bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Construction for Extended Visual Cryptography Scheme Using QR Codes
Authors: Cheng Yuqiao , Fu Zhengxin , Yu Bin , Shen Gang
Published: October 2018

This article describes how a visual cryptography scheme, with one prominent feature—decrypting simply, has attracted much research attention since it was first proposed. However, meaningless shares remain a continuing challenge in the development of VCS. In this article, an extended visual cryptography scheme (EVCS) based on XOR operation is proposed, in which QR codes are utilized as the cover images of shares. By designation, all the shares generated in the scheme can be decoded by standard QR code readers with specific meaning. In addition, to achieve high sharing efficiency, a method of simultaneously sharing a secret QR code among multiple subsets is presented. Also, sufficient and necessary conditions of the method are analyzed with an integer programming model, providing a general construction approach for EVCS under arbitrary access structures.
A Reversible Watermarking Algorithm Resistant to Image Geometric Transformation
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Jinwei , Yu Shuang , Luo Xiangyang
Published: October 2018

This article proposes a novel robust reversible watermarking algorithm. The proposed watermarking scheme is reversible because the original image can be recovered after extracting watermarks from the watermarked image, as long as it is not processed by an attacker. The scheme is robust because watermarks can still be extracted from watermarked images, even if it is undergone some malicious or normal operations like rotation and JPEG compression. It first selects two circles, which are centred at the centroid and the centre of image. Then, statistic quantities of these two circles are employed for robust watermark embedding by altering the pixels' value. The side information generated by above embedding process will be embedded as fragile watermarks at another stage to ensure the recovery of original image. Experimental results verify the high performance of the proposed algorithm in resisting various attacks, including JPEG compression and geometric transformation.
EMILIO GABBA E L’ISTITUTO LOMBARDO
Authors: Troiani Lucio
Published: October 2018

This paper outlines the human and scientific personality of Emilio Gabba and his great contribution to the activities of the Istituto Lombardo Accademia di Scienze e Lettere continuously from 1972 to 2009.
EMILIO GABBA E LA BIBLIOTECA DI FAMIGLIA
Authors: Bono Francesco
Published: October 2018

The paper discusses the origins and the main features of Emilio Gabba’s familial library. It highlights the connection between his interests as a historian and the various books in the catalogue. The library itself was created in the 18th century by the Visconti, a family of notaries from Pavia, deeply connected with the cultural environment of the city and with its university. Among the most important books in this library, many works are written by historians and political thinkers, in addition to several legal texts. A few books underline the family’s interesting in Jansenism, which had spread to the university of Pavia, at the same time as the reforms wished by Empress Maria Teresa of Austria.
Broncopneumopatia cronica ostruttiva e comorbidità croniche
Authors: Nozzoli Guest Editor: Carlo , Gensini Gianfranco , Fabbri Leonardo M.
Published: October 2018

Special Issue on "Broncopneumopatia cronica ostruttiva e comorbidità croniche"
Investigating the validity of the Human Resource Practices Scale in South Africa: Measurement invariance across gender
Authors: Steyn Renier , De Bruin Gideon
Published: October 2018

Orientation: The effective delivery of human resource management (HRM) services is often associated with positive organisational outcomes, including innovation. Within the context of HRM service delivery, as well as within the scope of innovative behaviour, gender differences are often researched.Research purpose: To effectively research the role of HRM services in organisations, including the effects thereof on innovation, instruments that yield valid and invariant measures for men and women are required.Motivation for the study: To date no measurement invariance research on the Human Resource Practices Scale (HRPS), with reference to gender, could be located. Researchers and practitioners alike should be hesitant to use the HRPS without such information.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was used. The present study addressed the measurement invariance for the HRPS across men and women, applying pairwise multigroup confirmatory factor analyses with robust maximum likelihood estimation to examine four levels of measurement invariance across the groups. Data from 2936 employees, representing 52 South African organisations, were used.Main findings: Results support the construct validity of the HRPS and demonstrate strict measurement invariance for the HRPS across gender, which implies that the HRPS yields scores with equivalent meaning, measurement units and measurement precision for men and women.Practical/managerial implications: It will therefore be possible to test hypotheses regarding mean differences between men and women as well the relationship between the effective delivery of HRM services and positive organisational outcomes without fear that the HRPS will yield gender-biased results.Contribution/value-add: The research demonstrates that the items of the HRPS are valid for both men and women, suggesting that men and women have similar experience of the workplace. This finding should advance debate and research regarding the segregated delivery of HRM services and gender matters in general.
Erratum
Authors: Mattos Patricia Póvoa de
Published: October 2018

