bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERP implementation in banks: success factors & impact on financial performance
Authors: Al-Nimer Munther , Omush Ahmed , Almasarwah Adel
Published: December 2017

The study aims to measure the extent of implementing ERP systems in the banking sector in Jordan, and identify the main factors that influence the implementation decision, in addition to measure the impact of the post-implementation of the ERP system on the financial performance. The study utilized a content analysis as a research instrument. The study of population consisted of all the banks in Jordan, where the study applied ‘Purposive Sample’ type. Therefore, the study included 11 banks from 2011 to 2016.The study indicated that the implementation year of the ERP system started in most of the Jordanian banks in 2013, and the rates vary from bank to bank according to their importance and the level of awareness. Training courses are considered the main variable that these banks face in the process of implementation. In addition, awareness of the advantages, the cost, and supporting the infrastructure are the core factors needed to influence the implementation decision.There is no impact when implementing an ERP system on the financial performance of the Jordanian banks in regard to the ROI and the DPS; on the other hand, there is an impact of the ERP system on the overall performance of the banks.The study recommends to disseminate knowledge on the advantages of implementing of ERP system in Jordanian banks and to develop the IT department efficiency. Moreover, it will be worthwhile to examine the effect of ERP systems by utilizing financial and non-financial measurements.
The effect of Lerner Index and income diversification on the general bank stability in Indonesia
Authors: Syahyunan  , Muda Iskandar , Sakti Siregar Hasan , Sadalia Isfenti , Chandra Gerry
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of market power and income diversification on the General Bank stability in Indonesia. This research uses a data sample of 20 general banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period of 2011–2014. Data analysis technique used is Multiple Linear Regression. It can be concluded simultaneously that market power and revenue diversification have significant effect on bank stability and, partially, market power has a positive and significant effect on a bank stability. Income diversification has a positive non-significant effect on bank stability.
Modern tendencies of the Ukrainian banking system development
Authors: Savchuk Nataliia , Grydzhuk Dmytro
Published: December 2017

The article considers the main tendencies of financial globalization as an all-encompassing process of the world community transformation into an open integrated system of information-technological, financial-economic, socio-political, and socio-cultural interrelations and interdependencies, as well as dialectical interaction of national and global social processes. The main current trends of the Ukrainian banking system development for the period 2016–2017 were researched, which was expressed in accelerating lending to businesses and the population; a key interest rate cut by the National Bank of Ukraine, which creates positive conditions for improving the economy, reducing interest rates on deposits, increasing retail lending and portfolio growth loans to individuals. The Ukrainian banking system is gradually integrated into the international banking system and forms its development pattern in the way of integration processes, taking into account the complexities of the external financial environment.
Modal analysis of HPGe detector assembly in gamma-ray spectrometers
Authors: Jakovļevs Oļegs , Malgin Vladislav , Vība Jānis
Published: December 2017

The HPGe detector assembly of gamma-ray spectrometer cooled by Stirling cycle cryocooler is under consideration. Modal analysis based on the compiled dynamic model was carried out. The natural frequencies and modes shapes for HPGe detector with relative efficiency 15 % mounted by supports made from composite G-Etronax and CESTILENE HD 1000 were calculated by Solidworks simulation. The frequencies of the axial mode are in range of 200-600 Hz where electrical interferences caused by mechanical vibrations (so-called microphone noise) has a large impact on the resolution of spectrometer. It is shown that for cryostat cap the lowest natural frequencies determined by the thickness of input window lay in higher frequency range. The validity of the adopted model was confirmed by the experiments. The calculated natural frequencies of the detector assembly are compared to the harmonics of cryocooler’s vibration. The results obtained are useful to identify the interferences source in electrical circuits of spectrometer at its adjusting.
Influence of semi-trailer truck operating conditions on road surface friendliness
Authors: Van Quynh Le
Published: December 2017

In order to analyze the influence of semi-trailer truck operating conditions on road surface, a three-dimensional vehicle-pavement coupled model with 14 degrees of freedom is established for simulation and calculation. The influence of the different vehicle operating conditions on the dynamic tire loads, dynamic load coefficient (DLC) and road-friendliness which include road surfaces, vehicle speeds, vehicle loads are analyzed in this study. The results shown that the influence of the road surface roughness and vehicle loads on the tire dynamic load coefficient as well as road-friendliness is very obvious. Especially, the DLC values of the 3rd axle increase from 23.97 %, and 34.88 % when vehicle moves on three different road conditions with a velocity of 20 m/s and fully loaded. Finally, this study result gives the road-friendly limit of driving speed for 5-axle semi-trailer truck when vehicle operates under the different conditions.
Faulty bearing features by variational mode decomposition
Authors: Zarour Djamal , Meziani Salim , Kedadouche Mourad , Thomas Marc
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a hybrid method based on Variational Mode Decomposition method (VDM) for detection of faulty bearing frequencies. The application of this method calls for a determination of the number of relevant frequencies K and a balancing parameter α; these are the key parameters of the VDM method. The operational modal analysis method and correlation coefficients are used respectively to estimate theses required parameters. The proposed method has been applied on experimental bearing signals at their early stages of degradation from 50 µm to 200 µm, as well as at an advanced stage of 2 mm. Results show a good identification of faulty bearing frequencies, which allows for the determination of the degradation severity.
Study on acoustic target strength characteristics of underwater composite rudder
Authors: Song Feng , Li Wei , Wang Mingsheng
Published: December 2017

