bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between learning style and readiness for self-directed learning among nursing students at king Saud university, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AbuAssi Nesreen , Alkorashy Hanan
Published: June 2016

Self-directed learning and other prevalent learning styles are important aspects of nursing education because they help nurse educators to predict differences in learners’ needs, abilities, and interests. Moreover, nurse educators depend on these predictors when they choose the most suitable teaching strategies, which enable them to manage adult learners effectively. This study’s objective is to explore the relationship between learning styles and the willingness to adopt self-directed learning among nursing students in King Saud University (KSU). Using a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design, the study was conducted with 230 undergraduate nursing students (female and male) from the third to eighth academic levels at the College of Nursing at KSU, Saudi Arabia. Kolb’s learning styles inventory and the self-directed learning readiness scale were adopted to determine the effects of the self-directed learning approach. The study’s findings suggested that the majority of nursing students had a “Diverging” style of learning. The “self-control” subscale was used to determine the willingness for self-directed learning. It recorded the highest mean score compared to the subscales of “self-management” and “desire for learning.” However, no statistically significant association was found between learning styles and self-directed learning readiness. Additionally, the findings showed that the majority of the students who participated in this study had little interest in the self-directed learning approach. Thus, this study recommends that the nursing faculty needs to assess students for their preferred learning style and readiness for self-directed learning before and throughout the students’ enrollment in the college. Further, the nursing faculty should apply a variety of teaching methods to manage students’ learning needs effectively.
Nurses experience of communication with palliative patients in critical care unit: Saudi experience
Authors: Alshehri Hanan , Ismaile Samantha
Published: June 2016

Communication is crucial regardless of a patient's condition in Critical Care Units (CCU). However; communication barriers are common in CCU. In recent years there has been a rapid growth within hospital settings in the provision of palliative care according to patient needs. The purpose of the research study was to investigate nurses’ experiences of communication with palliative patients in CCU. A cross sectional design was conducted using questionnaire. The study sample included nurses who were working in CCU. The total number of completed and submitted questionnaires were 61. The majority of respondents were females. The results show that 49% of respondents have experienced difficulties in palliative care tasks while 41% respondents have complications with communication in palliative care. Also, nurses who took part in this study reported difficultly in discussing decisions such as advanced directives, do not resuscitate orders, and feeding tubes. In conclusion, nurses experience difficulty with communication whilst carrying out palliative care tasks in critical care units. The common causes of communication difficulty are because of the complexity of palliative care tasks, language barriers, shortage of staff and feeling un-empowered. Moreover, there is a lack of education programs centered around enhancing communication difficulties between nurses and palliative patients.
Health monitoring of floating structure by utilizing support vector machines
Authors: Tabata Akihisa
Published: June 2016

We explored the damage detection method for a floating structure by utilizing the natural ocean waves for the floating body. And we utilized the discrete Fourier transform as well as the learning and judgment functions of the support vector machines. It showed a possibility that it can perform the health diagnosis for the floating structure even using the strain response vibrations by inputting the natural waves with different cycles and wave heights.
Histoprotective potentials of ethanol leaf extract of balakat tree (Ziziphus talanai (blanco) merr.) against tetracycline-induced hepatotoxicity and reprotoxicity in male mice (Mus musculus L.)
Authors: Reyes Angelico , Dela Pena Renato , Sula Lourdes Fatima , Banares Angelo
Published: June 2016

Hepatic dysfunction can develop due to ROS and lipid peroxide and may lead to primary liver cancer. Hepatic dysfunction may also develop from tetracycline, an antibiotic with a broad-spectrum of bacteriostatic mechanisms, as it can induce hepatotoxicity and reprotoxicity. In addition, liver tumors secrete hormones that can result to testicular atrophy. Thus, there is a need to address liver and testicular damage. Preliminary phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of bioactive compounds with histoprotective potentials in Balakat tree (Ziziphus talanai), which is used in Antique against urinary tract infection. Twelve male mice were divided into four groups of three mice each. Treatments were administered via intragastric gavage technique for 30 days. T0 is the negative control group treated only with water at a dose level of 0.5 ml/20 g body weight (bw). T+ is the positive control group treated only with tetracycline at a dosage level of 0.5ml/20 g bw. T1 and T2 received 0.3 ml/20 g bw and 0.5 ml/20 g bw Z. talanai ethanol leaf extract, respectively.Histopathological evaluation revealed that T+ mice showed hepatotoxicity based on central vein rupture, fibrosis, vacuolations, cytoplasmic degeneration, lymphocyte infiltration, small amount of glycogen deposits and fibrous septa. Reprotoxicity was also observed as indicated by formation of irregularly shaped tubules, narrowing of tubule diameter, widening of the lumen, germinal epithelium exfoliation, reduction in tubulesâ€™ cross-sectional areas, absence of germ cell bundles and blood-testis barrier destruction. T1 and T2 mice showed normal liver and seminiferous tubule architectural design as compared to those of T+ mice. Thus, the Z. talanai leaf extract mitigated the hepatotoxicity and reprotoxicity effects of tetracycline causing an improvement in the hepatological and testicular parameters. The ethanolic leaf extract of Z. talanai (Blanco) Merr. Contains bioactive compounds with histoprotective potentials.
Affordable False Teeth: The Effects of Patient Cost Sharing on Denture Utilization and Subjective Chewing Ability
Authors: Ando Michihito , Takaku Reo
Published: June 2016

