bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of i-Mutawwif: A Mobile Language Traveller Guide in Arabic for Mutawwif (Umrah Tour Guide)
Authors: Sahrir Muhammad Sabri Bin , Yahaya Mohd Firdaus , Ismail Taufik , Zubir Muhamad Azhar , Ahmad Wan Rusli Wan
Published: March 2018

The explosion use of various mobile gadgets such as PC tabs, smartphones, I-Pads and so on has tremendously affected learning process and delivery of content and messages faster and faster including the creation of a new field of research that relates to language learning and mobile technologies called Mobile Assisted Language Learning or MALL. The mobile technologies are suitable for distance learners as well such as traveller’s guide and backpackers who need to communicate in certain language in a country. This paper is focusing on the development and evaluation of a mobile language guide application in Arabic language for Mutawwif (Umrah Tour Guide) via smart phones in Android supported platform. The development process was done based needs analysis process among 100 mutawwif and the evaluation on user testing session was conducted among 50 respondents and who are purposively selected from 30 mutawwif and 20 learners in Baitul Mal Professional Institute under the specialization of Diploma in Hajj and Umrah Management from 26 March until 20 April 2017. However, this paper will only be discussing the scope of development and evaluation phases in the shed of ADDIE instructional design model. Overall results indicated that his interactive mobile app prototype satisfied the users’ on their language learning for traveller’s purpose by helping the Mutawwif to communicate in Arabic more effectively. 
Improving Pre-hospital Care of Road Traffic Accident's Victims with Smartphone Technology
Authors: Abdellah Osman A. , Aborokbah Majed M. , Elfaki Abbdelrahman Osman
Published: March 2018

One of the most causes to lose millions of lives around the world is Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs). According to the world health organization (WHO) report, 1.25 million people are killed each year as a result of RTAs, 20 to 50 million people were injured, and the number of killed people by RTAs is expected to increase further by 2020. The recent studies conclude that patient survival during a health emergency situation depends on the effective pre-hospital healthcare services, while the effective communication between the paramedics and prehospital staff is one of the important healthcare success factors. With the rapid growing of information and communication technology (ICT), wireless technologies and mobile services can provide viable solution to overcome the pre-hospital healthcare problems. The aim of this research is to improve the quality of prehospital emergency healthcare services at KSA by developing and implementing a mobile based emergency system. The proposed application is moving the diagnosis time to be started during traveling time witch accelerate the treatment. The proposed system shows satisfactory results in term of effectiveness and satisfaction
The use of continuous household surveys to generate timely data for annual programme outcome monitoring: Experience from the Integrated Family Health Program in Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Girma , Kibret Mengistu A. , Tefera Bekele B. , Hagos Kidest L. , Zerihun Habtamu , Ali Ismael
Published: March 2018

Background: Lack of timely household (HH) level data to inform evidence-based decision-making for improved, timely and targeted health interventions is challenging. Integrated Family Health Program (IFHP) developed and implemented a system for collecting data on an on-going basis at household levels.Objective: To discuss the implementation of the continuous household surveys of the IFHP.Methods: Continuous surveys were used for generating timely data for monitoring outcome indicators. Integrated Family Health Program conducted continuous cross-sectional household surveys in its four major target regions over the past 6 years. This approach facilitated the aggregation of data annually, thus enabling progress to be tracked over time and timely decision-making. A total of 2560 households were interviewed each year and trend report synthesised for use.Result: Key performance indicators in the areas of family planning, and maternal and child health were considered for the study. Time series analysis data revealed overall progress in each outcome indicator. The report was shared among key programme staff to provide data for informed programmatic decision-making.Conclusion: The surveys as part of other programme activities proved to be a feasible and efficient way to generate timely data for programme outcome monitoring. Documenting the design and implementing data collection and feedback mechanism for prospective description and outcome monitoring potentially represents a new paradigm for course correction.Recommendation: Programme implementers should plan integrated continuous programme outcome monitoring mechanism as part of programme design rather than waiting for mid-term or end-term project evaluation.
Retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell complex thickness in patients with keratoconus
Authors: Cuppusamy Prianka , Makhanya Nokwanda , Methula Mbekezeli , Essop Kausar M. , Sibisi Duduzile , Wohabally Naseera , Gcabashe Nonkululeko , Rampersad Nishanee
Published: March 2018

Background: Keratoconus, a corneal ectasia, is associated with corneal thinning and altered optical media. Consequently, assessment of the visual field, optic nerve head and intraocular pressure measurements may be challenging in patients with keratoconus. Few studies have investigated posterior segment variables including the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in patients with keratoconus.Aim: To investigate RNFL and GCC thickness in patients with keratoconus.Methods: A comparative quantitative research design was used. The sample consisted of 56 participants (28 with mild, moderate or severe keratoconus, and 28 controls) who accessed the optometry clinic at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. There was an equal distribution of male (n = 14) and female (n = 14) participants in the keratoconus and control groups. Most participants were black (n = 34) or Indian (n = 18). Corneal power and refractive error were assessed with the Oculus Keratograph and subjective refraction respectively. The iVue-100 optical coherence topography device was used to measure RNFL and GCC thickness. Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The mean global RNFL thickness was slightly higher in the control group than the keratoconus group for the right (106 µm vs. 99 µm) and left (103 µm vs. 98 µm) eyes but these differences were not significant (p ≥ 0.057). For all RNFL quadrants, slightly lower mean RNFL measurements were found in the keratoconus group. The mean GCC thicknesses were marginally higher (3 µm – 6 µm) in the control group.Conclusion: The RNFL and GCC thickness differences between patients with keratoconus and controls are not clinically significant. Therefore, abnormally reduced RNFL and GCC thickness measurements in patients with keratoconus warrant further investigation for other pathologies specifically glaucoma.
Sharp Estimates of the Norms of Embeddings between Besov Spaces
Authors: Domínguez Oscar
Published: March 2018

