bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introspections on In-Service Teachers' Intercultural Responsiveness Skills for English Language Learners
Authors: Slapac Alina , Song Kim H. , Chasteen Cynthia C.
Published: December 2016

This chapter discusses the successes, concerns and challenges faced by in-service teachers in the instruction of English Learners (ELs). The constructs of intercultural responsiveness (IR), cultural competence (CC), linguistic competence (LC) and professional development (PD) are used as conceptual frameworks. The researchers are drawing on data gathered at a statewide conference focused on dual language (DL) education from five focus group interviews and informal conversations with twenty-seven in-service teachers and administrators at all levels of education, and the researchers' field notes .Vignettes of the participants' voices highlight their perspectives and experiences working with ELs. The authors hope that these stories of celebrations and struggles will engage other teachers and administrators to take a deeper look into their personal practices and pedagogies of working with ELs.
English Language Interventions that Improve International Business Student Group-Work Performance
Authors: Alexander Paul R. , Dooey Patricia M.
Published: December 2016

English-taught business degrees now represent an important part of the global education market. These attract students from all parts of the world, many whose first language is not English. Universities hosting these courses have developed language support mechanisms and programmes which have proven effective in supporting language needs in the academic context. However, these have not generally included specialised attention to group-work where the demands for communicating in English may be significantly more challenging than in a classroom environment. In this chapter, the authors consider the growth of English language support mechanisms in general, and outline a study that quantifies the impact of English in group work performance. They also detail the design of a short intervention programme focused on group-work that can improve the skills learned by students with English as a second language, and increase their performance significantly. They use this study to suggest mechanisms, and to propose improvements to English support programmes.
Implementation of CORE Traits to Become an Interculturally Responsive Leader in a Second Language Classroom
Authors: Mixon Jason R. , Jones Kathryn
Published: December 2016

The objective of this chapter was to describe CORE leadership traits for teachers and leaders that will assist them in being interculturally responsive educators and improve learning in the second language classroom. Communication, organization, relationships, and enthusiasm (CORE) are traits that consistently improve teacher/leader social interactions with students and thus improve the educators' ability to enhance the learning experience (Mixon, 2010). What's in your CORE? Being predisposed to cultural issues is imperative for pre-service teachers to prepare appropriately to teach students of other cultures (Barnes, 2006; Cooper, 2007; Walker-Dalhouse & Dalhouse, 2006). Henkin and Steinmetz's (2008) goal was to produce teachers who are prepared to provide an academically sound education in a culturally responsive classroom. The culturally responsive classroom is pivotal to align with the globalization of students that has dramatically changed the demographics in our educational institutions today.
Young Firms Sustainability and Corporate Reputation
Authors: Nicolò Domenico
Published: December 2016

Although young firms are very vulnerable, significant differences emerge by comparing the survival rates of the companies in the first stage of life in different countries and industries, of different sizes, and with different characteristics of the leader (team of co-founders): education, previous entrepreneurial experience, reputation, etc. Many variables influence the performance of the companies and their chances of survival. Each enterprise is a singularity. Thus, it is methodologically wrong and naive any attempt to define ideal models and general “recipes” to reduce the vulnerability of the young firms. This hypothesis is confirmed by the analysis of the survival rates of the young firms born in the USA and in EU. The variance of the five-year survival rate is very high by comparing companies from different nations, of different size classes, those operating in different industries, and those whose leaders have or not have any previous entrepreneurial experience. The lack of corporate reputation is the only weakness common to the young firms. Since these companies do not have a history that can prove their ability to satisfy their commitments toward the stakeholder, they haven't a reputation and therefore are very weak their bonds of trust with stakeholders. The first difficulty, these weak bonds of trust are broken and young businesses collapse in on themselves. To achieve sustainability, young firms must quickly build a corporate reputation to strengthen the bonds of trust with the stakeholders. By this way, they will be more resistant to the difficulties. This is the only effective general “recipes”. (Nicolò 2015; Nicolò & Ferrara 2015).
Integrated Sustainability Reports
Authors: Costa Massimo , Valenza Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

Disclosure of corporate social and environmental sustainability, resumed in ‘sustainability reports', have occupied most of the attention of accounting thought and practice over the last few decades. Evaluation of ecological footprint and social sensitiveness is becoming relevant also for the investors. The chapter presents institutional disclosure concerning social, environmental, and integrated (financial, social and environmental) issues in a threefold perspective. The first is a historical one: after some definitions the birth and development of sustainability reports are presented to the reader. The second is a theoretical one: a paradigm or framework is developed for including what various experiences and literature have supplied until nowadays. The third is an empirical one presenting the main sustainability scoring criteria mostly used today, and an empirical survey on the car industry. Some concluding notes follow from the comparison of the aforementioned perspectives.
Green Information System for a Sustainable Enterprise
Authors: Radu Laura-Diana
Published: December 2016

