bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metodologías colaborativas en la Web 2.0. El reto educativo de la Universidad
Authors: Rodrigo-Cano D. , Aguaded Gómez I. , García Moro F.J.
Published: June 2019

El cambio en la Educación Superior provocada por las TIC tiene un reflejo evidente en las metodologías en el aula universitaria. Las posibilidades tecnológicas y de fácil acceso a Internet y a la información permiten que tanto docentes como alumnos compartan espacios de la propia universidad en entornos ubicuos, facilitando el e-learning y blended learning. Las redes sociales como Facebook, Youtube y otras redes sociales han entrado en el aula universitaria, tanto de forma individual como grupal. Este artículo recoge los resultados de la investigación cuyo objetivo ha pretendido identificar metodologías colaborativas en la Web 2.0 de las universidades de Cádiz, Huelva y Sevilla, para ello se utilizó un método mixto cuantitativocualitativo basado en una encuesta a la que respondieron 537 alumnos de las universidades objeto de estudio, por otro lado, se desarrollaron focus group en cada una de las universidades objeto de estudio, en la que participaron 20 docentes. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que las metodologías colaborativas en la universidad están muy bien consideradas entre el alumnado, y los alumnos las  utilizan para realizar trabajos en equipo, de la misma forma consideran que las redes sociales mejoran la coordinación entre los miembros del equipo y entre estos y los docentes. Sin embargo, estas metodologías colaborativas en la Web 2.0 no se utilizan y apenas se utilizan a través de las herramientas de la Web 2.0. En la  misma dirección se muestran que tanto docentes como alumnos universitarios consideran las redes sociales como excelentes para la colaboración entre  los alumnos y entre estos y los propios docentes.
Los usos de las plataformas digitales en la enseñanza universitaria. Perspectivas desde la investigación educativa
Authors: De Pablos J.M. , Colás M.P. , López Gracia A. , García-Lázaro I.
Published: June 2019

La universidad constituye un sistema complejo, que resulta clave para el desarrollo del conocimiento científico y la formación de profesionales. La integración digital que se está implantando a nivel global también se está produciendo en las instituciones universitarias. Esta transformación digital se viene concretando en diferentes desarrollos, siendo el del uso de plataformas digitales uno de los más evidentes. La innovación digital de las universidades plantea el reto a sus responsables de reconvertir a estas organizaciones, caracterizadas por un modelo formativo basado en la presencialidad, por otro más flexible o mixto en el que coexisten la actividad presencial y en línea (a distancia). De hecho, cabe hablar de un cambio de paradigma en la concepción de la formación universitaria, que se reorienta hacia nuevos enfoques, buscando una enseñanza más sostenible. Este texto plantea una puesta al día sobre lo que la investigación educativa nos aporta sobre estos cambios en la docencia universitaria española. A partir de diferentes informes consultados, se aportan una serie de datos sobre la implantación de las plataformas digitales o virtuales en el sistema universitario español, confirmando su uso generalizado. También se analizan algunos aspectos sobre el impacto que estas tecnologías aportan a la docencia. Además, se hacen algunas consideraciones de carácter prospectivo, y en esta línea se identifican algunas tecnologías emergentes que comienzan a ser empleadas en entornos educativos tales como: Learning Analytics, Makerspaces, Active Learning o Adaptative Learning. En síntesis, se constata una transformación tecnológica orientada a favorecer un aprendizaje más escalable y sostenible.
La comunicación en disputa: el rol de educadores y científicos
Authors: Lapa A. , Pretto N.D.L.
Published: June 2019

El artículo propone una reflexión sobre la integración de las TIC a la educación como un espacio de posibilidad de formación para la ciudadanía. Dicha integración en los espacios educativos se concibe como una oportunidad para promover una resignificación del papel de las instituciones con el fin de generar los cambios necesarios en el paradigma actual de la educación. Los principios fundantes del nuevo paradigma son señalados a través del análisis de los desafíos para los educadores y científicos, quienes deberían asumir, más efectivamente, una postura de productores de culturas y conocimientos con fuerte dimensión comunicativa. Entre los retos, se analiza la presencia de lo digital, todavía no universalizado y, lo más grave, concentrado en poderosas corporaciones, lo que desemboca en severas restricciones para la democracia en los medios y en las redes. Asimismo, se destacan los nuevos modos de manipulación en las redes digitales, que condicionan los accesos y usos por medio de algoritmos y prácticas comunicativas en línea. En ese sentido, se apuesta por una articulación entre educación y comunicación, con miras a una resignificación de la universidad, con el objetivo de comprometerse con la formación de ciudadanos para la emancipación social. Esta propuesta interpela a los educadores y científicos a ser intelectuales públicos con una postura comunicativa y política a través de la acción hacker, en el sentido de explorar las brechas de la estructura hegemónica para construir redes que tratan de diseminar la información y producción de conocimiento colaborativo, abierto y comprometido con la transformación social.
Alfabetización y competencia digital en Educación Superior: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Reis C. , Pessoa T. , Gallego-Arrufat M. J.
Published: June 2019

