bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical Note: The Simple Diagnostic Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (SDPRM)
Authors: Badawy B. , Rödenbeck C. , Reichstein M. , Carvalhais N. , Heimann M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. We present a Simple Diagnostic Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (SDPRM) that has been developed based on pre-existing formulations. The photosynthesis model is based on the light use efficiency logic, suggested by Monteith1977, for calculating the Gross Primary Production (GPP) while the ecosystem respiration (Reco) model is based on the formulations introduced by Lloyd1994 and modified by Reichstein2003. SDPRM is driven by satellite-derived fAPAR (fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation) and climate data from NCEP/NCAR. The model estimates 3-hourly values of GPP for seven major biomes and daily Reco. The motivation is to provide a-priori fields of surface CO2 fluxes with fine temporal and spatial scales, and their derivatives with respect to adjustable model parameters, for atmospheric CO2 inversions. The estimated fluxes from SDPRM showed that the model is capable of producing flux estimates consistent with the ones inferred from atmospheric CO2 inversion or simulated from process-based models. In this Technical Note, different analyses were carried out to test the sensitivity of the estimated fluxes of GPP and Reco to their driving forces. The spatial patterns of the climatic controls (temperature, precipitation, water) on the interannual variability of GPP are consistent with previous studies even though SDPRM has a very simple structure and few adjustable parameters, and hence it is much easier to modify than more sophisticated process-based models used in these previous studies. According to SDPRM, the results show that temperature is a limiting factor for the interannual variability of Reco over the cold boreal forest, while precipitation is the main limiting factor of Reco over the tropics and the southern hemisphere, consistent with previous regional studies.
The SOCOL version 3.0 chemistry-climate model: description, evaluation, and implications from an advanced transport algorithm
Authors: Stenke A. , Schraner M. , Rozanov E. , Egorova T. , Luo B. , Peter T.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. We present the third generation of the coupled chemistry-climate model (CCM) SOCOL (modeling tools for studies of SOlar Climate Ozone Links). The most notable modifications compared to the previous model version are: (1) the dynamical core has been updated with the fifth generation of the middle-atmosphere general circulation model MA-ECHAM, and (2) the advection of the chemical species is now calculated by a mass-conserving and shape-preserving flux-form transport scheme instead of the previously used hybrid advection scheme. The whole chemistry code has been rewritten according to the ECHAM5 infrastructure and transferred to Fortran95. In contrast to its predecessors, SOCOLvs3 is now fully parallelized. The performance of the new SOCOL version is evaluated on the basis of transient model simulations (1975–2004) with different horizontal (T31 and T42) resolutions, following the approach of the CCMVal-1 model validation activity. The advanced advection scheme significantly reduces the artificial loss and accumulation of tracer mass in regions with strong gradients that was observed in previous model versions. Compared to its predecessors, SOCOLvs3 generally shows more realistic distributions of chemical trace species, especially of total inorganic chlorine, in terms of the mean state, but also of the annual and interannual variability. Advancements with respect to model dynamics are for example a better representation of the stratospheric mean state in spring, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, and a slowdown of the upward propagation in the tropical lower stratosphere. Despite a large number of improvements model deficiencies still remain. Examples include a too fast vertical ascent and/or horizontal mixing in the tropical stratosphere, the cold temperature bias in the lowermost polar stratosphere, and the overestimation of polar total ozone loss during Antarctic springtime.
Simulation of saturated and unsaturated flow in karst systems at catchment scale using a double continuum approach
Authors: Kordilla J. , Sauter M. , Reimann T. , Geyer T.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The objective of this work is the simulation of saturated and unsaturated flow in a karstified aquifer using a double continuum approach. The HydroGeoSphere code (Therrien et al., 2006) is employed to simulate spring discharge with the Richards equations and van Genuchten parameters to represent flow in the (1) fractured matrix and (2) conduit continuum coupled by a linear exchange term. Rapid vertical small-scale flow processes in the unsaturated conduit continuum are accounted for by applying recharge boundary conditions at the bottom of the saturated model domain. An extensive sensitivity analysis is performed on single parameters as well as parameter combinations. The transient hydraulic response of the karst spring is strongly controlled by the matrix porosity as well as the van Genuchten parameters of the unsaturated matrix, which determine the head dependent inter-continuum water transfer when the conduits are draining the matrix. Sensitivities of parameter combinations partially reveal a non-linear dependence over the parameter space. This can be observed for parameters not belonging to the same continuum as well as combinations, which involve the exchange parameter, showing that results of the double continuum model may depict a certain degree of ambiguity. The application of van Genuchten parameters for simulation of unsaturated flow in karst systems is critically discussed.
Hydrological drought across the world: impact of climate and physical catchment structure
Authors: Van Lanen H. A. J. , Wanders N. , Tallaksen L. M. , Van Loon A. F.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Large-scale hydrological drought studies have demonstrated spatial and temporal patterns in observed trends and considerable difference exists among global hydrological models in their ability to reproduce these patterns. A controlled modeling experiment has been set up to systematically explore the role of climate and physical catchment structure (soils and groundwater systems) to better understand underlying drought-generating mechanisms. Daily climate data (1958–2001) of 1495 grid cells across the world were selected that represent Köppen-Geiger major climate types. These data were fed into a hydrological model. Nine realizations of physical catchment structure were defined for each grid cell, i.e. three soils with different soil moisture supply capacity and three groundwater systems (quickly-, intermediary- and slowly-responding). Hydrological drought characteristics (number, duration and standardized deficit volume) were identified from time series of daily discharge. Summary statistics showed that the equatorial and temperate climate types (A- and C-climates) had about twice as many drought events as the arid and polar types (B- and E-climates) and the duration of more extreme droughts were about half the length. Soils were found to have a minor effect on hydrological drought characteristics, whereas groundwater systems had major impact. Groundwater systems strongly controlled the hydrological drought characteristics of all climate types, but particularly those of the wetter A-, C- and D-climates because of higher recharge. The median number of drought for quickly-responding groundwater systems was about three times higher than for slowly-responding systems, which substantially affected the duration, particularly of the more extreme drought events. Bivariate probability distributions of drought duration and standardized deficit for combinations of Köppen-Geiger climate, soil and groundwater system showed that responsiveness of groundwater systems is as important as climate for hydrological drought development. This urges for an improvement of subsurface modules in global hydrological models to be more useful for water resources assessments. A foreseen higher spatial resolution would enable a better hydrogeological parameterization and inclusion of lateral flow.
Effects of nonlinear rheology, temperature and anisotropy on the relationship between age and depth at ice divides
Authors: Martín C. , Gudmundsson G. H.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Ice flow in divide areas is strongly anisotropic. The evolution of ice fabric, from the onset of divide flow towards steady state with a fully developed fabric, has been shown to profoundly affect both the stratigraphy and surface topography of ice divides. Here, we investigate the effects of ice flow on the age-versus-depth relationship at ice divides by using a full Stokes thermomechanical model with a non-linear anisotropic constitutive relation between stress and strain rates. We compare our results with analytical approximations commonly employed in age–depth predictions, such as the Dansgaard and Lliboutry approximations. We show that these approximations systematically underestimate the age of ice at fully developed divides by as much as one order of magnitude. We also show that divides with fully developed fabric are ideal locations for ice-core extraction because ice under them can be up to one order of magnitude older than ice at the same depth at the flanks. In addition, these divides have a distinctive morphological structure that allows them to be clearly identified from satellite imagery or ground-penetrating radar data.
Comparison and assessment of leptin receptor expression by the following Origami aetheroleum study at broiler chickens COBB 500
Authors: Mrázová Ľubica , Židek Radoslav , Angelovičová Mária , Král Martin
Published: October 2012

