A comparison of three Open Universities and their acceptance of Internet Technologies

We compare three open universities the Open Universities in the UK (OUUK), the Netherlands (OUNL) and Japan (OUJ). Originating in the modern idea of an Open University each university has developed its own pedagogical model. The OUUK developed Supported Open Learning based on: 1. Distance open learning: allowing ‘learning in your own time’ working on set activities and assignments. 2. Quality resources: printed materials, set books, audio and video and home experiments. 3. Systematic support: provided by course tutors, a regional network of centers, central library and technical support. The OUNL offers ‘supported independent open learning’. Students study at their own time, pace and place. There are no semesters, academic years or student cohorts. Courses are small and most support is built into the materials. OUJ has used television and radio broadcasting for instruction. In addition OUJ uses textbooks, guidance by correspondence, and classes at one of 50 local study centres. Tutor support is not part of the pedagogic model though individualized tutorials are given at the final stage of the student's course of study. Having describe and compare these we examine how these models have responded to the emergence of Internet technologies including Web 2.0 and national circumstances

Announcement of Retraction

The editorial board announced this article has been retracted on April 11, 2020.If you have any further question, please contact us at: [email protected] Article Title: The Effect of Good Corporate Governance and Profit Management on Tax Aggressiveness (Empirical Study on Manufacturing Companies Listed on the IDX Period 2014-2017)Authors: Hasian Purba & Lucky NugrohoJournal Title: International Journal of Accounting and Finance StudiesISSN  2576-2001  E-ISSN 2576-201XVolume and Number: Vol. 3, No. 1, 2020Pages: 8-31DOI: 10.22158/ijafs.v3n1p

Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs): Differentiation of inter-neck EMG symmetry between children and adults

A cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential (cVEMP) is one of the few objective vestibular diagnostic tests available for pediatric populations. This test evaluates the functionality of the saccule end organ through an inhibitory reflex on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle that inhibits the level of electromyographic (EMG) activity (Wiener-Vacher, 2013). Because the saccule response is measured as an inhibition of EMG in the SCM, it is imperative that the SCM have a tonic contraction prior to eliciting the response and that the contraction of the SCM is equal on the right and left sides. It is generally accepted that young, healthy adults can generate equal amounts of EMG on both their right and left sides, but these results have not been replicated in young children. There is very little cVEMP data for children under five years of age, and EMG, EMG monitoring, and amplitude normalization has not been studied in this age group. As a result, this study sought to compare generated EMG levels between pediatric and adult populations, to determine if EMG monitoring and amplitude normalization would significantly reduce interaural amplitude asymmetry (IAA) in either group, and to assess any developmental effects on cVEMP parameters. During testing, participants were placed in a seated, head-turned, position. An iPad was used to incentivize children to turn their head for a better SCM muscle contraction; adults were simply asked to turn their heads. Our findings showed that children were able to produce similar EMG values as adults in the same position, and that they were able to generate equal amounts of EMG on both their right and left sides. While we did not find statistical evidence for the use of EMG monitoring and amplitude normalization when performing a cVEMP, there were individual cases within our data that showed using these techniques could have clinical relevance

A systems approach to an into organizational communication within the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia : An action research study

Research suggests that a rapidly changing environment due to advancing technology, globalization, expanding world markets, changing populations is resulting in the need for a change to workplace practices. Emerging issues due to an aging population and the anticipated shrinkage of the workforce with the retirement of the baby boomers is indicating the need for the development of new skills. Through a real-life case study, this thesis looks into the aspects of organizational life that impact on effective communication. Through an action research approach implications are drawn from a systems theory view of communication. Action research and systems thinking enables the researcher to analyse real problems and draw conclusions, at the same time, from informed theoretical considerations. A key finding of the research was the viewpoint from participants that appeared to suggest that adherence to an explicit chain of command through a strong hierarchical structure was a solution to organizational communication problems, despite the push for flatter organizational structures in recent management literature. The study suggests a strategic pathway to organizational communication that focuses on improving information flow and improved communication skills. The researcher believes that increased efforts to improve information flow and the communication skills of staff through organizational development interventions will be key to managing change and the emerging issues of this millennium

A Modernist Education

Originally published in Windsor Forum on Design Education : toward an ideal curriculum to reform architectural education

Impact of diabetes mellitus on vestibular function: A scoping review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) encompasses a group of metabolic diseases that result in high blood sugar (i.e., hyperglycemia). By 2030, it is anticipated that 578 million adults worldwide will have DM, with this number growing at a faster rate in developed areas of the world.[27] If left uncontrolled, DM can cause considerable damage to several areas of the body, including the heart, kidneys, nerves, and ears. When focusing exclusively on the ears, there has been markedly less research on the vestibular system when compared to the auditory system, even though DM is a known risk factor for falling. The purpose of this study was to understand the current state of knowledge regarding DM and vestibular function and to identify gaps in knowledge that need to be explored. A scoping review of the literature was performed and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) standards.[51] Search terms included medical subject headings (MeSH terms) and keywords related to DM and vestibular function. In total, 326 papers were retrieved and 43 articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria for extensive review. Findings show that studies performed on the vestibular system tend to have smaller sample sizes, inconsistent test batteries, and variable results. There is some evidence to suggest Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) may be more prevalent in individuals with DM, but the exact percentage of those impacted is unknown. The duration and severity of DM was also found to have a significant impact on vestibular test results. As DM becomes more prevalent in our society, it is essential a standardized test battery be developed to more efficiently evaluate and diagnose vestibular disorders in this population. Findings from this study may help develop a narrower research question which could be used to conduct a systematic review. Findings from this study may also assist in the development of a randomized control trial (RCT) involving individuals with DM