bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual School of the Smokies
Authors: Bloom Lisa , Dole Sharon
Published: February 2016

The rapid growth of communication on the Internet has facilitated the sharing of information within and across organizations around the world. This chapter describes how a virtual environment called the Virtual School of the Smokies serves as a support system for preservice and inservice teachers in an online program at a regional state university in Southeastern United States that enrolls students from the United States as well as other countries. Difficulties with development of community and professional identity in online teacher education programs and the role of the Virtual School in addressing these issues are discussed. The role of universal design for learning in virtual environments is also addressed. Surveys were conducted with students to ascertain which resources in the school were used most frequently and what suggestions they had for improvement.
Effective Change in Educational Institutions
Authors: Theodotou Evgenia , Papastathopoulos Avraam , Koutsouvelis Panagiotis
Published: February 2016

This chapter discusses the theoretical framework of management and leadership of change, focusing on the construct of power in educational institutions. Managers and leaders in educational institutions can adopt different models to apply change in the existing organisational procedures. According to the model they follow, they use their power differently. This chapter argues that the manner managers and leaders utilise their power strongly influences effective organisational change and their role in the organisation. Relevant managerial and leadership models of change are analysed in relation to different forms of power, with regard to the theoretical and research literature. The argument is further illuminated with a change event in a school in Greece in order to create a link between theory and everyday practice.
ADMET
Authors: Gaines Taylor W , Williams Kathryn R. , Wagener Kenneth Boone
Published: February 2016

The use of acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) in the synthesis of functionalized polyolefins is discussed. The nature of polymerizations, catalysts, and techniques are briefly covered. An overview of recent functionalized ADMET polymers and major contributions to its methodology is given. This chapter will place special emphasis on the use of ADMET to synthesize increasingly complex and new morphologies, resulting in well-defined polyolefin structures and functionalized materials unlocked as a result of this powerful polymerization method. Presented are polyolefins, materials, and architectures not possible through conventional polymerization techniques.
Safety and Efficiency Enhancement in LNG Terminals
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Lou Helen Huiru
Published: February 2016

Liquefaction of natural gas helps in transporting it over long distances by sea vessels. It is then regasified and transported through pipelines to the consumer. Due to large energy density of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and associated flammability issues, the LNG terminal involves high risk. Consequently, safety is an important factor in the operation of LNG terminals. Although a substantial amount of time money and effort has been put in this area, there is always some possibility of improving the process so that less risk is involved. Rapid advancement in process simulation software like Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS, has led to the convenience of experimenting the various control methodologies on the computer offline from the actual plant operation, before they are implemented in real time. In this chapter, main hazards associated with LNG terminal operation will be highlighted. Further, recent advancements in research for safety enhancement and efficiency enhancement in the liquefaction and regasification processes will also be included.
Desulphurization of Fuel Oils Using Ionic Liquids
Authors: Bhutto Abdul Waheed , Abro Rashid , Abbas Tauqeer , Yu Guangren , Chen Xiaochun
Published: February 2016

Hydrodesulphurization (HDS) is a standard process for removing sulphur compounds in fuel oils in industry. HDS is effective to remove simple aliphatic sulphur compounds while less effective to remove thiophenes, dibenzothiophenes, and their derivatives because of sterically hindered adsorption on catalyst surface. Application of ionic liquids (ILs, a new class of compounds) substituting for traditional volatile organic solvents in extractive desulphurization (EDS) or oxidative desulphurization (ODS), have been being studied intensively in the latest decades, and many very promising results have been obtained, showing a good prospect as complement method to HDS. In this chapter, these fresh research results of EDS and ODS using ILs are summarized along with comprehensive discussions on diversified desulphurization factors along with some potential problems. It can be inferred that ILs are a class of potential ideal solvents to realize clean fuel oil in future although some problems come too.
Dual Role of Perovskite Hollow Fiber Membrane in the Methane Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Rodulfo-Baechler Serbia M.
Published: February 2016

The Mixed Ionic and Electronic Conducting (MIEC) membrane reactors are of interest because they have the potential to produce high purity oxygen from air at lower costs and provide a continuous oxygen supply to reactions or/and industrial processes. The study of the dual role oxygen flux and catalytic performance of the unmodified and Ni-coated La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-d hollow fibre membranes (LSCF6428 HFM) in the methane oxidation reactions (i.e., partial oxidation of methane and methane combustion) by using air on lumen side and methane on shell side are shown in this chapter. The LSCF6428 HFM participates not only in the oxygen flux but also in the methane conversion to C2. A Ni-coated LSCF6428 HFM under lean O2/CH4 gradient (i.e., 0.5) showed the production of syngas, carbon dioxide and C2 products in agreement with the thermodynamic calculation. At rich O2/CH4 gradient (i.e., 1.0), the formation of carbon dioxide was facilitated. The main catalytic pathway at lean O2/CH4 gradient and H2 reduction treatment was partial oxidation of methane to C2 and syngas.
The Effect of E-Money on the Non-Financial Performance of Banks
Authors: Nikabadi Mohsen Shafiei , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud
Published: February 2016

