bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An automated testbed for profiling the packet send-time accuracy of embedded devices
Authors: K. P. Mok Ricky , Li Weichao , K. C. Chang Rocky , Yung Kwok-Wun , Chan Ching-Ho , Poon Yat-Sing
Published: August 2015

Embedded devices, such as home routers or single-board computers, are becoming more powerful and affordable. Many of the existing Linux-based network measurement tools can also be run on these devices through cross-compilation. These features provide more incentive for network administrators or researchers to employ them as network measurement probes. Large-scale measurement projects, such as BISMark and RIPE, have already deployed more than hundreds of home routers as vantage points to measure the Internet from the edge.Our previous work showed that these embedded devices have much lower packet send-time accuracy compared to commodity PC. The lower accuracy limits their ability to acquire sound measurement results in high-speed networks. In this poster, we present an automated testbed to systematically benchmark the performance of four popular embedded devices (Raspberry Pi I & II, ECS LIVA, and a TP-Link Travel Router) and suggest the network types that they can accurately measure. The testbed can also evaluate the performance of the kernel-space tools using OMware. The results can be visualized through a web interface, thus enabling users to compare various devices easily.
The Crisis of Japanese Identity in the 21st Century and Watsuji Tetsurō’s Ethics
Authors: VOJTÍŠKOVÁ Kristýna
Published: August 2015

According to some thinkers, in the 21st century, the Japanese society is facing a crisis of values. The postmodern approach to the individual and society may be one of the causes of this problem. In this point of view, an inadequate grasp of the relationship between the individual and the society seems to play an important role. The problem of this relationship was elaborated by the early 20th century philosopher Watsuji Tetsurō who endeavoured to re-define the role of an individual in the society. This paper attempts to examine the contemporary problem of Japanese identity from the perspective of Watsuji’s conception of interpersonal relationships.
Social Context of the fujo: Shamanism in Japan through a Female Perspective
Authors: LAKIĆ PARAĆ Iva
Published: August 2015

This study deals with the phenomenon of shamanism in Japan with the emphasis on the female perspective and the fact that women, in the first place, have dealt with shamanistic practices in Japan since ancient times. Could we say that shamanism was a tool that women used in order to have a small part of their authority and power acknowledged? Have they managed to influence their marginal position in society and in what way? Considering the phenomenon from the historical perspective, we will try to individualize some forms in which shamanism in Japan adjusted to the given cultural and social frameworks.
高橋睦郎の世界/The World of Mutsuo Takahashi
Authors: YAMASAKI Kayoko
Published: August 2015

要旨 本稿は、日本現代詩を代表する詩人高橋睦郎をとりあげ、初期の作品から今日に至るまでの作品について、樹木のモチーフの変化を分析する。父の早世など、過酷な幼児期は、自叙伝的な家庭史と神話を絡ませた円環形式をもつ詩集『姉の島』(1995) に結晶した。だが、2000年以降は、環境破壊、家族崩壊、テロなどの社会問題など、外の世界へと向かっていく。社会的なテーマは、日本の詩歌では歴史が浅いが、逆説的なレトリックによって、高橋睦郎は多義的で抒情的な思想詩を生み出した。東北地方太平洋沖大震災のあった2011年以降の作品は、核エネルギーの問題、情報化時代を背景とした言語の空洞化を主題として新しい展開を見せている。 AbstractThis paper presents the poetry of Mutsuo Takahashi, one of the most important contemporary Japanese poets. We particularly focus on analysing the tree motif in the poems created since the poets’ early stages to the present day. The collection of poetry Sister’s Islands (1995), inspired by the poet’s childhood, full of tragic events such as his father’s premature death and his mother’s abandonment of him, interweaves autobiographical and mythological elements in a ringlike structure. However, after the year 2000 a new creative phase in his work ensued, wherein the poet deals with the problems facing our world such as ecological issues, disintegration of the family, terrorism, etc. The poems created after the great earthquake in Tohoku in 2011 open up new topics such as the ecological catastrophe caused by nuclear energy, loss of the meaning of words in the contemporary era, when information is exchanged at a lightning speed.
Poročanje o sporu glede otočja Diaoyu/Diaoyutai/Senkaku v izbranih slovenskih medijih
Authors: ISTENIČ Sasa
Published: August 2015

Spor nad otočjem Senkaku ostaja v središču mednarodne pozornosti. Ker bi morebitna eskalacija konflikta lahko zanetila vojno enormnih razsežnosti, je spor atraktivna novica medijev po vsem svetu. Tudi slovenski mediji so, podkrepljeni s splošno vrednostjo objav novic o mednarodnih konfliktih, spremljali aktualne novice o sporu nad otočjem Senkaku. Medtem ko je oddaljena vzhodnoazijska regija na dnu slovenskih prioritet in ambicij njenih politikov pa so tržni nagibi močno povezani s stabilnim in varnim okoljem v Vzhodni Aziji. Pričujoč članek bo analiziral poročanje slovenskih medijev o spornem otočju pri čemer se bo še posebno osredotočil na medijsko reprezentacijo podobe Japonske. Kvantitativna in kvalitativna analiza ključnih slovenskih tiskanih in spletnih dnevnih časnikov bo zajela vse novice o sporu objavljene v obdobju med leti 2010 in 2013.
A Male Transformation into a Female Character on the Noh Stage
Authors: BRAZHNIKOVA TSYBIZOVA Violetta
Published: August 2015

