bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Validity of Current Mainstream Wearable Devices in Fitness Tracking Under Various Physical Activities: Comparative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Xie Junqing , Wen Dong , Liang Lizhong , Jia Yuxi , Gao Li , Lei Jianbo
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices have attracted much attention from the market in recent years for their fitness monitoring and other health-related metrics; however, the accuracy of fitness tracking results still plays a major role in health promotion.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a host of latest wearable devices in measuring fitness-related indicators under various seminatural activities.

METHODS

A total of 44 healthy subjects were recruited, and each subject was asked to simultaneously wear 6 devices (Apple Watch 2, Samsung Gear S3, Jawbone Up3, Fitbit Surge, Huawei Talk Band B3, and Xiaomi Mi Band 2) and 2 smartphone apps (Dongdong and Ledongli) to measure five major health indicators (heart rate, number of steps, distance, energy consumption, and sleep duration) under various activity states (resting, walking, running, cycling, and sleeping), which were then compared with the gold standard (manual measurements of the heart rate, number of steps, distance, and sleep, and energy consumption through oxygen consumption) and calculated to determine their respective mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs).

RESULTS

Wearable devices had a rather high measurement accuracy with respect to heart rate, number of steps, distance, and sleep duration, with a MAPE of approximately 0.10, whereas poor measurement accuracy was observed for energy consumption (calories), indicated by a MAPE of up to 0.44. The measurements varied for the same indicator measured by different fitness trackers. The variation in measurement of the number of steps was the highest (Apple Watch 2: 0.42; Dongdong: 0.01), whereas it was the lowest for heart rate (Samsung Gear S3: 0.34; Xiaomi Mi Band 2: 0.12). Measurements differed insignificantly for the same indicator measured under different states of activity; the MAPE of distance and energy measurements were in the range of 0.08 to 0.17 and 0.41 to 0.48, respectively. Overall, the Samsung Gear S3 performed the best for the measurement of heart rate under the resting state (MAPE of 0.04), whereas Dongdong performed the best for the measurement of the number of steps under the walking state (MAPE of 0.01). Fitbit Surge performed the best for distance measurement under the cycling state (MAPE of 0.04), and Huawei Talk Band B3 performed the best for energy consumption measurement under the walking state (MAPE of 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

At present, mainstream devices are able to reliably measure heart rate, number of steps, distance, and sleep duration, which can be used as effective health evaluation indicators, but the measurement accuracy of energy consumption is still inadequate. Fitness trackers of different brands vary with regard to measurement of indicators and are all affected by the activity state, which indicates that manufacturers of fitness trackers need to improve their algorithms for different activity states.
Public Awareness of Uterine Power Morcellation Through US Food and Drug Administration Communications: Analysis of Google Trends Search Term Patterns (Preprint)
Authors: Wood Lauren N , Jamnagerwalla Juzar , Markowitz Melissa A , Thum D Joseph , McCarty Philip , Medendorp Andrew R , Raz Shlomo , Kim Ja-Hong
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Uterine power morcellation, where the uterus is shred into smaller pieces, is a widely used technique for removal of uterine specimens in patients undergoing minimally invasive abdominal hysterectomy or myomectomy. Complications related to power morcellation of uterine specimens led to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) communications in 2014 ultimately recommending against the use of power morcellation for women undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy. Subsequently, practitioners drastically decreased the use of morcellation.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the effect of increased patient awareness on the decrease in use of the morcellator. Google Trends is a public tool that provides data on temporal patterns of search terms, and we correlated this data with the timing of the FDA communication.

METHODS

Weekly relative search volume (RSV) was obtained from Google Trends using the term “morcellation.” Higher RSV corresponds to increases in weekly search volume. Search volumes were divided into 3 groups: the 2 years prior to the FDA communication, a 1-year period following, and thereafter, with the distribution of the weekly RSV over the 3 periods tested using 1-way analysis of variance. Additionally, we analyzed the total number of websites containing the term “morcellation” over this time.

RESULTS

The mean RSV prior to the FDA communication was 12.0 (SD 15.8), with the RSV being 60.3 (SD 24.7) in the 1-year after and 19.3 (SD 5.2) thereafter (P<.001). The mean number of webpages containing the term “morcellation” in 2011 was 10,800, rising to 18,800 during 2014 and 36,200 in 2017.

CONCLUSIONS

Google search activity about morcellation of uterine specimens increased significantly after the FDA communications. This trend indicates an increased public awareness regarding morcellation and its complications. More extensive preoperative counseling and alteration of surgical technique and clinician practice may be necessary.
Administrative Law and Relations between Governments: Australia and Europe Compared
Authors: Saunders Cheryl
Published: January 2018

The principal focus of this essay is review of administrative decisions taken in the course of co-operation between governments in a federation or in a constitutional system with some federal characteristics.