The recently discovered protein, leptin, is a 16 kD protein consisting of 146 amino acids which is synthesized primarily by adipose tissue and is secreted into the bloodstream after cleavage of the 21 amino acids signal peptide. Leptin impacts feed intake, the neuroendocrine-axis, metabolism and immunological processes. Leptin was first identified as the gene product found deficient in the obese ob/ob mouse. The hypothalamus appears to be the primary site of action, since leptin receptors are located within hypothalamic areas associated with control of appetite, reproduction and growth. Using herbs and essential oils depends on their antimicrobial activity. Most plants have favorable multifunctional properties, which are the specific content of bioactive components. Some authors characterize phytogenic substance such as natural substances plant origin, which leave no residues in animal products and is not necessary to keep the trade period before slaughter animals. Analyzes suggest that the structural function of the receptor exists as a dimer constructively in the plasma membrane. Each receptor dimer pair is reversibly bound to one molecule of leptin. When bound, signaling pathways are responsible for beginning the activation receptor associated Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and tyrosine phosphorylation of two key residues in the intracellular part of receptor. The aim of our experiment was to optimize the methodology for monitoring the expression of the leptin receptor extracellular avian model. We used samples of internal organs and abdominal fat chickens that were fed spirit and also fat and organ samples from broiler chickens from the control group. In heard tissue, spleen, liver at a relatively high concentration of total cDNA in the sample length leptin receptor extracellular fragment located in the expected quantities.
Analysis of selected determinants of alimentation hygiene of school children
Authors: Zeleňáková Lucia , Kozelová Dagmar , Pietriková Miriam
Published: October 2012

The aim of the work was an analysis of nutriotion and hygienic habits of students while staying at school as well as analysis of catering hygiene in the school catering establishment. Method for obtaining information, a questionnaire was developed for this purpose (355 respondents, aged 7 – 15 years). We have focused on the awareness of the issues of healthy nutrition, the observance of the principles of personal hygiene, prioritising certain dishes and drinks, the food, the overall level of quality of the knowledge of the risk and the overall level of hygiene of catering in the school meals catering establishment. The results have shown that it is necessary to increase the awareness and education in the areas of healthy eating and hygiene principles and achieve the mutual cooperation of students, families, and schools.
Nutirtion labelling of food and allergen in food
Authors: Revák Ondrej , Golian Jozef
Published: October 2012

