bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Higher Education Based on Pedagogical Concepts and Standardised Methods
Authors: Hjelseth Eilif
Published: August 2017

The implementation of BIM in higher education (HE) curricula for architecture and engineering is limited and does not meet the demand for competency in the industry. BIM education is mostly initiated by enthusiasts offering software training in isolated courses. The transfer of educational experiences is limited and partial. This conceptual paper explores the use of pedagogical frameworks to enable the systematic implementation of BIM in higher education. The following pedagogical frameworks are explored: (a) Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions (IDDS), (b) Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), and (c) Trinity of BIM as building information model/ -modelling/ -management (BIM3P). BIM-related methods are connected to the pedagogical framework to illustrate applicable implementation. This enable BIM to be integrated into most architecture and engineering subjects without separate training in software. Focus is given to understanding relevant information to support design and fact-based decisions. The approach is learning BIM for learning architecture and engineering.
Brand Trust Determinants and Customer Switching Resistance
Authors: Abdelkader Ali Ahmed , Mohamed Hossam Al- Din Fathy
Published: August 2017

Customer switching resistance (CSR) is the highest level of loyalty because it means that a customer will be loyal and be sustained even if disruptions occur. This research aims to determine and analyze the determinants of brand trust and its relationship with customer switching resistance. To accomplish these objectives, a random stratified sample of 376 customers was selected from population of mobile phone companies in Egypt. The research findings emphasized that there is a significant relationship between brand reputation, brand personality, word of mouth, and brand image (as a whole and each one of them separately) and brand trust. The findings also reveal that there is a significant relationship between brand reputation, brand personality, word of mouth, and brand image (as a whole and each one of them separately), brand trust and customer switching resistance. These results assure the importance of the brand trust and its determinants to promote customer switching resistance at mobile phone companies in Egypt.
Increasing the Brand Equity of Private Label Brands
Authors: Awad Tamer A. , Mohsen Sahar
Published: August 2017

This paper was developed to investigate the different factors affecting the Brand Equity of Private Label Brands and Perceived Value in the Egyptian market. 578 random shoppers in 26 branches all over Egypt completed questionnaire about their perception of different factors affecting Brand Equity. Brand Associations, Perceived Value and Brand Loyalty are considered the most important factors that affect the Brand Equity of Private Label Brands; However, Perceived Quality, Brand Image and Brand Awareness are considered to be the least effective factors. Demographics were found to be insignificant. Marketers should focus on the top three effective factors, which are Brand Associations, Perceived Value and Brand Loyalty in order to increase the Brand Equity of the Private Label Brands. The results will offer direction to marketers and decision makers, especially that Private Label Brands are increasing dramatically.
A Steganalytic Scheme Based on Classifier Selection Using Joint Image Characteristics
Authors: Zhu Jie , Guan Qingxiao , Zhao Xianfeng , Cao Yun , Chen Gong
Published: August 2017

Steganalysis relies on steganalytic features and classification techniques. Because of the complexity and different characteristics of cover images, to make steganalysis more applicable toward detecting stego images in real applications, we need to train different classifiers so as to match different images according to their characteristics. Selection of classifiers according to characteristics of images is the key point to improve accuracy of steganalysis. In our work, we study the methods of classifier selection based on characteristics of images including image size, quantization factor, or matrix. Besides, we also discuss other characteristics, such as texture, cover source, which makes an appreciable difference to steganalysis.
Research on Digital Forensics Based on Uyghur Web Text Classification
Authors: Aizezi Yasen , Jamal Anwar , Abudurexiti Ruxianguli , Muming Mutalipu
Published: August 2017

This paper mainly discusses the use of mutual information (MI) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) for Uyghur Web text classification and digital forensics process of web text categorization: automatic classification and identification, conversion and pretreatment of plain text based on encoding features of various existing Uyghur Web documents etc., introduces the pre-paratory work for Uyghur Web text encoding. Focusing on the non-Uyghur characters and stop words in the web texts filtering, we put forward a Multi-feature Space Normalized Mutual Information (M-FNMI) algorithm and replace MI between single feature and category with mutual information (MI) between input feature combination and category so as to extract more accurate feature words; finally, we classify features with support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The experimental result shows that this scheme has a high precision of classification and can provide criterion for digital forensics with specific purpose.
Recognizing Substitution Steganography of Spatial Domain Based on the Characteristics of Pixels Correlation
Authors: Chen Zhe , Lu Jicang , Yang Pengfei , Luo Xiangyang
Published: August 2017

Steganographic algorithm recognition is currently a key issue in digital image steganalysis. For the typical substitution steganographic algorithm in spatial domain, we analyze the modification way and construct the feature extraction source based on the adjacent pixels correlation; extract the special statistical feature which could distinguish the substitution steganography from other types of steganographic algorithms. Finally, a substitution steganography recognition algorithm is presented and tested by experiments. The experimental results show that, the proposed algorithm could recognize the substitution steganography in spatial domain efficiently, and the detection accuracy is better than existing algorithms.
Exploring Defense of SQL Injection Attack in Penetration Testing
Authors: Zhu Alex , Yan Wei Qi
Published: August 2017