No artigo "Novos registros de países, estados brasileiros e hospedeiros para o psilídeo das ponteiras do eucalipto Blastopsylla occidentalis", DOI: 10.4336/2018.pfb.38e201701533, publicado na Pesquisa Florestal Brasileira, v. 38, 2018, na primeira página, onde se lia:“DOI: 10.4336/2018.pfb.e201701533”,Leia-se:“DOI: 10.4336/2018.pfb.38e201701533”.
Assessment of Sun photometer Langley calibration at the high-elevation sites Mauna Loa and Izaña
Authors: Toledano Carlos , González Ramiro , Fuertes David , Cuevas Emilio , Eck Thomas F. , Kazadzis Stelios , Kouremeti Natalia , Gröbner Julian , Goloub Philippe , Blarel Luc , Román Roberto , Barreto África , Berjón Alberto , Holben Brent N. , Cachorro Victoria E.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to analyze the suitability of the high-mountain
stations Mauna Loa and Izaña for Langley plot calibration of Sun
photometers. Thus the aerosol optical depth (AOD) characteristics and
seasonality, as well as the cloudiness, have been investigated in order to
provide a robust estimation of the calibration uncertainty as well as the
number of days that are suitable for Langley calibrations. The data used for
the investigations belong to the AERONET and GAW-PFR networks, which maintain
reference Sun photometers at these stations with long measurement records:
22 years at Mauna Loa and 15 years at Izaña. In terms of clear-sky and
stable aerosol conditions, Mauna Loa (3397 m a.s.l.) exhibits on average
377 Langley plots (243 morning and 134 afternoon)
per year suitable for Langley plot calibration, whereas Izaña
(2373 m a.s.l.) shows 343 Langley plots (187 morning and 155 afternoon) per
year. The background AOD (500 nm) values, on days that are favorable for
Langley calibrations, are in the range 0.01–0.02 throughout the year, with
well-defined seasonality that exhibits a spring maximum at both stations plus
a slight summer increase at Izaña. The statistical analysis of the
long-term determination of extraterrestrial signals yields to a calibration
uncertainty of ∼ 0.25–0.5 %, this uncertainty being smaller in the
visible and near-infrared wavelengths and larger in the ultraviolet
wavelengths. This is due to atmospheric variability produced by changes in
several factors, mainly the AOD. The uncertainty cannot be reduced based only
on quality criteria of individual Langley plots and averaging over several
days is shown to reduce the uncertainty to the needed levels for reference
Sun photometers.
Ozone seasonal evolution and photochemical production regime in the polluted troposphere in eastern China derived from high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometry (FTS) observations
Authors: Sun Youwen , Liu Cheng , Palm Mathias , Vigouroux Corinne , Notholt Justus , Hu Qihou , Jones Nicholas , Wang Wei , Su Wenjing , Zhang Wenqiang , Shan Changong , Tian Yuan , Xu Xingwei , De Mazière Martine , Zhou Minqiang , Liu Jianguo
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The seasonal evolution of O3 and its photochemical
production regime in a polluted region of eastern China between 2014 and 2017
has been investigated using observations. We used tropospheric ozone
(O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and formaldehyde (HCHO, a marker of VOCs
(volatile organic compounds)) partial columns derived from high-resolution
Fourier transform spectrometry (FTS); tropospheric nitrogen dioxide
(NO2, a marker of NOx (nitrogen oxides)) partial
column deduced from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI); surface meteorological
data; and a back trajectory cluster analysis technique. A broad O3
maximum during both spring and summer (MAM/JJA) is observed; the day-to-day
variations in MAM/JJA are generally larger than those in autumn and winter
(SON/DJF). Tropospheric O3 columns in June are 1.55×1018 molecules cm−2 (56 DU (Dobson units)), and in December they are
1.05×1018 molecules cm−2 (39 DU). Tropospheric O3
columns in June were ∼50 % higher than those in December. Compared
with the SON/DJF season, the observed tropospheric O3 levels in MAM/JJA
are more influenced by the transport of air masses from densely populated and
industrialized areas, and the high O3 level and variability in
MAM/JJA is determined by the photochemical O3 production. The
tropospheric-column HCHO∕NO2 ratio is used as a proxy to
investigate the photochemical O3 production rate (PO3).
The results show that the PO3 is mainly nitrogen oxide (NOx) limited in MAM/JJA, while it is mainly VOC or mixed VOC–NOx limited in SON/DJF. Statistics show that
NOx-limited, mixed VOC–NOx-limited, and VOC-limited PO3 accounts for 60.1 %, 28.7 %, and 11 % of days,
respectively. Considering most of PO3 is NOx
limited or mixed VOC–NOx limited, reductions in
NOx would reduce O3 pollution in eastern China.
Influence of relative humidity on the heterogeneous oxidation of secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Li Ziyue , Smith Katherine A. , Cappa Christopher D.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is a complex mixture of hundreds of
semi-volatile to extremely low-volatility organic compounds that are
chemically processed in the atmosphere, including via heterogeneous
oxidation by gas-phase radicals. Relative humidity (RH) has a substantial
impact on particle phase, which can affect how SOA evolves in the
atmosphere. In this study, SOA from dark α-pinene ozonolysis is
heterogeneously aged by OH radicals in a flow tube at low and high RH. At
high RH (RH =89 %) there is substantial loss of particle volume
(∼60 %) at an equivalent atmospheric OH exposure of 3 weeks. In contrast, at low RH (RH =25 %) there is little mass loss
(<20 %) at the same OH exposure. Mass spectra of the SOA
particles were measured as a function of OH exposure using a vacuum
ultraviolet aerosol mass spectrometer (VUV-AMS). The mass spectra
observed at low RH overall exhibit minor changes with oxidation and
negligible further changes above an OH exposure =2×1012 molecule cm−3 s
suggesting limited impact of oxidation on the particle
composition. In contrast, the mass spectra observed at high RH exhibit
substantial and continuous changes as a function of OH exposure. Further, at
high RH clusters of peaks in the mass spectra exhibit unique decay patterns,
suggesting different responses of various species to oxidation. A model of
heterogeneous oxidation has been developed to understand the origin of the
difference in aging between the low- and high-RH experiments. Differences in
diffusivity of the SOA between the low- and high-RH experiments alone can
explain the difference in compositional change but cannot explain the
difference in mass loss. Instead, the difference in mass loss is
attributable to RH-dependent differences in the OH uptake coefficient
and/or the net probability of fragmentation, with either or both larger at
high RH compared to low RH. These results illustrate the important impact of
relative humidity on the fate of SOA in the atmosphere.
Is a scaling factor required to obtain closure between measured and modelled atmospheric O4 absorptions? – A case study for two days during the MADCAT campaign
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Beirle Steffen , Benavent Nuria , Bösch Tim , Chan Kai Lok , Donner Sebastian , Dörner Steffen , Fayt Caroline , Frieß Udo , García-Nieto David , Gielen Clio , González-Bartolome David , Gomez Laura , Hendrick François , Henzing Bas , Jin Jun Li , Lampel Johannes , Ma Jianzhong , Mies Kornelia , Navarro Mónica , Peters Enno , Pinardi Gaia , Puentedura Olga , Puķīte Janis , Remmers Julia , Richter Andreas , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Shaiganfar Reza , Sihler Holger , Van Roozendael Michel , Wang Yang , Yela Margarita
Published: October 2018