The new regulation introduced mandatory nutrition labelling and ordering food manufacturers provide information on energy and six nutrients: fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt - in that order, and per 100 g or 100 ml. This information should be included in the nutritional table in one visual field (usually on the back cover), moreover, can also be expressed on per serving. It is important to realize that this regulation requires manufacturers indicate the nutritional value in one field of vision, usually on the "back cover" designation in the principal field (e.g. "on the front cover") remains voluntary. Food allergy is a significant public health issue worldwide. Regulatory risk management strategies for allergic consumers have focused on providing information about the presence of food allergens through label declarations. A number of countries and regulatory bodies have recognized the importance of providing this information by enacting laws, regulations or standards for food allergen labelling of ‘‘priority allergens. Increasing volume of the international food trade suggests that there would be value in supporting sensitive consumers by harmonizing (to the extent possible) these regulatory frameworks. As a first step toward this goal, an inventory of allergen labelling regulations was assembled and analyzed to identify commonalities, differences, and future needs.
Purification and Characterization of Beta-Amylase of Bacillus subtilis Isolated from Kolanut Weevil
Authors: Olufunke Femi-Ola Titilayo , Azeez Ibikunle Ibidapo
Published: October 2012

An extracellular beta amylase was induced in cultures of Bacillus subtilis isolated from the kolanut weevil, Balanogastris kolae grown in liquid medium that contained kolanut starch as sole carbon source. The enzyme was partially purified 1.28-fold by acid treatment with ice cold 1.0N HCl and 6.4-fold by gel filtration with Sephadex G-150. The beta amylase had a molecular weight of 39.4 kDa .The enzyme had its optimal activity at pH 5.0 and exhibited maximal activity at temperature of 50oC. The activity of the enzyme was enhanced by Na+, Ca2+  and ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), while Hg2+ ,Mg2+ and  Fe2+ acted as inhibitors of its activity. The beta amylase had an apparent Michaelis constant Km of 5.0 mg/ml and maximum velocity (Vmax) of 50 U/mg proteins.
User engagement in the digital world
Authors: Lalmas Mounia
Published: October 2012

In the online world, user engagement refers to the quality of the user experience that emphasizes the positive aspects of the interaction with a web application and, in particular, the phenomena associated with wanting to use that application longer and frequently. This definition is motivated by the observation that successful web applications are not just used, but they are engaged with. Users invest time, attention, and emotion into them.

User engagement is measured in many ways, through methods of self-reporting (e.g., questionnaires), observer methods (e.g., facial expression analysis, speech analysis, desktop actions, etc.), neuro-physiological signal processing methods (e.g., respiratory and cardiovascular accelerations and decelerations, muscle spasms, etc.), and from a web analytics perspective (through online behavior metrics that assess users' depth of engagement with a site). These methods represent various tradeoffs between scale of data and depth of understanding (for instance, surveys are small-scale but deep, whereas clicks are large-scale but shallow in understanding). Little work has been done to integrate these various measures into a coherent understanding of engagement success. We address this problem by combining techniques from web analytics and mining, information retrieval evaluation, and existing works on user engagement coming from the domains of information science, multimodal human computer interaction and cognitive psychology. In this way, we can combine insights from big data with deep analysis of human behavior in the lab or through crowd-sourcing experiment.

This research comprises three "inter-woven" parts: (1) Definition of user engagement and its many characteristics. (2) Data-driven approaches looking at user engagement through the development of models that allow for a better representation of how users engage within and across different digital services. (3) How studying affect and cognition is providing additional insights into measuring user engagement.
Mice as animal models for human disease
Authors: Hanna Zaher , Jolicoeur Paul
Published: October 2012

Background:
Many human diseases lack validated animal models, hampering translational progress in several important disease areas. New and improved models can often be developed by recapitulating phenotypes related to those associated with human diseases.

Objectives:
Our lab has been interested in generating and characterizing several transgenic (Tg) animal models. These Tg animals were used to explore, on the cellular and molecular levels, the pathological mechanisms underlying several diseases, including immunological, neurodegenerative diseases, viral infections, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Methods:
Transgenes construction, analyzing techniques, and generation of Tg mice are as described in literature.

Results:
Examples of research projects that utilized animal models in our lab include:

- Infectious diseases such as the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 causes disease only in humans and chimpanzees. Thus, a major obstacle to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which HIV-1 acts in vivo and to study how HIV-1 causes disease has been the lack of a small and cheap animal model. However, we have overcome the block to disease induction in rodents by generating Tg mice that express HIV-1 in the same immune cells that are normally infected in AIDS patients. These mice develop a severe AIDS-like disease leading to early death. Several pathological phenotypes, remarkably similar to those observed in HIV-1 infected individuals, were found. These included signs of growth retardation and wasting, atrophy of all lymphoid organs, preferential loss of CD4+ T cells, and interstitial nephritis and pneumonitis. More details will be presented.

- Cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma as caused by murine leukemia viruses (MuLV) in inoculated mice. Their proviruses integrate in the vicinity of various genes involved in growth regulation, and act as insertion mutagens. We are using this retroviral insertion mutagenesis approach to identify novel oncogenes involved in T- or B-cell lymphomas induced by various MuLVs. We have succeeded in identifying novel oncogenes responsible for the onset of cancer. Among these oncogenes are members of Notch family, which are now under intense investigation to understand their role in inducing cancer. The details of these studies will be presented.

Conclusions:
It is likely that these novel Tg models will prove valuable in evaluating new pharmacological drugs, vaccines and disease therapies.
Chlorine dioxide production on-demand under ambient temperature and pH in water
Authors: Abu-Omar Mahdi , Hicks Scott , Bougher Curt
Published: October 2012

The oxyanions of chlorine have seen multiple uses from bleaching to oxidizers in rocket fuel. Concerns over their accumulation in the environment, particularly that of perchlorate, have risen over the past two decades. Both chlorate (ClO₃¯) and chlorite (ClO₂¯) are employed in the generation of chlorine dioxide gas (ClO₂), which has been used in water treatment, disinfections, the pulp bleaching industry, and as an oxidizing agent. The lack of stability of ClO₂ and difficulties associated with its storage require its generation on-demand. Current methods employ harsh and corrosive conditions that require sulfuric acid and produce large amounts of salt and unwanted byproducts. Inspired by nature and how microorganisms isolated from contaminated sites degrade the oxyanions of chlorine, our research group developed catalysts based on manganese, a cheap and earth-abundant metal, for the conversion of chlorite to ClO₂ under ambient temperature and pH in aqueous solution. Two families of catalysts have been shown effective for this reaction, water-soluble manganese porphyrin/heme complexes and manganese compounds supported by simple polypyridyl cage ligands. Several spectroscopic techniques such as UV-vis, EPR, X-ray, mass spectrometry, and ion chromatography have been employed in the characterization of intermediates and products. Study of the reaction kinetics in conjunction with isotope labeling experiments has lead to mechanistic insight on the relevant species involved in catalysis. The prevailing pathway appears to involve an unprecedented homolytic Cl-O bond cleavage of chlorite at the metal site to generate high-valent manganese oxo and solvated chlorine oxide radical. The implication of these mechanistic insights on the reaction chemistry and development of future practical catalysts will be discussed.
Variation in codend selectivity parameters between hauls and years in trawl nets for swordtip squid (Loligo edulis)
Authors: Mahjoub Mohamed Salah , Shiode Daisuke , Tokai Tadashi
Published: October 2012

Background:
Trawl net fisheries are effective fishing activities, but often cause bycacth and discards issues for commercial species of unmarketable small size and endangered species. It is well accepted that codend mesh has size sorting properties for fish and other animals, and the codend selectivity is usually used as one of fisheries management measures to protect small animals. In the ocean, squids are abundant and still prospective fisheries resources, and especially swordtip squid is commercially important because of its good taste and high price in Japan and China.

Objectives:
Difference in selectivity parameters a, b and p could occur between years. This study objective is to analyze the variation between years and between hauls in selectivity parameters for swordtip squid (Loligo edulis) having a peculiar soft body type.

Methods:
A total of 23 experimental hauls were carried using trouser trawl onboard the research and training vessel Umitaka-Maru of the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology from 2006 to 2011, with 60mm mesh size test codend and 8.3mm mesh size control codend. Mantle length and girth of the swordtip squid caught were measured in cm. Catches were modeled by fitting codend selectivity parameters (a, b and p) in the Share Each LEngth Catch to the Total (SELECT) process and its variation between hauls and between years tested by the Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) model selection.

Results:
The model with common logistic parameters a and b in each year and different split parameter p for each haul had a better estimation, confirmed by AIC. There was a variation in the 50% retention length (l50) from 6.04 to 7.11 cm and in the selection range, (S.R.) from 0.62 to 5.05 cm, which resulted in different selection curves annually.

Conclusion:
The difference in selection curves occurred although the codend used was the same. The fluctuation in S.R. was large compared with the l50, which could result from the small sample size. Others possible reasons are the yearly change in mesh size, catch size, and so on. This result is useful for fisheries managers to consider mesh size regulation for squid resource conservation.
Content for the web is different! Make it count
Authors: Abbar Anas
Published: October 2012

With over 80 million Internet users in the Arab world, Arabic content growth continues to grow dramatically but lags behind other languages in comparison to the number of global Internet users. Many factors are challenging the growth of Arabic language content on the web. Just like any market and economic formula, supply and demand complement each other. The greater demand on content, the greater the need for supply. However, the supply must be in the same language and format which the web consumer is demanding. Content for the web is significantly different from the traditional media (newspaper, magazine, radio and TV). Content must be relevant, local, and original to become highly ranked on search engines and served to browsers.