Optimal estimates are obtained for the rates of blow up of the norm of the embedding

B^s_{p,r} \hookrightarrow B^{s-n (\frac{1}{p}-\frac{1}{q} )}_{q,r}

with

p < q

as

s \rightarrow n\big(\frac{1}{p}-\frac{1}{q} \big)+

. We also show optimal limiting embeddings between Besov spaces and Lipschitz spaces.
Topological Structure of Solutions Sets for Semilinear Evolution Inclusions
Authors: Zhou Yong , Peng Li
Published: March 2018

This paper deals with a semilinear evolution inclusion involving a nondensely defined closed linear operator satisfying the Hille–Yosida condition and source term of multivalued type in Banach spaces. The topological structure of the set of solutions is investigated in the case that semigroup is noncompact. It is shown that the solution set is nonempty, compact and an

R_\delta

-set. It is proved on compact intervals and then, using the inverse limit method, obtained on non-compact intervals. As a sample of application, we consider a parabolic partial differential inclusion at end of the paper.
Well-Posedness and Orbital Stability of Periodic Traveling Waves for Schamel's Equation
Authors: Cardoso Jr. Eleomar , Natali Fábio , Pastor Ademir
Published: March 2018

In this paper we will prove results of global well-posedness and orbital stability of periodic traveling-wave solutions related to the Schamel equation. The global solvability will be established by using compactness tools. In order to overcome the lack of smoothness of the nonlinearity, we approximate the original problem by regularizing the nonlinear term through a convenient polynomial near the origin. By following an adaptation of the well-known method introduced by Grillakis, Shatah, and Strauss, the orbital stability will be determined by proving, under certain conditions, that the periodic waves minimize an augmented Hamiltonian.
Верхние грани приближения некоторых классов функций комплексной переменной рядами Фурье в пространстве $L_2$ и значения $n$-поперечников
Authors: Shabozov Mirgand Shabozovich , Saidusajnov Mukim Saidusainovich
Published: March 2018

В работе рассматривается задача среднеквадратичного приближения
функций комплексного переменного, регулярных в области
$\mathscr D\subset\mathbb C$, рядами Фурье по ортогональной
в $\mathscr D$ системе функций $\{\varphi_k(z)\}$, $k=0,1,2,…$ .
В случае, когда $\mathscr D=z\in\mathbb C:|z|<1\}$, получены
точные оценки скорости сходимости рядов Фурье по ортогональной
системе $z^k\}$, $k=0,1,2,…$, на классах функций, задаваемых
специальным модулем непрерывности $m$-го порядка. Вычислены точные
значения ряда $n$-поперечников на указанных классах функций.
Библиография: 17 названий.
Environmental implications of Universal Rural Road Access Program (URRAP) roads in Southwestern Ethiopia: The case of Jimma and Buno Bedelle zones
Authors: Negesso Hassen , Edae Milkessa
Published: March 2018

Ethiopia has been undertaking numerous development programs and projects with the objective of taking a country to the middle-income countries in the near future. Universal Rural Road Access Program (URRAP) roads being constructed in Jimma and Bunno Bedele zones are among the projects in Ethiopia. Although these projects are assumed to bring desirable positive change, there are sometimes negative consequences on environmental issues. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate the negative sides of these projects on environmental elements. Household survey with randomly selected household heads and in-depth interview, focus group discussion (FGD) and observation for purposively selected samples were used to collect relevant and required data. Thereby, data were analyzed quantitatively by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitatively through thematic method. The findings from the analyzed data show that rural roads being constructed by URRAP have both positive and negative impacts on plant species, bird species, reptile species, mammal’s species, amphibians’ species, soil, and climate. Finally, URRAP is in dilemma and needs an extensive and frequent supervision, monitoring, inclusive, interdisciplinary and sound strategies and policies by responsible bodies at all expected levels and contexts.
Optimization approaches for robot trajectory planning
Authors: Llopis-Albert Carlos , Rubio Francisco , Valero Francisco
Published: March 2018

