bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-precision measurements of nitrous oxide and methane in air with cavity ring-down spectroscopy at 7.6 µm
Authors: Tang Jing , Li Bincheng , Wang Jing
Published: May 2019

Abstract. A high-sensitivity methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide
(N2O) sensor based on mid-infrared continuous-wave (CW) cavity
ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) techniques was developed for environmental and
biomedical trace-gas measurements. A tunable external-cavity mode-hop-free
(EC-MHF) quantum cascade laser (QCL) operating at 7.4 to 7.8 µm was
used as the light source. The effect of temperature fluctuation on the
measurement sensitivity of the CRDS experimental setup was analyzed and
corrected, and a sensitivity limit of absorption coefficient measurement of
7.2×10-10 cm−1 was achieved at 1330.50 cm−1 with
an average of 139 measurements or 21 s averaging time and further
improved to 2.3×10-10 cm−1 with an average of 3460
measurements, or 519 s averaging time. For the targeted CH4 and
N2O, absorption lines located at 1298.60 and 1327.07 cm−1 with
temperature effect correction detection limits of 13 and 11 pptv were experimentally achieved with 10.4 and 10.2 s
averaging times and could be further improved to 5 and 9 pptv with
482.5 and 311 s averaging times, respectively. Four spectral
bands (1298.4 to 1298.9 cm−1, 1310.1 to
1312.3 cm−1, 1326.5 to 1328 cm−1, and 1331.5 to
1333 cm−1) in the spectral range from 1295 to 1335 cm−1
were selected for the separate and simultaneous measurements of CH4 and
N2O under normal atmospheric pressure, and all were in good agreements.
The concentrations of CH4 and N2O of atmospheric air collected at
different locations and of exhaled breath were measured and analyzed.
Continuous measurements of CH4 and N2O concentrations of indoor
laboratory air over 45 h were also taken. It was found that anaerobic
bacteria in the water and soil of wetlands might significantly increase the
CH4 concentration in the air. The measured N2O concentration in the
central city area was somewhat lower than the reported normal level in open
air. Our results demonstrated the temporal and spatial variations of
CH4 and N2O in the air.
Tracking down global NH3 point sources with wind-adjusted superresolution
Authors: Clarisse Lieven , Van Damme Martin , Clerbaux Cathy , Coheur Pierre-François
Published: May 2019

Abstract. As a precursor of atmospheric aerosols, ammonia (NH3) is one the primary gaseous air pollutants. Given its short atmospheric lifetime, ambient NH3 concentrations are dominated by local sources. In a recent study, Van Damme et al. (2018) have highlighted the importance of NH3 point sources, especially those associated with feedlots and industrial ammonia production. Their emissions were shown to be largely underestimated in bottom-up emission inventories. The discovery was made possible thanks to the use of oversampling techniques applied on 9 years of global daily IASI NH3 satellite measurements. Oversampling allows to increase the spatial resolution of averaged satellite data, beyond what the satellites natively offer. Here, we apply for the first time the so-called superresolution techniques, which are commonplace in many fields that rely on imaging, to measurements of an atmospheric sounder, whose images consist of just single pixels. We demonstrate the principle on synthetic data and on IASI measurements of a surface parameter. Superresolution is a priori less suitable to be applied on measurements of variable atmospheric constituents, in particular those affected by transport. However, by first applying the so-called wind-rotation technique, which was introduced in the study of other primary pollutants, superresolution becomes highly effective to map NH3 at very high spatial resolution. We show in particular that it allows revealing plume transport in much greater detail than what was previously thought to be possible. Next, using this wind-adjusted superresolution technique, we introduce a new type of NH3 map that allows to track down point sources much more easily than the regular oversampled average. On a subset of known emitters, it allows to locate the source within a median distance of 1.5 km. We subsequently present a new global point source catalog consisting of more than 500 localized and categorized point sources. Compared to our previous catalog, the number of identified sources more than doubled. In addition, we refined the classification of industries into five categories: fertilizer, coking, soda ash, geothermal and explosive industry; and introduced a new urban category for isolated NH3 hotspots over cities. The latter mainly consists of African megacities, as clear isolation of such urban hotspots is almost never possible elsewhere due to the presence of a larger diffuse background. The techniques presented in this paper can most likely be exploited in the study of point sources of other short-lived atmospheric pollutants such as SO2 and NO2.
Geomagnetic conjugate observations of ionospheric disturbances in response to a North Korean underground nuclear explosion on 3 September 2017
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhou Chen , Tang Qiong , Chen Guanyi , Zhao Zhengyu
Published: May 2019

