bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Randomized Study of Clinical Performance of 3 Aspheric and 2 Spherical Intraocular Lenses in 250 Eyes
Authors: Caporossi Aldo , Martone Gianluca , Casprini Fabrizio , Rapisarda Lorenzo
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the quality of vision with aspheric and spherical intraocular lenses (IOLs) in pseudophakic patients.

METHODS: This prospective, comparative, randomized study included 250 eyes of 125 patients with bilateral cataracts. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either IOLs with a spherical biconvex optic (Acrysof SN60AT [Alcon] or Sensar AR40e [Advanced Medical Optics, AMO]) or IOLs with an aspheric optic (Acrysof IQ SN60WF [Alcon], Tecnis Z9000 [AMO], or Sofport L161AO [Bausch & Lomb]). Ophthalmologic examination including best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, pupil size, ocular dominance investigation, contrast sensitivity under mesopic and photopic conditions, and wavefront analysis was performed 2 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: Aspheric IOLs showed better contrast sensitivity compared to spherical IOLs at spatial frequencies of 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree (cpd) under photopic conditions and at all spatial frequencies under mesopic conditions. There was no significant difference among the three aspheric IOLs at all spatial frequencies under either photopic or mesopic conditions. Mean total spherical aberration was statistically lower in dominant eyes with aspheric IOLs (0.05±0.06, 0.11±0.1, and 0.19±0.08 µm for the Tecnis Z9000, Acrysof IQ SN60WF, and Sofport L161AO, respectively) compared with eyes with spherical IOLs (0.62±0.24 and 0.46±0.19 µm for the Acrysof SN60AT and Sensar AR40e, respectively) for a 5- mm pupil diameter.

CONCLUSIONS: The aspheric IOLs had less wavefront aberrations and performed better under both photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity compared to the spherical IOLs. These findings confirm it is possible to improve the optical performance of IOLs by modifying the surfaces. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:639-648.]
Primary Breast Liposarcoma
Authors: Nagarajan Bhagyam , Nagarajan Bhagyam , Autkar Gayatri , Patel Keyuri , Sanghvi Meghal
Published: December 2018

Liposarcoma of breast is a rare malignant breast tumor. It accounts for 0.3% of the breast sarcomas. Subtypes of breast sarcomas are angiosarcoma (most common), liposarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, leiomyosarcoma and fibrosarcoma. We hereby report a case of liposarcoma in a 55 year old female emphasizing the imaging features that can aid in differentiating it from benign fat -containing masses, carcinomas and other sarcomas. This is important as treatment of these varying conditions differ widely. Histologically, liposarcoma may be well differentiated, mixed or dedifferentiated (high grade). The risk of metastasis and recurrence increases with higher grade. Determination of the degree of differentiation is important for surgical planning and prognosis.
Interview with Louisa Ellen Stein: Whole self and felt scholarship in fan studies
Authors: Largent Julia E. , Popova Milena , Vist Elise
Published: December 2018

Fan studies scholar Louisa Ellen Stein discusses her journey into felt scholarship and whole self scholarship in fan studies. Her fannish interests and personal identities are varied and affect her scholarship in different ways. Choosing how and when to reveal and interrogate them is difficult but important work.
La dimension territoriale du développement durable
Authors: Flores Shana Sabbado , Medeiros Rosa Maria Vieira
Published: December 2018

Trabalhar o tema sustentabilidade é um desafio que se impõe a todos os setores da sociedade, visto o agravamento dos problemas ambientais e sociais e suas consequências. O artigo faz uma análise dos recursos teóricos e metodológicos propostos pela abordagem territorial para trabalhar sustentabilidade e propõe perspectivas para integrar os conceitos, a partir de pesquisas desenvolvidas na França, Itália e Brasil. Em linhas gerais, pode ser observado que sustentabilidade é indissociável de seu contexto, relacionada diretamente à identidade e ao histórico, ou seja, ao território e às territorialidade ali inscritas. Também, que é na escala local, ou no território, que muitos impactos se apresentam e onde as ações podem ser efetivadas, mesmo que a problemática seja global. Assim, a abordagem territorial integra dimensões, contextualiza as problemáticas e favorece à ação, o que justificam a aderência da abordagem territorial, ou a importância da dimensão territorial da sustentabilidade.
Geografias animais: perspectivas anglo-saxãs, francesas e brasileiras
Authors: Marchand Guillaume , Benhammou Farid , Coltro Fabio
Published: December 2018