The development of optimal trajectory planning algorithms for autonomous robots is a key issue in order to efficiently perform the robot tasks. This problem is hampered by the complex environment regarding the kinematics and dynamics of robots with several arms and/or degrees of freedom (dof), the design of collision-free trajectories and the physical limitations of the robots. This paper presents a review about the existing robot motion planning techniques and discusses their pros and cons regarding completeness, optimality, efficiency, accuracy, smoothness, stability, safety and scalability.
Heterogeneous OH oxidation of secondary brown carbon aerosol
Authors: Schnitzler Elijah G. , Abbatt Jonathan P. D.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Light-absorbing organic aerosol, or brown carbon (BrC), has significant but poorly-constrained effects on climate; for example, oxidation in the atmosphere may alter its optical properties, leading to absorption enhancement or bleaching. Here, we investigate for the first time the effects of heterogeneous OH oxidation on the optical properties of a laboratory surrogate of secondary BrC in a series of photo-oxidation chamber experiments. The BrC surrogate was generated from aqueous resorcinol, or 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, and H2O2 exposed to > 300 nm radiation, atomized, passed through trace gas denuders, and injected into the chamber, which was conditioned to either 15 or 60 % relative humidity (RH). Aerosol absorption and scattering coefficients and single scattering albedo (SSA) at 405 nm were measured using a photo-acoustic spectrometer. At 60 % RH, upon OH exposure, absorption first increased, and the SSA decreased sharply. Subsequently, absorption decreased faster than scattering, and SSA increased gradually. Comparisons to the modelled trend in SSA, based on Mie theory calculations, confirm that the observed trend is due to chemical evolution, rather than slight changes in particle size. The initial absorption enhancement is likely due to molecular functionalization and/or oligomerization, and the bleaching to fragmentation. By contrast, at 15 % RH, slow absorption enhancement was observed, without appreciable bleaching. A multi-layer kinetics model, consisting of two surface reactions in series, was constructed to provide further insights regarding the RH-dependence of the optical evolution. Candidate parameters suggest that the oxidation is efficient, with uptake coefficients on the order of unity, and the aerosol is very viscous, even at 60 % RH. At 15 % RH, the aerosol will be viscous enough to confine products of fragmentation, leading to their recombination, such that little bleaching is observed on the experimental timescale. These results further the current understanding of the complex processing of BrC that may occur in the atmosphere.
Updated SO2 emission estimates over China using OMI/Aura observations
Authors: Koukouli Maria Elissavet , Theys Nicolas , Ding Jieying , Zyrichidou Irene , Mijling Bas , Balis Dimitrios , van der A Ronald Johannes
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The main aim of this paper is to update existing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission inventories over China using modern inversion techniques, state-of-the-art chemistry transport modelling (CTM) and satellite observations of SO2. Within the framework of the EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) MarcoPolo (Monitoring and Assessment of Regional air quality in China using space Observations) project, a new SO2 emission inventory over China was calculated using the CHIMERE v2013b CTM simulations, 10 years of Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)/Aura total SO2 columns and the pre-existing Multi-resolution Emission Inventory for China (MEIC v1.2). It is shown that including satellite observations in the calculations increases the current bottom-up MEIC inventory emissions for the entire domain studied (15–55° N, 102–132° E) from 26.30 to 32.60 Tg annum−1, with positive updates which are stronger in winter ( ∼  36 % increase). New source areas were identified in the southwest (25–35° N, 100–110° E) as well as in the northeast (40–50° N, 120–130° E) of the domain studied as high SO2 levels were observed by OMI, resulting in increased emissions in the a posteriori inventory that do not appear in the original MEIC v1.2 dataset. Comparisons with the independent Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research, EDGAR v4.3.1, show a satisfying agreement since the EDGAR 2010 bottom-up database provides 33.30 Tg annum−1 of SO2 emissions. When studying the entire OMI/Aura time period (2005 to 2015), it was shown that the SO2 emissions remain nearly constant before the year 2010, with a drift of −0.51 ± 0.38 Tg annum−1, and show a statistically significant decline after the year 2010 of −1.64 ± 0.37 Tg annum−1 for the entire domain. Similar findings were obtained when focusing on the greater Beijing area (30–40° N, 110–120° E) with pre-2010 drifts of −0.17 ± 0.14 and post-2010 drifts of −0.47 ± 0.12 Tg annum−1. The new SO2 emission inventory is publicly available and forms part of the official EU MarcoPolo emission inventory over China, which also includes updated NOx, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter emissions.
Variation pattern of particulate organic carbon and nitrogen in oceans and inland waters
Authors: Huang Changchun , Jiang Quanliang , Yao Ling , Yang Hao , Lin Chen , Huang Tao , Zhu A-Xing , Zhang Yimin
Published: March 2018