This study is to explore the effect of the various aspects of e-money on the non-financial performance of banks. The population included all clients of Bank Mellat in the capital of Tehran, who use e-money services. A random sample of 404 of the clients was selected. Further, to collect data, the researchers developed a questionnaire with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.891, which was validated by university lecturers and experts in banking and structural analysis. In order to analyze the problem and test the conceptual model of the study, factor analyses of first and second ranks, as well as path analysis were utilized. Throughout the research process, e-money was categorized into card-based and network-based types, and the non-financial performance of banks was measured in three indices of customer satisfaction, diversity of services offered by the banks, and the quality of those services. Findings suggest that e-money affects the non-financial performance of banks and its sub-factors, where the effect is more conspicuous on customer satisfaction and quality of services, compared to service diversity.
Understanding Mobile Banking from a Theoretical Lens
Authors: Mulwa Martina Mutheu , Waema Timothy Mwololo
Published: February 2016

Characteristic of every developing nation, Kenya has found itself at crossroads; defining the banking industry with the urge to provide banking services to majority of the unbanked populations. Mobile banking is a banking model that has been adopted by Kenyan Banks to reach out to unbanked populations. This paper is based on a case study conducted in Kenya on selected mobile banking products in 2012. The Actor Network theory methodology was used to identify and follow actors. Using in-depth interviews with key informants, survey of users and agents as well as focus group discussions and observation, it was established that agent phones and Point of service (POS) devises were used to deliver traditional banking services to users whose access mode was their mobile phone or debit cards. There existed partnerships between banks and mobile network operators whose operations were regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya and the Communications Authority of Kenya. This paper seeks to explore fundamental requirements for the interplay of actors in the execution of mobile banking services. It critically analyses data collected, with reference to the Network Society theory by Manuel Castells and Actor Network theory by Michael Callon and Bruno Latour, to inform on cross-sectoral partnerships and user attributes necessary in mobile banking uptake and use.
Can Toxicity for Different Species be Correlated?
Authors: Kar Supratik , Das Rudra Narayan , Roy Kunal , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: February 2016

Experimental evaluation of the toxicity of a compound is an expensive practice, and it requires sacrifice of a large number of animals. As a consequence, in silico techniques for predictive toxicology are taking the central stage of attention of the scientific community. Interspecies quantitative structure-toxicity relationship (i-QSTR) modeling provides a tool for estimation of contaminant's sensitivity with known levels of uncertainty for a diverse pool of species. It is capable of extrapolating data for one toxicity endpoint to another toxicity endpoint when the data for the second species are unavailable. The emerging i-QSTR approach can overcome the cost of multiple toxicity tests, improve the understanding of the mechanism of toxic action (MOA) of chemicals for different organisms and endpoints and is very useful in order to fill the data gaps where toxicity value for a particular compound is absent for a specific endpoint.
Evolution of Optimal Descriptors
Authors: Toropova Alla P. , Toropov Andrey A.
Published: February 2016

The quantitative structure - property / activity relationships (qsprs/qsars) analysis of different substances is an important area in mathematical and medicinal chemistry. The evolution and logic of optimal descriptors which are based on the monte carlo technique in the role of a tool of the qspr/qsar analysis is discussed. A group of examples of application of the optimal descriptors which are calculated with the coral software (http://www.insilico.eu/coral) for prediction of physicochemical and biochemical endpoints of potential therapeutical agents are presented. The perspectives and limitations of the optimal descriptors are listed. The attempt of the systematization of the models calculated with the coral software is the aim of this work.
Developing Green Curriculum towards Sustainable Education
Authors: Putney Dawn , Morris Robert C. , Sargent Peter R.
Published: February 2016

This article looks at a variety of topics affecting the development of a “Green School Curriculum” from kindergarten through high school. It places emphasis on teacher planning, involvement, and commitment, as well as offering a number of lessons and learning insights that support an “inquiry-based” curricular design. From elementary to middle to secondary classrooms this can help teachers explore instructional possibilities with numerous on-line sites to visit and probe in detail. A final emphasis is placed on the importance, utilization and incorporation of technology into today's schools highlighted through numerous resources and professional development.
Unusual false positive radioiodine uptake on 131 I whole body scintigraphy in three unrelated organs with different pathologies in patients of differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A case series
Authors: Ranade Rohit , Pawar Shwetal , Mahajan Abhishek , Basu Sandip
Published: February 2016