Este artículo es una revisión sistemática de literatura en español y portugués, en el período 2006-2018, centrada en la Educación Superior. El objetivo es comprender la forma en que aparecen los conceptos “alfabetización digital” y “competencia digital” en estudios con origen en el sudoeste de Europa,  partiendo del modelo usado por Spante, Hashemi, Lundin, y Lagers (2018) para “digital literacy” y “digital competence”. La revisión identifica año de publicación, países de origen, propósito de los estudios, tipo de artículos (estudios teóricos o empíricos) y nivel de análisis (macro, meso o micro). Para verificar el uso de los conceptos se adapta y aplica el esquema: (1) usado sin definir, (2) definido según referencia de carácter político, (3) definido con referencia a la investigación y la política, (4) definido según la investigación, 5) definido con discusión y/o desarrollo de los conceptos. Se obtiene así una visión general de los patrones en este contexto. Se opta por una base de datos de carácter libre y gratuito y de amplia cobertura hispana (Dialnet), encontrando en su mayor parte artículos de origen español y de naturaleza empírica. Destacan los trabajos centrados en el cambio didáctico, de nivel micro, con referencia a los conceptos de alfabetización y competencia digital en el marco de la enseñanza superior, sin presentar definiciones sustantivas. Además, la ausencia de una definición marco de los conceptos alfabetización y competencia suele propiciar ambigüedad, inconsistencia teórica y práctica, así como un uso superficial de los conceptos.
Revisión crítica de los MOOC: pistas para su futuro en el marco de la educación en línea
Authors: Fernández-Ferrer M.
Published: June 2019

Los cursos en línea masivos y abiertos como nueva modalidad formativa han generado defensores y detractores en función de distintos parámetros como su diseño o el tipo de evaluación que implementan. En este sentido, los MOOC pueden poseer ciertas características que hacen que se les atribuyan ciertas potencialidades o beneficios, o ciertas dificultades o limitaciones. El trabajo que se presenta tiene el objetivo de explorar las ventajas y las desventajas de esta modalidad de educación abierta -des del punto de vista de los estudiantes, los profesores y las instituciones de educación superior- y  determinar cuál es su papel en el marco de la educación en línea. Para ello se analizan los resultados de cuestionarios abiertos y cerrados administrados a profesores de tecnología educativa, expertos en MOOC y estudiantes universitarios del contexto español. A partir de constatar los resultados presentados se extraen posibles reflexiones sobre la necesidad de continuar la investigación en el marco de los MOOC. En este sentido, futuros estudios podrían profundizar en cómo los elementos que han aparecido más determinantes en el marco de los nuevos cursos en línea masivos y abiertos (el aprendizaje flexible y a lo largo de la vida, el aprendizaje autónomo, la reputación docente, la visibilidad y publicidad de los conocimientos, la acreditación de los aprendizajes, etcétera) podrían favorecer el funcionamiento de este nuevo modelo de educación a distancia y la mejora de la evaluación de los aprendizajes en su contexto, su mayor limitación.

 
La universidad en la sociedad digital: entre la herencia analógica y la socialización del conocimiento
Authors: Rivera-Vargas P. , Cobo Romaní C.
Published: June 2019

Las tecnologías digitales son herramientas que ofrecen a las universidades espacios de crecimiento, pero también generan o amplifican tanto clásicas como nuevas problemáticas. Por tanto, a pesar de su promesa igualadora, éstas pueden reforzar las brechas ya existentes. La retórica pro sociedad del conocimiento, puso a la universidad en el centro del debate asignándole una posición privilegiada. Estas jugarían un papel clave en la era digital para producir conocimiento relevante y para formar a las nuevas generaciones de trabajadores. Sin embargo, las múltiples inercias que han ido orientando hacia el mercado financiero a parte importante de la producción y oferta universitaria, han posibilitado que determinados sectores económicos saquen provecho de esta posición de relevancia. Exprimiendo (o devorando) tanto como fuese posible el ethos de la universidad bajo un raciocinio de comercialización total, caracterizado por: matrículas excesivas; rankings de productividad; prácticas compulsivas de difusión del conocimiento científico; prácticas de selección de los mejores (estudiantes, docentes, instalaciones, etc.). Teniendo presente este escenario, nos hemos planteado la siguiente pregunta guía: ¿Qué desafíos puede implicar la emergencia y consolidación de la sociedad digital a la hora de repensar a las universidades del siglo XXI? Esta interrogante se aborda a partir de una revisión teórico-reflexiva de antecedentes históricos y contemporáneos relevantes. Como resultado de este ejercicio analítico, se reconocen las complejidades, pero a la vez las oportunidades que emergen en la sociedad digital para una de las instituciones más tradicionales, conservadoras y, a la vez, relevantes de la historia del saber en la humanidad.
Reflexiones sobre la integración de Twitter en educación superior a partir de una experiencia educativa con estudiantes de maestro
Authors: Pérez A. , Tur G. , Darder A. , Marín V.
Published: June 2019