Abstract. We examined the relationship between, and variations in,
particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) based
on previously acquired ocean and inland water data. The latitudinal
dependency of POC ∕ PON is significant between 20 and 90∘ N but
weak in low-latitude areas and in the Southern Hemisphere. The mean values of
POC ∕ PON in the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere were 7.40±3.83 and 7.80±3.92, respectively. High values of POC ∕ PON
appeared between 80–90 (12.2±7.5) and
70–80∘ N (9.4±6.4), while relatively low
POC ∕ PON was found from 20 (6.6±2.8) to 40∘ N (6.7±2.7). The latitudinal variation of POC ∕ PON in the Northern Hemisphere
is much stronger than in the Southern Hemisphere due to the influence of more
terrestrial organic matter. Higher POC and PON could be expected in coastal
waters. POC ∕ PON growth ranged from 6.89±2.38 to 7.59±4.22
in the Northern Hemisphere, with an increasing rate of 0.0024 km from the
coastal to open ocean. Variations of POC ∕ PON in lake water also showed
a similar latitude-variation tendency of POC ∕ PON with ocean water but
were significantly regulated by the lakes' morphology, trophic state and
climate. Small lakes and high-latitude lakes prefer relatively high
POC ∕ PON, and large lakes and low-latitude lakes tend to prefer low
POC ∕ PON. The coupling relationship between POC and PON in oceans is
much stronger than in inland waters. Variations in POC, PON and POC ∕ PON
in inland waters should receive more attention due to the implications of
these values for the global carbon and nitrogen cycles and the indeterminacy
of the relationship between POC and PON.
The Ballast Effect of Lithogenic Matter and its Influences on the Carbon Fluxes in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Rixen Tim , Gaye Birgit , Emeis Kay-Christian , Ramaswamy Venkitasubramani
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Data obtained from long-term sediment trap experiments in the Indian Ocean were analysed in conjunction with satellite-derived observations and results obtained from a box model to study the influence of primary production and the ballast effect on organic carbon flux into the deep sea. The results are used to better understand the associated impacts on the CO2 uptake of the organic carbon pump. In line with other findings derived from global data sets, our results suggest that a preferential export of organic matter in slower-sinking particles reduces the transfer efficiency of exported organic matter in high-productive systems compared with low-productive regions. The resulting enhanced respiration of organic matter maintains the high nutrient availability in the surface ocean and thus the high productivity during the summer and winter bloom in the Arabian Sea. In turn, mineral ballast is essential for the transport of organic matter and nutrients into the deep sea. The additional lithogenic ballast effect can increase organic carbon fluxes by 60 %. Our model results indicate that lithogenic ballast enhances the CO2 uptake of the organic carbon pump by increasing the amount of nutrients utilised by the organic carbon pump to bind CO2. By enhancing the export of organic matter into the deep sea, the ballast effect increases the residence time of these nutrients in the ocean. They lose the attached CO2 if they are introduced into the surface ocean at higher latitude, where the lack of light prevents photosynthesis in winter. Considering the impact of the lithogenic ballast effect on the organic carbon export into the deep sea and the enhanced mobilisation of lithogenic matter due to land-use changes, it is assumed that humans influence the CO2 uptake of the organic carbon pump, which might hold relevance for the discussion about the anthropogenic CO2 uptake of the ocean.
A fully consistent and conservative vertically adaptive coordinate system for SLIM 3D v0.4 with an application to the thermocline oscillations of Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Delandmeter Philippe , Lambrechts Jonathan , Legat Vincent , Vallaeys Valentin , Naithani Jaya , Thiery Wim , Remacle Jean-François , Deleersnijder Eric
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method is well suited for the modelling, with a relatively small number of elements, of three-dimensional flows exhibiting strong velocity or density gradients. Its performance can be highly enhanced by having recourse to r-adaptivity. Here, a vertical adaptive mesh method is developed for DG finite elements. This method, originally designed for finite difference schemes, is based on the vertical diffusion of the mesh nodes, with the diffusivity controlled by the density jumps at the mesh element interfaces. The mesh vertical movement is determined by means of a conservative arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) formulation. Though conservativity is naturally achieved, tracer consistency is obtained by a suitable construction of the mesh vertical velocity field, which is defined in such a way that it is fully compatible with the tracer and continuity equations at a discrete level. The vertically adaptive mesh approach is implemented in the three-dimensional version of the geophysical and environmental flow Second-generation Louvain-la-Neuve Ice-ocean Model (SLIM 3D; www.climate.be/slim). Idealised benchmarks, aimed at simulating the oscillations of a sharp thermocline, are dealt with. Then, the relevance of the vertical adaptivity technique is assessed by simulating thermocline oscillations of Lake Tanganyika. The results are compared to measured vertical profiles of temperature, showing similar stratification and outcropping events.
Benchmarking ensemble streamflow prediction skill in the UK
Authors: Harrigan Shaun , Prudhomme Christel , Parry Simon , Smith Katie , Tanguy Maliko
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Skilful hydrological forecasts at sub-seasonal to seasonal lead times would
be extremely beneficial for decision-making in water resources management,
hydropower operations, and agriculture, especially during drought conditions.
Ensemble streamflow prediction (ESP) is a well-established method for
generating an ensemble of streamflow forecasts in the absence of skilful
future meteorological predictions, instead using initial hydrologic
conditions (IHCs), such as soil moisture, groundwater, and snow, as the
source of skill. We benchmark when and where the ESP method is skilful across
a diverse sample of 314 catchments in the UK and explore the relationship
between catchment storage and ESP skill. The GR4J hydrological model was
forced with historic climate sequences to produce a 51-member ensemble of
streamflow hindcasts. We evaluated forecast skill seamlessly from lead times
of 1 day to 12 months initialized at the first of each month over a 50-year
hindcast period from 1965 to 2015. Results showed ESP was skilful against a
climatology benchmark forecast in the majority of catchments across all lead
times up to a year ahead, but the degree of skill was strongly conditional on
lead time, forecast initialization month, and individual catchment location
and storage properties. UK-wide mean ESP skill decayed exponentially as a
function of lead time with continuous ranked probability skill scores across
the year of 0.75, 0.20, and 0.11 for 1-day, 1-month, and 3-month lead times,
respectively. However, skill was not uniform across all initialization
months. For lead times up to 1 month, ESP skill was higher than average when
initialized in summer and lower in winter months, whereas for longer seasonal
and annual lead times skill was higher when initialized in autumn and winter
months and lowest in spring. ESP was most skilful in the south and east of
the UK, where slower responding catchments with higher soil moisture and
groundwater storage are mainly located; correlation between catchment base
flow index (BFI) and ESP skill was very strong (Spearman's rank correlation
coefficient =0.90 at 1-month lead time). This was in contrast to the more
highly responsive catchments in the north and west which were generally not
skilful at seasonal lead times. Overall, this work provides scientific
justification for when and where use of such a relatively simple forecasting
approach is appropriate in the UK. This study, furthermore, creates a low
cost benchmark against which potential skill improvements from more
sophisticated hydro-meteorological ensemble prediction systems can be judged.
High-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy
Authors: Buckin Vitaly
Published: March 2018

