bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Deficiency in Egyptian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: How Prevalent and Does it Impact Disease Activity?
Authors: Abaza Nouran M. , El-Mallah Reem M. , Shaaban Asmaa , Mobasher Sameh A. , Al-hassanein Khaled F. , Zaher Amr A. Abdel , El-kabarity Rania H.
Published: September 2016

Background

The emerging role of vitamin D in immunology and autoimmune disorders has been a worldwide interest in the last decade. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are particularly at a delicate position predisposing them to suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to the multiple risk factors accompanying the disease. Whether vitamin D deficiency is also involved as a risk factor for developing SLE and affecting its course is a considerable concern.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in SLE patients and its relation to disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our observational cross-sectional study, serum levels of vitamin D [25(OH)D] in 60 SLE patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed and estimated for deficiency and insufficiency at 10 and 30 ng/mL, respectively. Disease activity was evaluated by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), irreversible organ damage by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR DI), and severity by Severity of Disease Index. Fatigue was measured by visual analog scale.

Results

Significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D were found in SLE patients (17.6 ± 6.9 ng/mL) in comparison to controls (79.0 ± 28.7 ng/mL), with a statistically high significant difference ( t = -11.2, P < 0.001). High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was detected as 73.3% and 23.3%, respectively. Vitamin D had a highly significant negative correlation with SLEDAI ( r = -0.495, P < 0.001), SLICC ( r = -0.431, P < 0.05), and fatigue ( r = -0.436, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were found to be prevalent in SLE patients in our study and related to disease activity and fatigue. If needed, routine screening and consequent repletion of vitamin D are recommended in SLE patients. Restoring adequate vitamin D levels in SLE patients should be more explored as a potential yet simple measure to their usual management to improve their condition.
A Comparison of Morphine Delivery in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal
Authors: Chisamore Brian , Labana Safaa , Blitz Sandra , Ordean Alice
Published: September 2016

Current estimates of the prevalence of opioid withdrawal in newborns from the 2012 Better Outcomes Registry and Network Ontario reveal that more than 4 births per 1000 display recognizable symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). With a growing consensus surrounding aspects of newborn opioid withdrawal care, clinicians might agree that all infants exposed to maternal opioids require supportive observation and care to ensure appropriate adaptation and growth in the newborn period and, likewise, that there exists a smaller percentage of newborns who require additional pharmacotherapy. However, due to the dearth of comparative studies of NAS tools, there remains a lack of evidence to support the use of a specific NAS method of scoring or treatment. Two types of NAS treatment protocols currently in use include a symptom-only versus weight-based protocols. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has used both models. A formal structured NAS tool and weight-based morphine delivery system began in our NICU in 1999. We audited all newborns with known exposure to maternal opioids in our NICU from the years 2000 to 2014. The Finnegan scoring tool was used throughout all years of the chart audit. Modifications made to the Finnegan scoring tool from the MOTHER study were adapted for use in our NICU at the same time as adopting the Johns Hopkins model of symptom-only based morphine delivery in 2006. The objective of this comparative study using a retrospective chart audit is to compare length of stay (LOS) and total accumulative morphine dose across these two morphine delivery protocols. Our audit revealed that there were a significantly higher proportion of newborns in the symptom-only model that received morphine and, perhaps accordingly, also had a significantly higher LOS compared to those in the weight-based model. Comparing only those infants who did receive morphine, the comparative total accumulative dose of morphine and LOS were not significantly different between the weight-based and symptom-only morphine delivery models.
L-Functoriality for Local Theta Correspondence of Supercuspidal Representations with Unipotent Reduction
Authors: Pan Shu-Yen
Published: September 2016

The preservation principle of local theta correspondences of reductive dual pairs over ap-adic field predicts the existence of a sequence of irreducible supercuspidal representations of classical groups. Adams and Harris-Kudla-Sweet have a conjecture about the Langlands parameters for the sequence of supercuspidal representations. In this paper we prove modified versions of their conjectures for the case of supercuspidal representations with unipotent reduction.
La comunicación y reputación en el sector bancario ruso
Authors: Dzyaloshinsky Iosif M. , Pilgun Maria
Published: September 2016