The nature of the problem is illustrated, albeit in a different context, by a decision of Sir Anthony Mason in Tasmanian Wilderness Society v Fraser. The decision concerned an inter-governmental body, the Australian Loan Council. The Loan Council was established pursuant to the Financial Agreement, authorised by s 105A of the Australian Constitution. Its members were the Prime Minister and the Premiers of each of the States, or their nominees who were often, in practice, their Treasurers. As it then stood, the Financial Agreement provided for approval of the combined borrowing program of all Australian governments by the Loan Council, under weighted majority voting rules that gave the Commonwealth two votes and a casting vote. In practice, the Loan Council had long since assumed the function of approving the aggregate borrowing program for “larger” semi-government authorities as well, under the socalled “Gentlemen's Agreement”.
Federalism and Administrative Discretion in Australia, with European Comparisons
Authors: Zines Leslie
Published: January 2018

My subject is the extent to which the federal features of the Constitution restrict the power of Parliaments in Australia to legislate to confer discretionary powers on executive and administrative officers. I shall also examine the relevance of the ayailability and scope of administrative law remedies to that issue.

By “the federal features of the Constitution” I mean the distribution of powers between the Commonwealth and the States and provisions that deal with the relationship of the several States with each other and with the Commonwealth, such as ss 92 and 117; and those limitations on federal powers designed to prevent State favouritism, for example ss 99 and 51(ii), (iii).

I will not be dealing with the effect of the separation of the judicial power of the Commonwealth on the administration, under Chapter III of the Constitution. While an independent and separate central judiciary may be regarded as an essential ingredient of a federal state, its role and function extend further, providing a guarantee of the rule of law, which is, of course, just as applicable to non-federal states.
The Nature of the Australian Constitution: The Limitations of the Institutional and Revisionist Approaches
Authors: Wright John SF
Published: January 2018

The nature of the Australian Consitution is usually described as eiher monarchic and parliamentary, or republican and federal. However, more than succinct expressions of the key political concepts behind the Australian Constitution, the two metaphors are the products of particular forms of analysis. Essentially, the terms parliamentary or consitutional monarchy and federal republic are the products of either revisionist or institutional interpretations of the Australian Constitution. The institutional interpretation focuses on tie practical function of the Constitution's federal and parliamentary institutions, and the origins of these devices within the British and American Constitutions. For example, as the Australian Constitution embraces the institutions of both Anerican federalism and British parliamentary government, institutionalists interpret its nature by relating the strucure and operation of Australia's federal and parliamentary institutions to the function of sinilar devices within the British and American Constitutions.
PENERAPAN METODE PEMBELAJARAN WHOLE BRAIN PADA MATA KULIAH TELAAH MATEMATIKA SD
Authors: Napfiah Siti
Published: January 2018

Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk menerapkan pembelajaran whole brain pada mata kuliah Telaah Matematika SD. Metode pembelajaran whole brain memberikan cara pemanfaatan manajemen kelas yang baik sebagai dasar proses pembelajaran. Jika manajemen kelas dapat terkelola dengan baik, maka mahasiswa dapat merasa nyaman untuk mengikuti proses pembelajaran. Selanjutnya metode ini menekankan seorang pendidik untuk melakukan pengajaran dengan memanfaatkan kegiatan visual, audio dan kinestetik secara bersama, sehingga kedua bagian otak dapat bekerja secara maksimal. Pendidik harus menggunakan media pembelajaran dan gerakan-gerakan yang menarik dalam penyampaian materi dan dituntut untuk melibatkan peserta didiknya ke dalam setiap pembelajaran. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan metode pembelajaran whole brain yang dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar mahasiswa. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas. Metode pembelajaran yang dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar mahasiswa adalah metode pembelajaran whole brain yang mana pengelolaan manajemen kelas harus tertata dengan baik serta peserta didik harus diajak melakukan kegiatan audio, visual, dan kinestetik secara bersama-sama. Berdasarkan hasil tes diketahui bahwa lebih dari 50% mahasiswa di kelas memperoleh skor lebih dari 75. Dengan metode pembelajaran whole brain yang melibatkan keseluruhan indra yang merangsang kedua bagian otak bekerja secara maksimal dan pengaturan manajemen kelas yang baik maka proses pembelajaran matematika dapat diterima oleh peserta didik dengan baik.
ANALISIS KESALAHAN MENYELESAIKAN SOAL PEMBUKTIAN GEOMETRI EUCLID DITINJAU DARI GENDER PADA MAHASISWA IKIP BUDI UTOMO MALANG
Authors: Yazidah Nok Izatul
Published: January 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan tentang jenis, dan penyebab kesalahan mahasiswa IKIP Budi Utomo Malang dalam menyelesaikan soal pembuktian Geometri Euclid serta pengaruh gender dalam menyelesaikan soal pembuktian tersebut. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini meliputi: (1) tes yang digunakan untuk mengetahui letak kesalahan mahasiswa dalam menyelesaiakan soal pembuktian Geometri Euclid serta adakah pengaruh gender di dalamnya; (2) wawancara yang digunakan untuk mendapatkan data factor penyebab kesalahan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian Kesalahan menyelesaikan soal pembuktian Geometri Euclid yang dilakukan mahasiswa IKIP Budi Utomo Malang diantaranya adalah kesalahan konseptual pada soal no 1 sebayak 32 % sedangkan pada soal no 2 sebanyak 25. 17%, kesalahan prosedural pada soal no 1 sebayak 26,67% sedangkan pada soal no 2 sebanyak 30.83%,serta kesalahan teknis hanya terjadi pada saat mengerjakan soal no 1 yaitu sebayak 0.83%. Perbedaan gender pada saat menyelesaikan soal pembuktian Geometri Euclid perbedaannya tidak signifikan sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa tidak ada pengaruh gender dalam menyelesaikan soal pembuktian geometri Euclid. Banyak penyebab mahasiswa melakukan kesalahan dalam menyelesaikan soal-soal pembeuktian Geometri Euclid salah satunya adalah mahasiswa kesulitan dalam mencari alasan pada langkah-langkah pembuktian bangun geometri