Abstract. High-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy (HR-US) is an analytical technique for direct and non-destructive monitoring of molecular and micro-structural transformations in liquids and semi-solid materials. It is based on precision measurements of ultrasonic velocity and attenuation in analysed samples. The application areas of HR-US in research, product development, and quality and process control include analysis of conformational transitions of polymers, ligand binding, molecular self-assembly and aggregation, crystallisation, gelation, characterisation of phase transitions and phase diagrams, and monitoring of chemical and biochemical reactions. The technique does not require optical markers or optical transparency. The HR-US measurements can be performed in small sample volumes (down to droplet size), over broad temperature range, at ambient and elevated pressures, and in various measuring regimes such as automatic temperature ramps, titrations and measurements in flow.
Utsu aftershock productivity law explained from geometric operations on the permanent static stress field of mainshocks
Authors: Mignan Arnaud
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The aftershock productivity law is an exponential function of the form
K∝exp(αM), with K being the number of aftershocks
triggered by a given mainshock of magnitude M and α≈ln (10)
being the productivity parameter. This law remains empirical in nature
although it has also been retrieved in static stress simulations. Here, we
parameterize this law using the solid seismicity postulate (SSP), the basis
of a geometrical theory of seismicity where seismicity patterns are described
by mathematical expressions obtained from geometric operations on a permanent
static stress field. We first test the SSP that relates seismicity density to
a static stress step function. We show that it yields a power exponent
q = 1.96 ± 0.01 for the power-law spatial linear density
distribution of aftershocks, once uniform noise is added to the static stress
field, in agreement with observations. We then recover the exponential
function of the productivity law with a break in scaling obtained between
small and large M, with α=1.5ln (10) and ln (10), respectively,
in agreement with results from previous static stress simulations. Possible
biases of aftershock selection, proven to exist in epidemic-type aftershock
sequence (ETAS) simulations, may explain the lack of break in scaling
observed in seismicity catalogues. The existence of the theoretical kink,
however, remains to be proven. Finally, we describe how to estimate the solid
seismicity parameters (activation density δ+, aftershock solid
envelope r∗ and background stress amplitude range Δo∗) for large M values.
Bank Specific, Industry Concentration, and Macroeconomic Determinants of Egyptian Banks' Profitability
Authors: Abobakr Mohamed Galal
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to explain the elements that affect banks' profitability in the Egyptian banking sector during the period from 2006 to 2015. The researcher uses unbalanced panel annual data for 26 working banks in the Egyptian market. Generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimators are applied to define the most affected factors. Return on assets (ROE) and the return on equity (ROA) have been used as measurements of bank profitability. The findings of the study reveal that high profitability are associated with large bank size, large capital ratio and large operating income, while lower profitability is associated with higher non-interest income. As macroeconomic variables do affect profitability significantly, the researcher suggests that macroeconomic strategies that encourage low inflation and sustain growth rate, enhances loans expansion, boost banks' profitability.
Creating a foundation for implementing an electronic health records (EHR)-integrated Social Knowledge Networking (SKN) system on medication reconciliation
Authors: P. Rangachari , K.C. Dellsperger , D. Fallaw , I. Davis , M. Sumner , W. Ray , S. Fiedler , T. Nguyen , R. Rethemeyer
Published: March 2018