The changes made in the environment as a consequence of massive industrialization led to a change in the vision of mankind on how organizations should interact with the ecosystem. In the same time information system has a key role in their activity. The increasing their use is accompanied by positive effects. This chapter presents the changes necessary for transformation traditional information systems in green information system. The organization's motivations to develop and implement strategies and regulations for environmental protection are varied. They can be the organization's internal drivers, such as reducing delivery costs, increasing efficiency, improving market reputation, and external, such as government legislation or policies, regulations, competition. Changes necessary to implement green information system are presented based on agile model life cycle and in accord with organizations objectives.
Green Marketing
Authors: Ramli Nur Suhaili
Published: December 2016

This chapter proposes an important study of the cosmetics industry in relation to green marketing and sustainability concerns from the historical context and its evolution to the present day. The aim of this chapter is to explain the significant impact of green marketing on the cosmetics industry as a new future prospect that benefits all parties and what can be learned from history. This chapter intends to address the existence of sustainability concepts through history, which have become an interesting phenomenon in the present day. The aspects to be discussed include (1) new prospects and opportunities from green marketing for the cosmetics industry; (2) the evolution of the cosmetics industry; and (3) green marketing and green concepts in the cosmetics industry.
Understanding Your Learner
Authors: Souders Tina M.
Published: December 2016

Now more than ever before, health care educators are being challenged to meet the complex and dynamic needs of an expanding health care workforce. Continuing education requirements as well as graduate and undergraduate programs are striving to keep pace with the demands for more highly skilled health care professionals. Likewise, technology and related instructional media have been evolving at an exponential pace. The confluence of these variables requires health care educators to be knowledgeable about the options and tools available to design and deliver instruction using a variety of platforms in more diverse settings. In order to ensure that instruction achieves its intended goals, it is imperative to fully assess the learner characteristics of the target audience. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the rationale for conducting a learner analysis and utilizing learner characteristics in designing effective instruction.
Using Backward Design for Competency-Based Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Joyce Barbara L. , Swanberg Stephanie M.
Published: December 2016

This chapter focuses on strategies for approaching competency-based medical education (CBME) in the undergraduate medical curriculum (UME). CBME uses national professional standards, typically set by accrediting bodies or professional organizations, to shape curricular design and assessment of learner outcomes as well as to provide clarity to the learner about the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for successful practice. Wiggins and McTighe's (2015) Backward Design instructional design model provides a practical structure for approaching CBME since it proposes beginning with the national standards, defining outcomes and assessment methods, and then developing curricular content. The chapter will describe the backward design model, the history of CBME in the United States, current issues with CBME, and use of an integrated curriculum to successfully implement CBME. It will culminate with a discussion of creating action plans for individual programs to align assessment and outcome measures more directly to curriculum.
Designing Simulated Learning Environments and Facilitating Authentic Learning Experiences in Medical Education
Authors: Ge Xun , Wang Qian , Huang Kun , Law Victor , Thomas Dominique C.
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to provide some practical guidance and theoretical basis on designing simulated learning environments to researchers and instructional designers, medical educators, instructional design students, and others who are committed to improving learning and instruction in medical education. This chapter will benefit those who are interested in designing simulated learning environments and facilitating simulated learning experiences in instructional settings. The chapter first defines various types of simulations and their cognitive functions in support of students' authentic learning experiences. Following this, the chapter highlights critical components for designing simulated learning environments, including identifying learning objectives, developing problem scenarios, and facilitating students' learning experiences. It is hoped that this chapter will be a useful tool and resource for medical educators, researchers and instructional designers, and graduate students who are pursuing an advanced degree in instructional design and technology.
The Nurse Educator's Role in Designing Instruction and Instructional Strategies for Academic and Clinical Settings
Authors: Slagter van Tryon Patricia J.
Published: December 2016

Nursing education programs seeking to equip graduates with needed tools to integrate medical expertise with experience in the systematic design of instruction have the opportunity to better ensure positive learning outcomes in varied settings as graduates take on their new roles as nurse educators. The learning environment of the nurse educator is complex yet with skill in the reasoned approach to the design of instruction can progress into more knowable contexts for which to problem solve. Nurse educators possessing interdisciplinary skills in their field facilitated by expertise in instructional design will enhance their practice by developing and delivering precision instruction.
Virtual Patients in Health Professions Education
Authors: Kleinheksel A. J.
Published: December 2016