El artículo recoge los resultados de la investigación de la figura del banquero en la comunicación que integra el sector financiero en la sociedad. Objetivos. Se estudia la relación entre la actividad mediática de un banquero y su reputación profesional en Rusia moderna. Metodología. La base de datos empíricos para el estudio fue construida a raíz de encuestas individuales a expertos sobre la fiabilidad de los bancos rusos (representantes de empresas más grandes rusas, ejecutivos, la élite bancaria a nivel federal, asociaciones, analistas financieros, periodistas). Resultados. Durante el estudio fueron detectados los principales factores determinantes para la buena reputación de un banquero: profesionalismo, cualidades personales, la eficacia de su trabajo. Discusión y conclusiones. Se ha detectado que en diferentes grupos target el peso de cada de estos factores se diferenciaba en gran medida. Se ha visto que la alta actividad mediática de un banquero favorece a su fama, pero perjudica su reputación profesional.
Seasonal variability and source apportionment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Paris megacity (France)
Authors: Baudic Alexia , Gros Valérie , Sauvage Stéphane , Locoge Nadine , Sanchez Olivier , Sarda-Estève Roland , Kalogridis Cerise , Petit Jean-Eudes , Bonnaire Nicolas , Baisnée Dominique , Favez Olivier , Albinet Alexandre , Sciare Jean , Bonsang Bernard
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Within the framework of air quality studies at the megacity scale, highly time-resolved volatile organic compound (C2–C8) measurements were performed in downtown Paris (urban background sites) from January to November 2010. This unique dataset included non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) and aromatic/oxygenated species (OVOCs) measured by a GC-FID (gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector) and a PTR-MS (proton transfer reaction – mass spectrometer), respectively. This study presents the seasonal variability of atmospheric VOCs being monitored in the French megacity and their various associated emission sources. Clear seasonal and diurnal patterns differed from one VOC to another as the result of their different origins and the influence of environmental parameters (solar radiation, temperature). Source apportionment (SA) was comprehensively conducted using a multivariate mathematical receptor modeling. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's positive matrix factorization tool (US EPA, PMF) was used to apportion and quantify ambient VOC concentrations into six different sources. The modeled source profiles were identified from near-field observations (measurements from three distinct emission sources: inside a highway tunnel, at a fireplace and from a domestic gas flue, hence with a specific focus on road traffic, wood-burning activities and natural gas emissions) and hydrocarbon profiles reported in the literature. The reconstructed VOC sources were cross validated using independent tracers such as inorganic gases (NO, NO2, CO), black carbon (BC) and meteorological data (temperature). The largest contributors to the predicted VOC concentrations were traffic-related activities (including motor vehicle exhaust, 15 % of the total mass on the annual average, and evaporative sources, 10 %), with the remaining emissions from natural gas and background (23 %), solvent use (20 %), wood-burning (18 %) and a biogenic source (15 %). An important finding of this work is the significant contribution from wood-burning, especially in winter, where it could represent up to  ∼  50 % of the total mass of VOCs. Biogenic emissions also surprisingly contributed up to  ∼  30 % in summer (due to the dominating weight of OVOCs in this source). Finally, the mixed natural gas and background source exhibited a high contribution in spring (35 %, when continental air influences were observed) and in autumn (23 %, for home heating consumption).
Atmospheric CO2 inversions at the mesoscale using data driven prior uncertainties. Part2: the European terrestrial CO2 fluxes
Authors: Kountouris Panagiotis , Gerbig Christoph , Rödenbeck Christian , Karstens Ute , Koch Thomas F. , Heimann Martin
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Optimized biogenic carbon fluxes for Europe were estimated from high resolution regional scale inversions, utilizing atmospheric CO2 measurements at 16 stations for the year 2007. Additional sensitivity tests with different data-driven error structures were performed. As the atmospheric network is rather sparse and consequently contains large spatial gaps, we use a priori biospheric fluxes to further constrain the inversions. The biospheric fluxes were simulated by the Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (VPRM) at a resolution of 0.1° and optimized against Eddy covariance data. Overall we estimate an a priori uncertainty of 0.54 GtC y−1 related to the poor spatial representation between the biospheric model and the ecosystem sites. The sink estimated from the atmospheric inversions for the area of Europe (as represented in the model domain) ranges between 0.23 and 0.38 GtC y−1 (0.30 and 0.49 GtC y−1 up-scaled to geographical Europe). This is within the range of posterior flux uncertainty estimates of previous studies using ground based observations.
Thrust calculation of electric solar wind sail by particle-in-cell simulation
Authors: Hoshi Kento , Kojima Hirotsugu , Muranaka Takanobu , Yamakawa Hiroshi
Published: September 2016

Abstract. In this study, thrust characteristics of an electric solar wind sail were numerically evaluated using full three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. The thrust obtained from the PIC simulation was lower than the thrust estimations obtained in previous studies. The PIC simulation indicated that ambient electrons strongly shield the electrostatic potential of the tether of the sail, and the strong shield effect causes a greater thrust reduction than has been obtained in previous studies. Additionally, previous expressions of the thrust estimation were modified by using the shielded potential structure derived from the present simulation results. The modified thrust estimation agreed very well with the thrust obtained from the PIC simulation.
Assimilation of Pseudo-Tree-Ring-Width observations into an
Atmospheric General Circulation Model
Authors: Acevedo Walter , Fallah Bijan , Reich Sebastian , Cubasch Ulrich
Published: September 2016

