bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloudet
Authors: Baciu George , Li Chenhui , Wang Yunzhe , Zhang Xiujun
Published: March 2016

Streaming data cognition has become a dominant problem in interactive visual analytics for event detection, meteorology, cosmology, security, and smart city applications. In order to interact with streaming data patterns in an elastic cloud environment, we present a new elastic framework for big data visual analytics in the cloud, the Cloudet. The Cloudet is a self-adaptive cloud-based platform that treats both data and compute nodes as elastic objects. The main objective is to readily achieve the scalability and elasticity of cloud computing platforms in order to process large streaming data and adapt to potential interactions between data stream features. Our main contributions include a robust cloud-based framework called the Cloudet. This is a cloud profile manager that attempts to optimize resource parameters in order to achieve expressivity, scalability, reliability, and the proper aggregation of the compute nodes and data streams into several density maps for the purpose of dynamic visualization.
Towards a Novel Approach for Enterprise Knowledge Capitalization Utilizing an Ontology and Collaborative Decision-Making
Authors: Benkaddour Fatima Zohra , Taghezout Noria , Ascar Bouabdellah
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the authors describe the development of a Decision Support System (DSS) in the spunlace nonwoven production industry. The suggested DSS utilizes domain ontology and a collaborative platform that allows operators to share and exchange experiences in the industrial diagnosis in order to have new ideas and useful information for collaborative decision-making. One of the main aspects addressed in the decision-making process was the knowledge management of the most frequently breakdowns of machines as the card, aquajet etc. This paper introduces the architecture of the system, including several modules such as, Reasoning engine and Similarity module, etc. The decision-making is reinforced by a case-based reasoning to recommend solutions where previously solved cases (problem) are compared to recently encountered ones using the same ontology to define similarity between cases. Some experiments have been conducted in INOTIS enterprise to indicate the efficiency of the proposed system.
A Skiing Trace Clustering Model for Injury Risk Assessment
Authors: Dobrota Milan , Delibašić Boris , Delias Pavlos
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the relation between skiing movement activity patterns and risk of injury. The goal is to provide a framework which can be used for estimating the level of skiers' injury risks, based on skiing patterns. Data, collected from ski-lift gates in the form of process event logs is analyzed. After initial transformation of data into traces, trace vectors, and similarity matrix, using several clustering methods different skiing patterns are identified and compared. The quality of clusters is determined by how well clusters discriminate between injured and noninjured skiers. The goal was to achieve the best possible discrimination. Several experimental settings were made to achieve and suggest a good combination of algorithm parameters and cluster number. After clusters are obtained, they are categorized in three categories according to risk level. It can be concluded that the proposed method can be used to distinguish skiing patterns by risk category based on injury occurrences.
Understanding Work-Related Stress, Job Conditions, Work Culture and Workaholism Phenomenon as Predictors of HR Crisis
Authors: Pandey Shivani , Sharma Vinky
Published: March 2016

Workaholism, in recent years, has taken a regular behaviour pattern among professionals. While self-negligence is assumed as a hallmark of workaholism, empirical data in this case stands to be both narrow and paradoxical. It seems that the uprising economy and the fierce market competition have prompted organizations in rewarding those employees whom they find are keen in working hard for a career. The modern developments like high speed data connections add more to this belief, as this makes possible for the employees who would like to work at any place and at any given point of time. These day-to-day advancements may likely kindle employees to work long hours. Some employees work exceptionally for long hours with passion, just for the fun of it. However, working stretched hours might be an indication of work obsession: an irrepressible liking for work. To further understand the impact of such situation, this study has made a modest effort in exploring the relationship between workaholism, perceived work-related stress, different job conditions and intensifying anxiety among IT professionals in Delhi/NCR. The sampling procedure for the study was purposive. Result of the study found workaholism to be imperative in explicating work culture and work conditions as predictors of stress and anxiety at work. Moreover, the study would prove helpful to academia and industry professionals to understand the workaholic behaviour of the IT professionals in the new phase of globalization and economic boom.
Early Statistical Reasoning
Authors: Kleanthous Irene , Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria
Published: March 2016

This paper explores the potential of dynamic statistics software for supporting the early teaching and learning of statistical and probabilistic concepts integrated within the mathematics curriculum. It shares the experiences from a case study that implemented a data-driven approach to mathematics instruction using the dynamic data-visualization software InspireData©, an educational package specifically designed to meet the learning needs of students in the middle and high school grades (Grades 4-12). The authors report on how a group of fourteen (n=14) Grade 4 (about 9-year-old) students used the affordances provided by the dynamic learning environment to gather, analyze, and interpret data, and to draw data-based conclusions and inferences. Findings from the study support the view that mathematics instruction can promote the development of learners' statistical reasoning at an early age, through an informal, data-based approach. They also suggest that the use of dynamic statistics software has the potential to enhance statistics instruction by scaffolding and extending young students' stochastical and mathematical reasoning.
Offensive Information Warfare Revisited
Authors: Rohn Eli , White Connie M. , Leshem Guy
Published: March 2016

