bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Non-Derivatized Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Amino Acids, Acylcarnitines, Succinylacetone, Creatine, and Guanidinoacetic Acid in Dried Blood Spots via Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Asef Carter , Khaksarfard Kameron , De Jesús Víctor
Published: November 2016

Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder which results in global developmental delay and intellectual disability. There is evidence that early treatment prevents intellectual disability and seizures. GAMT deficiency is now being discussed as a potential addition to the U.S. Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP); the availability of suitable screening methods must be considered. A neonatal screening derivatized method to quantify creatine (CRE) and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in dried blood spots by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been described. Its key feature is the ability to detect CRE and GAA in the same extract generated from neonatal dried blood spots (DBS’s) during amino acids (AA) and acylcarnitines (AC) analysis. More laboratories are adopting non-derivatized MS/MS screening methods. We describe an improved, non-derivatized DBS extraction and MS/MS analytical method (AAAC-GAMT) that incorporates quantitation of CRE and GAA into routine analysis of amino acids, acylcarnitines, and succinylacetone. The non-derivatized AAAC-GAMT method performs comparably to the stand-alone GAMT and non-derivatized AAAC screening methods, supporting its potential suitability for high-throughput GAMT neonatal screening.
Synthesis and In Vitro Activity Assessment of Novel Silicon Oxycarbide-Based Bioactive Glasses
Authors: Gonzalo-Juan Isabel , Detsch Rainer , Mathur Sanjay , Ionescu Emanuel , Boccaccini Aldo , Riedel Ralf
Published: November 2016

Novel bioactive glasses based on a Ca- and Mg-modified silicon oxycarbide (SiCaMgOC) were prepared from a polymeric single-source precursor, and their in vitro activity towards hydroxyapatite mineralization was investigated upon incubating the samples in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. The as-prepared materials exhibit an outstanding resistance against devitrification processes and maintain their amorphous nature even after exposure to 1300 °C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the SiCaMgOC samples after the SBF test showed characteristic reflections of apatite after only three days, indicating a promising bioactivity. The release kinetics of the Ca2+ and Mg2+ and the adsorption of H+ after immersion of SiCaMgOC in simulated body fluid for different soaking times were analyzed via optical emission spectroscopy. The results show that the mechanism of formation of apatite on the surface of the SiCaMgOC powders is similar to that observed for standard (silicate) bioactive glasses. A preliminary cytotoxicity investigation of the SiOC-based bioactive glasses was performed in the presence of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) as well as human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). Due to their excellent high-temperature crystallization resistance in addition to bioactivity, the Ca- and Mg-modified SiOC glasses presented here might have high potential in applications related to bone repair and regeneration.
Prevalence of H. pylori in gastric biopsy specimen in the southeastern region of Turkey
Authors: Bayındır Bilman Fulya , Özdemir Mehmet , Baysal Birol , Güzel Kurtoğlu Muhammed
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that colonizes human gastric mucosa. Gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chronic atrophic gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and stomach adenocarcinoma are associated with H. pylori as the etiological agent. Cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA), which is one of the most important virulence factors of H. pylori, encodes a 120–145 kDa protein. The prevalence of cagA genes shows differences in H. pylori infections based on geographical area, and cagA-positive H. pylori strains play an important role in pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma. Methodology: The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of cagA and vacA genes in H. pylori isolates in adult patient groups in the southeastern region of Turkey. The presence of H. pylori was investigated in gastric biopsy specimens using the culture method, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed to detect the presence of the cagA and vacA s1 genes. Results: H. pylori was detected in 65% (84/129) of patients who had gastrointestinal complaints. The number of vacA s1 and cagA genes of isolates were 44 (74.5%) and 31 (52.5%), respectively. Conclusions: H. pylori infection in southeastern region of Turkey with are comparable to those in developed countries. Patients with cagA- and vacA-positive H. pylori have a higher risk of severe inflammation and atrophy and should therefore be monitored for the development of gastric cancer.
Quantifying “Magic”
Authors: Fisher Kristie J. , Nichols Timothy , Isbister Katherine , Fuller Tom
Published: November 2016

In November 2010, Microsoft released the Kinect sensor as a new input device for the Xbox 360 gaming console, and more recently the “next generation” of Kinect was released in November 2013 as part of the Xbox One entertainment system. Kinect enables users to control and interact with on-screen elements by moving their bodies in space (e.g., move characters, select menu items, manipulate virtual objects) and via speech input. The team at Microsoft Studios User Research (SUR) has worked with game designers, programmers, and hardware developers on games and other applications that use Kinect. In this article the authors leverage data SUR has collected over the development cycles of many different games created for many different audiences to summarize the unique user experience challenges that the Kinect sensor brings to game development. The authors also propose principles for designing fun and accessible experiences for Kinect.
IL1R9 Is Evolutionarily Related to IL18BP and May Function as an IL-18 Receptor
Authors: Booker Chris S. , Grattan David R.
Published: November 2016