Abstract. In this study the consistency between MAX-DOAS measurements and radiative transfer simulations of the atmospheric O4 absorption is investigated on two mainly clear days during the MAD-CAT campaign in Mainz, Germany, in Summer 2013. In recent years several studies indicated that measurements and radiative transfer simulations of the atmospheric O4 absorption can only be brought into agreement if a so-called scaling factor (
Development and implementation of a new biomass burning emissions injection height scheme (BBEIH v1.0) for the GEOS-Chem model (v9-01-01)
Authors: Zhu Liye , Val Martin Maria , Gatti Luciana V. , Kahn Ralph , Hecobian Arsineh , Fischer Emily V.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Biomass burning is a significant source of trace gases and
aerosols to the atmosphere, and the evolution of these species depends
acutely on where they are injected into the atmosphere. GEOS-Chem is a
chemical transport model driven by assimilated meteorological data that is
used to probe a variety of scientific questions related to atmospheric
composition, including the role of biomass burning. This paper presents the
development and implementation of a new global biomass burning emissions
injection scheme in the GEOS-Chem model. The new injection scheme is based on
monthly gridded Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) global
plume-height stereoscopic observations in 2008. To provide specific examples
of the impact of the model updates, we compare the output from simulations
with and without the new MISR-based injection height scheme to several sets
of observations from regions with active fires. Our comparisons with Arctic Research on the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites
(ARCTAS) aircraft observations show that the updated injection height scheme can
improve the ability of the model to simulate the vertical distribution of
peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and carbon monoxide (CO) over North American
boreal regions in summer. We also compare a simulation for October 2010 and
2011 to vertical profiles of CO over the Amazon Basin. When coupled with
larger emission factors for CO, a simulation that includes the new injection
scheme also better matches selected observations in this region. Finally, the
improved injection height improves the simulation of monthly mean surface CO
over California during July 2008, a period with large fires.
Assessment of spatial uncertainty of heavy local rainfall using a dense gauge network
Authors: O Sungmin , Foelsche Ulrich
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Hydrology and remote-sensing communities have made use of dense rain-gauge networks for studying rainfall uncertainty and variability. However, in most regions, these dense networks are only available at sub-pixel scales and over short periods of time. Just a few studies have applied a similar approach, employing dense gauge networks, to local-scale areas, which limits the verification of their results in other regions. Using 10-year rainfall measurements from a network of 150 rain gauges, we assess spatial uncertainty in observed heavy rainfall events. The network is located in southeastern Austria over an area of 20 km × 15 km with no significant orography. First, the spatial variability of rainfall in the region was characterised using a correlogram at daily and sub-daily scales. Differences in the spatial structure of rainfall events between wet and dry seasons are apparent and we selected heavy rainfall events, the upper 10 % of wettest days during the wet season, for further analyses because of their high potential for causing hazard risk. Secondly, we investigated uncertainty in estimating mean areal rainfall arising from a limited gauge density. The number of gauges required to obtain areal rainfall with > 20 % accuracy tends to increase roughly following a power law as time scale decreases. Lastly, the impact of spatial aggregation on extreme rainfall was examined using gridded rainfall data with horizontal grid spacings from 0.1° to 0.01°. The spatial scale dependence was clearly observed at high intensity thresholds and high temporal resolutions. Quantitative uncertainty information from this study can guide both data users and producers to estimate uncertainty in their own observational datasets, consequently leading to the rational use of the data in relevant applications. Our findings are generalisable to other plain regions in mid-latitudes, however the degree of uncertainty could be affected by regional variations, like rainfall type or topography.
A review of the ecological affinities of marine organic microfossils from a Holocene record offshore of Adélie Land (East Antarctica)
Authors: Hartman Julian D. , Bijl Peter K. , Sangiorgi Francesca
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 318 recovered a  ∼ 170 m long Holocene organic-rich sedimentary sequence at Site U1357. Located within the narrow but deep Adélie Basin close to the Antarctic margin, the site accumulated sediments at exceptionally high sedimentation rates, which resulted in extraordinary preservation of the organic sedimentary component. Here, we present an overview of 74 different mainly marine microfossil taxa and/or types found within the organic component of the sediment, which include the remains of unicellular and higher organisms from three eukaryotic kingdoms (Chromista, Plantae, and Animalia). These remains include phytoplanktonic (phototrophic dinoflagellates and prasinophytes) and very diverse zooplanktonic (heterotrophic dinoflagellates, tintinnids, copepods) organisms. We illustrate each marine microfossil taxon or type identified by providing morphological details and photographic images, which will help with their identification in future studies. We also review their ecological preferences to aid future (palaeo)ecological and (palaeo)environmental studies. The planktonic assemblage shows a high degree of endemism related to the strong influence of the sea-ice system over Site U1357. In addition, we found the remains of various species of detritus feeders and bottom-dwelling scavengers (benthic foraminifers and annelid worms) indicative of high export productivity at Site U1357. This study shows the potential of organic microfossil remains for reconstructing past environmental conditions, such as sea-ice cover and (export) productivity.
Gas sensors for climate research
Authors: Scholz Louisa , Ortiz Perez Alvaro , Bierer Benedikt , Wöllenstein Jürgen , Palzer Stefan
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The availability of datasets providing information on the spatial and
temporal evolution of greenhouse gas concentrations is of high relevance for
the development of reliable climate simulations. However, current gas
detection technologies do not allow for obtaining high-quality data at
intermediate spatial scales with high temporal resolution. In this regard the
deployment of a wireless gas sensor network equipped with in situ gas
analysers may be a suitable approach. Here we present a novel, non-dispersive
infrared absorption spectroscopy (NDIR) device that can possibly act as a
central building block of a sensor node to provide high-quality data of
carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations under field conditions at a
high measurement rate. Employing a gas-based, photoacoustic detector we
demonstrate that miniaturized, low-cost, and low-power consuming
CO2 sensors may be built. The performance is equal to that of
standard NDIR devices but at a much reduced optical path length. Because of
the spectral properties of the photoacoustic detector, no cross-sensitivities
to humidity exist.
Sinkholes, stream channels and base-level fall: a 50-year record of spatio-temporal development on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea
Authors: Watson Robert A. , Holohan Eoghan P. , Al-Halbouni Djamil , Saberi Leila , Sawarieh Ali , Closson Damien , Alrshdan Hussam , Abou Karaki Najib , Siebert Christian , Walter Thomas R. , Dahm Torsten
Published: October 2018