Nos últimos 25 anos, a geografia humana passou por um processo de diversificação para integrar novos objetos de estudo em seu campo de reflexão, entre os quais se encontram os animais. O presente artigo almeja apresentar os princípios da geografia animal a um público universitário brasileiro que ainda a desconhece. Nessa ótica, proporemos uma retrospectiva da evolução das geografias animais anglo-saxã e francesa, apontando seus pontos de convergência e de divergência. Decidimos nos restringir a esses dois polos de produção acadêmica partindo do princípio que eles oferecem geralmente as principais fontes de referência bibliográfica aos geógrafos brasileiros para os assuntos de pesquisa emergentes. Por fim, livraremos algumas reflexões sobre as condições de crescimento da geografia animal no Brasil e seu potencial em termos de contribuição à descolonização da geografia animal.
Pathologies sociales dans une métropole au sud du Brésil: pour une approche multidimensionnelle des territoires urbains
Authors: Perosa Graziela Serroni , Leite Cristiane Kerches da Silva , Lebaron Frédéric , Fonseca  Francisco
Published: December 2018

Cette étude a pour but de montrer l´importance des analyses multidimensionnelles dans la gestion des politiques publiques tournées vers les territoires urbains. Parce qu´elle nourrit un scénario plus complexe que celui habituellement associé à l’usage de l´Indice de Développement Humain (IDH), l’utilisation de Analyse en Composantes Principales (ACP) - fondée sur des dimensions émanant de l´Indice de Santé Sociale – permet d’étudier les disparités économiques et sociales entre les sous-mairies de la municipalité de São Paulo à partir de données du recensement 2010. Dans la mesure où elle articule de multiples dimensions des phénomènes sociaux, l´analyse des données permet de rendre opérationnelle la notion d´ «espace social» (Bourdieu) et fournit un outil précieux de diagnostic et d´impact pour l’étude des politiques publiques. Il est ainsi possible d´observer comment les indicateurs traditionnels masquent les nuances et les différences relatives aux inégalités de territoires, en apparence homogènes.
« Confins », traductions, échos et connotations
Authors: Confins
Published: December 2018

Le titre de cette revue, Confins, avait été choisi pour plusieurs raisons convergentes : être compréhensible à la fois en portugais et en français, les deux langues principales de la revue, n’avoir que des connotations positives (ou au moins neutres) dans les deux langues, évoquer le thème des fronts pionniers et les frontières des sciences où se produisent les progrès, les échanges les plus fructueux. Pour poursuivre et approfondir cette réflexion l'article explore les synonymes, les antonymes, les échos et les connotations du mot en français et le portugaismais aussi dans diverses langues européennes (espagnol, italien, allemand, roumain), d'abord à partir du français puis du portugais et les situe dans le contexte de quelques citations dans les deux langues.
Projetos Cidades Saudáveis na Área Metropolitana de Lisboa – Exemplo da "Mobilidade urbana" como área de intervenção
Authors: Louro Ana , Costa Nuno Marques da , Costa Eduarda Marques da
Published: December 2018

O Desenvolvimento Urbano Sustentável constitui um objetivo político de nível mundial, assumindo, cada vez mais, os princípios multissetorial e multinível. Tais princípios, a par de uma atuação colaborativa e participativa, estão também na base do movimento Cidade Saudável promovido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Neste contexto, destaca-se o Projeto Cidades Saudáveis (PCS) como mecanismo de operacionalização deste movimento. Tendo a Área Metropolitana de Lisboa como área de estudo, discute-se assim se a mobilidade urbana orientada para as Cidades Saudáveis é uma realidade, considerando as intervenções e as visões das equipas dos PCS e dos departamentos de transporte e mobilidade. A metodologia combina a recolha, análise e sistematização de informação secundária relativa às intervenções e a sistematização e análise de conteúdo dos discursos dos agentes entrevistados. Verificou-se assim existir certa divergência entre as iniciativas realizadas pelas dois tipos de agentes abrangidos no estudo – equipas dos PCS e dos departamentos de transporte e mobilidade -, que respondem positivamente à relação Mobilidade urbana e Cidades Saudáveis, embora de forma diferenciada, e os discursos destes mesmos agentes, onde esta relação não é considerada como uma das mais relevantes por limitações de competências ou de recursos ou considerada oficialmente inexistente mas patente de forma implícita e não formalizada.
O método design thinking como instrumento de sustentabilidade urbana. Uma proposta aplicada para a questão do descarte irregular de resíduos na cidade de Uberlândia, MG, Brasil.
Authors: Michelotto Leticia Del Grossi , Sobrinho Fernando Luiz Araujo
Published: December 2018

Ao longo dos últimos vinte anos, as taxas de urbanização no Brasil apresentam um aumento significativo. Segundo o IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística), a maior parte da população brasileira, 84,72%, vive em áreas urbanas e pouco mais da metade da população brasileira (56,5% ou 117,2 milhões de habitantes) vive em apenas 5,6% dos municípios, que são aqueles com mais de 100 mil habitantes (Censo 2010). A macrorregião com maior percentual de população urbana é o Sudeste, com 93,14% das pessoas vivendo em áreas urbanas. Essa expansão urbana tem provocado problemas ambientais, de mobilidade (trânsito, transporte, acesso) e acentuada segregação sócio-espacial. A política urbana brasileira para as cidades de médio e grande porte é pautada em um modelo de dispersão orientado por políticas públicas e especulação imobiliária. Esse modelo impacta negativamente a população e o meio ambiente especialmente com o desmatamento de áreas de vegetação nativa para incorporação de novas áreas urbanas. O trabalho tem como objetivo apontar soluções inovadoras para o planejamento urbano em especial sobre a questão do descarte de resíduos, utilizando-se como base teórica o método de design thinking com a finalidade de minimizar os impactos na busca de um ideal de sustentabilidade urbana. O design thinking corresponde a um conjunto de métodos e processos para abordar problemas, relacionados a futuras aquisições de informações, análise de conhecimento e propostas de soluções. O trabalho irá tomar como estudo de caso a cidade de Uberlândia, importante cidade média, localizada no estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil.
Colorimetria aplicada à ciência e tecnologia da madeira
Authors: Bonfatti Júnior Eraldo Antonio , Lengowski Elaine Cristina
Published: December 2018

