bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kebijakan Pengelolaan Kualitas Udara Terkait Transportasi di Provinsi DKI Jakarta
Authors: Zainuddin Andi Alfian
Published: November 2016

Pemerintah Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta yang mengeluarkan beberapa kebijakan penanggulangan pencemaran udara menghadapi banyak kendala implementasi. Tujuan penelitian ini mengetahui implementasi kebijakan pengelolaan kualitas udara perkotaan terkait transportasi di provinsi tersebut dengan pendekatan model sistem. Faktor yang diamati meliputi instrumen kebijakan, sumber daya dan manajemen. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif yang menggunakan sumber data primer dengan metode wawancara mendalam dan sumber data sekunder telaah dokumen. Data primer digali dariberbagai informan yang berkompeten meliputi Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah, Biro Hukum, Badan Pengelola Dampak Lingkungan Daerah, Dinas Perhubungan, Dinas Kesehatan dan Samsat. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa instrumen kebijakan telah ada, tetapi dipersepsikan hanya berlaku untuk BPLHD. Penegakan hukum belum dilaksanakan secara semestinya karena sistem dan koordinasi belum maksimal; sumber daya manusia dan sumber dana masihkurang; rencana strategis belum ada, serta manajemen dan koordinasi belum maksimal. Untuk implementasi kebijakan pengelolaan kualitas udara perkotaan yang efektif, pembuat dan pelaksana kebijakan perlu memperhatikan beberapa faktor tersebut.Kata kunci: Kualitas udara, perkotaan, implementasi, kebijakan, transportasiAbstractThe Government of DKI Jakarta Province had released some policies regarding to remedy air pollution. However, there are much problems related with urban air quality in DKI Jakarta Province. So that, purpose of this study will know implementation of urban air quality management policy related to transportation by system model approach. The matter will be studied are policy instruments, resources and management. This study is qualitative study. In this study,primary and secondary data will be used. Primary data are collected from in depth interview with competent sources such as Regional Parliamentary, Law Bureau, Regional Authority for Environmental Impact, Transportation Department, Health Department and Samsat. Secondary data are collected by conducting documents. The study result showed that policy instrument has existed, but they are perceived only effective for BPLHD, real law enforcement has been not implemented because system and coordination are not optimal, human and money resources are minimal, and there is no strategic planning so that management and coordination are not optimal. Therefore, to make implementation of urban air quality management policy become effective, the factors should be respected by related parties especially policy makers and policy implementers.Key words: Air quality, urban, implementation, policy, transportation
Boundless settlements – tendencies and future of urban sprawl in the agglomeration of Budapest
Authors: Illyés Zsuzsanna , Pádárné Török Éva , Nádasy László , Földi Zsófia , Vaszócsik Vilja , Kató Eszter
Published: November 2016

The Budapest agglomeration is a rapidly changing environment. Urban sprawl has been a prominent process in municipalities around the Hungarian capital, and its pace has significantly increased since the change of regimes. In our paper, we analyse the tendencies of urban development, the role of territorial protection and the types of land use mostly threatened by urban sprawl in two study areas within the Budapest agglomeration. A significant part of the Northern study area – located on Szentendre Island – is under territorial protection, while the Southern study area – located on Csepel Island – has a considerably lower amount of protected areas. We found that the settlements of the Northern study area have been expanding at a much slower pace than their Southern counterparts, where in the absence of effective restrictions, extensive areas – mostly former agricultural fields – have been converted into built-up areas. In addition, the Spatial Plan of the agglomeration allows the same tendencies to continue in both areas in the future as well.
Analysis of multitemporal aerial images for fenyőfő Forest change detection
Authors: Shokirov Shukhrat , Király Géza
Published: November 2016

This study evaluated the use of 40 cm spatial resolution aerial images for individual tree crown delineation, forest type classification, health estimation and clear-cut area detection in Fenyőfő forest reserves in 2012 and 2015 years. Region growing algorithm was used for segmentation of individual tree crowns. Forest type (coniferous/deciduous trees) were distinguished based on the orthomosaic images and segments. Research also investigated the height of individual trees, clear-cut areas and cut crowns between 2012 and 2015 years using Canopy Height Models. Results of the research were examined based on the field measurement data. According to our results, we achieved 75.2% accuracy in individual tree crown delineation. Heights of tree crowns have been calculated with 88.5% accuracy. This study had promising result in clear cut area and individual cut crown detection. Overall accuracy of classification was 77.2%, analysis showed that coniferous tree type classification was very accurate, but deciduous tree classification had a lot of omission errors. Based on the results and analysis, general information about forest health conditions has been presented. Finally, strengths and limitations of the research were discussed and recommendations were given for further research.
Variation of glucocorticoid metabolite levels is associated with survival demands in immature and reproductive demands in adult wild black capuchins (Sapajus nigritus)
Authors: Moreira Caio M. , Dos Santos Lucas Peternelli , Sousa Maria Bernardete Cordeiro , Izar Patrícia
Published: November 2016