Femininity and the feminine figure itself in Noh theatre plays an important role, though nowadays the interpreter is fundamentally masculine. The central aim of impersonating feminine roles by masculine performers, and therefore creating the masculine femininity consists of transmitting the spirit and the state of mind in place of ordinary copies of external femininity signs. That is the basis of the work of interpretation of the actor in the Noh theatre, similar in the case of both male and female roles. However, this paper will examine the technique in both occasions, and the difference in the event that there is a difference.
Shaping Darkness in hyakki yagyō emaki
Authors: NICOLAE Raluca
Published: August 2015

In Japanese culture, the yōkai, the numinous creatures inhabiting the other world and, sometimes, the boundary between our world and the other, are obvious manifestations of the feeling of fear, “translated” into text and image. Among the numerous emaki in which the yōkai appear, there is a specific type, called hyakki yagyō (the night parade of one hundred demons), where all sorts and sizes of monsters flock together to enjoy themselves at night, but, in the end, are scattered away by the first beams of light or by the mysterious darani no hi, the fire produced by a powerful magical invocation, used in the Buddhist sect Shingon. The nexus of this emakimono is their great number, hyakki, (one hundred demons being a generic term which encompasses a large variety of yōkai and oni) as well as the night––the very time when darkness becomes flesh and blood and starts marching on the streets.
Uncertainties in global aerosols and climate effects due to biofuel emissions
Authors: Kodros J. K. , Scott C. E. , Farina S. C. , Lee Y. H. , L'Orange C. , Volckens J. , Pierce J. R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Aerosol emissions from biofuel combustion impact both health and climate; however, while reducing emissions through improvements to combustion technologies will improve health, the net effect on climate is largely unconstrained. In this study, we examine sensitivities in global aerosol concentration, direct radiative climate effect, and cloud-albedo aerosol indirect climate effect to uncertainties in biofuel emission factors, optical mixing state, and model nucleation and background secondary organic aerosol (SOA). We use the Goddard Earth Observing System global chemical-transport model (GEOS-Chem) with TwO Moment Aerosol Sectional (TOMAS) microphysics. The emission factors include amount, composition, size, and hygroscopicity, as well as optical mixing-state properties. We also evaluate emissions from domestic coal use, which is not biofuel but is also frequently emitted from homes. We estimate the direct radiative effect assuming different mixing states (homogeneous, core-shell, and external) with and without absorptive organic aerosol (brown carbon). We find the global-mean direct radiative effect of biofuel emissions ranges from −0.02 to +0.06 W m−2 across all simulation/mixing-state combinations with regional effects in source regions ranging from −0.2 to +0.8 W m−2. The global-mean cloud-albedo aerosol indirect effect (AIE) ranges from +0.01 to −0.02 W m−2 with regional effects in source regions ranging from −1.0 to −0.05 W m−2. The direct radiative effect is strongly dependent on uncertainties in emissions mass, composition, emissions aerosol size distributions, and assumed optical mixing state, while the indirect effect is dependent on the emissions mass, emissions aerosol size distribution, and the choice of model nucleation and secondary organic aerosol schemes. The sign and magnitude of these effects have a strong regional dependence. We conclude that the climate effects of biofuel aerosols are largely unconstrained, and the overall sign of the aerosol effects is unclear due to uncertainties in model inputs. This uncertainty limits our ability to introduce mitigation strategies aimed at reducing biofuel black carbon emissions in order to counter warming effects from greenhouse gases. To better understand the climate impact of particle emissions from biofuel combustion, we recommend field/laboratory measurements to narrow constraints on (1) emissions mass, (2) emission size distribution, (3) mixing state, and (4) ratio of black carbon to organic aerosol.
Nitrogen export from a boreal stream network following forest harvesting: seasonal nitrate removal and conservative export of organic forms
Authors: Schelker J. , Sponseller R. , Ring E. , Högbom L. , Löfgren S. , Laudon H.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Boreal streams are under pressure from large scale disturbance by forestry. Recent scenarios predict an increase in forest production in Scandinavia to meet market demands and to mitigate higher anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Increased fertilization and shorter forest rotations are anticipated which will likely enhance the pressure on boreal streams in the near future. Among the major environmental impacts of forest harvesting is the increased mobilization of inorganic nitrogen (N), primarily as nitrate (NO3-) into surface waters. But whereas NO3- inputs to first-order streams have been previously described, their downstream fate and impact is not well understood. We evaluated the downstream fate of N inputs in a boreal landscape that has been altered by forest harvests over a 10 year period to estimate the effects of multiple clear-cuts on aquatic N export in a boreal stream network. Small streams showed substantial leaching of NO3- in response to harvests with concentrations increasing by ~ 15 fold. NO3- concentrations at two sampling stations further downstream in the network were strongly seasonal and increased significantly in response to harvesting at the medium size, but not at the larger stream. Nitrate removal efficiency, Er, calculated as the percentage of "forestry derived" NO3- that was retained within the landscape using a mass balance model was highest during the snow melt season followed by the growing season, but declined continuously throughout the dormant season. In contrast, export of organic N from the landscape indicated little removal and was essentially conservative. Overall, net removal of NO3- between 2008 and 2011 accounted for ~ 70 % of the total NO3- mass exported from harvested patches distributed across the landscape. These results highlight the capacity and limitation of N-limited terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to buffer inorganic N mobilization that arises from multiple clear-cuts within meso-scale boreal watersheds.
Landscape heterogeneity drives contrasting concentration–discharge relationships in shale headwater catchments