A primeira característica da madeira perceptível à visão humana é a cor, com possibilidade de indicar seu uso, além de correlacionar-se com as exigências do consumidor final. Por ser um parâmetro de difícil determinação, devido à sua subjetividade, foram desenvolvidos métodos para determinação matemática da cor, como o método comparativo de Munsell e o método quantitativo, denominado colorimetria. Ao longo do tempo, o segundo método se consolidou devido à sua alta precisão. O método colorimétrico mais usado na ciência da madeira é o sistema CIELAB, constituído por três eixos, a coordenada L*, que representa a luminosidade ou claridade, a coordenada a*, que representa o eixo vermelho-verde, e a coordenada b*, que representa o eixo amarelo-azul. Além da classificação colorimétrica da madeira, a colorimetria é eficiente para determinação de algumas propriedades da madeira, do efeito da termorretificação e da ação de agentes biodeterioradores e do intemperismo na madeira. O principal objetivo desse trabalho foi evidenciar a importância e a aplicabilidade da colorimetria como técnica aplicada à ciência e tecnologia da madeira.
Dispersão de sementes, regeneração e rebrota de Pinus taeda no Planalto Norte do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Bognola Itamar Antonio , Lavoranti Osmir José , Higa Antonio Rioyei , Coutinho Rodrigo Toledo , Bobko Anderson , Ribas Junior Ulisses
Published: December 2018

Os reflorestamentos de pinus abrangem cerca de 1,6 milhões de ha no Brasil. Suas espécies são tidas como exóticas invasoras, ou seja, apresentam potencial para modificar ambientes naturais. Procurou-se caracterizar os aspectos de dispersão, estabelecimento e controle de Pinus taeda L., a fim de avaliar o seu potencial como espécie invasora sob diferentes condições. Foi estudada a dispersão/viabilidade de sementes de P. taeda nas direções Norte, Sul, Leste e Oeste, distantes da bordadura de um povoamento comercial da espécie a 25 m, 50 m, 75 m, 100 m, 125 m e 150 m. Foi avaliada a germinação em ambiente de floresta preservada e em ambientes com maior incidência de luz em 11 diferentes locais, sendo distribuídas 800 sementes a lanço. A rebrota foi avaliada em árvores cortadas a 10 cm do solo, tanto em locais bem drenados quanto em locais mais úmidos. A disseminação e germinação de sementes foram maiores na direção Sul e até 25 m. Constatou-se que na floresta natural clímax, sem luz e no sub-bosque nenhuma semente germinou. Nos locais com maior luminosidade e umidade do solo mais uniforme durante todo o ano as sementes germinaram e se estabeleceram. Não foram observadas rebrotas nas árvores cortadas.
Estimativa do material combustível em área de Cerrado campo sujo a partir de imagens do sensor RGB
Authors: Souza Igor Viana , Santos Micael Moreira , Giongo Marcos , Carvalho Edmar Vinicius de , Silva Machado Igor Elói
Published: December 2018

A quantificação do material combustível em área do Cerrado campo sujo é limitada pela dificuldade em obtenção de dados, nos altos custos e no elevado tempo gasto em campo. Em busca de alternativas que facilitem a obtenção dos dados, o uso de sensores RGB se destaca, podendo ser uma ferramenta útil e eficaz na quantificação do material combustível. Nesse contexto, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade da utilização de imagens provenientes de um sensor RGB aerotransportado por um multirotor para estimava do material combustível por meio da análise de regressão. Foi realizada a amostragem do material combustível da área que foi pesada em campo e seca em estufa. Com o processamento das imagens digitais foram obtidas a altura (htMDA) e o índice de vegetação (NGRDI) dos pixels que abrangiam as unidades amostrais, seguidos de análise de correlação entre dados do processamento digital e o material combustível. Posteriormente, foram ajustados três modelos de regressão, em que foram obtidos coeficiente de determinação ajustados (R²aj) de 0,39 a 0,80. O uso dos sensores RGB apresentam potencial para a estimação de material combustível. Quando se combina as variáveis htMDA e NGRDI, são obtidos valores mais próximos da linha média de distribuição.
A novel and expeditious synthesis of oxazolidinone drugs linezolid and eperezolid
Authors: Siddaraj Ranjith , Govindaiah Shivaraja , Ningegowda Raghu , Shivananju Nanjunda Swamy , Priya Babu Shubha
Published: December 2018

