bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enriching adaptation in e‐learning systems through a situation‐aware ontology network
Authors: Marilza Pernas Ana , Diaz Alicia , Motz Regina , Palazzo Moreira de Oliveira José 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe broader adoption of the internet along with web‐based systems has defined a new way of exchanging information. That advance added by the multiplication of mobile devices has required systems to be even more flexible and personalized. Maybe because of that, the traditional teaching‐controlled learning style has given up space to a new way of learning, which is more flexible and adequate to the learners needs. The purpose of this research is to go further into the semantic modeling of adaptive web based learning systems. Particularly, the paper focuses on those learning systems that consider in their definition the awareness of student's context in order to properly react to the student needs.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper the authors introduce a semantic model of the student context in terms of an ontology network. This semantic model is explored in order to detect the “current situation” of students when they are navigating into e‐learning environments. The final objective is to enrich the adaptation functionality of e‐learning environments, being able to evaluate context data from personal profile, learning domain and technological situation.FindingsIn order to evaluate the semantic model defined, examples of detected situations are shown in accordance to specific e‐learning scenarios.Originality/valueThe paper covers definition of a flexible and modularized model by using ontology networks, which can be easily modified to incorporate new knowledge data, aiding the modeling of concepts from different learning environments.
How do social networks influence learning outcomes? A case study in an industrial setting
Authors: Maglajlic Seid , Helic Denis 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to shed light on the impact of implicit social networks to the learning outcome of e‐learning participants in an industrial setting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a theoretical framework that allows the authors to measure correlation coefficients between the different affiliations that exist in an organization and the final learning outcome. The correlation between learning outcome and the communication intensity in the implicit social network of the e‐learning participants is also observed. For the quantification of the communication intensity and affiliation network position of e‐learning participants, the methods from the graph theory are applied.FindingsThe values of the correlation coefficients between communication intensity and learning outcome show the significance which motivates the authors for further research on engineering of the social networks in the e‐learning environment.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study is performed in an industrial setting.Practical implicationsThe results of this case study influence the further development of the e‐learning system that has been used in the experimental setup in this paper, especially the user management module. The algorithm for matching the trainees with tutors is in development.Originality/valueThe impact analysis of the influence of the social network position of the learner in e‐learning environment by comparing the test results before taking the e‐learning course and after taking the course (learning outcome) is provided by measurements of the correlations between the social network position and communication intensity of the learner with the learning outcome.
From fatigue to anxiety? Implications for educational design in a Web 2.0 world
Authors: Mathew David 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to recognise that as educators moving into, or already in, a Web 2.0 world, we are likely to experience anxiety, and to explore the implications for educational design in a Web 2.0 world.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives are achieved as the result of recent successes with the commissioners for two online courses at the University. Both of these commissioners were anxious education developers, but have come around to a way of thinking that includes the potential of web‐based learning (at its most up‐to‐date). In this paper the author presents interviews with both of these commissioners.FindingsNot only is anxiety understandable for educators, it is an important part of the educational process (as it also is for learners); furthermore, it is a healthy response to a perception of an older (and worn out) version of the internet that is all that we have known up to now. Anxiety has implications for the design of Web 2.0 educational materials; and one argument might be that Web 2.0 is more than a tool for the beginnings of the future of education: it is also, in and of itself, the beginnings of the future of education. It is not only the tool to use, it is something which needs to be understood better itself. Web 1 must be retired. This is one of the ways that a dynamic evolves: the disuse of one model is replaced by the (temporary) overuse of the next model.Practical implicationsThis paper contends that successful educational Web 2.0 will require more balance and pedagogic poise than was shown throughout some of the early days of online education. It will not involve flashing everything all at once, for such an approach can only lead to internet fatigue (and learner boredom). Web 2.0 is about learning from the learner, and answers should be found to the following: What part of the new structure is appreciated? What part is ignored? Why do these things happen? What role does the educator play in his own developmental learning of the tools of his trade? And how does this inform his preparations for the learners' experiences?Originality/valueThe paper explores issues of anxiety from the educators' point of view, and explores how we will respond to inevitable changes in the online learning milieu.