SQLIA is adopted to attack websites with and without confidential information. Hackers utilized the compromised website as intermediate proxy to attack others for avoiding being committed of cyber-criminal and also enlarging the scale of Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS). The DDoS is that hackers maliciously turn down a website and make network resources unavailable to web users. It is extremely difficult to effectively detect and prevent SQLIA because hackers adopt various evading SQLIA Intrusion Detection System techniques. Victims may not be even aware of that their confidential data has been compromised for a long time. In this paper, our contribution is that we evaluate several most popular open source SQLIA tools and SQLIA prevention tools with both qualitative and quantitative assessments.
An Approach to Improve Generation of Association Rules in Order to Be Used in Recommenders
Authors: Hamidi Hodjat , Hashemzadeh Elnaz
Published: August 2017

This paper introduces a method for improving the association rules that will also help improve the performance of recommender systems. Combining sampling and parallelism in the process, the proposed method, in addition to help perform the process more quickly, better quality rules will be generated. The proposed method and the dataset will be segmented into a number of smaller sections based on clustering items, and each section is separately sampled. Frequent itemsets and association rules in any section of the selected samples will be found and by gathering and analyzing the results, the quality and number of rules will be evaluated. One of the innovations of this article is the method of sampling of the database. Instead of random sampling, information about the best users and items was isolated. After determining the precise amount of support, the authors extracted the frequent and favorable rules from the selected sample.
Ranking of Evaluation Targets Based on Complex Sequential Data
Authors: Sakurai Shigeaki
Published: August 2017

This paper proposes a method that arranges evaluation targets based on their complex sequential data. The data is composed of numerical one and text one. This method focuses on both change ratios of the numerical sequential data and the occupation ratios of the text sequential data. It generates a ranking model of the evaluation targets. The model can extract important evaluation targets. This paper applies the method to the data composed of stock price information and news articles. The former one corresponds to the numerical sequential data and the latter one corresponds to the text sequential data. Lastly, this paper compares the method with a method based on random selection and shows the effect of the proposed method.
When Should We Ignore Examples with Missing Values?
Authors: Lin Wei-Chao , Ke Shih-Wen , Tsai Chih-Fong
Published: August 2017

In practice, the dataset collected from data mining usually contains some missing values. It is common practice to perform case deletion by ignoring those data with missing values if the missing rate is certainly small. The aim of this paper is to answer the following question: When should one directly ignore sampled data with missing values? By using different types of datasets having various numbers of attributes, data samples, and classes, it is found that there are some specific patterns that can be considered for case deletion over different datasets without significant performance degradation. In particular, these patterns are extracted to act as the decision rules by a decision tree model. In addition, a comparison is made between cases with deletion and imputation over different datasets with the allowed missing rates and the decision rules. The results show that the classification performance results obtained by case deletion and imputation are similar, which demonstrates the reliability of the extracted decision rules.
An Approach to UML Consistency Checking Based on Compositional Semantics
Authors: Nabil Messaoudi , Chaoui Allaoua , Bettaz Mohamed
Published: August 2017

One of the ways to specify dynamic behavior in UML is to model interactions between objects with sequence diagrams, and model the behavior of each object with state machines. In this context, the problem of ensuring consistency between the sequence diagrams and state machines may arise. To verify consistency, the authors propose an approach based on compositions of Büchi automata which allow us to capture the evolution of each object among the lifeline. This paper focuses on UML modeling and verification methods and bridges the gap between theoretical studies on formal semantics and practical studies to implement languages through model transformations. The transformations include basic interactions, state invariants, strict and weak sequencing, and alternative interaction fragments. Ultimately, the results of the transformations are integrated into the Spin model checker as a never claim property. The authors use the Automatic Gate Controller Railway (AGCR) as an example to illustrate their approach.
Smart Spaces-Based Application Development
Authors: Korzun Dmitry G. , Balandin Sergey I. , Kashevnik Alexey M. , Smirnov Alexander V. , Gurtov Andrei V.
Published: August 2017

Smart spaces form now an emerging paradigm for application development in the various domains of ubiquitous, pervasive, mobile, embedded, and edge-centric computing. The smart space-based development still lacks matured methodologies appropriate for a wide range of application domains. The authors consider a particular class of smart spaces where interaction of many participants is information-driven and ontology-oriented using the indirect interaction models from multi-agent systems and knowledge manipulation technologies from the Semantic Web. The paper summarizes more than ten years of the authors' experience for this class of smart space-based application development. The M3 architecture (multidevice, multivendor, multidomain) for smart spaces enables concept development of service-oriented applications based on information sharing by software agents running on various devices and acting as knowledge processors. The Smart-M3 platform is an open source solution that implements the M3 architecture.
Implementation of Multi-Hop Cognitive Radio Testbed using Raspberry Pi and USRP
Authors: Park Hyun Jae , Lee Gyu-min , Shin Seung-Hun , Roh Byeong-hee , Oh Ji Myeong
Published: August 2017