A concise and efficient synthesis of linezolid and eperezolid were accomplished through a convergent scheme utilizing diverse reaction conditions. The synthesis demonstrates utility of a new approach to facilitate the expeditious construction of 3-aryl-5-(substituted methyl)-2-oxazolidinones and easier insertion of N-acetyl group. This new approach offers the possibility of accessing related 2-oxazolidinone members easily as well as making additional analogues of Linezolid. The adopted method afforded high purity and excellent yield compared to other existing synthetic methods. The compounds were successfully characterized by known spectroscopic techniques.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of triphenyl-imidazoles as a new class of antimicrobial agents
Authors: Anupam Anupam , Al-Bratty Mohammed , Alhazmi Hassan Ahmad , Ahmad Shamim , Maity Supriya , Alam Md Shamsher , Ahsan Waquar
Published: December 2018

Newer triphenyl-imidazole derivatives (4a-h) were synthesized in good yields by the reaction of benzil and substituted benzaldehydes in equimolar quantities and refluxing the product with acetyl chloride thereafter. Structures were confirmed by using FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion technique against Gram positive (Staphhylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aureginosa) as well as Fungal strain (Candida albicans). Interestingly compounds 4a, 4b, 4f and 4h showed significant antibacterial activity, whereas compound 4b was found to have remarkable activity against the fungal strain. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of most active compounds were determined by broth dilution method and compound 4b emerged to have potent activities against most of the strains having MIC in the range of 25-200 µg/mL. To check the possible toxicities of the most active compounds, they were orally administered in rats and the concentration of liver enzymes serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) were determined. Compound 4h showed significant increase in the enzymes level depicting the hepatotoxicity. The structure-activity relationship studies showed the importance of electron withdrawing groups at the distant phenyl ring at ortho and para positions as the compounds having chloro or nitro at these positions tend to be more active than the compounds with electron releasing groups such as methoxy. These compounds may act as lead compounds for further studies and appropriate modification in their structure may lead to agents having high efficacy with lesser toxicity.
Assessment of toxic and essential heavy metals in imported dried fruits sold in the local markets of Jordan
Authors: Al-Massaedh “Ayat Allah” , Gharaibeh Ahmad , Radaydeh Samah , Al-Momani Idrees
Published: December 2018

In the present study, the concentrations of nine heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mg, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb) in six different imported dried fruit samples of different brands (Mangoes, black raisins, figs, apricots, plums, and cranberries) were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) after wet digestion. Samples were collected from different stores in Amman, Jordan. The average concentration of the selected metals in the analyzed samples were found to be in the range of 1.70-8.70 (Fe), 0.15-0.72 (Zn), 0.09-0.59 (Mn), 0.07-0.46 (Cu), 2.5-53.4 (Mg), 0.06-0.15 (Cr), 0.17-0.29 (Ni), 0.01-0.05 (Cd), and 0.11-0.57 (Pb) µg/g. The highest concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, Mg, and Ni were found in dried figs, highest concentrations of Cr, Cd, and Pb were found in dried apricots, and highest concentrations of Cu was found in dried black raisins. The results obtained in this study showed that Mg and Fe have the highest concentrations in all analyzed samples, whereas, the lowest concentrations obtained were for Cd and Cr. The concentrations of the highly toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the all analyzed samples were found to be below or in good agreement with the permissible limits set by different health organizations. The figures of merit obtained for the FAAS calibration curves are brilliant with good linearity (r2 > 0.99). The FAAS method was validated by determining limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), and percent recovery (%R) for all investigated metals. The results obtained in this work were compared with the literature reported values.
Evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant activities of three types of benzoin resin
Authors: Hacini Zineb , Khedja Fatima , Habib Ibrahim , Kendour Zaouia , Debba Zineb
Published: December 2018

The benzoin resin is used extensively in traditional medicine for its many reported therapeutic properties. The essential oils of three different types of benzoin resin were extracted using the traditional method in this study. The yield of essential oils of the white, red and gray types of resin was 1.01, 0.92 and 0.54%, respectively. The obtained extracts were tested against two types of pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The tests showed that essential oil of gray type resin is effective against both Escherichia coli (14 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (11 mm). The antioxidant activity has been also evaluated to compare the efficiency of different type of resin with DPPH· assay. In the DPPH· system, the antioxidant activity of the red resin extract (0.01 μg/mL) was superior to that of the white (27.32 μg/mL) and gray (42.90 μg/mL) extracts, with IC50 values, respectively.
Graphical Contents
Authors: Arslan Hakan
Published: December 2018

Graphical Contents
Initiating Mass Movement: Questions of Commercial Information in Atlantic Migration from Central Europe, 1870–1900
Authors: Boyd James David
Published: December 2018