According to the concept of allostasis and its association with energy mobilization, glucocorticoids (GCs) should parallel cumulative energy expenditure for animal survival and reproduction. Therefore, it is expected that seasonal food shortages might lead to increased levels of GCs. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing the intra-annual variation of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in 14 wild black capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) living in a social group in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We analyzed the association between GCM and social and environmental variables for the three age/sex classes (adult males, adult females and immatures [juveniles and infants]). Decreased fruit intake during the dry season increased the GCM levels of both immatures and adult males. Although fruit shortage influenced the allostasis of adult males, the variation in their GCM levels was more impacted by the breeding season. GCM levels of adult females varied during the late stage of pregnancy. These results suggest fruit consumption as the main source of allostatic load for immature animals, while reproductive costs had greater effect on adults.
Магнитоспектроскопия двойных квантовых ям HgTe/CdHgTe
Authors: Бовкун Л.С. , Криштопенко С.С. , Иконников А.В. , Алешкин В.Я. , Кадыков А.М. , Ruffenach S. , Consejo C. , Teppe F. , Knap W. , Orlita M. , Piot B. , Potemski M. , Михайлов Н.Н. , Дворецкий С.А. , Гавриленко В.И.
Published: November 2016

Исследованы спектры магнитопоглощения в двойных квантовых ямах HgTe/CdHgTe с нормальным и инвертированным зонным спектром. На основе модели Кейна 8·8 рассчитаны уровни Ландау в симметричных квантовых ямах с прямоугольным профилем потенциала. Показано, что наличие туннельно-прозрачного барьера приводит к расщеплению состояний и "удвоению" основных линий магнитопоглощения. При ширине ям, близкой к критической, для структуры с одиночной квантовой ямой показаны наличие инверсии зон и возникновение бесщелевой зонной структуры, как в двухслойном графене. Обнаружен сдвиг линий магнитопоглощения при изменении концентрации носителей за счет эффекта остаточной фотопроводимости, связываемый с изменением профиля потенциала при перезарядке ловушек, что открывает возможность управления топологическими фазовыми переходами в таких структурах.
Джозефсоновские контакты из высокотемпературных сверхпроводников для эталонов напряжения
Authors: Клушин A.M. , Пестов Е.Е. , Галин М.А. , Левичев М.Ю.
Published: November 2016

Представлены результаты исследования высокочастотных свойств многоконтактных джозефсоновских схем из высокотемпературных сверхпроводников и особенности их использования в эталонах напряжения. Авторы благодарят за частичную поддержку гранты РФФИ N 15-02-05793, N 15-42-02469, N 16-32-00686, а также грант РНФ N 15-12-10020.
Влияние электрического поля на ферромагнитный резонанс в плоскослоистой магнитной системе
Authors: Караштин Е.А. , Фраерман А.А.
Published: November 2016

Исследовано влияние электрического поля на ферромагнитный резонанс (ФМР) в многослойной магнитной системе, состоящей из двух магнитных слоев, разделенных тонкой немагнитной прослойкой. Показано, что собственные частоты ФМР при возбуждении колебаний намагниченности магнитным СВЧ-полем зависят от приложенного в плоскости слоев постоянного электрического поля. Также продемонстрировано, что в данной системе возможно возбуждение высокочастотных колебаний намагниченности электрическим СВЧ-полем. Результаты изучения поляризационных свойств механизма возбуждения показывают возможность экспериментального наблюдения рассмотренного эффекта. Работа выполнена при поддержке гранта Российского научного фонда N 16-12-10340 (разделы 1, 2, 4, 5) и гранта РФФИ N 16-32-00527 (раздел 3).
Монодисперсные сферические мезо-макропористые частицы кремнезема: синтез и адсорбция биомакромолекул
Authors: Стовпяга Е.Ю. , Грудинкин С.А. , Курдюков Д.А. , Кукушкина Ю.А. , Нащекин А.В. , Соколов В.В. , Yakovlev D.R. , Голубев В.Г.
Published: November 2016

Методом химического травления в автоклаве получены монодисперсные сферические частицы кремнезема, содержащие крупные мезопоры (более 10 nm) и макропоры (до 100 nm). Разработан метод введения в поры молекул глобулярного белка миоглобина. Метод заполнения основан на высокой адсорбционной способности развитой внутренней пористой структуры частиц. Исследованы структура и адсорбционные свойства полученных материалов. Работа выполнена при финансовой поддержке РФФИ (N 15-52-12011) и DFG в рамках ICRC TRR 160.
Буферные слои аморфного углерода для отделения свободных пленок нитрида галлия
Authors: Алтахов А.С. , Горбунов Р.И. , Кашарина Л.А. , Латышев Ф.Е. , Тарала В.А. , Шретер Ю.Г.
Published: November 2016