In order to investigate the acoustic behavior of composite material, in this paper, the acoustic target strength (TS) of rudders is obtained by combining the finite element method with the automatically matched layer technique. However, besides the composite material mentioned above, the considered materials of rudder models also include steel. In addition, the results of abeam direction and other angles are computed. Finally, the magnitude of abeam TS versus frequency shows that the acoustic scattering property of composite model is better than that of steel one when the frequency is higher than 1600 Hz. Moreover, the acoustic scattering properties are totally different when frequency is lower than 600 Hz for models with composite and steel materials. As for directivity patterns, the TS of composite model in each direction is lower than that of steel model at 3800 Hz, which matches the conclusions mentioned above.
Research on consumption prediction of spare parts based on fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm and fractional order model
Authors: Chen Yukun , Gao Qi , Su Xiaobo , Yu Chenchen
Published: December 2017

In order to achieve the non-stationary de-noising signal effectively, and to solve the prediction of less sample, a hybrid model composed of FCCA (Fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm) and FOM (Fractional Order Model) was constructed. The degree of each data point was determined by FCCA to de-noise and the p order cumulative matrix was extended to r fractional cumulative matrix, so that the fractional order cumulative grey model was established to make forecasting. The results of numerical example showed that the hybrid model can obtain better prediction accuracy.
Torsional analysis of the engine computational model
Authors: Kučera Pavel , Píštěk Václav
Published: December 2017

The paper deals with basic behaviour and torsional analysis of the engine computational model. This computational model is assembled from own blocks which are created using the basic elements of Simulink software. The paper describes individual blocks and whole assembly of the engine computational model. The simulation of this diesel model was done to verify its function. In conclusion, torsional analysis was carried out.
On the use of signal smoothness estimates and signal similarity in bearing fault detection
Authors: Vaidelienė Gintarė , Valantinas Jonas , Vaidelys Martynas
Published: December 2017

The concepts of signal smoothness and signal similarity are very common in digital signal processing. In this paper, both concepts have been explored in the ball bearing failure diagnostics, where the bearing fault, bearing inner race and outer race faults were analysed. It was found out that the signal smoothness and the signal similarity estimates might reduce computational tolerance in the vibro-acoustic signal analysis. On this basis, numerous experiments have been carried out to demonstrate usefulness of the above-mentioned estimates (as useful parameters of signal features) in the signal quality analysis.
The role of organic matter and clay content in sediments for bioavailability of pyrene
Authors: Spasojević Jelena , Maletić Snežana , Rončević Srđan , Grgić Marko , Krčmar Dejan , Varga Nataša , Dalmacija Božo
Published: December 2017

Evaluation of the bioavailable fractions of organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is extremely important for assessing their risk to the environment. This available fraction, which can be solubilised and/or easily extracted, is believed to be the most accessible for bioaccumulation, biosorption and/or transformation. Sediment organic matter (OM) and clay play an important role in the biodegradation and bioavailability of PAHs. The strong association of PAHs with OM and clay in sediments has a great influence not only on their distribution but also on their long-term environmental impact. This paper investigates correlations between bioavailability and the clay and OM contents in sediments. The results show that OM is a better sorbent for pyrene (chosen as a model PAH) and that increasing the OM content reduces the bioavailable fraction. A mathematical model was used to predict the kinetic desorption, and these results showed that the sediment with the lowest content of OM had an Ffast value of 24%, whereas sediment with 20% OM gave a value of 9%. In the experiments with sediments with different clay contents, no clear dependence between clay and rate constants of the fast desorbing fractions was observed, which can be explained by the numerous possible interactions at the molecular level.
Pd Catalyzed N1/N4 Arylation of Piperazine for Synthesis of Drugs, Biological and Pharmaceutical Targets: An Overview of Buchwald Hartwig Amination Reaction of Piperazine in Drug Synthesis
Authors: Mishra Vaibhav , Chundawat Tejpal Singh
Published: December 2017

Background:

Substituted piperazine heterocycles are among the most significant structural components
of pharmaceuticals. N1/N4 substituted piperazine containing drugs and biological targets are ranked 3rd
in the top most frequent nitrogen heterocycles in U.S. FDA approved drugs. The high demand of N1/N4 substituted
piperazine containing biologically active compounds and U.S. FDA approved drugs, has prompted the
development of Pd catalyzed C-N bond formation reactions for their synthesis. Buchwald-Hartwig reaction is
the key tool for the synthesis of these compounds.