The IL-1 families of ligands and receptors exhibit similarity of coding sequences, protein structures, and chromosomal positions, suggesting that they have arisen via duplication of ancestral genes. Within these families there is selectivity in ligand–receptor interactions as well as promiscuity. IL-18 and its receptor are members of these families. IL-18 is recognized as binding to the protein products of the IL18R1 and IL18RAP genes, and with high affinity to a separate IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP). However, IL-18BP is anomalous, as it exhibits little resemblance to IL-18R proteins. Additionally, IL-18 is produced in the brain in medial habenula neurons, which project IL-18–containing axons to the interpeduncular nucleus. However, there is a lack of focal IL-18R expression in their terminal field. Given these anomalies, we hypothesized that another receptor for IL-18 may exist, and that IL18BP is evolutionarily related to this receptor. We examined Ensembl and National Center for Biotechnology Information databases to identify available IL18BP records (n = 86 species) and show through bioinformatics approaches that across mammalian species with IL18BP genes, IL-18BP is consistently most similar to IL-1R9 (IL-1R accessory protein–like 2), another member of the IL-1R family. IL-1R9 and the related IL-1R8, but not other IL-1R family members, exhibit an amino acid sequence similar to binding site A of human and viral IL-18BPs. Conserved intron/exon boundaries, protein structure, and key binding site amino acids suggest that IL18BP and IL1R9 are evolutionarily related, and that IL-1R9 and IL-1R8 may bind IL-18.
A Child with Debilitating Pruritus
Authors: Sonthalia Nikhil , Jain Sami S. , Pawar Vinay B. , Zanwar Vinay G. , Surude Ravindra G. , Rathi Pravin M. , Munde Kshitij K. , Bavdekar Sandeep
Published: November 2016

We describe a case of two-year-old boy presenting with debilitating pruritus, patchy alopecia and jaundice since the age of 6 months. On evaluation he had intrahepatic cholestasis with persistently raised serum alkaline phosphatase, normal Gamma glutamyl transferase and raised serum bile acid levels. His liver biopsy showed bland cholestasis and electron microscopy showed granular bile suggestive of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type I. Medical therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid, cholestyramine, rifampicin with nutritional modification was successful in alleviating the symptoms and correcting the nutritional status. To our knowledge this is only the sixth case of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type I reported from India. Herein we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic hurdles that one encounters in managing progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and also review the literature regarding this rare disorder.
Heretic or rebel? The heresy trial of Albert Geyser
Authors: Dreyer Wim
Published: November 2016

During September 1961, a charge of heresy was laid against New Testament scholar and antiapartheid activist Prof. A.S. (Albert) Geyser. The charge was brought by three senior theological students of the University of Pretoria. They accused Geyser of interpreting Philippians 2 in such a way that it undermined the church’s doctrine of Christ’s pre-existence. The heresy trial started on 24 October 1961 under massive public interest. The trial lasted 6 months and the proceedings covered 2672 typed pages. Reporters of 25 national and international newspapers attended the trial. The heresy trial caused widespread international condemnation of what was regarded as an orchestrated attempt to get rid of Geyser, because of his public and radical opposition to apartheid. In this contribution, Geyser’s theological critique of apartheid as well as his conviction of heresy is discussed. The proceedings of the trial, minutes of the moderature, media coverage and Geyser’s publications serve as primary sources. It concludes with a critical evaluation of Geyser’s theology and his role as a public theologian.
Rethinking the creative power of God
Authors: Muis Jan
Published: November 2016

Because the notion of ‘power’, and of ‘absolute power’ in particular, is associated with coercion, violence and oppression, it is problematic to attribute power to God. Jürgen Moltmann and Eberhard Jüngel reject a ‘theistic’, ‘metaphysical’ concept of God’s ‘absolute power’ and highlight the powerlessness of the suffering and dying God on the cross. In their view, limitation of power is also central to God’s creative power. In this article, this kenotic view on God’s creative power is examined. Firstly, the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes is explored as an important and still influential source of the modern view on absolute power as dominion. Next, it is discussed whether the innovative view on divine, creative power of Sören Kierkegaard can be seen as kenotic. Because both Hobbes and Kierkegaard refer indirectly to the classical distinction between potentia absoluta and potentia ordinata, this distinction, and its rejection by Schleiermacher, is investigated. The article concludes by proposing ‘empowering power’ as a non-oppressive and non-kenotic view on God’s creative power.
Godsdienspluraliteit en die liberale staat – die illusie van sekulêre neutraliteit
Authors: Venter Francois
Published: November 2016