Authors: Herndon E. M. , Dere A. L. , Sullivan P. L. , Norris D. , Reynolds B. , Brantley S. L.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Solute concentrations in stream water vary with discharge in patterns that record complex feedbacks between hydrologic and biogeochemical processes. In a comparison of three shale-underlain headwater catchments located in Pennsylvania, USA (the forested Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory), and Wales, UK (the peatland-dominated Upper Hafren and forest-dominated Upper Hore catchments in the Plynlimon forest), dissimilar concentration–discharge (C–Q) behaviors are best explained by contrasting landscape distributions of soil solution chemistry – especially dissolved organic carbon (DOC) – that have been established by patterns of vegetation and soil organic matter (SOM). Specifically, elements that are concentrated in organic-rich soils due to biotic cycling (Mn, Ca, K) or that form strong complexes with DOC (Fe, Al) are spatially heterogeneous in pore waters because organic matter is heterogeneously distributed across the catchments. These solutes exhibit non-chemostatic behavior in the streams, and solute concentrations either decrease (Shale Hills) or increase (Plynlimon) with increasing discharge. In contrast, solutes that are concentrated in soil minerals and form only weak complexes with DOC (Na, Mg, Si) are spatially homogeneous in pore waters across each catchment. These solutes are chemostatic in that their stream concentrations vary little with stream discharge, likely because these solutes are released quickly from exchange sites in the soils during rainfall events. Furthermore, concentration–discharge relationships of non-chemostatic solutes changed following tree harvest in the Upper Hore catchment in Plynlimon, while no changes were observed for chemostatic solutes, underscoring the role of vegetation in regulating the concentrations of certain elements in the stream. These results indicate that differences in the hydrologic connectivity of organic-rich soils to the stream drive differences in concentration behavior between catchments. As such, in catchments where SOM is dominantly in lowlands (e.g., Shale Hills), we infer that non-chemostatic elements associated with organic matter are released to the stream early during rainfall events, whereas in catchments where SOM is dominantly in uplands (e.g., Plynlimon), these non-chemostatic elements are released later during rainfall events. The distribution of SOM across the landscape is thus a key component for predictive models of solute transport in headwater catchments.
Investigating suspended sediment dynamics in contrasting agricultural catchments using ex situ turbidity-based suspended sediment monitoring
Authors: Sherriff S. C. , Rowan J. S. , Melland A. R. , Jordan P. , Fenton O. , Ó hUallacháin D.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Soil erosion and suspended sediment (SS) pose risks to chemical and ecological water quality. Agricultural activities may accelerate erosional fluxes from bare, poached or compacted soils, and enhance connectivity through modified channels and artificial drainage networks. Storm-event fluxes dominate SS transport in agricultural catchments; therefore, high temporal-resolution monitoring approaches are required, but can be expensive and technically challenging. Here, the performance of in situ turbidity sensors, conventionally installed submerged at the river bankside, is compared with installations where river water is delivered to sensors ex situ, i.e. within instrument kiosks on the riverbank, at two experimental catchments (Grassland B and Arable B). The in situ and ex situ installations gave comparable results when calibrated against storm-period, depth-integrated SS data, with total loads at Grassland B estimated at 12 800 and 15 400 t, and 22 600 and 24 900 t at Arable B, respectively. The absence of spurious turbidity readings relating to bankside debris around the in situ sensor and its greater security make the ex situ sensor more robust. The ex situ approach was then used to characterise SS dynamics and fluxes in five intensively managed agricultural catchments in Ireland which feature a range of landscape characteristics and land use pressures. Average annual suspended sediment concentration (SSC) was below the Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC) guideline of 25 mg L−1, and the continuous hourly record demonstrated that exceedance occurred less than 12 % of the observation year. Soil drainage class and proportion of arable land were key controls determining flux rates, but all catchments reported a high degree of inter-annual variability associated with variable precipitation patterns compared to the long-term average. Poorly drained soils had greater sensitivity to runoff and soil erosion, particularly in catchments with periods of bare soils. Well drained soils were less sensitive to erosion even on arable land; however, under extreme rainfall conditions, all bare soils remain a high sediment loss risk. Analysis of storm-period and seasonal dynamics (over the long term) using high-resolution monitoring would be beneficial to further explore the impact of landscape, climate and land use characteristics on SS export.
Teaching disaster preparedness via a mobile device: a study of Auckland Civil Defence's Smartphone Application
Authors: Kulemeka O.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This content analysis study examined whether a disaster preparedness education smartphone application created by a New Zealand city matches what experts say are effective ways of teaching disaster preparedness and teaching via an app. The app was assessed to ascertain if it excelled as a platform for learning, communicated effectively, addressed factors that can hinder people from preparing, and provided information for special needs populations. Results show that the app addressed most factors that hinder preparedness, provided information for some special needs populations, excelled as a platform for learning, and communicated effectively. The app's weaknesses include the fact that it lacked targeted information for low-income residents. The findings provide insight on how organizations can effectively use apps to teach disaster preparedness. The author passed away before the publication of this discussion paper. Therefore, a final revised paper is not foreseen.
Improvements in aggregate stability of recently deposited sediments supplemented with tea waste and farmyard manure
Authors: Turgut B. , Köse B.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Organic matter supplement is well-known to influence soil aggregate stability (AS), but the corresponding change in recently deposited fine sediment is not documented well. In this study, improvements in aggregate stability of recently deposited sediment supplemented with the farmyard manure (FYM) and tea waste (TW) during 18-week incubation under controlled conditions. The FYM and TW were applied to recently deposited sediment at different doses (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 % on weight base). The AS was determined at different times after adding organic matter (2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 14th, and 18th weeks) using wet sieving methods. The results showed that aggregate stability of deposited sediment treated with TW was statistically significantly higher than these of samples treated with FYM. Aggregate stability increased with increasing doses of both FYM and TW. In the FYM applied samples, AS reached the highest value at the end of second week, and declined within the following incubation period. However, in the samples treated with TW, AS reached the highest value at the end of eighth week. The results of this study were clearly indicated that tea waste and farmyard manure applications noticeably increased aggregate stability of recently deposited sediment, therefore it is suggested that TW and FYM could be used for structural stabilization of sediments.
Exhibition Review: Regina Mamou “Unfortunately, It Was Paradise” Chicago, IL, City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower October 2013 - January 19, 2014
Authors: Murphy John
Published: August 2015