Objective:

This review provides strategies for Pd catalyzed C-N bond formation at N1/N4 of piperazine in the
synthesis of drugs and biological targets with diverse use of catalyst-ligand system and reaction parameters.

Conclusion:

It is clear from the review that a vast amount of work has been done in the synthesis of N1/N4
substituted piperazine containing targets under the Pd catalyzed Buchwald-Hartwig amination of aryl halides
by using different catalyst-ligand systems. These methods have become increasingly versatile as a result of innovation
in catalyst design and improvements in reaction conditions. This review gives an overview of recent
utilization of Buchwald-Hartwig amination reaction in drug/target synthesis.
Biogenic Synthesized Ag/Au Nanoparticles: Production, Characterization, and Applications
Authors: Duran Nelson , Seabra Amedea B.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Bimetallic silver-gold nanoparticles (Ag/Au NPs) with different structures
have recently gained scientific attention due to their new and superior properties in comparison with
metallic NPs made from a single metal. Ag/Au NPs (alloy or core-shell structures) have been applied
to several biomedical, technological, and environmental applications. The potential applications of
Ag/Au NPs are widespread yet poorly investigated in comparison with monometallic NPs. Besides
traditional chemical and physical routes to synthesize bimetallic Ag/Au NPs, biogenic protocols are
considered cost-effective, simple, and environmentally friendly. Despite their simplicity, biogenic
routes to synthesize Ag/Au NPs are less explored than traditional synthetic protocols.

Methods:

In this context, we present a review and discuss recent progress in the preparation of
bimetallic Ag/Au NPs with different morphologies, structures, and size distributions using biogenic
synthetic protocols.

Results:

Biogenic synthesis using plant extracts, algae, bacteria, fungi, and other biological agents
are presented and discussed. The characterization and potential applications of biogenically synthesized
Ag/Au NPs in the different areas of medicine and biological applications, such as antibacterial,
anticandidal, anticancer, antidiabetes, and as sensors for clinical diagnosis are presented and discussed.

Conclusion:

Finally, challenges and drawbacks in the biological routes for the preparation of Ag/Au
NPs for industrial applications are also discussed.
Universos do conhecimento. Reflexões sobre a investigação narrativa na educação
Authors: Cruz Vásquez Gabriela , Arena Adriana Pastorello Buim
Published: December 2017

O presente texto tem como objetivo oferecer ao leitor alguns apontamentos dos conceitos que envolvem a temática da investigação narrativa em educação e na pesquisa qualitativa. Quando se discute sobre esta modalidade de fazer investigação, há sempre dúvidas quanto a sua validade, geradas pela forte tradição positivista que predomina desde o nascimento do método científico. Com a intenção de complexificar a discussão sobre a natureza da pesquisa qualitativa, educativa e narrativa, este trabalho apoia-se em autores que problematizam os termos experiência, tempo, espaço, palavra e investigação narrativa, a partir da investigação e da literatura. Nas conclusões faz-se uma reflexão sobre a investigação narrativa como um giro metodológico qualitativo que possibilita uma rica geração de dados para o entendimento e a interpretação de níveis mais profundos da complexa subjetividade humana e da prática educativa.Palavras-chave: Experiência; Tempo-Espaço; Palavra; Investigação narrativa  ABSTRACTThis text aims to offer the reader some notes about concepts involving the theme of narrative research in education and in qualitative research. When discussing this mode of doing research, there are always doubts about its validity, generated by a strong positivist tradition that prevails since the birth of the scientific method. With the intention to deepen the discussion on the nature of qualitative research, of an educational and narrative nature, this work is based on literary analysis and on authors who problematize the terms experience, time, space, word and narrative research. A reflection on the methodological qualities of narrative research is made in the conclusions, as a qualitative methodology that makes possible a rich generation of data for understanding and interpreting deeper levels of the complex human subjectivity and of the educative practice. Keywords: Experience; Time-Space; Word; Narrative research
As tecnologias digitais na aprendizagem das crianças e no envolvimento parental no Jardim de Infância: Estudo exploratório das necessidades das educadoras de infância
Authors: Laranjeiro Dionisia , Antunes Maria João , Santos Paula
Published: December 2017

