A Conceptual Learner-Centered e-Learning Framework

e-Learning has increased rapidly in higher education. Most online education attempts to mirror the traditional face-to-face (FtF) classroom with less than favourable results. This paper proposes a conceptual e-learning framework based on andragogy theory, transformative learning theory, and media synchronicity theory. The conceptual e-learning framework supports the self-directed learning. e-learning based on this framework has the potential to out-perform not only current learning management systems such as Blackboard, but also traditional FtF learning for adult education and with different and better outcomes. Results of early testing of the concept showed increased learner’s online activity, innovation, and creativity

A computational model for financial reporting fraud detection

A computational fraud detection model (CFDM) was proposed for detecting fraud in financial reporting. CFDM uses a quantitative approach on textual data. It incorporates techniques that use essentially all of information contained in the textual data for fraud detection. Extant work provides a foundation for detecting deception in high and low synchronicity computer-mediated communication (CMC). CFDM provides an analytical method that has the potential for automation. It was tested on the Management\u27s Discussion and Analysis from 10-K filings and was able to distinguish fraudulent filings from non-fraudulent ones. CFDM can serve as a screening tool where deception is suspected

Is It Spam or Ham? Testing Asynchronous CMC Deception Detection Theory

This paper presents two empirical evaluations of Asynchronous CMC Deception Detection Theory (ACDDT) in the CMC genres of legitimate and spam e-mail. The ACDDT theorizes that deception detection in asynchronous text is indicated by the presence of the constructs of concealment, normality, and isolation. The ACDDT was tested on two common types of e-mail that attempt to deceive the reader/recipient, e-mail that attempted to steal the recipient’s personal identification information and e-mail that attempted to steal the recipient’s money. The e-mail was clustered using the text mining. The terms representing the clusters were analyzed using text analysis. The constructs developed from the text analysis provided measures of the hypotheses. Both tests confirmed that ACDDT provides a theoretical base for detection of deception in e-mail. The contributions of this work are support for the ACDDT and a development of a new and unique method of detecting fraudulent e-mail

Colorectal Endoscopic Stenting Trial (CReST) for obstructing left-sided colorectal cancer: randomized clinical trial

Background Colorectal cancer often presents with obstruction needing urgent, potentially life-saving decompression. The comparative efficacy and safety of endoluminal stenting versus emergency surgery as initial treatment for such patients is uncertain. Methods Patients with left-sided colonic obstruction and radiological features of carcinoma were randomized to endoluminal stenting using a combined endoscopic/fluoroscopic technique followed by elective surgery 1–4 weeks later, or surgical decompression with or without tumour resection. Treatment allocation was via a central randomization service using a minimization procedure stratified by curative intent, primary tumour site, and severity score (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation). Co-primary outcome measures were duration of hospital stay and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were stoma formation, stenting completion and complication rates, perioperative morbidity, 6-month survival, 3-year recurrence, resource use, adherence to chemotherapy, and quality of life. Analyses were undertaken by intention to treat. Results Between 23 April 2009 and 22 December 2014, 245 patients from 39 hospitals were randomized. Stenting was attempted in 119 of 123 allocated patients (96.7 per cent), achieving relief of obstruction in 98 of 119 (82.4 per cent). For the 89 per cent treated with curative intent, there were no significant differences in 30-day postoperative mortality (3.6 per cent (4 of 110) versus 5.6 per cent (6 of 107); P = 0.48), or duration of hospital stay (median 19 (i.q.r. 11–34) versus 18 (10–28) days; P = 0.94) between stenting followed by delayed elective surgery and emergency surgery. Among patients undergoing potentially curative treatment, stoma formation occurred less frequently in those allocated to stenting than those allocated to immediate surgery (47 of 99 (47.5 per cent) versus 72 of 106 (67.9 per cent); P = 0.003). There were no significant differences in perioperative morbidity, critical care use, quality of life, 3-year recurrence or mortality between treatment groups. Conclusion Stenting as a bridge to surgery reduces stoma formation without detrimental effects. Registration number: ISRCTN13846816 (http://www.controlled-trials.com)