Mist shrouds an open field; the softness suffocates. In Fieldwork (Blue) Regina Mamou stages the paradox of immanence and imminence—God always and everywhere on the verge of appearing: a stifling remoteness, an intimate distance.  The "field" could be visual, physical, conceptual; The "work" is the visual object, the photograph, or the physical work of agriculture, or the conceptual realm of the divine: God in the godliness of good works, of work accomplished in the service of collective wellbeing.
Curatorial Practice as Production of Visual and Spatial Knowledge: Panelists Respond
Authors: Langmead Alison , Byers Dan , Morton Cynthia
Published: August 2015

Three participants in the panel “Curatorial Practice as Production of Visual and Spatial Knowledge” reflect upon the ideas raised in their discussion about curating, both in their respective fields and as a general practice. The panel was a part of Debating Visual Knowledge, a symposium organized by graduate students in Information Science and History of Art and Architecture at the University of Pittsburgh, October 3–5, 2014. A transcription of the panel is available in this issue.
Thoughts & Things 02 形象思维
Authors: Eschenburg Madeline
Published: August 2015

The following is an interview with five women working in the Beijing contemporary art world. This interview along with other artist profiles and reviews of exhibitions and artworks in Beijing can be viewed on the Open Ground Blog (http://www.opengroundblog.com).
The Round Table 03 圆桌: A Conversation with Xu Bing
Authors: Eschenburg Madeline , Larson Ellen
Published: August 2015

The following is an excerpt from a conversation between contemporary Chinese artist Xu Bing, Madeline Eschenburg, and Ellen Larson. Xu Bing curated an exhibition at the Central Academy of Fine Arts titled The Second CAFAM Future Exhibition, Observer-Creator: The Reality Representation of Chinese Young Art, on exhibition through March 2015. Our conversation centered around his thoughts on a new generation of young Chinese artists as well as reflection on his own early career and time in New York. The conversation was conducted in Chinese and has been translated into English.
Estudio delphi sobre la cooperativización de los servicios sociales en el territorio histórico de Gipuzkoa
Authors: Etxezarreta Etxarri Enekoitz , Lasa Altuna Eusebio
Published: August 2015