Abstract. We investigate the assimilation of Tree-Ring-Width (TRW) chronologies into an atmospheric global climate model using Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) techniques and a process-based tree-growth forward model as observation operator. Our results, within a perfect-model experiment setting, indicate that the non-linear response of tree-growth to surface temperature and soil moisture does deteriorate the operation of the time-averaged (EnKF) methodology. Moreover, this skill loss appeared significantly sensitive to the structure of growth rate function, used to represent the Principle of Limiting Factors (PLF)s within the forward model. On the other hand, it was observed that the error reduction achieved by assimilating a particular pseudo-TRW chronology is modulated by the strength of the yearly internal variability of the model at the chronology site. This result might help the dendrochronology community to optimize their sampling efforts. In our experiments, the ''online'' (with cycling) paleao Data Assimilation (DA) approach did not outperform the ''offline'' (no-cycling) one, despite its considerable additional implementation complexity.
A coincidence detection system based on real-time software
Authors: Ayuso Sindulfo , Blanco Juan José , Medina José , Gómez-Herrero Raúl , García-Población Oscar , García Tejedor Ignacio
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Conventional real-time coincidence systems use electronic circuitry to detect coincident pulses (hardware coincidence). In this work, a new concept of coincidence system based on real-time software (software coincidence) is presented. This system is based on the recurrent supervision of the analogue-to-digital converters status, which is described in detail. A prototype has been designed and built using a low-cost development platform. It has been applied to two different experimental sets for cosmic ray muon detection. Experimental muon measurements recorded simultaneously using conventional hardware coincidence and our software coincidence system have been compared, yielding identical results. These measurements have also been validated using simultaneous neutron monitor observations. This new software coincidence system provides remarkable advantages such as higher simplicity of interconnection and adjusting. Thus, our system replaces, at least, three Nuclear Instrument Modules (NIMs) required by conventional coincidence systems, reducing its cost by a factor of 40 and eliminating pulse delay adjustments.
TempestExtremes v1.0: A Framework for Scale-Insensitive
Pointwise Feature Tracking on Unstructured Grids
Authors: Ullrich Paul A. , Zarzycki Colin M.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. This paper describes a new open-source software framework for automated pointwise feature tracking that is applicable to a wide array of climate datasets using either structured or unstructured grids. Common climatological pointwise features include tropical cyclones, extratropical cyclones and tropical easterly waves. To enable support for a wide array of detection schemes, a suite of algorithmic kernels have been developed that capture the core functionality of algorithmic tracking routines from throughout literature. A review of efforts related to pointwise feature tracking from the past three decades is included. Selected results using both reanalysis datasets and unstructured grid simulations are provided.
A High-Resolution Dataset of Water Fluxes and States for Germany Accounting for Parametric Uncertainty
Authors: Zink Matthias , Kumar Rohini , Cuntz Matthias , Samaniego Luis
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Long term, high-resolution data about hydrologic fluxes and states are needed for many hydrological applications. Because continuous large-scale observations of such variables are not feasible, hydrologic or land surface models are applied to derive them. This study aims to analyze and provide a consistent high-resolution dataset of land surface variables over Germany, accounting for uncertainties caused by equifinal model parameters. The mesoscale Hydrological Model (mHM) is employed to derive an ensemble (100 members) of evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge, soil moisture and generated runoff at high spatial and temporal resolutions (4 km and daily, respectively) for the period 1951–2010. The model is cross-evaluated against the observed runoff in 222 catchments, which are not used for model calibration. The mean (standard deviation) of the ensemble median NSE estimated for these catchments is 0.68 (0.09) for daily discharge simulations. The modeled evapotranspiration and soil moisture reasonably represent the observations from eddy covariance stations. Our analysis indicates the lowest parametric uncertainty for evapotranspiration, and the largest is observed for groundwater recharge. The uncertainty of the hydrologic variables varies over the course of a year, with the exception of evapotranspiration, which remains almost constant. This study emphasizes the role of accounting for the parametric uncertainty in model-derived hydrological datasets.
Large watershed flood forecasting with high resolution distributed hydrological model
Authors: Chen Yangbo , Li Ji , Wang Huanyu , Qin Jianming , Dong Liming
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Flooding is one of the most devastating natural disasters in the world with huge damages, and flood forecasting is one of the flood mitigation measurements. Watershed hydrological model is the major tool for flood forecasting, although the lumped watershed hydrological model is still the most widely used model, the distributed hydrological model has the potential to improve watershed flood forecasting capability. Distributed hydrological model has been successfully used in small watershed flood forecasting, but there are still challenges for the application in large watershed, one of them is the model’s spatial resolution effect. To cope with this challenge, two efforts could be made, one is to improve the model's computation efficiency in large watershed, another is implementing the model on high performance supercomputer. By employing Liuxihe Model, a physically based distributed hydrological model, this study sets up a distributed hydrological model for the flood forecasting of Liujiang River Basin in southern China that is a large watershed. Terrain data including DEM, soil type and land use type are downloaded from the website freely, and the model structure with a high resolution of 200 m * 200 m grid cell is set up. The initial model parameters are derived from the terrain property data, and then optimized by using the PSO algorithm, the model is used to simulate 29 observed flood events. It has been found that by dividing the river channels into virtual channel sections and assuming the cross section shapes as trapezoid, the Liuxihe Model largely increases computation efficiency while keeping good model performance, thus making it applicable in larger watersheds. This study also finds that parameter uncertainty exists for physically deriving model parameters, and parameter optimization could reduce this uncertainty, and is highly recommended. Computation time needed for running a distributed hydrological model increases exponentially at a power of 2, not linearly with the increasing of model spatial resolution, and the 200 m * 200 m model resolution is proposed for modeling Liujiang River Basin flood with Liuxihe Model in this study. To keep the model with an acceptable performance, minimum model spatial resolution is needed. The suggested threshold model spatial resolution for modeling Liujiang River Basin flood is 500 m * 500 m grid cell, but the model spatial resolution at 200 m * 200 m grid cell is recommended in this study to keep the model a better performance.
Imperativo, subjuntivo y el espacio desiderativo-apelativo
Authors: Grande Alija Francisco Javier
Published: September 2016