Kata kunci: Kesalahan, Pembuktian, Geometri Euclid, Gender
PENGGUNAAN MODEL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING BERBANTUAN E-LEARNING TERHADAP KEMANDIRIAN BELAJAR MAHASISWA PADA DIMENSI TIGA
Authors: Saputra Jusep
Published: January 2018

Self-regulated learning of learners can be achieved, if in the process of learning mathematics provides an open opportunity for students to learn independently. This research is a mixed method type embedded design, which aims to do studies focused on the use of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model assisted e-learning to student self-regulated learning. Sample selection is done on the purposive sampling and was taken 2 class contracting courses of school math III. Class A numbered 50 members, 24 the superior group and 26 the low group, given the treatment with PBL models assisted e-learning and class B numbered 50, 27 the superior group and 23 the low group, with expository. Instruments used in this research is self-regulated learning questionnaire with Likert scale. Based on data analysis we concluded that (1) Self-regulated learning of superior and low student who obtains aided PBL models assisted e-learning is better than self-regulated learning of superior and low superior students who obtain expository.
PENGGUNAAN MATEMATIKA REALISTIK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN DISPOSISI MATEMATIS SISWA SMP
Authors: Puspitawati Vincentia Septi , Agasi Georgius Rocki
Published: January 2018

The problem of mathematics learning often happens in mathematics teaching that seems far from the real problem. Realistic mathematics learning can help students to understand about mathematics concepts that abstract for them. If the teachers use real context in mathematics learning, students will be more attracted and interested. The purpose of this research is to look at the effect of realistic mathematics learning towards student's mathematical disposition. The method of this research is descriptive quantitative. The subjects were 35 students of SMP N 14 Yogyakarta grade 7 and this research held in one month. The instrument is students' mathematical disposition scale questionnaire. The students fill the questionnaire before and after they are given a treatment. The result of the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics, by looking at the average before and after treatment and categorized according to the average value. Based on the results of the descriptive statistical analysis showed that an average of students’ mathematical disposition has increased. The average value of students in pre-treatment is 96.02 with the medium category and then after treatment is given to the 109.44 with the high category
INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF ENTERPRISES OF RETAIL TRADE NETWORKS BASED ON THE MODELING BUSINESS PROCESSES
Authors: Оборин Матвей , Oborin Matvey , СТАРИКОВА Людмила , STARIKOVA Lyudmila
Published: January 2018

The article considers universal technology of modeling business processes, which in modern terms represents an innovative approach for enhancing the effectiveness of the main activities of economic entities. The authors describe the benefits of a regulation of each stage of the production cycle, identify areas of savings and optimization of resources for key business processes, and define the features of the considered technology in organizations with different characteristics.

The purpose of the study is adaptation of the technology of modeling business processes to the current business entity – the leading trading companies of Perm region of the "Vivat" network.

Scientific novelty consists in application of the modeling techniques of business processes for comprehensive economic benefits, namely time savings, cost reduction, profit growth.

Through the example of the company retail network the authors build model of business processes taking into account implementation of specialized regulations, non-regulatory trading-technological process.

By checking the quality of implementation of these regulations the authors carry out the analysis of trade-technological process trade network "Vivat". As a working tool the authors apply the method of expert evaluations. The study has revealed that inexpedient costs arise from the block of the business process "Prepare and send the order".

Within the framework of the research, the "Evaluations of the execution of regulations" sheet was developed and separately for each block with a certain number of parameters in the blocks, evaluation activities were carried out. The authors also note the advantages of the developed evaluation sheet. With the purpose of increasing the efficiency of business processes in the trading network, the regulations "Implementing a local markdown of goods" has been developed and implemented. As a result, the authors have revealed the expediency of applying business modeling technology, and the economic effect was achieved: a significant reduction in costs and an increase in profits.

This study allows to conclude that the use of innovative approaches to improving business processes is a necessary tool to improve the quality management of businesses.
Terrorism and Tourism: two sides of the same coin
Authors: КОРСТАНЬЕ Максимилиано , KORSTANJE Maximiliano
Published: January 2018

The present short essay brings the problem of terrorism into the foreground. Basically, terrorism not only was catalogued as the major threat for Western civilization but also for tourism and hospitality industries. We hold the thesis that far from being affected by, tourism and terrorism share the same origin, the same point of convergence, which dates back towards nineteen century and the unification and formation of the first worker unions. Though polemic, our argumentation is based on the historical facts and evidence left by the action of first anarchists in the US. The same benefits prompted by anarchosyndicalists who by an extreme violence shocked the government, were the background for the rise and expansion of modern tourism worldwid
Multiculturalismo e as Relações Hibridas na Educação
Authors: Fetter Shirlei Alexandra , Gevher Danie Luciano
Published: January 2018