En el presente artículo se muestran los principales resultados obtenidos del estudio Delphi realizado a cargos políticos y técnicos del Departamento de Política Social de la Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa, sobre la posibilidad de cooperativizar la provisión de los servicios sociales en este territorio histórico. Para ello, el artículo se ha estructurado de dos partes diferenciadas. Una primera desarrolla el marco teórico que sirve de inspiración para el trabajo empírico, donde se apuntan las principales propuestas teóricas que inciden en la dimensión colectiva de la participación ciudadana en la gestión de los servicios públicos. Entre los distintos modelos, se han destacado aquellos que priorizan la participación ciudadana a través de entidades de economía social y solidaria. La segunda parte se dedica al relato de los resultados de la investigación de campo. Para ello, primero se exponen las notas metodológicas que dan cuenta del proceso de preparación del análisis Delphi, para acto seguido sintetizar los principales resultados obtenidos en este estudio. Este trabajo se cierra con un apartado de conclusiones y líneas futuras de trabajo.
Impact of Tourist Service Quality in Four and Five Stars Hotels in Jordan on Tourist Behavior
Authors: Al-Oguiliy Arwa Ahmed , Khasawneh Mohammad Shabeeb
Published: August 2015

The study aimed to investigate the impact of service quality on tourist behavior in five and for stars hotels in Jordan. A self administrated questionnaire was designed and distributed over a sample of hotels guest in Amman, the capital amounting 90 guests. The collected data was analyzed the study findings indicated that service quality impact tourists behavior and all service quality dimensions (reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and tangible) also have an impact on tourist behavior. The study suggested some recommendations.
Strategic Management: A Survival Need for Mexican SMEs
Authors: Reyes Avila Francisco Javier , Preiss Amy
Published: August 2015

Strategic Management is an essential process for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to manage and survive in a changing business environment. However, Mexican SME managers are not capitalizing on the strategic management process to adapt their businesses to retain competitive advantage. SME managers must employ strategies to maintain competitive advantage while realizing the mission and vision of their organizations. SME managers should develop a professional administration to adapt their businesses to the new environment and consider seeking a consultant for strategic guidance.
Technical Efficiency of Tanzania Teaching Hospitals: The Case of Private not for-profit Hospitals
Authors: Bwana Kembo M. , Raphael Gwahula
Published: August 2015

In this study, we examined the technical efficiency of private teaching hospitals in Tanzania. We employed a widely used non-parametric approach (Data Envelopment Analysis) in a sample of 18 teaching hospitals. The study period covered 2009 – 2013. The result from this study is expected to be useful to the owners and administrators of teaching hospitals, giving them justification for effective planning and implementation of the strategies that will avoid abuse of the available scarce health resources. Government and policy makers may also reap some inputs (from result of this study) for health policies, particularly pertaining to research and the training of future medical experts.

Findings revealed that out of 18 teaching hospitals, only 4 (22.3%) are operating close to technical efficiency with average level of technical efficiency ranging between 92% and 98%. The remaining 14 hospitals are operating far from efficiency frontier. Overall mean scale efficiency were found to be 82.4%. With support of DEA this study has revealed inefficiency in the use of scarce health care resources in teaching hospitals in Tanzania. This requires the hospitals administrators and managers to consider steps to be taken to improve inefficiency.
THE USE OF DISCOURSE MARKER “MAʕ NAFSAK” IN SAUDI ARABIC: A PRAGMATIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Al Rousan Rafat M
Published: August 2015

The present study examines the use of the discourse marker maʕ nafsak in Saudi Spoken Arabic. Specifically, it explores the pragmatic functions of ma3 nafsak in the online conversations of young Saudis. The data, which were collected from 17 young Saudi students through user-diaries, consisted of 262 natural online conversations in which 132 cases of maʕ nafsak occurred. The data were analyzed with regard to the pragmatic functions of the discourse marker. The study reveals that maʕ nafsak serves 12 different pragmatic functions based on the context in which it is used. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of the context in the interpretation of discourse markers. Future research is recommended in this study.

Keywords: Discourse Marker, Saudi Arabic, Pragmatic Perspective
Grammatical Analysis of Balinese Adjectives
Authors: Satyawati Made Sri
Published: August 2015

This study aims at describing the types of Balinese adjectives, constructions of adjective phrases, and syntactic functions of adjectives. Data was obtained from Balinese speakers living in the island of Bali using Balinese in their daily life. The form of Balinese adjectives is divided into monomorphemic and polymorphemic adjectives, and polymorphemic adjectives can be classified into adjectives with affixes, compound adjectives, and reduplicated adjectives. Meanwhile, adjective phrases in Balines can be constructed by adjectives + adverbs and adjectives + unique morphemes. Adjectives can be also as the base of derived verbs of intransitive, transitive, passive, and resultative passive. Syntactic functions of Balinese adjectives are as modifier of NP, as predicates of intransitive constructions, and used in comparative constructions as well. Balinese adjectives can be also reduplicated with or without affixes. Reduplicated adjectives without affixes are used as the predicate of sentences and have cross reference meaning to subject nouns they modify, in this case the suject nouns have plural meaning. Meanwhile, reduplicated adjectives with affixes se-/-ne do not modify subject nouns but they modify the actions stated by verbs of the sentences. It means combinationn affix se-/-ne has changed adjectives into adverbs of manner. Other uniqueness found in Balinese adjectives is the use of unique morphemes to result in adjective phrases. Balinese has many unique morphemes and each is used for particular adjectives and their uses are not possibly exchanged one to others complementarily.
PHONOLOGY in Italo-Albanian dialect: San Benedetto Ullano, Province of Cosenza, Italy
Authors: Conforti Emilia
Published: August 2015

This paper reports a normative study on the phonological development of the Italo-Albanian dialect of San Benedetto Ullano.