Partiendo de la definición del esquema enunciativo (tipo de frase) como una unidad comunicativa, se caracteriza el imperativo como una modalidad morfologizada de tipo apelativo que se utiliza cuando se dan los siguientes requisitos: sentido de apelación, 2ª persona, tiempo futuro y ausencia de negación. En español, cualquier variación en alguno de estos requisitos determina que se use el subjuntivo. Se rechaza la idea de que el imperativo sea una variante del subjuntivo especializada en la función apelativa o que ambos “modos” compartan un morfema desiderativo, porque ello significaría asignar a una categoría morfológica del verbo (el subjuntivo) una propiedad que en realidad corresponde a ciertos esquemas enunciativos. Sí se integra el imperativo y el subjuntivo en el marco de lo que llamamos “espacio desiderativo-apelativo”, donde se agrupa una serie de procedimientos gramaticales o gramaticalizados basados en el imperativo y el subjuntivo. Semánticamente, se organiza en torno a un componente de deseabilidad (la acción se presenta como deseable) que, al variar diversos factores, configura un recorrido que va desde un centro situado en el imperativo a una periferia que se encuentra en la expresión del deseo.
Digging up the frequency of phrasal verbs in English for the Police: the case of "up"
Authors: Rosca Andreea , Baicchi Annalisa
Published: September 2016

The present study focuses on the frequency of phrasal verbs with the particle up in the context of crime and police investigative work. This research emerges from the need to enlarge McCarthy and O’Dell’s (2004) scope from purely criminal behavior to police investigative actions. To do so, we relied on a corpus of 504,124 running words made up of spoken dialogues extracted from the script of the American TV series Castle shown on ABC since 2009. Based on Rudzka-Ostyn’s (2003) cognitive motivations for the particle up, we have identified five different meaning extensions for our phrasal verbs. Drawing from these findings, we have designed pedagogical activities for those L2 learners that study English at the Police Academy.
La oralidad en la telenovela: del medio a la construcción lingüístico-discursiva
Authors: Ruiz Velasco D. Liliana
Published: September 2016

Los trabajos sobre telenovelas suelen resaltar su carácter oral. Sin embargo, una revisión de los estudios que se han ocupado de la cuestión en la telenovela hispanoamericana muestra que el concepto de "oralidad" es empleado con sentidos diversos. En los estudios literarios el problema se ha formulado en términos de una oralidad ficticia, mas no tanto en aquellos sobre telenovelas. El artículo aboga por retomar esta última para explicar las particularidades del discurso telenovelesco y a partir de ahí muestra los distintos planos de variación lingüístico-discursiva en que se da dicha imitación de lo oral.
Item and task difficulty in a B2 reading examination: perceptions of test-takers and CEFR alignment experts compared with psychometric measurements
Authors: Stopar Andrej , Ilc Gašper
Published: September 2016

The article presents a study of a CEFR B2-level reading subtest that is part of the Slovenian national secondary school leaving examination in English as a foreign language, and compares the test-taker actual performance (objective difficulty) with the test-taker and expert perceptions of item difficulty (subjective difficulty). The study also analyses the test-takers’ comments on item difficulty obtained from a while-reading questionnaire. The results are discussed in the framework of the existing research in the fields of (the assessment of) reading comprehension, and are addressed with regard to their implications for item-writing, FL teaching and curriculum development.
La metáfora técnica en los campos de la ceguera, el cansancio y la espiritualidad
Authors: Vivanco Cervero Verónica
Published: September 2016