Исследована возможность использования пленок аморфного алмазоподобного углерода (diamond-like carbon, DLC) для самоотделения слоев нитрида галлия (GaN), выращенного методом хлорид-гидридной газофазной эпитаксии. Пленки DLC были синтезированы методом плазмохимического осаждения при пониженном давлении на подложках сапфира (Al2O3) с кристаллографической ориентацией (0001). Проведены исследования образцов методами комбинационного рассеяния света и рентгеноструктурного анализа. Показано, что тонкие пленки DLC не оказывают существенного влияния на процессы зарождения и роста пленок нитрида галлия. При этом уменьшается прочность границы раздела "пленка GaN-подложка Al2O3", что способствует отделению слоев GaN.
Social Networking Sites, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review
Authors: Seabrook Elizabeth M , Kern Margaret L , Rickard Nikki S
Published: November 2016

Background

Social networking sites (SNSs) have become a pervasive part of modern culture, which may also affect mental health.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to identify and summarize research examining depression and anxiety in the context of SNSs. It also aimed to identify studies that complement the assessment of mental illness with measures of well-being and examine moderators and mediators that add to the complexity of this environment.

Methods

A multidatabase search was performed. Papers published between January 2005 and June 2016 relevant to mental illness (depression and anxiety only) were extracted and reviewed.

Results

Positive interactions, social support, and social connectedness on SNSs were consistently related to lower levels of depression and anxiety, whereas negative interaction and social comparisons on SNSs were related to higher levels of depression and anxiety. SNS use related to less loneliness and greater self-esteem and life satisfaction. Findings were mixed for frequency of SNS use and number of SNS friends. Different patterns in the way individuals with depression and individuals with social anxiety engage with SNSs are beginning to emerge.

Conclusions

The systematic review revealed many mixed findings between depression, anxiety, and SNS use. Methodology has predominantly focused on self-report cross-sectional approaches; future research will benefit from leveraging real-time SNS data over time. The evidence suggests that SNS use correlates with mental illness and well-being; however, whether this effect is beneficial or detrimental depends at least partly on the quality of social factors in the SNS environment. Understanding these relationships will lead to better utilization of SNSs in their potential to positively influence mental health.
Studi Mutu Kayu Jati di Hutan Rakyat Gunungkidul IV. Sifat Mekanika Kayu
Authors: Marsoem Sri Nugroho , Prasetyo Vendy Eko , Sulistyo Joko , Sudaryono Sudaryono , Lukmandaru Ganis
Published: November 2016

Sifat mekanika dari kayu gergajian adalah persyaratan terpenting dalam banyak penerapan khususnya untuk keperluan konstruksi. Paper ini merupakan lanjutan dari penelitian sifat fisika kayu di tiga tempat tumbuh (Panggang, Playen, Nglipar) hutan rakyat Kabupaten Gunungkidul. Pengujian sifat mekanika dilakukan mengacu pada British Standards 373:57. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kayu yang diteliti termasuk dalam kelas kuat II-III. Dari perhitungan analisis varian, tempat tumbuh berpengaruh nyata pada modulus patah (MoR) keteguhan lengkung statik, keteguhan tekan tegak lurus serat maksimum, keteguhan geser, dan kekerasan. Secara keseluruhan, kecuali untuk nilai MoR, sampel kayu dari Nglipar memberikan nilai kekuatan yang lebih tinggi. Pengaruh arah aksial dan radial pohon secara umum tidak begitu terlihat pada semua parameter kekuatan kecuali di keteguhan belah. Meskipun berkorelasi secara linier, hanya korelasi moderat yang diamati dari hubungan sifat mekanika (MoR/keteguhan geser) dan kerapatan dasar. Tidak ada korelasi nyata antara kerapatan dasar dan modulus elastisitas keteguhan lengkung statik serta antara kerapatan dasar dan keteguhan tekan sejajar serat maksimum.Kata kunci: Tectona grandis, sifat mekanika, kerapatan dasar, hutan rakyat, Gunungkidul. A study of teak wood quality from community forests in Gunungkidul  IV. Mechanical PropertiesAbstractMechanical properties of sawn timber are the most important characteristics in many applications, particularly for structural timber. The previous paper in this series reported on the physical properties of teak trees at different sites (Panggang, Playen, Nglipar) from community forests in Gunungkidul regency. In this study, the mechanical properties were evaluated according to British Standards 373:57. The results showed that the timber were classified in the II-III of strength class. By analysis of variance, site factor affected the values of modulus of rupture (MoR) in statical bending strength, maximum compression perpendicular to grain strength, shear strength and hardness. In general, except for MoR, the wood samples from Nglipar gave higher strength levels. Except for cleavage strength, the effects of the axial and radial position of the tree on mechanical properties were mostly negligible. Although linearly related, only modest correlations were observed between the mechanical parameters (MoR/shear strength) and basic density. No significant correlation was found between the values of basic density and modulus of elasticity of static bending strength as well as between basic density and the strength of maximum compression parallel to grain.
Arah Tata Hubungan Kelembagaan Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan (KPH) di Indonesia
Authors: Maryudi Ahmad
Published: November 2016