Three cases with unusual false positive radioiodine uptake in three different organs and pathologies (infective old fibrotic lesion in the lung, simple liver cyst, and benign breast lesion) on iodine-131 ( 131 I) whole body scintigraphy. Clinicoradiological correlation was undertaken in all three cases and the pathologies were ascertained. In all the three cases, single-photon emission computerized tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) and ancillary imaging modalities were employed and were helpful in arriving at the final diagnosis.
Comparison of hemodynamic effects and negative predictive value of normal adenosine gated myocardial perfusion scan with or without caffeine abstinence
Authors: uz Zaman Maseeh , Fatima Nosheen , Zaman Areeba , Zaman Unaiza , Tahseen Rabia
Published: February 2016

For vasodilator stress, myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with at least 12-h caffeine abstinence is recommended, as it attenuates cardiovascular hyperemic response of adenosine and dipyridamole. However, many published conflicting results have shown no significant effect upon perfusion abnormalities in MPI performed without caffeine abstinence. The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic changes and negative predictive value (NPV) of normal MPIs with adenosine stress performed with or without caffeine abstinence. This was a prospective study that accrued 50 patients from May 2013 till September 2013 and followed till November 2014. These patients had a normal adenosine-gated MPI (GMPI) with technetium-99m methoxy isobutyl isonitrile ( 99m Tc-MIBI) after 12-h caffeine abstinence (no-caffeine). Next day, all patients had a repeat adenosine stress within 60 min after ingestion of a cup of coffee (about 80 mg of caffeine) followed by no MPI in 30 patients due to concern about radiation dose (prior-caffeine adenosine-no MPI; group A). Twenty patients opted for a repeat MPI (prior-caffeine adenosine-MPI; group B). Adenosine-induced hemodynamic response and NPV of the normal MPI with no-caffeine and prior-caffeine protocols were compared. The mean age of the study cohort was 57 ± 9 years with a male-to-female ratio of 76:24% and mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.915 ± 4.121 kg/m 2 . Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and positive family history were 76%, 20%, 22%, and 17%, respectively. Comparison of group A with group B revealed no significant difference in demographic parameters, hemodynamic or electrocardiography (ECG) parameters, or left ventricular (LV) function parameters during adenosine intervention with prior-caffeine and no-caffeine protocols. During the follow-up, no fatal myocardial infarction (MI) was reported but 6 nonfatal MIs were reported based upon the history of short hospitalization for chest pain but without biochemical or ECG criteria for infarction (3/30 in group A and 3/20 group B). Event-free survival (EFS) for fatal MI was 100% for both the groups while EFS for nonfatal MI was 90% for group A and 85% for group B (nonsignificant P values). Kaplan-Meier survival plot also depicted nonsignificant EFS for nonfatal MI. This study did not find any significant attenuation effect upon adenosine-induced hemodynamic response and similar NPV of a normal GMPI in patients with or without caffeine abstinence. We assume that better designed prospective studies are required to validate findings of our study and provide justification for revision of guidelines about caffeine abstinence.
User Interface Problems of a Nationwide Inpatient Information System: A Heuristic Evaluation
Authors: Atashi Alireza , Azizi Amirabbas , Dadashi Ali , Khajouei Reza
Published: February 2016

While studies have shown that usability evaluation could uncover many design problems of health information systems, the usability of health information systems in developing countries using their native language is poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usability of a nationwide inpatient information system used in many academic hospitals in Iran.

Three trained usability evaluators independently evaluated the system using Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics. The evaluators combined identified problems in a single list and independently rated the severity of the problems. We statistically compared the number and severity of problems identified by HIS experienced and non-experienced evaluators.

A total of 158 usability problems were identified. After removing duplications 99 unique problems were left. The highest mismatch with usability principles was related to “Consistency and standards” heuristic (25%) and the lowest related to “Flexibility and efficiency of use” (4%). The average severity of problems ranged from 2.4 (Major problem) to 3.3 (Catastrophe problem). The experienced evaluator with HIS identified significantly more problems and gave higher severities to problems (p<0.02).

