bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytotoxic Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Different Plant Parts of Milkweed on Weeds and Growth and Yield of Wheat
Authors: SHAH R.H. , BALOCH M.S. , ZUBAIR M. , KHAN E.A.
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT: The present research work was undertaken to find out the phytotoxic effects of different concentrations of aqueous extracts of leaves, stems and root of milkweed (Calotropis procera) in the Agronomic Research Area of Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan during 2013-14 and 2014-15. The treatments consisted of different concentrations of aqueous leaf, stem and root extracts (10, 20, 30 and 40%) of milkweed, which were compared with tap water (control). The results showed that the reduction of all studied parameters, including weeds, growth and yield of wheat was proportional to the concentration of aqueous extracts of milkweed in use. The level of inhibition was concentration-dependent as inhibition increased with an increase in the concentration of aqueous extracts of all three plant parts of milkweed. Therefore, application of maximum concentration (40%) of aqueous leaf, stem and root extracts correspondingly reduced all the studied parameters. On the basis of the findings, it is concluded that the Calotropis procera should be removed near the cultivating wheat fields because it contains some phytotoxic substances, which may be leached out by the roots and cause serious losses to the growers and crop species.
Internacionalização do ensino superior e línguas estrangeiras: evidências de um estudo de caso nos níveis micro, meso e macro
Authors: Amorim Gabriel Brito , Finardi Kyria Rebeca
Published: November 2017

O estudo propõe uma reflexão sobre o processo de internacionalização das universidades brasileiras. Com esse fim, um estudo de caso foi realizado em uma universidade federal do sudeste com objetivo de analisar aspectos micro, meso e macro da internacionalização dentro de três esferas concêntricas, quais sejam: da comunidade acadêmica, da instituição e do governo. A análise é de cunho híbrido com dados quantitativos e qualitativos triangulando (1) percepções de alunos e professores sobre os impactos das ações de internacionalização na universidade investigada - nível micro; (2) as ações de internacionalização implementadas ou em fase de implementação nessa instituição - nível meso; e (3) as políticas linguísticas e de internacionalização propostas pelo governo por meio dos programas Ciências sem Fronteiras (CsF), Inglês sem Fronteiras e Idiomas sem Fronteiras (IsF) - nível macro. Resultados da análise macro sugerem que a internacionalização afeta e é afetada pela globalização onde o inglês tem um papel diferenciado dos outros idiomas. A análise meso sugere que a instituição investigada almeja a internacionalização que ainda é insipiente e marcada por desafios. Finalmente, a análise micro sugere que a comunidade acadêmica está interessada no processo de internacionalização ainda que não esteja plenamente engajada, talvez pela falta de sintonia entre os três níveis da política e ações de internacionalização. O estudo conclui que as línguas estrangeiras em geral e o inglês em particular são essenciais para o pleno desenvolvimento do processo de internacionalização que, conforme se pode perceber na análise dos programas CsF e IsF, ainda é limitado e desarticulado de políticas linguísticas e educacionais de base.
Avaliação Institucional: mapeamento e análise das concepções de qualidade e melhoria nas produções da revista Estudos em Avaliação Educacional (1990-2013)
Authors: Botiglieri Pamela Cristina , Borges Regilson Maciel , Rothen José Carlos
Published: November 2017

O artigo apresenta um mapeamento e análise da produção sobre avaliação institucional publicada na revista Estudos em Avaliação Educacional da Fundação Carlos Chagas (FCC), no período de 1990 a 2013. Na pesquisa objetivou-se analisar como é tratada a relação entre qualidade e melhoria quando se discute a avaliação institucional. A fim de se atingirem os objetivos propostos realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica no site da revista disponível no portal da FCC. No levantamento foram selecionados um total de 23 artigos de um total de 42 trabalhos encontrados sobre a temática analisada. Os resultados mostram a predominância de artigos que tratam da avaliação institucional com foco na educação superior. Outra constatação é a predominância de artigos provenientes de instituições localizadas na região sudeste do país, com destaque para a Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo e a FCC. Dos 27 autores que tiveram suas produções selecionadas, três autores publicaram mais de um artigo. Observa-se ainda que o interesse pela temática analisada se deu após o ano 2000, quando se concentra a maioria da produção selecionada. Sobre as concepções de qualidade e melhoria, os autores as associam ao cumprimento da função social da instituição. Nessa acepção a avaliação institucional aparece como um meio para ter um diagnóstico institucional, com objetivo de fornecer subsídios para que se pense ações geradoras de melhoria.
Produção acadêmica em avaliação do ensino superior no Brasil
Authors: Moraes Mário Cesar Barreto , Amboni Nério , Kalnin Guilherme Felipe
Published: November 2017