Understanding the habits of the online reader is important to supply the appropriate content across multiple screens. Online content should follow certain formats, such as shorter paragraphs (online documents should not be more than 1,000 words) and should keep the reader in mind when writing or presenting rich content as people on the web are impatient. People on the web are looking for information and if you make it easy to find, they will thank you. Put the important content in the second or third paragraph and you risk losing the reader. In a similar approach, rich media content, such as videos, needs to be direct with very little distractions. Ideally, videos should be recent and not longer than 6 minutes to retain the browser.

The web is a combination of EPC (experience, product and content). In order to promote Arabic content on the web, the user experience must be natural, easy to navigate through, simple and appealing (think of site maps, fonts, colors, etc.); with a product that is reliable, stable and modern (think of iPads); and content that is local, original, and engaging (think two way engagement and search engine optimization).
Urban qualities for sustainable urbanism in the emerging knowledge economy of Doha: An exploratory assessment
Authors: Wiedmann Florian , Salama Ashraf M. , Thierstein Alain
Published: October 2012

Background and Objectives:
This NPRP project focuses on the assessment of urban qualities needed to enhance the sustainability of urban developments with a focus on Qatar's capital Doha. Since the end of the 20th century various urban development strategies have been introduced to reduce the economic dependence on fossil fuels by attracting knowledge economies and thus to transform Doha into an international hub. Particularly, Advanced Producer Services (APS) were attracted by public investments into urban developments and the liberalization of local markets. The immediate result was a construction boom, which has caused vast immigration reshaping socio-economic realities and producing a new urban environment. The decentralization of urban governance and speculative interests have led to fragmented and inefficient urban morphologies as well as to missing diversity and identity endangering future sustainability. The long-term establishment of knowledge economies heavily relies on the proactive integration of distinct urban qualities to enhance consolidation processes and thus to foster sustainable urban growth. In order to assess the inter-weaved factors producing urban qualities an integrative framework was elaborated as basis of this research project.

Methods:
Since urban sustainability can only be achieved if social, economic and environmental aspects are equally developed, the framework was at first elaborated on a theoretical level to establish links to the general scientific discourse. The empirical research itself is based on GIS-analyses of recent urban developments as well as a series of interviews with planning authorities in order to assess the efficiency of morphologies. Furthermore, space syntax studies on spatial integration in combination with interlocking network analyses were used to investigate the diversification process of urban structures. Thirdly, environmental observation studies and a survey questionnaire were applied to analyze the various images of urban spaces within the city.

Results and Conclusions:
Based on these methodologies the three dimensions of sustainability - ecological balance, economic growth and social peace - are analyzed in relation to the urban qualities needed for producing them. These investigations are further utilized to clarify the challenges and limitations of sustainable urbanism in the context of the rapid urbanization process in the emerging city of Doha.
Urban regeneration: Qatar projects and perspectives.
Authors: Grichting Solder Anna Katharina
Published: October 2012

Background:
Regeneration may be induced by various drivers or catalysts - such as the improvement of neighborhoods, the introduction of art and culture, the construction of iconic architecture, the reactivating of ecologies, the restoring of landscapes and archaeologies, the recycling of transport and industrial infrastructures, the revitalization of communities and economies. Good cities are dynamic and constantly reinventing themselves and Qatar has a number of existing or potential projects that can be classified as regeneration projects.

Objectives:
This research was carried out as part of a course in Design and Regeneration in the Master in Urban Planning and Design at Qatar University. The objectives were to understand the many definitions, typologies and processes of urban regeneration and to reflect on how these could relate to and be applied in Qatar, and to speculate on scenarios and strategies of development.

Methods:
Regeneration projects were examined through varied lenses and in different geographical and morphological contexts. A series of sites were then identified in Qatar which presented opportunities to apply a variety of types and strategies of regeneration. These included: Abu Nakhla Reservoir, West Bay, Al Jumail Village, Al Thakira Village and Mangrove Park and Labour Housing in the Industrial Zone. Site visits were conducted with faculty and experts, and data was collected.

Results:
The students developed regeneration plans and scenarios - developing future visions and strategies for their sites - that took into account national and city masterplans, cultural strategies of the QMA and the guidelines of the Qatar National Vision, as well as identifying the various stakeholders involved. The work was presented in a short video and a series of posters, as well as an online blog.

Conclusions:
One of the objectives of the course and research was to discuss what regeneration means in an emerging metropolis such as Doha and in a fast-growing economy like Qatar. The research and projects were successful in developing critical thinking and raising important questions concerning the concept of regeneration in Qatar and initiating an important discussion and the blog was initiated as an interactive tool for dissemination and debate.
Transnational labor migration in Qatar: An empirical sociological analysis
Authors: Pessoa Silvia , Gardner Andrew , Harkness Laura
Published: October 2012

Background & Objectives:
This presentation reports on the findings of a Qatar National Research Fund-sponsored study that is the first of its kind in the Gulf. Through a survey, the study examines the demographics, cost, migration arrangements, and the living and working conditions of low-income migrant workers in Qatar. Although much has been written about the problems and challenges of migrant workers in the Gulf, these quantitative data are the first of their kind in the larger area of migration studies in the Gulf. Our presentation seeks to provide an overview of the findings, with more in-depth discussion of the findings that complement and challenge our ethnographically-derived findings to date.