It is a description that including geographic isolation of the speakers and the rudimentary state of informants’ knowledge. Many villages today have lost the dialect.

To give a general notion of the structure of this dialect it is convenient at the outset to list the phonemes which are used by the people. The phonemes are ordered on the basis of their sequential distribution in the dialects, or forms of speech, under discuss.

Italo-Albanian has, like all Albanian dialects, for each of its consonants rather few readily perceptible allophones, e very few allophones indeed. All consonants are articulated with moderate tension. It is the consonant articulation that perceives the most marked characteristics of individual variation in the dialect.

Many of the general features of consonants accord with the well known characteristics of Italian articulation.
Phonology of a language constitutes a highly organized system of knowledge. It is useful for anyone interested in how learners acquire such knowledge.
Linguistic Elements Association with the Presence of Particle WA and GA in Japanese Sentences and Their Indonesian Translation
Authors: Sutawikara Elly
Published: August 2015

This title of this paper is Linguistic Elements Association with the Presence of particle WA and GA in Japanese Sentences. The method used in this research is descriptive with distributional study technique of deletion, substitution, and insertion. I apply theories from Nitta (2009) of shudai (topic) and kaisetsu (comment). The aim of this paper is to analyze the linguistic elements associated with presence of WA and GA particles. This paper shows that linguistic elements associated with the presence of WA and GA particles discussed in this research are subject, object for certain predicates, and topic. By examining linguistic elements associated with the particles, Indonesian Japanese language learners will be able to understand the problematic WA and GA particles usage in Japanese sentences.
Insufficient Knowledge of Breast Cancer Risk Factors Among Malaysian Female University Students
Authors: Abu Samah Asnarulkhadi , Ahmadian Maryam , Latiff Latiffah A.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND: Despite continuous argument about the efficacy of breast self-examination; it still could be a life-saving technique through inspiring and empowering women to take better control over their body/breast and health. This study investigated Malaysian female university students’ knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, signs, and symptoms and assessed breast self-examination frequency among students.

METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2013 in nine public and private universities in the Klang Valley and Selangor. 842 female students were respondents for the self-administered survey technique. Simple descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis.

RESULTS: The uptake of breast self-examination (BSE) was less than 50% among the students. Most of students had insufficient knowledge on several breast cancer risk factors.

CONCLUSION: Actions and efforts should be done to increase knowledge of breast cancer through the development of ethnically and traditionally sensitive educational training on BSE and breast cancer literacy.
The Determination of Predictive Construct of Physical Behavior Change on Osteoporosis Prevention Women Aged 30-50: A Trans-Theoretical Method Study
Authors: Malekshahi Farideh , Hidarnia Alirezad , Niknami Shamseddin , Aminshokravi Frakhondeh
Published: August 2015

Osteoporosis is a major public health priority in Iran and throughout the world. The prevention of osteoporosis has recently become the ultimate goal of many health professionals. Behavior change is one of the most powerful strategies to prevent osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine the predictive construct of physical preventive behavior of osteoporosis in women aged 30-50 in Khorramabad, west of Iran. This study included 269 women selected from all the health centers of Khorramabad city according to the inclusion criteria of the study and through random cluster and systematic sampling. The data gathering tools were valid and reliable questionnaires of demographic information, stages of change, decisional balance, self-efficacy, and physical activity. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean of the subjects’ age was 38.72±7.003, and the mean of light weekly physical activity was 38.83±56.400. The results showed that the construct of self-efficacy had the highest predictive power of the preventive behavior. The results also showed that self-efficacy among the constructs of the Trans-theoretical Model was the only predictive construct for osteoporosis prevention behavior. Therefore, the findings of this study can serve as a base for educational interventions in behavioral changes to prevent of osteoporosis by health authorities.
Risk Perception of HIV/AIDS and Low Self-Control Trait: Explaining Preventative Behaviors Among Iranian University Students
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Safooreh , Allahverdipour Hamid , Fathi Behrouz , Shirzadi Shayesteh
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND: In spite of developed countries there are progressive trend about HIV/AIDS and its' aspects of transmission in the low socio-economic societies. The aim of this was to explain the youth’s behavior in adopting HIV/AIDS related preventive behaviors in a sample of Iranian university students by emphasizing on fear appeals approaches alongside examining the role of self-control trait for explaining adoption on danger or fear control processes based on Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM).

METHODS: A sample of 156 randomly selected university students in Jolfa, Iran was recruited in a predictive cross-sectional study by application of a researcher-designed questionnaire through self-report data collection manner. Sexual high risk behaviors, the EPPM variables, self-control trait, and general self-efficacy were measured as theoretical framework.