Pembentukan Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan (KPH) menjadi salah satu prioritas kebijakan Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan. Kebijakan ini diharapkan dapat menjadi solusi bagi berbagai permasalahan mendasar pengelolaan hutan di Indonesia, seperti tata kelola yang buruk, ketidakjelasan hak tenurial, dan lemahnya kapasitas dalam manajemen hutan. KPH dikonseptualisasikan sebagai penyelenggara pengelolaan hutan di tingkat tapak. Kebijakan pembangunan KPH yang diatur oleh pusat dipandang dapat menambah kompleksitas terhadap struktur pengurusan dan pengelolaan yang sudah ada selama ini. Makalah ini membahas konsep tata hubungan kelembagaan dalam kebijakan KPH.Kata kunci: KPH, pengurusan, kelembagaan, kewenangan, resentralisasi Direction of Institutions and Bureaucracies of Forest Management Units (FMUs) in Indonesia AbstractThe establishment of Forest Management Units (FMUs) has been made as one of the top policy priorities by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The policy is expected to become a solution for problems regarding to the management of forests in Indonesia, e.g. poor forest governance, tenurial problems, limited capacity in the management of forests. FMU is conceptualized as a forest management agent/ institution at the field. The policy of establishing FMUs is often viewed to add complexities of the current forest administration and management structures. This paper discusses concepts of institutions and bureaucracies of the FMU policy.
DISKRESI ANGGOTA KEPOLISIAN NEGARA REPUBLIK INDONESIA DALAM PENANGANAN AKSI UNJUK RASA DAN IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP KETAHANAN WILAYAH (STUDI DI KEPOLISIAN RESORT KOTA YOGYAKARTA)
Authors: Saputro Legowo
Published: November 2016

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: Pertama, mengetahui penerapan dikresi anggota kepolisian dalam penanganan aksi unjuk rasa, terkait bentuk tindakan dan pertimbangannya serta kendala; dan Kedua, implikasinya terhadap ketahanan wilayah.Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif yaitu pencarian dan pengumpulan data yang berupa pendapat atau gagasan, fenomena, gambar serta dokumen yang berkaitan dengan diskresi anggota kepolisian dalam penanganan aksi unjuk rasa. Data diperoleh dengan wawancara mendalam, pengamatan serta studi kepustakaan dan dokumen, yang selanjutnya dianalisis dan dituangkan dalam bentuk kata-kata dan gambar sehingga memberikan gambaran yang jelas tentang obyek penelitian. Penelitian dilakukan di Kepolisian Resort Kota Yogyakarta dengan mengambil sampel beberapa Anggota Polresta Yogyakarta dan Polda DIY, pengunjuk rasa, masyarakat,dan ahli hukum.  Diskresi yang diterapkan oleh Anggota Kepolisian Resort Kota Yogyakarta dalam penanganan aksi unjuk rasa berupa toleransi atas pelanggaran pengunjuk rasa dalam hal surat pemberitahuan dan pelaksanaan aksi unjuk rasa, dan tindakan tersebut sekaligus merupakan pengabaian ketentuan dalam penanganan aksi unjuk rasa oleh Polisi. Kendalanya berupa pemahaman yang sempit serta dangkal terhadap diskresi oleh Polisi, sanksi yang diberikan bersifat personal, tanggapan negatif dari masyarakat dan pengunjuk rasa. Diskresi Anggota Kepolisian Resort Kota Yogyakarta dalam penanganan aksi unjuk rasa berakibat, yaitu: Pertama, akibat positif berupa terciptanya stabilitas wilayah di Kota Yogyakarta dan berdampak terhadap ketahanan wilayah pada aspek ideologi, politik, sosial budaya dan keamanan; Kedua yaitu, akibat negatif berupa anggapan masyarakat bahwa pelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh pengunjuk rasa merupakan hal yang benar, apabila diskresi yang diterapkan tidak dipahami dengan baik oleh polisi. Kendala yang ada harus diatasi dengan memberikan pemahaman dan pengetahuan yang cukup tentang diskresi kepolisian, khususnya kepada Anggota Kepolisian Resort Kota Yogyakarta, dan kepada masyarakat maupun pengunjuk rasa
Brand Valuation of Commercial Banks in Bangladesh: An Application of Marketing Profitability
Authors: Hasan Mahamudul , Tareq Ullah Kazi , Bhattacharjee Dr. Haripada
Published: November 2016

The competitive race of banking sector in the world economy is rapidly enforcing the importance of brand valuation. The acceptance of brand valuation has been questionable in several times due to the subjective measurement that derives from customers’ volatile perceptions. At the same time, financially focused model provides only an assessment of the economic value of brand. It is still a challenging task to compute the brand valuation depending only on financial data. Interbrand technique (2004) is one of the best approaches of calculating brand value within the community of marketing. Our valuation approach followed the A.C. Nielsen valuation model (2006) for valuing brand which is multiple of “Annual sales of representative brand”, “Net operating margin”, “Relative brand strength”, and “Perpetual annuity NPV discount factor”. This paper explores the Brand Valuation (BV) and identifies the relative position of banks based on measuring marketing contribution. Data have been collected from first generation private commercial bank’s annual reports and analyzed by using perpetual NPV continuous discount factor. The objective measure of BV for commercial banks was developed using Net Marketing Contribution (NMC), Relative Brand Strength (RBS) and Perpetual Net Present Value Continuous Discount Factor (PNPVCDF). The measures of brand valuation will ease the understanding regarding marketing profitability, brand performance and relative position in the competitive field.
Factors Influencing Attitudes and Purchase Intention of Fashion Counterfeits among Batswana College Students
Authors: Olasimbo Jaiyeoba Olumide , E. Marandu Edward. , Kealesitse Botshabelo , Odongo Opeda Frederick
Published: November 2016