The field of health professions continues to struggle with the impact of increasing practitioner and educator shortages. Health professions education is also faced with the issues of limited clinical placements and an increasing demand for online education. To address these issues, health professions educators have increasingly turned to simulations to provide experiential learning in safe, controlled environments. One of the newest simulation technology innovations to emerge is that of virtual patient simulations. This chapter reviews the context in which virtual patients have emerged, the range of virtual patient technologies available, and the ways in which health professions educators currently use virtual patient simulations.
Faculty Development for Clinical Educators
Authors: Olivares Silvia Lizett Olivares , Cabrera Mildred Vanessa López , Segura Martha Ruth Loyola , García Jorge Eugenio Valdez
Published: December 2016

Since the Flexner report in the 20th century, teaching and learning process has evolved through: science learning, problem based learning, competency based learning and perspective learning. This evolution provides a consensus that educators need to develop competencies in their students to prepare them for an uncertain future. Competency refers not only to core knowledge or instrumental skills, but to interpersonal and systemic abilities required for lifelong learning. This transformation requires changes in both the educational model and faculty development programs. Previous research and proposals have defined important qualities and attributes; for clinical educators. The Faculty Development program presented here has been assessed with a mixed multiphase approach for continuous improvement process: 1) assessment of proposal, 2) assessment of implementation, 3) assessment of faculty experiences and 4) institutionalization of program. Results from this experience are presented, as well as other further challenges on this initiative.
The Interplay of Game Design and Pedagogical Mediation in Game-Mediated Japanese Learning
Authors: Shintaku Kayo
Published: December 2016

Commercial off-the-shelf, or vernacular digital games have been studied in foreign language (FL) pedagogy. However, few have examined how a game design interacts with pedagogical mediation. This study explores the interplay of game design and pedagogical mediation for learners of Japanese. Learners played a vernacular game in Japanese and used activity worksheets and a reference list. Findings from the vocabulary tests and questionnaires show that materials can focus learner attention on particular vocabulary, but that vocabulary functionality also plays a role in learning. In-game vocabulary was identified as primary or secondary based on its necessity for successful game completion. When both types of vocabulary were combined, results showed good retention between the posttest and delayed test. When separated, the primary vocabulary was retained well, but the secondary vocabulary was not retained. This confirms that in-game vocabulary functionality impacts learning and implicates the careful design of supplemental materials to guide FL learners' attention.
Gold Price, Crude Oil, Exchange Rate and Stock Markets
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh
Published: December 2016

In the globalized world of 21st century, the world order has become dynamic. But the parameters of success are same. A country having only internal success cannot sustain for long and similarly for external success. External success is largely dependent upon exchange rate movements and its management by central banks especially for emerging economies. Internal success is reflected in the stock markets of the nations. In this paper long-term association between external and internal parameters, have been explored. For external parameters, not only exchange rate but crude oil prices and gold prices have also been taken. For internal success, stock markets have been taken as a parameter. Johansen's Cointegration test, error-correction model and neural network have been deployed to find out the association among internal and external parameters of success for nations. The results have demonstrated the long-term association among the parameters but degree of association has been found to be weak.
Do Bankers Use Managerial Discretion with Regard to CSR and Earnings Management to Rebuild Their Reputation in the Aftermath of the Financial Crisis?
Authors: Sneekes Ada , Georgakopoulos Georgios , Sikalidis Alexandros , Rodosthenous Maria
Published: December 2016

In this paper the authors examine the relationship between CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) performance and earning management in the banking industry from 2008 to 2012 having a specific focus on managerial behaviour and its impact on banks' reputation. They propose that when managers opportunistically engage in CSR, they will also engage in opportunistic earnings management but if they engage in CSR practices because it is the socially ‘right thing to do' then earnings will better reflect banks' true economic performance. Finally, they expect that when bank managers recognize the importance of societal trust they use their discretion to regain trust and to rebuild reputation. Their results show that in general, banks that perform high on CSR indicators behave more transparently with regard to the presentation of earnings. Banks that engage in CSR activities to improve their reputation, use managerial discretion to show socially desirable earnings numbers. For banks that value their reputation, pursuing societal trust is more important than the fulfilling of self-interest.
Empirical Analysis of Dependence on Capital Structure with Respect to Its Impact on the Financial Performance of Domestic Non Financial Listed Stock Exchange Companies Operating in the Public Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Kanwal Memoona
Published: December 2016