Background: In fall 2016, Augusta University received a two-year grant from AHRQ, to implement a Social Knowledge Networking (SKN) system for enabling its health system, AU-Health, to progress from “limited use” of electronic health records (EHR) Medication Reconciliation (MedRec) Technology, to “meaningful use”. Phase 1 sought to identify a comprehensive set of issues related to EHR MedRec encountered by practitioners at AU-Health. These efforts helped develop a Reporting Tool, which, along with a Discussion Tool, was incorporated into the AU-Health EHR, at the end of Phase 1. Phase 2 (currently underway), comprises a 52-week pilot of the EHR-integrated SKN system in outpatient and inpatient medicine units. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methods and results of Phase 1.Methods: Phase 1 utilized an exploratory mixed-method approach, involving two rounds of data collection. This included 15 individual interviews followed by a survey of 200 practitioners, i.e., physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, based in the outpatient and inpatient medicine service at AU Health.Results: Thematic analysis of interviews identified 55 issue-items related to EHR MedRec under 9 issue-categories. The survey sought practitioners’ importance-rating of all issue-items identified from interviews. A total of 127 (63%) survey responses were received. Factor analysis served to validate the following 6 of the 9 issue-categories, all of which, were rated “Important” or higher (on average), by over 70% of all respondents: 1) Care-Coordination (CCI); 2) Patient-Education (PEI); 3) Ownership-and-Accountability (OAI); 4) Processes-of-Care (PCI); 5) IT-Related (ITRI); and 6)Workforce-Training (WTI). Significance-testing of importance-rating by professional affiliation revealed no statistically significant differences for CCI and PEI; and some statistically significant differences for OAI, PCI, ITRI, and WTI.Conclusions: There were two key gleanings from the issues related to EHR MedRec unearthed by this study: 1) there was an absence of shared understanding among practitioners, of the value of EHR MedRec in promoting patient safety, which contributed to workarounds, and suboptimal use of the EHR MedRec system; and 2) there was a socio-technical dimension to many of the issues, creating an added layer of complexity. These gleanings in turn, provide insights into best practices for managing both clinical transitions-of-care in the EHR MedRec process; and socio-technical challenges encountered in EHR MedRec implementation.
Challenges of First Years of Teaching in Turkey: Voices of Novice EFL Teachers
Authors: Sali Pinar , Kecik Ilknur
Published: March 2018

The present study aims to describe the challenges as perceived by novice teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL). The participants of the study were seven (7) novice EFL teachers in public primary and secondary schools in Turkey. The data sources include semi-structured interviews, diary entries, video-recorded classroom observations and stimulated recall interviews. The results, discussed in relation to pre-service and in-service teacher education, suggested that the novice EFL teachers started out their pedagogical journey amid competing and interacting challenges.
The Dominant Factor of Teacher’s Role as A Motivator of Students’ Interest and Motivation in Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Tambunan Hardi
Published: March 2018

This study aims to identify the most dominant factor of the teacher’s role as a motivator that influences students’ interest and motivation to perform in mathematics achievement. It is conducted in eighth grade of senior high school with 209 students, consisted of five state schools and two private schools from seven regencies in North Sumatera. The data collecting technique uses questionnaire about students’ interest and motivation toward mathematics and teacher’s role as motivator. Numerical data on mathematics achievement of students is obtained from school documents. The result of data with path analysis is obtained by dominant factor of teacher’s role as motivator that is factor of delivery of learning goal and learning comfort equal to 6.10%, and 6.00% is influenced by the delivery of learning objectives and variations of learning approaches, 5.17% is influenced by the delivery of learning objectives, 5.06% is due to variations in the learning approach, 4.61% is influenced by learning comfort and variation of learning approach, and 4.26% influenced by pleasant class atmosphere.
The Influence of Parents’ Involvement on Children with Special Needs’ Motivation and Learning Achievement
Authors: Bariroh Siti
Published: March 2018

Some of the abnormal children face burden, distraction, interruption, tardiness, or risk factors so that they cannot get an optimum growth without special treatment or intervention. This study was aimed at discovering the influence of parents’ involvement to the learning motivation and achievement of children with different abilities. This research is a regressive model. The population was children with different abilities in SMP Negeri 4 Gresik, East Java Indonesia. The data collected through questionnaire and documentation, were then analyzed using linear regression test. The t-test results showed tcalculate value for variables of parents’ involvement (X) was 3,813. The results showed that tcalculate>ttable or 3,813> 2,093 or t value is higher than t table. It means that parents’ involvement sigifcantly influences children’s motivation. The result of the t-test also indicated that tcalculate value for parents’ involvement (X) was 3,601. If compared to ttable, then, tcalculate>ttable or 3,601> 2,093. It means that there is an influence of parents’ involvement on children’s achievement as well. Based on the finding, it can be recommended that parents should be more intensive in assisting, accompanying, and guiding their children, especially especially to the children who have special needs so that their motivation and academic achievement can be enhanced. It is also recommended that teachers and school should give more fruitful collaboration between schools to facilitate their needs and potentials.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Mathematics Research, Vol. 10, No. 2
Authors: Wang Sophia
Published: March 2018