Abstract. The fall of hydrological base-level is long established as a driver of geomorphological change in both fluvial and karst systems, but few natural occurrences occur on timescales suitable for direct observation. Here we document the spatiotemporal development of fluvial and karstic landforms along the eastern coast of the hypersaline Dead Sea (at Ghor al-Haditha, Jordan) during a 50-year period of regional base-level decline from 1967 to 2017. Combining remote sensing data with close-range photogrammetric surveys, we show that the 35 m base-level fall has caused shoreline retreat of up to 2.5 km, and resulted in: (1) incision of new meandering or straight/braided stream channels and (2) formation of > 1100 sinkholes and several salt-karst uvalas. Both alluvial incision and karst-related subsidence represent significant hazards to local infrastructure. The development of groundwater-fed meandering stream channels is in places interlinked with that of the sinkholes and uvalas. Moreover, active areas of channel incision and sinkhole development both migrate seaward in time, broadly in tandem with shoreline retreat. Regarding theoretical effects of base-level fall, our observations show some deviations from those predicted for channel geometry, but are remarkably consistent with those for groundwater-related salt karstification. Our results present, for the first time in the Dead Sea region, the dual response of surface and subsurface hydrological systems to base level drop as indicated by fluvial and karst geomorphological analysis.
Heterogeneous links between urban form and mobility: A comparison of São Paulo, Istanbul and Mumbai
Authors: Kandt Jens
Published: October 2018