El uso de los medios sociales en educación ha sido ampliamente discutido en la literatura y se han propuesto diversas experiencias educativas en educación superior para lograr que los estudiantes las valoren no sólo como herramientas informales para la comunicación, sino también como potentes apoyos para el aprendizaje autorregulado, y en particular, en los estudios de formación docente inicial, a nivel profesional, para el aprendizaje permanente y su uso didáctico futuro. En este trabajo se analizan las luces y sombras del uso de Twitter para el aprendizaje en educación superior a través de una revisión de literatura y de la exploración de diversos diseños  didácticos implementados en varios cursos académicos consecutivos con estudiantes de maestro cuyas variaciones han sido planificadas siguiendo el modelo de la investigación basada en diseño. Los objetivos de investigación que han guiado las sucesivas implementaciones y evaluaciones del diseño didáctico han permitido que la recogida de datos pudiera hacerse desde una perspectiva multidimensional, observando la actividad del alumnado para la gestión de la información, en concreto para selección y compartición de recursos así como identificar ciertas dificultades para verdadera actividad metacognitiva sobre el aprendizaje. Las conclusiones aportan elementos de discusión sobre las implicaciones del uso de los medios sociales para el aprendizaje, y ofrecen recomendaciones para iniciativas en contextos institucionales y para el diseño de propuestas basadas en el modelo de autorregulación del aprendizaje cuya finalidad pueda ser la verdadera transformación individual y colectiva.
Tecnologías en la Universidad: logros y fracasos
Authors: Bartolome A. , Gallego-Arrufat M.J.
Published: June 2019

Presentación del monográfico.
Formación del profesorado de magisterio. Competencias sociopersonales según género y etapa educativa
Authors: López Hernáez L. , Sabater Fernández C.
Published: June 2019

El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el nivel de auto-realización y el crecimiento socio-personal de docentes en formación en dos universidades españolas, una situada en el norte -Universidad de La Rioja- y otra en el sur -Universidad Católica Murcia-, y ver las diferencias en la etapa educativa y el género. La muestra se compone de 366 profesores en formación, 183 futuros profesores en la etapa de primaria, pertenecientes a la Universidad de La Rioja, y 183 pertenecientes a la etapa de educación infantil en la Universidad Católica de Murcia. Se utiliza el “Cuestionario de Auto-concepto y realización” -AURE- (Domínguez, 2001; Aciego, Domínguez y Hernández, 2005) y los resultados muestran que los futuros maestros de primaria -que enseñan a estudiantes de entre 7 y 12 años de edad- muestran niveles favorables en la autorrealización y crecimiento socio-personal. Sin embargo, esos niveles son significativamente más bajos en comparación con los futuros profesores de educación infantil -que enseñan a estudiantes de entre 3 y 6 años-. Se observan también diferencias según el género, significativamente mayor en las futuras maestras de infantil. Estos datos indican una necesidad más urgente de fortalecer los programas basados en habilidades emocionales entre los hombres y entre los que enseñan a los alumnos de más edad.
Análisis de la percepción de utilidad en alumnos y docentes sobre el uso de Moodle EN el EEES
Authors: Llopis-Amorós M.P. , Roger-Monzó V. , Castelló-Sirvent F.
Published: June 2019

En este estudio se analiza la percepción de los profesores y alumnos universitarios sobre la utilidad de los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje (Learning Management Systems, LMS). Concretamente, el estudio se centra en cinco dimensiones de la utilidad de la plataforma Moodle: “contenidos”, “actividades”, “evaluación”, “interacción” y “aprendizaje”. Por otra parte, se comprueba la existencia de diferencias entre las percepciones del claustro y de los estudiantes respecto a la utilidad de Moodle en su docencia. Para llevar a cabo este estudio se ha desarrollado una revisión bibliográfica sobre el uso de los LMS, en especial de la plataforma Moodle, en el contexto universitario. A partir del estudio empírico realizado y en función de la explotación de los datos obtenidos se ha comprobado la distinta percepción de los alumnos y profesores universitarios sobre Moodle. Del mismo modo, se observan  diferencias significativas entre algunos indicadores y entre las percepciones de las dimensiones “contenidos”, “evaluación” e “interacción” de la utilidad de la plataforma Moodle, respecto a alumnos y profesores. Los resultados obtenidos sirven  para determinar los aspectos de los LMS que es necesario mejorar para potenciar su utilidad como herramienta de aprendizaje en el ámbito universitario.
El uso de materiales audiovisuales y recursos digitales en la docencia universitaria: una experiencia de innovación a nivel de posgrado
Authors: Ames Ramello P.P.
Published: June 2019

Este artículo presenta una experiencia de innovación docente realizada en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú en el año académico 2016 en el marco de una maestría en antropología. Se propuso: 1) incorporar materiales audiovisuales en todas las clases sobre los temas del curso; 2) incentivar el uso de la plataforma de aprendizaje PAIDEIA (Moodle) para el trabajo y evaluación de los estudiantes a lo largo del curso y para la gestión de los recursos audiovisuales, digitales y bibliográficos empleados en el curso; 3) ofrecer la opción de presentar el trabajo final del curso en formato audiovisual. La evaluación utilizó métodos tanto cualitativos como cuantitativos, como encuestas y focus group. Los resultados muestran un impacto positivo del uso de audiovisuales en las clases en tanto estos se combinaban con recursos bibliográficos y exposiciones, fomentando una mayor participación y reflexión de parte de los alumnos, y una mayor conciencia de su propio aprendizaje. Los estudiantes valoraron positivamente el uso de la plataforma PAIDEIA, desconocida para la mayoría de ellos, y aprendieron a utilizarla. Asimismo,  produjeron materiales audiovisuales que reflejaban sus aprendizajes y que se convirtieron a su vez en material para otros cursos.
Development and validation of stability indicating HPLC method for quantification of tinidazole
Authors: Ahmed Randa Bakheet , Abdelaziz Mohamed El-Muktar , Saeed Ahmed Elsadig Mohammed
Published: June 2019