Heuristic Evaluation identified a high number of usability problems in a widely used inpatient information system in many academic hospitals. These problems, if remain unsolved, may waste users’ and patients’ time, increase errors and finally threaten patient’s safety. Many of them can be fixed with simple redesign solutions such as using clear labels and better layouts. This study suggests conducting further studies to confirm the findings concerning effect of evaluator experience on the results of Heuristic Evaluation.
Studying the Complex Dynamics of Family Relationships: A Figurational Approach
Authors: Castrén Anna-Maija , Ketokivi Kaisa
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we present a figurational approach to studying family relationships drawing from Norbert Elias's notion of figuration that combines insider and outsider perspectives to complex relational dynamics. In recent discussions on intimacy and personal lives, the family has been viewed as a subset of any personal relationships despite the structural dynamics of, for example, gender and generation that are at play within families. On the other hand, it has been claimed that a family has a special dynamic of its own that requires a ‘language of family’. In this paper, we present a figurational approach for studying family relationships both as personally lived and as embedded in wider webs of relationships. The proposed approach combines qualitative insight drawn from interviews and a systematic mapping of significant webs of relationships that both constrain and enable people. Combining these two aspects highlights the complex family dynamics and lived ambivalences between personal affinities and relational expectations. The paper draws from empirical studies in which significant life events, including marriage and biographical disruptions, such as loss, divorce and illness, reconfigure people's lives and selves, highlighting the contemporary complexity of families and personal relationships. The article develops relational methodology, addressing the ‘middle ground’ of relations to bring together the personal and the more structural aspects of family dynamics that phases of biographical change make visible.
Real time retrieval of volcanic cloud particles and SO2 by satellite using an improved simplified approach
Authors: Pugnaghi S. , Guerrieri L. , Corradini S. , Merucci L.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Volcanic Plume Removal (VPR) is a procedure developed to retrieve the ash optical depth, effective radius and mass, and sulphur dioxide mass contained in a tropospheric volcanic cloud from the thermal radiance at 8.7, 11, and 12 μm. It is based on an estimation of a virtual image representing what the sensor would have seen in a multispectral thermal image if the volcanic cloud were not present. Ash and sulphur dioxide were retrieved by the first version of the VPR using a very simple atmospheric model that ignored the layer above the volcanic cloud. This new version takes into account the layer of atmosphere above the cloud as well as thermal radiance scattering along the line of sight of the sensor. In addition to improved results, the new version also offers easier and faster preliminary preparation and includes other types of volcanic particles. As in the previous version, a set of parameters regarding the volcanic area, particle types, and sensor are required to run the procedure. However, in the new version, only the mean plume temperature is required as input data. It this work a set of parameters have been computed for different types of plume particles (andesite, obsidian, pumice, ice, water, and sulphuric acid droplets), for both the Mt. Etna (Italy) and Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland) volcanoes, and for the MODIS Terra and Aqua instruments. Two different synthetic images, one for Mt. Etna and one for Eyjafjallajökull, are used to compare the results from the new and old procedures. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate variations in VPR ash and sulphur dioxide retrievals as a function of plume altitude and particle type.
Preface: Impacts of extreme climate events and disturbances on carbon dynamics
Authors: Xiao Jingfeng , Liu Shuguang , Stoy Paul C.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The impacts of disturbances and extreme climate on the carbon cycle have received growing attention in recent years as evidenced by the increasing number of journal articles published on these topics. This special issue showcases a collection of recent advancements in understanding the impacts of disturbances and extreme events on the carbon cycle. Notable advancements include, but are not limited to, quantifying how harvesting activities impact forest structure, carbon pool dynamics, and recovery processes; observed drastic increases of the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and dissolved methane in thermokarst lakes in western Siberia in a summer warming event; disentangling the roles of herbivores and fire on forest carbon dioxide flux; direct and indirect impacts of fire on the global carbon balance; and improved atmospheric inversion of regional carbon sources and sinks byincorporating disturbances. Combined, studies herein indicate several major research needs. First, disturbances and extreme events can interact with one another, and it is important to understand their overall impacts and also disentangle their relative effects on the carbon cycle. Second, benchmark data layers characterizing the timing, location, type, and magnitude of disturbances must be systematically created to improve our ability to quantify carbon dynamics over large areas. Third, current ecosystem models are not skillful enough to correctly simulate the impacts of disturbances such as disturbance-induced tree mortality and its carbon consequences, and therefore must be improved to correctly represent underlying processes and impacts.
The Problem of Homosexuality: Desire-in-Uneasiness, Friendship, Family, Freedom
Authors: Bergen-Aurand Brian
Published: February 2016