We evaluate the impact of patient cost sharing on the use of dentures and subjective chewing ability exploiting a sharp reduction in the coinsurance rate, the percentage of costs born by the user, from 30 % to 10 % at the age of 70 with a regression discontinuity design. Using data from the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR), we find that the utilization rate of dentures increases from approximately 50 % to 63 % around the threshold, implying that the extensive margin elasticity of denture usage with respect to the coinsurance rate is about –0.41. In addition, we find this jump is almost entirely due to the change in the rate among women. On the other hand, we do not find a significant improvement in self-reported chewing ability, although chewing ability may not be the only social benefit from dentures. Our empirical findings are also confirmed by complementary analysis with randomization tests.
A Compact Parasitic Ring Antenna for ISM Band Applications
Authors: Kamalaveni G , Ganesh Madhan M
Published: June 2016

This paper reports a simple approach for the design of a compact microstrip antenna at 5.8 GHz. The proposed antenna initially designed with 20 mm × 12 mm radiating element and 65 mm
Long-Run Economic Growth: Stagnations, Explosions and the Middle Income Trap
Authors: C. Shelburne Robert
Published: June 2016

This paper explores the empirics of long-run economic growth by studying the pattern of growth for every country in the world between 1950 and 2015. Special emphasis is placed on ascertaining how the pattern of growth has changed over the last 65 years and how growth is related to the level of development. The analysis identifies historical time periods when growth stagnated or exploded and the levels of development where growth has a tendency to either stagnate or explode. Studying these growth episodes provides a number of insights into the question as to whether or not there is such a thing as a middle income trap. Although there are economies at every level of development that have stagnated for long periods, this study finds no evidence that this is systematically or uniquely related to middle income economies. An additional point of emphasis of this study is to highlight how the inclusion or exclusion of the former planned economies of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union affect these results; and likewise how China’s exceptional performance affects these results. Generally it is found that because of the size and extraordinary performance (both good and bad) of China and the Economies in Transition (EiT), that excluding them from the sample has a quite significant effect on estimates of global long-run growth and trends regarding growth over time and by income level.
Experimental Design-Assisted Investigation of Light Olefins Production Over Ceria-Altered HZSM-5 Catalysts by Naphtha Catalytic Steam Cracking
Authors: Shahbazi Kootenaei Amirhossein , Maghsoodi Sarah , Zeinali Varzaneh Ali
Published: June 2016

In this contribution, the effects of ceria loading, Si/Al ratio, and reaction temperature on the catalytic performance of HZSM-5 catalysts for production of ethylene and propylene from light naphtha were investigated. The elaborated catalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET specific surface area. The acquired results demonstrated that HZSM-5 structure was preserved after ceria addition. XRD patterns exhibited a crystallinity degradation of HZSM-5 samples by aluminum addition. Box-Behnken experimental design was utilized with central composite design for investigation of parameters such as reaction temperature (600–700 °C), cerium loading (2–14 wt%), and Si/Al ratio (25–125) in ethylene and propylene production. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated the significance of the studied parameters and the corresponding interactions. The results exhibited that the highest ethylene yield was at the highest reaction temperature, the highest cerium loading, and the lowest Si/Al ratio. The superior propylene yield was attained at the highest Si/Al ratio whereas an optimum can be found for reaction temperature and cerium loading.
A 6-year longitudinal study of social competence amongst Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Li Xiang , Liang Lu-Yin
Published: June 2016

In response to the severe lack of longitudinal data on adolescent development, we conducted a 6-year longitudinal study examining the change and psychosocial correlates of social competence in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. During the high school years (Secondary 1 to Secondary 6), participants responded to measures of social competence, socio-demographic characteristics (gender, family intactness and economic disadvantage) and family processes (father-child relational quality, mother-child relational quality and family functioning). Results showed that social competence dropped across the six waves. While gender, father-child subsystem quality, mother-child subsystem quality, and family functioning significantly predicted social competence at the initial level, rate of decrease in social competence was greater for adolescents who came from intact families, had better mother-child subsystem quality, and reported better family functioning. Economic disadvantage was the only factor that did not affect the development of social competence in adolescents.
Stepwise diagnostics of hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Busse Birgit , Tepedino Maria-Fatima , Rupprecht Wolfgang , Klein Hanns-Georg
Published: June 2016

Hemoglobinopathies belong to the most common monogenic hereditary diseases worldwide. A particularly high prevalence is seen in the Mediterranean countries, in parts of Asia, the Middle East and West Africa. Nevertheless, due to migration hemoglobinopathies play an increasingly important role in Germany as well. Basic testing consists of blood count and hemoglobin differentiation. In addition, an iron deficiency should be excluded if necessary. Molecular genetic testing is used for the verification of hematologic findings and serves in the assessment of risk for a severe form of a hemoglobinopathy in offspring. In order to ensure efficient diagnostics, family history and previous findings of the patient should be communicated to the laboratory. This is especially crucial in the case of prenatal diagnostics.
The Effect of “Pumping” and “Nonpumping” Techniques on Velocity Production and Muscle Activity During Field-Based BMX Cycling
Authors: Rylands Lee P. , Hurst Howard T. , Roberts Simon J. , Graydon Robert W.
Published: June 2016