É cada vez mais comum o uso das tecnologias digitais por pais e educadores de infância para realizar atividades promotoras de aprendizagem com as crianças, tais como fazer uma pesquisa na Internet ou jogar um jogo didático. A conceção de uma plataforma tecnológica que promova a comunicação entre pais e educadores poderá potenciar o envolvimento parental na aprendizagem das crianças e criar novas dinâmicas no jardim de infância. Com este estudo, baseado em entrevistas a quatro educadoras, pretende-se averiguar como é utilizada a tecnologia no jardim de infância para realizar atividades com as crianças e para comunicar com os pais, de forma a facilitar o seu envolvimento. Também se pretende perceber como estas atividades podem ser ampliadas, usando uma plataforma digital com funcionalidades específicas. Os resultados indicam que a plataforma deve reunir informações oficiais do jardim de infância e das atividades realizadas com as crianças, contactos diretos dos pais, sugestões e links para recursos educacionais. Palavras-chave: Jardim de infância; TIC; Envolvimento parental; aprendizagem ABSTRACTDigital technologies are being increasingly used by parents and kindergarten teachers to perform learning activities with children, such as access the Internet, make an online search or play an educational game. The development of a technological platform that promotes communication and content sharing between parents and kindergarten teachers can enhance parental involvement in children’s learning and bring new dynamics to kindergarten classrooms. Based on interviews with four kindergarten teachers, this study aims to find out how they use technology in kindergartens to perform learning activities with children and share information with parents, in order to facilitate their involvement and participation. It also aims to understand how these activities could be expanded through the development of a digital platform with specific features. The results indicate that the platform should gather official information from the kindergarten and activities carried out with children, direct contacts of the parents, suggestions and links to educational resources.Keywords: Kindergarten; ICT; Parental involvement; Learning
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AND ITS MANAGEMENT
Authors: Singh Subhash
Published: December 2017

Integrated Education follows the principle of providing equal opportunities to an integrated group of able bodied and differently abled children studying together. Inclusive Education makes provision for learning of all children in the classroom. The regular teacher becomes the acilitator. The general school adapts to the needs of every child in the classroom.
Economics of Education: An Idea for a Poor Nation
Authors: Azad Abul K.
Published: December 2017

Bangladesh has been beset with manifold everyday problems even after becoming a lower middle-income country in 2015. This paper argues that the huge population is a key problem in this country and the existing higher education at general universities and colleges is generally unproductive. Against this backdrop, this study suggests that the country's population problem can be transformed into human resources by introducing a purposeful higher education system. The purposeful education will have three broad-based impacts on the society. First, wastage of education will be minimised and efficiency will go up as people will get a job matching their skills they gain from their study. Second, there will be less possibility of unemployment as students will be provided with skills related to the demands of local and foreign job markets, and the governmental will help them secure jobs. Third, the existing size of the population will go down significantly in line with the students moving abroad with jobs in a revolutionary way, which could revolutionise the country's socioeconomic condition.
Is Islam Pro- or Anti-Environmental? Interpretations and Implications
Authors: Hekmatpour Peyman , Burns Thomas J. , Boyd Tom W
Published: December 2017

Religion has, throughout the centuries, been a powerful institution on the macro level, yet also stands as a force having significant influence in people’s personal lives. This does, however, lead to questions of how a traditional institution such as religion may or may not be adequate to address problems of the Late Industrial Era, most notably the environmental crisis. In this paper, we inquire how various dimensions of Islamic literature and thought can contribute to preserving the natural environment. We find that concepts such as “dominion of men over the earth” and “specialness of humankind” can lead to anti-environmental interpretations of Islam. Nevertheless, other interpretations of Islamic teachings emerge that are compatible with environmental stewardship. However, a number of Islamic governments have shown a decided bias against environmental stewardship, particularly in cases where there is an authoritarian government and one placing an emphasis on economic “development”. In counterpoint, Islamic Mysticism, or Sufism, can provide a spiritual context for environmentally conscious action.
An Exploration of Hedging and Boosting Devices Used in Academic Discourse Focusing on English Theses at the University of Namibia
Authors: Haufiku Naftal K.T. , Kangira Jairos
Published: December 2017

This paper explored the application of hedges and boosters in all ten theses of the Master of Arts in English Studies submitted and examined at the University of Namibia between 2014 and 2015. A mixed research approach was chosen because of the descriptive nature of this study. This method also gave an in-depth understanding of issues such as why research writers prefer some types of hedging and boosting devices over the others, and why some theses chapters have certain types of hedges and boosters. The study only examined three chapters of the theses: the Introduction, Discussion, and Conclusion. Hyland’s (2004) taxonomy of hedges and boosters was used to analyse the types of hedges and boosters used. Kaplan’s (1997) Contrastive Rhetoric Theory was used to explain how researchers use hedges and boosters to express their uncertainties and certainties respectively. The study revealed that writers prefer Type 3 of hedges and boosters in all the three chapters. It further revealed that there is an unequal distribution of hedges and boosters among writers. Finally, the paper concluded that the preference of Type 3 may have been caused by the fact that since Type 3 does not have boosting devices writers find it less threatening to employ it in order to conform to the accepted academic writing style. The unequal distribution may also suggest that writers in academic discourse are not proficient in the English language.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON OF DUAL-BRANCH AND TRIPLE-BRANCH SELECTION DIVERSITY RECEIVER BASED ON DESIRED SIGNAL ALGORITHM OVER CORRELATED WEIBULL FADING CHANNELS
Authors: Golubović Aleksandra , Sekulović Nikola , Stefanović Mihajlo , Milić Dejan
Published: December 2017