This research work is based on the relationship that exists between the capital structure and performance of different sector's firms currently operating in the Pakistan. Capital structure decisions can be considered as the most important financial performance and risk management tools which are available to the companies' management. Capital structure can also play an important role in performance assessment, in performance management and in effective handling of ownership claims. The extensive use and heavy dependence on debt has exposed many companies to potential risk of declined performance and also to the risk of insolvency. This study analyzes the relationship between various capital structure indicators and dependence of financial performance of companies on these indicators using a broad sample covering 202 non-financial firms listed on Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) over the period of 1999-2012. The sample firms are divided into five sectors i.e. Textile, Chemical, Cement, Food and Fuel & Energy. Financial performance of firms is quantified by Return on Assets (ROE), Return on Equity (ROE), Price-Earnings ratio (PE) and Tobin's Q (TQ). The relationship between financial performance measures and capital structure measures i.e. total debt, short term debt and long term debt is estimated using GLS fixed and random effect model. Sector wise comparison shows that majority of the sectors have similar capital structure. The impact of capital structure on the financial performance is also similar across sectors with few variations. Overall the relationship is found to be negative among capital structure and firm performance measured by ROA, ROE and PE except TQ which is positively related to Long Term Debt to total Assets (LTDA). The result of industry wise comparison contributes significantly to the existing stream of knowledge. The results indicate that lower reliance on the debt financing improves the performance of the firm whereas dependence and exposure of debt financing reduce performance. The research can be useful for the management of companies in different sectors that want to improve their performance.
Post Disaster Housing Management for Sustainable Urban Development
Authors: Das Kanu Kumar , Sharma Nagendra Kumar
Published: December 2016

Developing countries have still shortage of housing due to natural disasters. Houses get destroyed wholly or partly and it causes the increase of lack of housing stock of a country. In disaster management cycle, rehabilitation or reconstruction is an important issue to protect, reduce or mitigate the effect of disasters. For sustainable urban development, disaster consideration is as important as it helps to maintain the development growth rate and tries to make sure that the settlements are in a stable way. The paper describes the natural disasters and issues related to proper disaster housing for sustainable urban development on the basis of literature.
Prediction of Parameters of Soil Stratums and Earthen Dams from Free Field Acceleration Records
Authors: Khellafi Mourad A. , Harichane Zamila , Afra Hamid , Erken Ayfer
Published: December 2016

This paper is dedicated to the identification of parameters of soil stratums and earthen dams from accelerometer records by inverse analysis using three kinds of optimization algorithms. The first one is the Levenberg-Marquart (L-M) gradient-based method, the second one is based on a genetic algorithm (G-A) optimization process, and the third one combines the two search algorithms to complete the identification task more efficiently. The efficiency of the two first algorithms is studied by identifying the unknown parameters of a multilayer soil profile. Then, the global -local hybrid scheme is applied to identify the soil profile characteristics and determine some information gaps using experimental data recorded within the Adapazari city during the Kocaeli earthquake of August 17, 1999. Finally, the applicability of the proposed identification procedure is verified through comparison of the parameter identification results and experimental ones at Bradbury dam by using ground motions records during the 1978 Santa Barbara earthquake (in USA).
Effect of Earthquake on a Single Pile Located in Sloping Ground
Authors: Deendayal R. , Sitharam T. G. , Muthukkumaran K.
Published: December 2016

Piles are often constructed on natural slope such as sea bed slope in off-shore structures. When piles are constructed on sloping ground, the behaviour of piles under earthquake loading is different from the piles on horizontal ground surface. The dynamic response of a pile subjected to external excitation is a complex phenomenon resulting from the interactions between the pile and the surrounding soil. In the present study, a finite element analysis of a single field pile located on sloping ground was carried out. A single pile of length 30m with embedment length to diameter ratios (L/D) 20, 25 and 30 was located on a crest of soft clay of slopes 1V:1H and 1V:5H, and subjected to dynamic earthquake loading (California Earthquake,1990). From the study, the behaviour of acceleration with time, lateral displacement and bending moment behavior along the pile shaft was studied.
Reflections on the Second Life Platform used in the Development of a Virtual University Campus
Authors: Vargas-Vera Maria
Published: December 2016

This paper presents the author's experiences building a virtual campus named Deep Think designed to support a postgraduate program named MPhil. The MPhil is a formal and recognized Open University degree delivered to a distance. The virtual campus integrates Second Life, Moodle and several Web 2.0 technologies like Elluminate (online conferencing tool), MyStuff (e-Portfolio) Skype and Ning (Social network). This integration between second life and web 2.0 technologies has provoked the enthusiasm of tutors at the Open University which saw the benefit of using DeepThink in their courses. Finally, the author discusses experiences on second life and its limitations.
Use of PowerPoint in the Classroom
Authors: Stefanou Vassilia , Kotsovoulou Maira
Published: December 2016