Zenne Dancer is a 2011 Turkish film written by Caner Alper and directed by Alper and Mehmet Binay. It is inspired by the story of Ahmet Yildiz, a gay Kurdish Turk allegedly murdered by his father in 2008 for dishonoring his family. Through its depiction of the unlikely friendship between three men, the film addresses the problem of homosexuality, the desire-in-uneasiness evoked by men being together, and the complex social structures of honor killings. In its address of honor killings, Zenne Dancer follows in a prestigious line of some of the best of Turkish and world cinema. Importantly, though, there are differences here as Zenne Dancer reimagines the relationships involved in crimes of honor. First, Zenne Dancer deploys the story of a father killing his son, rather than his daughter, to save the family honor, which is threatened by homosexual desire rather than the loss of virginity or illegitimate pregnancy. Second, rather than pitting the modern state against religion, tradition, or pre-modern culture, Zenne Dancer’s critique of honor killing implicates both the police and the military in the violence done in the name of tradition (not religion). Islam plays a much smaller part than economic deprivation or the trauma of war in this film. Third, the film complicates gendered expectations through its deployment of female characters—mothers, sisters, lovers—who all have their own relationships with and perspectives on these men. The film depicts heteropatriarchy as a system harmful to women and men and shows men and women enforcing and resisting that harm. In the end, Zenne Dancer connects these thematic concerns through a mixture of realist story, dance video, daydream, fairytale, and melodrama in a film ultimately concerned with the care of the self and the meaning of liberation. Thus, it resists falling into fictional “realist anthropology” or simplistic assertions of repression in confronting the complexities of honor killings, the problem of homosexuality, and friendship in cinema.
Control and Resistance in the Heterotopic Spatiality of Pleasantville
Authors: ERSÖZ KOÇ Evrim
Published: February 2016

Pleasantville presents the experience of the teenage twins David and Jennifer who are transported to the 1950s TV soap opera named Pleasantville via the TV remote control. The twins introduce free sex, arts, literature, rock and roll, and jazz to this perfected town in which residents live in order. This clash of cultures results in social unrest as the residents become aware that the order is an outcome of submission and challenge the roles attributed to them. The transformation from control to resistance is the dominant motif of the film. Using Foucault’s theory of heterotopia, this study scrutinizes how the heterotopian principles in the spatial presentations provide a good lens to negotiate forms of control and resistance.
Sleaze, Slur... and the Search for a Sanitized Identity: Bhojpuri Media at a Crossroads
Authors: Shrivastava Madhusri
Published: February 2016

This article offers perspectives on those who control the Bhojpuri media industry in Mumbai, India, and delimit what is to be shown. Bhojpuri is a dialect of Hindi spoken in parts of the north Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The influx of migrants from these regions to different parts of India has led to a resurgence of interest in the Bhojpuri media, and has drawn fly-by-night operators to the industry. To cater to the migrants’ needs, ribald action romances are produced; but this very bawdiness hamstrings attempts to widen the audience base. The article examines the issues that plague the industry, and explores the ways in which the industry is struggling to carve a sanitized, yet distinctive identity.Keywords: Bhojpuri; media industry; ribald; sanitized; migrants
Cultural Diversity and African Language Education: The Role of Urbanization and Globalization
Authors: Nyati-Saleshando Lydia
Published: February 2016

The African Union has been committed to the development and promotion of African languages for a long time. This is in cognizance of the fact that, language is the DNA of culture and its vehicle of expression. The Languages Plan of Action which was first adopted in 1986 and reviewed in 2006 outlines clear goals to be achieved by member states in the promotion and recognition of African languages. The Plan for all its intents and purposes has good will for the development and use of African languages in critical social domains such as education, trade, government and media. The Policy Guide on the Integration of African Languages and Cultures into the Education systems adopted in 2010 and Aspirations 3 and 5 on Agenda 2063 are clear examples of such good intentions.  On the other hand, practice continues to show very little, if any, improvement in the development and use of African languages in these critical domains. Scholars have explored several reasons why African languages continue to have low socio-economic status (Bamgbose (2011), Batibo (2013), Nyati-Ramahobo (2011), Chebanne, 2010). Globalization and urbanization have been described to be among the many factors responsible for this state of affairs. This paper aims to explore these two factors to see how they contribute to language under-utilization and the inherent loss of African languages.  Are globalization and urbanization by nature detrimental to language diversity resulting in language loss? The paper concludes that urbanization and globalization are facilitators of language and cultural diversity. However, it is policy frameworks operating on and in Africa which shape values and attitudes against the use of African languages. These policy frameworks are politically driven by multi-national corporations for economic exploitation of Africa.
A Benefits Assessment Model of Information Systems for Small Organizations in Developing Countries
Authors: Alshardan Amal , Goodwin Robert , Rampersad Giselle
Published: February 2016