Abstract. We report observations of ionospheric disturbances in response to a North
Korean underground nuclear explosion (UNE) on 3 September 2017. By using data
from IGS (International GNSS Service) stations and Swarm satellites,
geomagnetic conjugate ionospheric disturbances were observed. The
observational evidence showed that UNE-generated ionospheric disturbances
propagated radially from the UNE epicenter with a velocity of
∼280 m s−1. We propose that the ionospheric disturbances are
results of electrodynamic process caused by LAIC
(lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling) electric field penetration.
The LAIC electric field can also be mapped to the conjugate hemispheres along
the magnetic field line and consequently cause ionospheric disturbances in
conjugate regions. The UNE-generated LAIC electric field penetration plays
an important role in the ionospheric disturbances in the region of the
nuclear test site nearby and the corresponding geomagnetic conjugate points.
Hypoxia in mangroves: occurrence and impact on valuable tropical
fish habitat
Authors: Dubuc Alexia , Baker Ronald , Marchand Cyril , Waltham Nathan J. , Sheaves Marcus
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Intertidal mangrove forests are harsh environments that can naturally experience hypoxia in association with low tide. However, we know relatively little about dissolved oxygen (DO) fluctuations and DO-induced responses by fish, although DO is a fundamental water quality parameter. This study examines DO as a potential factor regulating the utilisation of intertidal mangrove forests by fish, and consequently their value. We deployed underwater video cameras, coupled with DO and depth loggers, in a mangrove forest to record changes in fish assemblages in response to tidal variations in DO and other associated environmental parameters. Our results indicate that DO underwent extreme tidal fluctuations, reaching levels as low as 14 % saturation. As DO was identified as a significant factor to explain variability in fish assemblage composition, we further investigated fish responses to DO fluctuations. Higher taxonomic richness and frequencies of occurrence were observed once DO reached 70–80 % saturation. More detailed examination revealed species-specific responses. Three distinct patterns of mangrove utilisation in response to DO were identified, driven by apparent taxa’s behavioural DO avoidance thresholds. Most taxa did not display any behavioural avoidance, including presence at the lowest DO levels, while other taxa were not observed either below 50–60 % saturation, or below 70–80 % saturation. This implies that tidal migrations, often observed in intertidal environments, could be the result of differential DO tolerances, and not simply initiated by changes in water depth. Taxa remaining in the mangrove forest even at low DO were on average more frequently observed than the other taxa, and were mostly species commonly associated with mangrove habitats. This suggests that being adapted to withstand low DO might be an important condition to use mangrove habitats extensively. The need of being tolerant to low DO could constrain fish utilisation and explain the relatively low species richness often observed in other intertidal mangrove forests.
A dynamical reconstruction of the Last Glacial Maximum ocean state constrained by global oxygen isotope data
Authors: Breitkreuz Charlotte , Paul André , Schulz Michael
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Combining ocean general circulation models with proxy data via data assimilation is a means to obtain estimates of past ocean states that are consistent with model physics as well as with proxy data. The climate during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 19–23 ka) was substantially different from today. Even though boundary conditions are comparatively well known, the large-scale patterns of the ocean circulation during this time remain uncertain. Previous efforts to combine ocean models with proxy data have shown dissimilar results regarding the state of the ocean, in particular of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Here, we present a new LGM ocean state estimate that extents previous estimates by using global benthic as well as planktic data on the oxygen isotopic composition of calcite. It is further constrained by global seasonal and annual sea surface temperature (SST) reconstructions. The estimate shows an Atlantic Ocean that is similar to the Late Holocene Atlantic Ocean but with a reduced formation of Antarctic Bottom Water, in contrast to results of previous studies. The results indicate that SST and oxygen isotopic data alone do not require the presence of a shallower North Atlantic Deep Water and a more extensive Antarctic Bottom Water, and highlight the need for more proxy data of different types to obtain reliable ocean state estimates. Additional adjoint sensitivity experiments reveal that data from the deep North Atlantic and from the global deep Southern Ocean are most important to constrain the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
Quantification of climate change impact on dam failure risk under
hydrological scenarios: a case study from a Spanish dam
Authors: Fluixá-Sanmartín Javier , Morales-Torres Adrián , Escuder-Bueno Ignacio , Paredes-Arquiola Javier
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Dam safety is increasingly subjected to the influence of climate change. Its impacts must be assessed through the integration of the various effects acting on each aspect, considering their interdependencies, rather than by a simple accumulation of separate impacts. This serves as a dam safety management supporting tool to assess the vulnerability of the dam to climate change and to define adaptation strategies under an evolutive dam failure risk management framework. This article presents a comprehensive quantitative assessment of the impacts of climate change on the safety of a Spanish dam under hydrological scenarios, integrating the various projected effects acting on each component of the risk, from the input hydrology to the consequences of the outflow hydrograph. In particular, the results of 21 regional climate models encompassing three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) have been used to calculate the risk evolution of the dam until the end of the 21st century. Results show a progressive deterioration of the dam failure risk, for most of the cases contemplated, especially for the RCP2.6 and RCP4.5 scenarios. Moreover, the individual analysis of each risk component shows that the alteration of the expected inflows has the greater influence on the final risk. The approach followed in this paper can serve as a useful guidebook for dam owners and dam safety practitioners in the analysis of other study cases.
Just One More Thing: Getting the Most Out of One-Minute Papers
Authors: Stevens T. Eloise
Published: May 2019