This study uses the participatory research approach to investigate how college instructors feel about the use of PowerPoint presentations when teaching an introductory course of computer information systems. Nine college instructors participated in this research project by exchanging their views through an online discussion forum. The findings revealed that the instructors' preferred teaching method was to combine PowerPoint presentations with other techniques; that there was a shared concern about the changing role of the instructor because of the use of PowerPoint presentations; that the instructors perceived that students' attention and participation is affected by the use of PowerPoint presentations, whereas their performance is not.
Increasing the Profitability of Students in MOOCs using Recommendation Systems
Authors: Jdidou Youssef , Khaldi Mohamed
Published: December 2016

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have earned much attention since the beginning in 2011 and students who signed up for at least one course has crossed 35 million in 2015. Yet, there has been a lack of research conducted to study the design of learning materials and tasks of MOOCs. Moreover, there are limited researches that focus on implementing recommendation systems in MOOCs to predict what students want more aiming to increase their profitability. In this paper, the authors present the algorithm they are creating. The main purpose of this algorithm is to create automatic mechanisms as the recommendation system to give such assistance and personalized guidance to students.
Sentiment Analysis to Evaluate Teaching Performance
Authors: Adinolfi Paola , D'Avanzo Ernesto , Lytras Miltiadis D. , Novo-Corti Isabel , Picatoste Jose
Published: December 2016

The aim of this work is to review a specific learning analytics method - sentiment analysis - in the field of Higher Education, showing how it is employed to monitor student satisfaction on different platforms, and to propose an architecture of Sentiment Analysis for Higher Education purposes, which trace and unify what emerges from the literature review. First, a literature review is carried out, which proves the widespread and increasing interest of the communities, of both scholars and practitioners, in the use of sentiment analysis in the field of Higher Education. The analysis, focused on three different e-learning domains, identifies weaknesses and gaps, and in particular the lack of a unifying approach which is able to deal with the different domains. Secondly, a prototype architecture – LADEL (Learning Analytics Dashboard for E-Learning) - is introduced, which is able to deal with the different e-learning domains. Some preliminary experiments are carried out, highlighting some limitations and open issues, as stimulus to continue the development of the platform.
Overpopulation and Sustainable Waste Management
Authors: Farraji Hossein , Zaman Nastaein Qamaruz , Vakili Mohammadtaghi , Faraji Hamed
Published: December 2016

Civilization and Industrialization are two main side effects of overpopulation. Production of food and living requirement for new generations needs raw materials and production process as well as changing natural environment for infrastructure construction. Huge municipal solid waste, anthropological pollution in terrestrial, aquatic and atmosphere media are responses of numerous industries for engaging with humankind requirement. Economic circumstances, ecological condition as well as effective management of production process by selecting smart managing methods in order to decreasing hazardous wastes which produce throughout the manufacturing human living requirements, will be a suitable or even favorable target for green living and environmental protection. This manuscript will discuss on wastes sources, production and practical strategies for decreasing their hazard effect throughout current human activities. In other words, how civilization and industrialization can engage with emerging requirements of humankind as well as concerning to environmental protection?
Analysis of Energy System in South Africa Using Exponential Smoothing Approach and Regression Technique
Authors: Ghiasi Mohammad Mehdi , Aslani Alireza , Noorollahi Younes
Published: December 2016

The energy demand has increased dramatically in the recent decades. Due to the limitations and environmental effects of fossil fuels, secure level of energy supply is vital for economic and social development. This work is to review the energy sector in South Africa. After that, the consumptions of coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy are estimated by employing simple exponential smoothing methodology. Finding shows that the primary energy consumption in the South Africa is correlated as a function of population growth rate, industrial growth rate, and GDP.
Fault-Tolerance Evaluation of VANET Under Different Data Dissemination Models
Authors: Gaamel Awadh Moqbel , Maratha Barakat Pravin , Sheltami Tarek Rahil , Shakshuki Elhadi M.
Published: December 2016

Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) is a collection of wireless mobile nodes, which form temporary networks over infrastructure-less environments. Over the last few years, Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET) technology has been considered as an active research area. VANET is a sub class of MANET with some unique characteristics such as fast vehicle speed, frequent topology changes and restricted mobility on roads. The communication between vehicles provides a new avenue for different types of applications such as safety, traffic management, entertainment, etc. These applications are categorized based on how data is transmitted from source to destination. The performance of such applications does not only depend on routing protocols, but also on the data dissemination mechanism. Data dissemination in VANETs is a significant factor, which can be accomplished using four different models: Dynamic Source Dynamic Destination (DSDD), Dynamic Source Static Destination (DSSD), Static Source Dynamic Destination (SSDD), and Static Source Static Destination (SSSD). Each one of these models is suitable for specific types of applications. In this paper, the authors study and evaluate the fault-tolerance of VANET under different data dissemination techniques in terms of throughput, average End-to-End delay, and percentage of packet loss. the authors used NCTUns 6.0 network simulator and IEEE 802.11p wireless communication standard. Their findings show that DSDV is more fault-tolerant than both DSR and AODV in terms of packet loss percentage for all dissemination techniques. However, AODV shows better performance in average End-to-End delay and throughput under DSDD and SSDD techniques.
Development and establishment of a protocol of an individual aggressiveness test in breeding does
Authors: Olivas I. , Villagrá A. , Simarro L.
Published: December 2016

