221,439 research outputs found
Service-oriented coordination platform for technology-enhanced learning
It is currently difficult to coordinate learning processes, not only because multiple stakeholders are involved (such as students, teachers, administrative staff, technical staff), but also because these processes are driven by sophisticated rules (such as rules on how to provide learning material, rules on how to assess studentsâ progress, rules on how to share educational responsibilities). This is one of the reasons for the slow progress in technology-enhanced learning. Consequently, there is a clear demand for technological facilitation of the coordination of learning processes. In this work, we suggest some solution directions that are based on SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture). In particular, we propose a coordination service pattern consistent with SOA and based on requirements that follow from an analysis of both learning processes and potentially useful support technologies. We present the service pattern considering both functional and non-functional issues, and we address policy enforcement as well. Finally, we complement our proposed architecture-level solution directions with an example. The example illustrates our ideas and is also used to identify: (i) a short list of educational IT services; (ii) related non-functional concerns; they will be considered in future work
Gender Aware Approaches in Agricultural Programmes: International Literature Review
This document presents gender aware approaches in agricultural programmes. In response to the persistent inequalities of women in farming despite decades of development assistance, Team Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security at Sida headquarters has initiated a thematic evaluation of how gender issues are tackled in Sida-supported agricultural programmes. The purpose is to increase understanding of how Sida's development assistance in agriculture should be designed, implemented and funded to ensure that female farmers are reached, that their needs as producers are met, and that they are able to benefit from the support to achieve a positive impact on their livelihoods. As part of this, the study also aims to understand the ways in which particular aid modalities impact upon the ability of programmes to reach women farmers effectively. The ILR aims to address the following questions: * Which methodologies and instruments have been used by donors to widen the scope of women's agency in agricultural development programmes? * To what extent has the work of programmes on involving female farmers impacted upon overall agricultural outcomes? * What are the most important lessons? What is working well and what is working not so well (effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability)? Below are recommendations to increase understanding of how Sida's development assistance in agriculture should be designed, implemented and funded to ensure that female farmers are reached, that their needs as producers are met, and that they are able to benefit from the support to achieve a positive impact on their livelihoods
A taxonomy of approaches for integrating attack awareness in applications
Software applications are subject to an increasing number of attacks, resulting in data breaches and ïŹnancial damage. Many solutions have been considered to help mitigate these attacks, such as the integration of attack-awareness techniques. In this paper, we propose a taxonomy illustrating how existing attack awareness techniques can be integrated into applications. This work provides a guide for security researchers and developers, aiding them when choosing the approach which best ïŹts the needs of their application
Bridging the Data Divide: Understanding State Agency and University Research Partnerships within SLDS
This report examines this question through an analysis of state agency-university researcher partnerships that exist in State Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS). Building state agency-university researcher partnerships is an important value of SLDS. To examine state agency-university researcher partnerships within SLDS, our analysis is guided by the following set of questions based on 71 interviews conducted with individuals most directly involved with SLDS efforts in Virginia, Maryland, Texas and Washington. The findings from this analysis suggest that each stateâs SLDS organization and governance structure includes university partners in differing ways. In general, stronger partnership efforts are driven by legislative action or executive-level leadership. Regardless of structure, the operation of these partnerships is shaped by the agencyâs previous experience and cultural norms surrounding the value and inclusion of university researchers
Bridging the Data Divide: Understanding State Agency and University Research Partnerships within SLDS
This report examines this question through an analysis of state agency-university researcher partnerships that exist in State Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS). Building state agency-university researcher partnerships is an important value of SLDS. To examine state agency-university researcher partnerships within SLDS, our analysis is guided by the following set of questions based on 71 interviews conducted with individuals most directly involved with SLDS efforts in Virginia, Maryland, Texas and Washington. The findings from this analysis suggest that each stateâs SLDS organization and governance structure includes university partners in differing ways. In general, stronger partnership efforts are driven by legislative action or executive-level leadership. Regardless of structure, the operation of these partnerships is shaped by the agencyâs previous experience and cultural norms surrounding the value and inclusion of university researchers
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Women's Economic Empowerment: Key Issues and Policy Options
The central argument of the paper is organised around the limits to markets as a means of overcoming ?durable inequalities' which reflect long-established power relations and the need for public action by states and civil society to address these underlying causes. The paper sketches out a number of areas where policies could make a difference, including a difference on the terms on which women can participate in, contribute to and benefit from processes of economic growth. In addition, the paper suggests a number of cross-cutting interventions which would promote the effectiveness of each of these areas: the importance of collective capabilities to promote women's participation in civil society and politics; research and information to track progress; and financial resources necessary to achieve this progress
A Strategy for the Commons: Business-driven Networks for Collective Action and Policy Dialogue. The Example of Global Compact Local Networks
The current challenges involved with ensuring
global sustainability are daunting.
Climate change is increasing the incidence
of severe weather events, natural resources
are undergoing rapid depletion, labor conditions
in global supply chains are often inhumane
and degrading, and corruption around
the globe is undermining competition and
destroying wealth. These and other global
challenges pose serious problems not only to
mankind in general, but also to the sustainability
of companies. Indeed, companies rely
on enabling environments, local and global
alike, for long-term success. Companies depend
on a reliable legal framework conducive
to investment and competition, a healthy
and viable natural environment, and a secure
social environment that facilitates the wellbeing
of its inhabitants. However, given the
overexploitation of shared resources, also
known as the âtragedy of the commons,â
companies often find it difficult to address
global sustainability challenges and invest
in enabling environments. All sustainability
challenges face this tragedy: Although each
societal actor ought to have an interest in creating
or ensuring the viability of these common
goods, the incentive to âfree rideâ on the
efforts of others and let them bear the costs
is exceedingly high. As a result, short-term
profit maximization often damages the longterm
growth prospects of companies. Since
governments lack the capacity to address the
complexity and global scope of sustainability
challenges alone, a âstrategy for the commonsâ
is needed that allows companies, governments
and other actors to overcome the
free rider dilemma and invest in sustainable
development
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