As an important performance measure, in this paper the outage probability of dual- and triple-branch selection combining (SC) diversity system is compared. The analyzed system works over correlated Weibull fading channels in the presence of cochannel interference (CCI) where the output signal choice is done using desired signal algorithm. Results are graphically presented showing the influence of number of diversity branches, correlation coefficient and ratio of average powers of desired and interference signal.
NEW TYPE OF NEARLY MONOTONIC PASSBAND FILTERS WITH SHARP CUTOFF
Authors: Živaljević Dragana , Nikolić Saša V.
Published: December 2017

New type of nearly monotonic rational function with one pair of zeros on imaginary axis has been proposed. By using these new functions with zeros as a parameter, it is possible to make tradeoff between minimum stopband attenuation and selectivity of the amplitude characteristic. In order to present efficiency of the proposed filter, comparison with allpole filter monotonic in the passband and inverse Chebyshev filter is presented. Also, design example for the seventh order new type lowpass filter is given.
THE IMPACT OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION (1929–1933) ON TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE KINGDOM OF YUGOSLAVIA AND GERMANY
Authors: Kocić Milena S.
Published: December 2017

This paper examines the impact of the Great Depression (1929–1933), the biggest blow that the capitalist world had undergone in its history up to that point, on trade relations between the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Germany. At that time, the trade relations were based on a trade agreement of 1927, which would be cancelled during the crisis and replaced with a new one in 1934. Germany skillfully used the difficulties that the countries of Southeastern Europe, including the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, suffered from the Great Depression regarding the marketing of their main export commodity, agricultural products. A contributing factor to this was the fact that France and Great Britain, the main partners of the aforementioned countries, were losing economic interest in this area, which enabled Germany to impose itself as the leading trade partner through the expansion of existing and the making of new trade agreements. A key factor in this process was the existing economic complementarity of the two countries, which gained special significance in the years following the crisis. In this sense, it can be said that the world economic crisis, i.e., its aftermath, combined with a general state of political affairs in Europe in the 1930s, ultimately contributed to the promotion of economic cooperation between the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Germany and the strengthening of the ties between the two countries.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AS THE SOURCE OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: THE RESOURCE-BASED VIEW
Authors: Radjenović Tamara , Krstić Bojan
Published: December 2017

The concepts of intellectual capital and competitiveness are widely studied issues among researchers during the last few decades. Intangible assets have been proved to be the fundamental source of value and competitiveness in modern enterprises. Intellectual capital is a valuable invisible resource which drives firm’s growth and provides superior value for stakeholders. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to examine the role the intellectual capital has in creating and sustaining competitive advantage of enterprises from the resource-based perspective.
FEATURES OF FUNDING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN THE LIGHT OF REFORMS
Authors: Rimskaya Olga Nikolaevna
Published: December 2017

Modern education reforms undertaken in the countries all over the world have inevitably affected the management and funding system of education. The tendency towards decentralization of management of education is the most expressed in many countries. However, the state budget is still responsible for education funding. Taking into account national peculiarities in the sphere of funding, there are various approaches and schemes. As international experience shows, a state participation in higher education funding leads to its gradual reduction with a simultaneous increase of the share of extrabudgetary funding at the expense of the entities, public granting organizations, government programs, and students. It should be noted that basic approaches and methods of education funding change, depending on the economic situation in the specific country.
INDEPENDENCE AND OBJECTIVITY OF INTERNAL AUDITORS AS DETERMINANTS OF THEIR EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Đorđević Milica , Đukić Tadija
Published: December 2017

The aim of this paper is to highlight the issue of independence and objectivity of internal auditors, which, given the place and role of internal audit in the system of corporate governance, is increasingly gaining in importance. In determining these concepts, the difference between them is pointed out, with particular emphasis their importance for internal audit effectiveness. By introducing circumstances in which internal audit functions, the paper especially emphasizes the challenges that internal auditors face in achieving independence and objectivity in their work. In this process, they receive significant support from regulatory decisions regarding the position of internal audit in companies, and especially directions to invest efforts and eliminate all factors that threaten to undermine their independence and objectivity.
THE IMPACT OF BIG DATA TECHNOLOGIES ON COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF COMPANIES
Authors: Lukić Jelena
Published: December 2017

The emergence of large quantity of data, from various sources, available in real-time, known as Big Data, have stimulated development of new technologies, techniques, tools, knowledge and skills which allows to work with that data. Big Data represent not only the factor from environment that confronts the companies with avalanche of data, but also very imporant resource which provide opportunities for companies to make value on the basis of collected data. Characteristics and possibilities which Big Data technologies offer have positioned them as a valuable factor for gaining and sustaining the competitive advantage in companies. The aim of this paper is to examine how Big Data technologies impact on competitive advantage of the companies that use them.
RHETORIC AND CULTURE IN JOHN NKENGASONG’S ACROSS THE MONGOLO
Authors: Epoge Napoleon
Published: December 2017