Socio-technical forecasts that materialized are of particular interest, as they are based on basic principles that must hold true for a long time, and thus worthy of special attention. The exploitation of the Internet as a vehicle for psychological and physical battle has been anticipated ever since the Internet became a world-wide phenomenon. Its potential for abuse by terrorist groups motivated Valeri & Knights to compile a list of key predictions, without the benefit of the hindsight afforded by the post-millennial terrorist attacks on the USA & Europe, and before social media was conceived. This paper evaluates some of their predictions in light of the massive social media and network attacks that occurred in Israel and Syria. Additionally, the paper examines how attacked governments and nations respond. The authors find that some of the key predictions advanced by Valeri and Knights have proven accurate. Offensive information warfare attacks have and will continue to influence policies, budgets and civic voluntary participation to counter such attacks.
Polarization-based Robot Orientation and Navigation
Authors: Shabayek Abd El Rahman , Morel Olivier , Fofi David
Published: March 2016

From insects in your garden to creatures in the sea, inspiration can be drawn from nature to design a whole new class of smart robotic devices. These smart machines may move like living creatures. They can be launched toward a specific target for a pre-defined task. Bio-inspiration is developing to meet the needs of many challenges particularly in machine vision. Some species in the animal kingdom like cephalopods, crustaceans and insects are distinguished with their visual capabilities which are strongly improved by means of polarization. This work surveys the most recent research in the area of bio-inspired polarization based robot orientation and navigation. Firstly, the authors will briefly discuss the polarization based orientation and navigation behavior in the animal kingdom. Secondly, a comprehensive cover of its mapping into robotics navigation and orientation estimation will be given. Finally, the future research directions will be discussed.
Using Strategic Planning to Improve Performance Management and Its Impact on Organizational Success
Authors: Mohassesi Ahmad Ali , Keshvari Rozita Shahbaz
Published: March 2016

This research investigated the use of the strategic planning process in improving the management performance of private sector in Iran. Measuring performance is a necessary management practice if action is to result in desired outcomes. An important objective of the Iranian private sector was to focus the attention of private servants on clear specified results rather than bureaucratic procedures. The development of performance management to date appears inadequate in that the most important component of results – outcomes is overlooked from the measurement. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire with 100 respondents from 20 randomly selected private sectors in different environment. The findings showed the necessity of implementation of strategic planning in private sector concerning the use of appropriate performance management tools and strengthening the implementation of strategic planning functions in order to improve management performance. These findings suggest that specific management function-focused process should be designed and implemented.
Perceptions of doctors and nurses at a Ugandan hospital regarding the introduction and use of the South African Triage Scale
Authors: Mulindwa Francis , Blitz Julia
Published: March 2016

Background: International Hospital Kampala (IHK) experienced a challenge with how to standardise the triaging and sorting of patients. There was no triage tool to help to prioritise which patients to attend to first, with very sick patient often being missed.Aim and setting: To explore whether the introduction of the South African Triage Scale (SATS) was seen as valuable and sustainable by the IHK’s outpatient department and emergency unit (OPD and EU) staff.Methods: The study used qualitative methods to introduce SATS in the OPD and EU at IHK and to obtain the perceptions of doctors and nurses who had used it for 3–6 months on its applicability and sustainability. Specific questions about challenges faced prior to its introduction, strengths and weaknesses of the triage tool, the impact it had on staff practices, and their recommendations on the continued use of the tool were asked. In-depth interviews were conducted with 4 doctors and 12 nurses.Results: SATS was found to be necessary, applicable and recommended for use in the IHK setting. It improved the sorting of patients, as well as nurse-patient and nurse-doctor communication.The IHK OPD & EU staff attained new skills, with nurses becoming more involved in-patient care. It is possibly also useful in telephone triaging and planning of hospital staffing.Conclusion: Adequate nurse staffing, a computer application for automated coding of patients, and regular training would encourage consistent use and sustainability of SATS. Setting up a hospital committee to review signs and symptoms would increase acceptability and sustainability. SATS is valuable in the IHK setting because it improved overall efficiency of triaging and care, with significantly more strengths than weaknesses.Keywords: South African Triage Scale; Perceptions
Access to health in city slum dwellers: The case of Sodom and Gomorrah in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Ansah Frances E. , Tagbor Harry , Togbe Mabel Afi
Published: March 2016

Background: Rapid rural-urban migration of people to cities is a reality around the globe that has increased city slum dwellers. Sodom and Gomorrah is a city slum located in the heart of Accra, Ghana. Like other slums, it lacks basic amenities necessary for dwellers’ quality of life. This study describes residents’ access to health and factors associated with the use of healthcarefacilities.Methods: Questionnaires were administered in systematically selected shacks across the entire slum. Data on demographic characteristics, existent health facilities and number of users, health-insured residents and knowledge of common diseases were collected.Results: Majority of the residents were from the northern parts of Ghana, relative to the south and a few of them come from other parts of West Africa. Seventy-one percent of residents had never visited a health facility in the last 5 years. When necessary, they access health care from drug stores (61.1%) or hospitals (33.1%). Residents’ age, educational status, income, health knowledge and membership of National Health Insurance Scheme were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the use of healthcare facilities. Younger residents and those without National Health Insurance Scheme membership, formal education, no knowledge of common illnesses and regular income were significantly less likely to use a healthcare facility. For most residents, neither distance (73.2%) nor transportation to health facilities was a problem (74.1%).Conclusion: Conditions of profound environmental hazards, overcrowding, poor-quality housing and lack of health care in Sodom and Gomorrah pose grave threats to the health of the inhabitants. Multisectoral interventions and resource mobilisation championed by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development are needed to alter the trend.Keywords: Slum dwellers, health, access, Sodom and Gomorra, Ghana
Application of Serological Tools and Spatial Analysis to Investigate Malaria Transmission Dynamics in Highland Areas of Southwest Uganda
Authors: Lynch Caroline A. , Cook Jackie , Nanyunja Sarah , Bruce Jane , Bhasin Amit , Drakeley Chris , Roper Cally , Pearce Richard , Rwakimari John B. , Abeku Tarekegn A. , Corran Patrick , Cox Jonathan
Published: March 2016