A simple, precise, reproducible and economical HPLC method for estimation of tinidazole has been developed. The wavelength of 317 nm is selected as λmax for tinidazole in phosphate buffer (pH = 6.8). Validation parameters were tested following International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guideline. Tinidazole shows linearity at the selected wavelength and obeys Beer’s law in the concentration range of 3.2-40.0 µg/mL with correlation coefficient of 0.9999. Recovery studies for tinidazole were performed and the percentage recovery was obtained in the range of 99.10-102.45% confirming the accuracy of the proposed method. The method showed good reproducibility and recovery with %RSD less than 2. Statistical validation of the data shows that the proposed method can be used as stability indicating method which successfully applied for the routine analysis of drug in commercial tablets.
Electronic structure and dosage correlation of 1,4-benzodiazepines
Authors: Massoud Raghdaa Adel , Makhyoun Mohamed Abdalla
Published: June 2019

Density functional theory was used to calculate the electronic structure of 20 selected 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives. Certain parameters were extracted from the theoretical calculations, including the proton affinity of N1, the total energy, HOMO and LUMO energies, the total positive atomic charge, dipole moment and molecular volume. These parameters were used for the correlation with the minimum effective dose acting on human. The correlation was performed by applying linear least square method. Seven parameters were found to afford good fit. Clorazepate, one of the benzodiazepines, was studied extensively, it contains a carboxylate group, which can act as an ordinary molecule or zwitterions, where the ionisable proton migrates to N1. The energy gap between the two forms was found to be strongly dependent on the solvent dielectric constant.
RP-HPLC method development and validation for simultaneous estimation of ramipril and felodipine
Authors: Taha Elham Anwar , Fouad Manal Mohammed , Attia Ali Kamal , Yousef Zainab Mahmoud
Published: June 2019

A rapid and sensitive High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed and validated as per ICH guideline for simultaneous determination of ramipril and felodipine binary mixture. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Hyperchom C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm) using an isocratic mobile phase of potassium di-hydrogen phosphate (pH = 3.4): methanol: acetonitrile in the ratio 15:15:70 (v:v:v). The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min, temperature of the column was maintained at 30 °C and detection was made at 210 nm. Linearity studies indicated that the drugs obey Beer’s law over the range of 10-80 μg/mL for ramipril and 5-80 μg/mL for felodipine. The proposed method is precise, accurate, linear and robust. The short retention time allows the analysis of a large number of samples in a short period of time and, therefore, considered to be cost-effective that can be used for routine analysis of both drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.
Effects of novel additives for zinc-nickel alloy plating
Authors: Gezerman Ahmet Ozan
Published: June 2019

The development of alternative coating material is important for the corrosion life of metals. Improving the corrosion resistance and decorative appearance of zinc-nickel coatings is gaining importance. Related physical properties can be provided by using various chemicals. Tetraethylamine, triethanolamine, gelatin, and p-aminobenzenesulfonic are the chemicals used in this study to evaluate corrosion resistance and decorative appearance.
Synthesis, supramolecular architecture and fluorescence property of a mixed ligand 1D Pb(II) coordination polymer
Authors: Mudi Prafullya Kumar , Pal Chanchal Kumar , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: June 2019

A one dimensional (1D) lead(II) coordination polymer, [Pb(Phen)(NO3)(OAC)(H2O)]n (1) (Phen = 1,10-Phenanthroline; OAc = Acetate) was isolated in crystalline phase and characterized through different analytical techniques. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis of compound 1 revealed that the Pb(II) polymer crystallized in a monoclinic system with P21/c space group. Pb2+ ion adopted a highly distorted octahedral geometry having O3 (water) and O5 (nitrate) at axial positions (∠O3-Pb1-O5 of 145.02°) and acetate oxygen (O4), phenanthroine nitrogens (N3, N4) and oxygen (O2) atom from bridging nitrate made a distorted square plane. This Pb(II) polymer exhibited good fluorescence property in solid state. The steric arrangement of distorted square plane around Pb(II) ion by Phen, acetate and bridging nitrate ion makes a huge gap around Pb(II) ion where a stereo-active lone pair of electrons may possibly be occupied.
Synthesis, characterization, structural features and cytotoxicity of innovative zinc(II) complex derived from ONS-donor thio-Schiff base of acyl pyrazolone
Authors: Shaikh Irfan , Vohra Aliasgar , Devkar Ranjitsinh , Jadeja Rajendrasinh
Published: June 2019