Counterfeit products pose a serious threat to the manufacturers and retailers of authentic designer products most especially in the Botswana Economy. The aim of the present research study is to examine the influence of antecedents of attitudes toward fashion counterfeit among Batswana college students and its relationship to purchase intention of counterfeit products. The research mainly discussed the effect of social factors and personality factors toward youth consumer attitudes to buy counterfeit product. Approximately 250 respondents aged between 18-32 participated to give response to the survey gathered from questionnaire distribution. The analysis using path coefficient analysis shows that social and personality factors have mostly significant impact towards attitudes. The study also found out that social factors and value consciousness have significant and positive relationship with purchase intention towards counterfeit fashion products among Batswana college students. The research findings could be used to formulate strategies for academia, practitioners and more importantly policy makers in Botswana.
Personal Financial and Economic Issues for College Students
Authors: Gordon David M. , Brown Shannon
Published: November 2016

As students enter college, they typically encounter new responsibilities not experienced beforehand. The various financial decisions that college students encounter are one of the most important. These decisions often require students to educate themselves about banking, employment, budgeting, credit card usage, student loans, credit ratings, different types of debt, and insurance, among other things. This paper addresses those various issues. We offer both information and advice with regard to these issues. Consideration of how various financial events and choices effect the student’s long term goals and opportunities is crucial to developing long-term financial well-being. The ability to make sound decisions regarding personal financial issues will help new graduates emerge from college upon solid financial footing.
Using SERVQUAL to Assess the Customer Satisfaction Level: A Study of an Urban Cooperative Bank
Authors: Sharma Seema
Published: November 2016

The SERVQUAL instrument was developed in 1988 by Zeithaml, Parasuraman and Berry as a multi-item scale developed to assess customer perceptions of service quality in service industry. Customers judge service quality as low or high depending upon whether the service performance meets their expectation or not. The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of service quality of an urban cooperative bank on its customers and to throw light on the satisfaction level of the customers, so that the managers in the organization can improve the quality of the services rendered. Using SERVQUAL tool, five service quality dimensions using two segments in the form of a questionnaire consisting of 22 questions each have been used for the customers. The result shows that the overall perception of the quality of service provided by the bank under study is within the acceptable limit for the five aspects of service quality measured. Nevertheless, difference between the expectation of excellent service quality and perceived service quality throws light on the need for improvement by bridging the customer service gaps in certain areas of service delivery by the bank. Thus the research intends to add to the limited body of knowledge pertaining to the service quality of the bank under study.
The Consumer’s Experience Concept in Fashion Retail Outlet: Proposal for a Measurement Scale
Authors: Abbes Intissar , Barth Isabelle , Hallem Yousra
Published: November 2016

This paper aims to open the “black box” of the shopping experience concept by identifying its structural dimensions via the construction of a measurement scale. An initial decontextualised structure of the consumer’s experience concept in the retail outlet is obtained. To confirm this structure, we tested it in stores specializing in the sale of clothing products and accessories. We obtained a second-order global construct encompassing three dimensions: pleasure, sensory stimulation and immersion. Reliability and construct validity has been verified. Predictive validity has also been verified by testing the impact of in-store lived experience on impulses buying and re-experience need.
Investigating Heat Loss through Vestibule Doors for a Non-Residential Building
Authors: Maxwell Patrick , Durrani Faisal , Eftekhari Mahroo
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of air flow movement through high use front entrance doors of a college building with large flows of people. The objectives were to visualize and quantify the resultant energy losses through the entrance doors, coupled with investigating any potential improvements that can be obtained through improved design. The findings of the study suggest that the heat loss from the front entrance design can contribute to up to 2.8% of the buildings’ energy loads. It was also seen that a vestibule creates a tunnel effect for cold ambient air to enter the building without hot air escaping from the vestibule. Rather hot stale air exits through openings at the ceiling height. Potential solutions with entrance design are investigated and their results compared to the outcomes of a similar model designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Different Types of Eco-Friendly Fertilizers: An Overview
Authors: Hazra Goutam
Published: November 2016