Religious pluralism and the liberal state – the illusion of secular neutrality. Whereas church and state have long been separated since the emergence of the modern state, law and religion have not been separated and can never be separated. The notion of the liberal-democratic state, which is still dominant in legal thinking, induces state authorities to seek refuge in secular neutrality when confronted with religious issues to be resolved by law and judicial resolution. This article sketches the constitutional background, the undeniable relationship between law and religion, the standard liberal response to resulting difficulties and the dawn of a post-secular era. Examples are discussed from German, Canadian and South African jurisprudence that dealt with religious issues, leading to an assessment of the viability of secular neutrality. It is found that neutrality is unachievable. A suggestion is made that objective reciprocity founded on the teachings of Jesus and accepted as a universal human norm, independently of Christian teachings, may present an appropriate approach to avoid the dilemmas brought about by secularism. The implication of this analysis is that some firm arguments based on biblical justification have universal persuasive power, because they appeal to universal values also acceptable to non-believers and other religions. These arguments may be used in courts and by other organs of state for the resolution of religious matters that have legal implications in the pluralistic society of the 21st century.
From Ethanol to Salsolinol: Role of Ethanol Metabolites in the Effects of Ethanol
Authors: Peana Alessandra T. , Rosas Michela , Porru Simona , Acquas Elio
Published: November 2016

In spite of the global reputation of ethanol as the psychopharmacologically active ingredient of alcoholic drinks, the neurobiological basis of the central effects of ethanol still presents some dark sides due to a number of unanswered questions related to both its precise mechanism of action and its metabolism. Accordingly, ethanol represents the interesting example of a compound whose actions cannot be explained as simply due to the involvement of a single receptor/neurotransmitter, a scenario further complicated by the robust evidence that two main metabolites, acetaldehyde and salsolinol, exert many effects similar to those of their parent compound. The present review recapitulates, in a perspective manner, the major and most recent advances that in the last decades boosted a significant growth in the understanding on the role of ethanol metabolism, in particular, in the neurobiological basis of its central effects.
Invariant Means on a Class of von Neumann Algebras Related to Ultraspherical Hypergroups II
Authors: Shravan Kumar N.
Published: November 2016

Let K be an ultraspherical hypergroup associated with a locally compact group G and a spherical projector π and let VN(K) denote the dual of the Fourier algebra A(K) corresponding to K. In this note, we show that the set of invariant means on VN(K) is singleton if and only if K is discrete. Here K need not be second countable. We also study invariant means on the dual of the Fourier algebra A0(K), the closure of A(K) in the cb-multiplier norm. Finally, we consider generalized translations and generalized invariant means.
Coaxer Lattices
Authors: Sambasiva Rao M.
Published: November 2016

The notion of coaxers is introduced in a pseudo-complemented distributive lattice. Boolean algebras are characterized in terms of coaxer ideals and congruences. The concept of coaxer lattices is introduced in pseudo-complemented distributive lattices and characterized in terms of coaxer ideals and maximal ideals. Finally, the coaxer lattices are also characterized in topological terms.
Aprendizaje transformativo y programas de investigación en el desarrollo docente universitario
Authors: Espejo Leupin Roberto , González Suárez Mauricio
Published: November 2016

En este artículo discutimos el problema del desarrollo docente universitario desde el punto de vista de la transformación de la epistemología personal del profesor, entendida como la representación individual de la labor pedagógica con todas sus posibilidades y limitaciones. Esta representación corresponde a una serie de supuestos en este ámbito, los que pueden explicar la manera de actuar de un individuo y  pueden o no ser compartidos por su comunidad de pares. Para esto, y aceptando el supuesto que el desarrollo docente puede enmarcarse en un proceso de educación de adultos, utilizamos la teoría del aprendizaje transformativo de Mezirow quién propone un modelo donde el individuo actúa con dos tipos de supuestos para dar significado a su experiencia (las perspectivas y los esquemas de significado),  que corresponden a conjuntos generalizados de expectativas que condicionan el actuar, sentir y pensar de la persona.  Esta teoría nos permite  argumentar que el modelo de cambio paradigmático tiene limitaciones para el proceso de desarrollo docente, ya que el cambio paradigmático propuesto implica la idea de una revolución desde un estado de ciencia normal a otro. Mostramos que en este ámbito el modelo de los programas de investigación de Lakatos parece ser más adecuado como marco para entender el proceso y proponemos que, por lo tanto, el diseño de este tipo de programas de desarrollo para los profesores debe hacer un fuerte énfasis en la reflexión personal y el trabajo sobre la experiencia tanto en forma individual como colectiva. 
Bibliografía seleccionada y comentada sobre Taoísmo Clásico (II): Dao De Jing (Tao Te King / Laozi)
Authors: Bustamante Donas Javier , Luis Varona Juan
Published: November 2016

Bibliografía seleccionada y comentada sobre Taoísmo Clásico (II): Dao De Jing (Tao Te King / Laozi)
On Lembda Gamma- Set in Fuzzy Bitopological Spaces
Authors: Paul Arnab , Paul Arnab , Bhattacharya Baby , Chakraborty Jayasree
Published: November 2016