The influence of information systems (IS) on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has enjoyed much attention by managers and policy makers. Despite the hype and eagerness to commit extensive levels of investment, very little research has focuses on assessing the benefits of IS for SMEs in developing counties. Existing literature has been skewed towards developed countries and large organizations. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model for evaluating the benefits of IS for SMEs in Saudi Arabia as a case of a developing country. In order to achieve this, the study builds on and extends past IS-impact literature. Based on quantitative results of 365 responses from SMEs, the model comprises 44 measures across five dimensions: ‘Individual impact’, ‘Organisational impact’, ‘System quality’, ‘Information quality’ and ‘Vendor quality’.  Applying confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model, the validated model contributes to theory development of IS impact within the context of SMEs in developing counties. Additionally, it provides critical insights to policy makers and managers on assessing the benefits of IS for SMEs in developing countries.
Technological Aspects of E-Learning Readiness in Higher Education: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Mosa Asma Ali , Naz’ri bin Mahrin Mohd. , Ibrrahim Roslina
Published: February 2016

<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;" lang="EN-US">E-learning has become one of the most important technologies of the modern era. E-learning is a learning process which aims to create an interactive learning environment based on the use of computers and the internet. Through e-learning, learners can access resources and information from anywhere and at anytime. Many higher education institutions have expressed an interest in implementing e-learning, and e-learning readiness is a critical aspect in achieving successful implementation. Higher education institutions should therefore assess their readiness before initiating an e-learning project. E-learning readiness involves many components of e-learning, including students, lecturers, technology and the environment, which must be ready in order to formulate a coherent and achievable strategy. One of the aspects of e-learning readiness is technological readiness, which plays an important role in implementing an effective and efficient e-learning project. This paper explores the gaps in the knowledge about the technological aspects of e-learning readiness through the conduct of a literature review. In particular, the review focuses on the models that have been developed to assess e-learning readiness.
A Simplified Model of Bit Error Rate Calculation
Authors: Thuneibat Saed Ali , Al_Issa Huthaifa , Ijjeh Abdallah
Published: February 2016

The Bit Error Rate (BER) is a key parameter of the Quality of Service (QoS) for engineers and designers of digital communication systems and networks. At the present  time, a set of models and methods are exist for calculating the BER. But these methods are complex and require large computing cost.

In this paper, we provide a new model for calculating the BER. This model simplifies the procedures in the existing models and reduces the computing time. In the same time, the proposed model save the accuracy and the state consideration of existing models.
An Integrated Expert User with End User in Technology Acceptance Model for Actual Evaluation
Authors: Abu-Dalbouh Hussain Mohammad
Published: February 2016

Effective evaluation is necessary in order to ensure systems adequately meet the requirements and information processing needs of the users and scope of the system. Technology acceptance model is one of the most popular and effective models for evaluation. A number of studies have proposed evaluation frameworks to aid in evaluation work. The end users for evaluation the acceptance of new technology or system have a lack of knowledge to examine and evaluate some features in the new technology/system. This will give a fake evaluation results of the new technology acceptance. This paper proposes a novel evaluation model to evaluate user acceptance of software and system technology by modifying the dimensions of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and added additional success dimensions for expert users. The proposed model has been validated by an empirical study based on a questionnaire. The results indicated that the expert users have a strong significant influence to help in evaluation and pay attention to some features that end users have lack of knowledge to evaluate it.
Design of the Multi-Agent Robot Group Formation Based on Pilot Followers
Authors: Zou Haiyang
Published: February 2016

<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-US">Some animals always keep a certain formation in flight, it plays a good role for the defense of animal predators, avoid falling behind, avoid obstacles and other aspects. Based on the the design of pilot follows formation way, this topic from the characteristics of bionics, which makes the robot population to maintain a certain formation, they complete the relatively complex tasks through mutual coordination, division and cooperation.We adopt asymmetric formation control strategy and introduce the graph theory in the topic, it has good theoretical and practical guiding significance about the application of robot in real.In the formation of scale design, We adopt hypercube structured design concept, and ant colony algorithm of sub-cube for hypercube secondary division, multi-agent robot groups has better results in all aspects of the expansion, fault tolerance and transaction complexity.
Situational Variations in Request and Apology Realization Strategies among International Postgraduate Students at Malaysian Universities
Authors: Muthusamy Paramasivam , Farashaiyan Atieh
Published: February 2016

