bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Meiofauna in the Hyporheic Zone of the Beberibe River, Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Veras Tatiane B. , Cabral Jaime J. S. P. , Paiva Anderson L. R. , Santos Paulo J. P. , Freitas Dayana A.
Published: July 2018

The hyporheic environment is composed of a rich meiofauna that depends on water flow, organic matter, and oxygen. The concentration of meiofauna varies spatially (horizontal and vertical) and temporally. Several processes occur at this interface (groundwater and surface water), including biogeochemical processes involving meiofauna. A study of the hyporheic meiofauna community in the sediments of the Beberibe River, in Brazil, was conducted. Meiofauna attained peak densities of 942.8 organisms/10 cm2, with organisms distributed over six taxa, with 98% of them represented by rotifers, nematodes, and annelids. Density was higher in the dry season with an average of 653.1 organisms/10 cm2, and in more superficial sediments with an average of 739.6 organisms/10 cm2. Greater densities were found in coarser sediment with a higher percentage of organic matter. A river bank filtration (RBF) pilot project has been installed, with good results in the attenuation of contaminants and pathogens.
Benchmarking the Energy Intensity of Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities
Authors: Hanna Steven M. , Thompson Matthew J. , Dahab Mohamed F. , Williams Robert E. , Dvorak Bruce I.
Published: July 2018

To enable small communities to benchmark the energy efficiency of their water resource recovery facilities (also known as wastewater treatment facilities), multiple linear regression models of electric and overall energy intensity (kWh/m3) were created using data from Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Key variables found to be significant include: facility type, supplemental energy usage for sludge treatment, average flow, percent design flow, climate controlled floor area, effluent NH3‐N, and influent CBOD5. The results show that energy use models for small systems differ from those for large facilities and that regulatory changes can affect energy usage. Step changes in the data for facilities that changed operators highlight the importance of operational decisions on energy efficiency for small facilities serving fewer than 10,000 people. Differences were observed between the models of data from specific states. Although these models may not include all factors that account for variability in energy use, they can provide a reference benchmark for small WRRFs.
Sustainability Assessment for Indirect Potable Reuse: A Case Study from Reno, Nevada
Authors: Haak Laura , Sundaram Vijay , Pagilla Krishna
Published: July 2018

A triple bottom line (TBL) approach was used to examine the trade‐offs between potential reclaimed water management strategies in a closed basin. The goals of the water management strategy included minimizing water source shortages, ensuring safe and resilient future water supplies, and protecting inland ecosystems through adequate surface flows. The TBL approach consisted of quantitative and qualitative impact assessments of social, environmental, and economic criteria. This research examined how potable reuse of reclaimed water addresses water needs in a closed basin such as maintaining water quality, managing reclaimed water disposal, meeting growing water demand, balancing groundwater extraction rates with inflows, preserving inland ecosystems, and ensuring a locally controlled safe drinking water source. The TBL assessment first evaluated water stress based on water demand and supply under status quo conditions. The results were compared with the potable reuse scenario, which provides more environmental and social benefits than the status quo scenario.
Solubilization of Organics Due to Thermal Hydrolysis Pretreatment and the Shift in Microbial Population in Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Berde Manisha S. , Jolis Domenec
Published: July 2018

A study was conducted to analyze the effect of solubilization due to thermal hydrolysis pretreatment on the microbial population responsible for anaerobic digestion at mesophilic temperature. Metagenomic and microbial population analysis was done on digesters receiving sludge with and without thermal hydrolysis pretreatment. The digester receiving thermal hydrolysis pretreatment was stable at lower detention times and showed a shift in microbial population with predominance of methane‐producing population in comparison to conventional digesters receiving no thermal hydrolysis pretreatment. Among methanogens, Methanosarcina showed dominance in the thermal hydrolysis pretreatment digester. Digesters with no thermal hydrolysis pretreatment had a mixed culture of acid‐producing bacteria and methane‐producing archaea, with almost equal proportion of methane‐producing Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina. Kinetic parameters showed high growth and substrate utilization rates in digester receiving thermal hydrolysis pretreatment.
Web-Based Measure of Life Events Using Computerized Life Events and Assessment Record (CLEAR): Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study of Reliability, Validity, and Association With Depression
Authors: Bifulco Antonia , Spence Ruth , Nunn Stephen , Kagan Lisa , Bailey-Rodriguez Deborah , Hosang Georgina M , Taylor Matthew , Fisher Helen L
Published: July 2018

Background

Given the criticisms of life event checklists and the costs associated with interviews, life event research requires a sophisticated but easy-to-use measure for research and clinical practice. Therefore, the Computerized Life Events and Assessment Record (CLEAR), based on the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule (LEDS), was developed.

Objective

The objective of our study was to test CLEAR’s reliability, validity, and association with depression.

Methods

CLEAR, the General Health Questionnaire, and the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTE-Q) were completed by 328 participants (126 students; 202 matched midlife sample: 127 unaffected controls, 75 recurrent depression cases). Test-retest reliability over 3-4 weeks was examined and validity determined by comparing CLEAR with LEDS and LTE-Q. Both CLEAR and LTE-Q were examined in relation to depression.