This paper examines the potential role of commercial information in explaining the sudden acceleration of Atlantic migration from central Europe around 1880. Drawing on examples from German Europe, and new theoretical frameworks regarding decision making, it questions assumptions held in migration macro theory that have marginalized commercial information in motivating migration decisions. Specifically, it examines this issue at the onset stages of movement. In light of this discussion, it recognizes the advantages of examining commercial material in European archives, particularly those of the successor states of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which may help advance historical knowledge of one of the major nineteenth-century shifts in Atlantic movement.
An Exploratory Study of HBCU Accounting and Other Business Students’ Perceptions and Usage of LinkedIn
Authors: Zhang Xia , Chen Botao
Published: December 2018

We administer a survey to evaluate accounting and other business students’ perceptions and usage of the social networking site LinkedIn. The participants are students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), who are underrepresented groups. Our research examines how LinkedIn shapes their social identity and establishes their self-presentation in a world of social networking. It also examines how students’ perceptions of LinkedIn benefit their future career development as well as interactive learning. The results of the survey reveal that LinkedIn is an invaluable social media tool for college students to present their social identity, network with professionals as a helpful source of career and job information. However, compared with business students, accounting students put less trust in the information obtained via professional communities on LinkedIn. Accounting students agree that LinkedIn is more distracting than helpful to students for academic work. Our study has strong implications for accounting students and other business students, as well as educators in HBCU settings.
Effectiveness of Peyton’s four-step approach on nursing students’ performance in skill-lab training
Authors: Awad Shaimaa Ahmed , Mohamed Madiha Hassan Nabih
Published: December 2018

Objective: Conveying technical skills to students requires certain techniques and approaches. Peyton’s four-step approach is a model that is becoming increasingly prevalent in medical education. This study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of Peyton’s four-step approach on nursing students’ outcome in skill-lab training.Methods: The current study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University. A total of 80 students completed the study. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group (I) the intervention group composed of 40 students; 20 students from first level and 20 students from fourth level who received Peyton’s four-step approach. Group (II) included 40 students considered as a control group composed of 20 students from first level and 20 students from fourth level who received the traditional method of lab training in our faculty. Two procedures were selected to be taught to the students; Intramuscular injection for first level students and arterial puncture for fourth level students.Results: The studied groups significantly exceeded the control group in performance scoring in both intramuscular injection and arterial puncture procedures. The results of the current study also revealed that fourth level students show more acceptances and learning through Peyton’s four-step approach than those of first level students.Conclusions: In the light of the results of our study, we can emphasize that the use of Peyton's four-step approach as a model for teaching practical skills was helpful as reported by nursing students especially for fourth level students.
Successful vs. unsuccessful small group reflection: A narrative inquiry
Authors: Zou Ping , Visayanathan Arthy , Whyte Christine , Pak Alla , Cooper Brathwaite Angela , Zhu Qiongli , Vanderlee Rick
Published: December 2018

There is a lack of research examining the factors which promote or hinder successful small group clinical practicum reflection seminars. The aim of this study was to explore key elements of successful small group reflection. Narrative inquiry was used as methodology. Three students consented to voluntarily participate in this study by learning on their experiences – both successful and unsuccessful – during their clinical reflection seminars. A 3-circle model was presented as a collective narrative. The Support Circle represents a safe and supportive environment where the reflection seminar is held. The Owner Circle represents the students’ ownership in a reflection seminar. The Service Circle represents the educators’ professional teaching services. To conclude, elements of a successful small group reflection included a safe leaning environment, a student-centered approach, and professional educator support. Within a safe learning environment, a successful small group reflection seminar should be owned by students and facilitated by a professional educator.
Material Development for Peer-Assisted Learning Program (PALP) in Higher Education
Authors: Khafidhoh Khafidhoh
Published: December 2018

Teaching English as a foreign language in higher education becomes more challenging from year to year. Based on the learner and learning needs, nowadays, English should be taught in relation to the other fields of the study. The phenomena require a certain ‘scenario’ to support the students’ English mastery. In accordance to the condition, English Education Department of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan has a program to help the students improving their English skills called Peer-Assisted Learning Program PALP. As an official program in the department, PALP is managed professionally by the boards. However, developing the appropriate materials for the program still becomes one big question to everyone dealing with the program, especially the boards. It is a really challenging work to develop such informative and practical materials for the students joining the program. Thus, in this paper, the writer will discuss several theories as the basis in developing the materials for PALP. It will cover the information about PALP, learner needs, learning needs, criteria of good materials, material development, and materials evaluation/assessment.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching Vol 12 No 1
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: December 2018

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 12, No. 1, 2019
The Effectiveness of Flipped Learning: A Quasi-Experimental Study of the Perceptions of Kuwaiti Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Almodaires Abdullah A. , Alayyar Ghaida M. , Almsaud Tareq O. , Almutairi Faisal M.
Published: December 2018

This paper investigated the effectiveness of flipped learning (FL) in pre-service teacher education, especially educational technology. Research on the effect of FL is still rare in student-teacher education, and little is known about it. This study was designed to explore students’ perspectives on the effectiveness of FL in the College of Basic Education situated within Kuwait’s Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET).

