bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Songs of tradition as training in higher education?
Authors: Berkeley-Schultz Ditte , Behrens Electa
Published: August 2017

What can be the benefit of working with traditional song in the context of a university or conservatory? Who is qualified to teach this practice, what are the needed conditions for successful transmission, what are the ‘skills’ that a student might learn from this work and are they relevant to a contemporary performer? This is a transcript of an ongoing dialogue between two artist practitioners who have worked in this area over the last fifteen years. Ditte Berkeley is a founding member of Teatr ZAR, a company that has conducted deep research into songs of tradition as well as their application within performative contexts. Electa Behrens, also with a background working with traditional song, now teaches at the Norwegian Theatre Academy, an international experimental conservatory, where she teaches and researches voice training and its relation to emerging, often post-dramatic, performance forms. This dialogue offers insights regarding the underlying principles of performance that these methods, insightfully applied, can offer, and invites further conversation on the topic.
Reviews
Authors: Thomaidis Konstantinos , Beahrs Robert O. , Chang Hyun Kyong Hannah , McAllister-Viel Tara , Stadnicki Daniel Akira , Schwartz Jessica A.
Published: August 2017

VoicEncounters, Wrocław, the Grotowski Institute, 14–24 April 2016

The 21st-Century Voice: Contemporary and Traditional Extra-Normal Voice, 2nd ed., Michael Edward Edgerton (2015) Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 195 pp., ISBN: 9780810888401, p/bk, $55.00

Vocal Music and Contemporary Identities: Unlimited Voices in East Asia and the West, Christian Utz and Frederick Lau (eds) (2013) New York and London: Routledge, 324 pp., ISBN: 9780415502245, h/bk, £90.00

Korean Musical Drama: P’ansori and the Making of Tradition in Modernity, Haekyung Um (2013) Farnham: Ashgate, 254 pp., ISBN: 9780754662761, h/bk, £150.95; ISBN: 9781472414557, ebook, £71.80

The Voice in the Drum: Music, Language, and Emotion in Islamicate South Asia, Richard K. Wolf (2014) Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press, 375 pp., ISBN: 9780252038587, h/bk, $60.00

Aurality: Listening and Knowledge in Nineteenth-Century Colombia, Sign, Storage, Transmission Series, Ana María Ochoa Gautier (2014) Durham, NC: Duke University Press, xiii + 266 pp., ISBN: 0822357518, h/bk, $94.95; p/bk, $25.95
Aprender a Aprender en un modelo de competencias laborales
Authors: Bermudez Bedoya José Fernando , García Castro Ligia Inés , Rivera Gonzalez Ramiro , Aristizábal Montes Myriam
Published: August 2017

Con el presente artículo se informa sobre una investigación realizada en el SENA, cuya finalidad era la validación de un módulo para el desarrollo de competencias laborales en los aprendices de los programas de Tecnología en Mercadeo y Electricidad, de tal manera que ellos hicieran uso consciente de estrategias de aprendizaje acordes con las tareas académicas y solucionaran problemas propios de una ocupación mediante el método de proyectos. Como productos de la investigación se elaboró la competencia en Aprender a Aprender, se diseñó el módulo de formación, se orientó la formación de los aprendices y se desarrolló un plan de evaluación. Finalmente, se corroboró la hipótesis planteada pues algo más del 95% de quienes intervinieron en la investigación alcanzó un nivel de dominio superior en el desarrollo de la mencionada competencia.
La formación integral de las maestras para la primera infancia: un reto inaplazable
Authors: Quintero Arrubla Sonia Ruth , Gallego Henao Adriana María , Ramírez Robledo Libia Elena , Jaramillo Valencia Bairon
Published: August 2017

El presente artículo es resultado de la investigación Saber y Hacer de los profesionales en Educación Inicial en relación con los procesos de intervención, el caso de la Fundación FAN fase II; en este se proponen reflexiones frente a la formación integral del niño(a) y cuestiona el énfasis puesto en lo cognitivo. Aborda tres aspectos; el perfil del niño(a) en el preescolar, la manera como aprenden y los procesos de intervención pedagógica y educativa, en correspondencia con la preparación que la maestra de primera infancia debe recibir en educación superior. Se concluye que las Licenciadas egresan con carencias relacionadas con el dominio teórico y práctico, aspectos que debe propiciar FAN para que estas desarrollen un acompañamiento integral a la primera infancia.Palabras claves: ambiente, aprendizaje, dimensiones, Infancia, maestro, lenguajes expresivos.
El desarrollo de la competencia intercultural a través de un aprendizaje significativo en docentes de idiomas
Authors: González di Pierro Carlos , Flores Fahara Manuel , Focsan Raluca
Published: August 2017