Results

CLEAR demonstrated good test-retest reliability for the overall number of life events (0.89) and severe life events (.60). Long-term problems showed similar findings. In terms of validity, CLEAR severe life events had moderate sensitivity (59.1%) and specificity (65.4%) when compared with LEDS. CLEAR demonstrated moderate sensitivity (43.1%) and specificity (78.6%) when compared with LTE-Q. CLEAR severe life events and long-term problems were significantly associated with depression (odds ratio, OR 3.50, 95% CI 2.10 to 5.85, P<.001; OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.02 to 5.67, P<.001, respectively), whereas LTE-Q events were not (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.60, P=.90).

Conclusions

CLEAR has acceptable reliability and validity and predicts depression. It, therefore, has great potential for effective use in research and clinical practice identifying stress-related factors for the onset and maintenance of depression and related disorders.
An Approach for Data Mining of Electronic Health Record Data for Suicide Risk Management: Database Analysis for Clinical Decision Support
Authors: Berrouiguet Sofian , Billot Romain , Larsen Mark Erik , Lopez-Castroman Jorge , Jaussent Isabelle , Walter Michel , Lenca Philippe , Baca-García Enrique , Courtet Philippe
Published: July 2018

Background

In an electronic health context, combining traditional structured clinical assessment methods and routine electronic health–based data capture may be a reliable method to build a dynamic clinical decision-support system (CDSS) for suicide prevention.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the data mining module of a Web-based CDSS and to identify suicide repetition risk in a sample of suicide attempters.

Methods

We analyzed a database of 2802 suicide attempters. Clustering methods were used to identify groups of similar patients, and regression trees were applied to estimate the number of suicide attempts among these patients.

Results

We identified 3 groups of patients using clustering methods. In addition, relevant risk factors explaining the number of suicide attempts were highlighted by regression trees.

Conclusions

Data mining techniques can help to identify different groups of patients at risk of suicide reattempt. The findings of this study can be combined with Web-based and smartphone-based data to improve dynamic decision making for clinicians.
Test-taking Strategies on Reading Comprehension Tests: A Review of Major Research Themes
Authors: Assiri Mohammed S. , Alodhahi Emad A.
Published: July 2018

There is a growing body of thought and research on strategy use on tests of reading comprehension. Nevertheless, there have been few research reviews that have treated major themes involved in thought and research on test-taking strategies, specifically in the context of reading comprehension. Hence, this paper reviews the themes that are central to the discussion of strategy choice and use on reading comprehension tests. Research themes that form the foci of the paper include discussion of test-taking strategies as they relate to the process of reading test-taking, formats of reading tests, validation of reading tests, level of language proficiency, and performance on tests of reading comprehension.
Critical Thinking, Bias and Feminist Philosophy: Building a Better Framework through Collaboration
Authors: Dalgleish Adam , Girard Patrick , Davies Maree
Published: July 2018

In the late 20th century theorists within the radical feminist tradition such as Haraway (1988) highlighted the impossibility of separating knowledge from knowers, grounding firmly the idea that embodied bias can and does make its way into argument. Along a similar vein, Moulton (1983) exposed a gendered theme within critical thinking that casts the feminine as toxic ‘unreason’ and the ideal knower as distinctly masculine; framing critical thinking as a method of masculine knowers fighting off feminine ‘unreason’. Theorists such as Burrow (2010) have picked up upon this tradition, exploring the ways in which this theme of overly masculine, or ‘adversarial’, argumentation is both unnecessary and serves as an ineffective base for obtaining truth. Rooney (2010) further highlighted how this unnecessarily gendered context results in argumentative double binds for women, undermining their authority and stifling much-needed diversity within philosophy as a discipline.These are damning charges that warrant a response within critical thinking frameworks. We suggest that the broader critical thinking literature, primarily that found within contexts of critical pedagogy and dispositional schools, can and should be harnessed within the critical thinking literature to bridge the gap between classical and feminist thinkers. We highlight several methods by which philosophy can retain the functionality of critical thinking while mitigating the obstacles presented by feminist critics and highlight how the adoption of such methods not only improves critical thinking, but is also beneficial to philosophy, philosophers and feminists alike.
The Bullshit Doctrine: Fabrications, Lies, and Nonsense in the Age of Trump
Authors: Kristiansen Lars J. , Kaussler Bernd
Published: July 2018

Guided by the concept of bullshit, broadly defined as a deceptive form of rhetoric intended to distract and/or persuade, we examine how fabrications and false statements— when crafted and distributed by the president of the United States—impact not only foreign policy making and implementation but also erode democratic norms. Unconstrained by reality, and seemingly driven more by celebrity and showmanship than a genuine desire to govern, we argue that President Trump’s penchant for bullshit is part of a concerted strategy to sideline critics while simultaneously undermining the ongoing investigations into the Trump campaign’s alleged collusion with the Russian government.
Fake News: A Definition
Authors: Gelfert Axel
Published: July 2018