This paper explores and discusses the synergetic link between language, culture and literature as underscored in John Nkengasong’s Across the Mongolo. Nkengasong, in his novel Across the Mongolo, intertwines Cameroon culture and rhetoric through cultural thought patterns such as the family structure, greeting and salutation, communal life and hospitality, culinary delights, days of the week, as well as linguistic thought patterns such as transliteration of metaphorical expressions and imagery, direct loans, coinage, code-mixing, French discourse, and Cameroon Pidgin English discourse, as index of socio-cultural and linguistic identity. These expressions ornament the write-up of the novel giving it a Cameroonian romantic aesthetic in linguistic texturing. They equally reveal that the language of Across the Mongolo portrays the interconnection between language and culture, and language and socio-cultural identity construction.  The paper argues that a good knowledge of the socio-cultural and linguistic context of Cameroon is necessary for a good understanding of the rhetoric of the novel Across the Mongolo.
THE NEVERENDING STORY OF AL HUSIN AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: FROM EL-MUJAHEDIN TO FREEDOM?
Authors: Popović Igor , Ševo Olivera
Published: December 2017

The paper deals with the problem which the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina face with regard to foreign combatants who participated in the BH civil war between 1992 and 1995. Many of them stayed in the country after the war, and authorities intend to deport some of them, who represent a threat to national security. One of them is Imad Al Husin, whose case best reflects the abovementioned problem. Since he has a citizenship of Syria, which cannot be considered a safe country regarding the non-refoulement rule, process of deportation is facing difficulties. On the other hand, given the fact that he represents a threat to national security, he has been detained in an immigration centre for years. Since the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot find a third safe country, the question arises on the lawfulness of the duration of his detention in the immigration centre. In that context, we analyzed the decision of the European Court of Human Rights and decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding Imad Al Husin.
CYTOMORPHOLOGY OF THE BULBAR CONJUNCTIVAL CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH DRY EYE
Authors: Stanković-Babić Gordana , Gligorijević Jasmina , Cekić Sonja , Zlatanović Gordana , Stojanović Jovan
Published: December 2017

Dry eye is among the most common pathological conditions in ophthalmology. The aim of our study was to present possibilites of two different cytological methods for examination of cytomorphology of bulbar conjunctival cells- impression cytology (IC) and combined cytological method for scanning electron microscopy in the diagnosis  of dry eye (ICSEM). A hundred and twenty-two patients of both sexes, in different age groups, were analyzed by clinical method (slit lamp, Schirmer I, TBUT, Rose Bengal) and two cytomorphological methods – IC and ICSEM. In patients with dry eye, squamous metaplasia, inflammation and severe loss of adhesiveness of the epithelium were present. ICSEM gives an advantage in early diagnosis of changes, before the lesion of superficial conjunctival epithelium in patients with dry eye. The phenomenon of metaplasia appears in the epithelium of the bulbar conjunctiva in the absence of manifest dry eye and represents the basis for understanding the increased incidence of this syndrome in older patients with dry eye.
PROPTOSIS AND DIPLOPIA AS CONSEQUENCES IN TRAUMA OF CRANIOFACIAL JUNCTION
Authors: Pajić Srbislav , Boljević Tanja , Antić Svetlana , Mrvaljević Milutin , Cojić Milena , Janić Jovan , Pešić Zoran
Published: December 2017

In the trauma of craniofacial junction, frontal sinus wall fractures take up 5-15% of all facial bone fractures. The most common mechanism of their occurrence comes as a result of the action of high-energy impact force on the frontal area. Treatment of the injuries in frontal-orbital-ethmoidal regions largely depends on the responsible experts (otolaryngologist, maxillofacial surgeon or neurosurgeon)  in all cases, because of the implementation of diverse surgical technics  in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient. Bearing in mind the complex anatomical features of this region, it is clear that these procedures are often accompanied by series of possible complications, all of which are certainly neurosurgical. These can be expressed as early or late complications, and  could be characterized by diverse clinical manifestations. Mucocele is formed, either due to partial obstruction of the sinus mucosa or due to the obstruction of the frontal sinus. The long term existence of mucocele and its progressive growth will result in strong pressure on the adjacent bones, and lead to their destruction followed by the process-propagation into  surrounding tissues  and spaces. In the further development  if a bacterial contamination is detected, it will lead to the purulent inflammatory process and clinical picture of mucopyocele. In most clinical cases with complications proptosis and diplopia are dominant ophthalmic manifestations. In this paper we will  present our experience in the treatment of proptosis and diplopia, as well as the ways of diagnostic evaluation  in order to achieve timely diagnosis  and assure swift healing of patients.
THE ASSOCIATION OF CELIAC DISEASE WITH OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES IN CHILDREN
Authors: Maksimović Jelisaveta , Djurić Zlatko
Published: December 2017