Este estudio se propone explorar de qué manera el aprendizaje significativo influye en el desarrollo de la competencia intercultural por parte de los docentes de idiomas, de tal manera que pueda disminuir la brecha existente entre su teoría y su práctica en el contexto mexicano. Basado en las teorías de Aguado (2003), Byram (1993b), Gómez-Zermeño (2010), Jäger (2014), Vilà (2002), entre otros, el estudio se enmarca en una investigación-acción de tipo descriptiva asentada en un curso de formación del profesorado de seis semanas, para nueve profesores, utilizando como instrumentos la observación y el análisis de documentos. Entre las conclusiones obtenidas resultó que, expuestos a un aprendizaje significativo, los docentes desarrollan la cultura bajo un enfoque de la competencia intercultural, llevándolos a hacer análisis críticos y reflexiones, aumentando la comunicación y los conocimientos interculturales dentro del grupo participativo.
Proyectos pedagógicos productivos y emprendimiento en la juventud rural
Authors: Cifuentes Garzón José Eduardo , Rico Cáceres Sandra Patricia
Published: August 2017

El presente artículo de investigación, reporta las representaciones sociales de los jóvenes rurales frente a los proyectos pedagógicos productivos y el emprendimiento en el contexto de la nueva ruralidad. Para caracterizar dichas representaciones, se optó por la metodología etnográfica, que permitió recuperar las voces de 36 estudiantes de educación media de una institución educativa del municipio de La Palma Cundinamarca. Los resultados indican como a los jóvenes rurales la guerra les transformó el campo y sus propias vidas. Además, evidencian la manera como conciben los proyectos pedagógicos productivos desde un enfoque de identidad, territorialidad, productividad y escolaridad y permiten reconocer el emprendimiento como la actitud de superación, la creación de un nuevo proyecto y la aspiración para buscar un mejor futuro. Con los hallazgos, se formularon recomendaciones para replantear el papel de los estudiantes en la planeación curricular y en las prácticas pedagógicas de la formación en agropecuarias.
A Webquest tool to develop communicative competence in EFL students with an A2 proficiency leve
Authors: Camacho Vásquez Gonzalo , Portilla Arciniegas Leonor
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study is to develop the communicative competence in undergraduate A2 students of English as a Foreign Language, through the design and implementation of a WebQuest. The design is based on the principles of Communicative Language Teaching and Task-based Instruction. The conclusions show that the use of this tool not only develops the communicative competence, but also increases motivation in students, fosters critical thinking, promotes autonomous learning, and enables differentiated learning. There also exist some difficulties such the amount of time teachers need to devote to planning, the economical investment administrators need to make at acquiring equipment and internet connection, as well as at professional training in the use and design of this tool.
El curriculo: Perspectivas para acercarnos a su comprensión
Authors: Osorio Villegas Margarita
Published: August 2017

En el presente artículo se exponen 5 perspectivas posibles, no excluyentes, para abordar el currículo, las cuales responden al interrogante qué es el currículo y cuál es su naturaleza. Este abordaje lleva a concluir que delimitarlo es restringir su complejidad y su riqueza como práctica social, específicamente en el campo de la práctica formal o escolarizada, pues expresa la relación Escuela-Sociedad, Teoría-Práctica y el rol de sus actores en la dinámica de las instituciones educativas.
Las listas en el aprendizaje inicial de la escritura
Authors: Sepúlveda Castillo Luz Angélica , Teberosky Ana
Published: August 2017

El procedimiento de producción de listas ha dado lugar a reflexiones de diversas disciplinas desde la historia y la arqueología, hasta la psicología, la lingüística o la antropología. En el presente artículo recuperamos algunas de estas aportaciones y describimos el valor de las listas como procedimiento lingüístico de ordenación, precisión y análisis conceptual, específicamente relacionado con lo escrito y el aprendizaje del lenguaje. Presentamos ejemplos de listas escritas por niños de Educación Infantil y Primaria procedentes de un amplio corpus de escrituras infantiles. La actividad de escribir listas se configura como una forma de ayudar a los alumnos tanto en las primeras tareas de escritura, como en las posteriores tareas de análisis y de producción de textos. Los profesores que usan estos procedimientos impulsan no sólo el aprendizaje lexical propio de las listas, sino también las operaciones cognitivas de categorización y de aprendizaje de ordenamientos y clasificación que se realizan.
On Reconciling Divergent Ideas: A Life-long Quest
Authors: Nieto Sonia
Published: August 2017