The increased usage of wireless communication has created a wireless frequency shortage problem. Cognitive Radio (CR) has attracted public attention, as one of the solutions that can resolve this issue. In this paper, the authors built an actual CR system testbed using the SDR (Software Defined Radio) platform, USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) board, the SDR development toolkit, GNU Radio, and Raspberry Pi3, which is a single board computer. They configured Secondary User (SU)s with Raspberry Pi3 for straightforward and portable test environment. The authors' testbed performs spectrum sensing based on energy detection and determines whether the channel is occupied or not. Experimental results not only show performance but also provide their testbed that works well in multi-hop environments.
Study on Secure Dynamic Covering Algorithm for E-Logistics Information in a Cloud Computing Platform
Authors: He Yan
Published: August 2017

For traditional coverage method, local adaptive weighted search is adopted for subspace reconstruction of e-logistics information, which requires significant iterative computations and leads to large coverage errors and unsatisfactory results. This paper proposes a secure dynamic covering algorithm for e-logistics information based on the basis of directional clustering for the envelope of optimization solution vectors. A data network distribution model of e-logistics information on a cloud computing platform is constructed to extract features of e-logistics information and to construct time series of information flows. The directional clustering algorithm for the envelope of optimization solution vectors is introduced to schedule features of e-logistics information. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has higher coverage rate, smaller error, and increases performance of e-logistics information transmission and higher application value on a cloud computing platform.
Effective Knowledge Management Using Wikis
Authors: Hsu Jeffrey , Bronson Gary , Wang Zhongxian
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a discussion and in-depth exploration of using Wikis for providing support to, and for the effective maintenance of, knowledge management systems. Specific issues, considerations, and relevant areas for which Wikis can be most effective are addressed. This includes identifying both strengths and weaknesses of Wikis as they apply to the various types of knowledge management requirements, including information capture, retention, dissemination, updating, and security concerns. A conceptual and research framework of the major impacts, challenges, and issues is also presented, as well as areas for future research.
Big Data and Healthcare Data
Authors: Sarkar Bikash Kanti
Published: August 2017

Big data and its analytics yield a lot of opportunities to make great progresses in many fields, ranging from economic and business activities to public administration, from national security to scientific researches and so on. However, the most noticeable point is that healthcare data has been recently identified as a prime example of big data. Undoubtedly, efficient use of healthcare resources has become a key factor in improving overall healthcare system. But for managing healthcare data and obtaining potential results, we need integration and sharing of data that ultimately demand the concept of distributed system. The paper in its first phase gives an overview on big data and healthcare data from different aspects. A review on the state-of-the-art distributed file system (Hadoop) is conducted in this stage too. The primary aim of this phase is to provide an overall picture on big data as well as healthcare data for non-expert readers. In the next phase, a cloud-based e-health system is proposed for the expert audiences. The expected promising characteristics as well as the managerial implications of the model are highlighted in the analysis section.
Modeling a Software for Library and Information Centers
Authors: Oshilalu Adeyinka Habdulhakeem , Ogochukwu Emiri T.
Published: August 2017

This study took a giant step in determining the various expectations from the generalities of software adopted and used by libraries and information centers. The paper accords librarians with first-hand information to assess all forms of software before eventual adoption for use. The various types of library software adopted for use by Nigerian Libraries were highlighted. Also, the need to conduct Software Feasibility Study was highlighted. The study argued that software adoption and use could make or mar the operations of any library if necessary machineries are not considered at the point of adoption and or use of the software. The study also presented a model used in describing how library software are expected to operate. The work concluded that software adoption and use are essential in modern day's libraries and it also caution libraries to be weary of software adoption as this is capable of causing more harms than good if appropriate measures are not put into consideration.
A Model for Discussing the Quality of Technology-Enhanced Learning in Blended Learning Programmes
Authors: Casanova Diogo , Moreira António
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a comprehensive model for supporting informed and critical discussions concerning the quality of Technology-Enhanced Learning in Blended Learning programmes. The model aims to support discussions around domains such as how institutions are prepared, the participants' background and expectations, the course design, and the learning process. The research that supported the design of this model was framed by a Grounded Theory method, combining different approaches to empirical data collection with a review of evaluation models on aspects of the quality of Online and Distance Learning. Throughout the paper, arguments are made that Higher Education institutions need to be more critical with regard to the use of Technology-Enhanced Learning, and to support it as a counterpart to face-to-face learning and teaching. The model provides a framework for teachers in Higher Education to reflect and discuss the quality of Technology-Enhanced Learning in their Blended Learning programmes.
Pocket Cartoons
Authors: Khoo Yin Yin , Fitzgerald Robert
Published: August 2017