This study used a quasi-experimental method; it used purposeful sampling to select 128 students from two classes taught using the FL approach (Experimental Group) and 67 students from one class taught using traditional in-class lectures (Control Group). Questionnaires, which comprised of closed-ended and open-ended questions, were administered to investigate students’ perceptions of flipped learning.

Results showed that students in the experimental group had performed better. They had positive attitudes toward flipped learning; they perceived that the approach had a unique set of affordances and constraints. Findings suggest that FL may be a promising approach to enhance student-teachers’ learning in educational technology courses. The study provides insight into opportunities for further studies.
The Effect of Using Prezi on Al Zaytoonah University Students’ Performance in French Language Reading Skills
Authors: Al-Hammouri Samer
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using Prezi on Al Zaytoonah students’ performance in French Language reading skill. To achieve the purpose of the study, a pre/post-test was constructed to measure students’ performance in French language reading skill. The sample of the study comprised 128 students from Al Zaytoonah University and was distributed into two sections, which were selected purposefully.

The sample of the study was distributed into two groups (one experimental and one control groups). The experimental group’s students were taught the reading skill using Prezi while the control groups’ students were taught using the traditional way. The sample of the study was 64 students in the experimental group and 64 students in the control group. Those groups were distributed into two purposefully selected sections in public schools in Amman.

The results of the study showed a variance in the means of the achievement test according to group, it also showed that there were statistically significant differences on the achievement test due to the Strategy variable. There were statistically significant differences between using Prezi Strategy and the Current Strategy in favor of the Prezi Strategy, and there was no statistically significant difference in the students’ achievement due to gender. There was no statistically significant difference due to the interaction between gender and group.

The researchers recommend that researchers focus on new teaching strategies and conduct more studies related this topic. They also recommend that other researchers conduct studies and focus on the role play strategy.
Preparation of University Students to Be Role Models in General Biology Laboratory
Authors: Almuhammadi A. , Khallaf A. , Abuljadayel D. , Alsudairi D. , Ashqar H. , Alharbi H. , Alhazmi I. , Zelai N. , Hakami N. , Alhindi R.
Published: December 2018

Teaching has become a challenge mission among generations as direct instructions are not effective anymore and; therefore, students need to be convinced for sharing and fulfilling their responsibilities. In this study, students are perceived to act as role models in managing the laboratory classes of general biology. Four groups were classified as co-lecturers, co-technicians, safety group, and green team. This experiment was evaluated by both students and staff team. The results showed that the most effective group was the co-lecturer as it showed high level of cooperation, work with love, truth, motivate others, and team management. The advantages of this experiment were more likeable as compared to the disadvantages; although, participants suggest that more information is needed to improve the group work.
Proficiency Perceptions and Attitudes of Pre-Service Teachers on İnformation and Communication Technologies
Authors: Arseven İlhami , Orhan Ahmet Turan , Arseven Ayla
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study is to examine teacher candidates’ perceptions of their own proficiency in using information and communication technologies and their attitudes towards information and communication technologies in terms of gender, major, internet usage frequency and computer ownership. The study group consists of 336 teacher candidates, 98 male (29%) and 238 female (71%) senior students, in different departments at Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Education during the 2017-2018 academic year. The “Proficiency Perception Scale for Using Information and Communication Technologies” and “The Attitude Scale for Information and Communication Technologies” developed by different researchers were administered to the candidate teachers. As a result of the findings obtained from the research, there was no significant difference between proficiency levels of the teacher candidates regarding the use of information and communication technologies. Besides, there was not significant difference between the means of attitude towards information and communication technologies in terms of majors and the internet usage frequency, and between the mean proficiency perception scores of using information and communication technologies with regard to gender. It was ascertained that there was a slightly meaningful difference between the attitudes scores for information and communication technologies in favor of males in terms of gender, and as to computer ownership, there was a low level of difference between both attitude and perception scores in favor of computer owners. The findings are discussed within the scope of literature.
The Relationship between School Principals’ Leadership Behaviours and Teachers’ Job Satisfaction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cansoy Ramazan
Published: December 2018

This systematic review aims to investigate the relationship between school principals’ leadership behaviours and teachers’ job satisfaction. With this purpose, studies that focused on this relationship in the literature were examined. Twenty-seven studies found in different databases (i.e. ERIC, WOS, SCOPUS and ULAKBİM) were included in the analysis. These studies mostly focused on the relationships between school principals’ transformational and interaction leadership behaviours and teachers’ job satisfaction. Additionally, job satisfaction was also studied in relation to servant leadership, ethical leadership, distributive leadership, individual- and task-oriented leadership and school leadership behaviours. Based on the findings of the studies examined, school principals’ transformation leadership behaviours were found to have stronger relationships with teachers’ job satisfaction compared to interactional leadership behaviours and were an important predictor of job satisfaction. Negative relationships were revealed between laissez-faire leadership and job satisfaction. On the other hand, school principals’ servant leadership and ethical leadership behaviours were found to be important variables in ensuring job satisfaction. Lastly, school principals’ administrative behaviours that encourage participation and are flexible, sharing leadership at school, and exhibiting individual-oriented and supportive leadership behaviours were revealed to enhance teachers’ job satisfaction.
Application of Rubrics in the Classroom: A Vital Tool for Improvement in Assessment, Feedback and Learning
Authors: Chowdhury Faieza
Published: December 2018