Este estudo buscou ressaltar as concepções de hibridismo cultural. A discussão se expõe com fundamentos sobre como se caracteriza hibridismo cultural, interculturalismo e multiculturalismo, bem como sua representação na sociedade contemporânea. No decorrer, o texto centraliza à cultura ao analisar as práticas educativas desenvolvidas na contemporaneidade. Elas chamam a atenção para a ressignificação do currículo como espaço interativo sobre as identidades homogêneas. Nesse contexto, as discussões permeiam sobre as propostas curriculares sob uma abordagem hibrida. Destarte, entendemos que o mais importante ao se discutir a centralidade da cultura nas abordagens curriculares não é o intercultural ou multicultural, mas a concepção de que a cultura, conforme o modelo de hibridismo que apresenta a diversidade cultural que é a da multiculturalidade existente em diversos grupos culturais de uma mesma sociedade.
DO RITUAL AO GLOBAL: espetacularização das culturas e religiões populares
Authors: Horta Ana Paula Santos
Published: January 2018

As conseqüências da globalização, tais como: desagregação familiar, êxodo rural, consumismo, turismo e espetacularização das festas, entre outras, redefinem hoje o que é cultura popular e nos faz pensar para além da sua produção, mas também na circulação e no consumo de bens simbólicos e materiais a ela atrelados. O presente artigo é uma análise teórica e empírica de algumas festas religiosas e populares brasileiras investigadas a partir da etnografia de Carlos Rodrigues Brandão. A pesquisa em andamento tem sido empreendida em três dimensões: teórica, documental e pesquisa de campo a partir de observação participante. O objetivo é discutir o processo de mundialização/globalização da cultura e identificar elementos de ressignificação, transformação e espetacularização de rituais religiosos.
A Presença Indígena no Telejornal Liberal: Redes de Memória e Identidade
Authors: Assumpção Douglas Junio Fernandes , Corradi Analaura , Correa Karen dos Santos
Published: January 2018

Desde o início da colonização, nas primeiras cartas enviadas à Europa, os povos indígenas passaram a ser descritos pelo olhar estrangeiro. A interação com os colonizadores propiciou para que as práticas indígenas sofressem alterações e as legitimações discursivas sobre eles começassem a se constituírem. Tomando a análise do discurso como uma referência teórico-metodológica, este artigo se propõe analisar um vídeo, de 7 minutos e 51 segundos, referente a uma matéria sobre protestos realizados pelos indígenas da etnia Munduruku na cidade Jacareacanga – estado Pará, veiculado no telejornal Liberal 1ª edição – afiliada da Rede Globo, no dia 3 de julho de 2012. Essa análise se fundamenta nas discussões teóricas dos estudos culturais envolvendo redes de memória e identidade sendo atravessadas pela perspectiva discursiva foucaultiana, e estudos sobre identidade, discurso e mídia, usando a análise do discurso para compreender como as produções discursivas midiáticas estão permeadas de relações de poder, regimes de verdade e procedimentos de controle que legitimam discursos sobre os indígenas brasileiros.  Neste, o discurso veiculado sobre os indígenas mostra o que é ser indígena no Brasil: agressivo e selvagem. Depara-se, com isso, que a matéria televisiva coloca em circulação enunciados que se inscrevem em uma rede de memórias estabelecendo um indígena selvagem e perigoso
Percorrendo as Veredas das Práticas Translinguajeiras em Contexto Transfronteiriço: Possíveis Travessias no Ensino-Aprendizagem de Língua Portuguesa Adicional
Authors: Leroy Henrique Rodrigues , Santos Maria Elena Pires
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de discutir sobre como as práticas translíngues (GARCÍA, 2014),  transculturais (ORTÍZ, 2002) e descoloniais (MIGNOLO, 2000) são manifestadas na sala de aula de Língua Portuguesa Adicional (PLA) da Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana (UNILA), sediada na cidade de Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brasil, na região da Tríplice Fronteira com a Argentina e o Paraguai. Tais manifestações translinguajeiras, transculturais e descoloniais em sala de aula de PLA em contexto de fronteira são advindas dos textos escritos produzidos pelos estudantes para seus trabalhos finais da disciplina de PLA.  Espera-se, assim, que as atividades aplicadas no contexto de sala de aula de PLA possam recombinar, ressignificar e visibilizar as vozes performadas pelos trans-sujeitos aprendizes, abrindo possibilidades para que transitem por uma multiplicidade de lugares e colaborando ativamente nas diversas redes configuradas pelos territórios transfronteiriços.
ANALISA STATUS, KEDUDUKAN, DAN PEKERJAAN PEGAWAI TIDAK TETAP DALAM UU No. 5/2014 TENTANG APARATUR SIPIL NEGARA (ANALYSIS OF STATUS, POSITION, AND LEGAL STANDING OF TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE IN ACT OF 5/2014 ABOUT STATE CIVIL APPARATUS)
Authors: Jati Wasisto Raharjo
Published: January 2018