The aim of this paper is to introduce the concept of lambda operator of a fuzzy set in a fuzzy bitopological space.  Then we study (i, j)-fuzzy Lembda Gamma- set and its properties. Moreover we define (i, j)-fuzzy Lembda-closed set, (i, j)-fuzzy Lembda Gamma-closed set and (i, j)-fuzzy generalized closed set in fuzzy bitopological space. The concepts (i, j)-fuzzy Lembda-closed set and (i, j)-fuzzy generalized closed set are independent to each other but jointly they gives the taui-fuzzy closed set. To this end as the application of (i, j)-fuzzy Lembda Gamma-closed set we shall study (i, j)-fuzzy Lembda Gamma continuity and (i, j)-fuzzy Lembda Gamma-generalized continuity and their properties.
An Overlook at Bankruptcy Prediction in Italy in 2016: An Application of the Altman’s Model on Failed Italian Manufacturing Companies In The 2016-First Quarter
Authors: Pozzoli Matteo , Paolone Francesco
Published: November 2016

During their life cycle, businesses must face positive and negative phases in financial trends which translate into periods of success and failure, respectively. When a negative period shifts from temporary to permanent (and thus continues over time), the company is often destined to cease. This work aims to test the most used bankruptcy prediction model, the Altman Z-Score, through an application on a sample of Italian manufacturing companies (S.p.A. and S.r.l.) which went bankrupt within the first quarter of 2016. The results confirm a good predictive effectiveness in relation to bankrupted companies with significant discrepancies between the different, analyzed juridical entities. Further research is still open on Italian peculiarities that may require the development of ad hoc parameters.
The Impact of Government Budget on Environmental Disclosure and Sustainability in Jordan
Authors: Hussein Jebril Jebril Farouq
Published: November 2016

The environmental problems in general became one of the most vital issues of the world because they are related closely to the economic development of particular countries. The promotion of the concept and solutions to environmental problems can be solved by specialists and decision makers who focus on addressing issues surrounding over exploitation of natural resources. Whereas the government and public agencies seek to formulate laws and legislation and allocate the money and put plans to address environmental challenges. In Jordan, despite of the yearly budget deficit, the government put high emphasis on issues related to the environment through its spending. Researchers are contemplating of whether such a decision is economical and effective in handling sustainability issues in Jordan. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to investigate factors that influence the success of sustainability recovery in Jordanian government. It has been proposed that the environmental degradation can be reduced by environmental protection through financial procedures (through government expenditure) and non-financial procedures (laws and legislation). In addition, accounting disclosures are used as a means of communication between the government and stakeholders.
The Relationship between Sexual Harassment and Job Satisfaction in the Context of Retailing Industry in China
Authors: Sang Long Choi , Lingyun Zhao , Owee Kowang Tan , Chin Fei Goh , Wan Ismail Wan Khairuzzaman
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between sexual harassment and job satisfaction in one of the China’s retailing company. A total of 103 respondents from one of the China’s retailing company are selected as respondents and thus data is analyzed based on the completed questionnaires. Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) and Job Satisfaction Survey are employed as measurement tools to measure the sexual harassment and job satisfaction of employees separately. Descriptive analysis, correlations analysis and multiple regression analysis are utilized to analyze the collected data. The main findings revealed that sexual harassments, verbal conduct of sexual harassments and physical conduct of sexual harassments have a significant and negative relationship with job satisfaction and the non-verbal conduct of sexual harassment is not significantly related to the job satisfaction. The dominant element of sexual harassment is physical conduct of sexual harassment affecting on job satisfaction mostly among female employees in the organization. In addition, it is also found that the moderate level of sexual harassment creates a low level of job satisfaction in the organization. Furthermore, the dominant sexual harasser is often a colleague, followed by a superior, customer and others. Several recommendations are suggested for the company and for future researches.
Analyzing the Mediating Role of Organizational Innovation on the relationship between Knowledge Management and Organizational Entrepreneurship
Authors: Beni Nahid Naderi
Published: November 2016

Inevitably,in the dynamic organizations, innovation and entrepreneurship are important for preserving competitive advantages and knowledge managementfacilitatesthis relationship.The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of knowledge management on organizational innovation andentrepreneurship. The research was an applied study in terms of the aim of study and a descriptive-correlation in terms of the research method. The population of the study included the staff of Sepahan Battery Industrial Complex as more than 800 individuals in 2015. From among this population, 260 participants were randomly selected. The research instruments for collecting data were questionnaire, The results of the analysis of the questionnaires and testing the hypotheses by Smart-PLS indicatedthat the variable of knowledge managementis directly effective onorganizationalentrepreneurship, but has indirect effects on organizational entrepreneurship via the mediatingrole of organizational innovation.
Leading Different Dimensions of Organization Performance through Human Resource Management Practices
Authors: Mansouri Nazanin , Goher Khaled
Published: November 2016