Serological markers, combined with spatial analysis, offer a comparatively more sensitive means by which to measure and detect foci of malaria transmission in highland areas than traditional malariometric indicators. Plasmodium falciparum parasite prevalence, seroprevalence, and seroconversion rate to P. falciparum merozoite surface protein-119 (MSP-119) were measured in a cross-sectional survey to determine differences in transmission between altitudinal strata. Clusters of P. falciparum parasite prevalence and high antibody responses to MSP-119 were detected and compared. Results show that P. falciparum prevalence and seroprevalence generally decreased with increasing altitude. However, transmission was heterogeneous with hotspots of prevalence and/or seroprevalence detected in both highland and highland fringe altitudes, including a serological hotspot at 2,200 m. Results demonstrate that seroprevalence can be used as an additional tool to identify hotspots of malaria transmission that might be difficult to detect using traditional cross-sectional parasite surveys or through vector studies. Our study findings identify ways in which malaria prevention and control can be more effectively targeted in highland or low transmission areas via serological measures. These tools will become increasingly important for countries with an elimination agenda and/or where malaria transmission is becoming patchy and focal, but receptivity to malaria transmission remains high.
Modeling the distributed effects of forest thinning on the long-term water balance and streamflow extremes for a semi-arid basin in the southwestern US
Authors: Moreno Hernan A. , Gupta Hoshin V. , White Dave D. , Sampson David A.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. To achieve water resource sustainability in the water-limited southwestern US, it is critical to understand the potential effects of proposed forest thinning on the hydrology of semi-arid basins, where disturbances to headwater catchments can cause significant changes in the local water balance components and basinwise streamflows. In Arizona, the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) is being developed with the goal of restoring 2.4 million acres of ponderosa pine along the Mogollon Rim. Using the physically based, spatially distributed triangulated irregular network (TIN)-based Real-time Integrated Basin Simulator (tRIBS) model, we examine the potential impacts of the 4FRI on the hydrology of Tonto Creek, a basin in the Verde–Tonto–Salt (VTS) system, which provides much of the water supply for the Phoenix metropolitan area. Long-term (20-year) simulations indicate that forest removal can trigger significant shifts in the spatiotemporal patterns of various hydrological components, causing increases in net radiation, surface temperature, wind speed, soil evaporation, groundwater recharge and runoff, at the expense of reductions in interception and shading, transpiration, vadose zone moisture and snow water equivalent, with south-facing slopes being more susceptible to enhanced atmospheric losses. The net effect will likely be increases in mean and maximum streamflow, particularly during El Niño events and the winter months, and chiefly for those scenarios in which soil hydraulic conductivity has been significantly reduced due to thinning operations. In this particular climate, forest thinning can lead to net loss of surface water storage by vegetation and snowpack, increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems and populations to larger and more frequent hydrologic extreme conditions on these semi-arid systems.
Public Health and Social Desirability in Kazakhstan: Methodological Considerations
Authors: Craig Brett J. , Engstrom Martha C.
Published: March 2016

Background: As the Republic of Kazakhstan undertakes new public health efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among its citizens, the local perceptions of health and health behaviors need to be examined and understood from the sociocultural and historical perspectives. The primary aim of this study is to examine the association between perception of control on one’s health and engagement in good and bad health behaviors.Methods: Students enrolled in a health communication course surveyed 310 citizens of Kazakhstan on their perceptions of control over their own health and multiple health behaviors (i.e. smoking status, physical activity, etc.). Twenty-seven students were divided into groups and approached every third passerby as a potential participant during common shopping hours in nine popular marketplaces in Astana, Kazakhstan. Perception of control on one’s health was measured using a validated measure of health control: the multidimensional health locus of control scale (MHLC), developed by Wallston and colleagues. The MHLC measures three separate loci of control: internal, chance, and powerful others.Results: Participants perceived themselves as having highest control over their health (MHLC subscale internal: 29.70±0.64), powerful others had second highest control (MHLC subscale power others: 23.72±0.77), and chance had the lowest but still some control on their health (MHLC subscale chance: 20.82±0.85). Most participants rated their current health as very good (18.1%), good (45.0%), or moderate (32.3%). Approximately 23.4% of participants were smokers, and 22.2% consumed alcohol. Physical activity averaged 3.63 days in the past week, and fruit and vegetable consumption averaged 2 servings of each per day.  Tobacco and the powerful others subscale were significantly negatively correlated (r=-0.17, p<0.05). Conclusions: Participant reports regarding personal health behaviors and lifestyle did not reflect the national reports regarding lifestyle behaviors. The relationship between powerful others subscale and tobacco smoking indicate that using healthcare providers may open up avenues to lowering tobacco use through patient education; however, social desirability is a notable concern for public health interventions. More importantly, the surveys uncovered future questions for conducting public health research with the general public, including issues of trust in the healthcare system and social desirability bias. Additional factors such as distrust in healthcare and government also may play a role in the public’s participation in social scientific research. The students who conducted the surveys reported a general skepticism from the public ranging from unfamiliarity with survey research to explicit distrust in the intentions and purpose of the research itself.
Studying Linguistic Competence The Problem
Authors: Martinez del Castillo Jesus
Published: March 2016