The present study attempted to describe the request, apology, and request mitigation strategies utilized by international postgraduate students in confronting different situations. In addition, it examined the effects of the situational factors of social distance, power, and imposition on the students’ choice of request and apology strategies as well as the modifications in requests. Another objective has been to categorize the difficulties students face in the production of the speech acts. One hundred and thirty international postgraduate students majoring in different fields voluntarily participated in this study. A Written Discourse Completion Task Questionnaire (Liu, 2005) and semi-structured interview were utilized for data collection procedure. The results of the questionnaire illustrated that the participants made use of IFID strategy for apologies and conventionally indirect expressions (Preparatory questions) for requests more frequently than other strategies. Moreover, the situational factors of social distance, power and imposition did not affect the participants’ choice of request and apology strategies but they had some influences on the use of mitigating strategies in different situations. Regarding modifiers, the students opted out external modifications (66.6%) more than internal modifiers (33.3%). Among the external mitigation types, “please” with 21% and grounders with 25% respectively have been utilized more than other external mitigation types. Finally, the results of the interviews indicated that the difficulties that students face in the production of the speech acts were grammar, expression, vocabulary and structure. This study has some implications for second language acquisition research and intercultural communication.
Activity of Acid Phosphatases in Ectomycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Costa Francilina Araujo , Souza Joselita Cardoso de , Rondon Josimara Nolasco , Kasuya Maria Catarina Megumi
Published: February 2016

The colonization of plant roots by mycorrhizal fungi, generally increases P content in the host plant when in soils with low levels of P. The objective of this work was to evaluate the activity of acid phosphatases in two isolates of Pisolithus microcarpus, grown in different sources and concentrations of phosphate and to characterize the phosphatase isoenzymes produced by isolates. Both isolates were grown on Melin-Norkrans modified (MNM) medium enriched with organic (Po) or inorganic (Pi) sources of phosphorus, at five different concentrations, in order to study the activity of mycelial surface acid phosphatases during incubation for up to 96 h. Activity of acid phosphatases increased when the fungi were grown without or at low concentrations of Pi. Intraspecific differences were observed between the isolates with regard to acid phosphatase production. A greater decrease in phosphatase activity was observed when incubation time was increased than when Pi concentration was increased. At an incubation time of 96 h, activity of acid phosphatases in isolate 90A increased with increasing Po concentration, while for isolate RV82 remained constant over the different incubation periods and Po concentrations tested. When grown in media without Pi, an additional band appeared in the isoenzyme pattern of RV82, while isoenzyme production was not altered in isolate 90A when grown in media without Pi or with 2 mM Pi, showing differences in their isoenzyme patterns. Isolate 90A possesses a potential competitive advantage when utilized in mycorrhizal association with Eucalyptus because of its ability to utilize Po.
El viaje triunfal de Carlos V por Sicilia tras la victoria de Túnez
Authors: Morales Folguera José Miguel
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT: In 1535 Emperor Charles V made a triumphant journey to the north of Sicily after the victory of Tunisia. The triumphal entries made in the Sicilian cities featured ceremonial elements which would later be imitated by the other Italian cities that received the Emperor. The Roman-style triumph and the chivalric romances are the main models used in the ephemeral decorations, which would have important consequences in European art of the period. KEYWORDS: Charles V, Sicily, Tunisia, Triumphal Entries, Renaissance, Santa Cruz.   RESUMEN: En el año 1535 el emperador Carlos V realiza un viaje triunfal por el norte de Sicilia tras la victoria de Túnez. En las entradas realizadas en las ciudades sicilianas van a aparecer los elementos ceremoniales, que después van a imitar las restantes ciudades italianas, que van a recibir al emperador. El triunfo a la romana y las novelas de caballería son los principales modelos utilizados en las decoraciones efímeras, que van a tener importantes consecuencias artísticas en el arte Europeo de la época. PALABRAS CLAVES: Carlos V, Sicilia, Túnez, entradas triunfales, Renacimiento, Santa Cruz.
Arte y ciencia en el barroco español. Historia natural, coleccionismo y cultura visual, Madrid, Marcial Pons, 2014
Authors: Vives-Ferrándiz Sánchez Luis
Published: February 2016

Reseña del libro:JOSÉ RAMÓN MARCAIDA LÓPEZ, Arte y ciencia en el barroco español. Historia natural, coleccionismo y cultura visual, Madrid, Marcial Pons, 2014.
Omnia mortis. Presagios de muerte. Cuando los dioses abandonan al emperador romano. Madrid, Abada Editores
Authors: Doménech García Sergi
Published: February 2016