Despite being a new term, ‘fake news’ has evolved rapidly. This paper argues that it should be reserved for cases of deliberate presentation of (typically) false or misleading claims as news, where these are misleading by design. The phrase ‘by design’ here refers to systemic features of the design of the sources and channels by which fake news propagates and, thereby, manipulates the audience’s cognitive processes. This prospective definition is then tested: first, by contrasting fake news with other forms of public disinformation; second, by considering whether it helps pinpoint conditions for the (recent) proliferation of fake news.
On Arguments from Ignorance
Authors: Hinton Martin David
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to give a good account of the argument from ignorance, with a presumptive argumentation scheme, and to raise issues on the work of Walton, the nature of abduction and the concept of epistemic closure. First, I offer a brief disambiguation of how the terms 'argument from ignorance' and 'argumentum ad ignorantiam' are used. Second, I show how attempts to embellish this form of reasoning by Douglas Walton and A.J. Kreider have been unnecessary and unhelpful. Lastly, I offer a full and effective account of the argument from ignorance and discuss the lessons of the analysis.Le but de cet article est double: donner un bon compte rendu de l'argument par l'ignorance, avec un schème d'argumentation présomptif, et soulever des questions sur certains aspects de l’œuvre de Walton, la nature des raisonnements abductifs et le concept de fermeture épistémique. Premièrement, j'offre une brève désambiguïsation de la façon dont les termes «argument par l'ignorance» et «argumentum ad ignorantiam» sont utilisés. Deuxièmement, je montre comment les tentatives de Douglas Walton et de A.J. Kreider d'embellir cette forme de raisonnement ont été ni nécessaires et ni utiles. Enfin, j'offre un compte-rendu complet et utile de l'argument par l'ignorance et je discute des leçons de l'analyse.
Socially Empowered Learning in the Classroom: Effects of Arts Integration and Social Enterprise in Schools
Authors: Martin Brittany Harker , Calvert Ann
Published: July 2018

This paper tests a new theoretical framework for engaging students by evaluating two project-and-design-based pedagogies: Arts Integrated Collective Creation (AICC) and Educational Social Enterprise (ESE). Findings provide statistical support for benefits with middle school students when instruction is designed around Socially Empowered Learning (i.e., group-based, creative agency, real-world issues, and positive social impact). We advance the theory of Socially Empowered Learning (SEL) in identifying and finding empirical support for a novel instructional approach with strong effects and implications for the power of the arts to enhance cross-curricular learning.
Ecofeminist Echoes in New Materialism?
Authors: CASSELOT MARIE-ANNE
Published: July 2018

Do ecofeminism and new materialism share common features? In ecofeminist literature’s concern for the nonhuman, one could foresee feminist theory’s “material turn” that would eventually lead to new materialist feminisms. In this paper, I argue that they indeed share some common interests and features; they both want to rethink the environment and what constitutes it, but from different angles. On the one hand, ecofeminism is more oriented towards understanding structural oppression of women and nature, including animals, while new materialism wants to reconceptualize agency precisely by looking at the posthuman and the transhuman. I present a wide scope of common features between both fields as well as their mutual tensions.
Digestion, Habit, and Being at Home: Hegel and the Gut as Ambiguous Other
Authors: DRYDEN JANE
Published: July 2018

Recent work in the philosophy of biology argues that we must rethink the biological individual beyond the boundary of the species, given that a key part of our essential functioning is carried out by the bacteria in our intestines in a way that challenges any strictly genetic account of what is involved for the biological human. The gut is a kind of ambiguous other within our understanding of ourselves, particularly when we also consider the status of gastro-intestinal disorders. Hegel offers us theoretical tools to describe and understand our relationship to our gut. His description of our selves as continually mediated through otherness is strikingly compatible with the kind of structure contemporary biology presents us with. His accounts of digestion and habit, contextualized by his logic, help point toward an understanding of selfhood as porous and yet still capable of being sufficiently unified for us to make sense of ourselves, one which allows us to acknowledge otherness within us while still having enough unity for agency.
Toward Companion Objects
Authors: Mudde Anna
Published: July 2018