Journal of Mathematics Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.Many authors, regardless of whether Journal of Mathematics Research publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers.Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 2  Ali Berkol, Space and Defense Technologies & Baskent University, TurkeyAmjad Salari, Razi University, IranFerit Gürbüz, Hakkari University, TurkeyGabriela Ciuperca, University Lyon 1, FranceGuoping Zhan, Zhejiang University of Technology, ChinaKhalil Ezzinbi, Cadi Ayyad University, MoroccoKong Liang, University of Illinois at Springfield, USAMarek Brabec, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Czech RepublicMeltem Erden Ege, Manisa Celal Bayar University, TurkeyMohd Hafiz, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MalaysiaÖzgür Ege, Ege University, TurkeyPhilip Yordanoff Philipoff, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BulgariaRami Ahmad El-Nabulsi, Athens Institute for Education and Research, GreeceRovshan Bandaliyev, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, AzerbaijanSanjib Kumar Datta, University of Kalyani, IndiaSergiy Koshkin, University of Houston Downtown, USAVishnu Narayan Mishra, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, IndiaYaqin Feng, Ohio University, USA Sophia WangOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Mathematics ResearchCanadian Center of Science and Education
Divine Conservation, Concurrence, and Occasionalism
Authors: Moad Edward Ryan ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2018

Occasionalism is the doctrine that relegates all real causal efficacy exclusively to God. This paper will aim to elucidate in some detail the metaphysical considerations that, together with certain common medieval theological axioms, constitute the philosophical steps leading to this doctrine. First, I will explain how the doctrine of divine conservation implies that we should attribute to divine power causal immediacy in every natural event and that it rules out mere conservationism as a model of the causal relation between God and nature. This leaves concurrentism and occasionalism as the only compatible options. Then I will explain the argument that since no coherent conception of divine concurrence is possible, occasionalism emerges as the only model of the causal relation between God and nature compatible with the doctrine of divine conservation.
Polyploid monolayer Ishikawa endometrial cells form unicellular hollow spheroids capable of migration
Authors: Fleming Honoree
Published: March 2018

The results in this paper demonstrate that Ishikawa endometrial monolayer cells become multinucleated by a process of nuclear “donation” from neighboring cells. As the resulting polyploid cell detaches from the colony in which it was formed, it is possible to detect mitonucleon(s) in the center of the cell. The mitonucleon is a transient mitochondrial superstructure surrounding aggregated chromatin (Fleming et al. 1998) with characteristics of the family of mitochondrial superstructures that are sometimes called spheroids or cup-shaped mitochondria (Fleming, 2016a). As was recently demonstrated gas vacuoles form within mitonucleons (Fleming, 2018). In the free-floating single cell, the retained gas creates a central vacuole, and the cell becomes a spheroid that floats above the monolayer. It resembles a “signet ring cell” in being characterized by a central vacuole and chromatin compressed against the vacuole membrane. The resulting structure is a spheroids that is hollow and unicellular, albeit polyploid. But whereas signet ring cells are assumed to be undergoing apoptosis, that is not the case for unicellular spheroids. Complete spheres with chromatin and cytosolic cell contents compressed against the cell membrane can be found floating independently above Ishikawa monolayers. When an isolated sphere settles back onto the surface of the petri dish, it is possible to observe dissipating gas bubbles within the now flattened sphere for a short period of time. When the gas is discharged the resulting cell looks like a typical giant polyploid cell.
Integrating ecosystem connectivity into the design of marine protected area networks
Authors: Peller Tianna , Andrews Samantha , Chaves Laís , Balbar Arieanna , Leroux Shawn , Guichard Frédéric
Published: March 2018

Marine protected area (MPA) networks are commonly designated to achieve ecosystem-level conservation objectives. To design MPA networks capable of achieving such objectives, there has been a strong emphasis placed on the importance of incorporating connectivity into their design. Approaches to incorporate connectivity, however, have primarily been developed from a population-based, biotic perspective that overlooks the abiotic components of ecosystems. Ecological evidence suggests that ecosystem connectivity - the movement of materials, including organisms, detritus, and inorganic nutrients, between ecosystems - can be a fundamental driver of ecosystem dynamics, emphasizing the need for MPA network design strategies to adopt a broader, ecosystem-based perspective on connectivity. Here, we propose a conceptual framework for integrating ecosystem connectivity into the design of MPA networks, using the best available data. Through the application of our framework to a case study on the Pacific coast of Canada, we present the current state of knowledge regarding benthic ecosystem connectivity in temperate marine environments. We highlight potential interdependencies between benthic marine ecosystems, and present evidence-based rules of thumb for integrating ecosystem connectivity into the design of MPA networks. We discuss our findings in relation to Canada’s MPA network objectives and design guidelines.
Investigating leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) on the west coast islands of Sabah via checklist-taking and DNA barcoding
Authors: Yeong Kam-Cheng , Takizawa Haruo , Liew Thor-Seng
Published: March 2018

