bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Problem-Based Spot Capturing Models on Creative and Care Character of Students in Elementary School
Authors: Ariesta Freddy Widya
Published: February 2019

This study aims to determine the impact of applying problem-based spot capturing models in teaching social science in order to develop creativity and caring of students in elementary school. The experimental research was carried out for four weeks by using problem-based spot capturing models learning in two groups is experimental group (n = 24) and control group (n = 23). This study used quasi experimental method with pre-test and post-test control group design. The research instrument was taken from observation and questionnaire then the data was analysed by using qualitative descriptive percentage. Based on the data, the researchers figure out that a teacher plays an important role in developing the character of the students through the learning design. In addition, there are differences in the higher score obtained by the experimental group than the control group on creative and care characters by using problem-based spot capturing models. Students also gain an improvement in technology use and skills in social science class by using the problem-based spot capturing models.
THE REFUTATION TEXT IN POE TO REDUCE THE QUANTITY OF STUDENTS’ MISCONCEPTION
Authors: Muliyani Riski
Published: February 2019

The aim of this paper is to know the decreasing of the quantity student’s misconceptions after given a Refutation Text in Predict-Observe-Explain (POE) learning model by researcher. The hydrostatic pressure misconceptions consist of four sub-misconceptions. This research is a quantitative research with weak experimental design. Sampling technique applied purposive sampling and has involve 32 students on 9th grade of junior high school in Pandeglang, Banten, Indonesia. The diagnostic test is a multiple-choice form with three-tier test (TTT) format. The result of this research founded that there are decreasing of the quantity of student’s misconception on the hydrostatic pressure. The largest percentage decreasing of the quantity of student’s misconception is on the misconceptions 1 about 79.31%. Misconceptions 1 is the magnitude of Hydrostatic Pressure inversely proportional to it area surface. For the future research, suggested to combine strategies or methods for optimal decreasing the quantity of student’s misconceptions
FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ SELECTION OF UNIVERSITIES: THE CASE OF OMAN
Authors: Echchabi Abdelghani , Al-Hajri Salim
Published: February 2019

The main purpose of the study was to examine the factors that mostly influence students’ selection of the universities where they enrolled, in the Omani context. The study used mean values to rank the factors based on the students’ responses. The study covered a sample of 384 respondents from various Omani regions and used the mean value to examine the factors that influence students’ selection of their respective universities. The findings revealed that the main factor for university selection is the university reputation, followed by completion time, academic quality, as well as the academic staff qualifications. These findings have significant contributions to the Omani universities, as well universities in similar contexts. Particularly, it provides the universities with insights on the main dimensions and characteristics to emphasize in order to enhance their overall performance.
THE NEEDS FOR DEVELOPING COOPERATIVE PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING (CO-PBL) TO PROMOTE VERBAL CREATIVITY IN EFL WRITING
Authors: Ghufron M. Ali , Ermawati Siti
Published: February 2019

This study is the initial part for developing cooperative problem-based learning (hereafter Co-PBL) to promote verbal creativity in EFL writing. The study is aimed at: (1) investigating the previous teaching and learning model implemented in EFL writing class; and (2) measuring and analyzing the extent to which the teachers and students need Co-PBL to promote verbal creativity (hereafter VC) in EFL writing. This study employed a case study method with the respondents of the research were 2 EFL writing teachers and the students who take EFL writing course in English Education Department of a private university in East Java, Indonesia. The data was yielded from questionnaire, in-depth interview, observation, and document analysis. After analyzing the data descriptively, the results show that teachers have used to implement cooperative learning and problem-based learning in EFL writing class; however, they never try to integrate the two models as a new one. It was also revealed that they did not notice verbal creativity as an affecting factor in EFL writing due to their insufficient knowledge to develop learning model that can promote verbal creativity. This study also reveals that teachers and students are eager to develop and implement Co-PBL in order to promote students’ verbal creativity in EFL writing. The findings of this study might have implication for EFL writing teachers and learners.
Comparison of VIKOR and TOPSIS Methods in Multiresponse Taguchi Optimization
Authors: Suniantara I Ketut Putu , Putra I Gede Eka Wiantara
Published: February 2019