In this paper, I take up Graham Harman’s critique of the philosophy of access as well as his proposed non-anthropocentric ontology, and I ask what it would be like for human beings to live or practice such a proposal. Drawing on Harman’s thinking about prehension, but shifting focus towards work in critical phenomenology and feminist science studies, I argue for the importance of human prehensive self-awareness within non-anthropocentric ontological practices, an awareness that emerges phenomenologically and in practice. Extending both Donna Haraway’s theory of companion species and phenomenological practices of being-here with other things, I lay a groundwork for practicing being human as companion object.
"Second Life" Librarianship and the Gendered Work of Care in Technology
Authors: Calvert Scout
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the basis for the commonly expressed sentiment that librarians have been late to adopt emerging technologies for use in library and information science practice. Using insights from science and technology studies, this sentiment is shown to be inadequately empirically warranted. The trope of the technophobic librarian is examined for clues to the importance of gendered emotional labor in effective library work, under the rubric of “customer service.” These clues lead to an examination of embodiment in the virtual world Second Life, and the emerging presence of librarians there. Using Second Life librarianship as a case study, this paper argues that embodiment is an important resource for library work, and that women’s technological labor is effaced through the trope of the technophobic librarian. Deconstructive analytical moves which collapse binary categories, yoked with methods from science and technology studies, are suggested for future fine-grained accounts of library technological practice.
OUT OF THE CLOSET AND UP THE LADDER? DIVERSITY IN ONTARIO’S BIG LAW FIRMS
Authors: Alkoby Asher , Alon-Shenker Pnina
Published: July 2018

While Canadian law generally provides protection against sexual orientation discrimination, and social acceptance is growing, there are some indications that LGBTQ lawyers face barriers relating to their sexual identity. Although more LGBTQ lawyers are now ‘out at work’, quantitative data is incomplete, and little is known about the actual experience of LGBTQ lawyers, who enter big firms in Ontario with the hope to advance through the ranks. This article begins to address this gap by providing qualitative analysis of the personal experience of LGBTQ lawyers entering the profession and the extent to which in-firm diversity initiatives shape their experience. Three main themes emerged from the interviews. First, racialized gay lawyers more consciously described their experiences at big law firms as negative and related it to their minority status. Second, the interviews offer insight into the ways in which gays and lesbians are forced to negotiate and perform their identity in a heteronormative workplace. Finally, the insights gleaned from the interviews suggest that the diversity programs devised by law firms may have helped diversify the lower ranks of law firms, but they seem to have failed to address the barriers that equity-seeking groups continue to face in retention and advancement through the ranks. The heteronormative organizational culture, as well as the promotion and compensation structures in firms continue to drive the composition of the leadership ranks and it arguably perpetuates homogeneity.
A Short Path Quantum Algorithm for Exact Optimization
Authors: Hastings M. B.
Published: July 2018

We give a quantum algorithm to exactly solve certain problems in combinatorial optimization, including weighted MAX-2-SAT as well as problems where the objective function is a weighted sum of products of Ising variables, all terms of the same degree D; this problem is called weighted MAX-ED-LIN2. We require that the optimal solution be unique for odd D and doubly degenerate for even D; however, we expect that the algorithm still works without this condition and we show how to reduce to the case without this assumption at the cost of an additional overhead. While the time required is still exponential, the algorithm provably outperforms Grover's algorithm assuming a mild condition on the number of low energy states of the target Hamiltonian. The detailed analysis of the runtime dependence on a tradeoff between the number of such states and algorithm speed: fewer such states allows a greater speedup. This leads to a natural hybrid algorithm that finds either an exact or approximate solution.
Numinoso e Mysterium Tremendum – conhecendo a Umbanda: algumas reflexões sobre experiência religiosa no Centro Espírita Mensageiros da Paz em Cariacica/ES
Authors: Ulrich Claudete Beise , Oliveira Vinicius De , Freitas Arlette , Pereira André De Oliveira , Oliveira Marcela Nascimento de , Santos Leticia Da Silva
Published: July 2018

O presente artigo reflete sobre alguns aspectos dos conceitos teóricos em Rudolf Otto sobre o sagrado, apontando para o numinoso e o mysterium tremendum.  Revisita a história da Umbanda, uma religião brasileira e, por fim, faz considerações reflexivas a partir de entrevistas e observação participante, realizadas no Centro Espírita Mensageiros da Paz em Cariacica/ES, pelo grupo de pesquisa Religião, Gênero, Violências: Direitos Humanos da Faculdade Unida de Vitória.  A problemática que envolve o texto remete à necessidade de conhecer o/a outro/a e sua religião para superar as intolerâncias e violências religiosas, objetivando reconhecer a presença do sagrado na pluralidade e diversidade religiosa brasileira.
Immune Responses in Mice Immunized with Mastitis Multiple Vaccines Using Different Adjuvants
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Li Xin-Pu , Yang Feng , Luo Jin-Yin , Wang Xu-Rong , Liu Long-hai , Li Hong-Sheng
Published: July 2018