As an educator whose work has focused on equity and social justice, I have long struggled with a conundrum: how to reconcile meritocracy – an idea at the very heart of U.S. thinking – with the reality of inequality and injustice. I’ve spent my professional life – whether teaching, mentoring, researching, or writing – trying to make sense of these conflicting beliefs. I’ve been on a quest to learn how to teach and write about them with some sense of integrity, with neither an unrealistic Pollyanna-ish optimism nor a doomsday negativism. In this essay, I address what this quest has meant for my teaching, research, and writing. I present two major lessons I’ve learned: one, being humble about what we know and do is essential if we want to collaborate with, and learn from, those who are most impacted by injustice in education, that is, students, their families, and teachers; and two, education is a political endeavor.
Adaptation of Online Privacy Concern Scale into Turkish culture
Authors: Alakurt Turgay
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to adapt "Online Privacy Concern Scale" developed by Buchanan, Paine, Joinson and Reips (2007) to Turkish culture. The original version of the scale was composed of 16 items gathered under a one-factor structure. During the translation process, expert opinions were taken for the language validity. The scale was pre-administered to 40 participants to pursue linguistic equality. To determine the validity and reliability evidence of the scale, it was administered to two separate groups consisting of adult Internet users. In order to examine and confirm the scale structure, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted. After eliminating two items, EFA showed that the scale had a three-factor structure (email usage, online trust and online payment) in Turkish culture. The Cronbach's Alpha internal consistency of the whole scale was .89. In addition, CFA verified the three-factor solution. The results of the current study confirmed that the Turkish version of the scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for the assessment of online privacy concern of adult Internet users.
Effects of Perceived Scarcity on Financial Decision Making
Authors: Cook Laurel Aynne , Sadeghein Raika
Published: August 2017

How are financial decisions compromised as scarcity increases? Extant research focuses mostly on the consequences of financial scarcity; moreover, this factor is treated simply as a lack of liquidity. Using a mixed-method approach, the authors investigate the dimensions of perceived scarcity and the ways they work in tandem to negatively influence perceptions and decisions. Internal influences (including perceived consequences) and external influences (including decreased lending options) lead to results described in this article as the “triple scarcity effect.” Experimental results show how perceived financial scarcity undermines loan decisions, particularly for consumers at the greatest financial risk. Next, qualitative data collected from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are used for a between-method triangulation of the earlier findings. Understanding the multidimensionality of perceived financial scarcity is important for designing preventive measures that improve decisions (e.g., not reborrowing) and decision making (e.g., accurately calculating cost). Results from two interventions demonstrate how these improvements are made when consumers' perceptions of scarcity are reduced. Finally, the authors discuss the welfare impact for lenders, marketers, and policy makers, and they offer an agenda for future research.
Is Rural Tourism a Perspective Driver of Development of Rural Municipalities? – The Case of Slovak Republic
Authors: Melichová Katarína , Majstríková Ľubica
Published: August 2017

Importance of rural tourism as a specific form of tourism lies primarily in its potential to be a driving force for the development of rural municipalities and diversify their economic base. The aim of this paper is to verify this assumption, while analysing the relationship between the concentration of tourism activities and migration trends in rural municipalities in Slovakia. The results support the claim that tourism has significant positive effects manifested by a positive migration balance in municipalities where the tourism industry has a significant presence. The relationship between the level of net migration and rural tourism localisation index in rural areas is not entirely clear because of high diversity of rural municipalities. It is true that in the “catching-up” group of rural municipalities, where the previously negative trend of migration turned positive, localisation index of rural tourism reaches a peak, which may suggest that precisely this sector could be the driver of this positive development. On the other hand, there is a group of marginalized rural municipalities where the concentration of rural tourism industry measured by the index of localisation is also relatively high, but nevertheless, these municipalities suffer from a loss of population due to outmigration.
Zehn Jahre rheinland-pfälzisches Digitalisierungsportal dilibri
Authors: Mayr Christoph
Published: August 2017

Dilibri ist ein kooperativ angelegtes Digitalisierungsportal für landeskundliche Werke aus Rheinland-Pfalz und für Bestände aus rheinland-pfälzischen Bibliotheken. Es wurde vor zehn Jahren vom Landesbibliothekszentrum Rheinland-Pfalz (LBZ) in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der UB Trier aufgesetzt und wird heute organisatorisch und technisch durch das LBZ betreut. Der Artikel beschreibt kurz die Entwicklung des Portals, die technische Infrastruktur und die Auswahl der Werke. Außerdem werden besondere Sammlungen des Portals vorgestellt und ein Ausblick auf zukünftige Projekte und Entwicklungen von dilibri gegeben.
Design Thinking zur Entwicklung von Lernumgebungen: Das Projekt Team Working Spaces an der ETH-Bibliothek
Authors: Grenacher Raymond , Lienhard Claudia
Published: August 2017

Im Rahmen des Projekts Team Working Spaces wird an der ETH-Bibliothek Raum für kollaboratives Arbeiten und Lernpausen geschaffen. Ziel ist es, dabei die Bedürfnisse der Kundinnen und Kunden ins Zentrum zu stellen. Zu diesem Zweck werden Elemente des Design Thinking in das Projekt integriert, wobei der Fokus auf dem Erstellen und Testen von Prototypen liegt. Im folgenden Artikel wird schwerpunktmäßig auf die Prototypen, die im Rahmen des Projekts Anwendung finden, sowie auf deren Evaluation eingegangen. Außerdem werden die Implikationen der Testergebnisse auf die tatsächliche Umsetzung der Räumlichkeiten dargestellt.
Compact and hash based variants of the suffix array
Authors: Grabowski S. , Raniszewski M.
Published: August 2017