Posing the problem of linguistic competence involves analyzing or on the contrary assuming previous conceptions about many radical realities or at least it involves examining the concepts to be used to determine the degree of reality of them all. In order to avoid all possible beliefs on the blind assumption of concepts previous to the conception of linguistic competence (the concept of language, a language, speaking, the nature of competence, science, linguistics, etc.) it is necessary to make an initial foray into the problem.
Risk of Stem Undersizing with Direct Anterior Approach for Total HIP Arthroplasty
Authors: Rivera Fabrizio , Leonardi Francesco , Evangelista Andrea , Pierannunzii Luca
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is claimed to be as effective but less invasive than the conventional posterior approach (PA). However, the higher risk of femoral fracture and soft tissue damage cannot be underestimated. The present authors believe that the difficult femoral exposure and the surgeon's knowledge of possible complications related to femoral preparation may result in a higher rate of undersized stems when compared to PA, even when a short femoral component is employed to minimise these risks.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed to compare the effective adherence of surgical sizing to preoperative planning in a series of 112 short stem THAs, of which 59 were implanted through PA and 53 through DAA without intraoperative imaging, by a single surgeon skilled in both techniques.

Results

the frequency of stems smaller than expected was 3-times higher with DAA than with PA (54.72% vs 16.95%, p<0.001), while the frequency of stems at least 2 sizes smaller than expected was more than 6-times higher with DAA than with PA (24.53% vs 3.39%, p = 0.001). Conversely, no differences of size discrepancy distribution were found for cups and prosthetic heads. Postoperative x-rays confirmed an inferior mean canal fill in the DAA group, but excluded a different incidence of frontal malalignment between the groups.

Conclusions

The technical difficulty of femoral preparation and the surgeon's knowledge of possible related complications might lead to implant undersized stems more frequently through DAA than through PA, especially if intraoperative imaging controls are not used.
Evaluation of the Incidence of Pulmonary Embolus in the Early Postoperative Period following Cemented Hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Murphy Colin G. , Moran Deirdre E. , Gerstenmaier Jan F. , Bruce-Brand Rob , O'Toole Gary C. , O'Rourke S. Kieran , Heffernan Eric J.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Little is known regarding the incidence of early postoperative pulmonary embolus (PE) following hip fracture surgery. Clinical suspicion of PE mandates therapeutic anticoagulation, adding a further insult to those of trauma and surgery in a physiologically frail population. The aim of the study was to evaluate for the presence of PEs by performing postoperative CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients who demonstrated intraoperative, or early postoperative cardiorespiratory lability following surgery with a cemented prosthesis for intracapsular hip fracture.

Methods

All patients undergoing cemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular neck of femur fracture were recruited during a 6-month period, and signed consent obtained from the patient or their next of kin for CTPA in the event of any cardiorespiratory instability. Patient demographics, comorbidities were reviewed, and premorbid mobility status documented.

Results

18 of the 66 patients in the study having cemented hemiarthropalsty demonstrated intra- or early postoperative lability, all had early postoperative CTPA scans. 6 of the 18 were noted to have PE. All had more than 1 risk factor for VTE on admission (excluding their injury). Patients diagnosed with PE had a higher ASA grade, and lower mobility scores than those who did not have a PE.

Conclusions

Clinical suspicion alone is inadequate to diagnosis PE in patients undergoing cemented hip arthroplasty. Only 1 in 3 patients suspected of PE on account of intraoperative or immediate postoperative cardiorespiratory lability was found to have a PE based on CTPA. Early postoperative CTPA is helpful to prevent unnecessary anticoagulation for suspected PE.
Transradial access for Visceral Endovascular Interventions in Morbidly Obese Patients: Safety and Feasibility
Authors: Biederman Derek M. , Marinelli Brett , O'Connor Paul J. , Titano Joseph J. , Patel Rahul S. , Kim Edward , Tabori Nora E. , Nowakowski Francis S. , Lookstein Robert A. , Fischman Aaron M.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Transradial access (TRA) has been shown to lower morbidity and bleeding complications compared to transfemoral access in percutaneous coronary interventions. Morbid obesity, commonly defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2, has been shown to be a risk factor for access site complications irrespective of access site. This study evaluates the safety and feasibility of performing visceral endovascular interventions in morbidly obese patients via TRA.