The primary purpose of this research work is to find out how human resource management practices including training, staffing, performance appraisal, participation, and reward system can affect the performance of Malaysian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies. Company’s performance is identified in this work in terms of innovation, learning and growth, and internal process. The results of analysis of 223 gathered data showed that human resource management practices have significant and positive impact on innovation, learning and growth, and internal process. In addition, this study showed that performance components can affect each other significantly and positively.In this research work, the data is collected through questionnaire and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Moreover, the respondents of this research work are the employees of small and medium size ICT companies located in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.
Effective Academic Leadership of Learning and Teaching in Malaysian Higher Education
Authors: Fahimirad Mehrnaz , Idris Khairuddin , Kotamjani Sedigheh Shakib
Published: November 2016

This study provides an in-depth look at the practices of leadership in selected Malaysian Universities that have been identified as academic leadership. The findings of this study support the fundamental elements that have been previously identified by researchers and professional organizations, as academic leadership. Specifically, academic leaders focus on learning and teaching for students in relation to instructor development.This study employs a qualitative research approach. Thematic method was used to analyze the data. Data were collected through in-depth interview. Based on the findings of this study leadership works towards the future of the university through the development and involvement of instructors to facilitate teaching and learning at Malaysian universities.Based on the obtained results, Malaysian universities planned through sustained programs of educational development to use principles of learning and teaching effectively in designing learning environments for students.  Secondly, academics need a supportive culture to put these principles into practice. To date creating learning culture depends not only on well-educated, well-meaning individual academics, but also on an academic community working together to create a student-centered attitude.
Exploring the Relationship between Organizational Culture, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour
Authors: El Badawy Tarek A. , Kamel Mona M. , Magdy Mariam M.
Published: November 2016

This study examined the interaction between organizational culture, organizational citizenship behaviours and job satisfaction. While organizational culture plays an important role in affecting performance indirectly, other variables mediate and moderate the relationship. This study was based on a sample of 127 Egyptian participants undertaking an MBA course. Results showed positive significant correlations between four types of organizational culture, job satisfaction and citizenship behaviour individually. Job satisfaction mediated the relationship between culture and citizenship behaviour. However, the mediation effect was weak. Further discussion, implications and research limitations are discussed.
Correlation between Listening Anxiety and Listening Strategies of Chinese Postgraduate Students of Science and Engineering: A Case Study at SUES
Authors: Wang Shengli
Published: November 2016

English listening is one of the five basic skills such as listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation that a Chinese postgraduate should acquire, and it is also the most significant one. In this study, 194 first-year postgraduate students at Shanghai University of Engineering Science were invited to report their strategies use and listening anxiety in the questionnaire with the 5-Likert Indirect Foreign Language Listening Strategies Scale and the 5-Likert Foreign Language Listening Anxiety Scale. The SPSS13.0 was used to analyze the descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, Chi-square test and One-way ANOVA, which indicated a medium listening anxiety and a medium level of strategies use. Metacognitive strategies were more frequently used than social and affective strategies, the correlation between listening proficiency and listening anxiety was significantly negative, correlation between listening proficiency and indirect listening strategies was significantly positive, and that between indirect listening strategies and listening anxiety was significantly negative. Indirect listening strategies were useful to allay listening anxiety and would be incorporated into our normal classroom teaching.
The Impact of Task-Based Language Teaching on Iranian Female Intermediate EFL Learners’ Writing Performance
Authors: Parvizi Gholam Reza , Khoshsima Hooshang , Tajik Mohammad
Published: November 2016

This article investigated the impact of task-based language teaching (TBLT) on writing performance of the Iranian intermediate EFL learners. There were two groups of forty students of the intermediate female learners studying English in Jahad-e-Daneshgahi language institute, ranging in age from thirteen to nineteen. They participated in their regular classes in the institute and were assigned to two groups including an experimental group of task-based language teaching and a control group for the purpose of homogeneity, all students in two groups took an achievement test before the treatment. As a pre-test; students were assigned to write a task at the beginning of the course. One of the classes was conducted through talking a TBLT approach on their writing, while the other class followed regular patterns of teaching, namely traditional approach for TBLT group. There were some tasks chosen from learners’ textbook. The task selection was in accordance with learning standards for ESL and TOFEL writing sections. At the end of the treatment, a post-test was administered to both experimental group and the control group. Scoring was done on the basis of scoring scale of “expository writing quality scale”. The researcher used paired samples t-test to analyze the effect of TBLT teaching approach on the writing performance of the learners. The data analysis revealed that the subjects in TBLT group performed better on the writing performance post-test than the subjects in control group. The findings of the study also demonstrated that TBLT would enhance writing performance in the group of learners. Moreover, it was indicated that TBLT has been effective in teaching writing performance to Iranian EFL learners. 
Knowledge Acquisition through Social Media towards Academic Performance among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Mohd Shoid Mohd Shamsul , Kassim Norliya Ahmad , Idris Muhammad Ariff
Published: November 2016