Multirepon optimization in the Taguchi method can be done by using the VIKOR and TOPSIS approach, which are based on the concept that the best chosen alternative not only has the shortest distance from a positive ideal solution, but also has the longest distance from the negative ideal solution. The basic concept of these two methods is to determine the ranking of existing samples by looking at the results of the utility (S), regrets (R) and solution distances as the best alternatives for each sample. This study aims to obtain significant process variables on the brightness and soreness response variables in the envelope making process by using VIKOR and TOPSIS method approaches, and comparing the results of VIKOR and TOPSIS optimization. The results showed that the two methods produced process optimization in setting variables that were not the same. The VIKOR method produced a setting variable namely A3B2C1D1 while the TOPSIS method produced a setting variable A1B1C3D3. Looking at the value of the two methods, the VIKOR method produced a better estimated value of the brightness parameters and TOPSIS produced a better estimate value for the silence parameter.
The Effect of Circuit Training Methods, Circuit Series and Learning Motivation on Students’ Volleyball Basic Skill
Authors: Astuti Yuni
Published: February 2019

This research was conducted to reveal the influence of circuit training methods, circuit series and learning motivation on basic volleyball technical skills of students of Bung Hatta University Health and Recreation Health and Education Study Program, Bung Hatta University. The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences of the influence of circuit training methods and circuit series and to see students' learning motivation towards their basic skills of volleyball. This research was conducted at Bung Hatta University volleyball court. This study was a quasi experiment with quantitative approach. The technique of data analysis was t-test. Based on the results of data analysis, it was found that: 1) there was a significant effect between the method of circuit training on volleyball basic technical skills with tcount = 16.90 and ttable = 2.20; 1) there was a significant influence between the circuit series method on the basic skills of volleyball with tcount = 9.62 and ttable = 2.20; 3) student learning motivation variables obtained the achievement level of 76.52%. This means that students have good learning motivation in following basic volleyball skills training, which is in the good category.
Developing Learning Media of Adaptive Sport Course in SLLB Negeri 2 Padang
Authors: Ai Erianti , Sari Desi Novita
Published: February 2019

In this study the problem was that the implementation of Penjasorkes learning was not maximum in SLB N 2 Padang. The implementation of Penjasorkes learning had not been success caused by a teaching strategy that was not appropriate with the condition such as the use of learning media that had not been able to provide physical education effectively and efficiently to students. So that it made the students were less creative and less motivated in doing physical activities, especially athletic material and the basic movements of running, throwing and jumping which were presented in the form of game. This research included development research that aimed to produce athletic learning media through playing with basic movements of running, jumping, and throwing for mentally retarded students at SLB N 2 Padang. Finally, this research was expected to contribute and be useful for the development of science especially in the field of physical education, sports and health. It could be concluded that there was a significant effect of the development of learning media on the basic athletic abilities of students in SLB N 2 Padang with an increase 3.49 in the average score, from the average score of pre test 50 and the post test 53.49.
The Development of Teaching Materials with Mind Mapping Methods Literary Literacy Oriented and Character Education to Improve Understanding of Literary History
Authors: Dewantara I Putu Mas , Ade Asih Susiari Tantri
Published: February 2019

This study aims to develop teaching materials using mind mapping method oriented to literary and character education in a valid, practical, and effective Literature History course. There are three aspects that used to measure the instructional material developed, namely: 1) the content of teaching materials validity will be assessed by experts that adjusted to the supporting theory while construct validity is assessed by experts by paying attention to the relevance and suitability of the developed teaching materials; 2) practicality of the developed teaching material is measured by its implementation in lectures in class by using the instrument of questionnaire responses of students and lecturers; 3) effectiveness of instructional materials was measured using multiple choice tests. The development of this teaching material follows the procedure for product development from Plomp, namely: 1) initial investigation, 2) design, 3) realization/ construction, 4) test, evaluation, and revision; and 5) implementation. Given the time constraints, this study did not arrive at the implementation stage but only arrived at limited trials. From the results of the study, the instructional material developed has met the criteria of valid, practical, and effective. Whereas from the results of limited trials, the instructional material developed effectively increases the understanding of Literature History in PBSI semester I students in the academic year 2018-2019. This is evident by increasing of the percentage of students getting B +, A-, that is 62% in the first cycle become 80% in second cycle. It is already above the percentage that have been achieved and even exceeding the target, that is 70% of students get B +, A-, and A in the beginning of study.
Medición de la calidad por medio de Niveles Sigma para monitorear el mejoramiento de procesos organizacionales controlados por ISO 9001
Authors: Delgado Moreno Frank Nicolás , Rueda forero Pascual
Published: February 2019