Rylands, LP, Hurst, HT, Roberts, SJ, and Graydon, RW. The effect of “pumping” and “nonpumping” techniques on velocity production and muscle activity during field-based BMX cycling. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 445–450, 2017—The aim of the current study was to determine if a technique called “pumping” had a significant effect on velocity production in Bicycle Motocross (BMX) cycling. Ten National standard male BMX riders fitted with surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors completed a timed lap of an indoor BMX track using the technique of pumping, and a lap without pumping. The lap times were recorded for both trials and their surface sEMG was recorded to ascertain any variation in muscle activation of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, vastus lateralis, and medial gastrocnemius. The findings revealed no significant differences between any of muscle groups (p > 0.05). However, significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the pumping and nonpumping trials for both mean lap velocity (42 ± 1.8 km·h−1, 33 ± 2.9 km·h−1, respectively) and lap times (43.3 ± 3.1 seconds, 34.7 ± 1.49 seconds, respectively). The lap times recorded for the pumping trials were 19.50 ± 4.25% lower than the nonpumping, whereas velocity production was 21.81 ± 5.31% greater in the pumping trial compared with the nonpumping trial. The technique of pumping contributed significantly to velocity production, although not at the cost of additional muscle activity. From a physiological and technical perspective, coaches and riders should prioritize this technique when devising training regimes.
Dopamine Release in the Nonhuman Primate Caudate and Putamen Depends upon Site of Stimulation in the Subthalamic Nucleus
Authors: Min Hoon-Ki , Ross Erika K. , Jo Hang Joon , Cho Shinho , Settell Megan L. , Jeong Ju Ho , Duffy Penelope S. , Chang Su-Youne , Bennet Kevin E. , Blaha Charles D. , Lee Kendall H.
Published: June 2016

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an effective treatment for medically refractory Parkinson's disease. Although DBS has recognized clinical utility, its biologic mechanisms are not fully understood, and whether dopamine release is a potential factor in those mechanisms is in dispute. We tested the hypothesis that STN DBS-evoked dopamine release depends on the precise location of the stimulation site in the STN and the site of recording in the caudate and putamen. We conducted DBS with miniature, scaled-to-animal size, multicontact electrodes and used functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify the best dopamine recording site in the brains of nonhuman primates (rhesus macaques), which are highly representative of human brain anatomy and circuitry. Real-time stimulation-evoked dopamine release was monitored usingin vivofast-scan cyclic voltammetry. This study demonstrates that STN DBS-evoked dopamine release can be reduced or increased by redirecting STN stimulation to a slightly different site.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTElectrical stimulation of deep structures of the brain, or deep brain stimulation (DBS), is used to modulate pathological brain activity. However, technological limitations and incomplete understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of DBS prevent personalization of this therapy and may contribute to less-than-optimal outcomes. We have demonstrated that DBS coincides with changes in dopamine neurotransmitter release in the basal ganglia. Here we mapped relationships between DBS and changes in neurochemical activity. Importantly, this study shows that DBS-evoked dopamine release can be reduced or increased by refocusing the DBS on a slightly different stimulation site.
Divisive Normalization Predicts Adaptation-Induced Response Changes in Macaque Inferior Temporal Cortex
Authors: Kaliukhovich Dzmitry A. , Vogels Rufin
Published: June 2016

Stimulus repetition alters neural responses to the repeated stimulus. This so-called adaptation phenomenon has been commonly observed at multiple spatial and temporal scales and in different brain areas, and has been hypothesized to affect the neural representation of the sensory input. Yet, the neural mechanisms underlying adaptation still remain unclear, especially in higher-order cortical areas. Here we employ a divisive normalization model of neural responses to predict adaptation-induced changes in responses of single neurons in the macaque inferior temporal (IT) cortex. According to this model, the response of a neuron is determined by an interplay between its direct excitatory and divisive normalizing inputs, with each input being subject to adaptation. To test the model, we recorded the responses of single IT cortex neurons to complex visual stimuli while separately adapting the two putative types of input to those neurons. We compared the changes in responses of these neurons following such adaptation with predictions derived from the divisive normalization model. As predicted by the model, we show that adaptation in the IT cortex can, depending on the relative strength of each putative type of input to a neuron, suppress or enhance the neural response to a complex stimulus. More generally, our data suggest that adaptation serves to selectively enhance processing of the stimuli that differ from recently experienced ones, even when these occur within a configuration of multiple stimuli.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStimulus repetition alters neural responses to the repeated stimulus. This so-called adaptation phenomenon has been robustly demonstrated in brains of different species and is considered to be a form of short-term plasticity inherent to the processing of sensory stimuli. Nevertheless, the functional role and underlying mechanisms of adaptation remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that divisive normalization, a canonical neural computation operating throughout the brain, predicts the adaptation-induced changes in response of single neurons to complex stimulus configurations in the macaque inferotemporal cortex. Our findings embed adaptation effects of inferotemporal neurons into the context of a broader neural network perspective that includes divisive normalization. Additionally, our findings have implications for understanding of the function of adaptation in higher-order sensory cortices.
Dynamin 1- and 3-Mediated Endocytosis Is Essential for the Development of a Large Central SynapseIn Vivo
Authors: Fan Fan , Funk Laura , Lou Xuelin
Published: June 2016