Novel acyl pyrazolone and thio-Schiff base of acyl pyrazolone ligand HL (2-((4-chlorophenyl)(1-(3-chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide) has been synthesised and characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR techniques. This unusual coordinated complex [Zn(L)(CH3C00)(H2O)]CH3CH2OH has been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-Vis spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1H NMR confirms the structure of the thio-Schiff base used in the study. The structural data reveal that mononuclear Zn(II)complex has distorted square pyramidal geometry. S-S interaction, Inter molecular and intra molecular H-Bond found in crystal packing of the complex. The complex has been screened for MTT assay against A549 cell lines. The Zn(II) complex is cytotoxic against the screened cell line at low concentration.
Correlation between single crystal data and molecular mechanics calculation of 3-(2-hydroxy-phenylimino)-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one
Authors: Orabi Adel Sayed , El-Sakka Sahar Said
Published: June 2019

The Schiff base 3-(2-hydroxy-phenylimino)-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one (L), was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral techniques. The crystal and molecular structures were determined by using the single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The crystal was triclinic with unit-cell dimensions: a = 9.051(3) Å, b = 10.245(3) Å, c = 11.016(3) Å, α = 69.28(2)°, β = 81.66(2)°, γ = 64.25(2)°, space group is Pī and Z = 2. The structure was refined by least squares method. The single crystal was prepared by supersaturating method using tetramethoxysilane as gelling agent. Energy minimization for locating stable conformations and single point energy calculations for comparing the obtained and calculated conformations of the same molecule were carried out using molecular mechanics method (MM2 force field). The bond lengths and the bond angles were calculated and compared with the values obtained from the single crystal analysis. The obtained results were discussed and evaluated. Generally, the calculated parameters are in good agreement with the corresponding X-ray diffraction values. The obtained results reveal that, the amine-imine tautomerism is more preferable than keto-enol form and the intra-hydrogen bond stabilize the amine-imine tautomerism.
Spectroscopic and molecular docking elucidation to binding characteristics of bovine serum albumin with bupropion an aminoketone-medication for nicotine addiction
Authors: Makegowda Manjushree , Doddarevanna Revanasiddappa Hosakere
Published: June 2019

One of the highly soluble protein presents in circulatory system of bovine body is bovine serum albumin (BSA). Bupropion hydrochloride (BRN) served to treat prime smoking cessation and disorder due to depressive. BRN binding to BSA was studied by molecular docking and lots of spectroscopic (UV-vis, emission, synchronous, 3D fluorescence, CD and FT-IR) methods at pH = 7.40. Static quenching with strong binding was obtained for BSA-BRN system by forming complex. Secondary structures, conformations and microenvironments of BSA were altered after BRN interaction. Distance between BRN and BSA was also achieved. Biologically active metal ions (Cu2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+) were also influenced on the BSA-BRN complex. Bonds of hydrogen and Van der Waals were major binding forces to stabilize BSA-BRN complex at site I (IIA) of BSA. Hence, binding of BRN to transport protein (BSA) is of prominent importance and these findings could be helpful for BRN pharmacology and potential clinical research.
Application of calixpyrrole modified silica for the removal of 4-chlorophenol from aqueous media
Authors: Abbas Ismail Ibrahim , El Hamaoui Bassem Mohamad Riad , Najmeddine Hilal Mohamad Jamal
Published: June 2019

In this research, calixpyrrole modified silica (III) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The synthesized material was used as an extractant for the removal of 4-chlorophenol from aqueous solution. Its efficiency was examined through both batch and column extraction methods. The effects of temperature, pH, initial chlorophenol concentration and mass of the adsorbent were examined using removal efficiencies. Initial concentration and quantity of adsorbent show a noticeable influence on the uptake capacity of the adsorbent. The kinetics and thermodynamics of chlorophenol removal from aqueous media were also investigated. Kinetic studies indicated that the extraction data can be best represented by pseudo second order model. Column extraction data were analyzed through Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Yan et al. models to calculate kinetic coefficients and maximum sorption capacity of the modified silica (III). The adsorbent silica was regenerated by acid treatment without changing its properties.
Zn(L-proline)2: An efficient and reusable organocatalyst for the synthesis of polyfunctionally substituted pyrans and 2-amino-4-aryl-8-oxo-4,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-b]pyran derivatives
Authors: Abo Elsoud Fatma Ahmed , Abd-Elmonem Mohamed , Abo Elsebaa Mohamed , Sadek Kamal Usef
Published: June 2019

Efficient synthesis of non-annulated 2-amino-4H-pyrans and 2-amino-8-oxo-4,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-b]pyran derivatives, which are biologically relevant heterocycles is achieved, utilizing a domino three-component reaction of ethyl acetoacetate or kojic acid with aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile catalyzed by Zn(L-proline)2 as reusable organometallic catalyst. The process exhibits high atom economy, short reaction time, simple work up, high yields and environmentally friendly nature. Excellent yields of the targeted molecules have been obtained.
Synthesis and crystallographic structure of nickel(0) carbonyl complex with Bitianp, an atropoisomeric diphosphine
Authors: Fusè Marco , Facchetti Giorgio , Rimoldi Isabella , Castellano Carlo
Published: June 2019