This paper presents determinants of travel demand in three important cities in emerging economies: São Paulo, Istanbul and Mumbai. By comparison, similarities and differences of travel demand among the cities are identified and discussed with regard to their geographical, institutional and spatio-physical conditions. Special attention is paid to the hitherto understudied impact of the built environment on travel in emerging economy cities. Drawing on identical household surveys carried out in each city, the study reveals that gender, social status, car ownership and geographical location are consistently associated with mode choice. Yet, the relative importance of those characteristics differs in each city in line with their distinct socio-cultural realities. Trip duration appears to be more affected by built-environment characteristics, once mode choice is taken into account. But, again, potential influences of the built environment operate in different ways in São Paulo, Istanbul and Mumbai. In particular, there appears to be a closer relationship between transport and land-use in Mumbai. The variation-finding, comparative design reveals plural associations of life situation, the built environment and travel, and thus evinces specific interactions that require contextual policy attention to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.
Public transport use among the urban and rural elderly in China: Effects of personal, attitudinal, household, social-environment and built-environment factors
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wu Wei , He Qian , Li Chaoyang
Published: October 2018

Public transport brings significant benefits to the aging society by providing essential mobility to the elderly. However, few studies have investigated the factors that impact public transport use among the urban or rural elderly. This study explored the effects of personal, attitudinal, household, social environment, and built environment factors on the public transport trips of the elderly. The research data was collected from 274 urban and rural neighborhoods of Zhongshan, a medium-sized Chinese city. The negative binomial regression models suggest that, all else being equal, living in a neighborhood with a high level of public transport service, abundant green space along walking routes connecting home and bus-stops, or a relatively balanced structure of age or income is strongly connected to more public transport trips of the elderly. The results also indicate that a strong preference for public transport is significantly related to the public transport use among the elderly. These findings facilitate our understanding of the correlates of public transport use while providing insights into achieving an effective design of policies to encourage public transport use among the elderly in China.
Future Time Perspective and Reduction in Motivation for Recreation Department Students in Turkey
Authors: Ustun Umit Dogan
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to explore future time perspective and the reduction in motivation among recreation department students in Turkey. A cross-sectional method was used in the study. The study sample consisted of 258 recreation department students from two different universities. In order to collect data, Turkish versions of Husman and Shell (2008)’s “Future Time Perspective Scale” and Beck, Weissman, Lester, and Trexler (1974)’s “Hopelessness Scale” were used. To evaluate data, the SPSS for Windows 20 package program was used. To analyze the differences between participants’ future time perspective and the reduction in motivation, MANOVA and independent samples t-tests were used. Additionally, the Pearson correlation was used to identify correlations. As a result, it can be said that reduction in the motivation forms a barrier to the attainment of future goals and to valuing them. Consequently, reduction in motivation prevents students from achieving distant future goals.
Effects of Contact with Korean Popular Culture on KFL Learners' Motivation
Authors: Lee Inhye
Published: October 2018

Among all of the languages taught in U.S. universities, Korean has shown the highest rate of growth in enrollment between 2009 and 2013. This growth is in part due to the “Korean wave,” namely the “popularity of South Korean popular culture in other countries” (Ryoo, 2009). As Korean is generally considered a Less Commonly Taught Language (LCTL), it provides an exemplary case of the effects of indirect contact with target language speakers via popular culture on LCTL learning. This article studies seventeen non-heritage KFL (Korean as a Foreign Language) learners to investigate the effects of contact with popular culture on Korean language learning. The narratives of the students were qualitatively analyzed. The data indicate that contact with target popular culture has enhanced (1) the participants' motivation for embarking on language learning, (2) the participants' initiative to envision target communities, and (3) the participants' investment in KFL learning.
EFL Pronunciation Training With Computer-Assisted Adaptive Peer Review
Authors: Yan Hengbin , Lin Jiexuan , Liu Ying
Published: October 2018

Pronunciation is an important yet often neglected subfield in Second Language Acquisition, both in pedagogy and research. One significant, under-researched area is the role peer assessment/review can play in shaping English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students’ pronunciation proficiency. Whereas there have been many studies demonstrating the effectiveness and benefits of peer review on EFL writing/oral proficiency etc., few studies exist that test the efficacy of similar approaches as applied to pronunciation learning/training tasks. To investigate the viability of computer assisted peer assessment of EFL pronunciation, we present in this study a prototypical web-based/mobile platform for peer review of EFL pronunciation with adaptively generated items for both training and testing purposes. We discuss some of the prominent features of the platform as well as the results from our preliminary studies involving more than 300 EFL students who used the platform for pronunciation training and peer review.
Is Communicative Language Teaching Being Tested Communicatively? An Analysis of English Tests in Oman
Authors: Al Mamari Maya Rashed Hamdan , Al-Mekhlafi Abdo Mohamed , Al-Barwani Thuwayba Ahmed
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the degree of communicativeness of English final tests in Oman. It is a descriptive, content-based analysis of Five Final tests from 2011 to 2016. A framework and a checklist were developed for purposes of analysis. The framework was based on Bachman and Palmer's model of language ability (2010) and grade 10 English test specifications.