This article aims to analyze comparatively towards the status and position of temporary employees in Act of 43/1999 and government employees with contract agreements in Act of 5/2014. Analysis has focused on the main duties and functions of state / country and its standings in state employee management. The results of this study indicate that there is evolution in analyzing non-permanent employees form theLaw No. 43/1999 and the latest replacement rules which is Act of 5/2014. The lack of clarity regarding the status, position, and the fate of temporary employees,which has not previously accommodated in Employment Act, has been clarified in the Act of 5/2014.Keywords : Temporary Employee, Civil Services, Merit System, Bureaucracy SystemArtikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tentang status dan kedudukan pegawai tidak tetap baik dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 43 Tahun 1999 dan Undang-Undang Nomor 5 Tahun 2014. Analisa yang ditampilkan berlokus kepada tugas pokok fungsi maupun status/kedudukannya dalam manajemen kepegawaian negara. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terjadi evolusi dalam menganalisis pegawai tidak tetap dari Undang-Undang Nomor 43 Tahun 1999 hingga yang terbarukan dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 43 Tahun 1999. Ketidakjelasan mengenai status, kedudukan, nasib yang selama ini belum diakomodir dalam Undang-Undang Kepegawaian sebelumnya, kini sudah diperjelas semuanya dalam Undang-Undang ASN 2014 ini.Kata Kunci : Pegawai Tidak Tetap, Pegawai Negeri Sipil, Sistem Merit
Perfusion computed tomographic measurements of cerebral blood flow variables in live Holstein calves
Authors: Kishimoto Miori , Kushida Kazuya , Yamada Kazutaka
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE To measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) by means of perfusion CT in clinically normal Holstein calves.

ANIMALS 9 Holstein calves.

PROCEDURES Each of the 9 calves (mean age, 20.2 days) was anesthetized and received an injection of iodinated contrast medium into the right jugular vein at a rate of 4.0 mL/s. Dynamic CT scanning of the head at a level that included the mandibular condyle was initiated at the time of the contrast medium injection and continued for 100 seconds. A deconvolution method was used as an analytic algorithm.

RESULTS Among the 9 calves, the mean ± SD CBF in the cerebral cortex, white matter, and thalamus was 44.3 ± 10.3 mL/100 g/min, 36.1 ± 7.5 mL/100 g/min, and 40.3 ± 7.5 mL/100 g/min, respectively. The CBF in white matter was significantly lower than that in the cerebral cortex or thalamus. The mean CBV in the cerebral cortex, white matter, and thalamus was 6.8 ± 1.0 mL/100 g, 5.2 ± 1.0 mL/100 g, and 5.7 ± 0.7 mL/100 g, respectively. The CBV in the cerebral cortex was significantly higher than that in the white matter or thalamus.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Measurement of CBF and CBV in clinically normal calves by means of perfusion CT was feasible. The data obtained may be useful as baseline values for use in future research or for comparison with findings from calves with CNS diseases. Investigations to determine the lower limit of blood flow at which brain function can still be restored are warranted.
Inclusive Institutions for Sustainable Economic Development
Authors: Jakšić Miomir , Jakšić Milica
Published: January 2018

In recent two decades, due to contributions of political macroeconomics, the focus of macroeconomics turned away from a narrow perspective based on market and privatisation (market fundamentalism) towards a broader perspective based on institutions and values (institutionalism). Within the institutional paradigm, the emphasis nowadays is put on inclusive institutions. The main thesis of one of leading proponents of political macroeconomics, D. Acemoglu, is: “growth is much more likely under inclusive (economic and political) institutions than extractive institutions.” Good institutions are characterized by three attributes: 1) they establish and protect property rights; 2) they restrict social elites which strive to expropriate income and property of others members of society; 3) they provide equal chances for employment, social security and civil rights to all individuals. Good institutions contribute to political stability, successful macroeconomic policy, and enhance initiatives. The key role of institutions is to secure stability and continuity. Extractive institutions can negatively affect entrepreneurship and entire economic development in two ways: a) by increasing the opportunity cost, resulting in upward movement of the opportunity cost curve; and b) by affecting return to entrepreneurship resulting in leftward movement of the return to entrepreneurship curve. Apart from independence and accountability of institutions what is needed is sufficient level of inclusion. Inclusion should encompass three dimensions: personal, financial, and political. The introduction of principles of independence, accountability, and inclusion is essential for emergence and performance of all institutions.
Who put the Holes in the Swiss Cheese? Currency Crisis Under Appreciation Pressure
Authors: Berthold Kristin , Stadtmann Georg
Published: January 2018

We examine the reasons why the SNB gave up the lower floor of the 1.20 CHF/EUR exchange rate arrangement. Three types of shocks played a role: Exogenous shocks to the autonomous component of money demand, interest rate decreases of the ECB, as well as appreciation expectations. In order to defend these shocks, the SNB intervened heavily in the foreign exchange market. This led to an accumulation of reserves in the central bank’s balance sheet of the size of 80% of Swiss GDP. Interestingly, the SNB did not lower the interest rate into the negative range during the time period where the peg was in place. Hence, the SNB did not do ”whatever it takes” to defend the peg.
Homesickness Experience, Distress and Sleep Quality of First-Year University Students Dealing with Academic Environment
Authors: Biasi Valeria , Mallia Luca , Russo Paolo , Menozzi Francesca , Cerutti Rita , Violani Cristiano
Published: January 2018