The reaction between an atropoisomeric diphosphine, Bitianp and [Ni(CO)4] was achieved by direct condensation in CH3Cl to afford complexes of general formula [Ni(CO)2(Bitianp)]. This compound was characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-, 13C- and 31P-NMR spectroscopies. The structure of nickel complex has been determined by X-ray crystal-lography. Crystal data for C42H28NiO2P2S2 (M = 749.41 g/mol): triclinic, space group P-1 (no. 2), a = 10.539(2) Å, b = 11.811(2) Å, c = 15.994(3) Å, α = 83.93(3)°, β = 88.18(3)°, γ = 65.24(3)°, V = 1797.6(7) Å3, Z  = 2, T  = 294(2) K, μ(MoKα) = 0.781 mm-1, Dcalc =1.385 g/cm3, 22744 reflections measured (2.56° ≤ 2Θ ≤ 64.726°), 11837 unique (Rint = 0.0157, Rsigma = 0.0215) which were used in all calculations. The final R1 was 0.0360 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR2 was 0.1088 (all data). The coordination sphere of the Ni center is best described as a tetrahedral geometry.
Crystal structure and spectral studies of green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophore analogue ethyl 2-[(4Z)-(6-hydroxy naphthalen-2-yl) methylene)-2-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-di hydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl] acetate
Authors: Puthuvakkal Anisha , Manoj Kochunnoonny
Published: June 2019

Synthetically modified green fluorescent protein chromophore derivative was prepared, its crystal structure and spectral properties were studied. Crystal data for C19H18N2O4: triclinic, space group P-1 (no. 2), a = 8.2506(17) Å, b = 11.934(2) Å, c = 17.461(4) Å, α = 102.89(3)°,   β = 94.62(3)°, γ = 96.68(3)°, V = 1654.5(6) Å3, Z = 4, T = 173(2) K, μ(MoKα) = 0.096 mm-1, Dcalc = 1.358 g/cm3, 7227 reflections measured (4.722° ≤ 2Θ ≤ 53.996°), 7227 unique (Rint = 0.0453, Rsigma = 0.0662) which were used in all calculations. The final R1 was 0.0561 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR2 was 0.1658 (all data). The single crystal structure showed, the benzylidine moiety adopts Z-conformation in solid state and the molecules were associated by various O−H···O and C−H···O non-covalent interactions. The UV absorption-emission spectral analysis indicated that a significant red shift of emission observed at alkaline pH indicating its utility for live cell imaging applications.
Reticular synthesis, topological studies and physicochemical properties of a 3D manganese(II) coordination network [Mn3(BTC)2(DMSO)4]n
Authors: Flores Leonã Da Silva , Rosa Roselia Ives , Martins Jefferson Da Silva , Pinho Roberto Rosas , Diniz Renata , Corrêa Charlane Cimini
Published: June 2019

In order to build a metal-organic framework with mixed ligands (acid-acid), a 3D coordination network based on manganese metal center was obtained [Mn3(BTC)2(DMSO)4]n; where BTC = Benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid and DMSO = Dimethylsulfoxide. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, showing the assembly of a tridimensional 3,6-connected non-entangled polymeric network, with RTL topology. The secondary building unit (SBU) acts as a node of the 3-periodic expansion and involves carboxylate- and oxo-bridged metals. The DMSO employed in the synthesis is chemically involved in the coordination as a µ2-O bridge between distinct manganese metal centers. The structural characterization of the material was supported by spectroscopic (infrared absorption and Raman scattering), thermal (TG, DTG, and DTA) and elemental analysis.
Structural and spectroscopic characterization and DFT studies of 2-amino-1,10-phenanthrolin-1-ium chloride
Authors: Büyükekşi Sebile Işık , Özdemir Namık , Şengül Abdurrahman
Published: June 2019

A versatile synthetic building block, 2-amino-1,10-phenanthrolin-1-ium chloride (L∙HCl) was synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR DEPT analysis, UV/Vis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The molecular geometry, vibrational wavenumbers and gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO), 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts values of the title compound in the ground state were obtained by using density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) method with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set and compared with the experimental data. Electronic absorption spectrum of the salt was determined using the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method at the same level. In the NMR and electronic absorption spectra calculations, the effect of solvent on the theoretical parameters was included using the default model with DMSO as solvent. The obtained theoretical parameters agree well with the experimental findings.
Editorial Board
Authors: Arslan Hakan
Published: June 2019

Editorial Board
Graphical Contents
Authors: Arslan Hakan
Published: June 2019

Graphical Contents
Saudi Football Clubs Privatization Business Model
Authors: Tlemsani Issam , Al Sarraf Saleh , Alshowaier Bader , Alotaibi Mosaed , Al Semari Ahmad
Published: June 2019