The one-minute paper (OMP) is an easy-to-implement classroom assessment tool that is particularly well-suited to the familiar one-shot library instruction session. This article explores the ways that the one-minute paper can benefit academic librarians. Examples from the literature on teaching & learning and the author’s own experience are used to illustrate potential benefits, including individualized outreach to students and program planning.
MIGRAÇÃO INTERNACIONAL, ECONOMIA URBANA E TERRITORIALIDADES
Authors: Bomtempo Denise Cristina DCB
Published: May 2019

Neste início do século XXI, o Ceará se insere no novo quadro da migração no Brasil, entre outros aspectos, por receber importante contingente de migrantes internacionais, com destaque para os africanos, chineses e sul coreanos. Como recebeu investimentos que alteraram sua dinâmica territorial e econômica, Fortaleza se apresentou como uma metrópole que reuniu serviços e investimentos, por consequência oferta de empregos. Assim, o objetivo deste texto é entender a recente migração internacional pela via da economia urbana e das múltiplas territorialidades produzidas pelos migrantes, principalmente para a capital do Ceará, mas também para cidades com centralidade na rede urbana. Desse modo, afirmamos que a presença dos migrantes internacionais neste estado, permite, por um lado, o surgimento de uma economia urbana da migração e novas territorialidades – sentidas pelos fluxos vinculados ao trabalho, estudo, moradia, consumo e lazer. Por outro lado, é possível compreender o perfil dos sujeitos migrantes, suas trajetórias construídas e conflitos existentes a partir das práticas cotidianas. Em síntese, a migração internacional materializada na escala das cidades em apreço é um exemplo da inserção do Ceará de maneira diferenciada na divisão territorial do trabalho do século XXI.
ESCOLA SEM PARTIDO: DO CONTROLE À ESPOLIAÇÃO
Authors: Castilho Denis
Published: May 2019

A primeira proposta do Escola Sem Partido (ESP) foi elaborada em 2004. Dez anos depois, com a eclosão de mobilizações e movimentos conservadores pelo Brasil, ganhou repercussão e forte apoio de parlamentares e de partidos de direita. Alegando provável doutrinação esquerdista nas escolas, autoproclamando-se apartidário e polemizando temas relativos às diretrizes educacionais, o movimento ampliou suas frentes de ação, e projetos de lei do ESP foram apresentados na Câmara dos Deputados e em Assembleias Legislativas de vários estados do país. Uma análise desses projetos e das concepções defendidas por seus apoiadores, conforme evidenciamos neste texto, revela outras faces do movimento. Os interesses implícitos, a disputa partidária, o vínculo com tendências totalitárias que instigam o cerceamento do trabalho docente e a ligação com um projeto mais amplo que visa fazer da escola um grande negócio via espoliação, acende um alerta e suscita um amplo debate sobre os reais interesses do ESP e suas implicações à educação do país. Essa discussão é fundamental para a construção de um contraponto mais eficiente, baseado no esclarecimento, no protagonismo e na luta por uma escola mais autônoma e democrática.      
Palavras-chave: Escola Sem Partido; Controle; Educação; Espoliação.
PROTEASES ASSOCIATED WITH Mycobacterium tuberculosis INFECTION
Authors: Gomes de Andrade Rayanny , Junqueira-Kipnis Ana Paula , Kipnis Andre
Published: May 2019

Tuberculosis is a contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an obligate intracellular bacterium that relies on infection and host to host transmission to survive. In a co-evolution process, the pathogen developed virulence mechanisms to evade the host’s immune system and endure many factors, such as cellular stress for example. One of the strategies used by pathogens to achieve success in their infection is the production of proteases, which are enzymes that cleave peptide bonds between the amino acids in a protein. Proteases are widely distributed in the nature and have different roles that are considered important to the bacteria biological cycle. M. tuberculosis have several protease coding genes in its genome, many of which with unknown function, but several with attributed role in the infection process. This review presents the literature searched between 2014 and 2018 that addressed the roles of the proteases involved in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
Stories of creation
Authors: Levold Nora , Svingen Marit , Aune Margrethe
Published: May 2019

This article discusses the Norwegian media debate on surrogacy from 2010–2013. The debate was initiated by the ‘Volden-case’ where a Norwegian woman who had travelled to India to have surrogate twins could not return to Norway because the Norwegian authorities refused to give the children passports. At that time in 2010, surrogacy was not explicitly regulated by the existing Norwegian Biotechnology Act. According to the Norwegian Child and Parents Act of 1982, the woman who physically gives birth is the mother of the child. It soon became clear that, because this case existed in regulatory limbo, it required a legislative solution. At the time there was an intense and heated media debate. This was resolved when a temporary law was passed in 2013, pending a more permanent Biotechnology Act. During the process of revising the new Biotechnology Act in 2017–2018, we anticipated a continuation of the intense debate that occurred earlier. Surprisingly, this did not happen. In this article we aim to explain why. By analyzing the original 2010–2013 media debate using Hajer’s concepts of ‘discourse coalitions’ and ‘storylines’ (Hajer 2003), we identified three discourse coalitions which gathered around three storylines: the ‘storyline of biological parenthood’, the ‘storyline of equality’ and the ‘storyline on human trafficking’. The analysis demonstrated that the ‘storyline on human trafficking’ gained strength during the 2010–2013 debate, ultimately becoming hegemonic at the end of this period. Surprisingly, the other two discourse coalitions did not appear much in the media debate prior to the new law. This article discusses the lack of these discourse coalitions and concludes that the hegemonic nature of the ‘storyline on human trafficking’ may explain why the new Biotechnology Act did not spark heated debate.
The many faces of uniformitarianism in linguistics
Authors: Walkden George
Published: May 2019