Methods

Procedural details, technical success, and 30-day major and minor access site, bleeding, and neurological adverse events were prospectively recorded in a database of 1057 procedures performed via the radial artery. From this database we identified 22 visceral interventions performed with TRA in 17 morbidly obese patients (age: 53 ± 11 years, female: 71%) with a median BMI of 42.7 kg/m2.

Results

Interventions included radio-embolization (n = 7, 31.8%), chemo-embolization (n = 6, 27.3%), uterine fibroid embolization (n = 4, 18.2%), renal embolization (n = 2, 9.1%), hepatic embolization (n = 1, 4.5%), lumbar artery embolization (n = 1, 4.5%), and renal angioplasty (n = 1, 4.5%). The technical success was 100%. There were no major or minor adverse access site, bleeding, or neurological complications at 30 days.

Conclusions

This study suggests visceral endovascular interventions performed in morbidly obese patients are safe and feasible.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 4
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: March 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 4, 2016
Economic Diversification in GCC Economies: A Heaven for Investors
Authors: Almutairi Humoud
Published: March 2016

Investors all over the world strive to a heaven for their investments. Strong economies tend to be the most desirable place for investments of all types. As one indicator of stable economies is the economic diversification, this study analyses and highlights improvements in economies of GCC as they strive to move beyond oil and petroleum sectors; grabbing attention of acute investors and global businesses and almost being in noticeable par with the seven largest emerging economies (the E7) that has monopolized the limelight.

Economic diversification of GCC Economies is analyzed by indirect approaches of measuring dependence of economic activity, budget and external accounts of productions and revenues generated by hydrocarbon sector and non-hydrocarbon sectors.

Non-Oil growth in GCC is expected to be around 8% in the next 10 years (PwC Middle East Projections, 2013). A number of additional factors like politic stability, macro-economic reform and modernization, enhancement of private sector competitiveness that enhances growth have been noticeable in the GCC. For eg; UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have the least demanding tax framework globally retaining top three positions in overall tax ranking (World Bank and PwC, 2014). In addition to the mentioned, building up of skills in the region by expats and nationals alike creates a huge opportunity, almost at par with the E7 marketing economies.

The author has cross checked observations based on Figures, tables and analysis with all publically available resources. Authorities like the IMF, the IIF, Central Bank reports and BNP Paribhas findings have been used for conclusions and generation of findings.

The inference is that GCC Economies have started to diversify from Hydro Carbon sectors at a slow, but steady pace due to depleting resources in various GCC states and Competition from various other countries in eth same field; creating an economic environment for investors and a huge pool of Job Opportunities in the future.

All data and Figures are taken with reference to publications from IMF, IIF, Central Banks and BNP Parabhas.
May Monetary Transmission Lags Have a Role in Missing Inflation Targets in Turkey? Cointegration Tests with Structural Breaks and Structural VAR Analysis
Authors: Bulut Umit
Published: March 2016

This paper aims at estimating the monetary transmission lag in Turkey by utilizing quarterly data from 2006:1 to 2015:4. To this end, the paper, first, follows unit root tests and cointegration tests. Then, the paper employs structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) analysis. SVAR analysis explores that a positive one-unit standard deviation shock to real interest rate causes inflation to decrease in the eighth period and the decrease in inflation prolongs up to the tenth period. Therefore, SVAR analysis yields that the monetary transmission lag is two and a half years in Turkey. Based on its own findings and those of a previously produced paper which yields that the CBRT considers 12-month ahead expected inflation rate while it is steering interest rates, the paper thus argues that monetary transmission lags may have a role in missing inflation targets in Turkey along with some other factors. In conclusion, the paper argues that the CBRT should pay attention to 24-month ahead or 30-month ahead expected inflation rates instead of 12-month ahead expected inflation rate to achieve or run-up to inflation targets.
English Translational Errors Encountered by Arab Natives
Authors: Ababneh Islam
Published: March 2016

This study aims to highlight errors in translating Arabic phrases and expressions into English. It is part of a research that attempts to establish some cultural connections between those translational mistakes and the embedded Arabic and Saudi religious and cultural factors that influence making such errors. To achieve the set goal, the researcher observed many written English signs around the city of Tabuk in a period of two years and then archived and analyzed the various translation mistakes collected from universities’ announcements, religious flyers, hospital signs, bill board signs, shops and malls signs, personal signs...etc. The errors were classified into four categories: Singular/Plural, Sentence Structure and Syntax, Word Choice, and Spelling errors. Then a quiz was given to selected female English major students at the University of Tabuk; the quiz contained the same observed mistakes collected earlier. Therefore, the sample of the study was very diverse in its nature of Saudi Arabs and Arabs from other Arab countries that came to live and work in the city of Tabuk; while the students who took the quiz were all of Saudi nationality. It was concluded that the reasons Arab people who publish English translations fail to transfer the Arabic equivalence of English phrases and expressions are mainly due to literal translation and influencing cultural factors that make those people unfamiliar with the use of the right English words in their proper context.
The Use of the /ki/ Variant among Young Karakis in Amman and Karak (Jordan) a Comparative Study
Authors: Salman Mahmoud El
Published: March 2016