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease with estimated prevalence of 1% in European and North American population. All four components of CD autoimmunity are well known, such as: genetics, autoantigen, autoantibodies and the environmental triggers. Besides gastrointestinal manifestations, celiac disease has a wide array of extraintestinal symptoms and clinical signs. This article briefly summarizes celiac disease pathophysiology and association of celiac disease with other autoimmune diseases in children. It puts emphasis on possible protective role of gluten-free diet for the development of other autoimmune diseases in patients with celiac disease.
CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION AGAINST VIOLENCE
Authors: Egloff Goetz , Djordjevic Dragana
Published: December 2017

Violence has its roots in many factors. Structured interventions for children can be useful when it comes to building emotional competencies. Self-regulation of negative emotions, impulse control, and empathy are important competencies to be achieved in order to prevent violence. The 'Faustlos' ('No Fists') program, which was designed to learn how to deal with emotions as well as to develop empathic dealings with one another, offers a wide variety of techniques and strategies for children. Furthermore, children are given a secure realm of learning and transfer in which no-one is excluded and stigmatization is avoided. With the additional involvement of parents, new modes of intra- and interpersonal conflict solutions in families can be developed. Its special relational approach makes the program convincing as a tool for childhood intervention. The development of pro-social emotions should be a base for the prevention of bullying and violence. Implementation in Serbia might be useful.
Komunikasi Keluarga Dalam Pencegahan Perilaku Bullying Bagi Anak
Authors: Janitra Preciosa Alnashava , Prasanti Ditha
Published: December 2017

Communication process occurs in every aspect of life, including family. When people interact to each other, sometimes it may lead to bullying. Bullying is not a new phenomenon, especially in family. Bullying means verbal and physical threat, force and violence which conduct repeatedly, for instance by the older children to their younger sister or brother. This is the uniqueness of this research. Family communication becomes main foundation to prevent bullying. Researcher see this phenomenon as a unique problem to be studied. Based on that phenomenon, researcher interested to study “Family Communication in Preventing Bullying Behavior for Children”. Result shows that family communication in preventing children’s bullying behavior covers: (1) In order to prevent bullying, an effective family communication process has to be strived, including respect, empathy, audible (2) Causative factor of bullying is inappropriate parenting in context of family communication. Proses komunikasi berlangsung dalam setiap aspek kehidupan, termasuk dalam lapisan masyarakat dan lapisan keluarga. Ketika manusia melakukan interaksi satu sama lainnya, kadang-kadang mengarah pada perilaku bullying. Bullying bukanlah fenomena yang baru lagi, khususnya dalam sebuah keluarga. Bullying artinya ancaman, pemaksaan, kekerasan fisik maupun verbal yang dilakukan berulang-ulang, misalnya kakak kepada adiknya. Disinilah letak keunikan penelitian ini. Komunikasi keluarga menjadi pondasi utama untuk mencegah terjadinya perilaku bullying bagi anak. Peneliti melihat fenomena ini merupakan masalah yang unik dan menarik untuk diteliti. Berdasarkan fenomena tersebut, peneliti tertarik untuk mengangkat “Komunikasi Keluarga dalam Pencegahan Perilaku Bullying bagi Anak”. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa komunikasi keluarga dalam pencegahan perilaku bullying bagi anak meliputi: (1) Untuk mencegah bullying harus diupayakan proses komunikasi keluarga yang efektif yaitu: respek, empati, audible; (2) Adapun faktor penyebab terjadinya perilaku bullying adalah pengasuhan orangtua yang tidak tepat dalam konteks komunikasi keluarga
La traducción inversa colaborativa como una técnica para mejorar destrezas orales con los estudiantes de un colegio vocacional en Costa Rica
Authors: Hernández Ching Ruth Cristina , León Guillén Karen Iliana
Published: December 2017

El artículo presenta los resultados de una exploración sobre el uso de la técnica colaborativa de traduccióninversa para mejorar las destrezas orales entre los estudiantes de un colegio técnico vocacionalde Costa Rica. Delisle (1998) propone el uso de la traducción pedagógica, mientras que Zhang &Gao (2014), recomiendan el proceso de negociación entre pares en la enseñanza de segundas lenguasen las aulas de la educación técnica. Se plantea la siguiente pregunta generadora: ¿cómo puede favorecerla técnica de traducción inversa colaborativa en el mejoramiento de las destrezas orales de losestudiantes? Se adopta un método cualitativo de tipo fenomenológico y exploratorio. Se establececomo estrategia metodológica la triangulación de resultados en donde se utilizan como instrumentosde medición la observación de las actividades, los grupos focalizados con estudiantes y la entrevistasemiestructurada aplicada al profesor del grupo. La población consistió en un grupo de 16 estudiantesde décimo grado. Los resultados de la investigación demostraron que la propuesta permitió elconocimiento de vocabulario nuevo de manera colaborativa, usando material de la traducción profesionalpor medio de la negociación y el uso de las tecnologías. Estudios posteriores podrían orientarsea medir las ventajas de la técnica para mejorar las competencias comunicativas de segundas lenguasen colegios técnicos y vocacionales.
Effect of Medical Nutrition Therapy for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in a Low-/No-Cost Clinic: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Agee Mark D. , Gates Zane , Irwin Patrick M.
Published: December 2017

Background.