Introducción: Las certificaciones con las normas de la calidad ISO 9000 se han incrementado y expandido en Colombia. En consecuencia, estudios han sido realizados por investigadores en diferentes países con el fin de conocer el impacto de la implementación de las normas ISO 9000 en las empresas. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han sido realizados para medir la calidad después de la implementación de estas normas. Objetivo: esta investigación se enfocó a explorar la medida de la calidad de un caso de estudio en Colombia después de la implementación de las normas ISO 9000. Materiales y Métodos: el caso de estudio está representado por una empresa certificada con la norma ISO 9001, la cual  poseía el Premio Colombiano a la Calidad de la Gestión y Premio Iberoamericano de la Calidad. El método se basó en enfoque cuantitativo con alcance de tipo exploratorio y diseño de investigación no experimental-transversal con un tipo de muestra no probabilístico-intencional. Resultados: el caso de estudio presentó calidad de incompetencia mundial. Conclusión: la certificación ISO 9001 no aseguró la calidad de los procesos. Se deben implementar técnicas que mejoren la calidad  de los procesos de la organización y fortalezcan la implementación de la norma ISO 9001.
IMPLEMENTING AN ENTERPRISE INFORMATION SYSTEM TO REENGINEER AND STREAMLINE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES IN A DISTANCE LEARNING UNIT
Authors: Abdous M'hammed , He Wu
Published: February 2019

During the past three years, we have developed and implemented an enterprise information system (EIS) to reengineer and facilitate the administrative process for preparing and teaching distance learning courses in a midsized-to-large university (with 23,000 students). The outcome of the implementation has been a streamlined and efficient process which has delivered higher faculty satisfaction at a substantial cost reduction. In this paper, we propose a new conceptual and operational framework for process reengineering (PR) in higher education institutions. We also share our practical experience gained while designing, developing, and integrating three subsystems into an EIS. We hope that our experience,delineated in this paper, will help other universities’ distance learning efforts and will encourage them to implement enterprise information systems to effectively manage their administrative processes.
INTERNATIONAL CO-TEACHING OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS FOR TRAINING-THE-TRAINERS IN CONTENT AND DISTANCE EDUCATION
Authors: Lewis Kadriye O. , Sincan Murat
Published: February 2019

In this technologically advanced age, much emphasis is put on collaboration in education at many levels. As a result, faculty co-teaching (collaborative teaching) has grown dramatically. This paper introduces how two instructors from different countries (USA and Turkey), one experienced in online teaching and the other in medical informatics, collaborated successfully, to develop and teach an online medical informatics course. This study outlines effective strategies in co-teaching and student satisfaction with the course and includes various instructional techniques for cost effective technology for communicating at a distance.
FACE-TO-FACE AND ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Russell Michael , Carey Rebecca , Kleiman Glenn , Venable Joanne Douglas
Published: February 2019

The study compared the effects of a professional development course delivered in an online and a face-to-face format. The effects examined included changes in teachers’ pedagogical beliefs, instructional practices, and understanding of teaching number-sense and related mathematical concepts. The study randomly assigned participants to either the online or the face-to-face format and employed the same instructors, reading materials, and instructional activities for both formats of the course. Both formats of the course were also delivered over the same eight-week period and required participants to invest approximately the same amount of time each week engaging in learning activities. Both formats of the course showed significant impacts on teachers’ mathematical understanding, pedagogical beliefs, and instructional practices. Consistent with prior research on online versus face-to-face instruction, the positive outcomes were comparable across both formats. Interestingly, teachers who participated in the online course reported that they were more willing to take courses in the future online than did teachers in the face-to-face condition. Further research is needed to determine whether this finding is limited to self-selectedteachers, the specifics of this course, or other factors that limit generalizability.
THE ROAD TO RETENTION: A CLOSER LOOK AT INSTITUTIONS THAT ACHIEVE HIGH COURSE COMPLETION RATES
Authors: Moore Janet C. , Fetzner Marie J.
Published: February 2019

Although online course completion rates are commonly believed to be lower than in other delivery modes, some programs achieve equal or better course completion rates. This issue presents studies that suggest certain practices contribute to student success. Readers are invited to contribute to work-inprogress on key factors for a framework of effective practice.
PEIRCE COLLEGE AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Authors: Lenrow Jon
Published: February 2019

This case study describes the philosophy underlying the delivery of online programs and courses at Peirce College through Peirce Online. The strategies used to implement the Peirce College model and the measures used to validate its success are outlined. These factors are reviewed in the context of the Sloan-C Five Pillars for quality learning environments.
DOES STRONG FACULTY SUPPORT EQUAL CONSISTENT COURSE COMPLETION? IT HAS FOR DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Authors: Shelton Kaye
Published: February 2019

Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution located in the DFW Metroplex. Just over 5,200 students, DBU provides both traditional undergraduate, adult and graduate degrees with the enrollment almost equally divided between the three student groups. Today, DBU offers 34 degree programs fully online maintain a course completion rate of 92–93% each semester with almost 2,000 students taking online classes. Because of its continued success and dedication to quality course development, the DBU online education department has become a model for several other higher education institutions.
AN EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDICATORS OF THE COMMUNITY OF INQUIRY FRAMEWORK AND RETENTION IN ONLINE PROGRAMS
Authors: Boston Wally , Díaz Sebastián R. , Gibson Angela M. , Ice Phil , Richardson Jennifer , Swan Karen
Published: February 2019

As the growth of online programs continues to rapidly accelerate, concern over retention is increasing. Models for understanding student persistence in the face-to-face environment are well established, however, the many of the variables in these constructs are not present in the online environment or they manifest in significantly different ways. With attrition rates significantly higher than in face-to-face programs, the development of models to explain online retention is considered imperative. This study moves in that direction by exploring the relationship between indicators of the Community of Inquiry Framework and student persistence. Analysis of over 28,000 student records and survey data demonstrates a significant amount of variance in re-enrollment can be accounted for by indicators of Social Presence.
WHY THEY STAYED: NEAR-PERFECT RETENTION IN AN ONLINE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN LIBRARY MEDIA
Authors: Meyer Katrina A. , Bruwelheide Janis , Poulin Russell
Published: February 2019

This paper focuses on an assessment of an online certification program in K–12 library media which has a near-perfect record of retaining students. Students and graduates of the program were asked to identify reasons for enrolling (and staying enrolled) in the program as well as functions that faculty performed well. These reasons were drawn upon three theoretical models of student retention: Tinto, Bean and Metzner, the Community of Inquiry Model, plus advantages of online programs. Openended questions and Likert-style items provide some support for the academic integration portion of Tinto’s retention model, Bean and Metzner’s retention model for adult non-traditional students, and the importance of the program being available online in explaining why students stayed. Open-ended questions and Likert-style items also support the use of the Community of Inquiry model as a way of identifying what faculty did well in the program and perhaps contributed to the students’ willingness to stay enrolled in the program.
Competence of Older Employees
Authors: Man Gabriela-Maria , Man Mihaela
Published: February 2019

Across the world, the number of old adults has grown significantly over recent decades. This has raised a number of questions related to the availability of human resources in the present day. One current concern, visible in society, is related to older employees’ competence and performance. Often, older employees are perceived as less competent and perceived that they perform less well than younger employees, but this image does not meet the reality. Studies related to older employees’ performance show that certain aspects of performance are either equal to, slightly lower, or even higher than those of younger employees. Important elements that make the performance of older adults comparable with the performance of younger adults, among others, include experience, and level of past and present cognitive and physical stimulation; elements with very large interpersonal variability.
Characterizing and Testing a Fabric Containing Amorphous Glass-Coated Ferromagnetic Microwires for its Magnetic and Electric Shielding Properties in the Frequency Range (1-3) Ghz
Authors: Miclăuş Simona , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Bechet Paul , Baltag Octavian
Published: February 2019

By applying a non-standardized methodology and by using electric- and magnetic-field probes of small dimensions (< 1cm), we experimentally characterized the electromagnetic shielding properties of a fabric containing ferromagnetic microwires weaved on a single direction. Electronic microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy revealed the structure, dimensions and chemical elements content of the amorphous magnetic material. Electric shielding factor proved to be very low in the investigated frequency range, but magnetic shielding factor was high, especially when the weaving direction of the magnetic wires corresponded to the polarization direction of the emitting antenna, and showed some resonances. The magnetic shielding efficiency, if checked against an increasing incident magnetic flux density, proved not to change up to 200 nT. The investigated fabric have been previously proved to be very efficient in shielding the field emitted by a mobile phone in its near field, but present results show that near and far field shielding properties are different.
Life Cycle of a Military Product
Authors: Moro Nicolae
Published: February 2019

Romania’s membership of the select group of states belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization brings, in addition to the expected security benefits and assurances and commitments and obligations that we have to assume. The participation of politicians, militaries and Romanian experts in the decision-making within the specialized committees of the NATO structures is an extremely important element for the assertion of Romania as a security guarantor in the area, a hypostasis that was only a vision a few years ago. This role of our country must be supported by strong and powerful military capabilities, capabilities that are hard to reach for many of the countries in Eastern Europe. The economically advantageous and technologically viable solution for a period of time is to acquire advanced military technical systems that are equipped with the great economic powers of NATO, systems used and verified by these armies, revitalized and upgraded, a second life goal.
Digital Competitiveness of European Union Member States from the Perspective of Human Capital
Authors: Folea Victoria
Published: February 2019