The purpose of the study is to investigate knowledge acquisition using social media among final semester students in the Faculty of Information Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). This study used a survey method to collect data. A total of 173 respondents answered to this survey questionnaire which was a self-developed questionnaire. The questionnaire measures the methods of knowledge acquisition through social media, factors influencing knowledge acquisition through social media, and students’ academic performance who acquire knowledge through social media. The results showed that respondents quite agree on the methods of knowledge acquisition through social media (Mean=3.35) and factors influencing knowledge acquisition (Mean=3.49) and about their academic performance (Mean=3.83). The implication of the study is that the academic institutions and organizations can use this study in enhancing the students’ academic performance and productivity in the organization by using social media as a medium to acquire knowledge. For future study, the study can highlight on barriers in knowledge acquisition through social media and extending the target population to the employees in the organizations.
Decentralization by Devolution; Perceptions of Councilors on the Level of their Decision Making Authority in Local Government Experience from Tarime Town Council
Authors: Kesale Anosisye Mwandulusya
Published: November 2016

Early 1990s governments across the South have embarked on democratic decentralization reforms aimed at introducing and strengthening local governance because of its assumed potential to improve the delivery of public services and alleviate poverty. To comply with that international practice, in early 2000 Tanzania government decide embarked on an ambitious Local Government Reform Program that addressed Political decentralization. Political decentralization signaled the government’s commitment to enhance the decision making authority of local government councils on matters affecting local development including determining priorities for local development, land use, finance, service delivery and human resource management. This paper sought to find out whether the selected local government council led by councilors enjoys the development planning, and service delivery authority as established in the local government law. The findings have confirmed that the case study council enjoyed modest decision making authority in the areas of local development planning, selecting local development strategy, and enjoyed even greater authority over service delivery powers.
Investigating Cyber Bullying: Pervasiveness, Causes and Socio-Psychological Impact on Adolescent Girls
Authors: Monni Swity Sultana , Sultana Alma
Published: November 2016

Technology affords abundant benefits to us but the more we are beneficent by the technology, the more the problems consequent to the technology emerged. As the use of internet in Bangladesh is increasing day by day, Cyberbullying is now considered as an emerging threats for the adolescent girls in Bangladesh. The primary objective of our paper is to elicit the causes and socio-psychological impact of cyberbullying toward our girls. Here, we collected data from 50 female respondents purposively from Sylhet City Corporation Area and applied survey method for conducting the research, we also followed case study and observation method in a little extent .Although people of all ages can be the victim of cyberBullying, In this paper our special focus is on the harassment of young girls due to cyber bullying which creates a great effect on their psychological health resulting a boundless depression, on their social status bringing about much defamation and finally may suicidal intention to get rid of this deviant and harmful behavior. We are hopeful that our research will be helpful for the further study on this issues and draw attention to our government to take effective steps to diminish this serious problem.
Chronological Study of Iran-U.S Relations (1785-1997)
Authors: Partowazar Baharak , Soltani Fakhreddin
Published: November 2016

Relationship between Iran and the United States started with a Trade Agreement during Qajar dynasty during Amir Kabir chancellorship, though formal diplomatic relationship was not established until 1944.During Pahlavi dynasty, their relationship improved and after the Islamic revolution their relationship transformedinto the hostility.Therefore, Iran-U.S relation has experienced complex changes. This article attempts to study major shifts in Iran-U.S relationssince Qajar dynasty until the end of Rafsanjani presidency in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Governance Indicators for Effective Management of Mangrove Resources
Authors: Affizzah A. M. Dyg , E. Salbiah , Afiza A. B. Nor , Shuib E. M.
Published: November 2016

Mangroves and marshes provide mutual benefits in terms of providing aquatic eco-systems. Swamp forests contribute a variety of services to carry out activities that depend on water resources such as agricultural production, fishing and tourism. Although the benefits are many, but the destruction of mangrove forests is alarming. A major reason for excessive depletion and conversion of wetland resources is often the failure to account adequately for their non market environmental values in developmental decision.  The management role of the relevant agencies will only be effective pending supports by other stakeholders who may benefit directly or indirectly from the mangrove forest. Thus the approach should not only focus on the technical nor economic and socio political issues only but to reinforce the relationships of the players or actors who have interest in the domain of mangrove forest. This study aims to identify the process of governance and its effectiveness in managing the ecosystem and also assessing the role of mangrove forests towards local communities in Kuching Wetlands. Items are analyzed using factor analysis and the factor extraction leads to multiple regression method. The study distinguish that  among the important factors in influencing the public perception of local governance mangrove forests in Kuching Wetlands, are community awareness, handling problems and conflict in the existing rules while other factors were not significant. However, most of the wetland local community does not contribute to ecotourism industry, even though they are aware of the importance if sustaining it. Thus the government can take opportunity to raise the awareness via the potential income that can be generated from eco tourism activities and realizing its importance of sustaining the natural resources.
International bibliography on coastal geomorphology (1983-1986)
Authors: International Geographical Union Commission on the Coastal Environmen
Published: November 2016