A avaliação do ensino superior no Brasil se mostra recorrente nas pesquisas na área de Educação, sendo diversos os pesquisadores que a buscam compreender, pelo impacto que esta possui quanto as reformas educacionais. O objetivo geral da presente pesquisa consiste em investigar a distribuição da produção acadêmica relacionada ao tema “Avaliação do Ensino Superior no Brasil”, no que tange características como: autoria, vínculos institucionais, regionalidade, fator de impacto, palavras-chave e metodologias. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, caracterizado como pesquisa exploratória e descritiva que se utiliza da bibliometria. Analisou-se 222 artigos publicados em doze periódicos nacionais de Qualis A1 e A2 no quesito Educação. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição da produção nos últimos anos acerca do tema, o que evidencia que a produção acompanha as mudanças políticas e sociais do país. De forma mais pontual, verificou-se uma tendência maior a coautorias, uma predominância de trabalhos teóricos e uma alta concentração de fator de impacto em poucos autores.
Dez anos de SINAES: um mapeamento de teses e dissertações defendidas no período 2004 - 2014
Authors: Teixeira Junior Paulo Roberto , Rios Monica Piccione Gomes
Published: November 2017

O Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (SINAES) foi instituído em 2004, no lugar do Exame Nacional de Cursos (ENC) conhecido, à época, como “Provão”. Em dez anos de vigência, o SINAES passou por várias mudanças e tornou-se objeto de pesquisa de inúmeros programas de pós-graduação no país. O presente estudo é um inventário das teses e dissertações sobre o SINAES defendidas no período entre 2004 e 2014. Utilizamo-nos da Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) e do Banco de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES. Resultados demonstram que foram produzidas, no período, 101 obras, sendo a maioria sobre o eixo ‘avaliação institucional’ e a minoria sobre ‘avaliação de curso’. Universidade de Brasília é a instituição que mais produziu sobre o SINAES, sendo o professor José Vieira o que orientou o maior número de pesquisas, seguido da Universidade Federal do Ceará e professor Wagner Andriola, respectivamente. Por fim, tal mapeamento permite uma visão panorâmica do que se produziu sobre o SINAES na primeira década de sua existência: tendências, recorrências, silêncios, lugares e pessoas envolvidas com essa temática no país.
Avaliação da educação superior nas modalidades presencial e a distância: análises com base no Conceito Preliminar de Cursos (CPC)
Authors: Oliveira Édison Trombeta de , Piconez Stela Conceição Bertholo
Published: November 2017

O Conceito Preliminar de Cursos (CPC), componente do Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (Sinaes), é um índice que permite observações gerais em nível nacional, um aspecto importante da política educacional pública brasileira. O presente artigo tem como base os dados do CPC para analisar as avaliações dos cursos de graduação presenciais e a distância (EaD) no Brasil. Esta análise não tem como propósito comparar as duas modalidades de ensino nem delimitar qual é a ideal ou o parâmetro a ser adotado. Breve discussão das políticas de avaliação da educação superior brasileira e da expansão deste nível nos últimos anos, com ênfase na EaD, serão apresentadas e debatidas com os dados obtidos no Portal eMec. Pôde-se observar uma distribuição bastante diferente entre os cursos presenciais e a distância. Nas graduações a distância, mais de 65% delas se situam no conceito 3. Tal conceito refere-se ao mínimo para não ter o risco de sofrer intervenção externa, segundo a legislação vigente. Na modalidade presencial, este número está em torno de 50%. Pode-se depreender dos dados, que os cursos a distância, realizam o mínimo para não passarem por avaliação in loco, bem como esses números podem ser consequência da resistência das instituições de excelência em ofertar cursos a distância.
Resultados da Educação Superior: o ProUni em Foco
Authors: Felicetti Vera Lucia , Cabrera Alberto F.
Published: November 2017

Este artigo tem como cerne os resultados da formação na Educação Superior. Os participantes da pesquisa foram bolsistas e não bolsistas ProUni já egressos da Educação Superior de uma Instituição Comunitária do Sul do Brasil ingressantes nesse nível de ensino em 2005. Os objetivos pretenderam responder três questões da pesquisa: Qual a situação dos egressos ProUni e não ProUni no mercado de trabalho e como ela difere entre os dois grupos de graduados? Em que medida o ProUni motiva o egresso prounista a continuar estudando? Qual a satisfação dos egressos ProUni e não ProUni com aspectos relacionados à sua formação e ao seu trabalho e como ela difere entre os dois grupos de graduados? A metodologia usada teve cunho quantitativo e objetivo explicativo. Estatística descritiva e de inferência foram usadas na análise dos dados. Os resultados indicam o ProUni como tendo papel importante na formação da primeira geração de graduados. Também apontam que o ProUni coloca seus graduados no mesmo patamar de satisfação que seus colegas não ProUni no que diz respeito à formação, à realização de cursos após a graduação e à satisfação com fatores extrínsecos e intrínsecos referentes ao estar graduado, bem como à associação entre formação versus trabalho e a remuneração conquistada. Os resultados sinalizam a necessidade de pesquisas em âmbito nacional, envolvendo egressos da Educação Superior, bolsistas e não bolsistas.
Synthesis of star-comb PCE superplasticiser towards an understanding of its properties in cement pastes
Authors: Li Shentong , Yang Yong , Shu Xin , Liu Jinzhi , Qi Shuai , Wang Yanwei , Ran Qianping
Published: November 2017