In this paper author trying to give the attention on eco-friendly fertilizers rather than the commercially
available inorganic fertilizers. Here different types of eco-friendly fertilizers, i.e., organic fertilizers
and some types of slow or Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF) including Glass Fertilizer were
described with their nutrients release mechanism. The environmental hazardous effects, i.e.,
disadvantages of different common commercially available fertilizers and advantages of organic
fertilizer and controlled release fertilizers including Glass Fertilizer over common inorganic fertilizers
properly explained here. There are numerous crops and plants which have different growing habits and
nutrient requirements. The fertilizers help us in understanding the precise needs and requirements of
the plants fulfilling which maximum production can be reached. The blended mixtures of measured
quantities of the nutrients enable the plants to get potential nutrition and help them to hasten growth
and yield more than their usual capacity. The fertilizers are highly soluble and do not take much time to
get dissolved in the soil and reach the plant in no time. However, it happens only in the case of
chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers take time to be dissolved. Moreover, agricultural fertilizers
are a combination of hazardous and beneficial fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are not as harmful as the
inorganic ones however the former takes more time than the latter top reach the roots of the concerned
plants. Excessive fertilization does encourage great yields however also invites air, water and soil
pollution. Therefore, it is very necessary to use fertilizers in limited quantities and if possible then
organic and inorganic should be used simultaneously to counterattack the miscellaneous soil hazards.
Autonomy and Language Learning Behavior: The Role of Student Initiation and Participation in L2 Classrooms
Authors: Reinders Hayo , Loewen Shawn
Published: November 2016

There are many different views of what learner autonomy entails. But what does autonomous language
learning look like in practice? In this short article we argue that student initiation and participation
are crucial to and (one type of) evidence of autonomous language learning.
In this study we looked for evidence of student initiation and participation both in classroom and
self-study settings. Over a period of 12 months, second language classrooms in several New Zealand
language schools were investigated by audio recording classroom interaction at regular intervals.
Focus on grammatical items initiated by the students was then matched with performance on post-tests
for evidence of acquisition of those items. Also during this period, 42 language advisory sessions were
recorded in one university self-access centre. The recordings were analyzed for evidence of student
initiated focus on both linguistic items and learning-related issues. The results of these analyses show
that student-initiated topics can significantly impact on students’ subsequent learning. These findings
corroborate our hypothesis that student initiation, as a measure of involvement in the learning process,
can be one of the predictors of learning success. In addition, if active learner participation is seen as a
component of autonomy, then this research provides evidence for a link between learner autonomy and
learning gains.
Does It Make a Difference? L2 Vocabulary Learning via Mobile and Conventional Mode
Authors: Zarei Gholam Reza , Jalilifar AliReza , Khazaie Saeed
Published: November 2016

The present study investigated the significance of mobile learning (m-learning) of English vocabulary
items through a traditional contrasted with a blended method of content representation. To achieve the
goals, sixty semi-illiterate adults were evaluated for their knowledge of the English alphabet and then
randomly placed in two groups: traditional (G1) and the blended group (G2). Next, they were
presented thirty new English vocabulary items through the two methods. Also, the vocabulary items
were taught with and without pictorial annotations. Upon the completion of teaching, the participants
took the paper-and-pencil-based English Vocabulary Recognition and Recall (EVRR) test. The test
results were subjected to the appropriate statistical analyses. The analysis demonstrated the supremacy
of blended group's performance over the traditional group in vocabulary learning. Furthermore, the
obtained results confirmed that pictorial annotations enhanced the learning of L2 vocabulary
compared with non-annotated items. The results can provide some practical and theoretical
implications for both teachers and learners.
The Relationship between Attitudes toward Foreign Culture and English Proficiency Level in Taiwanese Students of English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Tseng Min-chen
Published: November 2016

In this study, we investigated the relationship between the English proficiency levels of students of English as a foreign language (EFL) and their attitudes toward foreign culture, addressing personal, school, family, social, and ethnic perspectives. Teaching culture facilitates a strong understanding of both familiar and unfamiliar worlds and encourages positive attitudes toward differences. The study sample comprised 90 Taiwanese students who were divided into 2 groups: high-proficiency and low-proficiency learners. The results showed a significant correlation between the English proficiency levels of the high-proficiency learners and their attitudes toward culture. Among the 5 examined factors, the results demonstrated significant correlations among the personal, family, and ethnic factors. Regarding the low proficiency learners, no significant correlation was demonstrated in the attitudes towards culture and none of the factors exhibited significant differences.
An Analysis of EFL Learners’ Needs for Student-Centered Translation Course Design
Authors: Wang Hui-chuan
Published: November 2016

In recent years, translation learning has been a main focus of university language learners, but no studies in students’ needs have been explored for translation course design. Thus, the current research aimed to analyze EFL learners’ needs for student-centered translation course design. The subjects were 90 juniors from the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at a technological university in central Taiwan. The instrument was a 45-item questionnaire on learning goals, course planning, instructional materials, teaching and learning, and evaluation. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the Likert-scale questionnaire items to calculate frequencies, percentages, means, ranks, and standard deviations. The results showed that English-major students believed translation courses are required for both language and working skill training. The findings also implied that translation curriculum should involve more authentic materials, learning activities, and evaluation. The genres and topics selection need to take learners’ interests and small ‘c’ cultural knowledge into account. It is also suggested that classes be smaller to increase interactions between teachers and students. With explicit guidelines, group work in a translation course can lead to success in translation learning. The practical implications of the current study were also discussed.
Community Engagement and Improved Language Proficiency: The Case of Service-Learning in Higher Education in Oman
Authors: Barwani Thuwayba Al , Al-Mekhlafi Abdo
Published: November 2016