Dynamin is a large GTPase crucial for endocytosis and sustained neurotransmission, but its role in synapse development in the mammalian brain has received little attention. We addressed this question using the calyx of Held (CH), a large nerve terminal in the auditory brainstem in mice. Tissue-specific ablation of different dynamin isoforms bypasses the early lethality of conventional knock-outs and allows us to examine CH development in a native brain circuit. Individual gene deletion of dynamin 1, a primary dynamin isoform in neurons, as well as dynamin 2 and 3, did not affect CH development. However, combined tissue-specific knock-out of both dynamin 1 and 3 (cDKO) severely impaired CH formation and growth during the first postnatal week, and the phenotypes were exacerbated by further additive conditional knock-out of dynamin 2. The developmental defect of CH in cDKO first became evident on postnatal day 3 (P3), a time point when CH forms and grows abruptly. This is followed by a progressive loss of postsynaptic neurons and increased glial infiltration late in development. However, early CH synaptogenesis before protocalyx formation was not altered in cDKO. Functional maturation of synaptic transmission in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body in cDKO was impeded during development and accompanied by an increase in the membrane excitability of medial nucleus of the trapezoid body neurons. This study provides compelling genetic evidence that CH formation requires dynamin 1- and 3-mediated endocytosisin vivo, indicating a critical role of dynamin in synaptic development, maturation, and subsequent maintenance in the mammalian brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSynaptic development has been increasingly implicated in numerous brain disorders. Dynamin plays a crucial role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and synaptic transmission at nerve terminals, but its potential role in synaptic development in the native brain circuitry is unclear. Using the calyx of Held, a giant nerve terminal in the mouse brainstem, we evaluated the role of dynamin in this process by using tissue-specific knock-out (KO) of three different dynamin isoforms (dynamin 1, 2, and 3) individually and in combination. Our data demonstrated that dynamin is required for the formation, functional maturation, and subsequent survival of the calyx of Held. This study highlights the important role of dynamin-mediated endocytosis in the development of central synapses in the mammalian brain.
Representation of Behavioral Tactics and Tactics-Action Transformation in the Primate Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Matsuzaka Yoshiya , Tanji Jun , Mushiake Hajime
Published: June 2016

To expedite the selection of action under a structured behavioral context, we develop an expedient to promote its efficiency: tactics for action selection. Setting up a behavioral condition for subhuman primates (Macaca fuscata) that induced the development of a behavioral tactics, we explored neuronal representation of tactics in the medial frontal cortex. Here we show that neurons in the posterior medial prefrontal cortex, but not much in the medial premotor cortex, exhibit activity representing the behavioral tactics, in advance of action-selective activity. Such activity appeared during behavioral epochs of its retrieval from instruction cues, maintenance in short-term memory, and its implementation for the achievement of action selection. At a population level, posterior medial prefrontal cortex neurons take part in transforming the tactics information into the information representing action selection. The tactics representation revealed an aspect of neural mechanisms for an adaptive behavioral control, taking place in the medial prefrontal cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe studied behavioral significance of neuronal activity in the posterior medial prefrontal cortex (pmPFC) and found the representation of behavioral tactics defined as specific and efficient ways to achieve objectives of actions. Neuronal activity appeared during behavioral epochs of its retrieval from instruction cues, maintenance in short-term memory, and its use preceding the achievement of action selection. We found further that pmPFC neurons take part in transforming the tactics information into the information representing action selection. A majority of individual neurons was recruited during a limited period in each behavioral epoch, constituting, as a whole, a temporal cascade of activity. Such dynamics found in behavioral-tactics specific activity characterize the participation of pmPFC neurons in executive control of purposeful behavior.
Cut-off limits of the peak GH response to stimulation tests for the diagnosis of GH deficiency in children and adolescents: study in patients with organic GHD
Authors: Guzzetti Chiara , Ibba Anastasia , Pilia Sabrina , Beltrami Nadia , Di Iorgi Natascia , Rollo Alessandra , Fratangeli Nadia , Radetti Giorgio , Zucchini Stefano , Maghnie Mohamad , Cappa Marco , Loche Sandro
Published: June 2016

Objective

The diagnosis of GH deficiency (GHD) in children and adolescents is established when GH concentrations fail to reach an arbitrary cut-off level after at least two provocative tests. The objective of the study was to define the optimal GH cut-offs to provocative tests in children and adolescents.

Design

Retrospective study in 372 subjects who underwent evaluation of GH secretion. GH and IGF-I were measured by chemiluminescence assay in all samples. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the optimal GH cut-offs and the diagnostic accuracy of provocative tests.