Synthesis of the star-comb (also referred to as star-graft) copolymer architecture of a polycarboxylate ether or poly(acrylic acid)-co-poly(isoprenyl oxy poly(ethylene glycol) ether) (PCE) using a star chain transfer agent (CTA) with multiple mercapto groups by free radical polymerisation and its properties in cement pastes are discussed. By varying the number of mercapto groups of the star CTA, star-comb PCEs with a similar acid/ether ratio, molecular weight and anionic charge density but different arm numbers were prepared. The synthesised PCEs were characterised by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography with a triple-detector system. It was proved that PCEs with star-comb topological structure could be successfully applied as superplasticisers. The effects of star-comb PCEs with different numbers of arms on cement paste fluidity, zeta potential and adsorption were studied. A theoretical model was developed to explain the differences in adsorption behaviour of linear-comb and star-comb PCEs on the surfaces of cement particles. This work provides useful guidance for the exploration of new topological structures of PCEs in future studies.
Digital engineering enables multinational input on Bergen’s light rail extension, Norway
Authors: Sherry Jim
Published: November 2017

Stage 3 of the Bergen light rail system in Norway was successfully completed in 2016 by a globally dispersed team from seven countries. In a first for Norway, planning, design and construction were undertaken using a fully integrated three-dimensional digital engineering model with a BS 1192-based common data environment. The project provides 7·8 km of double track from the suburb of Lagunen to a new underground station at Bergen airport. It includes seven stops, 2·8 km of tunnel, over 1 km of structures, a depot and a control centre. Following delivery of the first two stages using conventional design techniques, client Bybanen Utbygging opted to use a full building information model for stage 3. This enabled an unprecedented level of collaboration and efficiency, with project team members working in multiple locations, cultures and languages.
Some structural aspects of top-down demolition of concrete buildings
Authors: Lohmann Tim
Published: November 2017

This paper describes the ‘top-down’ demolition process and then explores the engineering challenges associated with this and how they are commonly addressed. The top-down process as commonly used in UK demolition practice is to support a relatively small plant on the existing floor slabs and demolish the building by using this plant, enclosing the structure in scaffold and disposing of material through vertical drop zones. The main engineering challenges are the assessment of the existing floor plates for the loads from the demolition process (debris, access and plant) and maintenance of overall building stability. The use of larger machinery can be beneficial but requires load-testing processes to validate overloading, with possible reference to failure study and back-analysis. The load-testing approach has potential shortcomings as current floor-testing approaches use relatively high factors against failure but test relatively small areas, generally in flexure rather than shear. Some failure mechanisms are described, and suggestions are made as to what testing could have been adopted to check for these.
Testing and analytical modeling of two-dimensional geotextile tube dewatering process
Authors: Ratnayesuraj C. R. , Bhatia S. K.
Published: November 2017

Geotextile tubes are used to dewater slurries, sediments, and wastes. With their extensive use for dewatering, the desire to maximize both dewatering rate and sediment retention has led to the use of chemical accelerants, which have become a standard practice in geotextile tube dewatering projects. A variety of test methods are currently used to evaluate geotextile tube performance, ranging from small-scale Falling Head Tests (FHTs), medium-scale Hanging Bag Tests (HBTs), and Geotextile-tube Demonstration Tests (GDTs), to full-scale pilot tests. However, few studies have compared the results from different dewatering tests and fewer have developed proper correlations between test methods. In this study, a recently developed pressurized two-dimensional dewatering test (P2DT) is used to analyze the dewatering process in geotextile tubes in both the radial and axial directions. In this study, P2DT and GDT tests were performed on Tully slurry at different solids concentrations conditioned with chemical accelerants and under different pressures. The P2DT results, along with analytical modeling, are then used to predict the dewatering behavior of GDTs based on P2DT, where the predictions were within 8%. Based on the results, a framework for predicting the dewatering behavior of full-scale tests using an analytical model generated from P2DT is presented.
Optimal design of piled embankments with basal reinforcement
Authors: Jelušič P. , Žlender B.
Published: November 2017