It can be argued that as an effective teaching approach, service learning can contribute significantly to improvement of the proficiency of learners of English as a foreign Language. This paper reports on the findings of a quasi- experimental study on the effect of service learning on EFL student-teachers English language proficiency in pre-service teacher education program at Sultan Qaboos University. The findings of the study reveal that the student teachers in the experimental group outperformed those in the contrast group in all language components tested by the TOEFL and the Oral test. These findings clearly indicate an overall improvement in the language performance of the student teachers as a result of the service-learning intervention. Comparison of the experimental group results in both tests between pre and post intervention reveals a significant improvement which can be attributed to the service learning experience.
Writing for Publication in English: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Salih Abdel Rahman Abdalla , Holi Holi Ibrahim , Clark Lauren
Published: November 2016

This paper attempts to investigate English teachers’ perceptions about the importance of writing for publication in English, and the challenges that they encounter. The subjects were 30 teachers from 3 departments in a public college in Oman. The instrument was a 3-question survey on difficulties and challenges in writing for publication in English faced by the tutors. The respondents’ answers were analysed and classified. The results revealed two types of challenges identified initially: discursive (language-related) and non-discursive (non-language-related) challenges. A third challenge which has been termed others was discovered. The findings also highlighted the importance of the growing popularity of research activity by non-native English speakers in the non-English speaking countries. The study also suggested the key role higher education institutes should play in boosting research contributions by academic staff and curbing the problems of publishing in the English Language from a new standpoint.
The Slaughter of Kachru’s Five Sacred Cows in Brazil: Affordances of the Use of English as an International Language
Authors: Finardi Kyria
Published: November 2016

This paper reflects about a change in paradigm regarding the role of English in Brazil relating it to Kachru’s notion of the slaughter of the five sacred cows of English. So as to foreground this reflection the study reviews the role of English materialized in language policies in Brazil suggesting that there is a gap between people’s views of and language policies regarding the role of English in that country. The analysis of language policies in Brazil also suggests that English is seen as a foreign language on the one hand, in public schools, and as an international language on the other hand, in private language institutes. Based on the analysis of language policies in Brazil the study suggests that these two divergent views of English create a social divide between those who can afford to learn English and those who cannot. The study concludes that one possible way to slaughter Kachru’s five sacred cows of English in Brazil so as to enable the change of paradigm regarding the role of English in that country is to adopt a view of English as an international language.
Need Analysis and Curriculum Design in Business English
Authors: Chunling Geng
Published: November 2016

Business English education, which serves as a branch of ESP (English for Specific Purposes) is of great importance. With the development of market economy and the further strengthening of economic globalization, Business English is receiving more and more attention and is showing unprecedented momentum. And in the world of Business English, need analysis is at the heart of planning and instructional design. Yet, designing a Business English course requires collaboration among several concerned stakeholders, including students, subject teachers, institutional administrators and Business English teachers themselves. This article gives a detailed description of Business English and need analysis, analyzes the importance of need analysis to syllabus design based on need analysis.
Logical-Associative Method of “Flowscape” and Mental-Maps Technology Application in Foreign Language Teaching
Authors: Sirekanyan Vachagan V. , Budashevsky Vladlen G.
Published: November 2016

In this scientific and methodological article is considered the possibility of increasing the efficiency in foreign language teaching by applying the Mind-Maps technology and method of “flowscape” which were not used before with this purpose and had been applied only in other fields. One of the newest developments to determine the perception features and problem analysis by E. de Bono a creative processes researcher and well-known methodical tools which can be used in the process of foreign language training «intellectual or mental cards» of Tony Buzan, known as “Mental-Maps”, “Memory Maps”, “Mind-Maps” (MM) or “Flash Cards” are proposed below. Their developments are of practical interest to be used in rational choice of foreign language teaching methods based on identified features of trainees. A model containing the key factors and the learning process criteria are offered.
The Use of Electronic Dictionaries in EFL Classroom
Authors: Zheng Huibin , Wang Xiaoli
Published: November 2016

Today’s dictionaries have more information and are easier to access and to understand than ever before. And, with the advent of electronic formats, space is no longer the problem it was. Electronic dictionaries have become more and more attractive, accepted and popular to EFL learners at different levels, using electronic dictionaries in EFL classroom has gradually become an alternative to many. As for teachers, helping students tap into electronic dictionaries effectively is one of the best ways to help them become independent, lifelong language learners. In this essay, the functionality of electronic dictionaries and reasons why they are popular in EFL class will be introduced. Also, some of the current issues related to the integration of electronic dictionaries into EFL instruction and learning will be identified and discussed. The author’s views towards this topic will be presented as well, based on the observation and reflection of using electronic dictionaries in EFL classes at a Chinese university.
The Influence of Task Type on Perceived Fluency
Authors: Kovac Mirjana M.
Published: November 2016