The concepts of "digital skills" and "digital competences" are key terms in the discussion related to the type of skills people need nowadays not only in terms of digital inclusion in the society but also in terms of employability. According to the latest definition by the European Union, digital skills “can be broadly understood as the ability to locate, organise, understand, evaluate, create and share information using digital technology, at different levels of competence” (European Commission, 2017). The rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) bring major transformations with respect to the individual’s integration in society and employability. The paper analyses the 28 member states of the European Union (EU) from the perspective of the pesons’ digital skills and employability in the science, technology (including the ICT) sectors over the period 2015 - 2017. The paper covers the following areas of research: (1) Overall digital skills, computer skills, internet skills of individuals in the EU 28; (2) Human capital with advanced and specialist digital skills in ICT in the EU 28; (3) Evolution of the digital competitiveness of the EU 28 member states from the perspective of human capital over the period 2015-2017. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed for data collection and analysis: database research and analysis; statistical analysis; content and thematic research and analysis from policy papers and reports.
Fuzzy FMEA Application Combined with Fuzzy Cognitive Maps to Manage the Risks of a Software Project
Authors: Erbay Barbaros , Özkan Coşkun
Published: February 2019

The failure rate of an Information Technologies (IT) software project is pretty high because of their uncertain and risky structure. Managing well this kind of projects becomes important. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is an extensive method that is used for identifying the importance level of risks in a project by using risk priority numbers (RPN). This method is based on experts’ experience and cognitive skills at gathering data in order to make risk assessment. This situation causes inaccurate conclusions in the final risk ranking. Fuzzy logic is widely integrated into FMEA to handle these inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the literature while making assessment and calling Fuzzy FMEA method that we proposed. In this study, we explored another uncovered weaknesses of the proposed method. FMEA and Fuzzy FMEA do not consider the relationships among the risks of a project. To overcome this disadvantage, we proposed to integrate the idea of cognitive maps into these two methods (FMEA w/FCMs and Fuzzy FMEA w/FCMs). Finally, we got a comprehensive risk assessment methodology by considering the relationships among the risks under ambiguous circumstances.
Public Expenditures Through Public Procurement
Authors: Duraku Azem
Published: February 2019

Treaty of Rome of 1957 and following treaties on amending the Treaty of Rome contain a number of basic principles on which the EU is founded. Among these principles, the most important ones related to the public procurement are: prevention of discrimination based on nationality, free movement of goods; right and freedom of establishment of a business; the right to provide services. Spending of public money in Kosovo pursuant to the Law on Procurement is found on the following principles: economization and efficiency; equal treatment and non-discrimination; transparency; value for money. The average of open procedure application in EU countries is 73% based on notices, whereas in Kosovo is 82.80% based on notices. In the end of 2014, Kosovo commenced the development of electronic procurement platform. This project takes place within the Public Sector Modernization Project. The importance of the electronic procurement is stated in the statement of European Commission: “Modernization and opening of procurement markets across borders - including through the electronic procurement expansion - are crucial for the competition in Europe and creating new opportunities for businesses in EU”. A good procurement system in Kosovo will have an impact on elimination of negative phenomena (corruption and bad management) in the management of public expenditures from spending agencies, as well as an impact on increase of budget saving.
Workaholism and Its Manifestations in Individuals Running Small Family Businesses – Selected Qualitative Research Results
Authors: Dobrowolska Małgorzata , Stasiła-Sieradzka Marta , Paruzel-Czachura Mariola , Chudzicka-Czupała Agata
Published: February 2019

The research into workaholism in individuals running small, family-owned businesses, among microentrepreneurs, i.e. individuals conducting business activity and employing up to 9 people, was inspired by the relatively high number of persons seeking assistance at a psychotherapy centre, classifying the ailments as workaholic issues, with n=64 respondents interviewed. The paper presents selected manifestations of workaholism, categorised into several key data areas as a result of qualitative research. Quota sampling was used to select respondents who were microentrepreneurs and who had been running family businesses for at least two generations. The results presented in the paper are part of a more extensive research project supervised by the first author, concerning the psychological aspects of running family businesses.
Georgia in the World Merchandise Trade: Main Trends and Problems of Development
Authors: Korganashvili Larisa
Published: February 2019