Full-text indexing aims at building a data structure over a given text capable of efficiently finding arbitrary text patterns, and possibly requiring little space. We propose two suffix array inspired full-text indexes. One, called SA-hash, augments the suffix array with a hash table to speed up pattern searches due to significantly narrowed search interval before the binary search phase. The other, called FBCSA, is a compact data structure, similar to Mäkinen’s compact suffix array (MakCSA), but working on fixed size blocks. Experiments on the widely used Pizza & Chili datasets show that SA-hash is about 2–3 times faster in pattern searches (counts) than the standard suffix array, for the price of requiring 0.2n–1.1nbytes of extra space, wherenis the text length. FBCSA, in one of the presented variants, reduces the suffix array size by a factor of about 1.5–2, while it gets close in search times, winning in speed with its competitors known from the literature, MakCSA and LCSA.
Directional change in multivariable LQG control with actuator failure
Authors: Horla D.
Published: August 2017

The paper presents the phenomenon of directional change in LQG control of multivariable systems with amplitude constraints, as well as the impact of the latter on control performance. The interplay of directional change of the computed control vector with control performance has been thoroughly investigated, and is a result of the presence of constraints imposed on the applied control vector for different proportions of the number of control inputs to plant outputs. The impact of directional change phenomenon on the control performance has been defined, stating that performance deterioration is not tightly coupled with preservation of direction of the computed control vector. The statement has been supported by numerous simulation results for different types of plants with different LQG controller parameters.
Fuzzy number division and the multi-granularity phenomenon
Authors: Piegat A. , Pluciński M.
Published: August 2017

The paper presents difficulties connected with fuzzy and interval division. If operations such as fuzzy addition, subtraction and multiplication provide as a result one compact, multidimensional granule, then a result of the fuzzy division can consists of few separated granules. Such results are more difficult to use in next calculations. The paper shows that the number of solution granules can be higher than 2 and that in certain problems division does not occur explicitly. In certain problems, separation of particular solution granules can be considerable. The paper also shows how to realize the fuzzy division when its denominator contains zero. Most types of fuzzy arithmetics forbid such operation. However, the paper shows that it is possible. Multidimensional fuzzy RDM arithmetic and horizontal membership functions which facilitate detecting of solution granules are also described. The considered problems are visualized by examples.
A comparison of nature inspired algorithms for the quadratic assignment problem
Authors: Chmiel W. , Kadłuczka P. , Kwiecień J. , Filipowicz B.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents an application of the ant algorithm and bees algorithm in optimization of QAP problem as an example of NP-hard optimization problem. The experiments with two types of algorithms: the bees algorithm and the ant algorithm were performed for the test instances of the quadratic assignment problem from QAPLIB, designed by Burkard, Karisch and Rendl. On the basis of the experiments results, an influence of particular elements of algorithms, including neighbourhood size and neighbourhood search method, will be determined.
Parametric studies on split S-shaped composite meta atom for X-band communication
Authors: Hasan M.M. , Faruque M.R.I. , Islam M.T.
Published: August 2017

The aim of this paper is to describe a split S-shaped composite meta atom which shows double negative characteristics at resonance frequency. The proposed meta-atom structure exhibits an almost 3.70 GHz bandwidth when the operating frequency from 8 to 14 GHz (X-band). In this study, the ring width, split width, size of substrate material, and the substrate material itself are varying to investigate their effect on the resonance frequencies. Metal strips of the outer resonator are the splits and the inner ring resonator is designed in a way that it forms a split S-shaped structure on the epoxy resin fibre (FR-4) substrate material. The CST Microwave Studio electromagnetic simulator software was used for the design and simulation purposes, and an Agilent N5227A vector network analyser was used for practical measurements.
Bilateral Complications of Hemiarthroplasty after Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture Treatment
Authors: Dzerins Andris , Studers Peteris , Zolmanis Matiss
Published: August 2017

Hemiarthroplasty (HA) of the hip joint is a commonly used treatment method for displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF) in the elderly population. The revision rates following hemiarthroplasty for trauma are 4-24% (2), but there are few studies in the literature presenting bilateral complications of HA following FNF treatment. We present a 67-year-old female with migration and angular deformity of the left unipolar prosthesis followed by malposition and subluxation of the right unipolar prosthesis after sixteen months, which are not common complications and they are even less frequent to occur in one patient.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Human Papillomavirus Co-Infection in Pregnant Woman
Authors: Kornete Anna , Pumpure Elizabete , Zodzika Jana , Rezeberga Dace , Puksta-Gulbe Liga , Jermakova Irina
Published: August 2017

Among HIV-infected women prevalence and incidence of HPV infection are higher, and the risk for developing cervical cancer is increased. We present a case of HIV and HPV co-infection in woman with invasive cervical cancer and cervical and vaginal condyloma acuminata in association with vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
A Diagnostic Challenge: Peritoneal Tuberculosis Mimicking Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Rulova Eva , Pumpure Elizabete , Romanovskis Zenons , Puksta-Gulbe Liga
Published: August 2017