In foreign language teaching it is necessary to employ a variety of tasks with a different degree of narrative structure to influence learners’ performance in anticipated ways, thus enhancing overall fluency as a significant aspect of successful communication. This study examines how different task types influence the perceived fluency of EFL learners. The obtained results confirm that the perception of speakers’ fluency varied across tasks. The worst perception of fluency was achieved in the task based on the formulation of unrelated utterances, that is, the most unstructured task led to the least fluent performance. A frequent introduction of new topics demands a great amount of attention. Therefore, in foreign language teaching emphasis should be laid on tasks including frequent introductions of new topics, due to the observed decrease in perceived fluency.
Helping or Hindering: Understanding the Professional Development Needs of Learning Support Assistants in Post-Compulsory Education in England
Authors: McLachlan Dr Benita
Published: November 2016

This paper reports findings from a research project which developed and introduced the Enhanced Learning Support Assistant Programme (ELSAP). Untrained learning support assistants who were supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) in a College for Further Education in England were encouraged to enroll on ELSAP to enhance their professional development. The purpose of this paper is to share findings from the project and to report on some key professional developmental needs that college LSAs who worked in inclusive college classrooms have. Quantitative methodologies were employed and data were systematically collected over a fourteen-week period during ELSAP delivery and implementation. Findings indicate key gaps in the professional knowledge and practice of LSAs; misconceptions of their own role, responsibilities and tasks; unsatisfactory knowledge on SEND and appropriate interventions; limited understanding of physical symptoms on learning and little/no previous or existing knowledge and skills of the college curricula and unsatisfactory knowledge on how to motivate learners with SEND during the teaching-learning-process. Findings furthermore demonstrate that LSAs has a limited understanding of college policies/codes of conduct; lack knowledge on adult learning theories and lack professionalism in general.
Cogenerative Dialogue: Developing Biology Learning Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Lehner Edward
Published: November 2016

A prominent challenge, at times under-addressed in the science education literature, is considering what types of learning accommodations science teachers should employ for students with disabilities. Outside of science education, researchers have consistently outlined how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is one efficient means by which to engage students with disabilities in the curriculum. This paper presents the results of a research study in which teachers employed co-generative dialogue as a learning space where UDL was used to differentiate and individualize instruction in an inclusive biology class. The data originated from a larger, ongoing, longitudinal ethnography of science learning in several New York City special education classrooms. This ethnographic work presents a case study where teachers and a student used co-generative dialogue to develop learning accommodations which conformed to the principles of UDL. This research demonstrates how co-generative dialogue can provide biology teachers and special education co-teachers with an opportunity to collaborate with students to create learning accommodations that connect to the broader biology curriculum.
A Social Identity Perspective of Personality Differences between Fan and Non-Fan Identities
Authors: Reysen Stephen , Plante Courtney N. , Roberts Sharon E. , Gerbasi Kathleen C.
Published: November 2016

In three studies of fan communities we examined differences in the Big Five personality traits between fans’ personal and fan identities. In all three studies, self-identified furries completed a measure of the Big Five personality traits for both their personal and furry identity. In Study 1, furries were found to rate all five dimensions higher when referring to their furry (vs. personal) identity. In Study 2 we replicated these results and further found that the effect was not limited to furries: sport fans also reported different personality ratings when referring to their fan or personal identity. In Study 3, we again replicated the results while testing predictors of personality differences between salient identities. A path model showed that felt connection to one’s fandom identity predicted greater frequency of fandom identity salience, which, in turn, predicted greater personality disparity between identities. Taken together, the results suggest the role of the social identity perspective in explaining inconsistencies in personality.
Begrudgery & Brehon Law: A Literary Examination of the Roots of Resentment in Pre-Modern Ireland
Authors: Graf Stephen
Published: November 2016

This essay traces the published roots of the components of Irish begrudgery in early Irish literature (Táin Bó Cúailnge and other ancient Irish myths) and Brehon legal tracts (such as the Senchus Mór and The Book of Aicill). First, the power of language in a predominantly oral culture is explored through examples like cursing and the peculiarly Irish type of satirist. A brief explanation of the functioning and history of Brehon law is provided, and the connections between Brehon law, literature and begrudgery are considered. Begrudgery is then tied to Nietzsche’s theory of ressentiment as both are distinguished primarily by a concern and involvement with power. While the elimination of Brehon law cannot be linked directly to the rise in begrudgery, the two events emerged from the same historical conditions. It was British colonialism that removed Brehon law from Irish society, just as the long colonial period offered a perfect environment for a sentiment like begrudgery to flourish as a widespread social phenomenon. So, while the apparatuses of begrudgery existed well before the English invasion, and although examples of early begrudgers can be found in ancient Irish literature, it was the colonial period that gave birth to modern Irish begrudgery.