Methods:
Utilizing a sampling frame derived from utility records, we constructed a random sample of 1,189 low-income transnational labor migrants in Qatar's worker accommodations and other migrant dwellings. The administered survey explores the problems and challenges labor migrants oftentimes encounter in the Gulf States, with topical sections exploring labor brokerage, wages, housing, health, migrant finances, and living and working conditions in general.

Results:
The findings suggest that while labor migrants in Qatar face a similar regime of structures, practices, and challenges, there is significant variation within the total population of low-income labor migrants, with nationality and ethnicity playing the most significant role in shaping the migrant experience. For example, basic salaries for low-income workers from the Philippines and Egypt were substantially higher than the lowest earning nationalities. Arab low-income migrants also work fewer days per week, live in slightly less crowded conditions, and, unlike their South Asian counterparts, report no problems with salary withholding.

Conclusions:
Although our findings generally confirm the conclusions others have produced via small-scale, anecdotal, or non-representative samples in regard to the general characteristics of the population and the challenges they face, we also present several surprising findings that challenge conventional knowledge about labor migration in Qatar and the GCC at large.
الاشارات النفسية في مؤلفات علماء الدين المسلمين
Authors: Alanazi Mohammad Hussien
Published: October 2012

ترمي هذه الدراسة إلى تجلية الاشارات النفسية في مؤلفات علماء الدين الاسلامي وإلى الكشف عن مدى تمكن بعضهم في الحديث عن الشخصية الانسانية من الناحية النفسية ومن خلال اطلاع الباحث على مؤلفات اولئك العلماء فقد لاحظ شمول مؤلفاتهم على المشاعر الانسانية كما لاحظ كذلك أنهم طرحوا جملة من الاطروحات وعددا من القضايا التي يمكن ان تضاف إلى الرصيد العربي في مجال علم النفس. يعد الدين من مكونات الثقافة الأساسية في كثير من المجتمعات ويقوم علماء الدين بتوضيح التعاليم والاحكام الدينية لكل مجتمع وتوجيه الخطاب للعقول البشرية ويتطلعون الى شكل التفاعل والاستجابة فهم يبحثون - في عملهم- عن الاثار النفسية في ذوات الناس. وحسب ماتوصل إليه الباحث فإن التراث الذي تركه علماء الدين الاسلامي قد احتوى على ابعاد واشارات نفسية من الممكن ادراجها تحت مظلة الاراء النفسية، ويجد الباحث تقاربا ملحوظا بين بعض النظريات النفسية وبين ماتناوله بعض علماء الدين الاسلامي في مؤلفاتهم كالغزالي وابن تيمية وابن القيم وأبي زيد البلخي وخصوصا في المواضيع التالية:
الانفعالات.
الجوانب المعرفية للشخصية.
مفهوم اللذة والألم
الاكتئاب والوسواس
الامن النفسي.
أما اهداف البحث فهي:
١-جمع الاشارات النفسية التي احتوتها مؤلفات علماء الدين الاسلامي وتحريرها وبيان ارتباطها بالعلوم النفسية.
٢- الاستفادة من مضامين تلك الاشارات النفسية لصالح التنمية البشرية.
٣- تبيين القيمة الكبيرة للاشارات النفسية في النصوص المقروءة لا سيما الروحية منها فالقراءة تسهم في تشكيل الفكر والمبادئ والسلوك.
٤-استقراء النصوص الدينية لدى العلماء من الناحية النفسية ومايتبعه من اضافة في مواضيع البحث في العلوم الانسانية.
٥-تشجيع الدراسات النفسية لتراث العلماء المسلمين.
ويتبع الباحث المنهج الوصفي في هذا البحث.
واهم النتائج:
١-كشفت الدراسة عن ابرز الاشارات النفسية التي استخدمها بعض علماء الدين الاسلامي في مؤلفاتهم.
٢-تعرفت الدراسة علئ ابرز تلك الدراسات للافادة منها في ميدان التنمية البشرية.
٣-تظهر الدراسة توافق رأي علماء الدين الاسلامي مع علم النفس في عدة مواضيع.
واهم التوصيات:
١-تفعيل التواصل بين علماء النفس وعلماء الدين لتكتمل دائرة التنمية البشرية للمجتمعات بتضافر الجهود العلمية.
٢-العمل على انشاء مراكز ابحاث نفسية لدراسة التراث الديني.
٣-اعداد مناهج وتأسيس اقسام في الجامعات في الدراسات النفسية لمؤلفات علماء الدين
Cross-cultural communication barriers and leadership styles of nurse managers towards a transcultural management model
Authors: Santos Mark Dimon
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES:
Cultural diversity provides opportunities and challenges. Diversity in the workplace requires efficient communication to deliver effective leadership. Hamad Medical Corporation's expatriate population is one of its strengths. However, communication between cultures remains an issue. The aim of the study is to correlate relationships between the cross-cultural communication barriers and the leadership styles of nurse managers; it sought to answer the following:

(1) What cross-cultural communication barriers are perceived in the Nursing Department of Hamad General Hospital?