Foreign trade is the main factor in the country's integration into the world economic system. It promotes the socio-economic development of states, especially developing countries. After the restoration of state independence, Georgia actively cooperates with different countries within the framework of bilateral and multilateral agreements. Its foreign trade activity is based on a high level of openness of the economy and liberal policy, features of the market economy and new vectors of development. Georgia has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 2000 and has one of the most liberal and competitive trade regimes across the world. Georgia's foreign trade turnover has a cyclical growth pattern with a combination of periods of its fall. Over the entire post-Soviet period, the country has a negative trade balance and a high dependence on imports. Export characterizes a high degree of concentration of geographical structure and low level of diversification. The article analyzes the current state of Georgia's foreign trade, shows the main indicators of the country's foreign trade for the period of 1994-2014, and examines the main trends in its development and the importance of export diversification to improve the efficiency of foreign trade.
Process of Formation of the Legal Environment for Marketing in Georgia
Authors: Mghebrishvili Babulia
Published: February 2019

The article emphasizes significance of the laws within the legal framework for performing marketing activities, timely solution of the problems and protection of the consumers’ interests. The author describes the process of development of the legal framework for business in Georgia and pays particular attention to the activities performed after signing and effectiveness of the Association Agreement with the European Union. With respect of protection of the consumers’ rights, the article provides analysis of Georgian laws: Code of Food Safety and Free Circulation, Code of Food/Animal Fodder Safety, Veterinary and Plants Protection, Georgian Law on Advertising, Technical Regulation on Additional Requirements to Labeling of Food Products, Technical Regulations on Providing Information on the Products to the Consumers. In the author’s opinion, significant weakness of the legislation affecting marketing is the fact that Georgian Law on Protection of Consumers’ Rights suspended in 2012 has not been enacted yet while the draft law is ready and published. On the basis of analysis of legal framework the author concludes that the consumers’ rights, in general, are protected in the country by the effective legislation but the main thing is not only existence of the laws but rather their enforcement. For this purpose, states the article, Georgian government has adopted the resolution (2015) Food/Animal Fodder Safety State Control Rule, according to which the relevant state structures control the respective businesses and protect the consumers’ rights in this way. The process of improvement of the legal basis affecting marketing in Georgia is still in progress.
Impact of Private Equity in Colombian Companies: A Case Study
Authors: Maya Toro Lina Maria , Gallon Bedoya Manuela
Published: February 2019

A private equity fund is an investment vehicle managed by a professional team, whose main objective is to provide a medium or long-term return to its investors through capital investments in companies that are not listed on the stock exchange. In Colombia the first professional managers of private equity funds arrived in 2005, Since that date, several companies have been formed dedicated to this, such as Valorar Futuro, an investment fund which bought Aderezos and Higietex. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of the leverage of a private capital fund on the economic growth of a company. Financial balances of the companies Aderezos and Higietex were obtained from 2013 to 2017 and analyzed. Finally, it was found that the private capital fund allowed growth in the companies Aderezos and Higietex.
Information of the Financial Statements Disclosures - Case of Albania
Authors: Ujkani Miti Mirela , Çika Nertila , Dhamo Sotiraq
Published: February 2019

Since 2008 in Albania, financial reporting is carried out based on international standards and national accounting standards, which are in compliance with International financial reporting standards. In our paper, we want to focus on the "Financial Statements Disclosures" as one of the components of the full package of financial statements. Often there is an erroneous view or attitude that compiles disclosures is something simple and easy. But even for their preparation, the accounting principles and rules should be strictly followed. Through the literature review we will highlight the role and importance of preparing of the financial statements disclosures on financial reporting, the care that should be shown in their preparation and the importance they have for users of financial statements. This also for the fact that, as simple as it may seem in its preparation, this statement has a high level of significance, and may even serve as an "indicator" for detecting fraud, assisting decision-making processes, and so on. The objectives of our paper will be realized through comparative, descriptive and statistical analyzes, using primary and secondary data. Primary data will be provided by the questionnaire addressed to target groups: accountants-because they prepare disclosures; auditors and tax inspectors because they are the users of financial statements disclosures as they use these notes to understand the truth and credibility but also to discover frauds and mistakes. Secondary data will be gained from the literature review and the national accounting standards study of our country. The primary data analysis will serve first to understand the level of preparation of the financial statements disclosures and then to understand the role and importance of their information in the preparation of the full set of financial statements, with the purpose of giving the true and fair view of the activity of the entity, thus contributing to the increase of transparency. Secondary data analysis will serve to understand better the theoretical framework for the disclosures and the information that they carry. In the end, we will provide necessary recommendations regarding the disclosures and information they need to carry to ensure a higher quality of financial reporting.
Bitcoin and Blockchain: A Threat or Opportunity for the Financial System
Authors: Atıcı Gonca
Published: February 2019