A 26 years old patient was admitted to hospital with complaints of abdominal pain and febrile temperature. Initially, elevated serum antigen CA-125, ascites and multiple suspicious nodules in the lungs and abdominal cavity on CT were found, thus, diagnosing ovarian cancer. However, after further preoperative examination, the diagnosis of infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis with extrapulmonary involvement was set, thereby cancelling the surgery. The patient was treated with first-line antituberculosis agents and discharged home. Almost in all other cases, peritoneal tuberculosis is diagnosed only after surgical intervention.
Symposium Discussion Report: Fourth Session Improving Market Effectiveness: Intermediaries, Infrastructures, and the Broader Legal Framework
Authors: Bergþórsson Andri Fannar
Published: August 2017

The president of the session, Pierre-Henri Conac (University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg) introduced the subjects and speakers for this discussion.
100 Gbps Wireless System and Circuit Design Using Parallel Spread-Spectrum Sequencing
Authors: Scheytt J. Christoph , Javed Abdul Rehman , Bammidi Eswara Rao , KrishneGowda Karthik , Kallfass Ingmar , Kraemer Rolf
Published: August 2017

In this article mixed analog/digital signal processing techniques based on parallel spread-spectrum sequencing (PSSS) and radio frequency (RF) carrier synchronization for ultra-broadband wireless communication are investigated on system and circuit level.
Waste Management and Attitudes Towards Cleanliness in Medieval Central Europe
Authors: Havlíček Filip , Pokorná Adéla , Zálešák Jakub
Published: August 2017

The paper deals with the relationships between people and waste in the Middle Ages, primarily in urban environments in Central Europe. At the center of interest are the attitudes of the inhabitants of medieval cities towards cleanliness and a description of different waste management practices. This paper also describes an experiment using ashes to launder clothing as one possible use of a particular waste material.
Small Woodlands and Trees in Traditional Agricultural Landscapes of Slovakia
Authors: Jana Špulerová , Marta Dobrovodská , Barbora Šatalová , Róbert Kanka
Published: August 2017

The studies focused on distribution and characteristic of small woodlands and trees as a typical feature of traditional agricultural landscapes (TAL) in Slovakia are missing or are rather local. The source data for this study was obtained from the national inventory of TAL performed in 2010-2012 in Slovakia, where woody vegetation was considered as one of the landscape elements creating mosaic of TAL. Based on the types of woodland present, which endow the landscape with a distinctive character and structure, we have divided TAL into five subtypes: 1) TAL with low occurrence of woodland – not more than 10 % of the site covered by woods, 2) TAL with spatial woodland formation, 3) TAL with solitaire trees dominant, 4) TAL with lines of trees or shrubs dominant, and 5) TAL with small woodland dominant.

The proportion of woodland was relatively low, as TAL with low occurrence of woodland (36 %) was the most extended subtype of TAL. The most common dominant woodland structure was lines of trees and shrubs, with significant occurrence in TAL of arable-land and grassland and TAL with dispersed settlement. They tended to occur on typical agrarian relief forms. Our evaluation was supported by statistical analyses focused on the relationships between woodland type on agrarian relief forms (mostly balks) and their biotic and abiotic characteristics (type of agrarian relief form, content of skeleton, width, height, its continuity, as well as continuity of wood cover)
Application of Earth Observation Data for Estimation of Changes in Land Trajectories in Varanasi District, India
Authors: Singh Sunita , Rai Praveen Kumar
Published: August 2017

Digital change detection is the process that helps in shaping the changes associated with land use land cover (LULC) properties with reference to geo-registered multi-temporal remote sensing data. In this study different methods of analyzing satellite images are presented, with the aim to identify changes in land cover in a certain period of time (1980-2016). The methods represented in this study are vegetation indices, image differencing and supervised classification. These methods gave different results in terms of land cover area. Urban expansion has brought serious losses of agriculture land, vegetation and water bodies. The present study demonstrates changes in land trajectories of Varanasi district, India using Landsat MSS (1980), TM (1990 and 2010), ETM+ (2000) and Landsat-8 OLI data (2016). The LULC classes in the study area are divided into eight categories using supervised classification method. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) are also calculated to estimate the changes in LULC classes during these time periods. Major changes are seen from 2000 to 2016 for the built-up, agriculture land, water bodies and wasteland.
Land-Use Changes at Nest Sites of the Little Owl (Athene noctua) in the South-Moravian Region of the Czech Republic
Authors: Poprach Karel , Opluštil Libor , Krause František , Machar Ivo
Published: August 2017