The paper presents an optimal design for piled embankments with basal reinforcement based on multi-parametric mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) optimization. For this purpose, an optimization model, PILEM, was developed. The model comprises an accurate objective function of the structure's production cost subjected to design, resistance, stiffness and settlement constraints. The intention of the model was to satisfy the requirements of the ultimate and serviceability limit states, according to the required specifications and recommendations. The optimal design of piled embankments with basal reinforcement was investigated to determine the design parameters that have a significant impact on a structure's cost. A series of MINLP optimizations were thus executed over a wide range of various parameters: different thicknesses of soft stratum, different geosynthetic strengths, alternative discrete cross-sections and different bearing capacities of deeper stable soil stratum. The results show that the proper selection of geosynthetics leads to a significant decrease in costs. As the model was developed for general use, the optimization of piled embankments with basal reinforcement can be performed for different economic conditions and different design parameters. This study can help engineers choose piled embankments and geosynthetic reinforcements that are economical in design.
Multi-level strategy for segregation reduction; the case of Ray-Tehran
Authors: Torabi Kachousangi Fatemeh , Read Stephen , Ortuño Padilla Armando
Published: November 2017

Since 1920, the end of the Qajar dynasty, Tehran's modernisation has resulted in the polarisation of the city into an affluent north and an impoverished south. Although the historic religious core of Tehran, the capital of Iran, is located in the southern part (in Ray), this district is socially and spatially segregated from the northern part of Tehran. The question therefore arises as to what kind of social and spatial interventions are needed to provide better social interaction within the district and better synergy with the rest of the city? The aim of this paper is to investigate strategies to reduce Ray's multi-scale segregation and to determine important factors for its integrated socio-spatial development. To gain a better understanding of Ray, a broad review of its segregation factors and their impacts on residential desirability will be carried out in this paper. In addressing this issue, some guidelines and strategies will be presented for improving the performance of Ray based on endogenous characters, properties and potentials. The planning perspectives will be focused on improving local quality as a promoter of urban cohesion at different scales.
Scientometric Study of Superconductivity Research in India from 1989 to 2014
Authors: Teli Soumen , Dutta Bidyarthi
Published: November 2017

This paper presents scientometric analysis of superconductivity research output in India from 1981 to 2014 and compares it with Global output as reported in Web of Science. The study shows that superconductivity research in India had a steep growth between 1981 and 1988, particularly an abrupt hike in 1987 is noticeable (both Indian and Global) followed by a more or less steady pattern thereafter up to 2014. The Indian growth pattern however differs from Global pattern. A sudden climb was noticed in 1987, which touched the crest in 1991. It started to descend thereafter steadily and troughed in 2003 followed by another steady rise again up to 2014. Indian trend thus shows a dip between 1992 and 2014 unlike Global pattern which was nearly steady over the span. The author productivity pattern only approximately corresponds to Lotka’s law. The number of core journals in the subject area is comparatively less as obtainable by employing Bradford’s law of scattering.
Library and Information Science Literature in India: An Examination of Author-Assigned Keywords
Authors: Dapsi Sonali , Ranjan Hatua Sudip
Published: November 2017

The Study of articles published in Library and Information Science Journals in recent times suggests that author assigned keywords are largely uncontrolled. Despite knowledge of controlled vocabulary they mostly use NL phrases to represent the content. This paper examines keywords assigned by authors to papers published in Library and information Science journals in India in the last fifteen years (1998-2012).
Wake Forest University: Building a campus-wide mentoring culture
Authors: McWilliams Allison
Published: November 2017

This article describes recent efforts by Wake Forest University to develop a campus-wide mentoring culture to support holistic student development, to assist with the critical transition from high school to college to life after college, and to develop skills and practices that will be valued by employers and graduate schools. The article describes how the University’s Mentoring Resource Center has been developed and uses a decentralized model of mentoring to support mentor and mentee skill development with online and in-person tools and strategies. The article in particular describes several key peer mentoring programs as examples of diverse program goals and participants that are supporting student transition and development. Finally, the article looks at measures of success and lessons learned that can be applied in the future.
Peer mentoring: A tool for serving the diverse needs of 21st century college students
Authors: Collier Peter
Published: November 2017

Higher education is changing even as it stays the same. What has stayed the same is the immense value of a completed college degree on both societal and personal levels. For society, increasing the percentage of the population with advanced educational credentials is associated with increased work skills, a stable economy, stable national, state, and local tax revenue streams, decreased needs for a range of social services, increased citizen participation, and perhaps most importantly, an informed citizenry capable of understanding and synthesizing complex information and critically thinking about important social issues. On a personal level, increasing the percentage of individuals with completed college degrees should be associated with higher standards of living, better health, and higher levels of feelings of self-efficacy and self-worth for a greater number/ percentage of Americans.
Innovating for student success: The University Leadership Network (ULN) and tiered undergraduate peer mentor model
Authors: Smith Jennifer L.
Published: November 2017

This paper highlights the innovative approach the Student Success Initiative’s unit at the University of Texas at Austin is taking to increase undergraduate persistence and four-year graduation rates. Specifically, this piece explores the large-scale University Leadership Network (ULN) program and examines the tiered undergraduate peer mentor model utilized to support the success of first-year students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, including a majority of underrepresented minority (URM) students. The article also reviews the critical role peer mentors play in helping to meet institution-wide goals and how they extend the reach of student support programs. Lastly, best practices, challenges, and components necessary for program replication will be presented.
Supporting college students through peer mentoring: Serving immigrant students
Authors: Kring Matthew
Published: November 2017