From gatekeeper to friend and back again: embracing the world of the street drug user
Authors: Briggs Daniel 
Published: June 2012

PurposeEthnographic research with street drug users is becoming increasingly difficult to undertake. In the main, it is perceived as “too risky” and frequently raises practical, ethical and emotional issues for ethnographers, however, this doesn't mean it is impossible. Indeed, one of the most challenging areas is the management of field relations – especially with gatekeepers. The main aim of this article is to provide an account of how gatekeeper field relations are developed and experienced in the context of researching street drug users.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a reflexive account to comment upon the experience of the researcher engaged in ethnographic research.FindingsThe author examines how field relations are influenced by the specific social and structural contexts in which the project took place and makes critical reflections on how these relationships impacted on him – professionally, personally and emotionally.Originality/valueThe article is useful for academics or researchers who are looking to study similar social groups.
A model of successful adaptation to online learning for college‐bound Native American high school students
Authors: Butler Kaler Collier 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the conditions for Native American high school students that result in successful adaptation to an online learning environment.Design/methodology/approachIn total, eight Native American students attending high schools located on Montana Indian reservations, and one urban city, were interviewed. Participants completed online coursework through Montana Digital Academy (MTDA). A theoretical model illustrates the successful adaptation of Native students to online learning.FindingsStudents' learning needs and the online learning environment were congruent. Course offerings at local high schools were limited, resulting in boredom and lack of challenge. Students wanted new and interesting coursework and learning online met those needs. Students worked at their own pace and ability levels and enjoyed the challenge, freedom, and independence resulting from learning online. Students who frequently missed school were easily accommodated.Practical implicationsStudents' orientation toward education, such as attitudes toward learning and school, family influences, and interactions with classroom teachers, affected the adaptation process. Participants felt empowered and had more positive expectations for their future as a result of learning online. This was caused by: feelings of independence working without face‐to‐face contact from a teacher; confidence gained when successfully completing assignments; and control felt from being in charge of their own learning.Originality/valueThis paper describes college‐bound Native American high school students' online learning experiences; research on this topic is practically non‐existent. The findings can benefit those who lack understanding of how Native students adapt to an online environment; educators are better equipped to create supports that promote academic success for Native American students.
An insight into Islamic pedagogy at the University of al‐Qarawiyyin
Authors: Hardaker Glenn , Sabki A'ishah Ahmad 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into teaching practice of the University of al‐Qarawiyyin, Morocco, with a particular focus on Islamic pedagogy.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted daily participant observations of “teaching circles” over a seven‐month period. The participant observation was achieved from engaging in the daily life of al‐Qarawiyyin and from developing relationships with teachers and students of the university.FindingsThe fieldwork has shown that teaching methods of particular significance are based on the characterising concepts of knowledge and the sacred; and on the development of skills such as orality (both seen as oral transmission from teacher to students and as a traditional mode for transmitting knowledge in the Arab cultures) and memorisation of the sacred text. Islamic pedagogy is understood by the way these aspects are woven together.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that what is unique to the Islamic pedagogy of al‐Qarawiyyin is the deep certainty of belief in God and this underpins the oral transmission, thus facilitating memorisation, and the didactic approach towards sacred texts.
A model for assessing consumer perceptions of quality
Authors: Kenyon George , Sen Kabir 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a model for linking the dimensions of quality and how customers create their perceptions of quality in the products and services that they purchase. This provides a holistic framework for a better understanding of the various dimensions of product and service quality and their impact on consumer perceptions.Design/methodology/approachA holistic framework for the understanding of the various dimensions of product and service quality and their impact on the creation of consumer perceptions is presented. In addition research questions for future investigations are proposed.FindingsConsumer satisfaction is directly related to how well their expectations for a product or service are met. These expectations are developed from the customers perceptions about the product or service. If the firm wishes to develop new products and services that can create competitive advantage, they must understand how the various product characteristics, or service attributes, effect the creation of consumer perceptions.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the understanding of how consumers create their perceptions and how the various dimensions of product and service quality relate to these properties of perception.
An empirical analysis of corporate insiders' trading performance
Authors: Lei Qin , Rajan Murli , Wang Xuewu 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical analysis of the trading performance of US corporate insiders.Design/methodology/approachBased on the volume weighted average price (VWAP), the authors propose a metric to measure the trading performance of US corporate insiders: trading alpha. This metric is clean of the contamination effect from insiders' own trades. The authors apply this metric to examine whether insiders can beat the market when they trade.FindingsIt is found that corporate insiders achieve positive trading alpha on both purchases and sales of stocks on average. The existence of a positive trading alpha is robust to controlling for firm, trading and insider characteristics. More importantly, evidence is found for the persistence in corporate insiders' trading performance. Those insiders who traded well in the past continue to trade well over time. Those who well execute in purchases of stocks also perform well in sales.Originality/valueThis paper extends the notion of beating the market from the investment profession to the trading profession. Skyrocketing corporate insider trades provide a natural setting under which to examine the trading performance. The findings that: insiders can beat the market on average when they trade; and there exists persistence in the insiders' trading performance over time and along trading directions are novel and new to the literature. This paper also has bearing on how to evaluate professional traders.