The present work aims to define the optimal conditions to perform a resident-intruder test in individually housed breeding does as a measure of aggressiveness and describe the biological characteristics of aggressiveness in rabbit does: severity, frequency, duration and latency of aggressive events. Sixty-four nulliparous does at 90 d of age were used for this experiment, half (32 does) as residents and the rest as intruders, testing them once a week for 14 wk. The time and duration of each aggressive behaviour was recorded and analysed to assess the aforementioned measures. According to the results, and regarding the studied effects, the origin of the animals caused no effect, whereas the level of aggressiveness seemed to be clearly increased in weeks 3-7 of the experiment, when animals were 110-140 d of age. In conclusion, a resident-intruder test lasting 1 min is enough to assess individual aggressiveness in adult breeding does, the response of which evolves with age and repetition.
Fattening rabbits in mobile arks: effect of housing system on in vivo oxidative status and meat quality
Authors: Mattioli S. , Martino M. , Ruggeri S. , Roscini V. , Moscati L. , Dal Bosco A. , Castellini C.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this trial was to study the effect of an alternative housing system on the oxidative status and meat quality of fattening rabbits. From May to June 2014, 60 rabbits of 35 d of age were reared in Mobile Arks (MA) placed on alfalfa grass and frequently moved for 40 d. To assess the health status of animals, blood samples were collected at slaughter in MA and in conventional cages (C). Meat quality parameters were also evaluated. Concerning the in vivo oxidative status, ark-reared rabbits showed higher thiobarbituric reactive substances values than C ones, probably for the higher motor activity due to the larger living area. The lipid percentage of Longissimus lumborum muscle was lower (1.22 vs. 1.48%) in the ark group. There were no significant differences in the muscle pH, colour, water holding capacity and cooking loss. Given the higher intake of grass, rich in vitamins, carotenes, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, the antioxidant content of meat was higher in ark-reared rabbits (7.42 vs. 6.82 µg/g of retinol, 719.2 vs. 683.3 ng/g of α-tocopherol, respectively). Even the fatty acid profile of MA rabbits reflected the higher intake of essential fatty acids from grass and the n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) were almost doubled. Our study suggested that the fattening of rabbits in ark system could be a possible alternative system to improve the meat quality of rabbits.
Technical note: Characterization of key volatile odorants in rabbit meat using gas chromatography mass spectrometry with simultaneous distillation extraction
Authors: Xie Y.J. , He Z.F. , Zhang E. , Li H.J.
Published: December 2016

This study explored the key volatile compounds in both male and female rabbit meat. Simultaneous distillation extraction with dichloromethane was adopted to extract the volatile compounds in Hyla rabbit meat. A total of 35 volatile compounds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and quantified with 2, 4, 6-thimethylpyridine as internal standard. Seventeen volatile aldehydes, 4 alcohols, 2 ketones, 2 acids, 1 heterocyclic compound, 2 alkanes and 7 esters were detected. Hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, (E, E)-2, 4-decadienal, 1-octen-3-ol and (Z)-2-decenal were the key odorant compounds, with high relative odour activity value. Furthermore, the concentration of volatile compounds in male rabbit meat was higher than that in female rabbit meat.
Book review: Le lapin. De la biologie à l’élevage
Authors: González-Redondo P.
Published: December 2016