The Little Owl is currently endangered bird species of agricultural lowland areas in Central Europe. Nesting sites of the Little Owl are often old trees as well as buildings and quarries with suitable nesting cavities. The Little Owl has severely declined in a major part of Europe during the past decades. Information on habitat requirements of the Little Owl and data related to land-use changes at nest sites (covering both the breeding and foraging habitats) are needed for conservation programmes aimed at this bird species. Land-use changes in farmland rank among frequently discussed negative factors causing the population decline of the Little Owl. The aim of this study is to analyse land-use changes at nest sites of the Little Owl in the South-Moravian region (Czech Republic) between the years 1976/1977 and 2014. In both studied periods (1976/1977 and 2014), the most important land-use type within 500 m from the nest sites of the Little Owl was arable land (66.94 % – 62.25 %), followed by built-up areas (19.97 % –22.41 %), while the other land-use types made up less than 5 %. The proportion of the particular land-use type did not change significantly between the years 1976/1977 and 2014. The most important change in comparison with the period 1976/1977 was the decrease in the area of arable land by 4.69 % and that of orchards and gardens by 1.99 %, while the surface of built-up areas increased slightly by 2.45 % and that of meadows and pastures by 1.5 %. The analysis shows that at the known nest sites of the Little Owl in the South-Moravian region (Czech Republic), there were no significant changes in the proportion of the particular land-use types within 500 m from the nests between the years 1976/1977 and 2014. Based on these results, we can conclude that in comparison with the availability of nest sites, which seems to be the important limiting factor for the occurrence and population density of the Little Owl, land-use changes in study area were not very important factor influencing decline of the Little Owl.
Evaluation of Biochemical Hyperandrogenism in Adolescent Girls with Menstrual Irregularities
Authors: Çelik Hale Göksever , Çelik Engin , Polat Ibrahim
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate fertility hormone levels in adolescent girls and ten years older women with menstrual irregularities and with or without polycystic ovaries on ultrasound examination. The study population consisted of 276 patients aged 12-18 years and 469 patients aged 22-28 years who had menstrual irregularities with or without polycystic ovaries on ultrasound examination. All subjects underwent a comprehensive medical assessment including documentation of the detailed history, physical and gynecological examination, measurement of the essential laboratory variables, and measurement of the fertility hormone levels. Within 745 patients (mean age: 21.4±4.8), 276 patients were aged 12-18 years (group 1) and 469 patients were aged 22-28 years (group 2). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) (237.7 (22.6-721.5) vs. 162.5 (2.4- 660.7) respectively; p<0.001) was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2. There were 74 subjects (26.8%) with LH/FSH ratio > 2 in group 1 and 74 subjects (15.8%) with LH/FSH ratio > 2 in group 2 (p<0.001). Biochemical hyperandrogenism is much more valuable in adolescents than in young adult women for the diagnosis of PCOS. Biochemical hyperandrogenism should be tested in adolescents with menstrual irregularities.
A two-decade-interval variation in vowel insertion after word-final English and French postvocalic plosives in Korean adaptation: A sociolinguistic account
Authors: Kim Hyunsoon
Published: August 2017

We investigated whether variation in vowel insertion after word-final English and French postvocalic plosives in Korean adaptation has changed at a two-decade interval by collecting English and French loanword data in the early 1990s and the year 2011. Our data survey has revealed that the overall frequency of final vowel insertion and that of variable insertion and/or no vowel insertion are significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in the 2011 data, no matter whether the plosives are English or French. The data survey is supported by a recent perception study wherein young Koreans have no difference in vowel insertion after English and French plosives, regardless of whether they are released or not, compared to old Koreans. Based on these results, we propose that more direct contact with English than two decades ago has led to more exposure to its spoken usages and that less direct contact with French has led word-final French postvocalic plosives to be perceived more like their English counterparts in vowel insertion by Koreans. It is concluded that the present study suggests the role of sociolinguistic environments over time in loanword adaptation.
The linguist’sDrosophila: Experiments in language change
Authors: Roberts Gareth
Published: August 2017

Although experimental methods are used in the study of language change, it has been claimed that there is no analogue of the biologist’sDrosophila –no means, in other words, of observing change in the laboratory. Here it is argued that this pessimism is unwarranted, and that there is in fact something equivalent: a set of experimental methods developed originally to study the emergence and evolution of language, and which involve the use of novel “laboratory languages” to play games with a social component. These methods are described, and arguments are made in favor of their broader application to questions of change in modern language. Ideally (as has begun to occur in a few cases) this should involve interdisciplinary collaborations, and it would both open new doors for the testing of hypotheses and bring researchers in the field of language evolution into contact with a vast store of real-world data. Concerns about the authenticity of laboratory data are not unreasonable, but less pressing than might be imagined, and in fact should call for precisely the kind of interdisciplinary approach advocated here. This can only benefit everyone involved.
Employing nation branding in the Middle East - United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar
Authors: Zeineddine Cornelia
Published: August 2017