As world economy evolved over years, barter which is a primitive transaction system left its place to money system. Commodity and bimetallic systems of money resolved the problems, especially the requirement of double coincidence of wants and eased the trade within parties. Chronologically, paper system of money followed the commodity system and implemented via two methods. In the first method, convertible paper money is converted into gold and silver by the authority that issued paper money. In the second method that is still valid today, fiat money is accepted by parties because of its being a legal tender. Money supply definitions keep changing as new liquid assets emerge day by day. Especially after the post global financial crisis, central banks have a more critical function for the world economies. Keeping all these developments aside, surrounded by fintech trends, financial system has confronted with a new instrument bitcoin that is first introduced in 2009. Though there are still too many consideration about this new financial instrument, number of bitcoins has growing since 2009 and has reached almost 17 million as of September 2018. Some economists consider bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a threat especially for central banks’ emission power. In this study we try to shed light to bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology with regard to their evolvement and whether they pose a threat or provide an opportunity to the financial system.
Development of a Reciprocal Health Care Model for Determination of Safety Level in the Nursing Homes in Estonia
Authors: Sepp Jaana
Published: February 2019

The aim of the current paper was to assess the care workers’ psychosocial and physical health; patient’s safety and examine the variations of care workers’ working conditions in the national nursing homes. The NOSACQ- 50 questionnaire was used as a research method. The majority of the care workers in nursing homes complain about physical pain, especially low back pain, and work-related stress. The study results show, that several specific features, such as management safety priority, commitment and ability, are found to influence the six dimensions of safety climate. Based on these results, the importance of good communication practices, management commitment and effective safety training to ensure a strong safety climate and safe behaviour among health care workers is highlighted. Mutual support from the employers to the care workers is needed to create safety as an organizational value. Thus, an effective assessment tool for the evaluation of safety level in nursing homes could be proposed based on the results of this study. The current paper presents a Reciprocal Health Care Model for determination the levers of safety improvement in nursing homes. The model refers to the importance of management safety priority and abilities as well as peer safety communication and trust in the safety ability.
Financing of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Supply-Side Approach Based on the Lending Decisions of Commercial Banks
Authors: Agha Jude Forbeneh , Penn Chi Collins , Adamou Ntieche
Published: February 2019

The objective of this paper is to determine the primary issue causing commercial banks to lend to SMEs. Indeed, this paper focuses on the supply side approach to bridge the research gap in understanding the financing lacuna, which has often been overlooked due to the tendency to analyse financing gap from the demand side only. The paper discusses the nature of the decision-making process from interviews with bank loan officers utilising verbal protocol analysis to give insights into the decision making of bank loan officers in the processing of bank funding proposals. To achieve the objective of the study, we used a qualitative research approach characterised by the collection of information through semi-structured interviews with loan officers responsible for small and mediumsized enterprises of four (4) commercial banks in Cameroon. The information resulting from the transcription of interviews was analysed using content analysis. The result derived from the analysis revealed that confidence is the paramount issue urging commercial banks to grant loans to SMEs. Indeed, from existing embedded relationship overtime, commercial banks obtain valuable information about the behaviours of SMEs. Based on this information a certain degree of confidence and trust emerges causing banks to supply loans to SMEs. From the aforementioned analysis, we formulate: “The theory of confidence lending decisions of commercial banks.”
The Effect of Economic Variables on Banking Credits: An Empirical Study of Algeriancommercial Banks (1997-2017)
Authors: Fouzi Abderzag
Published: February 2019

The study aimed to test the effect of deposits, real interest rate, population and economic reforms on the Banking credit from Algeriancommercial banks represented by the size of credit facilities. The study used annual data for the period from 1997 to 2017. Where the Multi regression model was estimated using a method of Ordinary Least Squares OLS. Results of the analysis showed that there is a positive relationship with a statistically significant between the credit facilities and the deposits and the variable of economicreforms, while the real interest rate and population size have been linked by significant negative relationship.
Production of Fish Feed and Fish Oil from Waste Biomass Using Microorganisms: Overview of Methods Analyzing Resource Availability
Authors: Spalvins Kriss , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: February 2019

