in charge of the development of the project. System Dynamics, a particular kind of dynamic simulation, is used to provide the necessary feedback structure for identifying the determinants of the success of the portal.
Information Management and Strategic Communication for Institutional Change in Ethiopia
Authors: Mitike Nigussie Meshesha
Published: May 2015

The growing need for institutional effectiveness and efficiency in meeting institutionally set objectives cannot be seen independent of information management and strategic communication. As a result, information management and strategic communication practices have become quite useful to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of institutions. To find out the information management and strategic communication situation in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Regional state (SNNPRs) in Ethiopia, primary data were collected from nine zonal departments in selected three most populated zones namely Sidama, Gedeo and Hadiya among the 13 zones in the regional state. The study of the information management and strategic communication activities in the three zones was believed to indicate the overall performance in the public administration practices of the region where the three zones alone comprised almost 40% from 15 million population of the regional state. As part of the study, some secondary sources were also used and relevant literature was reviewed. Then, the data were classified using sex, age, qualification and experience, and also analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean value, standard deviation, T-test and correlation analysis. Based on the analysis, it was found out that the information management and strategic communication practice was less effective due to its intuitional placement where the section was given no or little importance in the institutional administration. Besides, it was found out that most of the challenges and problems related to Business Processing and Reengineering (BPR) implementation for institutional change in the state were quite related to the marginalization of information management and communication practices along with the inadequacy of finance and office equipment, and poor office situations like in the case of Gedeo zone. Actually there was better institutional change/reform in the public administration practices of Hadiya zone than the rest two zones. There was a strong correlation among the zones in information exchange level and challenges of BPR implementation. There was, indeed, about 63% success story in reducing process time, and more than 50% in reducing cost and about 50% success in proper use of resources and creating accountability in Hadiya zone though much more is expected. Sidama and Gedeo zones seem to have by far low successes in BPR implementation.