The notion of uniformitarianism, originally borrowed into linguistics from the earth sciences, is widely considered to be a foundational principle in modern historical linguistics. However, there are almost as many interpretations of uniformitarianism as there are historical linguists who take the time to define the notion. In this paper I argue, following Gould (1965; 1987), that this confusion results from the fact that uniformitarianism as originally proposed in geology is not itself a uniform notion, and permits at least four readings. Only some of these readings involve substantive claims rather than methodological imperatives, and only some of these readings are useful for the study of language change. The weakest conclusion to be drawn is that these distinct notions need to be kept apart when invoked by historical linguists.
Analysis of Abnormal Operating Performance Between Family Owned Firms and State Owned Firms in Indonesia and Malaysia
Authors: Sukmadilaga Citra , Ghani Erlane K
Published: May 2019

Purpose: This study examines the financial performance of family owned firms and state owned firms listed in Bursa Malaysia and the Indonesia Stock Exchange.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed abnormal operating performance to measure firm performance over a 15 year period from 1992 to 2007.Findings: This study shows that the state owned firms outperformed the family owned firms in Indonesia and Malaysia. Hence, the family owned firms need to strategize on how to increase its competitive advantage in order to compete with the state owned firms especially if they are competing in similar industry. Based on abnormal operating performance result, for each type of ownership which have model that have influenced by changing in their internal company or changing within their industry, they need to consider all factors that can impact their performance.Practical Implications: This study may assists the family owned and government involvement in company and their performance.Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a new data set on family and government owned companies in both countries.
Liquidity, Growth and Profitability of Non-financial Public Listed Malaysia: A Malaysian Evidence
Authors: Ali Mazurina Mohd , Hussin Nik Noor Ayu Nik , Ghani Erlane K
Published: May 2019

This study examines the relationship between liquidity, growth and profitability of non-financial firms listed on the Bursa Malaysia. Specifically, this study examines the relationship between liquidity and growth on profitability for 50 non-financial public listed firms in Malaysia. Using panel data technique on 250 observations across a five-year period, this study shows that liquidity has a strong positive relationship with profitability in terms of return on asset of the firms. However, liquidity in terms of quick ratio has no impact on profitability. This study also shows that firm growth in terms of sales growth has a negative relationship with profitability. However, this study shows that liquidity and growth in general do not influence profitability in terms of return on equity, although the result shows that sustainable growth rate has a positive relationship on profitability. This study highlights the importance of these measures in measuring performance. The findings in this study provide guidelines to the firms on the measures that best to be used in evaluating performance so that appropriate strategies can be adopted to increase performance.
Financial Distress Prediction Through Cash Flow Ratios Analysis
Authors: Kamaluddin Amrizah , Ishak Norhafizah , Mohammed Nor Farizal
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study to examine the relationship of cash flow ratios in predicting financial distress companies, with industrial and consumer product companies in Bursa Malaysia as the sample. The study on financial distress is critical as it can lead to bankruptcy, which may adversely affect the economy of the country. Therefore it is worth exploring any indicators that can identify the possibility of financial distress in the company. The tools enable to address the potential problems that can mitigate from distressed financial position.  Most prior studies in Malaysia focus on traditional financial ratios, while this study exploits the strength of cash flow ratios. The liquidity ratio, solvency ratio, efficiency ratio and profitability ratio utilized in this study are derived from the statement of cash flows. The Altman Z-score is used to measure the level of the financial distress. The findings show mixed relationships between solvency ratio and financial distress and a negative significant relationship between profitability ratio and financial distress, whilst efficiency ratio has no relationship with the financial distress. These results suggest that cash flow ratios are reliable tools to predict financial distress for Malaysian context. The study is useful in giving insights to the stakeholders in their decision making.
Auditor’s Ethical Judgments: The Influence of Moral Intensity, Ethical Orientation and Client Importance
Authors: Johari Razana Juhaida , Sanusi Zuraidah Mohd , Zarefar Arumega
Published: May 2019