Research findings reveal: (i) A discrepancy between test specifications of English final tests and the actual content of the tests (ii) That communicative competence was not fully addressed in the English final tests (iii) That the input used in English final tests lacks authenticity (iv) The majority of the test components used suitable language in a limited context with limited instructions given for some components. There was also lack of constructed responses (v) There was no integration between two skills or elements on the test, except for a random integration between vocabulary and reading.
The Social Media Usage and its Impact on the Innovative Behavior: The Mediator Role of Information Technology: A Field Study in the Information and Communication Technology Organizations in Jordan
Authors: Mansour Khalid Mahmmod Ahmad , Al-Najjar Fayez Jomah Saleh
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to shed the light on the role of Social Media usage in the innovative behavior through the recent information technology (IT) in the organizations specialized in the information and communication technology (ICT) field. The study population consisted of the ICT organizations operating in Jordan as affiliated with the Information and Communication Technology Association (INTAJ) amounting to 161 organization. The analysis unit consisted of the managers in the top and middle level. The study relied on the simple random sample; and it reached a number of conclusions the most important of which is that the perceptions by respondents of the independent variable Social Media Usage were medium; and the same applies to all its dimensions.

The dependent variable Innovative Behavior was also medium, as well as all its dimensions. As for the mediator variable IT, the respondents' perceptions were high, along with all its dimensions. The study indicated that there is a statistically significant impact for the Social Media usage with its component on the innovative behavior. Also, it was found that a statistically significant impact for the Social Media usage with its component on the innovative behavior through the IT in the organizations operating in the ICT field in Jordan. These conclusions indicated that there is an opportunity for the ICT organizations to promote its innovative behavior through the Social Media usage. Based on the reached conclusions, the study concluded a set of recommendations the most important of which is that the awareness should be increased with respect to the capacities that are available due to the use of the Social Media as well as the advantages that can be utilized by the ICT organizations in Jordan through this use; the organization should well utilize the Social Media usage especially the Groups and Sharing by taking the necessary decision that lead to the activation of the Social Media role in the various phases of the innovative behavior; and the need for the organizations to direct the use of Social Media through the dissemination of a culture of innovation based on the use of Social Media.
ASSYMETRIC WARFARE - NOT EVERY WAR HAS TO END?
Authors: PETENER Zrinko
Published: October 2018

The study of warfare, throughout its history, as well as efforts to legally regulate the resort to war and the conduct of war, were concentrated exclusively on one form of warfare - interstate conflict. Only since the terrorist attacks on Washington and New York in 2001 and the following ‘Global War on Terrorism’ has a discussion on a potentially new kind of warfare - asymmetric warfare - moved into the spotlight. Despite all the scientific attention, the concept of asymmetric warfare remains undefined or ill-defined until today, resulting in a proliferation of its use and limiting its value. Hence, restraint in the use of the term is necessary, in order to reinforce its analytical value and applicability. Defining asymmetric warfare as a conflict among opponents who are so different in their basic features that comparison of their military power is rendered impossible, is such an attempt to limit the term to a substantially new form of warfare, witnessed in a conflict that is often commonly called the Global War on Terrorism. The past two years, since the upsurge of the so-called Islamic State to the forefront of the salafi jihadi movement, have witnessed a significant change in this war. Superficial analysis could lead to the conclusion that the proclamation of the Islamic Caliphate on the territories of Iraq and Syria (for now) seems to have recalibrated this conflict into traditional interstate war again, making the concept of asymmetric warfare obsolete and diminishing it into just a short-term aberration in the history of warfare. Nothing could be further from the truth. The enemy in the Global War on Terrorism was and remains a global and territorially unrestricted ideological movement whose numbers cannot even be estimated, which fights its battles wherever it chooses to, and whose ultimate goal is the annihilation of the international system of sovereign states, not the creation of a new state within this system. The Islamic Caliphate in its current boundaries is nothing more than the “model Islamic state”, as envisioned by Osama bin Laden in his 1996 fatwa as part of Al Qaeda’s 200 year plan for the establishment of God’s Islamic World Order. This grand strategy is the guiding blueprint of the salafi jihad that is waged against the Westphalian state system in a war that is truly asymmetric. We have to adjust to this strategic asymmetry if we are to prevail in this struggle, fighting a long war against an indefinable enemy on battlefields that are still unknown.
Failures of Operative Treatment of Comminuted Fractures of Proximal Humerusin in Own Material
Authors: Szczęsny Grzegorz , Ratajczak Karol , Fijewski Grzegorz , Małdyk Paweł
Published: October 2018

Background. Fractures of the proximal humerus make up 4 to 10% of all fractures. Their incidence increaseswith age, usually affecting individuals over 40 years old, reflecting the mineral status of the bone,
Material and methods. Out of a group of 131 patients operated on due to comminuted proximal humeral fractures, 25 cases presenting inappropriate postoperative results were selected for further analysis.
Results. Failures were found in 16 cases, but affected the final outcome in seven cases only (lack of anatomical repositioning of bone fragments, including one that was stabilized at the fifth postfracture week, in whom a severe contracture of the supraspinatus muscle dislocated the major tubercle, or conflict of the implant with the acromion), and were negligible in the other nine. In two, properly stabilized major tubercles were dislocated due to their bearing the body weight immediately after the procedure. Another two developed necrosis of the humeral head, and in one the fracture was revealed to be pathological, requiring further oncological treatment. In four cases, ostensible false stabilizations were recorded as a consequence of inappropriate patient positioning for x-rays.
Conclusions. 1. Our observations indicate that anatomical repositioning of bone fragments, especially those containing articular surface and muscle attachments, and their firm stabilization as well as proper implant positioning are crucial for the final result. 2. In some cases objective and unpredictable factors influencing the type and time of intervention affect the final results. 3. In those cases the decision to operate seems to be controversial. 4. The possibility of a pathological fracture should also be remembered, as such fractures require an appropriate oncological treatment.
PROTÓTIPO DE SOFTWARE PARA GERENCIAMENTO DE PRODUÇÃO DE BEZERROS
Authors: Henrique Campos Inácio Brunno , Paulo de Oliveira Higor , Carlos Ribeiro da Silva Luciano , Renato Chiari José , Sousa Camargos Aline
Published: October 2018