The Commission on the Coastal Environment, one of the oldest commissions of the lnternational Geographical Union, is issuing a new volume of its quadrennial International Bibliography on Coastal Geomorphology, whose editor is Professor J.F. Araya-Vergara from the University of Chile. This publication represents only one of the many activities of the Commission on the Coastal Environment. For the 1986-1988 period, several research projects have been carried out about the following topics: beach-dune system interactions, shore response to sea level rise, dynamics of coarse clastic beaches, cheniers, human impact on coastal lagoons and coral reefs, recreation uses in coastal areas, coastal hazards, nature of national policies for coastal open space. Publications of the main results of those projects will proceed as soon as enabling funds have been identified. Several meetings have been organized by the Commission during the last few years: Rocheford (France), 1984; Aix - en - Provence (France), 1985; Tallinn (USSR), 1986; Barcelona (Spain), 1986; Portland (USA), 1987 ; London (England), 1987. Guide-books and proceedings are available for most of those symposia. Six issues of the Newsletter edited by Professor Norbert P. Psuty from Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey (USA) have been issued since 1984. More than 450 corresponding members around the world are receiving the liaison bulletin aimed to facilitate exchange of information. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Professor J.F. Araya-Vergara for having accepted to edit this new volume of the lnternational Bibliography and the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism (Departament of Geography) of the University of Chile for having funded its publication.
Eventos extremos de lluvia y riesgo hidroclimático en zona de La Mata - Pernambuco/Brasil
Authors: Araújo de Lucena Joselma , Suassuna de A. Wanderley Lucas , Ranulpho Da Silva Rodrigo , Carvalho Rocha João Vitaliano , Silva Nóbrega Ranyére
Published: November 2016

Las inundaciones son fenómenos naturales asociados con peculiaridades urbanas se convierten en fuentes de peligro, el empeoramiento de las condiciones de vida de la población en la ciudad. En Brasil, los escenarios de degradación del medio ambiente que resultan de las desigualdades sociales y la infraestructura deficiente, junto con la ocupación de los problemas de espacio de relieve los riesgos y las vulnerabilidades que suelen coincidir con los entornos de los ríos urbanos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la ocurrencia de eventos extremos causados por las lluvias en mesorregión Zona da Mata, en Pernambuco, Brasil, sobre la base, los municipios de Barreiros y Palmares, está tratando de comprender la dinámica de las lluvias asociadas con el período de ocurrencia de un evento. Además, se investigó las condiciones de riesgo que llevaron o puedan dar lugar a zonas de desastre en el estudiada. Se seleccionaron los datos de lluvia disponible en la Agencia de Pernambuco Agua y Clima y (sistema de monitoreo agrometeorológico. El análisis se llevó a cabo, en primer lugar, las estadísticas descriptivas de las series de tiempo de precipitación, se calculó la tarde del índice de anomalías de lluvia (IAC) y análisis de imágenes de satélite para caracterizar el modelo de la lluvia y la dinámica atmosférica asociados con el período de ocurrencia de eventos de lluvias fuertes lluvias seleccionados, se concentró en un corto período de tiempo. también se llevó a cabo el trabajo de campo para registrar el impacto del evento. el principal evento de gran magnitud para los municipios precipitaciones fue lo que sucedió en junio de 2010 causado por la interrupción de la onda del Este que dio lugar a la inundación de ríos e inundaciones en varias ciudades de la cuenca del río Una y Mundaú.
Modelo glaciar heredado sobre áreas volcánicas activas. Caso Complejo Volcánico Cumbal.
Authors: Portilla Erazo Angela , Pizarro Jurado Fernando
Published: November 2016