RESULTS: Findings indicated that 31.3% of participants were in the fear control process versus 68.7% in danger control about HIV/AIDS and also the presence of multi-sex partners and amphetamine consumption amongst the participants. Low self-control trait and low perceived susceptibility significantly were related to having a history of multi-sex partners while high level of self-efficacy significantly increased the probability of condom use.

CONCLUSION: Findings of the study were indicative of the protective role of high level of self-control, perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy factors on youth's high-risk behaviors and their preventative skills as well.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gallstone Among Adults in South-East of Iran: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Ansari-Moghaddam Alireza , Khorram Alireza , Miri-Bonjar Mahmodreza , Mohammadi Mahdi , Ansari Hossein
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and possible risk factors of gallstone disease in the general population.

PATIENTS & METHODS: This cross sectional study was carried out on a total of 1522 males and females aged ≥30 years in Zahedan district, South-East of Iran. Data were collected by a validated questionnaire and gallstone diagnosis was assessed by an experienced radiologist using ultrasonography. Logistic regression model was used to identify the association between selected variables and gallstone disease.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of gallstone in participants was 2.4%. The risk of gallstone was 2.60 times higher in people age 45 and older than those aged 30 - 44 years (Odds Ratio = 2.60, 95% CI; 1.22 - 5.55). Females were 2.73 (95% CI; 1.34 - 5.56) times more likely to have disease compared to males as well. The risk in unmarried individuals was also three times higher than married ones (OR = 2.99: 95% CI 1.02 - 9.16). Additionally, daily physical activity reduced the risk of gallstone disease by 66% (95% CI; 0.18 - 0.86).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, increasing age and female gender were risk factors, whereas daily physical activity and marriage identified as protective factors in aetiology of gallstone disease.
The Effects of Balance Training on Static and Dynamic Postural Stability Indices After Acute ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Akbari Asghar , Ghiasi Fateme , Mir Mohsen , Hosseinifar Mohammad
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND: Proprioception and postural stability play an important role in knee movements. However, there are controversies about the overall recovery time of proprioception following knee surgery and onset of balance and neuromuscular training after ACL reconstruction. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effect of balance training in early stage of knee rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of balance exercises on postural stability indices in subjects with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS: The study was a controlled randomized trial study. Twenty four patients who had ACL reconstructed (balance training group) and twenty four healthy adults without any knee injury (control group) were recruited in the study. The balance exercises group performed balance exercises for 2 weeks. Before and after the interventions, overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices were measured with a Biodex Balance System in bilateral and unilateral stance positions with the eyes open and closed. T-tests were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).

RESULTS: Results showed that amount of static stability indices did not change after training and there were not significant differences in static stability indices before and after balance training (p>0.05). Although amount of dynamic stability indices decreased, there were not significant differences in dynamic stability indices before and after balance training (p>0.05). Amount of dynamic stability indices were decreased in balance training group, however, there were not significant differences between groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: These results support that balance exercise could partially improved dynamic stability indices in early stage of ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. The results of this study suggest that balance exercises should be part of the rehabilitation program following ACL reconstruction.
The Association Between Pre-Diabetes With Body Mass Index and Marital Status in an Iranian Urban Population
Authors: Rahmanian Karamatollah , Shojaei Mohammad , Sotoodeh Jahromi Abdolreza , Madani Abdoulhossein
Published: August 2015

Pre-diabetes increased the development of diabetes mellitus (type 2). The aim of study was to determine the association of body weight, education and marital status with pre-diabetes in an Iranian urban population.A sample of 788 subjects (360 men and 428 women) between the ages 30–85 years participated in our study and anthropometric measurements, educational level and fasting blood sugar of participants were recorded. The t and Chi square tests were used for continuous and categorical variables. The association of age, BMI categories, educational level and marital status to pre-diabetes was assessed by estimating the odds ratio. A p-value ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. The analysis was done using SPSS version 11.5. Our study showed that pre-diabetic subjects were older and low educated than normoglycemic subjects. Mean BMI and educational level were associated to pre-diabetes only in women. The odds of being pre-diabetes also were higher in obese women than in normal BMI women. No relationship was found between education and marital status with pre-diabetes in both men and women. Based on our finding, it is possible that advancing age and obesity has increased in pre-diabetes. This highlights the importance of population based survey to monitor blood glucose for effective prevention and control.
Religiosity, sexual myths, sex taboos, and pornography use: A cross-national comparison of Polish and German university students
Authors: Martyniuk Urszula , Dekker Arne , Sehner Susanne , Richter-Appelt Hertha , Briken Peer
Published: August 2015