This research is an attempt to explore possible solutions to the privatization of Saudi football clubs. It examines the business models of legendary internationally renowned football clubs i.e. Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Juventus in order to select the best fit business model to implement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The strategic vision of KSA’s 2030 is to privatize Saudi football clubs and detach them from any government involvement and make them financially independent like other successful international clubs. The purpose of this research is to provide a pathway to facilitate the Saudi Government’s 2030 vision to diversify the Saudi economy, generate income and to establish multiple revenue streams for Saudi football clubs, so they can be fully independent and not rely on any support from the government.In this research, we chose four successful international clubs; and analyze their business model. From there we chose the best fit business model that can be implemented into Saudi football clubs to start confidently when they privatize.
Evidence on the Impact of Internal Control over Financial Reporting on Audit Fees
Authors: Gaber Mohamed , Garas Samy , Lusk Edward J.
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Circa 1992, the dot.com sector created an irrational stock-trading market where the usual “financial” profiles of: Liquidity, Cash Flow from Operations, and Revenue generation were replaced by Ponzi-esque mayhem. To stabilize the markets, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board [PCAOB] required a second audit opinion: the COSO Opinion on the adequacy of management’s system of Internal Control over Financial Reporting: [ICoFR].Study Focus: Three COSO-[ICoFR] designations are now required as public information: (i) A “clean” opinion [Is Effective], (ii) Deficiencies are noted, and (iii) Weaknesses reported. Our research interest is to determine, for a panel of randomly selected firms traded on the S&P500 for a eleven-year period: 2005 to 2015, the nature of the effect that the COSO deficiency reporting protocol has on (i) Audit Fees and (ii) the Market Cap of traded firms.Method: To this end we collected, using the Audit Analytics Ô[WRDSÔ] database, various categories of reported Audit Fees and also Market Cap information. This random sample was classified into two sets: the first group: Is Effective SEC 302 Designation and No COSO issues & the second group: Is Not 100% Effective for which there were SEC 302 Deficiencies or Weaknesses noted.Results: Inferential testing indicates that failure to attend to the PCAOB-COSO imperatives results in a relational where there are higher Audit Fees and a slippage of the firm’s Market Cap compared to the Is Effective Group. The PCAOB’s protocol to require the Audit of the firm’s ICoFR system and make that evaluation public information seems to be an excellent corrective “Carrot and Stick”.
Educational Intervention Program for Coping with Youth Cyberbullying, Based on Bystanders' Involvement
Authors: Olenik-Shemesh Dorit , Heiman Tali , Zur Yael
Published: June 2019

The current article presents an intervention program for coping with cyberbullying, focused on the role of bystanders, as well as evaluation of the program’s effectiveness. While most intervention programs for coping with cyberbullying focus on deterring cyber-perpetrators or assisting cyber-victims, the program presented in this study focuses on the role of bystanders in coping with cyberbullying, providing assistance to victims and strengthening their circle of support. Based on the results of a previous study, a unique intervention program was developed, implemented, and evaluated. The program consisted of six instructional experiential meetings addressing the following topics: noticing the cyberbullying event, interpreting it as an emergency, identifying and emphasizing the abuse, taking responsibility for the event, gaining knowledge and discussing effective ways to intervene and report and more. The homeroom teachers presented the intervention program after receiving training. 418 adolescents participated, divided into experimental (N=215) and control (N=203) groups, 219 boys and 199 girls; average age: 13.2, SD: 0.43. Before and after the program, they completed a cyberbullying questionnaire, a self-efficacy scale, and an empathy scale.The results show a 12.4% decrease in students reporting of cyber- victimization and an increase in the percentage of bystanders who reported cyberbullying instances to teachers, an increase in students who ignored posts, and a decrease in the percentage of students sharing posts. Implications for further development of the intervention program and research are discussed.
Issues and Strategies in Improving Listening Comprehension in a Classroom
Authors: Al-Nafisah Khalid I.
Published: June 2019

Language is an important aspect of communication in our everyday life. Students must be trained to be cognizant of the semantic and syntactic domains of language. More importantly, they have to be aware of how language is used, as well as its different variations and linguistic twists. Listening, in particular, is the most demanding of all the language skills, as it is a vital discovery that enable students unmask creative ways in which language is pronounced and comprehended. This study explores the existing teaching methodologies applied to teach Listening skills to students of English Department at the College of Languages and Translation, King Saud University, Riyadh. The paper presents the difficulties encountered by students when learning the listening skill. Based on the expertise and practice of teaching the listening skill, it suggests new techniques which can be implemented to improve students' performance. It concludes with suggestions to teachers to implement the new techniques in order to allow the students to grasp the listening skill more effectively.
Association Between Abdominal Aortic and Common Iliac Artery Aneurysms: Case Report
Authors: Pereira Thiago Scremin Boscolo , Marques Vanessa Belentani , Santos Elizandra Moura dos , Silva Ana Letícia Daher Aprígio da , Romano Eduardo Martini , Carlos Carla Patricia
Published: June 2019

The infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm is the most common among arterial aneurysms; it happens when there is an abnormal and irreversible enlargement of the blood vessel. This disease usually compromises other arterial segments and is linked to high mortality rates, mainly due to its rupture. Given its importance, we present a case study of an abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with a common iliac artery aneurysm. During a dissection practice in the Morphofunctional Laboratory at FACERES Medical School, we observed the presence of a mild stenosis in the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries, as well as the formation of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. In addition, we noticed that the infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm was associated with a bilateral common iliac artery aneurysm. Morphological analyses carried out in the blood vessels showed a large quantity of atheromatous plaques, which are the probable cause of the pathology. The information herein may broaden the knowledge on the infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease, thus reducing its complications and mortality rates.
Fiscal Sustainability in the Caribbean: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Khadan Jeetendra
Published: June 2019