Methods

Seventy four patients with organic GHD (GH peak <10μg/L after two provocative tests) and 298 control subjects (GH response >10μg/L to at least one test) were included in the study. The provocative tests used were arginine, insulin tolerance test (ITT) and clonidine. Diagnostic criteria based on cut-offs identified by ROC analysis (best pair of values for sensitivity and specificity) were evaluated for each test individually and for each test combined with IGF-I SDS.

Results

The optimal GH cut-off for arginine resulted 6.5μg/L, 5.1μg/L for ITT and 6.8μg/L for clonidine. IGF-I SDS has low accuracy in diagnosing GHD (AUC=0.85). The combination of the results of provocative tests with IGF-I concentrations increased the specificity.

Conclusions

The results of the ROC analysis showed that the cut-off limits which discriminate between normal and GHD are lower than those commonly employed. IGF-I is characterized by low diagnostic accuracy.
Endocrine and metabolic diurnal rhythms in young adult men born small vs appropriate for gestational age
Authors: Brøns Charlotte , Saltbæk Pernille N , Friedrichsen Martin , Chen Yan , Vaag Allan
Published: June 2016

Objective

Sleep disturbances and alterations of diurnal endocrine rhythms are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We previously showed that young men born small for gestational age (SGA) and with increased risk of T2D have elevated fat and decreased glucose oxidation rates during nighttime. In this study, we investigated whether SGA men have an altered diurnal profile of hormones, substrates and inflammatory markers implicated in T2D pathophysiology compared with matched individuals born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Methods

We collected hourly blood samples for 24 h, to measure levels of glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), insulin, C-peptide, leptin, resistin, ghrelin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), incretins (GLP-1 and GIP), and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6) in 13 young men born SGA and 11 young men born AGA.

Results

Repeated measurements analyses were used to analyze the diurnal variations and differences between groups. The SGA subjects had increased 24-h glucose (P=0.03), glucagon (P=0.03) and resistin (P=0.003) levels with no difference in diurnal rhythms compared with AGA controls. We found significant diurnal variations in levels of blood glucose, plasma TG, FFA, insulin, C-peptide, GLP-1, GIP, leptin, visfatin, TNF-α, IL-6 and PAI-1. The variation in FFA levels differed between the groups during the evening. Plasma ghrelin and glucagon levels did not display diurnal variations.

Conclusions

Young men born SGA exhibit elevated 24-h blood glucose, and plasma glucagon and resistin levels with no major differences in diurnal rhythms of these or other key metabolic hormones, substrates or inflammatory markers implicated in the origin of adiposity and T2D.
Islamic Group Lending and Financial Inclusion
Authors: Rusydiana Aam Slamet , Devi Abrista
Published: June 2016

Based on measurements of several indicators including the level of community participation, community empowerment, repayment rate was good, cross reporting good, and the application of penalties in accordance with the applicable rules, the results show that with the program GLM people feel the difference in economic condition and social than before and after the program. This is a major discovery is valuable. The development strategy for the program GLM is divided into seven levels with the elements most important include: The need for equality of access to funds for all types of financial institutions, both banking and lending model-based group, the need to improve the quality of human resources as a pioneer of service models based lending group this, as well as the importance of financial inclusion in the entire financial systemDOI:  10.15408/sjie.v5i1.3128
Islamic Banking Efficiency: Comparative Studies Between Malaysia and Indonesia
Authors: Yulita Ika , Rizal Sofyan
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this research is to measure efficiency level of sharia banking in Malysia and Indonesia countries and to analyze the factors affecting the level of efficiency of sharia banking for both countries. This reseach uses DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) method in order to test the assumptions of Variabel Return to Scale (VRS), and uses Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann Whitney U-Test in order to test normality, and uses regression dummy variable of the data from the first quarter of 2011 until the fourth quarter of 2014. The research shows overall level of efficiency of sharia banking in Malaysia and Indonesia countries are fluctuating. Based on result, sharia banking in Indonesia more efficient than sharia banking in Malaysia; However, there is no significant differences among them. The reasons of this inefficiency are deposits, total  financing, fixed asset, and personnel cost. However, operational income is the most efficient variabel for both countriesDOI:  10.15408/sjie.v5i1.3129
An additional record for the rare Black-Shouldered Opossum Caluromysiops irrupta Sanborn, 1951 (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) in Northwestern Brazil
Authors: Santori Ricardo T. , Astúa Diego , Martins Marcio
Published: June 2016

Caluromysiops irrupta Sanborn, 1951 is a poorly known didelphid marsupial species, currently known from nine localities in south-central and western Amazonia. Only two records of C. irrupta were known from Brazil. Here we report the third record, in Rondônia state, northwestern Brazil. The specimen was sighted in a well-preserved forest area, in the Parque Estadual Guajará Mirim, Guajará Mirim, Rondônia. Although this record does not represent a distribution extension, it represents an additional record for a very poorly known species.
Miarkowanie odszkodowania za utracone dochody z wykorzystaniem prognozy dochodów
Authors: Jędrzychowska Anna , Pietrzyk Radosław
Published: June 2016