The study aimed to compare pornography use of students in two culturally different European countries – Poland and Germany, and to investigate associations with religiosity, sexual myths, and sex taboos. Data were collected in an online survey among German (n = 1303) and Polish (n = 1135) university students aged 18-26 years. Polish students were more religious, showed a greater acceptance of sexual myths, and reported a higher level of sex taboos in their origin families. Polish students were younger at their first contact with pornography, while German students used pornographic materials more often. Results suggested a link between sociocultural background, especially religiosity, and pornography engagement. The relationship between pornography use and religiosity was ambiguous. On the one hand, attending church was negatively associated with age at first contact and pornography use. On the other hand, the association of intrinsic religiosity with pornography use proved to be contradictory: it was correlated with a lower frequency of pornography use for females and with a higher frequency for males. The agreement with common sexual myths was related to a higher frequency of pornography use. There was no association between the level of sex taboos and pornography use.
Coping through blogging: A review of studies on the potential benefits of weblogs for stress reduction
Authors: Petko Dominik , Egger Nives , Schmitz Felix Michael , Totter Alexandra , Hermann Thomas , Guttormsen Sissel
Published: August 2015

This paper provides a descriptive overview of the empirical evidence for potential effects of reflective weblog writing for coping with stress. Seventeen studies meeting the inclusion criteria are summarized in a systematic synopsis. Sixteen studies focus on self-initiated blogging in informal contexts. Only one study examines mandated weblog writing for coping in an institutionalized context. Results indicate that the public nature of weblogs opens up a variety of possibilities for both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, most importantly through social support. Although these studies show promising results, it remains unclear if and how the benefits of self-initiated blogging can be transferred to more formal settings. Thus, future research should examine how blogging can be mandated and scaffolded in order to foster coping strategies and decrease stress levels. For this purpose, experimentally controlled and longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.
The relationship between Facebook attachment and obsessive-compulsive disorder severity
Authors: Lee Soon-Li , Park Miriam Sang-Ah , Tam Cai-Lian
Published: August 2015

Despite the widespread use of social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook, an adequate understanding of their impact on the users’ mental health is still lacking. The present study intends to expand on the current understanding of the linkage between social networking site use and mental health. Our study explored how Facebook use may be associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with the inclusion of obsessive-compulsive beliefs as a mediator. One hundred and fifty-six undergraduate students completed the questionnaire given. Overall, Facebook use contributed to OCD severity through obsessive-compulsive beliefs as the mediator. The present study also yielded other relevant results for cyberpsychology that may help pave the way for future studies.
Innovative Energy Standard of Curative Cupping/Hijama
Authors: Asif Ahmed
Published: August 2015

Objective:Cupping therapy (CT) is a therapeutic technique that has proved to be beneficial in array of human diverse plethora of ailments, has recently regained a significant gravity in present day medical practice. ACT (Asif Cupping Theory) of cupping therapy has been new therapeutic mold that explains the occult scientific dimensions of Cupping Therapy.Material & Methods:In the human physical body fundament electrical potentials generates from cell membranes. The ACT proposed that the application of negative vacuum pressure over the skin dot of low resistance or Quantum Orifice through the myofasical anatomical structure provides a meaningful access of cellular and organ energies that result in reorientation and dielectric relaxation.Results:Application of negative suction over specific Quantum Orifices over skin offers the access of specific organ in address. Additionally use of cuts over skin provides chance to filter out energies through evacuation of blood that itself contains water molecules as dielectric constant on one side and is physical molecular structure as condense energy on the other hand thus establish a linked to specific organ in address that results in the alleviation of pathogenic insult.Conclusion:ACT is novel quantum based energy model that successfully gives details that CT is a meaningful route based on electrical connectivity of deeper structure with quantum orifices present over the skin and application of negative vacuum and bloodletting facilitates the therapeutic expulsion of stagnated and intoxicated energy.
Écouter et se conscientiser pour mieux se dire : l’exploitation pédagogique d’un corpus de français oral
Authors: Hallion Sandrine , Lentz François
Published: August 2015

Un corpus de plus de quatre-vingts heures d’entrevues a été recueilli à la fin de la décennie 2000 auprès de francophones de quatre localités rurales manitobaines. Ce corpus constitue une ressource inestimable pour un enseignement du français basé sur du discours authentique et pour un travail spécifique à mener sur l’oral, en particulier sur la variation linguistique. C’est avec le souci de valoriser la forme première d’expression langagière que constitue l’oral et la «couleur» que cette langue orale revêt au Manitoba qu’un outil didactique basé sur des extraits du corpus a été élaboré, à l’intention principalement des enseignants de français langue première au cycle secondaire. L’article en explicite le contexte didactique, les objectifs et la démarche à partir de la présentation d’exploitations pédagogiques de ces extraits, dont de nombreuses sont axées sur la conscientisation. En milieu francophone minoritaire, valoriser, en contexte scolaire, «l’oral d’ici» est affecté d’enjeux déterminants: sensibiliser les élèves à l’importance stylistique et identitaire des variétés vernaculaires, faire valoir la fonction identitaire de l’oral et, plus fondamentalement, contribuer à construire chez les élèves un rapport positif à la langue française, condition nécessaire pour qu’ils se perçoivent comme les bâtisseurs de l’espace francophone.