Branding represents the instrument through which an entity communicates and identifies itself in the consumer’s perception. National branding is a similar mean employed at country level. Nation branding is crucial in order to attract investment, boost exports and attract tourists and talented workforce. Nation branding stands between public diplomacy and economic benefits. An adequate policy of Nation Branding-based on a positive, credible and economically reliable image- can be able to extend the range of potential customers and of potential investors. With the aim of better understanding the new challenges, opportunities and threats existent in a globalized economy, the paper evaluates nation branding in the context of UAE and Qatar. The paper examines nation-branding as a driver for boosting the economy, taking into account that clichés and stereotypes (especially in the context of the Middle East) can influence our perception towards one country or another. The analysis explores the strategy adopted in order that Dubai becomes the flagship-brand of the UAE. Abu Dhabi complements this strategy, driving UAE to the position of the most valuable brand in the Middle East. The paper further enquires the case of Qatar and compares it with the branding process of the UAE. Qatar has established various branding resources such as the Al Jazeera news network, international sport events and several cultural and educational exchange programs with international profile. The UAE strives to become an influencer in the global economy, overriding its dependence on hydrocarbon reserves. Qatar is richer in hydrocarbon reserves than the UAE; nevertheless, it shares the interest of detaching itself from the rentier economy. The study explores the fact that from 2014-onwards the global oil economy was hit hard, as the price of the oil barrel is at an historic low, thus it has become stringent for the Persian Gulf countries to diversify the revenue sources. As a result, their branding strategy has become even more salient. The processes employed for establishing nation-brands in the Gulf are noteworthy and constitute the focal point of the paper.
Corporate social entrepreneurship versus social intrapreneurship: same idea, different trajectories ?
Authors: Hadad Shahrazad , Cantaragiu Ramona
Published: August 2017

We present a critical perspective of the current state of development of CSE and SI as fields of study and practice based on a geographical and conceptual mapping of the actors involved in the two fields. Although these concepts are set into motion by different forces on different paths, they converge towards a common apprehension of social business. CSE has no supporting core and it offers scarce and scattered resources for identity formation, while SI benefits from practitioners’ attention and is thus developing as a proper field of study. Using this knowledge we anticipate what the future holds for these concepts and offer valuable insights for interested practitioners and academics.
Transylvanian Saxon Charms as Part of Old Germanic Folklore
Authors: Bargan Andrea
Published: August 2017

The present article deals with archaic pieces of folklore, namely with Transylvanian Saxon (TS) charms recorded in the 19th century. The author, herself a speaker of the TS dialect, translated a number of those charms into English and added comments that were meant to indicate connections with similar pieces of the same genre recorded in Germany and England in early medieval times.
The Importance of Business Model Factors for Cloud Computing Adoption: Role of Previous Experiences
Authors: Bogataj Habjan Kristina , Pucihar Andreja
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose: Bringing several opportunities for more effective and efficient IT governance and service exploitation, cloud computing is expected to impact the European and global economies significantly. Market data show that despite many advantages and promised benefits the adoption of cloud computing is not as fast and widespread as foreseen. This situation shows the need for further exploration of the potentials of cloud computing and its implementation on the market. The purpose of this research was to identify individual business model factors with the highest impact on cloud computing adoption. In addition, the aim was to identify the differences in opinion regarding the importance of business model factors on cloud computing adoption according to companies’ previous experiences with cloud computing services.

Methodology: Based on literature review, prior research results, and interviews with cloud computing providers and users, a research model was developed. Statistical analysis focused on identification of factors’ importance on cloud computing adoption and differences in opinions according to respondents’ previous experiences with cloud computing services. The study was done among 80 companies and five major cloud computing providers in Slovenia.

Results: The research results reveal statistically significant differences in opinions on the importance of cloud computing business model factors according to respondents’ previous experiences with cloud computing services. The results can provide orientation for redesign or innovation of existing business models towards the creation of a customer-oriented business model for the more successful exploitation of cloud computing services and business opportunities. For potential users, the findings represent guidelines for the successful adoption of cloud computing services.

Conclusions: In our research, the investigated business model factors could be classified into so-called “business model organizational factors”, as they primarily need to be considered by cloud service providers when defining or innovating their business models. For future research, the model should also include the impact of environmental factors, such as Competition, Business Partners, Legislation, Economic Situation, in order to investigate their impact on cloud adoption.
Validation of Agent-based Approach for Simulating the Conversion to Organic Farming
Authors: Rozman Črtomir , Škraba Andrej , Pažek Karmen , Kofjač Davorin
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the principles of the development of parallel system-dynamics and agent-based models of organic farming for the case of Slovenia. The advantage of agent-based modeling is demonstrated by including geospatial information as an agent attribute. The models were compared by the validation, confirming the appropriate level of similarity.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Both system-dynamics and agent-based modeling approaches were applied. Statistical methods were used in the validation.

Results: The results of the validation confirm the appropriateness of the proposed agent-based model. Introducing additional attributes into the agent-based model provides an important advantage over the system-dynamics model, which serves as the paradigmatic example.