-
Performance and sustainability of two alternative rabbit breeding systems
Authors: Theau.Clément M. , Guardia S. , Davoust C. , Galliot P. , Souchet C. , Bignon L. , Fortun-Lamothe L.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate 2 alternative breeding systems that differ from the current system in terms of reproduction rhythm, age of females at first insemination and the age of kits at weaning and at slaughter. We measured the performance of 332 females and their offspring over 4 consecutive cycles, as well as the sustainability of the systems. We compared an intensive (group I: reproduction rhythm [RR]=35 d; first insemination [AI1]=20.6 wk of age; weaning age [WA]=32 d; slaughter age [WS]=63 d) an extensive (group E: RR=49 d; AI1=16.6 wk; WA=30 d; WS=70 d) and a semi-intensive system (group S: RR=42 d; AI1=19.6 wk; WA=35 d; WS=70 d) considered as the control system. Sustainability was evaluated using a multicriteria assessment method that takes 14 economic, environmental and social criteria into account, for which 3 to 5 indicators were expressed as the relative score [–1; –0.5; 0; +0.5; +1] for alternative systems compared to the control system. The productivity measured at 28 d (3.5, 4.2 and 4.6 kg/AI, for groups I, S and E, respectively), at 63 d post-partum (30, 38 and 42 kg/female for 4 cycles, respectively), and the total body energy measured 3 d after the 1st and at the 4th insemination (45.4, 46.8 and 49.5 MJ, respectively), were significantly increased when the reproductive rhythm decreased (P<0.001). Before and after weaning, kit mortality decreased when the reproduction rhythm decreased (11.4, 7.3, and 1.9% and 18.3, 15.3 and 10.6% for groups I, S and E, respectively, P<0.05). Carcass quality (weight and dressing percentage) was lower in I than in the S and E groups (P<0.001). On this basis, the yearly productivity per doe at weaning could be estimated at 79, 83, and 78 kg for groups I, S and E, respectively. Consequently, the productivity per reproductive cycle increases with the extensification of the breeding system. Nevertheless, compared with the current French system (S), simultaneous changes in several breeding practices could lead to new coherent and functional systems capable of improving various aspects of sustainability.
Conservative Management using the Triple Approach and the Rouen Technique in Large Deep Rectovaginal Endometriosis
Authors: Roman Horace , Darwish Basma , Tuech Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2016

Background

Colorectal resection is performed in numerous patients presenting with large endometriosis of mid and lower rectum; however, it may lead to low anterior rectal resection syndrome. To avoid such outcomes, we propose an original technique combining vaginal excision of infiltrated vaginal cul de sac, laparoscopic deep rectal shaving and transanal disc excision using a semi-circular stapler: the Rouen technique.

Methods

The video presents the procedure performed in a 31-year-old nullipara referred with a large endometriotic nodule infiltrating the vaginal posterior cul de sac and the anterior wall of the mid rectum on more than 30 mm length responsible for symptomatic stenosis. The first step of the procedure is represented by the excision of vaginal infiltration using a vaginal approach. The second step includes a laparoscopic deep rectal shaving performed using exclusively the plasma energy. Then, transanal excision is performed from rectal approach, by placing traction parachute sutures on the shaved area. Their traction induces the prolapse of shaved rectal wall that is resected using a semi-circular stapler.

Results

Operative time was 140 min. Immediate postoperative outcomes were uneventful. One year after the surgery, the patient reported one stool/day, without dyskesia, normal anal continence and no deep dsypareunia. To date, the Rouen technique was successfully carried out in 42 women with large deep endometriosis of the mid and lower rectum.

Conclusions

The Rouen technique is feasible and reproducible in large mid and lower rectal endometriosis and might avoid the risk of unfavourable outcomes related to low colorectal resection.
The Impact of Chronic Pelvic Pain and Its Associated Symptoms on Women'S Quality of Life in a TERTiary Care Hospital in Brazil
Authors: Augusto Kathiane L. , Araujo Licia A. , Magalhaes Thais F. , Marinho Manuela C.P. , Bezerra Leonardo R.P.S.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common manifestation of multiple diseases, and might be related to gynecological, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal causes. CPP is often associated with reduced quality of life (QOL).

Objective

To investigate whether pain intensity correlates negatively with the QOL in Brazilian women with CPP.

Methods

We recruited women with CPP referred to our outpatient service from December 2014 to December 2015. QOL was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) while clinical and demographic data were obtained using a standardized form. Statistics included Spearman's rank coefficient test and chi-square test.

Results

The total SF-36 score correlated negatively with pain intensity as measured by visual analog scale (rho = -0.46). Significant correlations were seen in the role-physical (rho = -0.596), physical functioning (rho = -0.463), role-emotional (rho = -0.402) and bodily pain (rho = -0.471) domains, but not in the other SF-36 domains. There was a positive association between presence of acyclic chronic pain and history of being at emergency rooms for pain control (p = 0.026, chi-square test).

Conclusions

Pain intensity correlates negatively with QOL in Brazilian women with CPP, but different QOL domains are affected in a heterogeneous fashion. Further research is needed in order to determine the specific reasons behind such differences.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 10, No. 1
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: December 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2017
The Relationship between Shareholder Gender and Earnings Management in Private Italian Companies
Authors: Poli Simone
Published: December 2016