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Immigrant Services program enlists the support of peer mentors to provide holistic support to the institution’s immigrant, refugee, and English Language Learner (ELL) populations. These peer mentors are highly specialized in their student employee role and are trained to provide academic and personal support. Peer mentors support students with such issues as English writing support, scholarship applications, and connection to immigration resources. The Immigrant Services program at MSU Denver could not function without this student employment position. The Student Academic Success Center at the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) hosts a variety of programs that support students in persisting through college. These programs scale from supporting the student population at-large to targeting specific populations that have been identified to need specialized support. The Immigrant Services Program provides support to a specific population of students at MSU Denver that includes immigrants, refugees, undocumented and Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (DACA) students, and English Language Learners (ELL). Highly trained peer mentors work with students individually and as a group to support their transition to college and onward through graduation.
Collective Impact Approach: A “Tool” for Managing Complex Problems and Business Clusters Sustainability
Authors: De Chiara Alessandra
Published: November 2017

Environmental pollution occurring in industrial districts represents a serious issue not only for local communities but also for those industrial productions which draw from the territory the source of their competitiveness. Due to its ability to take into account the needs of different stakeholders, the collective impact approach has the potential to address these problems whereas single actors may not have the resources. The implications of the paper are addressed to institutions for industrial policies which individuate potential courses of action for developing and strengthening clustering-based approaches, as well as implementing viable policies in support of the sustainable competitive model.
Applying Collective Impact to Wicked Problems in Aboriginal Health
Authors: Gwynne Kylie , Cairnduff Annette
Published: November 2017

Aboriginal people fare worse than other Australians in every measure of health including in a ten-year gap in life expectancy, infant mortality, cardiovascular disease, dental disease, mental health, chronic disease and maternal health. Despite sustained, whole of government effort, progress to improve Aboriginal health has been very slow. The collective impact tool may offer a solution. This paper provides examples of the application of collective impact, to address the significant gap in Aboriginal health and as a tool to enable community control. Three case studies in Aboriginal health demonstrate the stages and phases of collective impact to facilitate positive change.
A Community in Crisis: The Opioid Epidemic on Staten Island
Authors: Tooker Patricia
Published: November 2017

There is no “magic potion” or vaccine to prevent youth from using alcohol or other drugs. Adolescent substance abuse prevention programs have been largely ineffective because the messaging is taken for granted. Efforts based on theories of growth and development patterns, and are inclusive of strategies beyond the classroom and home, have demonstrated encouraging findings particularly when members of the community are involved. This paper will explore factors behind illicit substance use among youth in Staten Island, New York and how Wagner College is playing an important part of a collective impact initiative that is starting to make a difference.
Comparison of Thermal Decomposition of Polystyrene Products vs. Bio-Based Polymer Aerogels
Authors: Seleem Suzanne , Hopkins Mitchell , Olivio Jordan , Schiraldi David A.
Published: November 2017

Samples of polystyrene (PS), extended polystyrene foam (EPS foam), and 3 bio-based foam-like polymer/clay aerogels were produced, and examined under pyrolysis conditions. The polystyrene products produced pyrolysis products including toluene, styrene, benzaldehyde, and 4-phenyl-1-butyne; all consistent with previous reports. These highly flammable volatiles would be further expected to combust under flame conditions, producing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; prior work suggests that carbon monoxide poses the greatest health risk from the burning of both polystyrene and EPS. Pectin and alginate carbohydrate polymer aerogels, subjected to the same pyrolysis conditions as the polystyrene materials, produced products which were generally consistent with prior literature, and presented only moderate known health risks (similar to those of the EPS pyrolysis). As with PS and EPS foams, the alginate and pectin aerogel by-products are flammable, and are expected to be converted to carbon oxides. Casein, a milk-derived protein, generated organic nitriles and aromatic compounds under pyrolysis conditions, again consistent with literature for proteins in general. While none of the bio-based pyrolysis products of this study pose known significant health risks, it is possible that some of nitriles could be converted to hydrogen cyanide, leading to the recommendation that such protein-based products be further investigated prior to implementation in consumer/civil engineering applications.
A SURVEY ON YOUNG PEOPLE’S PURPOSES AND COMMUNICATIONS ACTIVITIES IN COFFEE SHOPS IN BANDA ACEH
Authors: M. Syam Hamdani , Muslem Asnawi , Usman Bustami
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the young people communication activities and purposes in coffee shops in Banda Aceh. The objectives of this study were to investigating why young people either male or female (in Banda Aceh) hang out at coffee shops and what they are doing there.

The method employs in this study are quantitative in nature.  Survey is used to collect the data needed for this study. A set of questionnaire is distributed to 1,500 young people who were hanging out in coffee shops in Banda Aceh. The data collected were analyzed through SPSS in the form of percentages. 