Many countries in the Caribbean have been grappling with persistent fiscal imbalances and rising debt levels. The average debt to GDP ratio in the Caribbean in 2017 was 76.6 percent, higher than the negative debt-growth threshold of 60 percent of GDP. Also, the average fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP was 2.8 percent, but with significant heterogeneity across countries ranging from 0.5 percent to 11 percent. Using the inter-temporal budget constraint framework and various panel data econometric estimators, this article examines the issue of fiscal sustainability for a group of 10 Caribbean countries over the period 1991-2017. The evidence from panel cointegration models of government revenue and expenditure shows that past fiscal behavior is “weakly” sustainable. The “weak sustainability” finding is reinforced by evidence from an extended fiscal reaction function which showed that the primary balance improves by about 0.02 for every 1 percentage point increase in the debt ratio.
Integration of a remote PID motor speed control experiment with teaching in engineering education
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhu Junxiao , Lan Qianlong , Chen Xuemin , Song Gangbing , Parsaei Hamid
Published: June 2019

Remote laboratory system has been used in engineering education over a decade. To offer a collaborative learning platform for students’ learning, a Wiki-based remote laboratory platform was developed successfully. The effectiveness of the collaborative learning platform was verified by implementing a new remote PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controller experiment based on the Wiki-based remote laboratory platform. This remote experiment aims to offer students hands-on experience to demonstrate the characteristics of proportional, proportional–integral, proportional–derivative and PID controllers and visualize the process of remote tuning. This paper presents the integration of a new remote experiment into an existing mechanical engineering course at the University of Houston. With the help of this remote experiment, students can study the control knowledge actively instead of passively. Moreover, the systematic integration of the Wiki-based remote laboratory platform into laboratory courses reinforces the delivery of content to students with dissimilar learning styles, thus improving students’ success.
Optimization of engineering student learning and assessment by cognitive methods
Authors: Taylan Osman , Rizwan Ali , Parsaei Hamid
Published: June 2019

This study addresses the learning objectives and the student outcomes of industrial engineering students by examining them at three different levels: course level, program level, and graduate level. Three learning domains are developed and analyzed for this purpose to assess the performance of students during and after graduation. These domains are labeled as the house of cognitive learning, which shows the level of learning, its outcome elements, and the depth of understanding.

In the higher education system, the correct assessment of student learning is always considered as a challenging task. The aim of this study was to develop an integrated integer-programming algorithm to accurately determine the learning level of students. The method incorporates quality control charts and statistical assessment tools to present the findings. In this study, level of learning is calculated as a learning index that presents the contribution of a course to the respective student outcomes. Moreover, it depicts the overall achievements of students during their learning. Therefore, another aim of this study was to explore how to better utilize the collected data for the assessment of learning level. The outcomes of algorithm and statistical approaches are quite encouraging for the evaluation of students' learning, thus improving the quality of engineering program.
Integration of artificial intelligence methodologies and algorithms into the civil engineering curriculum using knowledge-based expert systems: A case study
Authors: Wanyan Yachi , Chen Xuemin , Olowokere David
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to strengthen the engineering curriculum by integrating innovative electrical and computer engineering (ECE)-specialized artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies and algorithms into traditional civil engineering (CE) problem-solving methods. An interactive and comprehensive knowledge-based expert system (KBES) was developed to document, compare, and analyze cutting-edge AI applications in the field of CE. With a large amount of successful/unsuccessful AI applications being tried and tested in the CE field, this unique intelligent database can be used as the platform and educational media for the development and implementation of curricula for the problem-based learning approach to bridge the gap in the current curricula between conventional mathematics, physics, engineering methods and state-of-the-art AI techniques. This study is the first of its kind to (1) develop an intelligent KBES platform to increase the intellectual rigor, breadth, and depth of undergraduate engineering study and lay a foundation for students pursuing master's degree or PhD in engineering; (2) establish a new interdisciplinary AI curriculum as a capstone course, enrich existing curricula by integrating case studies of AI applications into different levels of undergraduate CE courses, and include knowledge automation software in an ECE course; (3) foster interdisciplinary academic setting that will introduce latest state-of-the-art AI applications to undergraduate students and facilitate their early involvement in research. A brief description of the comprehensive literature search is presented, followed by the proposal of methodologies for the development of the KBES and curriculum. Furthermore, a case study is described to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of introducing AI tools into the syllabus of a sophomore CE core course. Students' experiences were assessed and evaluated. The results of the analysis showed that the interdisciplinary curriculum could significantly increase students' awareness on the need for knowledge acquisition, which, in turn, will enhance the learning outcome. The integration of innovative theories and practical applications also improves the problem-solving and critical thinking skills of engineering students, broadens their horizons to new technology, and fosters interdisciplinary settings to better prepare them for diverse and multidisciplinary workforce requirements.