The literature shows that homesickness can have a negative impact on different areas of psychological functioning such as cognitive, emotional, behavioral, physical and social ones. The study, conducted on a sample of first-year university students, aimed to test a model hypothesizing that two distinct dimensions of homesickness, attachment to home and disliking university, could have both direct and indirect effects on their psychological distress and sleep difficulties. Two hundred and seventy-seven first-year students (70.4% Female) living away from home (mean age= 21.3, SD= 2.7) were included in the study and filled out questionnaires assessing homesickness, psychological distress and sleep difficulties. Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis confirmed that the two homesickness dimensions worked differently since only the one relating to new place adjustment difficulties (i.e. disliking the university) resulted having both direct and indirect effects on students’ sleep difficulties. Although female students reported higher levels of psychological distress compared to males, the multi-group SEM analysis showed that the pattern of multivariate relationships linking the two dimensions of homesickness, psychological distress and sleep difficulties, was invariant across gender. The results of the present study suggest that university counselling and guidance services should quickly screen students experiencing homesickness and offer effective counselling programs focusing on enhancing their capacities to deal with the new academic environment.
Efficacy of Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Systematic Desensitization and Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy in Reducing the Test Anxiety Status of Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
Authors: Aihie Osenweugwor Ngozi , Igbineweka Martins Noyosase
Published: January 2018

This study investigated the differential efficacy of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Systematic Desensitization (SD) and Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) in reducing the test anxiety status of undergraduates in a Nigerian University. To guide the study two research questions were raised and two corresponding hypotheses formulated. The study, a pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group quasi experiment adopted a 3x2x2 factorial design. A sample of one hundred and twentythree undergraduate students in a Nigerian University participated in the study. A twenty-item Test Anxiety Inventory adapted from Spielberger (1980) was revalidated and administered to the sample to collect data for the study. The internal consistency of the instrument had a Crombach’s alpha value of 0.82. Data collected were analysed using Analysis of Variance statistics and the hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. The results revealed statistically significant decreases in test anxiety of participants in two of the treatment groups – Systematic Desensitization and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. The effectiveness of the two treatments on test anxiety was found to be independent of gender of the participants. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy had no statistically significant effect on the test anxiety of the participants. It was concluded that Systematic Desensitization and Solution Focused Brief Therapy are effective methods of reducing test anxiety in learners. Based on the results, recommendations were made.
Equal Opportunities for all Albanian Learners
Authors: Taraj Gentjana
Published: January 2018

Inclusive education guarantees the right of education for every child despite their physical and/or mental disabilities. In other words inclusion aims at placement of special education students in general classrooms giving learners equal possibilities of education within the differences in their abilities to learn. Unfortunately, the implementation of inclusive education in Albania is still facing lots of difficulties. Traditionally, Albanian children with disabilities are segregated into separate learning environments. However, during the last two decades attempts are made to integrate them in the mainstream education. Although we are far from a successful implementation of inclusive education we consider it as very important since it maximizes the learning experiences of both mainstream and disabled learners. In this paper, the factors related to the inclusion of learners with disabilities in the mainstream education are discussed. Drafting of an inclusive curriculum which is the same for all schools and all learners, whether they are in mainstream or special schools is considered as crucial. The paper raises the questions of changing the attitude of educators in regard to learners with disabilities, increasing their professional knowledge about the learning differences as well as highlighting the tools of how to address each of them so that equal possibility to gain knowledge within the limits of capability are given to all learners. The significance and relevant effects of these factors will be the basis of the conclusion of this paper.
Current Trends and Issues in Albanian Language Use
Authors: Draçini Rrezarta , Murati Rezearta
Published: January 2018

Language is an instrument for communication and it has the obligation to serve people improving it. But in fact there are moments when language and its rules, decided by a group of people, goes against this purpose, creating so a disorientation between the users and misapprehension of the messages transmitted. In the Orthography of Albanian Language printed in 1973 (p.23) is written “The foreign names has to be written according to the tradition of their use in Albanian taking in consideration the pronunciation in their relative language.” Last 20 years in publications, periodic and visual medias in Albania we can note that the Albanian language is in crossroad between: a rule imposed in a situation of complete isolation and the actual situation of multiple contacts that makes the rule a barrier. Nowadays the same names are written in different forms losing so the correlation with the original and causing a enormous problem not only linguistic but cultural and interpersonal, too. For example referring to high school textbook of literature we will find the names of the American authors as pronounced, in the following forms: Teodor Ruthk, Robert Louell, Xhon Berrimen, Robert Krili, Allen Ginsbergu, Majkell Meklur, Xhek Spicer, Diane Uakoski etc. If an Albanian student would like to prepare a homework and he goes to search in internet information or to find bibliography about these authors, will be impossible to have results, because these names don’t exist in that form. According to the EU and UN norms, the names must be written in respect of the original form. Therefore the Albanian language should reflect social, political and cultural changes of the society, an open society needs an flexible and opened language because as Hudson said “Linguistics ignores the society for its harm”.
Being Mafia Children: An Empirical Transgenerational Research
Authors: Giunta Serena , Mannino Giuseppe , Bizzarri Cinzia , La Fiura Giuliana
Published: January 2018

Our empirical study aims at understanding and analyzing whether and how the way in which the “sons of Mafia” consider their own family and the society in general has changed over time. The psychological study is based on a sample of 11 subjects all sons of the Mafia men divided according to a generational variable, i.e. these two ranges of age: 17-28 and 39-62. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using the Grounded Theory method. From the comparison these elements emerged: first of all, the subjects have a distinct perception of these three different areas: - family, and especially the bond with their fathers; - society, represented mainly by the relationship with peers; - Mafia, specifically in relation to the value codes of this criminal organization. The analysis of these areas has allowed us to give a cross-reading of the Mafia phenomenon outlining the differences in the way in which the present generations and the past ones live and perceive it.
Case Study of Engineering Risk in Automotive Industry
Authors: Popa Dan Mihai
Published: January 2018