The results showed that the main reasons for hanging out in the coffee shops, apart from drinking coffee, were to chat with friends, look for entertainment and fill in time. The main form of communication was small talk and amusement. At the same time, those who talked about their studies did not get satisfaction. These young people also usually used the internet while they were in the coffee shops – to play games, chat with (other) friends and also to get materials for study.

Limitations of this study was that onlyquestionnaire was used to get the data. As a matter of fact, the interview should be done to get the detail data. However, this study has given valuable information for readers in general in relation to the activities and purposes of hanging out at the coffee shops among young people in Aceh.

This study has never been done before especially in Aceh. This study also provided current information on what communication activities and purposes of young people in coffee shops in Aceh.
Electronic Health Record Documentation of Nursing Care Procedures and Change in Weight of Healthy, Moderately Premature Neonates
Authors: Lewis Lory Anne , Jacobson Ann F.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Purpose:To identify the nursing care procedures (NCPs) performed in a NICU that disrupt the thermal environment by opening the incubator of moderately preterm neonates (mPNs) (32–34 wk gestational age) and the relationship between the frequency of these disruptions and change in weight (Δwt).

Design:Survey and descriptive correlational methodology.

Sample:Systematically identified, published references to NCPs that opening the incubator developed an itemized list of NCPs that was used to query the electronic health records (EHRs) of 164 mPNs in the first ten days of life (DOL).

Main Outcome Variable:The Δwt between birth and ten DOL.

Results:Of 51 NCPs identified, 26 were represented in the EHR. A mean of 614 (range 402–1,080;SD= 137) EHR-documented NCPs that opening the incubator were recorded. The frequency of NCPs was negatively correlated with the Δwt of mPNs at ten DOL,rs(164) = −.162,p= .038.

Keywords:premature; neonatal; preterm neonates; neonatal nursing; thermal regulation; change in weight; nursing documentation; electronic health record
Procalcitonin and Neonatal Sepsis: Is This the Biomarker We Are Looking For?
Authors: Bell Susan Givens
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Researchers estimate the incidence of early onset sepsis as 0.77–1/1,000 live births. It remains as one of the leading causes of neonatal deaths. Clinicians and researchers continue to search for biomarkers for specific neonatal disease processes. Clinicians frequently trend C-reactive protein levels during evaluation for neonatal sepsis. Recently, researchers have begun to explore procalcitonin as a potentially useful diagnostic marker for neonatal sepsis.
AN EVALUATION OF MYSTICISM IN RABINDRANATH TAGORE’S GITANJALI (1910)
Authors: Matta Rakib Farooq , Roshan K. Morve
Published: November 2017

Mysticism is “a constellation of distinctive practices, discourses, texts, institutions, traditions, and experiences aimed at human transformation, variously defined in different traditions”. Mysticism categorically lacks an authority and anything and everything that is related to God is put under the term mysticism. An analysis of words and ideas reveals that it is the love for “nature” and “God” that made Tagore enters the realm of mysticism. However, his mystical experiences are quite different from those of the experiences of enlightened saints of India. Saints’ mysticism is a result of the union achieved through deep meditation, but in Tagore’s case it is only love and desire for the union. As a result of this, his Gitanjali can be considered as “Nature Mysticism” rather than Soul or God Mysticism only which enlightened saints and poets like Kalidasa or Auribindo can achieve.
ANÁLISE DAS ATIVIDADES DE COMÉRCIO E SERVIÇOS NA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE NATAL
Authors: Lima Elaine Carvalho de , Lima Érica Priscilla Carvalho de , Oliveira Neto Calisto Rocha de
Published: November 2017

O presente trabalho analisa a dinâmica do setor terciário, a partir dos subsetores do comércio e serviços, adotando como variável chave o comportamento do emprego formal na Região Metropolitana de Natal- RMN. Evidencia-se a problemática da ordenação espacial por meio de uma revisão das teorias da localização das atividades econômicas, buscando entender a distribuição espacial dos núcleos urbanos. Em termos metodológicos, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura sobre a temática, utilizou-se como metodologia o Quociente Locacional, que permite determinar a distribuição espacial da variável emprego e também verifica as especializações produtivas. Os resultados mostraram a centralidade da cidade de Natal no que tange ao leque de serviços e atividades de comércio. No entanto, esse setor tem vários desafios para serem superados, por exemplo, alguns municípios apesar de fazerem parte da RMN não possuem uma maior integração e dinamismo econômico. Com exceção dos municípios de Parnamirim, São Gonçalo e Macaíba, que ao longo das últimas décadas passou por uma grande processo de urbanização e, portanto, um maior crescimento do leque de serviços oferecidos.
Applying UNESCO Guidelines on Mobile Learning in the South African Context: Creating an Enabling Environment through Policy
Authors: Aluko Ruth
Published: November 2017