This article is a sociolinguistic study conducted in Amman and Karak (Jordan) to investigate the linguistic variation in the speech of 48 Karaki informants who are originally from Karak and now living in Amman, and another 48 Karaki informants who still live in Karak. The [ki] variant of the (Vki) variable will be used as a basis to investigate this variation. The study shows that the [ki] is still preserved by the old in Karak and in Amman. It also shows that it is used by the young in a higher percentage than it is in Karak. The exaggeration of the use of it by the young, in contexts where the use of it is not preferable, for example in the presence of other people who do not use it, shows a strong desire to appear as local. It is also an attempt by the young to associate themselves with an area, namely the Karak area, which is known to be socially and politically important in Jordan. Appearing as local is not an aim in itself. It helps to achieve social aims. However, young females do not show the same desire. It disappears from their speech. Appearing as local is not the first priority by them. The rate of using it by them in Karak was in a low percentage. It becomes even lower in Amman. So, it is not uncommon to find women leads in linguistic change and to be innovative in this.
Features of Reporting Verbs in Modern English
Authors: Ibrahimova Shahla Ibrahim
Published: March 2016

The article is devoted to the problem of reporting verbs in Modern English. The research has been done to define the most appropriate features of reporting verbs: the notion they can indicate, the classification of reporting verbs in present-day English, the use of tense forms with reporting verbs, and reporting verbs and citations.

Consequently, reporting verbs can express the author’s personal viewpoint, your viewpoint regarding what the author says, and the author’s viewpoint regarding other literature. As a result of investigation, 14 types of verbs according to the general meaning that they express have been determined.

A great attention has been paid to the use of tense forms - present simple, present perfect and past tense forms. Besides the above mentioned points, the types of citation, which is closely connected with reporting verbs, and also, the evaluative function of reporting verbs have been investigated, too.
Genetic Diversity of Rhizobia Nodulating Alfalfa in Iraq as a Source of More Efficient Drought Tolerance Strains
Authors: Hameed Rana Azeez , Neema Hussain Nidhal , Muhisen Aljibouri Abd aljasim
Published: March 2016

Sinorhizobium meliloti is a gram-negative, soil bacteria, which gain a huge importance deserved to their capability in fixing nitrogen symbiotically with an important fodder crop legume-alfalfa (Medicago sativa). This study aims to (i): isolate indigenous Sinorhizobium meliloti from different field sites in Iraq; (ii): assess the isolates tolerance to induced water shortage using polyethylene glycol-6000; (iii): evaluate genetic diversity and genetic relationships among isolates of natural population with drought tolerant abilities. Drought tolerance analysis disclose great variations between Sinorhizobium isolates, the highest tolerant isolates to drought were 12 from whole thirty (40%), endured from -3 up to -4 MPa(Mega pascal), at the same time the drought sensitive isolates tolerated up to -1.5 MPa, but for isolate Bs58 which tolerated up to -1 MPa. The growth decrease with the increase of drought stress. REP-PCR method was an excellent technique to distinguish between the S. isolates based on their tolerance to different water potential levels, the REP-PCR gave a significant band about 700bp (base pair) in size, which were present in all drought moderate and tolerant isolates, while this band was absent in all drought sensitive isolates(except one isolate). Also the ERIC-PCR method cleared the absence of two significant bands 300bp and 600bp from all drought sensitive isolates. UPGMA analysis based on rep-PCR revealed two groups branching at a similarity of 35%, first group included only one isolate Bs16, which was a drought moderate tolerant; second group contained the rest of isolates, yet the latter splits into two subgroups with 68% similarity; the first subgroup comprised all sensitive isolates with 80% similarity among them, the second subgroup included the tolerant and moderate isolates with similarity 88%.
Teaching Training Method of a Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Feng Yongfei , Wang Hongbo , Lu Tingting , Vladareanuv Victor , Li Qi , Zhao Chaosheng
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a new lower limb rehabilitation robot (hereafter, referred to as LLR-Ro) to help patients with lower limb disorder recover their movement function. Based on the ergonomics and kinematics principle, the motion of a human lower limb is analysed, which provides a theoretical basis for the leg mechanism design of LLR-Ro. This paper also proposes a teaching training method for improving the training performance of LLR-Ro. When a physician trains the lower limb of a patient, the acceleration data of the patient's lower limb motion will be collected through a wireless data acquisition system. The data can reproduce the movement trajectory of the physician rehabilitation training and this can be used as the training trajectory of LLR-Ro. The experiment results of this study demonstrate that the teaching training method is feasible. The theory analysis and experimental research of LLR-Ro lay the foundations for the future clinical application of this method.
Transforming Neuroscience into a Totalizing Meta-Narrative
Authors: Gaitán Leandro , Echarte Luis ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2016

The present work is developed within the frame of so-called critical neuroscience. The aim of this article is to explain the transition from a kind of neuroscience understood as a strict scientific discipline, possessing a methodology and a specific praxis, to a kind of neuroscience that has been transformed into a meta-narrative with totalizing claims. In particular, we identify and examine eleven catalysts for such a transition: 1) a lack of communication between scientists and journalists; 2) the abuse of information by the sensational press; 3) the acceptance of specific philosophical approaches (like eliminative materialism) by a wide range of scientists; 4) the widespread transmission of two conceptual mistakes: a) an identification between methodological and ontological reductionism and b) the mereological fallacy; 5) the influence of post-Cartesian philosophical thinking in the scientific community; 6) an overwhelming scientific hyper-specialization; 7) the illegitimate transfer of authority from humanities to the sciences; 8) an inbuilt human preference for visual data; 9) economic interests; 10) scientific utopianism; and 11) the new self-help movements and their alliance with neuro-enhancement. Finally, our essay seeks to draw attention to the most damaging consequences for both science and human ways of living.
Catatan baru hama penting, Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) pada tanaman stroberi di Desa Alamendah, Kecamatan Rancabali Kabupaten Bandung, Jawa Barat
Authors: Yusup Ciptadi Achmad , Sartiami Dewi
Published: March 2016