The primary objective of this paper is to show where the engineering of risk management is placed and how its implementation has been tried in multinational companies in automotive industry from Romania. A large number of companies don’t use a strategy to avoid the engineering risk in their design products. The main reason is not because these companies haven’t heard about standards for risk management such as ISO 31000; the problem is that the business units which were summed up, have just set up a risk list at the beginning of the project, without any follow up. The purpose of this article is to create an implementation risk tracking in automotive industry companies in Romania, due to a change request from customers according to supply companies within the quality process, in the research and development phase.
Improvement of Selected Logistics Processes Using Quality Engineering Tools
Authors: Zasadzień Michał , Žarnovský Jozef
Published: January 2018

Increase in the number of orders, the increasing quality requirements and the speed of order preparation require implementation of new solutions and improvement of logistics processes. Any disruption that occurs during execution of an order often leads to customer dissatisfaction, as well as loss of his/her confidence. The article presents a case study of the use of quality engineering methods and tools to improve the e-commerce logistic process. This made it possible to identify and prioritize key issues, identify their causes, and formulate improvement and prevention measures.
РОЛЬ ОБЩЕСТВЕННЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЙ В ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОМ ВОСПИТАНИИ ПРИ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ МАСШТАБНЫХ ПРИРОДООХРАННЫХ МЕРОПРИЯТИЙ
Authors: Тарбаева В.М.
Published: January 2018

Без аннотации
ПРОБЛЕМЫ ВОВЛЕЧЕНИЯ ОБЩЕСТВЕННОСТИ В ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТЬ ПО СОХРАНЕНИЮ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО РАЗНООБРАЗИЯ
Authors: Ермакович Ю.М.
Published: January 2018

Рассмотрены вопросы вовлечения общественности в деятельность по сохранению биоразнообразия, среди которых первоочередными являются информирование населения о конкретных проблемах и общее экологическое просвещение. Выделены требующие дальнейших исследований аспекты этих проблем и предложены способы восполнения выявленных пробелов. Обсуждены результаты собственных исследований по дифференцированным мерам для вовлечения общественности в природоохранную деятельность с применением социологических опросных методов исследований, сопоставления данных опросов среди экспертов с анализом публикаций по экологической тематике в региональных СМИ, анализа материалов Красной книги природы Санкт-Петербурга для выявления взаимосвязи между наиболее уязвимыми видами животных и растений и формами деятельности, создающими для них антропогенные угрозы.
ЭВОЛЮЦИОННЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ СОЦИОКУЛЬТУРНОГО ЛАНДШАФТА ЛЕНИНГРАДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ: ПРИЗНАКИ АРХАИЗАЦИИ
Authors: Окладникова Е.А.
Published: January 2018

Эволюция социокультурного ландшафта Ленинградской области рассмотрена с позиций социально- антропологического подхода на основании интервьюирования более 200 жителей поселков городского типа. Выявлены элементы архаизации, которые проявились:1) в негативном отношении к урбанизированной окружающей среде; 2) в возрождении традиционных русских крестьянских этноидентификационных практик, выражающих латентный протест населения против урбанизации и глобализации, меняющих облик этого типа ландшафта.
Adaptive parallelism with RMI: Idle high-performance computing resources can be completely avoided.
Authors: Spenke Florian , Balzer Karsten , Frick Sascha , Hartke Bernd , Dieterich Johannes M.
Published: January 2018

A new parallel high-performance computing setup, which can use every little bit of computing resources left over by traditional scheduling, regardless how small or big it may be. This enables HPC providers to achieve 100 percent load on their machines at all times, and it enables HPC users to get substantial computing time on HPC systems that are "full" with traditional jobs.
DESIGNS AND APPLICATIONS OF COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE COURSE TEACHING IN ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY
Authors: Wattoo Shahzad
Published: January 2018

The experimental course is an effective way to master and verify the theory for electrical engineering students. For electrical appliances professional teachers, how to design the experimental courses and guide students to learn through experiments is an important aspect of teaching work. In this paper, the course of the realization of the electrical professional students at home and abroad were analyzed. Based on the characteristics of the specialty courses, the teaching system of the comprehensive practice course of electrical specialty was realized, and the application of this design was tested in the case of the combination of theoretical knowledge, the design of the experimental teaching includes the curriculum arrangement, practice site design, practice equipment condition and many other aspects, the curriculum teaching design in this paper also takes the actual situations of the curriculum course content into account. The results show that the practical teaching designed in this paper can basically meet the practical content of electrical professional students, and the design of the electrical practice system can complete the students' practical requirements too.
电商企业人才战略研究
Authors: 郑 飞
Published: January 2018

如今，企业竞争取决于人才竞争，如何制定合适的人才战略，提升组织和人力资源竞争力，是制胜的关键。人才资源是企业的核心资源，其增值潜力最大，最具投资价值。有效的人才战略，可以广泛地吸纳人才，提高人才素质，完善用人机制，提高企业竞争力。论文通过对电商企业人才战略的研究，提出了一套合理的符合实际操作的人才战略模式。
高校网络营销课程 APP 软件教学平台模型建构及功能分析
Authors: 曹 倬衔
Published: January 2018