This study examines the impact of using cartoons shared through mobile devices to promote awareness and to aid in the development of financial literacy among Economics students in Malaysia. The study also investigates the use of these ‘mobile cartoons' to develop students' communication skills. The study involved a quasi-experimental methodology investigating the learning outcomes of 91 undergraduate students. Data was acquired through surveys and interviews. The results showed a higher mean for the experimental group (Mobile Learning Collaborative) than the control group (Conventional Collaborative). Future research may focus on the improvement in the design of the intervention with a particular focus on expanding the range of cartoon characters.
A Novel Fuzzy Integrated Customer Needs Prioritization Software Tool for Effective Design of Online Shopping Websites
Authors: Sharma Ashish K. , Khandait Sunanda
Published: August 2017

Albeit, online shopping has grown much recently, users' rate of satisfaction has declined due to the ineffective design of online shopping websites. Thus, the companies involved are craving for well-designed websites. Effective website design involves decision making and thus this paper considers Quality Function Deployment (QFD) as it is a strong decision-making tool. However, QFD uses crisp scoring approach that generates uncertainty and vagueness resulting in impreciseness and inconsistency in results. The issue can be addressed using fuzzy integration. QFD involves prioritization of Customer Needs (CNs) and Technical Requirements (TRs). However, the paper focuses on only CNs prioritization. Also, the existing software's lack the indispensable fuzzy support feature to handle the uncertainty and vagueness. Thus, the paper presents a novel fuzzy integrated customer needs prioritization software tool. The tool is built using Visual Basic Dot Net (VB.Net) and MS-Access. A real-life example is presented to demonstrate the viability of the software tool.
Algorithms for Selecting the Optimum Dataset While Providing Personalized Privacy and Compensation to its Participants
Authors: Kumar Rajeev
Published: August 2017

The privacy preserving microdata sharing literature has proposed several techniques that allow a database administrator to share a dataset in a privacy preserving manner. This paper considers the implications of adding a market layer to that setting. In this setting, individuals (data providers) can receive a market-determined compensation in exchange for their information while they also receive a personalized privacy protection. The computational burdens of satisfying a variety of privacy requirements of individuals (sellers) and dataset requirements of the data receiver (buyer) are analyzed in this paper. The author presents a polynomial time reformulation procedure that proves that the “optimum information product” creation problem reduces to multiple-choice knapsack problem, which is a weakly NP hard problem. The problem of various instance sizes is solved using FICO Xpress 7.0 optimization software. The insights presented in the paper can be utilized for creating a market of individual information in different settings.
Framing Sustainable Practices
Authors: Gauthier Jeffrey , Meyer Chris , Cohen David
Published: August 2017

This paper develops and clarifies social intrapreneurship theory by examining the “how” of effective intrapreneurial championing. More specifically, the authors consider the following research question: How does the manner in which middle managers frame sustainable practices influence successful championing outcomes? The authors integrate the natural-resource-based view of the firm with research on middle management championing behaviors and issue-contingent models of ethical decision making to propose a model of sustainability championing for social intrapreneurs. To that end, propositions are developed concerning the relationship between the types of sustainable practice championed, how the argument for a given practice is framed, and successful championing outcomes. This paper contributes to a growing body of literature on social intrapreneurship, providing insight into how intrapreneurial championing can be more effective and building a foundation for future research.
Virtual Team Effectiveness
Authors: Bhat Swati Kaul , Pande Neerja , Ahuja Vandana
Published: August 2017

Advances in communication and information technology create new opportunities for organizations to build and manage virtual teams. Virtual teams have become a norm for organizations whose members work across disparate geographical locations, relying primarily or exclusively, on the usage of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the completion of common goals. In many countries across the world, the internet has helped in shrinking barriers between teams located across diverse locations, and this has been possible because of what is termed as 'virtual teams'-teams which are connected with each other in cyberspace. This paper attempts to explain the role of vital elements like trust, information sharing and communication, in building virtual teams. This study strives towards developing a set of factors that can be used by managers of virtual teams for establishing an efficacious relationship amongst the members. The research methodology of Structural Equation Modelling is used for the purpose.
A Case Study on the Perceptions of Educators on the Penetration of Personal Learning Environments in Typical Education
Authors: Armakolas Stefanos , Mikroyannidis Alexander , Panagiotakopoulos Christos , Panousopoulou Theofania
Published: August 2017

Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) help students manage and take control of their own learning. As such, the PLE promotes self-regulation in learning and allows learners to aggregate, manipulate and share digital artefacts within a flexible and versatile online space. This paper presents a case study in Greece, concerning an investigation about the penetration of PLEs in typical education. In particular, this case study aims at investigating the perceptions of educators about PLEs and their challenges in incorporating PLEs in their teaching practices. The findings are commented on the pros and cons of PLEs and the opportunities that they offer to the modern classroom. According to the results of the present research, most respondents are generally aware of the PLE concept and its advantages.
Scrub Typhus as an Etiology of Acute Febrile Illness in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2016
Authors: Vivian Thangaraj Jeromie Wesley , Mittal Mahima , Verghese Valsan Philip , Kumar C. P. Girish , Rose Winsley , Sabarinathan R. , Pandey Ashok Kumar , Gupta Nivedita , Murhekar Manoj
Published: August 2017

Seasonal outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) with high mortality occur every year in Gorakhpur region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Earlier studies indicated the role of scrub typhus as the important etiology of AES in the region. AES cases were hospitalized late in the course of their illness. We established surveillance for acute febrile illness (AFI) (fever ≥ 4 days duration) in peripheral health facilities in Gorakhpur district to understand the relative contribution of scrub typhus. Of the 224 patients enrolled during the 3-month period corresponding to the peak of AES cases in the region, about one-fifth had immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against Orientia tsutsugamushi. Dengue and leptospira accounted for 8% and 3% of febrile illness cases. Treating patients with AFI attending the peripheral health facilities with doxycycline could prevent development of AES and thereby reduce deaths due to AES in Gorakhpur region.
Pilot Bearings for Truck and Bus Applications
Authors:   Truck and Bus Powertrain Committee
Published: August 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice describes STANDARD-DUTY and EXTREME-DUTY Pilot Bearing requirements and sizes for class 6, 7, and 8 on-highway trucks and buses that use diesel engines and manual transmissions. The recommendations may apply to a wide range of other pilot-bearing applications, such as agricultural, industrial, and construction equipment.
Clutch Dimensions for Truck and Bus Applications
Authors:   Truck and Bus Powertrain Committee
Published: August 2017

Although not limited to, these clutches are normally used on trucks considered as Medium-Duty (Class 6 and 7), as well as Heavy-Duty (Class 8).
The OH*(3–1) layer emission altitude cannot be determined unambiguously from temperature comparison with lidars
Authors: Dunker Tim
Published: August 2017