The compensation that should be given to injured individuals is made up of several elements. When the victim is unable to work, income he or she has lost is compensated. To properly establish that compensation, two factors are considered: time value of money and the rate of growth of wages in the sector where the victim worked. Inflation should also be figured in. The article presents simulations of different approaches – ones that do not take these factors into account, and others that do. The first approach is often used by the Polish justice system in determining the amount of pension compensation, while the second is a proposal to better protect victims who have lost the ability to work.
Badanie aktywności deweloperów na polskim rynku mieszkaniowym z wykorzystaniem metody analogii czasowo-przestrzennych
Authors: Foryś Iwona , Batóg Barbara
Published: June 2016

The activity of housing market participants is not identical on every local and regional real estate market. Usually the increase and decrease of the activity on the housing market and the values of variables characterising it are delayed on less developed markets.The aim of the paper is to find whether some processes on the housing market are characterised by the same intensity and dynamics in every voivodship in Poland in comparison to the Zachodniopomorskie (Western Pomeranian) voivodship. The article examines variables including relative number of transactions, the relative number of dwellings for which permits have been granted, the relative number of dwellings completed, and the relative number of dwellings upon which construction was started.Spatio-temporal analogies was the method used. It revealed that the dynamics of most variables for Zachodniopomorskie voivodship were similar to those characterising other voivodships apart from the two first relative variables. For these two variables the forecasts were computed.
Zarządzanie ryzykiem w systemach intelligent manufacturing z zastosowaniem analizy bayesowskiej
Authors: Miczka Marcin
Published: June 2016

The article presents the range of modern methods used to forecast and conduct risk analysis of the production process and the characteristics of the measurements taken during the steel production process. The methodology is based on the state space representation of a dynamic system and Bayesian inference. The methodology enables us to reject the assumption of constant estimated parameters, analyse the statistical distribution of the whole and take into account a priori information, which is to say outside the dataset. The article is a review and the basis for further studies that include implementation of the concept of intelligent manufacturing in Polish industrial enterprises.
Raising an Inflation Target: The Japanese Experience with Abenomics
Authors: De Michelis Andrea , Iacoviello Matteo
Published: June 2016

This paper draws from Japan’s recent monetary experiment to examine the effects of an increase in the inflation target during a liquidity trap. We review Japanese data and examine through a VAR model how macroeconomic variables respond to an identified inflation target shock. We apply these findings to calibrate the effect of a shock to the inflation target in a new-Keynesian DSGE model of the Japanese economy. We argue that imperfect observability of the inflation target and a separate exchange rate shock are needed to successfully account for the behavior of nominal and real variables in Japan since late 2012. Our analysis indicates that Japan has made some progress towards overcoming deflation, but further measures are needed to raise inflation to 2 percent in a stable manner.
ATIVAÇÃO MUSCULAR E DETERMINAÇÃO DO LIMIAR DE FADIGA ELETROMIOGRÁFICO DURANTE TESTE DE CARGA INCREMENTAL EM CICLOERGÔMETRO DE BRAÇO: UM ESTUDO PILOTO
Authors: Bergh Felipe , Andrade Ivan Luís , Ferreira Pierre
Published: June 2016

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a ativação de quatro músculos do membro superior (Bíceps Braquial [BB], Tríceps Braquial [TB], Deltóide Anterior [DA] e Deltóide Posterior [DP]) e determinar o Limiar de Fadiga Eletromiográfico (LFEMG) durante um teste incremental em ergômetro de braço. Quatro voluntários do sexo masculino (idade: 25,25 ± 4,7; estatura: 173 ± 4 cm; massa corporal: 71,5 ± 6,3 kg) realizaram um teste incremental com rotação aproximada de 80 rpm até atingir a potência máxima do ergômetro (incrementos de carga de 3-4 W a cada 4 min, começando com 19 W e terminando com 48 W). O sinal eletromiográfico (EMG) foi coletado durante os testes (Eletromiógrafo Myosystem 2000, Noraxon, EUA) e posteriormente tratado com uso do programa MATLAB 7.7.0 (retificação e cálculo do RMS). O LFEMG foi detectado a partir de inspeção visual. Foram também registrados os valores de freqüência cardíaca (FC) no término de cada estágio. Houve grande variação da ativação muscular entre os músculos analisados durante o teste incremental. DA, DP e TB tiveram um comportamento de queda do sinal EMG, já o BB apresentou aumento no decorrer do teste. O  LFEMG foi encontrado apenas no músculo BB (Potência: 44 W, FC: 123 bpm) de um sujeito, representando aproximadamente 90% da potência máxima do ergômetro. Nossos resultados sugerem que o aumento da carga imposta sobre o movimento cíclico bilateral exigido pelo cicloergômetro de braço ocasionou uma ação compensatória evidenciada pelo aumento da ativação do BB e diminuição do TB. Já a queda de ativação dos músculos estabilizadores do ombro (DA e DP) pode estar associada à indícios de fadiga periférica e/ou aproveitamento do torque gerado pelo BB. O presente estudo aponta ainda queo BB é o músculo com maior probabilidade de apresentar o LFEMG em um teste incremental.
Eszközöktől a jóllétig. A helyi gazdaságfejlesztés körvonalai a képességszemléletben
Authors: Gébert Judit , Bajmócy Zoltán , Málovics György , Pataki György
Published: June 2016