Stroberi termasuk tanaman buah baru yang masuk ke Indonesia, stroberi dengan cepat berkembang karena permintaan akan buah ini terus meningkat. Trips merupakan salah satu hama yang menyerang tanaman stroberi dan dapat mengurangi kualitas serta kuantitas produksi stroberi. Penelitian dilakukan di Desa Alamendah, Kecamatan Rancabali, Kabupaten Bandung dari bulan Maret sampai Agustus 2012. Trips yang menyerang tanaman stroberi di Desa Alamendah didominasi oleh Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom). Trips lain yang ditemukan pada tanaman di sekitar tanaman stroberi, yaitu Thrips palmi dan Microcephalothrips abdominalis. Kedua trips ini ditemukan pada tanaman tomat, kentang, bawang daun, blackberry, gulma Amaranthus sp. dan Ageratum haustonianum. Seluruh stadia pertumbuhan F. intonsa berada pada bunga stroberi dengan kerapatan populasi berkisar dari 1,8 sampai 2,3 individu imago/bunga. Luas serangan F. intonsa di lahan stroberi berkisar antara 68,4% sampai 82,2%. Berdasarkan uji kemampuan F. intonsa menyerang tanaman stroberi, menunjukkan bahwa 43,3% buah sampel yang dipanen mengalami malformasi pada bagian ujung buah. Dengan demikian F. intonsa berpotensi menjadi hama penting tanaman stroberi.
Pengaruh cendawan endofit terhadap biologi dan statistik demografi wereng batang cokelat Nilaparvata lugens Stál (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Mawan Amanda , Buchori Damayanti , Triwidodo Hermanu
Published: March 2016

Cendawan endofit merupakan mikroorganisme endosimbion yang hidup dalam jaringan tanaman inang tanpa menimbulkan gejala penyakit yang nyata. Kelompok cendawan ini penting sebagai mediator dalam interaksi tanaman-herbivora. Salah satu jenis cendawan endofit yang ada di tanaman padi adalah Nigrospora sp. Pengaruh Nigrospora sp. terhadap biologi dan statistik demografi wereng batang cokelat, Nilaparvata lugens Stál (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) diamati di laboratorium. Nigrospora sp. yang digunakan dalam penelitian merupakan cendawan endofit tanaman padi hasil biakan yang diformulasikan dalam bentuk tepung. Tepung endofit diinokulasikan pada benih padi dengan cara mencampurkan 10 g tepung endofit per 1 kg benih padi dan disimpan di tempat yang lembab dan gelap. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa padi yang diberi perlakuan cendawan endofit menunjukkan resistensi terhadap N. lugens. Peningkatan mortalitas telur dan nimfa instar awal lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan perlakuan kontrol. Perlakuan cendawan endofit juga dapat memperpanjang lama perkembangan nimfa, periode praoviposisi, periode oviposisi serta tertundanya waktu peletakan telur oleh imago betina N. lugens. Cendawan endofit Nigrospora sp. memengaruhi pertumbuhan populasi N. lugens dalam skala laboratorium sehingga memiliki potensi sebagai pengendalian alternatif terhadap N. lugens. Selain itu, inokulasi cendawan endofit bisa menjadi metode yang berguna untuk melindungi tanaman padi dari N. lugens.
Perbedaan respon Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae), terhadap paparan anti nyamuk bakar dan bunga keluwih (Artocarpus camansi, Blanco)
Authors: Wahyuningsih Nur Endah , Sihit Ramauli Agustina
Published: March 2016

Pengendalian penyakit demam berdarah dengue (DBD) masih bergantung pada pengendalian vektornya, yaitu Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) dan Ae. albopictus (Skuse). Pengendalian vektor hingga saat ini banyak dilakukan dengan menggunakan insektisida kimia (sintetis). Penelitian tentang status resistensi nyamuk sudah banyak dilakukan, tetapi dampak dari nyamuk yang tetap hidup karena dipajan insektisida sintetis belum banyak diteliti. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis perbedaan angka fekunditas, fertilitas dan daya hidup nyamuk yang dipaparkan pada insektisida alami bunga keluwih (Artocarpus camansi) bakar dan insektisida sintetis anti nyamuk bakar berbahan aktif transflutrin dan d allethrin. Telur Ae. aegypti dari lapangan ditetaskan menjadi nyamuk kemudian dipaparkan pada insektisida sintetis dan alami. Setelah ditunggu 24 jam, nyamuk yang hidup dikawinkan. Tiap kelompok tersebut ditempatkan dalam 2 kandang lalu diulang 3 kali. Telur hasil perkawinan diamati sampai nyamuk dewasa mati untuk dibandingkan dengan angka fekunditas, angka fertilitas dan daya hidup. Hasilnya menunjukkan tidak terdapat perbedaan angka fekunditas antara kontrol dan insektisida alami, tetapi ada perbedaan nyata angka fekunditas antara insektisida sintetis dengan kontrol. Insektisida alami tidak meningkatkan angka fekunditas tetapi insektisida sintetis dapat meningkatkan angka fekunditas dan jumlah nyamuk serta menyebabkan umur nyamuk yang lebih panjang dibandingkan dengan perlakuan insektisida alami dan kontrol.
Bioekologi vektor demam berdarah dengue (DBD) serta deteksi virus dengue pada Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) dan Ae. albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) di kelurahan endemik DBD Bantarjati, Kota Bogor
Authors: Fadilla Zahara , Hadi Upik Kesumawati , Setiyaningsih Surachmi
Published: March 2016