Mobile broadband penetration is growing rapidly in Africa, and it offers vast opportunities for mobile learning. Together with its possibilities is the danger of overlooking standards related to its use. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has initiated work in this area focusing on African and Middle East (AME) countries. Countries are required to develop their own mobile learning policies. Examining information and communication technology (ICT) in the South African education environment, a qualitative approach is adopted using a literature review to assess the relevance and applicability of mobile learning in the broader education environment. A thematic analysis is used to identify themes from UNESCO’s guidelines, which are compared to the South African environment. Tracing the use of technology by an open distance learning (ODL) provider, an adapted framework was developed for mobile learning. This article argues the need to create an environment that enables sustainable mobile learning provision through policy development.
A Grounded Theory of Professional Learning in an Authentic Online Professional Development Program
Authors: Teräs Hanna , Kartoğlu Ümit
Published: November 2017

Online professional development (OPD) programs have become increasingly popular. However, participating in professional development does not always lead to profound professional learning. Previous research endeavours have often focussed on measuring user acceptance or on comparing the effectiveness of OPD with a face-to-face delivery, but there is little knowledge of how the process of professional learning actually occurs in OPD. This study explores how professional learning takes place in an OPD program designed according to the principles of authentic e-learning, and how the learning design and technologies used impact on the professional learning experienced by the participants. The context of the study is an international OPD program in vaccine management developed and offered by World Health Organization. A grounded theory approach was employed to develop a theorised model of the professional learning process in an authentic online learning environment. The findings show that professional learning was facilitated in a dynamic web of interactions rather than by covering content: the learner is at the centre of the process, actively engaged in authentic tasks in collaboration with peers, while mentors and content play a supporting role. Technology facilitates and enables the web of interactions. The learning process was found to bear resemblance to the type of professional learning that occurs in authentic workplace settings, which implies that the authentic e-learning principles provide a helpful learning design framework for OPD.
The Impact of Whatsapp Use on Success in Education Process
Authors: Cetinkaya Levent
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of WhatsApp use for education and determine the opinions of students towards the process. The study was designed in mixed research model which combines both qualitative and quantitative data. In the quantitative aspect of the study, quasi-experimental design, with a pretest-posttest control group, was used and the data were analyzed by two factor variance analysis for mixed measurements. The analysis indicated that both learning environments have different effects on the success of students and that supporting the traditional environment by using WhatsApp is more effective for the increase of success. For the qualitative aspect of the study, content analysis techniques were employed to analyze the data which were collected by open-ended question forms. The analysis showed that students developed positive opinions towards the use of WhatsApp in their courses. They demanded the same practice in their other courses as well. They reported that learning could also take place unconsciously and the messages with images were more effective for their learning. However, a few students have expressed adverse opinions about the timing of some posts and the redundant posts within the group. Finally, it is suggested that use of WhatsApp in education process be encouraged as a supportive technology.
Integrasi concise learning method dengan mind mapping dalam pembelajaran matematika di perguruan tinggi
Authors: Vitantri Ciptianingsari Ayu
Published: November 2017

[Bahasa]: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan, pemahaman konsep, dan respon mahasiswa terhadap pembelajaran CLM  yang diintegrasikan dengan mind mapping pada mata kuliah aljabar linier elementer I. Penelitian ini termasuk dalam penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, dengan subjek penelitian adalah mahasiswa prodi matematika dan pendidikan matematika semester gasal tahun ajaran 2016/2017 yang mengambil mata kuliah aljabar linier elementer I. Instrumen utama dalam penelitian ini adalah peneliti sendiri dengan instrumen pendukung yaitu lembar observasi, tes pemahaman konsep, angket respon, dan pedoman wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: 1) Langkah-langkah pembelajaran CLM yang diintegrasikan dengan mind mapping meliputi preview, participate, process (mengolah informasi dalam bentuk mind mapping), practice, dan produce. 2) Pemahaman konsep mahasiswa mengalami peningkatan setelah pembelajaran. Dan 3) Mahasiswa memberikan respon positif terhadap pelaksanaan pembelajaran CLM yang diintegrasikan dengan mind mapping.

Kata kunci: Concise Learning Method; Mind Mapping; Pemahaman Konsep; Respon; Aljabar Linier Elementer.

[English]: This research aimed to describe the implementation, students’ understanding and their responses on CLM integrated with mind mapping on Linear Elementary Algebra I course,  This research was qualitative descriptive research with the subjects involved were students of mathematics and mathematics education on 2016/2017 academic year who took Linear Elementary Algebra I course. The main instrument in this research was the researcher and the supporting instruments used are observation sheet, test, response questionnaire, and interview guide. The results showed that: 1) The steps of CLM integrated with mind mapping include preview, participate, process (process all information into mind mapping), practice, and produce. 2) The students’ understanding of the mathematics concept of were developed. And 3) the students responded positively to the implementation of CLM integrated with mind mapping by showing enjoyment in the course.