This study examined auditors’ ethical judgments using two theoretical perspectives; (1) Moral intensity constructs of Jones’ (1991) Model and (2) Forsyth’s (1980) framework of individual ethical orientation. The importance of the moral issues and how they affected the auditors’ ethical judgments together with the influence of individual’s ethical orientation and the client importance is discussed. A research instrument consisted of two scenarios with different level of moral intensity issues and utilized a 12-item of moral intensity measurement and a Forsyth’s (1980) scale to measure ethical orientation along two dimensions, idealism and relativism. The client importance is manipulated in this between-subjects study. The results of 152 auditors’ found that the effects of the moral intensity construct and the client importance on auditors’ ethical judgments is different based on the issues intensity level of the scenarios. Whereas, both dimensions of the individual ethical orientation (idealism and relativism) are found significant in both of the scenarios tested. The limitations of the study and recommendation for future studies are also discussed.
Philosophical Reflections on Ubuntu in the Context of Cooperative Learning
Authors: Iline Chingombe Shamiso , Phillip Higgs
Published: May 2019

Learning institutions ought to be receptive to the desires of humanity by moulding students who are all-inclusive and inspired with a vibrant consideration and obligation of who they are in relation to their immediate and external environment. The study focused on philosophical reflections on ubuntu in the context of cooperative learning in higher education. A qualitative methodology was adopted. Interpretivism and the grounded theory were the paradigms used in this study. A grounded theory has the potential to generate new theories based on the data collected from participants. The sample comprised of two lecturers who were purposively selected for their expertise in teaching philosophy. Findings clarified that ubuntu creates a teamwork culture which inspires students to work collectively in order to achieve a common goal. Ubuntu collection of themes indicated that ubuntu is a philosophy. From the African point of view ubuntu is a set of beliefs that refers to the way people relate at individual and personal level, but at the core of ubuntu there is an element of humanity. Ubuntu can act as a weapon to cover the weaknesses of colleagues. As the weaknesses of family members or other learners is protected or shielded it helps to build confidence and trust among the learners. Findings also revealed that ubuntu brings coordination and direction with due respect of individual abilities and differences. It was also noted that ubuntu is the cement or the glue that unifies, interrelates or interconnects individuals in cooperative learning. On a negative note it was revealed that without ubuntu there is irrationality, chaos, disorder, selfishness and separation, where everything is scattered. As the grounded theory emphasised the generation of a new theory, a communalist enhanced theory was adopted. The communalist enhanced learning anchored on social interdependence which promotes task, behavioural and goal interdependence.
Jurisdição constitucional e a efetivação do direito fundamental a saúde
Authors: Mozetic Vinicius Almada , Dos Santos Paulo Junior Trindade , Moller Gabriela Samrsla
Published: May 2019

Tem como tema Jurisdição Constitucional e a Efetivação do Direito Fundamental à Saúde. Neste sentido aponta-se a construção e evolução da Jurisdição Constitucional desde seu aspecto histórico até sua legitimação democrática, a qual dá baliza para que venha a efetivar o Direito Fundamental à Saúde, pois tal direito fundamental emerge das transformações do Estado de Direito Liberal ao Social, e assim  os Direitos Sociais na atualidade são levados ao Judiciário. Haja vista, com o modelo de Estado Democrático de Direito a Constituição veio a reconhecer textualmente diversos direitos, e neste contexto o acesso a justiça resta evidente a efetivação do Direito à Saúde pela via Judicial, a qual as Cortes Supremas detém as decisões mais relevantes quanto ao tema para que assim se realizem. Portanto, a Jurisdição Constitucional transcende as suas funções frente as demais, pois passa a ser um órgão de clamor democrático para sim ter-se a realização dos direitos fundamentais, assim como demonstra-se em vários casos relacionados ao direito à saúde.
A intervenção do Direito Penal brasileiro no crime de tráfico de animais silvestres e a educação ambiental
Authors: Valada Daniela Cristina , Lourenço dos Santos José Eduardo
Published: May 2019

A Constituição Brasileira veda práticas que coloquem em risco a função ecológica dos animais, provoquem a extinção de espécies ou submeta-os à crueldade, sendo que o tráfico de animais silvestres, além de lesionar nossa Carta Magna em todos estes pontos, ainda é uma afronta ao estado soberano de direito brasileiro, haja vista seu caráter transfronteiriço e a contribuição de outras atividades ilegais. Tal atividade, por óbvio, gera inúmeros desequilíbrios ao meio ambiente, afetando principalmente a dignidade animal. Analisam-se as formas de combate a essa modalidade internacional de tráfico, o papel da sustentabilidade e a atual atuação do Direito Penal no tema, sob o norte da Carta Constitucional, além de elencar a importância da educação ambiental como forma de dizimar o tráfico.
The Impact of Using YouTubes and Audio Tracks Imitation YATI on Improving Speaking Skills of EFL Learners
Authors: Hamad Mona M. , Metwally Amal Abdelsattar , Alfaruque Sabina Yasmin
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study is to shed light on a developed approach to be adopted in EFL speaking classes and show the effectiveness of using YouTube videos and Listening Audio Tracks Imitation (YATI) for teaching English language in speaking classrooms as pedagogical tools to improve EFL learners’ speaking skills. To find out the impact of using You Tubes and Audio Tracks Imitation (YATI) on improving speaking skills of EFL learners, the qualitative experimental approach is used to conduct this study. The participants of this study are 48 students studying major English, divided into two sections studying Listening & Speaking Course at College of Science & Arts Muhayil, King Khalid University. One section was used as a control group and the other as an experimental group. Data was collected using speaking tests results which were analyzed using SPSS Pearson correlation coefficient. The results revealed that employing YATI technique has a positive impact on the effectiveness of the speaking skills, fluency and pronunciation of EFL learners. This study concluded that YouTube videos and Listening Audio Tracks Imitation (YATI) is a very effective CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning) tool towards improving students’ speaking skills. This study recommends the use of YATI approach in order to help students overcome speaking problems.
Arabic Language Surveys Measuring Mothers’ Satisfaction During Childbirth: A Review
Authors: Al Nadabi Waleed , Mohammed Mohammed A
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE: To review Arabic surveys used to measure maternal satisfaction.