Background: Bovine mastitis, a serious disease associated with both high incidence and significant economic losses, posing a major challenge to the global dairy industry. The development of vaccines for protection from new infections by mastitis pathogens is of considerable interest to the milk production industry. Vaccination is a common and easy strategy for the control of infectious diseases, and the adjuvants used in the formulation is a critical factor for vaccine efficacy improvement. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate three different adjuvants for their ability to enhance immune responses of mice that vaccinated with Bovine Mastitis Multiple Vaccine.Materials, Methods & Results: The thymus and spleen index, the phagocytic ability of macrophage and the serum antibody levels of mice were detected after vaccination, respectively. The results showed that the thymus index, spleen index, and the phagocytic ability of macrophage of mice in Aluminum group exhibited a significant higher level (P < 0.05) compared with those in the control groups. The difference of the serum antibody levels was significant (P < 0.05) between experimental groups and control group after vaccination. The serum antibody concentration of mice in FIA group was higher compared with other groups and had a longer duration. The antibody concentration of mice in France 206 oil group can not increase as fast as the antibody concentration of Aluminum group, but it can last a longer time at a high level. In conclusion, multiple vaccines mixed with three different adjuvants could enhance the immunity of mice and Freund’s incomplete adjuvant is the best choice for this vaccine.Discussion: Adjuvants play an important role in increasing the efficacy of a number of different vaccines. In this study, three kinds of adjuvants (Aluminum hydroxide, France 206 oil and FIA) were evaluated for their adjuvant effects for multiple vaccine of bovine mastitis in mice and aluminum hydroxide did best as the vaccine adjuvant from the results. Aluminum hydroxide is a universally accepted adjuvant for both human and veterinary vaccines. The goal of vaccination is to generate strong immune response providing protection against infection for a time. Different protective effects will usually obtained by different adjuvants even use same antigen. In this work, FIA, Alum and 206 oil were chosen as adjuvants for inactivated antigens of Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that there was a significantly higher antibody levels in vaccinated mice compared with those in control group. In addition, the mice in France 206 oil and FIA group performed a higher antibody levels and stronger immunity than mice in Aluminum hydroxide groups. These findings suggest that Freund’s incomplete adjuvant (FIA) would be the best candidate as the adjuvant for mastitis multiple vaccines investigated in this study.
Entre antigos e modernos: escrita da história e lições morais no Brasil do século XIX
Authors: Santos Evandro
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é o de examinar a presença de autores antigos na produção historiográfica oriunda do Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro (IHGB), fundado no Rio de Janeiro, em meados do século XIX. Para tanto, alguns textos publicados na Revista do IHGB são retomados à luz do debate atual sobre o tema. Considerados fontes seminais para a história da historiografia, abordagem que sustenta a análise aqui exposta, tais escritos fornecem importantes elementos ao debate que se encontra aberto. Nesse sentido, argumenta-se que, a despeito de sua participação no longo processo de estabelecimento da modernidade e de sua marca tanto epistemológica quanto retórica, os aspectos morais fornecidos pelos autores antigos operaram, particularmente no caso brasileiro, como elo discursivo entre o poder do Estado imperial e a emergente disciplina histórica.
Bölgesel Kalkınmada Yayla Turizmi: Rize İli Örneği
Authors: Bilici Nilgün , Işık Zennübe
Published: July 2018

Dünyadaki değişime paralel yaşam
standartlarının yükselmesiyle, Türkiye’de eko turizm, kültür turizmi, kongre
turizmi, av turizmi, spor turizmi, yayla turizmi ve sağlık turizmi gibi farklı
turizm tipleri oluşmuştur. Türkiye, doğal ve kültürel değerleri ile turizm
yönünden çeşitlilik gösteren bir potansiyele sahiptir. Dünyada olduğu gibi
Türkiye’de de eko turizme yönelik turizm talebi artmaktadır. Kırsal alanlar,
insanların negatif etki yaratan kent ortamından uzaklaşmasını sağladığı için bu
bölgeler önem kazanmakta ve dünyada bu tür yerlerin sahip olduğu fiziki
güzellikler ve kültürel değerler ilgi görmektedir. Dolayısıyla birçok ülkede
kırsal niteliğe sahip, tahrip olmamış doğa ve kültürel bölgelerin büyük bir bölümünün
varlığını sürdürüyor olması bölgesel kalkınma açısından da çekim unsuru
oluşturmaktadır. Konu ile ilgili yapılan araştırmalar, gelecek yıllarda turizm
anlayışının doğa ile bütünleşen, çevreye karşı bilinçli, yaşam tarzlarını ve
kültürleri birlikte tutmaya imkân veren turizm ürünlerine yönelik olacağına da
dikkat çekmektedir. Bu araştırmada Rize ilinin sahip olduğu yayla turizminin
potansiyel kaynaklarına olan farkındalığın sağlanması ve yayla turizminin
bölgesel kalkınmaya katkısı ele alınacaktır.
Programa de transferencia de conocimiento de la empresa a la universidad: una estrategia de comunicación para dar a conocer una marca industrial
Authors: Montoya Ruiz Vivian Andrea , Nivia F Marcela
Published: July 2018