Sabah, northern Borneo is one of the world’s most well-recognized biodiversity hotspots famous for the incredible diversity of its flora and fauna. Plenty of studies of leaf beetle fauna from this region have been conducted over the past 30 years. Yet, our knowledge of the leaf beetle fauna from island habitats remains scarce despite Sabah having the highest number of islands in Malaysia (ca. 500 islands). In this study, we collected leaf beetle fauna from 13 islands off the west coast of Sabah between January 2016 and March 2017. All specimens were identified to species level. Species names were assigned when the specimens fitted the description of species in the literature and morpho-species were assigned when the species names could not be determined. In addition, DNA barcodes – mitochondarial COI gene – of the species were sequenced. A total of 68 species from 31 genera and 5 subfamilies were collected with 12 species name being determined. From the data it was established that Pulau Gaya has the highest species richness (42 species), followed by Pulau Tiga (22 species) and Pulau Sapangar (18 species). Furthermore, a total of 64 Barcode Index Numbers consisting of 101 DNA barcodes were obtained from 60 leaf beetle species. The mean intraspecific and interspecific distances were determined as 0.77 % and 16.11 %, respectively. In addition, DNA barcoding also reveals phenotypic variation in leaf beetle species, particularly in the case of the subfamily Galerucinae. This study provides baseline knowledge and information about the DNA barcodes of leaf beetle species on Sabah’s island habitats for use in future studies.
Intein-mediated backbone cyclization of entolimod confers enhanced radioprotective activity in mouse models
Authors: Ye Bingyu , Shen Wenlong , Shi Minglei , Zhang Yan , Xu Cunshuan , Zhao Zhihu
Published: March 2018

Background. Entolimod is a Salmonella enterica flagellin derivate. Previous work has demonstrated that entolimod effectively protects mice and non-human primates from ionizing radiation. However, it caused a “flu-like” syndrome after radioprotective and anticancer clinical application, indicating some type of immunogenicity and toxicity. Cyclization is commonly used to improve the in vivo stability and activity of peptides and proteins. Methods. We designed and constructed cyclic entolimod using split Npu DnaE intein with almost 100% cyclization efficiency. We adopted different strategies to purify the linear and circular entolimod due to their different topologies. Results. After Ni-chelating affinity purification, the linear and circular entolimod were purified by size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography, respectively. Compared with linear entolimod, the circular entolimod showed significantly increased both the in vitro NF-κB signaling and in vivo radioprotective activity in mice. Discussions/Conclusions. Our data indicates that circular entolimod might be a good candidate for further clinical investigation.
Romandan Tiyatroya: Değirmen - Sarıpınar 1914 / From Novel to Theatre: Degirmen - Saripinar 1914
Authors: Topçu Hayrunisa
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Reşat Nuri Güntekin is one of the prolific author of Turkish Literature. He owns a lot of literary works within novel and theatre play genres. He cogitated about all components of theatre from decor, till play writer and he wrote many articles. His study on this field was continued by other authors in the following years. Turgut Özakman is a writer who, like Reşat Nuri, has been thought over play writing and studied on theoretical part of theater. The novel named Değirmen which was published in 1944 by Reşat Nuri, was adapted to theater by the name of Sarıpınar 1914 by Turgut Özakman. The play was first staged by Ankara Sanat Tiyatrosu on 16 February 1968.

With the increasing interdisciplinary studies in recent years, the concept of adaptation has attracted the attention of researchers from almost every field. Therefore, the studies adapted from novel to theater have been discussed again with a new point of view. In this article named Romandan Tiyatroya: Değirmen / Sarıpınar 1914, Reşat Nuri’s novel Değirmen and Turgut Özakman’s theatre play Sarıpınar 1914 will be evaluated in the framework of the “adaptation theory”. It will be discussed the differences between the novel and theatre play and also reasons of the differences with the comparative evaluations made on the concept of plot, character, time and place.

 

Öz

Reşat Nuri Güntekin, Türk edebiyatının en üretken yazarlarından biridir. Özellikle roman ve tiyatro türünde birçok eseri vardır. Tiyatro konusunda dekordan oyun yazarlığına kadar her alanda kafa yormuş ve bu konuda birçok makale yazmıştır. Onun bu alanda yürüttüğü çalışmalar sonraki yıllarda başka yazarlar tarafından da devam ettirilmiştir. Turgut Özakman da tıpkı Reşat Nuri gibi oyun yazarlığı ile meşgul olmuş ve tiyatronun kuramsal kısmı üzerinde çalışmış bir yazardır. Reşat Nuri’nin 1944’te yayımlanan Değirmen isimli romanı, Turgut Özakman tarafından Sarıpınar 1914 adıyla tiyatroya uyarlanmıştır. Oyun ilk kez 16 Şubat 1968 tarihinde Ankara Sanat Tiyatrosu tarafından sahnelenmiştir.

Son yıllarda disiplinler arası çalışmaların artmasıyla birlikte uyarlama kavramı neredeyse her alandan araştırmacıların dikkatini çekmektedir. Dolayısıyla romandan tiyatroya aktarılan eserler de yeni bir bakış açısıyla tekrar ele alınmaya başlanmıştır. Romandan Tiyatroya: Değirmen / Sarıpınar 1914 adlı makalede Reşat Nuri Güntekin’in Değirmen isimli romanı ve Turgut Özakman’ın Sarıpınar 1914 adlı tiyatro oyunu, “uyarlama kuramı” çerçevesinde değerlendirilecektir. Özellikle olay örgüsü, kişiler, zaman, mekân kavramları üzerinden yapılacak karşılaştırmalı değerlendirmelerle, iki eser arasındaki farklılıkların nedenleri ve bu farklılıkların uyarlanan eser üzerindeki etkileri tartışılacaktır. 