The control of calf production involves the collection and analysis of several pertinent data. This
information, which includes details of heredity, anamnesis, fattening, weaning and tracking, need
to be consistently organized and highly available to animal control technicians. In addition, the
consolidation of the information should allow individual, temporal and lot analyzes of calves by
company managers. This work culminates in the development of a computer application capable
of receiving, managing and retrieving this information.
CONTAGEM DE CÉLULAS SOMÁTICAS, CONTAGEM BACTERIANA TOTAL E ANÁLISES
FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS DO LEITE PRODUZIDO NA REGIÃO SUL DO ESTADO DE GOIÁS
Authors: Coelho de Oliveira Nariane , de Lima Vieira Milena , Barbacena Rosa dos Santos Wallacy , Sousa Camargos Aline , Corrêa Ribeiro Jeferson , Santos Cezário Andréia , Maria Bianchini Oliveira Eliandra , Neves Pereira Valente Tiago
Published: October 2018

Considering that the production of milk in the State of Goiás has undergone changes in the
productive chain that reflect directly in the national scenario, studies are needed to obtain
information on the quality of milk produced in this region. The present work was carried out in
partnership with the cooperative receiving the milk production of the rural properties studied. The
objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of somatic cell count (CCS), total bacterial
count (CBT) and the physicochemical composition of dairy herds in the southern region of the
state of Goiás. The data of CCS, CBT and physicochemical analyzes were tabulated, from of period
of August of 2015 to July of 2016. The samples were collected monthly in the cooling pond of the
farms and sent to a laboratory accredited by the Brazilian Quality Milk Network (RBQL). High
values were found in the CCS, however, remaining within the limits allowed by Normative
Instruction 62. For CBT were found alarming results, as they were indexed beyond what is allowed
by the regulation. Regarding the physical-chemical composition variables, this study were used
136
Colloquium Agrariae, vol. 13, n. Especial 2, Jan–Jun, 2017, p. 135-141. ISSN: 1809-8215. DOI: 10.5747/ca.2017.v13.nesp2.000219
lactose, fat and total protein. Comparing the results obtained during the experimental period with
those of Normative Instruction 62, were observed that the total protein and fat contents are
within the established standard.
ESTUDO DA BIOMETRIA FETAL E UTERINA DE FÊMEAS BOVINAS ABATIDAS NO
MUNICÍPIO DE MORRINHOS - GO
Authors: Henrique Soares Dantas Fagner , Gonçalves Damacena Eduarda , Paula Balduíno Rabelo Ana , Francisca Araujo Andrea , Francisca Araujo Aline , Mendonça Leite Iriângela , Rodrigues da Costa Allan , Sousa Camargos Aline
Published: October 2018

Of the amount cattle slaughtered in Brazil, 50% correspond to females. Many of them are sent
pregnant to the slaughter, mainly in periods and / or places of low supply of animals, where the
remuneration to the cattle rancher is greater. In the municipality of Morrinhos, more than 90% of
the slaughtered bovine population corresponds to females. In view of this fact, and in order to
obtain more information about the slaughtering of pregnant bovine females, the present study
aimed to quantify the occurrence of pregnancy among the bovine females slaughtered in the
municipality. The slaughter of 406 bovine females was followed in the months of July and August
of 2016. After the usual slaughtering procedure, the length and diameter of the uterus and uterine
horns were measured, and the length of the fetuses with tape measure, and made image record.
These measures were analyzed to identify the pregnancies of the animals. The results showed a
rate of 46.8% (190) of pregnancy in slaughtered bovine females, the majority being in the second
stage of gestation. It is concluded that this fact could be due to a lack of technical assistance to
cattle ranchers and a greater control in the slaughterhouse.
Family-group names of fossil fishes
Authors: Van der Laan Richard
Published: October 2018

The family-group names of animals (superfamily, family, subfamily, supertribe, tribe and subtribe) are regulated by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Particularly, the family names are very important, because they are among the most widely used of all technical animal names. A uniform name and spelling are essential for the location of information. To facilitate this, a list of family-group names for fossil fishes has been compiled. I use the concept ‘Fishes’ in the usual sense, i.e., starting with the Agnatha up to the †Osteolepidiformes. All the family-group names proposed for fossil fishes found to date are listed, together with their author(s) and year of publication. The main goal of the list is to contribute to the usage of the correct family-group names for fossil fishes with a uniform spelling and to list the author(s) and date of those names. No valid family-group name description could be located for the following family-group names currently in usage: †Brindabellaspidae, †Diabolepididae, †Dorsetichthyidae, †Erichalcidae, †Holodipteridae, †Kentuckiidae, †Lepidaspididae, †Loganelliidae and †Pituriaspididae.
A Practical Guide to Whole Slide Imaging: A White Paper From the Digital Pathology Association
Authors: Zarella Mark D. , Bowman; Douglas , Aeffner Famke , Farahani Navid , Xthona; Albert , Absar Syeda Fatima , Parwani Anil , Bui Marilyn , Hartman Douglas J.
Published: October 2018