Este artículo analiza la correspondencia en la traducción español-inglés de tres campos de metáforas técnicas, las basadas en la ceguera, el cansancio y el mundo espiritual. Sin embargo, el análisis ha supuesto dejar de lado ciertas voces que bajo el aspecto de metáforas amparaban voces del lenguaje no desviado y, también, homonimias. El estudio revela una presencia mayor de la metáfora en la lengua española en los tres campos analizados, si bien el inglés también hace un uso abundante de ella. En el terreno intermedio entre la metáfora en una y otra lengua aparecen desequilibrios metafóricos entre ambos idiomas, muestra de una diferente percepción de la realidad. Finalmente, las conclusiones arrojan luz sobre el significado de las metáforas objeto de análisis: ciego, aturdimiento, fatiga, antidesvanecimiento, alma, ánima, ángeles, espectro, fantasma, mágico, postmortem, muerte, muerto, rosario, y Cruz de Malta.
The Efficacy of In-House Materials on Academic Reading Proficiency of EFL College Level Omani Students
Authors: Samaranayake Sarath W. , Gabayno Joaquin Jr.
Published: September 2016

This paper reports the results of an intervention program aimed at improving academic reading skills of foundation level students at a College of Technology in Oman. The study aimed at finding out whether the in-house materials were effective in helping tertiary level learners to perform better in reading in an examination setting. The study included an intervention with two experimental and two control groups (N = 84) selected from level 3 in the foundation program. The experimental groups were taught using context-specific in-house materials while the control groups were instructed using a prescribed textbook (Ready to Read Now) for one semester. Data were collected through four research instruments and, data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tests to determine whether there was any effect of the context-specific materials on the performance of the experimental groups in the post-test. The findings indicated statistically significant (p < .001) difference between the pre-test and the post-test for the experimental group. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that in-house materials are more effective in helping English Foreign Language (EFL) tertiary level students to improve their academic reading skills than using commercially produced textbooks in (EFL) programs in the context of technological education in Oman.
The Determinants of Moonlighting among Lecturers of State Universities in Cameroon: An Evidence from a Log-Linear Model
Authors: Yamb Benjamin
Published: September 2016

This study seeks to identify the determinants of moonlighting among lecturers of
Cameroonian state universities. To do this, we apply a log-linear model to data from a
random sample survey of lecturers from Cameroonian state universities. The results show
that in addition to the classical determinants of moonlighting (hours of work in the main job,
pay in the primary job, pay in the secondary job) gender and the localization of the university
also play major roles. Descriptive statistics also show that moonlighting lowers the quality of
lectures. Incentives from the government are therefore proposed as a means of reducing the
phenomenon of moonlighting in Cameroonian state universities.
A Parrot without Feathers? Ventriloquy, Orality, and Nostalgia in Vargas Llosa's The Storyteller and pauline Melville's The Ventriloquist's Tale
Authors: Bragard Véronique , Fabry Geneviève
Published: September 2016

This article seeks to shed new light onto the inscription of indigenous mythical tales in the contemporary postcolonial novel by way of a comparative and contrastive analysis of Vargas Llosa's The Storyteller (1987) and Pauline Melville's first novel The Ventriloquist's Tale (1997). It examines the narrators' oral tales that use ventriloquy to recuperate the voice of the other who emerges as both absent and present in the diverted language of the ventriloquist. The attempt to avert the loss of access to indigenous culture and its cosmogonies is considered here as a nostalgic gesture. Boym's distinction between restorative and transformative nostalgia allows one to underline how Vargas Llosa's and Melville's works further explore the paradox inherent in the act of inscribing non-Western oral myths within the novel, a genre associated with a written tradition.
Famílias e eleições municipais em Londrina
Authors: Marcelino Carla Andreia Alves da Silva
Published: September 2016

Londrina - PR
Eleições 2016: Pinhais
Authors: Estevinho Gloria
Published: September 2016

Pinhais - PR
Tudo como dantes no quartel de Abrantes: eleições de 2016 em São José dos Pinhais
Authors: Vanali Ana Crhistina
Published: September 2016

São José dos Pinhais - PR
A luta por Betim - MG
Authors: Silva Jurutan Alves da
Published: September 2016

Betim - MG
Quem quer ser prefeito de Colombo? Uma primeira amostra dos candidatos que disputarão as eleições municipais de 2016
Authors: Oliveira Marcus Roberto de
Published: September 2016

Colombo - PR
Famílias políticas tradicionais nas eleições à Prefeitura de Guarapuava em 2016
Authors: Granato Natalia Cristina
Published: September 2016

Guarapuava - PR
The Reflective Passages as the Core of Qoheleth: Content and Structural Analysis
Authors: Neriya-Cohen Nava
Published: September 2016

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the reflective passages of the book of Qoheleth and argues that they constitute an originally independent composition that exhibits a coherent train of thought. Via a close reading of the reflective passages that exposes their content as well as the manner of their distribution, the article demonstrates that through the twenty-two passages strewn throughout the book's core, the author has developed a systematic line of reasoning that examines the premise of world order and posits an alternative objective and way of life.
The Variation of Universally Acknowledged World-Class Universities (UAWCUs) between 2010 and 2015: An Empirical Study by the Ranks of THEs, QS and ARWU
Authors: Liu Lu , Liu Zhimin
Published: September 2016