METHODOLOGY: Peer-reviewed studies published in English and Arabic since 2000 were reviewed across eight databases. Surveys were assessed by: survey construction, reliability, and validity.

FINDINGS: The seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were in English and included seven different Arabic surveys. Survey items ranged from eight to 32 and were translated from English (3/7) or were originally written in Arabic (4/7). Six surveys were pilot tested. Dimensions covered by the surveys varied but all measured satisfaction about providers’ interpersonal care. Internal reliability was reported for four surveys and none reported the test-re-test results. Three studies reported content validity, one reported face validity, one reported construct validity, and none reported criterion validity. Participants’ inclusion criteria varied but all studies excluded women with still births or obstetric complications. When surveyed within hospital (3/7), participants were approached within 72 hours after delivery while those surveyed outside the hospital were approached two weeks, seven weeks, or two months after discharge. Overall, the eight-item survey was found short, well tested with good psychometric properties.

CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties of Arabic surveys were determined in limited settings, were not well reported, and varied. The eight-item survey is a well-tested survey with good psychometric properties. Furthermore, rigorous evaluation of Arabic surveys in different contexts with wider inclusion criteria is required. Our findings will promote further research in this area and will help enhance maternal experience with childbearing.
Electronic Banking and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Mbah Stella , Obiezekwem Jeffery
Published: May 2019

This study aims to identify the relationship between electronic banking and performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Anambra state; one of the states with the highest number of SMEs, entrepreneurial skills, informal enterprises and a suitable business environment in Nigeria. To achieve this, the researcher examined performance of SMEs and their association with components of electronic banking; automated teller machine, point of sale services, transaction alerts via short message services (SMS) and mobile banking, through a questionnaire. Three hundred and seventy (73.1% response rate) copies of questionnaire issued to five hundred and six sampled respondents of 50 SMEs in Anambra state were properly filled and found relevant to the study. The study used SPSS and Excel to identify the descriptive characteristics of the variables of the study and analyze the data. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses of the study. Study results concluded that there is positive relationship between; automated teller machine, point of sale services, transaction alerts via short message services (SMS), mobile banking and performance of SMEs in Anambra State, Nigeria. The result also showed that SMEs continuous usage of electronic banking services could be attributed to cost effectiveness, convenience, security, accessibility and diversity of the services. The study recommends among others that, security of electronic banking services should be upgraded by a conjunction between SMEs and banks and that government should provide adequate regulatory framework to protect customers and security of transaction. Furthermore, policy makers in Nigeria should take advantage of the positive revelation of this study to make policies that will increase number of SMEs in Anambra state and Nigeria at large especially from the large number of informal enterprises in Anambra state and Nigeria.
The Teacher-Leader’s Image: Between Personal Characteristics and Strategies Empowering Learners
Authors: Nissim Yonit , Simon Eitan
Published: May 2019

The present article aims to throw some light and clarify the image of the “teacher leader” as it is seen from the viewpoint of graduates and trainees in the M. Ed. program at the Ohalo Academic College. This research offers a porthole through which it is possible to observe their future role. The main research questions examined (1) How is the image of the teacher-leader visualized by the research’s population? (2) What is the desired image of the teacher-leader as described by the respondents? Which leadership traits are seen by the respondents as the most dominant/meaningful? (3) Is there a difference between the respondents’ perception of the term “teacher-leader” and their perception of the term “teacher”? (4) Is it possible to identify a main pattern that emerges from the analysis of all the respondents’ answers to the statements and the open-ended questions?

The responses to the research questions were derived from mixed method data collection and analysis. The research instrument was a validated questionnaire that was distributed to graduates and trainees in the studied program (N = 137). 54 questionnaires were completed.