A legtöbb szerző egységesen a helyi gazdaságfejlesztés céljaként a helyben élők helyzetének javítását jelöli meg. Ugyanakkor nem tisztázzák sem azt, hogy mit értenek a helyben élők jólétén, sem pedig azt, hogy a javasolt beavatkozások hogyan hatnak arra. Tanulmányunkban a helyi gazdaságfejlesztés jólétértelmezését fejtjük ki az egyik legnagyobb hatású kortárs közgazdaságtani/filozófiai gondolatrendszer, a képességszemlélet alapján. Azt vizsgáljuk, hogy a jólét fogalmával kapcsolatos különböző előfeltevések hogyan befolyásolják a helyi gazdaságfejlesztés célját, fókuszát és munkamódszerét.Tanulmányunkban megmutatjuk, hogy a képességszemléletre alapozott helyi gazdaságfejlesztés jelentősen különbözik az általunk eszközorientáltnak nevezett modelltől. Szemben az értéksemlegesnek és objektívnak gondolt szokásos fejlesztési megközelítésekkel, a képességszemlélet-alapú helyi gazdaságfejlesztés emberi értékeket középpontba állító, nyíltan értékvezérelt, közösségközpontú megközelítést kínál. Amellett érvelünk, hogy a képességszemlélet melletti elköteleződés nagyban segítheti a helyi fejlesztésekkel kapcsolatos kudarcok megértését és hozzájárulhat ahhoz, hogy olyan megoldások szülessenek, amelyek az eszközorientált modellben felismerhetetlenek. Rámutatunk arra is, hogy az érintettek aktív részvétele (a problémafeltárástól kezdve egészen a megoldások megtalálásáig és végrehajtásáig) a fejlesztés eredményétől függetlenül is értékes tevékenység, amely elősegítheti a helyi gazdaságfejlesztés sikerét.
Beszélünk a részvételről… Megyei jogú városok fejlesztési dokumentumainak elemzése az érintettek részvételének aspektusából
Authors: Bajmócy Zoltán , Gébert Judit , Elekes Zoltán , Páli-Dombi Judit
Published: June 2016

Tanulmányunkban a hazai vidéki nagyvárosok tervezési folyamata során megvalósuló érintetti részvételt elemezzük. Érdeklődésünk középpontjában az áll, hogy az érintetteknek milyen lehetőségük van a fejlesztési folyamat aktív részesévé válni, milyen korlátok állnak ennek útjában. A 23 hazai megyei jogú város 2013 és 2014 során elfogadott partnerségi egyeztetési terveit, városfejlesztési koncepcióit és integrált településfejlesztési stratégiáit elemeztük, kvalitatív tartalomelemzés segítségével. Ez lehetőséget adott arra, hogy a dokumentum felszíni rétegét (miszerint beszélünk a részvételről, és azt fontosnak tartjuk), ütköztessük a dokumentumok mélyrétegeinek felszínre hozható tartalmával (miszerint valójában csak beszélünk a részvételről). Következtetésünk, hogy a legtöbb érintett számára a részvétel hazai gyakorlata nem saját ügyeik előmozdításának szabadságát nyújtja, hanem a tényleges lehetőségektől történő megfosztás módját jelenti. Így a helyi fejlesztés „hogyanja” egyrészt önmagában is a jóllét csökkentésének irányába hat, hiszen a részvétel mint értékesnek tekinthető lehetőség nem választható a helyi szereplők jelentős része számára. Másrészt, így a szereplők a részvétellel mint eszközzel sem tudnak élni, hogy előmozdíthassák a számukra kívánatosabb fejlesztési eredmények létrejöttét.
Excedencia por cuidado de hijos (o familiares) en España e Irlanda: análisis comparado
Authors: Prieto Padín Patricia
Published: June 2016

El presente estudio pretende identificar (a simple golpe de vista, al tomar cuerpo de cuadro comparativo) las similitudes y las diferencias que la excedencia por cuidado de hijos y familiares presentan en los ordenamientos español e irlandés. Para ello, y después de hacer mención a la evolución normativa de estas figuras conciliatorias en ambos países se procede a analizar las categorías fundamentales que integran su estatuto común, compartido o diferenciado, así como los elementos que carecen de correspondencia, conforme aconsejan los maestros en el análisis comparado del Derecho.