Teaching is filled with spirited debate about the best practices for improving students' learning and performance. Today, educators from different parts of the world are supporting the use of rubrics as an instructional tool and highlighting the enormous contributions that rubrics can make in the teaching-learning paradigm. A rubric is a useful grading tool which can help instructors to grade students' work in a more consistent, reliable and unbiased manner. A well-designed rubric can help students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and be more objective about their own quality of work. Although some studies have examined the benefits of rubrics on student performance levels; nevertheless, research on rubrics is still at an early stage. In this paper we will explore what a rubric is, the different types of rubrics that can be utilized in the classroom and the process of constructing a rubric. We will also discuss how the application of rubrics in teaching can help educators to improve student learning and provide more effective feedback on student performance.
Mechanism of Softening Effect of Fabric Softener
Authors: Igarashi Takako , Nakamura Koichi
Published: December 2018

The mechanism of softening effect for fabric softeners has been explained as lowering of friction between the fibers. This explanation, however, has not been verified. The trend date of B-value of KES-FB2 and the result of perfect drying cotton threads indicate that the increase of hardness of cotton threads after the process of wetting by water and drying is caused by the cross-linking by the bound water between the cotton fibers. Thus, the softening effect of fabric softeners can mainly be discussed as the prevention of the formation of this cross-linkage.
Recoilless Gun System as a Particular Form of General Interior Ballistics Model of Gun Propellant Systems
Authors: SURMA Zbigniew
Published: December 2018

The development of the interior ballistics general model of gun propellant systems by taking into account the specificity of the recoilless propellant system is presented in this paper. The presented expanded physical and mathematical model makes possible the simulation of classical and nonclassical gun systems: two-chamber, mortar, and the considered recoilless one. To solve the system of equations associated with the mathematical model, a computer programme was developed. An analysis was made for two configurations of a recoilless system, differing in the way of arrangement of a propellant charge, i.e., with the propellant charge moving together with a projectile and with the propellant charge burning in a cartridge chamber. The obtained calculation results showed that the system, in which the propellant charge moves together with
a projectile, has the maximum pressure and the muzzle velocity higher in comparison with the system with the propellant charge burning in a cartridge chamber. Influence of a way of placement of the propellant charge is the stronger, the higher is the ratio of its mass to the projectile mass.
The results of the accomplished calculations, especially the pressure inside the barrel as well as motion parameters of the projectile make the grounds for projecting and construction optimization of the recoilless gun systems.
Chapman-Kolmogorov Equations for a Complete Set of Distinct Reliability States of an Object
Authors: SZCZEPAŃSKI Paweł , ŻUREK Józef
Published: December 2018