The main findings indicate that all the indices investigated in the quantitative part of the questionnaire, received high grades. Thus, the image of the teacher-leader is described as an exalted role, with distinguished characteristics and especially personal relations with pupils and their staff. The mean personal relationship index was the characteristic that received the highest grades (4.76). The reliability of the indices, as measured by Cronbach’s α (α = 0.853) was found to be very high. In the qualitative part of the questionnaire, respondents were asked to conduct a deep observation and express it in their own authentic words: the respondents’ “voice”. Analysis of the responses found that the most dominant categories related to the index of personal characteristics (49) in relation to the “teacher-leader” and the teacher. Two main axes were identified from the processing of the different findings: a high level for the index of interpersonal relations with pupils and colleagues, and the central position of personal characteristics. In short, analysis of all the findings identified that there was a main trend whereby the graduates and trainees of the program see the image of the teacher-leader as holding distinct personality traits for leadership. These characteristics were translated in practice into strategies for educational work that could empower pupils, which would be expressed in improved learning achievements.
The Status and Connotation of Senior High School Students’ Life Concept on the Background of Core Literacy
Authors: Peng Bo , Sha Xinrui , Liu Ziyue , Pang Ruihua , Peng Feng , Sun Yanfang , He Lulu , Xin Qingqing , Liu Yuchen , Jiang Yue
Published: May 2019

In the document “Curriculum Standard of General Senior High School Curriculum and Biology (2017 ed.)” published in 2018, developing students’ core literacy as the fundamental task and value pursuit of current educational and teaching curriculum reform in China. Life concept is the key element of the core literacy of biology in senior high school. This paper expounds the position and value of life concept in the biology curriculum of senior high school, and analyses the connotation of life concept, which will provide an important reference for the effective cultivation of the life concept of senior high school students in the future.
On pairwise b–locally open and pairwise b–locally closed functions in bitopological spaces
Authors: Sarma Diganta Jyoti , Tripathy Binod Chandra
Published: May 2019

The aim of this paper is to introduce and study pairwise $b$-locally open and pairwise $b$-locally closed functions in bitopological spaces and some characterization and several properties concerning these concepts are investigated.
Schopenhauer on space, time, causality and matter: a physical reexamination
Authors: Hacyan Shahen
Published: May 2019

Segundo Schopenhauer, os argumentos de Kant sobre a idealidade transcendental do espaço e do tempo têm implicações para a matéria por meio do conceito de causalidade e do princípio de razão suficiente. Neste artigo, examino até que ponto este pressuposto, juntamente com as noções de espaço, de tempo e de causalidade, podem ser considerados conceitos a priori à luz da física clássica e moderna. Os conceitos de matéria e de campo na física atual e seus possíveis fundamentos a priori são revisitados sob um contexto moderno.
Vida artificial: a mobilidade do conceito de transumano e pós-humano
Authors: Marques Eduardo Marks de , Krüger Luana De Carvalho
Published: May 2019

A discussão acerca do conceito de vida artificial, que procura reproduzir tudo aquilo que é entendido como vida a partir de uma perspectiva biológica, está cada vez mais se tornando fundamental para a criação de robôs-humanóides com habilidades e características muito semelhantes aos humanos. Em contrapartida, as teorias transumanistas e pós-humanista procuram permitir que os corpos humanos sejam mais autônomos, de modo a permitir com que os humanos tenham uma maior consciência dos seus corpos e das suas necessidades. Neste trabalho será investigado os cruzamentos entre tais conceitos do viés robótico e humano, procurando observar o quanto a vida artificial pode garantir uma expansão do conceito de transumano e pós-humano dentro dos estudos de reprodução artificial da vida biológica.
New, insufficiently known, or rare for Lithuania species of beetles (Coleoptera) with some notes on ecology
Authors: Pacevičius Viktoras
Published: May 2019

The paper presents faunistic data on 120 rare or insufficiently known beetle (Coleoptera) species, as well as one new species, Medon apicalis, for the fauna of Lithuania. In Europe, Agostenus costulatus, Anogcodes ferrugineus, Anogcodes rufiventris, Eubria palustris, Leiestes seminiger, Lissodema cursor, Mycetophagus ater, Orchesia undulata, Silvanoporus fagi are rare and local species; Anthobium unicolor, Drapetes mordelloides, Isoriphis melasoides, Oxyporus mannerheimi, Phyllotreta tetrastigma, Physoronia wajdelota, Plegaderus saucius, Nemozoma elongatum, Wanachia triguttata are rare and insufficiently known species. Saproxylic beetles such as Abdera flexuosa, Hallomenus axillaris, Hyleocoetus flabellicornis, Lissodema cursor, Orchesia undulata, Triphylus bicolor and Wanachia triguttata were found to be xylomicetophagous living in decaying wood overgrown with fungi or in fruiting bodies of tree fungi. New facts on ecology of three species were established: in 1994, 1996, and 1998, Calosoma auropunctatum population was recorded deep in mature forest; a case of high-density population of Hermaeophagus mercurialis was registered (approx. 600,000 specimens in an area of about 3.5 ha); and Boros schneideri was detected living in dead barkless pine trees in the middle of raised bogs. The locality where Medon apicalis was recorded in Lithuania is the easternmost edge of the species distribution range in Europe.
Semiconfinamento para bovinos como opção de ganho de peso animal no período seco
Authors: Pinto Weverson Marlus Menezes da Silva , Lomazzi Andreia Jorge , Nunes Rosana Xavier , Piton Gian Carlos , Guimarães Carla Regina Rocha , Cerqueira Fernando Barnabé
Published: May 2019