This study aims to identify (at first sight, because of it takes the shape of a comparison chart) the similarities and differences the leave to care for children and family members have in Spanish and Irish’s legal systems. In this sense, and after refering to the regulatory evolution of this conciliatory figures in both countries, the study proceed to analyze the fundamental categories that make up its common statute, shared or differentiated, as well as the elements lacking of correspondence, according advise masters in the comparative analysis of the law.
La dignidad como derecho humano judicialmente protegido y el modelo de familia en México
Authors: Arellano Hobelsberger Walter
Published: June 2016

El concepto de dignidad humana asentado en la Constitución mexicana vigente es un valor supremo que debe ser considerado principio fundamental informador de todo el ordenamiento jurídico. Cuando en el año en curso se planteó la posible contravención a la Carta Magna derivada del hecho de que la Asamblea Legislativa del Distrito Federal determino redefinir la institución del matrimonio para permitir que dos personas del mismo sexo puedan contraerlo y se instituyó la adopción para este tipo de matrimonios. Uno de los aspectos más sobresalientes de la resolución 7/2010 pronunciada por la Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación fue justamente el relativo al respeto de la dignidad de la persona humana sobre la base de la prevalencia del principio de igualdad entendido como un valor supremo.

Human dignity has been recognized as basic principle for the entire legal order in accordance with mexican Constitution of 2005. The Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación has explained the content of this principle when settled its judgment 7/2010 about same sex marriage and adoption of children by these relationships.
Decomposition of S*α-Continuity
Authors: Thiripurasundari V. , Suganya S.
Published: June 2016

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce the concepts of S*αt-sets, S*αt-Continuity and obtain decomposition of Semi *α-Continuity in topological spaces.
Analysis on Pattern Classification using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kumar S. , Singh S. , Mishra V K
Published: June 2016

Artificial neural networks (ANN) is one of the most dynamic research and application areas for pattern classification. ANN is the branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The network is trained by 'n' number of algorithm like back propagation algorithm. The different combinations of performance functions are used for training the ANN. The back propagation neural network (BPNN) can be used as a highly successful algorithm for pattern classification with suitable combination of performance functions while training and learning ANN. When the maximum likelihood algorithm was compared with back propagation neural network method, the BPNN was more accurate than other algorithms. A Multilayer feed-forward neural network algorithm is also used for pattern classification. However BPNN gives more effective results than other pattern classification algorithms.
Handwriting Recognition (or HWR) is the ability of a machine to receive and interpret handwritten input from different sources like paper documents, photographs, touch-screens and other input devices. Various performance functions is examined in this paper so as to get to a conclusion that which function would be better for usage in the network to produce an efficient and effective system. The training of back propagation neural network is done with the application of Offline Handwritten Character Recognition.
Efectos de la implicación familiar en estudiantes con riesgo de dificultad lectora
Authors: Mora-Figueroa Juan , Galán Arturo , López-Jurado Marta
Published: June 2016

El entorno familiar influye notablemente en numerosos aspectos educativos. Una parte de la población escolar que requiere atención especial son los alumnos que presentan Dificultades de Aprendizaje en la Lectura (DAL). A partir del programa de lectura en familia “¿Me lees un cuento, por favor?”, se busca comprobar si la implicación de los padres en la lectura de sus hijos mejora su aprendizaje. Para ello se realizó un diseño cuasi-experimental pretest-postest con grupo de control. Los participantes fueron 206 alumnos de 1º de Educación Primaria escolarizados en cinco colegios y sus familias. La variable Implicación Familiar se valoró a través de las hojas de registro semanal que rellenaban las familias para documentar cómo era su seguimiento del programa. El Rendimiento Lector (RL) se evaluó antes y después del programa mediante la batería de lectura PROLEC-R. Los resultados de todas las escalas del RL muestran diferencias significativas entre los grupos que participaron en el programa y los que no lo hicieron, tanto si mostraban un RL normal al inicio de la investigación como si presentaban una posible Dificultad de Aprendizaje en la Lectura. El número de alumnos en riesgo de sufrir una DAL al finalizar el programa se reduce más en el grupo experimental.
Prácticas lectoras en espacios de afinidad: formas participativas en la cultura digital
Authors: García Roca Anastasio
Published: June 2016

En este trabajo se ha realizado un análisis de las actividades sociales y creativas llevadas a cabo por seguidores de la saga literaria Canción de Hielo y Fuego en la página web Los Siete Reinos. El estudio ha permitido comprobar cómo los lectores amplían y manipulan los contenidos textuales para modificar y expandir la experiencia lúdica y estética relacionada con las obras literarias: el receptor se convierte en co-creador de la obra. Este hecho evidencia la importancia de los espacios de afinidad en el proceso de recepción, ya que favorecen una interacción que va mucho más allá de la comprensión e interpretación del texto original. Desde esta perspectiva, se hace una revisión de las prácticas creativas en este escenario de comunicación para concluir que poseen un potencial formativo extraordinario con el que plantear propuestas innovadoras en el ámbito de la educación literaria.
Letras e a avaliação nacional da Pós-Graduação: desafios e perspectivas
Authors: Santos Pedro Brum
Published: June 2016

Como a Área de Letras e Linguística, que alcança atualmente a marca de aproximadamente 140 Programas, espalhados por todas as regiões brasileiras, tem respondido aos desafios da Avaliação Nacional de Cursos? O objetivo da presente proposta é refletir sobre esta indagação, tomando como base Documentos de Área e Relatórios de Atividades registrados ao longo do tempo, de modo a prospectar sobre necessidades e perspectivas diante de mudanças estruturais e operacionais que o sistema tem experimentado.   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.