Abstract. I investigate the nightly mean emission height and width of the OH*(3–1) layer by comparing nightly mean temperatures measured by the ground–based spectrometer GRIPS 9 and the Na lidar at ALOMAR. The data set contains 42 coincident measurements between November 2010 and February 2014, when GRIPS 9 was in operation at the ALOMAR observatory (69.3° N, 16.0° E) in northern Norway. To closely resemble the mean temperature measured by GRIPS 9, I weighted each nightly mean temperature profile measured by the lidar using Gaussian distributions with 40 different centre altitudes and 40 different full widths at half maximum. In principle, one can thus determine the altitude and width of the OH*(3–1) layer by finding the minimum temperature difference between the two instruments. On most nights, several combinations of centre altitude and width yield a temperature difference of ±2 K. The generally assumed altitude of 87 km and width of 8 km is never an unambiguous, good solution for any of the measurements. Even for a fixed width of ∼ 8.4 km, one can sometimes find several centre altitudes that yield equally good temperature agreement. Weighted temperatures measured by lidar are not suitable to determine unambiguously the emission height and width of an OH* layer. If the OH*(3–1) rotational temperature is used as a proxy for the temperature at an altitude of 87 km with a width of 8.4 km, this proxy is representative to within ±16 K.
Information Content Analysis: The Potential for Methane Isotopologue Retrieval from GOSAT-2
Authors: Malina Edward , Yoshida Yukio , Matsunaga Tsuneo , Muller Jan-Peter
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Atmospheric methane is comprised of multiple isotopic molecules, with the most abundant being 12CH4 and 13CH4 making up 98 % and 1.1 % of atmospheric methane respectively. It has been shown that is it possible to distinguish between sources of methane (biogenic methane, e.g. marshland or abiogenic methane, e.g. fracking) via a ratio of these main methane isotopologues, otherwise known as the δ13C value. δ13C values typically range between −10 and −80 per mil, with abiogenic sources closer to zero, and biogenic sources showing more negative values. Initially, we suggest that a δ13C difference of 10 per mil is sufficient, in order to differentiate between methane source types, based on this we derive that a precision of 0.25 ppbv on 13CH4 retrievals may achieve the target δ13C variance. Using an application of the well established Information Content Analysis (ICA) technique for assumed clear sky conditions, this manuscript shows that using a combination of the Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) bands on the planned Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT)-2 mission, 13CH4 can be measured with sufficient Information Content (IC) to a precision of between 0.7 and 1.2 ppbv from a single sounding (assuming a total column average value of 19.14 ppbv), which can then be reduced to the target precision through spatial and temporal averaging techniques. We, therefore, suggest that GOSAT-2 can be used to differentiate between methane source types. Large unconstrained ‘a priori’ covariance matrices are required in order to achieve sufficient information content and that varying the solar inclination angle has limited impact on information content or retrieval errors.
Comparison of parallel or convergent proximal schanz screw placement of pertrochanteric fixator in intertrochanteric fracture model
Authors: Gok Arif , Inal Sermet , Taspinar Ferruh , Gulbandilar Eyyup , Gok Kadir
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Intertrochanteric femoral fractures are serious traumas among elderly patients. In these patients, external fixator is a preferable method for the fixation of fractures. Therefore, this study was planned to compare the parallel and convergent proximal schanz screw placement of pertrochanteric fixator in the intertrochanteric femoral fractures with respect to biomechanical forces that stabilize the fracture line and to present their clinical importance. A commercial finite element based program, AnsysWorkbench was used to investigate the biomechanical parameters of the femoral intertrochanteric fractures and different placement of implants. The von Mises stress, von Mises strain and shear stress on the proximal and distal surface of the fracture line were lower in the convergent pertrochanteric fixator. Proximal schanz screws in convergent configuration pertrochanteric fixator had greater stress and strain values than proximal schanz screws in parallel configuration pertrochanteric fixator. The distance between the proximal schanz screws on the fracture line was measured as 12 mm in convergent configuration pertrochanteric fixator, and as 3.5 mm in parallel configuration pertrochanteric fixator. The angle between the proximal schanz screws in the convergent configuration was measured as 12.88°. The effect of convergent and parallel configuration pertrochanteric fixators on axial loading demonstrated that convergent configuration pertrochanteric fixator was safer in this respect.
Species richness and phylogenetic structure in plant communities: 20 years of succession
Authors: Stadler Jutta , Klotz Stefan , Brandl Roland , Knapp Sonja
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Secondary succession on arable fields is a popular system for studying processes influencing community assembly of plants. During early succession, the arrival and establishment of those propagules that can pass the environmental filters operating at a given site should be among the dominant processes leading to an initial increase in species richness. With ongoing succession, environmental filtering should decrease in relative importance compared to competitive interactions, which then should decrease species richness. Thereby, the phylogenetic structure of communities should change from random or clustered patterns during early succession to overdispersion. Disturbance is supposed to act as an additional filter, causing communities to be phylogenetically clustered. By analysing the species richness and phylogenetic structure of secondary succession in two different regions in Germany with three different disturbance levels each, we tested this general model. Although in one of the regions (Gimritz) we found the expected trajectory of species richness, phylogenetic structure did not follow the expected trend from random or clustered towards overdispersed communities. In the other region (Bayreuth), species richness did not follow the expected trajectory and phylogenetic structure remained clustered over the course of succession. A preliminary analysis of autecological characteristics of the species involved (Ellenberg indicator values) nevertheless showed clear contrasting trends. The idiosyncrasies of successional trajectories across sites might be due to the environmental context, the regional species pool as well as the legacy of former land use reflected in the seed bank.
TELOSCHISTES FLAVICANS (SW.) NORMAN COMO INDICADOR DE POLUIÇÃO ATMOSFÉRICA EM PARANAGUÁ – PR
Authors: Gurgatz Bruno Martins , Moreira Camila Arielle Buffato , Antoniaconi Gisele , Reis Rodrigo Arantes
Published: August 2017

A poluição atmosférica proveniente de áreas portuárias é responsávelpor um expressivo número de mortes, merecendo destaque no litoralparanaense, área que abriga o maior porto graneleiro do Brasil. Apesardisso, o monitoramento da qualidade do ar não é realizado devido ao altocusto. A alta sensibilidade dos líquens à poluição atmosférica faz delesótimos bioindicadores para estudos de qualidade do ar. Este estudo utilizoua degradação da clorofila em feofitina em líquens da espécie Teloschistesflavicans, visando identificar áreas de maior risco ambiental no municípiode Paranaguá. Os resultados da análise de variância mostraram que, aodecorrer de 78 dias, as amostras localizadas na região portuária e nas viasde acesso sofreram degradação da clorofila em níveis significantementerepresentativos em relação às amostras localizadas em áreas residenciais(p≤0,001), demonstrando que o porto e as vias apresentam poluentesatmosféricos em níveis suficientes para causar a degradação liquênica.
Análise da resiliência aos extremos climáticos de chuva: estudo preliminar na região de Mauá no ABC Paulista – São Paulo
Authors: Fernandes Rafael Amorim , Valverde María Cleofé
Published: August 2017