(2) What are the leadership styles of the nurse managers as rated by the staff nurses and the nurse managers themselves?

(3) Is there a significant relationship between cross-cultural communication barriers and the leadership styles of nurse managers?

(4) Based on the findings of the study, what transcultural management model can be proposed?

METHODS:
The study employed the descriptive-correlational design with convenient sampling as a technique. A sample size of one hundred forty-one (n-141) participants was utilized. Validated survey questionnaires using Cronbach's alpha coefficients were used. There were two questionnaires on leadership styles and one questionnaire on cross-cultural communication barriers. In finding the relationship of the cross-cultural communication barriers and the leadership styles, the correlation coefficient 'Pearson r' was utilized.

RESULTS:
- Stereotype has negative high correlation (-0.71) in Autocratic Leadership Style.
- Different Expectations (0.96), Language Differences (0.94), and Misinterpretation of Communication (0.93) have very high correlations in Democratic Leadership Style.
- Different Expectations (0.98), Language Differences (0.96) and Distrust (-0.91) have high positive and high negative correlations in Laissez-Faire Leadership Style, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:
(1) Both the nurse managers and staff nurses believe that Different Expectations and Language Differences are top cross-cultural communication barriers.
(2) Both the nurse managers and staff nurses believe that democratic leadership style is most evident in the workplace.
(3) Cross-cultural communication programs should be considered to address Different Expectations, Language Differences, Stereotypes and Distrust.
(4) Adopt a transcultural management model such as the M.D. Santos Transcultural Management Model.
Technology awakening behind the veils
Authors: Khan Muqeem
Published: October 2012

Background:
While technology comes from outside sources, ideas and concepts are quietly evolved in local Arabian society. With advanced channels of communication and ease of available technological tools, the young minds of Qatari women are ready to adapt to forthcoming challenges. The notion of storytelling in the digital realm among these young Arab women reflects the interplay of traditional culture, Western modernism and changes brought about by media industries. As a result, the way these young minds convey meaning in their moving images is also changing dramatically. These women adopt and use new media as a vehicle to maneuver their interesting and fresh ideas. Their thinking methodology has culminated in pragmatic and dynamic visuals which celebrate, inform or create awareness about issues of their surrounding world. They are creating new visual culture with freedom of expression and forcing themselves to transform into a meaningful workforce for the region. The intuitive context of these animations from these young minds incorporates the challenges of synthesizing multiple "dialect" and "codes" that have traditionally been segregated. This presentation shows how current technological tools embrace a contextual adjective, intangible cultural heritage and design thinking in a classroom setting. The presentation also highlights the pedagogical concerns of media industry in the region, from the dichotomies between intuitive and pragmatic instructional paradigm for the young Arab storytellers.

Objectives:
* To develop creative responses to the ways in which 3D/2D emerging technologies initiate the imagination for young minds;
* To discuss the emotional and communicative aspects of visual narratives within the contextual paradigm;

The central research question: Is emerging technology a meaningful factor of initiating a purposeful content creation?

Results:
The presentation will be showing the following outcomes developed by young Arab women:

http://www.muqeemkhan.com/teaching/MIT%20395_12/index.html

http://www.muqeemkhan.com/teaching/MIT393_sum_11/index.html

http://www.muqeemkhan.com/teaching/MIT393_10/index.html
Reckless driving phenomenon among young Qataris
Authors: Al-Ghanim Kaltham Ali , Alamir Hasan Abualkarim , Zakaria Kheder
Published: October 2012

Statistics shows that more than 80 Qataris under the age of 24, die each year - and a large number are exposed to serious injuries - as a result of excessive speed and also because of reckless driving.
This study aims to identify the factors which motivate the young to drive recklessly and practice risky behaviors, comparing the study results with other studies in different societies in order to develop knowledge about young people's risky behaviors, as well to develop intervention programs to change their concepts and attitudes.

The study combined quantitative and qualitative analyzes. This included:
- analyzing data which related to the traffic accidents
- conducting a survey to gather information from 1000 young people
- a case study of 50 young people who have frequent traffic violations
- interviewing 5 fathers and 5 mothers whose sons practice risky driving
- audience interviews (52 individuals)

Study results showed that there are many reasons behind reckless driving, such as the age of the driver, parenting styles (the case study showed that the fathers encouraged their sons to drive a car during holidays), families allowing teenagers to drive before getting a driver's license, the young believing that speed and risky driving reinforce the confidence of the driver himself, the passengers' negative role on the young drivers.
The study proposes an intervention program to reduce accidents by integrating young people who are applying for a driver's license into a training program.
Pioneers of moderation and renewal: Aspects of moderation and renewal at the thought of Imam Abu Al-Hasan Nadwi
Authors: Mohammed Hossam Khalil
Published: October 2012