Context.—

Whole slide imaging (WSI) represents a paradigm shift in pathology, serving as a necessary first step for a wide array of digital tools to enter the field. Its basic function is to digitize glass slides, but its impact on pathology workflows, reproducibility, dissemination of educational material, expansion of service to underprivileged areas, and intrainstitutional and interinstitutional collaboration exemplifies a significant innovative movement with far-reaching effects. Although the benefits of WSI to pathology practices, academic centers, and research institutions are many, the complexities of implementation remain an obstacle to widespread adoption. In the wake of the first regulatory clearance of WSI for primary diagnosis in the United States, some barriers to adoption have fallen. Nevertheless, implementation of WSI remains a difficult prospect for many institutions, especially those with stakeholders unfamiliar with the technologies necessary to implement a system or who cannot effectively communicate to executive leadership and sponsors the benefits of a technology that may lack clear and immediate reimbursement opportunity.

Objectives.—

To present an overview of WSI technology—present and future—and to demonstrate several immediate applications of WSI that support pathology practice, medical education, research, and collaboration.

Data Sources.—

Peer-reviewed literature was reviewed by pathologists, scientists, and technologists who have practical knowledge of and experience with WSI.

Conclusions.—

Implementation of WSI is a multifaceted and inherently multidisciplinary endeavor requiring contributions from pathologists, technologists, and executive leadership. Improved understanding of the current challenges to implementation, as well as the benefits and successes of the technology, can help prospective users identify the best path for success.
Possibilidades e desafios da prática de aprendizagem colaborativa no ensino superior
Authors: Klein Edna Lampert , Vosgerau Dilmeire Sant'Anna Ramos
Published: October 2018

O uso da prática de aprendizagem colaborativa no ensino superior busca a construção do conhecimento de forma compartilhada entre os estudantes. A aprendizagem é um processo realizado colaborativamente e mediado pelo docente, que também fomenta a interação, colaboração e desenvolvimento do grupo. Este estudo objetiva descrever os benefícios e os desafios sobre a utilização das práticas de aprendizagem colaborativa no ensino superior, com base em artigos publicados na SciELO. Nesta revisão sistemática, foram localizados 147 artigos que abordam a temática, mas apenas 46 atendiam aos critérios de inclusão: publicação entre 2000 e 2016; pesquisa empírica; e ensino superior. As pesquisas mapeadas definem aprendizagem colaborativa como um trabalho conjunto, interativo e compartilhado, que permite a construção do conhecimento colaborativamente, conforme apontado na literatura. A totalidade dos artigos que tratam dessa perspectiva apresenta a prática como benéfica para o estudante sob diferentes aspectos, tais como: autonomia, aprender a interagir e responsabilidade sobre sua própria aprendizagem. Um dos desafios identificados é desvinculá-la do manuseio de tecnologias, visto que estas independem do seu uso e, consequentemente, da formação docente. Conclui-se que a prática de aprendizagem colaborativa possibilita a construção da aprendizagem e do conhecimento de forma compartilhada entre os estudantes, estando o grande desafio na compreensão do conceito pelos docentes e sua aplicabilidade no ensino superior, não necessariamente associada ao uso de tecnologia.
Interculturalidade e ensino de artes visuais do Colégio Pedro II
Authors: Cardoso Junior Wilson , Candau Vera Maria Ferrão
Published: October 2018

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso sobre interculturalidade e o ensino de artes visuais no Colégio Pedro II. Ele parte da seguinte interrogação: como  construir uma perspectiva intercultural nesse campo de ensino considerando a unilinearidade eurocêntrica que preside a sistematização da história da arte tanto na escola básica quanto na formação inicial de professores/as de artes? O referencial teórico baseia-se na educação intercultural crítica (CANDAU, 2002, 2009, 2016), no pensamento pós-abissal (SANTOS, 2007, 2008, 2010) e em estudos voltados para a interculturalização do ensino de artes visuais (RICHTER, 2002, 2003, 2008). Por meio da análise de documentos curriculares e entrevistas realizadas com professores/as dessa disciplina escolar  verificou-se que a construção da perspectiva multi/intercultural no primeiro segmento do Ensino Fundamental ocorre em meio a tensões e disputas com os/as defensores/as da concepção eurocêntrica estabelecida no segundo segmento do Ensino Fundamental. Após análise das duas concepções concorrentes, são feitas reflexões finais sobre os principais desafios que se apresentam no caminho do processo de interculturalização que vem sendo construído nesta tradicional instituição de ensino brasileira, especialmente em relação à formação continuada de professores/as de artes visuais.