现在高校市场营销专业毕业的大学生都有一个普遍的问题，即学了很多理论知识，但在实际工作中 不会运用。其根本原因就是高校在上网络营销这门课程时没有把课本知识与企业的实际操作有效结合起来。论 文旨在构建最新的 APP 移动教学平台来帮助高校克服传统教学的缺陷，有效地将网络营销理论知识通过 APP 移动教学平台直观生动地呈现给学生。从理论课程到实训实践，用最先进的仿真技术模拟企业网络营销的实际 操作流程，每个课程的环节都交由平台完成。用着这种既节约了上课的时间，丰富了课程内容，又培养了企业需 要的“实战型人才”。
信息化背景下的建筑工程管理分析
Authors: 陈 转转
Published: January 2018

随着社会的进步，科技的发展，信息技术已经渗透到各行各业。目前，建筑行业的信息技术水平与发达国家还存在着一定的差距。要加快中国建筑行业的发展，需要合理地使用信息技术，实现信息资源共享化，保证企业各项工作能够顺利展开[1]。
Supuesta equidad tributaria de los impuestos de renta, IVA e ICA en Colombia (Supposed tax equity of income, VAT and ICA taxes)
Authors: Muñoz Cárdenas María Isabel
Published: January 2018

El presente artículo se encarga de analizar el cumplimiento del principio constitucional de equidad, a partir de la estructura de los impuestos nacionales de renta e IVA y del impuesto distrital del ICA. Para su desarrollo, se ha realizado una revisión documental sobre la definición en el contexto tributario de dicho principio, y se exponen las problemáticas identificadas y los resultados de estudios elaborados previamente sobre este tema. Se extrajeron los aportes más relevantes y se identificaron las variables que deben ser tomadas en cuenta para corroborar el cumplimiento del principio de equidad en estos tres impuestos a partir de la perspectiva del contribuyente. Con este examen, se logró identificar que ninguno de los tres impuestos da cumplimiento a dicho principio. Las exenciones y los descuentos tributarios permiten la manipulación de la equidad vertical en el impuesto de renta. EL IVA, al ser un impuesto indirecto, no considera la situación específica de cada contribuyente, siendo inequitativo, y el ICA, al ser calculado a partir de los ingresos, deja a un lado, variables como el nivel de sacrificio, por lo que no es posible determinar la capacidad de pago del contribuyente.
Educación especial en la perspectiva inclusiva: lo que dicen los profesores, directores y el país (Special education in the inclusive perspective: what teachers, directors and the country say)
Authors: Eglér Mantoan María Teresa
Published: January 2018

Este estudio está basado en la investigación La escuela y sus transformaciones, a partir de la educación especial en perspectiva inclusiva”, propuesta por el Ministerio de la Educación de Brasil –MEC, en el ámbito de la cooperación internacional de la Organización de los Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura –OEI. Se trata de una investigación nacional desarrollada en 2014, coordinada por el Laboratorio de Estudios e Investigaciones en Educación y Diferencia (Leped) de la Universidad Estatal de Campinas –UNICAMP, en alianza con el Instituto de Investigación del Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo –IPDSC. Aborda las transformaciones de la escuela corriente frente a las innovaciones introducidas por la Política Nacional de Educación Especial, en Perspectiva de Educación Inclusiva (MEC-SEESP, 2008) y sus impactos reales en las prácticas pedagógicas de la educación especial y de la educación corriente. Sus objetivos se centraron en identificar y caracterizar en las escuelas corrientes de las redes públicas de educación las condiciones predominantes en los procesos de implementación y consolidación de la política, relacionándolos en sus aspectos restrictivos e impulsores. Fueron entrevistados directores de escuelas, coordinadores pedagógicos, profesores de atención educativa especializada AEE], profesores de Educación Básica I y II, padres de estudiantes con y sin discapacidad de escuelas urbanas y rurales de la red pública de educación, ubicadas en cinco regiones brasileras. Los 3570 testimonios recogidos de los sujetos fueron analizados y cuantificados por medio de las técnicas de la metodología Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo (DSC). Las conclusiones de la investigación se agruparon en tres bloques: (a) percepciones y posturas de los sujetos sobre la inclusión escolar, (b) cambios en la escuela corriente producto de la implementación de la educación especial en perspectiva de educación inclusiva y (c) factores que impulsan y restringen la implementación de la Política Nacional de Educación Especial en Perspectiva de Educación Inclusiva. Este amplio y rico material recolectado por la investigación constituye un acervo importante de datos que podría llevar a la realización de otros estudios correlacionados.
PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA YANG BERMUATAN NILAI ISLAM
Authors: Salafudin Salafudin
Published: January 2018

This study aims to determine the current model of mathematics instructional in elementary school and the development of mathematics instructional model of Islamic values in elementary school. This study used developmental research approach. The experiment was conducted in SDIT Ulul Albab Pekalongan by taking Class V as research subjects. Using observation and interviews, this study resulted in: (1) strategies, methods, and techniques, as well as textbooks selected in the learning process are teachers' board decision based on the curriculum used in SDIT Ulul Albab; (2) the strategy employed using active learning, (3) Lecture, question and answer, drill / exercise, game, and song are current mathematics instructional model ; (4) the current model has not been effective in providing insight and character formation of students; (5) The materials and exercises are lack of Islamic values and incomplete; and (6) the limited addition of the peculiarities of Islamic Schools Integrated in mathematics.