Due to certainty recognition in ranking systems, the commonly included top 100 universities are regarded as the Universally Acknowledged World-Class Universities (UAWCUs). From three university rankings-THEs, QS and ARWU from 2010 to 2015, the following conclusions can be drawn from this study: Firstly, 56 universities are commonly ranked in the top 100 by THEs, QS and ARWU in 2015, comparing with that of 47 in 2010; Secondly, comparison between 2010 and 2015 reveals that 44 of these higher ranked UAWCUs have kept on the group of top 100 universities in any ranking system. However, three lower ranked UAWCUs in 2010 have dropped out the group of top 100 universities in 2015, which are replaced by some progressed universities; Thirdly, both US and UK have nearly 3/4 and 2/3 of these UAWCUs in 2010 and 2015, respectively; Lastly, this paper denotes that consistently strives to build on its strong reputation for research excellence, consistently pursuing innovative research, delivering excellence in teaching through internationalization, obtaining support from the government would be the critical factors to promote UAWCUs to improve their performance and rankings.
The Effect of Entrepreneurial Competencies on Innovation: A Case Study of Professional Sport Clubs
Authors: Mohammadkazemi Reza , Rasekh Nazanin , Navid Mohammad
Published: September 2016

The aim of the present research is to evaluate the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on innovation in professional sport clubs. In a regression analysis, this paper uses a descriptive correlational field method. The statistical sample population of this research includes the staff and employees from five selected sport clubs, namely: Esteghlal, Perspolis, Naaft-e-Tehran, Sepahan and ZobAhan of Isfahan. For data collection, a standard questionnaire with 65 items was used to evaluate eight competencies: strategic, conceptual, opportunity, relationship, learning, personal, ethical, familyism; and three dimensions of innovation in goods/services, the process and execution. The validity through the convergent validity (AVE=0.56 and 0.84 respectively) and the reliability (0.95 and α=0.93; 0.91 and CR=0.95 respectively) were confirmed and were randomly distributed among the statistical sample population. The Smart PLS 2 software and the structural equations modeling (SEM) techniques were used. The obtained results of this research indicate that the there is a positive and significant relationship between the entrepreneurial competencies and innovation (t=13/14 and T-value >1/96). Moreover, there is a positive and significant relationship between all the variables of competencies (i.e. strategic, conceptual, opportunity, relationship, learning, personal, ethical, and familyism) and innovation. The 77% innovative change as fostered by entrepreneurial competencies is indicative of a strong impact of the entrepreneurial competencies on innovation & performance of enterprises. Contribution of this paper is measuring these competencies on innovation of professional sport clubs.
The Timing of Goodwill Write-off: Cases of Initial Overpayment
Authors: Majid Jamaliah Abdul , Bakar Robiah Abu , Lode Nor Asma
Published: September 2016

This paper explores types of accounting choice related to reporting goodwill impairment losses, if any, exercised by Malaysian listed firms after an implementation of IFRS 3. The study is carried out through an in-depth analysis of annual reports for fifteen firms over a number of years. The fifteen firms selected are those that have goodwill arising from business combinations in December 2006/7, reported goodwill impairment losses in the current year or the future year(s), and the goodwill represents 50% or more of the acquisition price. Results show that of the fifteen firms examined, eight firms appeared to exercise the accounting choice in the form of opportunistic timing in reporting the impairment losses. The study contributes to the accounting choice literature by providing evidence on the timing of goodwill impairment losses for goodwill that arose from an apparent overpayment made at the time of an acquisition of a subsidiary.
Corporate Governance and Financial Statement Disclosure Quality in Jordanian Commercial Banks
Authors: Al Attar Mohammed Khaled
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study is to measure the level of corporate governance and its effect on disclosure quality in commercial banks in Jordan. The study is implemented on the Jordanian commercial banks listed at Amman Bourse for the period 2008 to 2014. The study sample consists of (12) banks. The total data observations were (60) (bank/year) observations. The study used the level of compliance with disclosure instructions as a proxy for disclosure quality, and the structure of the board of directors as a proxy for corporate governance. The researchers used three hypotheses to achieve the objectives of the study. They used simple regression technique to test the hypotheses. The study results showed that there is a high and stable level of corporate governance in Jordanian commercial banks.
Analysis the Effect of Islamic Banks Performance on Depositor’s Fund: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Abusharbeh Mohmad T.
Published: September 2016