El presente trabajo de investigación fue desarrollado con el fin de analizar los efectos que tiene la implementación de un programa de trasferencia de conocimiento sobre la estrategia de comunicación para dar a conocer la marca industrial ABB. Este trabajo abordó a los empleados de la empresa como agentes transmisores y a los estudiantes universitarios de ingeniería eléctrica como receptores de esta información. Para la construcción, implementación y análisis del programa de transferencia, se revisó la percepción de los empleados de ABB, el papel del área de Comunicaciones Corporativas y el nivel de conocimiento de la marca ABB por parte de los estudiantes de ingeniería. Los resultados obtenidos evidenciaron que un programa de transferencia de conocimiento puede convertirse en una estrategia de comunicación efectiva para dar a conocer la marca de empresas industriales, dando valor a los procesos comunicativos y aportando a la educación de los universitarios.
Aportes del racionalismo crítico de K. Popper a la filosofia de las ciencias sociales
Authors: Sepúlveda Fernández Roger De Jesús
Published: July 2018

En este artículo se desarrolla tres concepciones de teoría en K Popper, basado en una visión biológica y evolutiva del conocimiento; luego, se examinan estas nociones en el contexto de la filosofía en las ciencias sociales; finalmente, se valora cómo aporta a la discusión de la naturaleza de las teorías en administración, especialmente en la literatura especializada colombiana de la administración.
Analyzing students’ speech construction through their recorded videos
Authors: Nomesque Morales Ingrid Jhoana
Published: July 2018

Report of the research and pedagogical process developed in foreign language’s teaching with the Intermediate level conversational group of the Language Center. This project is focus on the observation, description and implementation of different activities in order to analyze all communicative strategies used by students to construct their own oral English performance, taking as a start-point the development of short video emissions based on four different kinds of speeches in English.
Corrigendum to: INTELLECTUAL RELIGIOSITY OF ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL IN A. MUSTOFA BISRIâ€™S POETRY [15(2), (2017), 324-344]
Authors: NS Suwito
Published: July 2018

Corrigendum to: Based on the error submitted by the author of the article to the editors on July 19, 2018, that the author of the article is only one author and written Abdul Wachid BS, this article should consist of four authors namely Abdul Wachid BS, Herman J. Waluyo, Rachmat Djoko Pradopo, and Suyitno. so this correction is made to make checks for the readers.
Improvements to the system of the balanced social and economic development of a region by regional financial fund
Authors:   Southwest State University, Kovarda Vladimir Vasilyevich
Published: July 2018

Due to the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 208 as of May 13, 2017 On the Strate-gy for Economic Security of the Russian Federation up to 2030, the major threats to the Russian eco-nomic security are generated by uneven spatial de-velopment of Russia, the intensified regional and municipal disparities according to the level and pace of social and economic development. For these rea-sons, the balanced spatial and regional development of the Russian Federation, the promotion of its uni-fied economic space are the main areas of the state policy on economic security. It is proposed to create regional financial funds that earmark finances for projects depending on the development vector of the region in order to achieve a balance. The fund is financed by the regional budget and regional finan-cial institutions under the guidance of the supervi-sory board, which consists of the representatives of regional authorities and business community. This innovation is to create a resource (financial) base for the regional development policy, i.e. the implemen-tation of a particular project should meet the con-cerns of regional development.
Democratic Deviations and Constitutional Changes: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Picarella Lucia
Published: July 2018

This article shows through a descriptive-qualitative methodology as the recent Turkish constitutional reform is fully inserted in the context of the strong debate on the transformations of contemporary democracies. In particular, the analysis emphasizes the underlying danger of this constitutional change, because the established super-presidentialism drives a strong drift away from the consolidation / institutionalization of democracy. Our conclusions show the risk of authoritarian involution from the total centralization of powers in the hands of the leader, which will have consequences both internally, an area in which there will be a stronger radicalization, and at the supranational level, because the heavy rerouting freezes the integrationist dreams.
Ben Okri’s Aphorisms: “Music on the Wings of a Soaring Bird”
Authors: Gray Rosemary
Published: July 2018

The title of this presentation is derived from Ben Okri’s latest publication, The Magic Lamp (2017), itself an intersectional text featuring a selection of Rosemary Clunie’s art and Okri’s accompanying ontopoietic/ heightened consciousness prose. This trans-disciplinary paper traces the trajectory and suggests the import of Okri’s blueprints for regaining our true state of being: his aphorisms in Birds of Heaven (1996), A Time for New Dreams (2011) and those in Johns Hopkins’s journal, Callaloo (2015, 38(5): 1042-1043). Reviving a wisdom corpus from antiquity, this Booker Prizewinning Nigerian novelist provides a guiding paremiological exemplum in A Time for New Dreams to counter postmodernity’s obsession with the pleasure principle or fast living and hyper-connectivity: “And out of the wilderness/ The songbird sings/ ‘Nothing is what it seems./ This is a time for new dreams’” (2011: 147). Based on Italian Renaissance’s Desiderius Erasmus’s ([1540] 1982) view on the luminous benefits of concise thought, the argument is that the quintessence of aphorisms or proverbs has been and is their pithy wisdom. A basic premise is that the Imaginatio Creatix communicating in poetic prose aphorisms provides fertile ground for new connections, new depths, and new transversals as well as epiphanies or what Okri terms the alchemy of ‘serendipity’. A fragment in Birds of Heaven (1996: 40) highlights the moral purpose of Okri’s aphorisms: “It is precisely in a broken age that we need mystery and a reawakened sense of wonder: need them in order to be whole again.”
Access, Participation and Success: The Tri-Dimensional Conundrum of Academic Outcomes in a South African TVET College
Authors: Nzembe Alois
Published: July 2018