The Chapman-Kolmogorov equations indicated in the title are a pretext to demonstrate a mathematically unrecognised truth about the effect of the reliability states of elements (which are generally understood as “subjects”) on the reliability states of a complete set of the same elements, which is called an object. Of importance here are not just the reliability characteristics of individual elements, but the independencies, dependencies and interdependencies between the elements. The relations were described in the language of graph theory. The availability matrix of the language of graph theory was translated to determine the size and probabilities of distinct reliability states of the object, the derivatives of their similarities, and the transition rates adequate to those derivatives. This article continues the research work which identifies the relationship of the properties of a complete set of distinct reliability states of an object with a widely understood theory of systems. The previous papers referred, among others, to: risk, safety, structure entropy, the reliability of the results of checks, and – most of all – technical diagnostics, both in the area of its algorithms and of its optimisation. The object’s serial reliability structure was not assumed in any of those papers, recognising that it would be a serious abuse. The research results were referred to all possible structures of a three-element object. It is believed that by virtue of the block diagrams appropriate to those structures, the readers hereof are provided with a realistic opportunity to practically (and inexpensively) verify the ideas presented here.
A Numerical Investigation into the Effect of Blade Trailing-Edge Thickness on the Performance of Axial Fans
Authors: MAJCHER Maciej , WRZESIEŃ Stanisław , FRANT Michał , OMEN Łukasz
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the results of a numerical investigation into the effect of blade trailing-edge thickness and shape on the performance of a rotor ring model of axial fan. The numerical simulations carried out under this investigation provided the performance characteristics of efficiency, working medium power, and total pressure increase in the function of the volumetric flow rate of the rotor ring. The investigated blade trailing-edge thickness values were 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm. The models for the simulation series were developed with rounded and sharp blade trailing edges, for all thickness values thereof. The rounded trailing blade edges were modelled in the form of an arc over which the conditions of tangency with the upper and lower contours of the airfoil were imposed. The blades of the modelled blade fan were designed with the NACA 65-810 airfoil. To verify the applied turbulence model and mesh settings, experimental tests of the model rotor ring were performed on an axial fan test bed. The obtained experimental data was compared with numerical results. The results showed a significant impact of the thickness and shape of the blade trailing edge on the performance characteristics of axial fans.
Strength Analysis of a Ducted Axial Fan Blade
Authors: ROŚKOWICZ Marek , CHACHURSKI Ryszard , TKACZUK Sławomir , LESZCZYŃSKI Piotr , MAJCHER Maciej , OMEN Łukasz
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a numerical strength analysis of a ducted axial fan blade. Ducted axial fans are a large group of fluid-flow machines. The analysis was designed to determine the causes of cyclic failures of a ventilation unit. The paper presents a reverse engineering approach to the mapping of the fan blade’s geometrical features. The geometrical features were mapped by triangulation from the scanning images produced by a 3D optical scanner. These were followed by simplifying assumptions on which the numerical calculations were based. The numerical calculations were carried out at the operating rotational speeds of the ducted axial fan’s rotor. The course of the numerical calculations is described, and their results are also presented herein. The results are represented on colour maps of stress distribution for selected structural elements of the fan blade. The stress distribution at a blade cross-section was compared to CT scans of the fractures of failed rotor blade airfoils. Final conclusions were developed which show that the design engineering process of fans should feature optimisation of the fan’s efficiency, including the strength and performance parameters, which should include the service life of the fan.
Numerical Analysis of a DMA Epoxy-Carbon Composite Study
Authors: KOWALECZKO Paweł , PANAS Andrzej , NOWAKOWSKI Mirosław
Published: December 2018

The results of numerical simulations performed for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) measurements of thermal and mechanical (or thermomechanical) properties performed on a model composite structure are presented herein. The simulated elastic response of an epoxy-carbon fibre composite specimen was analysed for a case by which the model specimen was subjected to three-point bending with a free support. The epoxy-carbon fibre composite studied as explained herein exhibited extreme differences between the resilient properties of the epoxy resin matrix and the carbon fibre reinforcement. In addition, the carbon fibre reinforcement was both internally and structurally anisotropic. The numerical simulations were performed to demonstrate a qualitative dependence of the DMA measurement results on a certain structure of the investigated specimen and to determine if the DMA results could be qualified as effective or apparent. A macro-mechanical model of the specimen was developed and had the numerical calculations run with COMSOL/M, a FEM modelling software suite. The carbon fibre reinforcement was modelled with an orthotropic structure of laminar or circular inclusions with different characteristic dimensions. Representative material properties were assumed from the results of proprietary experimental investigations and certain reference literature data. The effect of the composite layers’ configuration and their characteristic dimensions on the evaluated model’s elastic modulus value was also studied. The results presented herein suggested a qualitative agreement with the results of the DMA investigations performed on real-life composite structures. They also proved the effectiveness of the developed numerical simulation methodology, shown herein, in the DMA of micro- and macromechanical phenomena
A Digital Model of the Electrodynamic Acceleration Process in a Coil Gun Devic
Authors: HORODEŃSKI Andrzej W. , POCHRYBNIAK Cezary
Published: December 2018

The subject of this paper is an analysis of the process of applying kinetic energy to a projectile made from a non-magnetic, electrically conductive material and placed inside of an inductance coil live with alternating current. A digital model of an acceleration system was built, comprising a high-current coil and a cylindrical projectile located inside of the coil. Analytical formulas of the three-dimensional distribution of the axial and radial components of the magnetic field generated by the coil were applied [5]. The mathematical model described herein included the projectile and coil three-dimensional system (with the dimensions and distribution of the coil turns), the parameters of the power supply system and their variations, caused by the energy input to the projectile (and including the variation of: coupling coefficient, pulsation, coefficient of attenuation, inductance, and resistance), and the balance of momentum of the projectile and coil system. A system of equations which depicted the projectile and coil system (the law of electromagnetic induction, the Biot-Savart law, electric-to-kinetic energy transfer, and the balance of momentum of the projectile and coil system) was solved with numerical methods.
Assessment of the Usefulness of Observation and Tracking Heads of the Long-Range for the Stratospheric Aerostat Recognition System
Authors: DOBRZYŃSKI Paweł , KRAWCZAK Mariusz , LIPSKI Stanisław , MACHOWSKI Bogdan
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the problems of applications of stratospheric systems to increase the tactical and reconnaissance capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. The paper contains the results from examples of simulations which were designed to determine the cost/performance ratio of the production and operation of aerostats with strictly identified technical parameters in the context of their operational capabilities. It also describes the principles of operation of aerostats for the support of intelligence collection and the limitations imposed on aerostats by the specificity of tropospheric and stratospheric regions.