This study aims to examine the effect of CAMEL framework on depositor’s fund of Indonesian Islamic banks. The study uses a sample of 11 Islamic commercial banks and 24 Islamic business units’. It used depositors fund as the endogenous variable, and some components of CAMEL such as capital adequacy, assets quality, operational efficiency, profitability, and liquidity as exogenous variables. An econometric model was established and parameters are estimated based on the secondary data obtained from Islamic banking statistics-Bank of Indonesia database for five years (2010-2015). The results of the paper conclude that capital adequacy ratio and liquidity are significant and positively correlated to Islamic deposits, while nonperforming financing is significant but negatively related to the Islamic depositor’s fund. On the other hand, profitability and operational efficiency are not to be significant influence on the depositor’s fund. Finally, the statement of theory proved that good Islamic banks performance provided positive image and confidence in Islamic banking system.
The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Equity Fund Returns: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Ming-Chuan , Lee Chen-Fu , Huang Chien-Ming
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the fund management companies in China have the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its correlation with the fund performance. The samples are the equity funds between 2004 and 2012. The basis for assessment for the CSR is the Chinese fund company comprehensive assessment report, published by Morningstar Chinese Research Center in Jan 25th 2013. This research uses quantile regression model with three factors to measure the fund management companies with high ranking or low ranking average fund returns and provide investors some basis for investment decisions. The empirical results show the fund management companies with high ranking have better fund returns than those low ranking. Through quantile regression estimations, it is found that the market factors and fund returns have significant correlation with high ranking. The groups with low ranking and high fund returns, the funds performance has a significant positive correlation with the size factors. The group with high ranking and below medium fund returns, the fund performance has a positive relationship with the book to price ratio. Finally, in the fund management companies with extreme CSR ranking, the fund performance has a significant positive correlation with the fund net asset value.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol. 8, No. 9
Authors: Zhang Michael
Published: September 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol. 8, No. 9
The Effects of 5E Inquiry Learning Activities on Achievement and Attitude toward Chemistry
Authors: Sen Senol , Oskay Ozge Ozyalcin
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 5E inquiry learning activities on students’ achievement, attitude toward chemistry. A non-equivalent control group design was used to the quasi-experimental research in this study. A total of 34 (8 males and 26 females) undergraduates in Turkey voluntarily participated in the study. The 5E Inquiry Learning Activities were applied to the experimental group and lecture-based traditional activities were applied to the control group. The both two groups were taught by the same instructor and used same books. The Chemical Equilibrium Concept Test (CECT) and the Attitude toward the Subject of Chemistry Inventory (ASCI) were applied to both groups as pre-test and post-test. The results of the study revealed that 5E inquiry learning activities were more effective in improving the achievement in chemical equilibrium compared to lecture-based traditional activities. In addition, the results showed that there was no statistically significant mean difference between experimental and control groups with respect to attitude toward chemistry.
Dynamics of a Viral Infection Logistic Model with Delayed Nonlinear CTL Response and Periodic Immune Response
Authors: Canul-Pech Abraham , Avila-Vales Eric , Garcia-Almeida Gerardo
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates the global dynamics  and bifurcation structure of a viral infection logistic model with delayed nonlinear CTL response and periodic immune response. It is proved that the basic reproduction numbers, $R_{0}$ and $R_{1}$, determine the outcome of viral infection. Besides changes in the amplititude of lytic component, we show, via numerical simulations, that , the birth rate of susceptible host cells and the maximum proliferation of target cells are crucial to the outcome of a viral infection. Time delay can alter the period of oscillation for the larger level of periodic forcing. Period doubling bifurcations of the system are observed via simulations. Our results can provide a possible explanation of the oscillation behaviors of virus population,which were observed in chronic HBV or HCV carriers.
Enige beschouwingen over trustakten naar Curaçaos recht en de uitleg daarvan
Authors: Bakker P.S.
Published: September 2016

Enige beschouwingen over trustakten naar Curaçaos recht en de uitleg daarvan

In deze bijdrage wordt stilgestaan bij het fenomeen van de Curaçaose trust en bij de uitleg van akten, waarmee dergelijke trusts in het leven plegen te worden geroepen. De auteur betoogt dat in de regel een gedifferentieerde uitlegmethode voor dit soort akten aangewezen is, waarbij onderscheid wordt gemaakt tussen bedingen in de trustakte met goederenrechtelijke implicaties jegens derden en bedingen van zuiver verbintenisrechtelijke aard.
The contribution of yield components in determining the productivity of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Harasim Elżbieta , Wesołowski Marian , Kwiatkowski Cezary , Harasim Paweł , Staniak Mariola , Feledyn-Szewczyk Beata
Published: September 2016

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different growth regulator rates and nitrogen fertilization levels on yield components and to evaluate their influence on winter wheat productivity. A field experiment with winter wheat ‘Muza’ was conducted at the Czesławice Experimental Farm, belonging to the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland over the period 2004–2007. In this experiment, the effect of the studied factors on yield and its components was primarily dependent on weather conditions during the study period.