This study sought to unravel academic factors which influence access, participation and success in a South African technical, vocational, education and training (TVET) college. The research questions which guided this research paper were as follows: What are students’ experiences of access, participation and success in the context of one South African TVET college? How do students navigate the contextual dynamics that affect access, participation and success? A qualitative research design was used to investigate academic factors which impede or promote access, participation and success in the TVET College. An interview schedule was used to generate data which would highlight the participants’ experiences of access, participation and success in the TVET College. An analysis of the reasons why students experience challenges in their academic performance in the college revealed that the under-preparedness of students for the TVET curriculum, the language of instruction, academic support programmes in the college, provision of educational resources assessment approaches had negative and/or positive influences on access, participation and success in the TVET college.
Information Security Management: Password Security Issues
Authors: Kuka Elda , Bahiti Rovena
Published: July 2018

As users of technology in our everyday actions we need to authenticate in different applications, in fast and secure mode. Although passwords are called the least secure mode of authentication, it’s the simplicity of entering a textual password for just a few seconds, especially when a fast transaction is needed, the main advantage that textual password based authentication method has against other authentication methods. We have prepared a questionnaire that will help us to identify the practices, characteristics, and problems of creation and usage of passwords in online applications, services and social networks. The target population is a group of users who have knowledge on information technology in public administration.
Quality Assurance Implementation, Management Practices, and Staff Performance in the Technical Colleges of the Sultanate of Oman: Inputs for a Quality Intervention Program
Authors: Faller John Michael V.
Published: July 2018

The research endeavored to analyze the impact of quality assurance on management practices and staff performance in the Technical Colleges of the Sultanate of Oman. The use of a quantitative research approach and a correlational research design was deemed necessary in order to address the research objectives. The respondents of the study comprised of the different faculty, staff, and administrators from various technical colleges. It was revealed that there was a very satisfactory level of quality assurance implementation in terms of general standards in higher education (m=3.87) and in the implementation of the standards of good practice in higher education (m=3.97). There was a satisfactory level of quality assurance implementation of the standards of the National Qualifications Framework (m=3.49) and the implementation of the standards in approval and accreditation process (m=3.42). In terms of the management practices profile, an overall very satisfactory level was recorded in the said colleges. This is indicated by the overall mean score level of 3.82. An overall very satisfactory level of staff performance was obtained in the said colleges. This is indicated by the overall mean score level of 3.71. All of the null hypotheses were rejected in favour of the research hypotheses, which means that there was significant relationship between all the quality assurance implementation and staff performance, quality assurance implementation and management practices, and staff performance and management practices. Implications for management and future research are provided.
Albania, a Stabilizing Factor in the Western Balkans Region Favored by Its Geostrategic Position
Authors: Metushaj Mirela
Published: July 2018

Albania, a stabilizing factor in the region favored by its geostrategic position. Albania, being a small country in the world geography, but also in the regional one, has played a determining role in several historical moments after ’90 for its membership in the NATO, and after the membership in this organization it has played a role in guaranteeing stability and peace in the Western Balkans, and therefore in the international arena. It is a known fact that Western Balkans had and still has many ethnic, cultural and religious conflicts and has experienced various challenges which provoked the stability of the countries which, after a difficult time after the dissolution of former Yugoslavia, have been able to be independent and internationally recognized countries, aiming to become members of the NATO and EU, and for this reason they have been little prone to develop conflicts between them. Albania has proved to be always in favor of dialogue and stability in the relations between the states, with the main purpose of achieving the major aim for the Western Balkans to become a complete member in European and international organizations, as this would influence the vital and political improvement not only in some countries of the Balkans, but in the Balkans as a whole, especially in the economic aspect. What is the role of the geostrategic position of Albania in the region and elsewhere from the stability viewpoint?
Socio-Economic Determinants of Healthcare Service Utilization among Rural Dwellers in Akpabuyo Lga, of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Omoregha Omoaregha Agbayayo , Bassey Antigha Okon
Published: July 2018

Socio-economic determinants of healthcare services utilization were investigated in Akpabuyo Local Government Area using structured questionnaires, administered to adults in the study area. The general objective of this study was to determine the reason behind underutilization of orthodox health services in the area with particular attention to the socio-economic factors; specific objectives were to ascertain the influence of income level and the relationship between proximity of health facilities and utilization. The research design adopted for this study was the cross-sectional survey design; a sample size of 400 was drawn from adults, selected from each household and the Multi-stage sampling technique was utilized for the process of data collection, which consisted of the systematic random and the purposive sampling techniques. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) were used in the analysis of data generated, for the purpose of arriving at a conclusion and policy recommendation. The findings from this research revealed that income level at all three categories; low, middle and high had significant influence on the utilization of healthcare services, and the proximity of healthcare facilities concerning their distance and location also had a significant relationship on their utilization. Conclusively, it was recommended that there should be equitable distribution of functional health facilities within the wards to reduce distance and travel time, as well as an improvement on household income of rural dwellers in Akpabuyo through numerous private and government interventions as well as improved commercial activities.
Universities and Entrepreneurship: An Overview of Albanian Public HEI-s on Entrepreneurial University Model Aspects
Authors: Papa Bruna , Demo Ervin
Published: July 2018