An empirical analysis of dynamic relationship between stock market and bond market based on information shocks
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Daolun , Gong YuTing 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the dynamic relationship between stock market and bond market based on the effect of different information shocks.Design/methodology/approachThis paper decomposes the information of stock market and bond market into public information and private information. The characteristics of response of stock market and bond market to the information shocks are examined by SVAR model and modified BEKK model.FindingsThe study shows that the information shocks in financial market yield not only the effect on linear asset return but also the effect on nonlinear asset volatility. The public information mainly produces a short effect of return while the private information mainly produces a permanent effect on volume. The interactive relation between stock market and bond market is mainly reliant on the effect of the information shock volatility to market return volatility.Originality/valueThe paper empirically analyzes the influence characteristics of different information shocks, which has some reference value not only for deeply understanding the market microstructure but also for improving the construction of various capital markets.
Adherence to pharmacological treatment and specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Passalacqua G. , Baiardini I. , Senna G. , Canonica G. W. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe term compliance simply indicates how much doses of the prescribed medication are taken, whereas the term adherence implies also an agreement between patient and physician about the therapeutic plan, and it is therefore preferred. Adherence is a main problem in all long‐term treatments. Thus, it represents a problem also in the case of rhinitis, expecially concerning specific immunotherapy that must be assumed continuously for several years. Many factors can affect the adherence, depending on patient, on treatment itself and on the healthcare context, and all those factors usually interact. The adherence measured in controlled trials is usually good, but this does not reflect what happens in real life, where adherence should be preferably measured. There are few data on the adherence in real life for pharmacological treatments of allergic rhinitis (e.g. nasal steroids or antihistamines), whereas more data are available for specific immunotherapy. In this latter case, in real life, adherence seems to be far from optimal, for both sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy, although the recent studies agree on the fact that some interventions (i.e. patients’ education, strict follow‐up, regular contacts) could effectively improve the adherence. In this article, the literature concerning the adherence to pharmacological treatments and immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis was searched and reviewed.
The effect of exercise on osteoprotegerin and TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand in obese patients
Authors: Davenport Colin , Kenny Helena , Ashley David T. , O’Sullivan Eoin P. , Smith Diarmuid , O’Gorman Donal J. 
Published: June 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1173–1179AbstractBackground  Biomarkers of cardiovascular (CV) risk are tests that predict a patient’s risk of future CV events. Recently, two proteins involved in vascular calcification; serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and tumour necrosis factor–related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) have emerged as potentially useful biomarkers. OPG levels are positively correlated with CV risk, whereas TRAIL levels show a negative correlation. Exercise training is known to reduce risk factors for CV disease by improving metabolism, vascular biology and blood flow. This study examined the effects of a 6‐month exercise training programme on levels of OPG and TRAIL. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured for comparative purposes.Materials and methods  Overweight and obese patients undertook a 6‐month exercise programme. Patients participated in 4 h of primarily aerobic exercise per week of which 2 h were supervised. At the beginning and end of the programme, anthropometric measurements, PWV and serum levels of OPG, TRAIL and hsCRP were measured.Results  A total of 21 patients (17 men) aged 55·2 ± 10 years completed the programme. Mean body mass index decreased from 34·1 ± 5·8 to 32·6 ± 5·4 kg/m2 (P < 0·05), while waist circumference decreased from 111·8 ± 12·4 to 109·6 ± 12·8 cm (P < 0·05). PWV decreased from 9·2 to 8·5 m/s (P < 0·02). OPG, TRAIL and hsCRP levels did not change significantly.Conclusions  Exercise training reduced PWV but not OPG, TRAIL or hsCRP in this population. These data suggest that while an intervention of this nature improves vascular tone, it does not exert significant effects on serum biomarkers related to atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification.