Conclusion: A thorough validation and comparison of the results of the system-dynamics and agent-based models indicates the proper approach to combining the methodologies. This approach is promising, because it enables the modeling of the entire agricultural sector, taking each particular farm into account.
Organizational Learning Supported by Machine Learning Models Coupled with General Explanation Methods: A Case of B2B Sales Forecasting
Authors: Bohanec Marko , Robnik-Šikonja Marko , Kljajić Borštnar Mirjana
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose:The process of business to business (B2B) sales forecasting is a complex decision-making process. There are many approaches to support this process, but mainly it is still based on the subjective judgment of a decision-maker. The problem of B2B sales forecasting can be modeled as a classification problem. However, top performing machine learning (ML) models are black boxes and do not support transparent reasoning. The purpose of this research is to develop an organizational model using ML model coupled with general explanation methods. The goal is to support the decision-maker in the process of B2B sales forecasting.

Design/Methodology/Approach:Participatory approach of action design research was used to promote acceptance of the model among users. ML model was built following CRISP-DM methodology and utilizes R software environment.

Results:ML model was developed in several design cycles involving users. It was evaluated in the company for several months. Results suggest that based on the explanations of the ML model predictions the users’ forecasts improved. Furthermore, when the users embrace the proposed ML model and its explanations, they change their initial beliefs, make more accurate B2B sales predictions and detect other features of the process, not included in the ML model.

Conclusions:The proposed model promotes understanding, foster debate and validation of existing beliefs, and thus contributes to single and double-loop learning. Active participation of the users in the process of development, validation, and implementation has shown to be beneficial in creating trust and promotes acceptance in practice.
Homecare Service Providers as an Organizational Form of Support for the Elderly: Establishment and Planning of Optimal Capacity
Authors: Šprajc Polona , Podbregar Iztok , Brezavšček Alenka
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose: Different studies have highlighted health care allocation problems in Slovenia that indicate the increased need for homecare services for the elderly. It was also found that Slovenian municipalities differ dramatically in the availability of elder care services. A number of older people with diverse unmet needs for care remains. Therefore, the need for the establishment of an additional type of formal homecare services for the elderly exists.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Although many positive effects of home elder care against institutional care are stressed in the literature, the results of many studies performed in recent years have indicated that accessibility of homecare for elderly in Slovenia remains scarce, and it is not equally accessible throughout the country. To mitigate this problem, a new organizational form called “elder homecare service provider” is indicated. The aim of the provider is to offer a variety of different services for the elderly (e.g. homemaking, social networking, transfer services, basic life needs, basic health services, etc.). The establishment of such an organization needs to be designed carefuly, while the unique characteristics and specific needs of the target population must be addressed to optimize desired outcomes.

Results: The aim of the paper is to provide fundamental guidelines for the establishment of elder homecare service provider. All essential characteristics of such an organization are defined. To ensure an appropriate level of service quality, the primarly focus is oriented towards the planning of personnel team capacity. For this purpose, the service provider was described using the stochastic queueing model, which enables service capacity optimization considering different performance measures. The usefulness of the model was illustrated with a numerical example, which has shown that the results obtained provide valuable information for decision support.

Conclusion: The establishment of a homecare service provider network would have many positive effects on society in general. The quality of the everyday life of the elderly is expected to be improved considerably, particularly in the rural areas where a lack of institutional care support is reported. Guidelines proposed in the paper together with the quantitave model for planning of its optimal capacity provide useful information, which are especially relevant in the preliminary phase of the establishment of service providers.
Fatty Acid and Transcript Profiling in Developing Seeds of Three Brassica napus Cultivars
Authors: Petkova Mariana , Chao Wun S. , Cook Leonard , West Mark , Rahman Mukhlesur , Foley Michael E.
Published: August 2017

Fatty acid levels and gene expression profiles for selected genes associated with the synthesis of fatty acids (FA), triacylglycerol, and oil body proteins were examined in three oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cultivars that have utility for cultivar development in our spring canola breeding program. The seed oil content of Bronowski, Q2, and Westar was 39.0, 40.1, and 40.6%, respectively at 40 days after flowering (DAF). During the 20 to 40 day period of seed development, cultivars had varying levels of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, eicosenoic, and erucic acid. In general, the percentage of each FA was similar among the cultivars during seed development. However, the level of oleic acid was lower and the levels of eicosenoic acid and erucic acid were higher in Bronowski than in Q2 and Westar seeds; linoleic acid also tended to be lower in Bronowski. Gene expression among the cultivars was similar from 10 to 40 DAF. The few exceptions were that expression of KAS1 and SAD were higher in Westar and Q2 than in Bronowski at 25 DAF, SAD was highest in Q2, intermediate in Westar, and lowest in Bronowski at 35 DAF, FAD2 was higher in Q2 than in Bronowski at 35 DAF, FAD3 was higher in Q2 than in Bronowski at 15 DAF and Q2 and Westar at 25 and 30 DAF, and FAE1 was higher in Westar and Q2 than in Bronowski at 30 DAF. Correlation analysis for gene expression against DAF for each genotype supported a common trend in gene expression among the three cultivars with gene expression tending to decrease over time; except for LPAAT, which tended to increase. The correlation between the level of FAs and expression of genes by genotype indicated no general trend; rather correlations seem to depend on the genotype.