El presente documento muestra los resultados de una caracterización geomorfológica realizada en el complejo volcánico Cumbal (Nariño - Colombia) mediante la cual se logró identificar, sobre dos estructuras volcánicas (una activa y otra en estado de caldera), el resultado geomorfológico producido por la abrasión glaciar y su interacción con algunos fenómenos vulcanológicos. Con el fin de identificar las geoformas resultantes de los procesos glaciares y volcánicos se realizó un trabajo de fotointerpretación sobre aerofotografías del IGAC acompañado de levantamiento y verificación de información en campo, de lo cual se logró obtener cartografía geomorfológica a escala 1:25000 acompañada de información geológica, suelos y de cobertura de la tierra que son variables que condicionan la morfodinámica en la zona. Como resultado se tiene que los principales procesos morfogénicos del área de estudio corresponden a la interacción en diferentes periodos de actividad volcánica de carácter explosiva y procesos crionivales y de abrasión glaciar asociada a un periodo frio cuyo estadio pleniglacial data desde hace 35.000 AP, lo cual se representa en la presencia de extensos flujos de lavas en la parte alta, valle glaciares desde los 3800 m.s.n.m. y lahares que rellenan colinas formadas por flujos piroclásticos subrecientes.
Risk factors for diarrhea in a cohort of dairy heifer calves reared in individual outdoor hutches in Piraí, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Fagundes Thais Ferreira , Vidal Letícia Gabriela Poblete , Alves Pedro Afonso Moreira , Tassinari Wagner De Souza , Menezes Rita de Cássia Alves Alcântara de , Fonseca Adevair Henrique da , Pereira Maria Julia Salim
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the association between diarrhea and risk factors potentially related to diarrhea incidence, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Eimeria and nematode infection, animal age, failure to transfer passive immunity, type of fertilization (artificial insemination - AI, in vitro production of embryos - IVP and natural breeding), mother (heifer/cow) and birth weight of heifer calves reared in individual outdoor hutches on a dairy farm. The database used in the present study refers to a weekly survey of a cohort of 118 heifer calves from birth to 100 days of age. A logistic generalized additive model (GAM) was fit to evaluate the functional relationship between the risk of diarrhea occurrence and birth weight. For analysis purposes, the database was divided into calves up to 30 days old and calves 31 to 100 days old. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models via generalized estimating equations. All variables were included in the models and were removed oneby-one according to Wald statistics to obtain the final model. The relative risks (RR) and their respective 90% confidence intervals were estimated. The final model for calves up to 30 days old showed that IVP [RR=0.33 (90% CI 0.14; 0.75)] is a protective factor and that Cryptosporidium spp. infection [RR=1.95 (90% CI 1.22; 3.12)] is a risk factor. Although not statistically significant [RR=1.46 (90% CI 0.98; 2.18)], failure to transfer passive immunity increases the risk of diarrhea. The final model for calves 31 - 100 days old showed that IVP [RR=0.50 (90% IC 0.28; 0.89)] and birth weight ? 40 kg [RR=0.65 (90% CI 0.47; 0.89)] are protective factors. In this age group, Cryptosporidium spp. infection has no statistical significance [RR=1.25 (90% CI 0.95; 1.64)]. These results indicate that some of the diarrhea episodes observed in animals up to 30 days old could be explained by Cryptosporidium infection; therefore, better monitoring of these animals is recommended. Greater care in colostrum administration is suggested because animals with hypoglobulinemia are more sensitive to diarrhea occurrence. Although attention should be given to all animals with a low birth weight, special care should be given to those 31 to 100 days old.
Action of exogenous oxytocin on stress modulation in crossbred Red Angus cows
Authors: Barros Janne Paula Neres de , Botteon Rita de Cássia Campbell Machado , Spíndola Bruno Ferreira , Oliveira Erica Bertha Führich Raupp , Pereira João Telhado , Botteon Paulo de Tarso Landgraf
Published: November 2016

Cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) are organised on the basis of leadership and dominance in such a manner that a disturbance by an external stressor causes negative effects on their health, productivity, well-being, and behaviour. One of these effects is the excessive release of glucocorticoids, which results in increased alertness. We evaluated the action of exogenous oxytocin (OT) on serum cortisol levels in crossbred Red Angus heifers. Twelve Red Angus crossbred heifers were moved daily from the pasture to the corral in weeks 1 and 2 for adaptation to human contact and handling in the cattle crush. In weeks 3 and 4, they were divided into two groups of six (T1 and T2). The T1 group was administered 20 IU (2 mL) of OT via intramuscular injection and the T2 group was administered 2 mL of saline solution 0.85% (SS). In weeks 5 and 6, they were only contained in the cattle crush for evaluation. On days 01, 07, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42, blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture in vacuum tubes without anticoagulants. Then, serum cortisol levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay. In the period of adaptation, during weeks 1 and 2, serum cortisol levels decreased in both the groups, with higher levels in the SS group; the same result was obtained in weeks 5 and 6. During treatment, however, there was a significant difference between the two groups in week 4, with a reduction in cortisol levels in the OT group. This result suggests a modulator effect of OT on neuroendocrine response to stress.
A Study on the EFL Teachers’ Awareness of Classroom Observation Criteria
Authors: Motallebzadeh Khalil , Samir Aynaz
Published: November 2016

The aim of the present study was to investigate the Iranian EFL teachers’ awareness of classroom observation criteria. To this end, 123 Iranian EFL teachers at several language institutes and universities participated in this study. The participants were selected through the convenience sampling method. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire for evaluating the criteria used for classroom observation. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated through Cronbach Alpha. The data were collected in person and through email; they were analyzed through descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The descriptive statistics indicated that an increase in teaching experience results in an increase in teachers’ awareness of the classroom observation criteria. The independent samples t-test indicated that there was not a significant difference between gender and the teachers’ awareness of classroom observation criteria. The results obtained from the ANOVA test indicated that there was no difference statistically in teachers’ awareness of classroom observation criteria between the fields of study, and level of education. The result of ANOVA test showed that age had a significant impact on teachers’ awareness of observation criteria. The findings of this study showed that a high percentage of Iranian EFL teachers are aware of the classroom observation criteria.