Keywords: Concise Learning Method; Mind Mapping; Understanding of Concept; Responses; Linear Elementary Algebra.
Maintaining the Value of a Midwestern Community College in Kansas from External Stakeholders’ Perspectives and Recommendations
Authors: Mustafa Mohammad B. , Jaradat Maram , Goodvin Sharon Bever , Bakken Linda , Eubank Heather , Rathbun Shelia E. , Watkins Mark Charles Henry , Stucky Janis
Published: November 2017

In 2002, the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting agency in the US, placed the community college in this study on academic probation for several criteria and many residents of the community believed that closing doors was the best option for addressing these concerns. This study is designed to ascertain data from external stakeholders of the community college regarding their current perceived value of the community college and suggestions about moving from the present to the future. The main question of the study is: What are external stakeholders’ perceptions of the value of the college to the service area? This qualitative approach is used consisting of interviews, focus groups, surveys, and document review to triangulate stakeholder perspectives. Participants included 176 high school seniors from different counties, four counselors, and four focus groups. The findings from the data are presented in this study are planned to be used by community college officials to incorporate into their strategic plans. They showed that the college needs to consider the value that it brings to the service area including economic benefits, specifically community support; accessibility; and cost of tuition.
Operation and Control of a PV-Wind Hybrid System under Various Weather and Loading Conditions
Authors: Fathy Mostafa S. , Awad Hilmy , Hegarzy Hosam , Elkholy Elwy E.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, an extensive study on the operation, control and performance of a hybrid photovoltaic and wind turbine (PV-WT) system is presented. The study includes the operation of the hybrid systems under different weather conditions which are reflected on a change in the wind speed and irradiance. Various loading conditions are investigated such a change in active and reactive power demands for static and dynamic loads. The performance of the hybrid system is examined via MATLAB/SIMULINK simulations.
The Effect of Educational Intervention on Family Caregivers’ Perceived Threat of the Risk of Dependence among Patients with Stroke
Authors: Deyhoul Narjes , Vasli Parvaneh , Rohani Camelia , Shakeri Nezhat , Hosseini Meimanat
Published: November 2017

Abstract: 1) Background: The present study aimed to examine the effect of the instructional intervention in family caregivers’ perceived threat of stroke patients’ dependency risk. 2) Methods: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial in which two patient and family caregiver groups of 45 were randomly divided into intervention and control groups based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Instructional intervention for family caregivers in the intervention group was in the form of four one-hour sessions. The data were collected before and immediately after instructional intervention at the hospital as well as two weeks and two months following the intervention via postal service. The data analysis was done using SPSS ver.22. 3) Results: The pre-intervention family caregivers’ perceived threat was not significantly different in the two groups (P = 0.591). However, the family caregivers’ perceived threat of the intervention group increased after the intervention compared with the control group (P < 0.001). In addition, the family caregivers’ perceived threat of the intervention group was significantly different in all post instructional intervention stages compared with pre-intervention (P < 0.001), whereas no such difference was observed in the control group (p = 0.245). 4) Conclusions: It is recommended that stroke patients' caregivers be provided with instructional programs to enhance their understanding of patient dependency risks and challenges.
Regulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics by Proteolytic Processing and Protein Turnover
Authors: Ali Sumaira , McStay Gavin P.
Published: November 2017

The mitochondrial network is a dynamic organization within eukaryotic cells that participates in a variety of essential cellular processes, such as ATP synthesis, central metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation. The mitochondrial network is balanced between rates of fusion and fission that respond to pathophysiologic signals to coordinate appropriate mitochondrial processes. Mitochondrial fusion and fission are regulated by proteins that either reside or translocate to the inner or outer mitochondrial membranes or are soluble in the inter-membrane space. Mitochondrial fission and fusion are performed by GTPases on the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes with the assistance of other mitochondrial proteins. Due to the essential nature of mitochondrial function for cellular homeostasis regulation of mitochondrial dynamics is under strict control. Some of the mechanisms used to regulate the function of these proteins are post-translational proteolysis and/or turnover and this review will discuss these mechanisms required for correct mitochondrial network organization.
Duration of Strong Motion Exceeding Bridge Design Spectra in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake
Authors: Nojima Nobuoto , Yamamoto Taiki ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Gifu University 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan,   Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
Published: November 2017

The duration of strong motion exceeding the bridge design spectra in the bridge design specification in Japan is evaluated for the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. The structural response duration is defined as the total threshold interval of the velocity response envelope calculated for a viscously damped (5%) single-degree-of-freedom oscillator with various natural period. The prescribed design spectra are employed as frequency-dependent thresholds. The ground acceleration records observed at the K-NET and KiK-net stations during the Kumamoto earthquake are used for the analysis. Spectrum representations of the duration and number of cycles are obtained for four representative ground motion observation stations. The distribution maps of the duration are also presented for the strong motion observation stations in the Kumamoto prefecture.