Aquaculture is currently the fastest growing food-producing sector in the world. The growth of this industry has been rapid for the last 25 years, however, aquaculture still relies heavily on feed input from wild capture fisheries. Landings in wild capture fisheries have been stagnant for the last two decades; therefore, new alternatives for conventional fish meal and fish oil need to be found. In this review, various alternatives are described and their advantages and disadvantages are evaluated. Single cell oils (SCO) and single cell proteins (SCP) produced by microorganisms are recognized as the alternative with the most potential for replacing fish meal and fish oil in aquacultures. However, production costs of SCOs and SCPsare still higher than production costs of Omega-3 rich oils from other sources (wild capture, plant derived oils and genetically modified plants); therefore, currently used substrates need to be replaced with cheaper agriculture and industrial biomass residues applicable for microbial fermentation. In order to evaluate various biodegradable residues and find the most suitable ones for SCO and SCP production, methods analysing resource availability are reviewed.
The Significance of Building Design for the Climate
Authors: Albatayneh Aiman , Alterman Dariusz , Page Adrian , Moghtaderi Behdad
Published: February 2019

Building design is important for saving energy and reducing GHG emissions by applying passive solar heating and cooling design principles and using the right materials and appropriate design tools. This will make the home healthier and more comfortable. The design of energy efficient and sustainable buildings is critical for the future. A key aspect of any design is the realistic and accurate prediction of the performance of the building under a wide range of weather conditions. This paper examines the effect of different climate zones in Australia (which are comparable to the world's major climates) on the thermal performance of a complete building and recommended design techniques to suit each climate zone to enhance the overall thermal performance. To examine the effect of the location (different climates) on the overall thermal performance and how a good design in one location may not be suitable at another location, AccuRate will be used to assess the thermal performance for the exact module in different climates zones to allow a fair comparison to find the appropriate design for the climate where the building is located. Also, in this research, each climate zone design requirements and techniques were addressed for various climate variables (including: solar radiation, rainfall, wind speed and direction and humidity) to design sustainable building which save great amount of energy while sustaining occupants thermal comfort.
Enabled homolog shown to be a potential biomarker and prognostic indicator for breast cancer by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Li Qiang , Su Yan-Ling , Zeng Min , Shen Wei-Xi
Published: February 2019

Background: Human enabled homolog (ENAH; also known as human ortholog of mammalian enabled, hMENA) is a member of the enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphor protein family that regulates fibroblast movement and nervous system development. The ENAH over-expression promotes breast cancer (BC) cell invasion and metastasis.

Methods: We studied ENAH mRNA expression in various tumors and normal tissues using the ONCOMINE database, and in an array of cancer cell lines using Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia data. We also investigated the prognostic value of ENAH expression in patients with BC using Kaplan-Meier plots.

Results: Compared with normal tissues, ENAH expression levels were markedly elevated in BC. We identified a correlation between low ENAH and superior relapse-free survival (RFS) of patients with BC; specifically, those with ER(-), HER-2(+), Grade 3 and wild-type TP53 subtypes. Additionally, a correlation was detected between low ENAH and prolonged overall survival of patients with luminal B disease.

Conclusion: ENAH is a potential biomarker and important prognostic factor in BC.
Characterizing inpatient care for adults with schizophrenia using the Health Quality Ontario indices: A single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bahji Anees , Pikard Jennifer L , Mauer-Vakil Dane , Munsh Tariq , Naeem Farooq
Published: February 2019

Purpose: This single-center retrospective cohort study is one of the first reports to evaluate the inpatient care provided to persons diagnosed with schizophrenia in Canada.

Methods: This study examined all admissions for adults diagnosed with schizophrenia over a 6-month period in 2017 to an inpatient psychiatric unit situated in a nonprofit general hospital in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The Health Quality Ontario standards for the inpatient care of adults with schizophrenia were used to assess the quality of care provided in hospital. Standards were determined to have been met by doing a thorough chart review for each patient, reviewing all documentation in progress notes, admission notes, discharge notes and emergency room notes for quality standard completion.

Results: The average length of stay per patient was 18.64 days. The treatment at this facility largely focused on medication management of schizophrenia; however, it was found that several areas of care did not meet the standard of care as set by the Health Quality Ontario Quality Standards for Schizophrenia Care for Adults in Hospitals, which was set in 2016. Problematic areas were promoting physical activity and healthy eating (4.9% compliance), treatment with clozapine (13.1% compliance) and cognitive behavioural therapy (9.8% compliance). The study site is fully accredited and attending physicians were all psychiatrists. How pervasive these deficiencies are in other settings is not known.