الناظر إلى واقع الأمة الإسلامية اليوم، على مختلف اتجاهاتها وتياراتها الفكرية والسلوكية؛ يرى انحرافا خطيرا عن الوسطية التي هي أخص خصائص هذه الأمة، إما إلى إفراط وإما إلى تفريط، إما إلى غلوّ وإما إلى جفاء.
هذا على مستوى الأمّة عمومًا، فإذا نظرنا إلى واقع الغيّورين الذين أقضَّ مضاجعهم هذا الواقع المؤلم لأمّتهم، فطفقوا يبحثون عن سبل العلاج وطوق النَّجاة، فإننا نجد انعكاس واقع الأمة على حالهم، فمنهم المفرِط والمفرِّط، والمشَرِّق والمغرِّب، منهم من غلا وأفرط في الغلوّ، فنشأت جماعات تكفير ، وعادت سوق الخوارج رائجة، ومنهم من فرَّط وجفا، فأضاع معالم الدّين وأصول العقيدة، ففشا الإرجاء، وانطمست معالم التَّوحيد، وحقيقة العبادة.
وبين هؤلاء وأولئك: فئة على منهج الوسطية تقتفي الأثر، وتصحِّح الطّريق، وتجدد الدين على منهج أهل السنة والجماعة
وإن فضيلة الشيخ أبي الحسن الندوي -فيما نحسب ولا نزكي على الله أحدا- علم من هؤلاء العظماء الأعلام الذين استضاء بهم تاريخ أمتنا ، وجمعوا من الصفات ما بوأهم منزلة القيادة والريادة
وهذا البحث وإن كان قد سبقه كثيرون كتبوا عن فضائل ومآثر هذا الإمام وفاء بحقه وتعميما لفضله وخيره، إلا أنه يركز على إبراز شيء مختلف فهو يعنى بدراسة جوانب الوسطية والتجديد في حياة الندوي، وهذا الجانب المهم لم يعتن به الآخرون، ولم يولوه حقه من البحث والدراسة.

خطة الدراسة:
قسَّمت هذه الدراسة إلى تمهيد وثلاثة فصول وخاتمة :
أما التمهيد فيتضمن الحديث عن مفهوم الوسطية والتجديد، إذ هما المَعْنيَّان بالدراسة في حياة هذا الإمام.
وأما الفصل الأول فتضمن التعريف بأبي الحسن وحياته العلمية.
وأما الفصل الثاني: فتحدث عن جوانب الوسطية في شخصية وعلم وفكر أبي الحسن.
وأما الفصل الثالث: فيتحدث عن أبرز جوانب التجديد التي اعتبر بسببها أبو الحسن أحد المجدٍّدين في العصر الحديث.
وأما الخاتمة: فقد بثثت فيها بعض مشاعري تجاه هذه الشخصية العظيمة والتي عايشتها من خلال كتبها فترة تعلمت فيها الكثير.
والله أسأل أن يجعل هذا العمل خالصا لوجهه الكريم وأن ينفع به كاتبه وقارئه، وجميع المسلمين.
والله من وراء القصد، وهو حسبنا ونعم الوكيل.
In-depth analysis of mathematics performance of college students in Qatar
Authors: Cham Sheikh Tijan , Kenniche Hichem
Published: October 2012

Research has shown that students' performance on college-level mathematics is poor across the globe and Qatar is no exception. Thus, there is a need to analyze in depth the weaknesses in the educational system, its pedagogical approaches and the materials it employs.

The main purpose of this research is to assess the mathematics performance of college students in Qatar. There could be a number of reasons for this under-performance. However, based on our experience as mathematics instructor, our research will focus on the following two aspects:

Firstly, college level mathematics cannot begin unless students have followed preliminary courses in appropriate sequences which could provide them with a solid foundation. Consequently, we will attempt to answer this first question:

1. Is students' under-performance due to a lack of understanding of the basic mathematics studied earlier in their schooling?

Secondly, most materials used in Qatari colleges are written in English; for instance, the current textbook in use. Furthermore, many colleges in Qatar either require students to sit for American exams, such as SAT, ACT, either at the point of entry or at the end of their foundation program. Since the majority of students in Qatar learn English as a second language, a second pertinent question is:

2. What is the relationship between students' language ability and performance in mathematics?

In order to address these two questions, we conducted a survey among students in our college and prepared the same questionnaires for similar institutions.

To gather enough evidence about the students' performance, we analyzed 'Beginner' and 'Advanced' group students' results on entrance examinations and several end-of-term tests within the foundation program. To get more information about the participants, we will conduct interviews with a sample of the students that will address the two research questions more deeply.

The results of this research will facilitate a better understanding of student's under-performance specifically in mathematics and, possibly, other subjects. Since the leadership in Qatar sees education as key to social and economic progress, the results of this research could be useful to all educationists in Qatar in informing their future decisions.