Eventos climáticos extremos e localizados impactam, principalmente,populações mais suscetíveis socioeconomicamente, com maior grau deexposição e menor resiliência. A fim de avaliar a resiliência de moradoresdas ruas mais afetadas por eventos extremos de chuva, no bairro JardimZaíra, ABC Paulista, um questionário foi elaborado com base em padrõescomportamentais e aplicado em uma amostra da população. Os resultadosmostram o grau de fragilidade socioeconômica e demográfica dosmoradores, devido ao grande adensamento populacional, à baixa rendafamiliar, às deficiências no saneamento básico, à baixa expectativa de vida eà carência em estudos. Os padrões e extremos de chuva na região apontama diminuição no acumulado mensal de chuva e o aumento na concentraçãodiária, favorecendo eventos extremos. A análise das entrevistas indicaresiliência média na amostra, ou seja, capacidade razoável para enfrentarcrises e adversidades, com algum distresse e moderado sucesso, tendo fortecontribuição do padrão religioso para um maior grau de resiliência.
Marco normativo de la distribución comercial en Derecho Español y propuestas de regulación
Authors: Vázquez Albert Daniel
Published: August 2017

El sector de la distribución comercial convive desde hace tiempo con un fuerte décalage entre su excelencia empresarial y su deficiencia normativa. Desde la perspectiva empresarial, se trata de un sector dinámico, innovador y competitivo. Pero desde la perspectiva jurídica, adolece de graves carencias normativas que se resumen en la ausencia de un régimen jurídico exhaustivo, sistemático, nítido, transparente, eficaz y flexible. El presente trabajo analiza estas carencias sobre la base del marco normativo actual, las nuevas propuestas de regulación y las tendencias en el ámbito internacional, para finalizar con algunas reflexiones críticas y propuestas de solución.
The Effect of the Psychological Capital and Personality Characteristics of Employees on Their Organizational Commitment and Contribution to the Work: A Qualitative Research on Managers
Authors: Yildiz Ebru
Published: August 2017

This study reveals the views and thoughts of managers regarding the employees’ psychological capital, personality characteristics and organizational commitment and their contribution to the work. A qualitative research was conducted in order to reveal the views and thoughts of the managers of a furniture accessories manufacturing company regarding the concepts in question using the in-depth interview method. The data obtained from the interviews were evaluated and interpreted by being subjected to the content analysis.According to the findings of the research, managers believe that both the psychological capital and personality characteristics of employees contribute significantly to the work and the enterprise, and these characteristics also have effects on the organizational commitment of employees.
Second Language Writing and Bidialectalism: A Case for African American Student Writers
Authors: DePolo Jason
Published: August 2017

There has been much research conducted on second language writing. In addition, there exists a significant amount of studies conducted with African American student writers. However, the fields of Second Language Writing and Composition Studies rarely if ever dovetail in the research literature. The purpose of this article is to argue how English language learners and bidialectal (English as a second dialect) learners share similar learning experiences and how sociocultural theories of English language pedagogy can inform composition theory, specifically as it relates to African American student writers. The study of writer identity provides insights into both bilingual and bidialectal learners’ authorial identity constructions and their experiences in English language learning contexts. Based on these similarities, I argue the need for composition theory to integrate sociocultural theories of second language learning and identity to better address the needs of bidialectal learners.
Leveraged Bootstrap Test of Volatility: A Novel Approach to the Energy Consumption and Economic Growth Puzzle
Authors: Lee Kuo-Hao , Ohn Jonathan , Eryilmaz Evren
Published: August 2017

The main purpose of this research is to examine the causal relationship between the Energy industry and nine other industries by use of volatility instead of returns. Existing literatures find a causal relationship by use of stock returns, however, we find that using volatility reveals a causal relationship that might not otherwise be revealed through returns alone. Since the existing literature shows that volatility of stock prices is informative, we apply a Granger causality test by use of a leveraged bootstrap test developed by Hacker and Hatemi (2006) to investigate the causal behavior of the volatility. Our results show that volatility of the Energy industry causes volatility in two other industries- Industrials and Health Care. Also, the Energy industry market is affected by the Materials, Consumer Staples and Utilities industries. This finding is substantially different from the findings of previous research, and provides a novel approach to analyzing and solving the energy consumption and economic growth puzzle.
Informed Trading of Futures Markets During the Financial Crisis: Evidence from the VPIN
Authors: Lee Yen-Hsien , Liu Wen-Chien , Hsieh Chia-Lin
Published: August 2017

This paper examines the impact of informed trading on futures returns during the 2008-2009 financial crisis. To precisely capture the informed trading in the highly volatile market during this period, we adopt the Volume-Synchronized Probability of Informed Trading (VPIN) of Easley, Hvidkjaer and O’Hara (2012) as our main measurement for informed trading. Besides, we also use a unique transaction dataset with investor identity to classify investors into domestic and foreign institutional investors, which the foreign institutional investors are supposed to be characterized by a higher degree of informed trading. Our empirical results show that the VPIN of foreign institutional investors has indeed significantly positive impacts on futures returns at the individual level. By contrast, the effect of the VPIN of domestic institutional investors on futures returns is only significant on Wednesdays, which could be seen as a special kind of day-of-the-week effect.
Initial Development and Tolerance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Cultivars Irrigated with Saline Water
Authors: Sá Francisco V. da S. , Souto Lauter S. , Paiva Emanoela P. de , Andrade Rayane A. de , Lima Yuri B. de , Oliveira Fernanda A. de , Ferreira Neto Miguel , Ferraz Rener L. de S.
Published: August 2017