An increase in nitrogen rate from 100 to 150 kg ha−1 in 2005 and 2007 had a significant effect on the increase in grain yield per unit area. In 2005, the grain yield rose through increased spike density (by 6.3%) and a higher number of grains per spike (by 1.6%). The 1000-grain weight decreased the grain yield per unit area (by 0.04 t ha−1). In 2007, the higher yield of wheat fertilized with nitrogen at a rate of 150 kg N ha−1 was positively affected by all the three yield components. The statistical analysis of the results showed that the winter wheat grain yields were also significantly affected by the retardant rates applied depending on the year.
Biometric features and content of phenolic compounds of roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.)
Authors: Adamczak Artur , Buchwald Waldemar , Gryszczyńska Agnieszka
Published: September 2016

Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.) belongs to important herbs in folk medicine of Scandinavia, Russia, Mongolia, and China. Its therapeutic usage is mainly associated with the adaptogenic properties of this species. Roseroot is characterized by high morphological, phytochemical, and genetic differentiation. The aim of the present work was to determine the biometric and phytochemical co-variability of this taxon. Samples of Rh. rosea were collected from 4-year-old experimental field cultivation established by rhizome division in western Poland. For each plant, the biometric measurements of the clumps, shoots, leaves, and rhizomes with roots were carried out. In the underground plant parts (raw material), the contents of the main active compounds (phenylpropanoids, phenylethanoids, phenolic acids, and catechins) were determined by the HPLC-DAD method. K-means clustering analysis showed three well-separated plant groups of Rh. rosea that differed significantly in the level of most of the investigated components. It was interesting that in the raw material with a high content of phenylethanoids, a low level of phenyl­propanoids was found, and vice versa. These chemical groups clearly differed in luxuriance of plants, too. The important diagnostic feature was also the degree of leaf serration. The morphological and phytochemical co-variability of roseroot was confirmed by the correlations detected between some active compounds (especially catechins and rosavin) and biometric traits describing the size and serration of leaves, the size of clumps and shoots as well as the weight of the raw material.
Description of new Ceratitis species (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Africa, or how morphological and DNA data are complementary in discovering unknown species and matching sexes
Authors: De Meyer Marc , Mwatawala Maulid , Copeland Robert S. , Virgilio Massimiliano
Published: September 2016

This paper describes five new Ceratitis species from the eastern and southern parts of the Afrotropical Region: C. (Pterandrus) quilicii De Meyer, Mwatawala & Virgilio sp. nov.; C. (Ceratalaspis) pallidula De Meyer, Mwatawala & Virgilio sp. nov.; C. (Ceratalaspis) taitaensis De Meyer & Copeland sp. nov.; C. (Ceratalaspis) sawahilensis De Meyer & Virgilio sp. nov.; and C. (Ceratalaspis) flavipennata De Meyer & Virgilio sp. nov. Their relationships with closely allied species within their respective subgenera are discussed where appropriate, and diagnostic characters are given. DNA barcodes are provided for all new species. In addition, the hitherto unknown male of C. (Pardalaspis) serrata De Meyer, 1996 is described, based on material collected in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Recognition of these new species and sexes is the result of an integrative approach using morphological characters and DNA data.
Sub-Cellular Damage of Hepatocytes Caused by Different Doses of Diclofenac Sodium in Rabbit
Authors: Talat Yasmeen  , Farzana Yasmin
Published: September 2016

Diclofenac sodium is a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug that is extensively prescribed in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, postoperative pain, and chronic pain associated with cancer. The present study was designed to elucidate the qualitative and quantitative changes in rough endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes after recommended single, double and triple therapeutic dose of Diclofenac sodium in rabbits. The aim of study is to minimize the indiscriminate use of this drug in community and among physicians. Experimental study was carried at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) and Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) from March 2009 to June 2010. Eighty eight healthy animals of three months age and 900~1000 gm body weight were isolated from the animal house of DUHS. These animals were divided into four groups categorized into Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, each containing twenty two animals. Diclofenac sodium were administered intraperitoneally with the daily doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days in Groups B, C and D while the control group (Group A) received normal saline. Animals were sacrificed on day fifteen and livers were removed and fixed in 4% gluterldehyde. They were processed for electron microscopy and examined under transmission electron microscope. Data was collected and subjected for statistical analysis a ‘P’ value less than 0.05 was taken as significant. It was observed that Diclofenac sodium produces significant changes in hepatocytes. There was de-granulation and swelling of the cisternae of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) when the dose is doubled and these changes were highly significant when the dose is increased to three times the therapeutic.
Combining Ability Estimates from Line x Tester Mating Design in Upland Cotton
Authors: Mir Yar Mohammad Talpur  , Shabana Memon  , Sadaf Memon  , Shah Nawaz Mari  , Sawan Laghari  , Zahoor Ahmed Soomro  , Samia Arain  , Washu Dev  , Aamir Ali Abro  , Saifullah Abro
Published: September 2016

Combining abilities of cotton varieties were evaluated using a line x tester mating design, twelve hybridswhich developed from 3 testers (male) and 4 lines (females). The experiment was conducted on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during 2014. The data were recorded for plant height, sympodial plant-1, bollsplant-1, boll weight and seed cotton yieldplant-1. Chandi-95, NIA-Ufaq and Sadori displayed the highest mean performance and GCA for more or less all the traits, indicating their superiority for inclusion in future breeding programme. The crosses Chandi-95 x BT 802, Sadori x BT A-1, Sohni x BT A-1 and NIA-Ufaq x BT-802 manifested meaning full SCA effects for economic traits, which could be used either for hybrid seed programme or developing superior varieties by applying selection in late segregating generations.