Although many studies have been conducted regarding the effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for type 2 diabetes management, less is known about the effectiveness of MNT for low-income adults. This study evaluated the contribution of MNT in improving A1C and blood pressure in a population of low-income adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods.

This was a population-based, propensity score–matched cohort study using provincial health data from Altoona, Blair County, Pa. Patients who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months before March 2014 were selected from two separate clinics that serve low-income populations. Patients who received MNT (n = 81) from a registered dietitian were compared to a matched group of patients who received primary care alone (n = 143). Outcome measures were A1C and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The follow-up period was 1 year.

Results.

Improvements in A1C and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were statistically significant for patients who received MNT at uniform 3-month intervals through 1 year. At the 1-year follow-up, A1C reduction was –0.8% (P <0.01), systolic blood pressure reduction was –8.2 mmHg (P <0.01), and diastolic blood pressure reduction was –4.3 mmHg (P <0.05).

Conclusion.

Although low-income individuals encounter a variety of barriers that reduce their capacity for success with and adherence to MNT, provision of nutrition therapy services by a registered dietitian experienced in addressing these barriers can be an effective addition to the existing medical components of type 2 diabetes care.
Afghanistan
Authors: Barfield Thomas
Published: December 2017

This book traces the historic struggles and the changing nature of political authority in this volatile region of the world—Afghanistan—from the Mughal Empire in the sixteenth century to the Taliban resurgence today. The book introduces readers to the bewildering diversity of tribal and ethnic groups in Afghanistan, explaining what unites them as Afghans despite the regional, cultural, and political differences that divide them. It shows how governing these peoples was relatively easy when power was concentrated in a small dynastic elite, but how this delicate political order broke down in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries when Afghanistan's rulers mobilized rural militias to expel first the British and later the Soviets. Armed insurgency proved remarkably successful against the foreign occupiers, but it also undermined the Afghan government's authority and rendered the country ever more difficult to govern as time passed. The book vividly describes how Afghanistan's armed factions plunged the country into a civil war, giving rise to clerical rule by the Taliban and Afghanistan's isolation from the world. It examines why the American invasion in the wake of September 11 toppled the Taliban so quickly, and how this easy victory lulled the United States into falsely believing that a viable state could be built just as easily. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how a land conquered and ruled by foreign dynasties for more than a thousand years became the “graveyard of empires” for the British and Soviets, and what the United States must do to avoid a similar fate.
Resistencia a cadmio (Cd) de bacterias endófitas y bacterias rizosféricas aisladas a partir de Oriza sativa en Colombia
Authors: Ayubb T Nataly , Cerra G Armando , Chamorro A Leonardo , Pérez C Alexander
Published: December 2017

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar in vitro la resistencia de bacterias endófitas y rizosféricas a diferentes concentraciones de Cadmio (Cd). Se evaluó in vitro la promoción de crecimiento vegetal mediante la fijación de nitrógeno, solubilización de fosfato y producción de sideróforos de bacterias endófitas aisladas de diferentes tejidos de variedades de arroz comerciales y de bacterias aisladas de la rizósfera en las plantaciones de arroz de los corregimientos de Nechí (Antioquía) y Achí (Bolívar). Se colectaron muestras de raíz, tallos y hojas de plantas de arroz y de muestras de suelo rizosférico. A cada muestra se les determinó la densidad poblacional por medio de conteo en UFC/ g de tejido y se separaron morfotipos por forma, color, tamaño y apariencia en medios de cultivos. Se observaron diferencias significativas para densidad poblacional de bacterias con respecto a tejido, con mayores valores en raíz (4x1011 g/raíz), seguida de tallo (3x1010 g/tallo), hoja (5x109 g/hoja), hoja bandera (3x109 g/hoja bandera) y menor densidad en panícula (4x108 g/panícula). Los resultados de la identificación con kit API20E confirmaron la presencia de la bacteria endófita Burkholderia cepaceae y la bacteria rizosférica Pseudomona fluorescens con capacidad de tolerar diferentes concentraciones de Cd, fijar nitrógeno, solubilizar fosfatos y producir sideróforos.
Ampliación de la presencia del caracol africano gigante Acathina fulica (Bowdich 1822) (Mollusca: Gastropoda-Achatinidae) en la zona norte del departamento de Sucre, Colombia
Authors: De La Ossa-Lacayo Alejandro , Castro-Carmona José , Monroy-Pineda María
Published: December 2017

El presente trabajo establece la presencia del caracol gigante africano (Acathina fulica), en la zona norte del departamento de Sucre, en jurisdicción de la Corporación Autónoma Regional de Sucre – CARSUCRE. Se determinó densidad y rangos de tallas para cada localidad muestreada: Sincelejo, Corozal y Tolú, igualmente se siguieron los protocolos de control indicados por la autoridad ambiental respectiva y se discuten los posibles impactos que esta especie invasora podría ocasionar.