The objective was to study the initial development and tolerance of lettuce cultivars subjected to different levels of water salinity in the seedling production stage in order to determine the genotypes of the cultivars that are most sensitive and tolerant to saline water. The experiment was carried out in protected environment at the Center of Sciences and Agri-food Technology-CCTA of the Federal University of Campina Grande-UFCG, located in Pombal, Paraíba, Brazil, from August to September 2014. The study evaluated five lettuce cultivars (C1-’Simpson Semente Preta’, C2-’Alba’, C3-’Mimosa Vermelha’, C4-’Veneranda’ and C5-’Mônica Sf 31’) and five levels of irrigation water salinity (0.6 (control), 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 dS m-1), arranged in a factorial scheme 5 × 5, in a completely randomized experimental design, with four replicates. Plants were grown on trays for 20 days after sowing, period in which irrigations were daily applied, and evaluated for emergence, growth, phytomass accumulation and tolerance index of the lettuce cultivars. The increase in irrigation water salinity reduced emergence, growth and dry matter accumulation in the lettuce plants, and the cultivars C2-’Alba’ and C4-’Veneranda’ were the most tolerant to salinity. Tolerance to salinity occurred in the following order C2-’Alba’ = C4-’Veneranda’ > C1-’Simpson Semente Preta’ > C3-’Mimosa Vermelha’ = C5-’Mônica Sf 31’.
Comparison of Response of Canola (Brassica napus L. cv Hyola 401) to Biofertilizer Inoculation in Optimal and Delayed Cropping Dates
Authors: Yasari Esmaeil
Published: August 2017

In order to compare the effects of phosphate solubilizing bacteria as biofertilizer and mineral phosphorous application in optimal date of sowing with delayed cropping date on canola (Brassica napus L.) growth and productivity, a split-plot experiment using randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at Dasht-e-Naz Agronomy Research Station in 2014. Four levels of bacterial inoculation (Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens, singly or in combination) were applied as main plots and five levels of mineral phosphorous application (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg/ha of mineral phosphorous) were applied as sub plots. Canola plant were sown at two dates of sowing, one at optimal date of sowing (Sept. 30, 2014) and the other one month later as delayed cropping (Oct. 30, 2014). The results obtained showed that effects of bacterial inoculation on number of seeds per pod, number of pods on plant, and seed yield were significant at one percent probability level at both sowing dates. Moreover, rates of phosphate application had significant effects on all traits at one percent level. Comparing the means showed that application of mineral P resulted in substantial increase in seed yield. At optimal date of sowing, it was shown that while minimum seed yield obtained at control treatment (1600 kg/ha), the maximum (2980 kg/ha) obtained with interaction effects of application of both bacterial strains along with 75 kg/ha mineral P, having no statistically difference with that of P. fluorescence along with 75 kg/ha mineral P (2940 kg/ha). It was shown that delayed cropping resulted in decreasing canola growth which is reflected in seed yield and yield components. Minimum seed yield at control plot at first date of sowing (1600 kg/ha) decreased to 740 kg/ha in second date of sowing, showing 54% decrease. The maximum seed yield also decreased in delayed cropping, from 2980 kg/ha at Sept. 30, 2014 as compared to 1074 kg/ha at Oct. 30, 2014, showing a 64% decrease. The results obtained showed that an increase in P level, eventually enhanced the seed yield. This increasing trend continued until a threshold level (75 kg/ha of P), after which seed yield showed a declining fashion.
Foraging of Honeybees (Apis mellifera) on Flowers of Yellow Melon (Cucumis melo): Duration of Visits
Authors: Ribeiro Márcia F. , Silva Eva M. S. , Kiill Lúcia H. P. , Siqueira Katia M. M. , Silva Mara P. , Coelho Márcia S.
Published: August 2017

Studying the pollinators’ foraging behaviour is quite important for pollination. Time spent by the pollinator in floral handling is one of the aspects of this behaviour. Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are the main responsible for the pollination of melon (Cucumis melo), but there are few studies on their foraging, mainly in the region of Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, and Juazeiro, state of Bahia, in Brazil. This study aimed to compare bee visitation to hermaphrodite (HF) and male (MF) flowers in a crop area where different number of hives were used. For each floral type, 10 flowers were observed, in each experiment (0, 1, 2 or 3 hives). The duration of bee visits (n = 10) was registered in three times of the day: 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. In general, HF received significantly longer visits than MF, in all experiments, except when using one hive. In fact, significant correlations were found between the duration of visits and number of hives for HF, but not for MF. This is probably related to the attractiveness of HF and to the availability of floral resources. The studies of duration of pollinator’ visits are relevant in agriculture and should be considered when evaluating the efficiency of pollination in melon.