Although the relationship between the type and characteristics of shareholders and earnings management practices is a topic that has been extensively investigated in the literature, the specific relationship between shareholder gender and earnings management practices has been overlooked by scholars. To contribute to filling this knowledge gap, this study investigates whether and how shareholder gender is related to the magnitude of abnormal (or discretionary) accruals in private Italian companies. It shows that the relationship between female ownership and the magnitude of abnormal accruals is not linear (and negative), but quadratic. This means that the practice of manipulating accruals is not contrasted by the presence of female ownership but by the presence of gender heterogeneity in the ownership structure.
Factorial Validity of an Instrument in Order to Measure the Organizational Climate in Preschoolers
Authors: Alvarez Dolores G. , Ruiz Veronica E. , Ojeda Joseph F. , Ramírez Nidia I.
Published: December 2016

The objective of this research was to propose an instrument based on the ECL Valenzuela (ECL, acronym for Work Climate Scale in Spanish), which could maintain an optimal level of reliability, but with its slim structure. The methodology used was a quantitative approach with no experimental transactional design which used Exploratory Factor Analysis AFE (for its acronym in Spanish), as a consequence 37 items were able to be reduced and the structure was adapted to attend preschools, maintaining the level of reliability of the instrument, as a result a new instrument CL Preschool took place. It is concluded that from the dimensions: Collaborative Environment, Manager Relationships, Professional Development, Compensation, Membership, Information, Training, Organization and Labor Media, the organizational climate can be explained from the preschooler research subjects.
Factors Affecting Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) Stock Market Return in Malaysia
Authors: Murthy Uma , Anthony Paul , Vighnesvaran Rubana
Published: December 2016

This paper studies the relationship between Kuala Lumpur Composite Index Stock Market Return with four macroeconomic determinants, namely interest rate, exchange rate, money supply and oil price from January 1997 to December 2015 on a monthly basis with a total of 228 observations. However, most of the studies are carried out in developed countries and large economic nations instead of in emerging markets such as Malaysia. Thus, this study aims to extend the existing studies to include the impact of several macroeconomics determinants namely interest rate, exchange rate, money supply and oil price on KLCI stock market return. This paper employed Multiple Linear Regression to examine the statistical relationship and to test the hypotheses. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS. For diagnostic checking, there is existence of autocorrelation problem which is typically found in time-series data.  Results indicated that there is negative relationship between exchange rate and stock market return and positive relationship between money supply and stock market return. Interest rate and oil price are found to have insignificant relationship with stock market return.
Detecting the Unstable Points in Deformation Monitoring Geodetic Networks in Analysis Method of Subnetwork
Authors: Javadi Peyman
Published: December 2016

One of the most crucial issues in engineering of structure and investigating ground deformation is deformation monitoring. The only thing which is strongly required is to create microgeodesy networks. An essential issue in microgeodesy networks is detecting unstable points of network. L1-Norm minimization and the global congruency can be noted as one of the classical methods for identifying network unstable points. In all previously conducted studies regarding this issue, results distinctly demonstrates that when displacement point vector is small, the number of points which have really displaced is more than that of true detection of displaced points using common deformation analysis ways. The probable reason for that can refer to spreading nature of the least squares estimation. Considering the results of recent studies in the detecting the network unstable points, to tackle the limitation the idea of subnetwork analysis is offered. In this case, some subnetworks including a subject point and the other source points appeared from dividing the deformation monitoring network. According to the unstable points, subnetworks will be there. This method will enable us to investigate the stable and unstable points. Having divided whole network to subnetworks, each network would be adjusted and unstable points of it would be detected. So, unstable points and their relations are cutoff and spreading effect of the least squares is fallen. This paper is on effort to evaluate the method in a simulated and a real network. The results prove that in a better and correct detection of unstable point can be successfully achieved by using subnetwork analysis compared to global congruency test all stimulates states proved the 35% of improvement on average. One percent of improvement in the results of subnetwork method to L1-Norm minimization cannot be acceptable. The algorithms of detecting unstable points in common methods and the method of analyzing subnetwork were conducted on a real network and the results are in line with simulated network results.
Application of Central Force Optimization Method to Design Transient Protection Devices for Water Transmission Pipelines
Authors: Moghaddas S.Mahmood Jazayeri , Samani Hossein M.V.
Published: December 2016

One of the major challenges in designing under pressure water transmission pipeline is the system protection against water-hammer pressures due to a pump trip. The best strategy is to use air-chamber; which imposes considerable costs. To mitigate the air-chamber volume, the use of air-inletvalvesis also suggested. Determination of air-chamber volume as well as the type and proper locations of air-inlet valves, aiming at the cost reduction, introduces an optimization problem. To solve this problem, this study exploitsthe central force optimization (CFO) method. Herein, a case study pipeline is optimized using the proposed model based on the CFO and is compared with results of a genetic algorithm (GA) based model. Both methods yielded almost the same results and led to about 30% saving in the system protection cost. However, a comparison between the methods showed that the CFO dramaticallyoutperforms GA in both terms of computational efficiency and reliability of the results.