Recensión del libro:REQUENA JIMÉNEZ, Miguel [2014]. Omnia mortis. Presagios de muerte. Cuando los dioses abandonan al emperador romano. Madrid, Abada Editores, 2014, 326 pp.
El martirio de los diez mil. Dante en la pintura de Vittore Carpaccio
Authors: González de Zárate Jesús María
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT: Vittore Carpaccio, around 1515, offered us the visual chronicle of the torture suffered by the ten thousand martyrs on Mount Ararat that had been previously related in Carolingian martyrologies. In some, such as that by Usuard, printed in Venice by the date of the painting, we can find the literry source of its composition. The tale focuses on the battle, the victory, and the martyrdom to which the soldiers were condemned, as well as on the divine promise of resurrection. This latter aspect is not found in other depictions of the theme, and Carpaccio offers it to us following the same cosmic architecture that Dante proposes in his Comedia. KEYWORDS: Carpaccio, Martyrs of Mount Ararat, Usuard, Martyrology, Dante, Iconography.  RESUMEN: Vittore Carpaccio, hacia 1515, nos ofrece la crónica visual del suplicio de los diez mil mártires en el monte Ararat que ya quedó relatada en martirologios carolingios. En alguno, como el de Usuardo, impreso en Venecia para esta fecha podemos encontrar la fuente literaria de la composición. El relato repara en la batalla, en la victoria y en el martirio al que fueron condenados, también en la divina promesa de la resurrección, aspecto este último que no encontramos en otras representaciones del tema, y que Carpaccio nos ofrece siguiendo la arquitectura cósmica que propone Dante en su Comedia. PALABRAS CLAVES: Carpaccio, mártires del monte Ararat, Usuardo, martirologio, Dante, Iconografía.
Disney‘s World Cup: ESPN and the Un-Americanisation of Global Football
Authors: Lewis Jon
Published: February 2016

This article examines the cultural politics of American soccer fandom, with specific attention paid to the ways in which the sport is positioned and platformed by the major sports networks, including, especially, cable televisions biggest player in the United States, ESPN. The networks‘ failure to exploit soccer as a marketable commodity can be traced to a persistent American futility at the sport on the international level, but it evinces as well a larger American cultural problematic, one in which ethnocentrism and isolationism is disguised, as it often is, as American exceptionalism.
International Accounting Normalization and Harmonization Processes across the World: History and Overview
Authors: Trabelsi Raoudha
Published: February 2016

Based on a literature review, the paper traces the history of the International Accounting normalization, and presents an overview of the harmonization process across different regions of the world.

In a first part we present the circumstances that led to the genesis of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) in 1973, by returning to the evolution of its notoriety, and to the production of its first international accounting standards (IAS). After discussing the replacement of the IASC in 2001 by the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation (IASCF) and the International Accounting standards Board (IASB), we give details on how the international standards were henceforth called International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), due to their new dominating financial aspect.

In the second part of the paper, we discuss the existing differences between developed and developing countries regarding the international accounting harmonization process. After discussing the limits and the advantages of the international accounting harmonization, we raise the issue of financial security in relation to the process of international accounting harmonization.
A Case-Referent Study of Extrapyramidal Signs (Preparkinsonism) in Rural Communities of Israel
Authors: Herishanu Y.O. , Kordysh E. , Goldsmith J.R.
Published: February 2016

Background:

In previous studies we reported an increased prevalence of Parkinson's disease in several kibbutzim of Southern Israel (cluster kibbutzim). Subsequent studies revealed a significant prevalence of subjects presenting extrapyramidal signs (preparkinsonism) in the same kibbutzim. On follow-up worsening of these signs was observed in some of the older subjects, some of them actually being diagnosed as suffering from I-Dopa responsive Parkinson's disease. The current study was designed to evaluate possible etiologic factors for the development of preparkinsonism.

Methods:

317 subjects over the age of 40, living in five kibbutzim were examined and interviewed. 95 subjects presenting extrapyramidal signs were compared with 95 control subjects. They were matched for age, sex and length of residence in the kibbutz. Odds ratios were computed to identify exposure variables for logistic regression analyses. Detectors for carbamates and organic phosphates were applied at different sites of these kibbutzim.

Results:

The severity and frequency of the extrapyramidal signs were higher in the older age groups, more in the “cluster”, than in other kibbutzim. A very strong association was found between field crop work exposure, particularly cotton, and preparkinsonism (p = 0.0007) and a slightly weaker association for landscape work. The detectors picked up abundant pesticide traces (carbamates and organic phosphates) in the residential areas fairly distant from sites of aerial spray.

Conclusion:

We assume a chronic passive exposure of the residents in these kibbutzim to pesticides, in addition to any occupational exposures.
Conservative Treatment of Acute Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma
Authors: Pahapill Peter A. , Lownie Stephen P.
Published: February 2016

Background:

In cases of acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma producing neurological deficits, emergency surgical evacuation is the standard treatment.

Methods:

Such a case is presented in which complete resolution of neurological deficits occurred without surgical intervention.

Results:

This is the fifth reported case of complete recovery in a patient managed conservatively. In most reports, significant and sustained neurological recovery had occurred within 12 hours of impairment of walking.

Conclusion:

In cases of acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in which neurological deterioration is followed by early and sustained recovery, non-operative therapy may be considered.