Diante de um cenário cada vez mais competitivo, a cadeia produtiva da carne sofre constantes buscas a ferramentas que venham diminuir os custos de produção. O semiconfinamento surge com o intuito de diminuição dos preços na produção da arroba de carne bovina. Nessa perspectiva, esse trabalho busca discutir os principais temas que abordam o sistema de semiconfinamento como ferramenta para obtenção de ganho de peso em bovinos de corte. O trabalho foi desenvolvido com premissa em uma pesquisa bibliográfica de caráter qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, utilizando artigos científicos, livros e revistas a respeito do tema estudado. É fundamental a construção de novos conhecimentos que abranjam a pecuária e seus meios de produção, concluindo-se que o semiconfinamento é sim uma ferramenta viável, de fácil adaptação nas fazendas e mais barata se comparado ao confinamento tradicional.
Le français, langue seconde ? De l'évolution des lieux et langues de publication des chercheurs au Québec, en France et en Allemagne
Authors: Larivière Vincent
Published: May 2019

Depuis la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la diffusion des connaissances dans les disciplines des sciences naturelles et médicales est dominée par l’anglais. Toutefois, dans les sciences sociales et humaines, on considère généralement les langues nationales comme étant beaucoup plus importantes, compte tenu de l’aspect plus localisé de leurs objets. Afin de mieux comprendre l’évolution de la place de l’anglais dans ces disciplines, cet article analyse, pour les chercheurs québécois, français et allemands, la langue de diffusion des revues et articles, l’effet de la langue sur la réception des travaux et, enfin, la relation entre le pays d’origine de la revue et l’aspect national des objets d’étude. Nos résultats montrent la montée de l’anglais pour chacun des trois pays et dans tous les domaines, et même dans les revues nationales, la plus grande visibilité des travaux en anglais, ainsi que la forte relation qui existe entre les revues nationales et les objets nationaux, particulièrement au Québec. L’article conclut avec une discussion des causes et conséquences du phénomène.
Usage et diffusion des revues savantes québécoises en sciences sociales et humaines : analyse des téléchargements de la plateforme Érudit
Authors: Cameron-Pesant Sarah
Published: May 2019

Cette étude exploratoire s’intéresse à la consultation des revues savantes québécoises en sciences sociales et humaines diffusées par la plateforme Érudit. Basée sur l’analyse de 39 437 659 téléchargements de 2010 à 2015, elle vise d’abord à fournir un portrait de l’usage1des articles de revues savantes diffusés par Érudit en fonction des disciplines et de la provenance des téléchargements, puis à évaluer l’effet des politiques de libre accès sur les téléchargements dont elles bénéficient. Les résultats obtenus démontrent l’importance des revues nationales pour les sciences sociales et humaines, ainsi que l’effet positif du libre accès sur la diffusion des connaissances, tant au Canada qu’à l’étranger.
Innovaciones tecnológicas en la cadena de suministro aplicadas al eCommerce
Authors: Budet Jofra Xavier , Pérez Gómez Alexis
Published: May 2019

En los últimos años se han vertebrado soluciones tecnológicas de menor a mayor complejidad que fomentan la evolución de la logística y de la cadena de suministro y que permiten la comunión entre requisitos y limitaciones que los clientas sufren en su proceso de compra en la eCommerce. El adelanto de ciertas tecnologías en otros sectores ha permitido su incorporación a la logística y a la cadena de suministro añadiendo valor, no solo al cliente mediante la personalización de la oferta de productos y servicios, sino también influyendo a proveedores y otros actores que componen la cadena, dotando de agilidad en la planificación, gestión y transporte de inventario. En el futuro, la adopción de estas nuevas tecnologías requerirá de un proceso de especialización en detrimento del rol puramente operacional que ha caracterizado hasta ahora al sector logístico, así como de la generación de nuevos estándares y de entidades reguladoras que permitan su integración y su desarrollo.
Outsourcing de las actividades logísticas. ¿Cómo generamos valor añadido?
Authors: Closa Noguera Oriol
Published: May 2019

Las compañías tienden cada vez más hacia la externalización o el outsourcing de todas aquellas actividades que no forman parte de su core business, y en las que no pueden generar valor añadido debido a su falta de especialización o conocimiento específico. En el momento de la toma de decisiones, las variables que pueden influir más en la externalización de un servicio son el valor que aporta a la actividad de la compañía, la necesidad de hacer variables los costes de gestión o estructurales y la flexibilidad operacional. Es muy importante analizar el outsourcing desde todas las vertientes posibles, pero sobre todo hay que ser objetivo en la forma de estimar, económica y productivamente, los pros y contras de la decisión. Además, se debe tener en cuenta la estrategia general de la compañía, de forma que todo esté perfectamente alineado y encaje sin fisuras. Finalmente, conviene ser muy cuidadoso con el tipo de contrato que acordamos con las empresas que ofrecen servicios de externalización logística, puesto que será la base para garantizar el cumplimiento de los objetivos financieros y productivos. En este artículo nos centraremos en las actividades logísticas que pueden ser externalizables, los motivos de su externalización y el tipo de proveedores de este tipo de servicios.