Seasonal sea ice cover as principal driver of spatial and temporal variation in depth extension and annual production of kelp in Greenland
Authors: Krause‐Jensen Dorte , Marbà Núria , Olesen Birgit , Sejr Mikael K. , Christensen Peter Bondo , Rodrigues João , Renaud Paul E. , Balsby Thorsten J.S. , Rysgaard Søren 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe studied the depth distribution and production of kelp along the Greenland coast spanning Arctic to sub‐Arctic conditions from 78 ºN to 64 ºN. This covers a wide range of sea ice conditions and water temperatures, with those presently realized in the south likely to move northwards in a warmer future. Kelp forests occurred along the entire latitudinal range, and their depth extension and production increased southwards presumably in response to longer annual ice‐free periods and higher water temperature. The depth limit of 10% kelp cover was 9–14 m at the northernmost sites (77–78 ºN) with only 94–133 ice‐free days per year, but extended to depths of 21–33 m further south (73 ºN–64 ºN) where >160 days per year were ice‐free, and annual production of Saccharina longicruris and S. latissima, measured as the size of the annual blade, ranged up to sevenfold among sites. The duration of the open‐water period, which integrates light and temperature conditions on an annual basis, was the best predictor (relative to summer water temperature) of kelp production along the latitude gradient, explaining up to 92% of the variation in depth extension and 80% of the variation in kelp production. In a decadal time series from a high Arctic site (74 ºN), inter‐annual variation in sea ice cover also explained a major part (up to 47%) of the variation in kelp production. Both spatial and temporal data sets thereby support the prediction that northern kelps will play a larger role in the coastal marine ecosystem in a warmer future as the length of the open‐water period increases. As kelps increase carbon‐flow and habitat diversity, an expansion of kelp forests may exert cascading effects on the coastal Arctic ecosystem.
Impacts of estimated glomerular filtration rate on coronary atherosclerosis and plaque composition before and during statin therapy in patients with normal to mild renal dysfunction: Subanalysis of the TRUTH study
Authors: NOZUE TSUYOSHI , YAMAMOTO SHINGO , TOHYAMA SHINICHI , FUKUI KAZUKI , UMEZAWA SHIGEO , ONISHI YUKO , KUNISHIMA TOMOYUKI , HIBI KIYOSHI , TERASHIMA MITSUYASU , MICHISHITA ICHIRO ,   THE TRUTH INVESTIGATORS
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Renal dysfunction is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. However, little is known regarding the impacts of renal dysfunction on coronary atherosclerosis.Methods:  The effects of 8‐month statin therapy on coronary atherosclerosis were evaluated in the TRUTH study using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound in 164 patients with angina pectoris. We analyzed correlations between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and coronary atherosclerosis before and during statin therapy.Results:  Baseline eGFR was 64.5 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased significantly from 132 to 85 mg/dL (−35%, P < 0.0001) after 8 months. Weak, but significant, negative correlations were observed between eGFR and external elastic membrane volume (r = −0.228, P = 0.01) and atheroma volume (r = −0.232, P = 0.01) at baseline. The eGFR was also negatively correlated with fibro‐fatty volume (r = −0.254, P = 0.005) and fibrous volume (r = −0.241, P = 0.008) at baseline. Multivariate regression analyses showed that eGFR was a significant independent predictor associated with statin pre‐treatment volume in fibro‐fatty (β = −0.23, P = 0.01) and fibrous (β = −0.203, P = 0.02) components. Furthermore, eGFR was positively correlated with volume change in the fibro‐fatty component during statin therapy (r = 0.215, P = 0.02).Conclusion:  Decreased eGFR is associated with expanding remodelling and a greater atheroma volume, particularly the fibro‐fatty and fibrous volume before statin therapy in patients with normal to mild renal dysfunction. Reduction of fibro‐fatty volume during statin therapy gradually accelerated with decreasing renal function.
God's Beauty‐in‐Act: An Artful Renewal of Human Imagining
Authors: Garrett Stephen M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis article seeks to contribute to the ongoing renaissance in theological discourse that strives to heed Karl Barth's call to stop perpetuating the gap in our knowledge of God by integrating beauty into our theological discourse. In this way, God's beauty, understood as the fittingness of the incarnate Son's actions in the Spirit to the Father's will that radiates the splendor of God's triune love to the world, is seen to renew human imagining, which is essential not only of human being but also for creative expression and ethical action.