Demam berdarah dengue (DBD) merupakan salah satu penyakit yang disebabkan oleh virus dengue dan masih menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat di Indonesia. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui bioekologi Aedes spp. dan deteksi virus dengue pada nyamuk Aedes spp. di Kelurahan Bantarjati Kota Bogor. Penangkapan nyamuk dilakukan bulan April sampai Juli 2012.Pada nyamuk Aedes spp. dilakukan deteksi virus Dengue dengan teknik reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) yang terdiri dari 2 tahap, yaitu tahap sintesis dan amplifikasi CDNA serta tahap karakterisasi serotipe virus dengue. Penangkapan nyamuk Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) dan Ae. albopictus (Skuse) dilakukan pada 200 rumah penduduk di daerah endemik DBD dengan metode umpan orang di dalam dan luar rumah. Kepadatan nyamuk Ae. aegypti dan Ae. albopictus tertinggi terjadi pada bulan April dengan puncak aktivitas mengisap darah pada jam 10:00-11:00. Virus dengue tidak terdeteksi pada nyamuk betina Aedes spp. yang ditangkap di Kelurahan Bantarjati Kota Bogor.
Keanekaragaman semut dan pola keberadaannya pada daerah urban di Palu, Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Hasriyanty Hasriyanty , Rizali Akhmad , Buchori Damayanti
Published: March 2016

Konversi habitat dari hutan menjadi area pertanian atau kawasan permukiman, disamping menyebabkan penurunan keanekaragaman hayati juga menimbulkan permasalahan baru, seperti kehadiran hama. Di kawasan permukiman, salah satu hama urban yang cukup mengganggu adalah semut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari pola keberadaan semut urban pada permukiman di Palu, Sulawesi Tengah. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada berbagai tipe habitat meliputi perumahan, kebun, taman, semak, pertanian hingga pinggiran hutan. Semut dikoleksi dengan menggunakan perangkap umpan berupa ikan tuna dan gula. Sebanyak 38 spesies semut ditemukan pada keseluruhan gradien habitat di daerah urban di Palu. Keanekaragaman semut memiliki hubungan erat dengan kondisi habitat. Kekayaan dan komposisi spesies semut cenderung meningkat dengan penurunan tingkat gangguan manusia (dari habitat perumahan ke hutan). Semut yang paling dominan dan ditemukan pada keseluruhan habitat adalah Anoplolepis gracilipes, Solenopsis geminata dan Paratrechina longicornis. Ketiga spesies semut ini merupakan spesies semut tramp yang biasa berasosiasi dengan manusia dan bersifat invasif yang berpengaruh negatif tidak hanya bagi keanekaragaman hayati tapi juga bagi manusia. Urbanisasi dan keberadaan manusia memfasilitasi keberadaan semut invasif di daerah urban di Palu.
Infestasi pinjal dan infeksi Dipylidium caninum Linnaeus pada kucing liar di lingkungan kampus Institut Pertanian Bogor, Kecamatan Dramaga
Authors: Bashofi Aulia Syifak , Soviana Susi , Ridwan Yusuf
Published: March 2016

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menginvestigasi infestasi pinjal dan infeksi Dipylidium caninum (Linnaeus) pada kucing liar di ingkungan kampus Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Dramaga. Tiga puluh ekor kucing liar dikumpulkan dari beberapa tempat di sekitar IPB Dramaga. Kucing liar yang menunjukkan gejala klinis pruritus dan alopecia dikumpulkan secara purposif. Seluruh tubuh kucing dibedaki dengan bedak gamexan, setelah itu pinjal dikoleksi secara manual dan diperiksa secara mikroskopis. Sebanyak 30 sampel feses kucing dikoleksi dan diperiksa terhadap keberadaan D. caninum dengan metode Mc Master dan pengapungan, serta dilihat juga keberadaan proglotid. Hasil identifikasi menunjukan hanya ditemukan satu spesies pinjal, yaitu Ctenocephalides felis (Bouce), sedangkan pada sampel feses tidak ditemukan D. caninum. Dua puluh satu kucing terinfestasi pinjal dengan rata-rata kepadatan pinjal per kucing 3,8 ± 1,9 individu. Derajat infetasi pinjal tergolong ringan, sehingga peluang kucing untuk menelan pinjal dan terinfeksi D. caninum sangat kecil.