Albanian higher education sector has undergone various changes in the last years. Such changes have brought different implication and challenges for higher education institutions. HEIs need to find new and innovative ways to be able to respond properly and play their role in the society. This paper aims to provide an evaluation of the staus quo of 5 public higher education instituions, that took part in the study, in regard to 6 aspects of the entrepreneurial university model.Interviews were conducted using HEInnovate tool as a theoretical guideline and questions were asked by being grouped in 6 categories: on aspects such as governance and lidership, internationalization, knowledge exchange, human and financial resources, entrepreneurial education and start up support and measures, were conducted in order to have a general overview and identify potential areas of improvement. Entrepreneurship needs to be supported and formilazed by the top lidership and effective organizational structure that promotes entrepreneurshop at all levels of the institution, financial stream needs to be diversified, blended learning needs to be encourgaed and promoted and public HEIs need to increase their international cooperation and presence. The study shows that HEIs need to implement new practies in order to better be prepared to face the current and future challenges. The findings and recommendation can be used to present measures to be undertaken both at institutional level of HEIs and at the level of policy makers in Albania.
Big Data in e-Government Environments: Albania as a Case Study
Authors: Elezaj Ogerta , Tole Dhimiter , Baci Nevila
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, the new trend in e-government environment is Big Data which is considered to be one of the most critical issues due to the managing, quality and privacy challenges. Creating and storing the huge volume of structured and unstructured data generated by governments in different formats does not provide any benefit for decision-making. Governments have to benefit from this data deluge to use its different aspects such as fraud detection or to measure citizen’s needs and desire for services in different area such as finance, healthcare, environment, economic and social statistics, etc. The objective of this paper is to bring Big Data in the context of e-government environment addressing main challenges that governments faced and describing opportunities in this field. This research summarizes the current situation of big data initiatives in e-government in different countries. This paper presents the current situation regarding digital transformation and e-government environment in Albania. The egovernment development and main statistics in the e-services it offers to Albanian is described as it will provide vital input for the potential of using big data as no current national initiatives exist on this field, in the country level. In this paper, we identify challenges and opportunities to start using Big Data in public organizations in Albania and we analyze methodological, organizational and processing challenges when big data is used, instead of traditional sources.
The Geo-economic Gravity Systems as a Tool for the Analysis of Socio-Economic Polarization in a Society: Country Case Study and Geographic Information Modelling Explain Long-term Transformation Potential towards Increased Regional Attractiveness and Efficiency
Authors: Karkazis John , Baltos Georgios C.
Published: July 2018

In this paper the concept of the “Geo-Economic Gravity System” will be discussed as a methodological tool in regard with the key issue of “regional efficiency”, as well as a modeling tool in the effort to face relevant socio-economic problems. As a case study, the fierce opposition between oriental and westernoriented political powers, other words neo-ottomans versus kemalists in the Turkish society, is being respectively examined. The Geo-economic Gravity Systems explain the socio-economic rifts, heading back to the 90’s and demonstrating the multiple and prevailing societal polarization. On its second part, however, this study exhibits that, in the aftermath of the R.T. Erdogan’s governments, despite that the political dichotomy lines remain, at least the severe economic disparities have been smoothed due to policies, incentives and infrastructure investments accomplished. The analysis of Turkey’s internal geoeconomic trends offers notable insight into the mechanism controlling in general the regional socioeconomic attractiveness and efficiency. Consequently, such an analysis can remarkably contribute in the research of the spatial dimension as a catalyst for emerging development opportunities in any country.
Changes in body perception caused by mental illness on the basis of Great Thoughts of Nervous Patient by Daniel Paul Schreber
Authors: Lipski Wojciech
Published: July 2018

The article presents a study on delusory changes in perceiving one’s own body in a patient with mental illness. The story of Daniel Paul Schreber is an example of strongly experienced delusions, which, in the described form are contemporarily attributed to schizophrenia. This story, coming from over one hundred years ago, is still vivid, and actualizes the image of mental illness and suffering connected with it in the thoughts of the reader. The author presents these characteristics focusing mainly on the symptoms of dysmorphognosia or dysmorphophobia, which became an important element of delusional constructs. He describes the nature of the experienced symptoms in detail, documenting them with extensive quotations from „Diary of a mental patient” written by such patient. The study of mental illness presented in the paper reveals the meanders of distorted psyche and some changes that are happening in it under the influence of delusions. It is a study undertaking the issue of describing and understanding the symptoms of mental disorders.