bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF ESP STUDENTS TO WORLD ENGLISHES
Authors: Muhalim Muhalim
Published: December 2017

The English for Specific Purposes (ESP) enterprise is protean and comprises three realms of language, pedagogy and content studies. Since it not only focuses on content-based, the responsive nature of ESP should also spotlight the development of language as well as pedagogy. World Englishes (WEs) as consistent growth in ELT practice, has confirmed its position due to the shifting paradigm of teaching ‘only’ native standard Englishes. This paper starts with outlining why WEs should be introduced in ESP classrooms. Later, the paper reports research findings on the students’ knowledge of WEs based on the proposals of Kirkpatrick and Kachru. It also explores the ESP students’ attitudes toward WEs. The ESP students’ basic knowledge and some future constructs to instill WEs concept for ESP students will conclude this preliminary study.Keywords: basic knowledge, attitudes, ESP, World Englishes (WEs)
IMPROVING THE STUDENTS’ WRITING SKILL THROUGH SEDONA METHOD
Authors: Qalby Nur
Published: December 2017

The objective of this research was to find out the improvement of content and organization in writing skill by using Sedona Method at the Tenth Grade Students of SMA Batara, Gowa. The researcher used A Classroom Action Research (CAR). The Researcher had conducted two cycles, where each cycle consisted of four meetings. This classroom Action Research (CAR) was at The Eighth Grade of SMA Batara Gowa, Class XB. As the subject in this research was the X Grade with students’ number as about 29 students. The instruments were writing test and observation sheet. The application of Sedona Method can improve the students’ writing, especially in content and organization. This leads to the conclusion that application of Sedona Method was needed in the English Language teaching and learning in improve their competence to organize their idea. Sedona Method that was focused on the learners can engage the students to organize their ideas better than before. The findings of the research were (1) the students’ content achievement was improved 9.98% from diagnostic test to cycle 1 and was improve 10.03% from cycle I to cycle II (2) the students’ organization achievement was improving 8.63% from diagnostic test to cycle I and improved 10.03% from cycle I to Cycle II. From the description above it could conclude the improving of the students’ writing skill in the descriptive paragraph in terms of content and organization by using Sedona Method at the Tenth Grade of SMA Batara Gowa was improved.Keywords: Writing Skill, Sedona Method
CRIMINAL AGENDAS AND PEACE PROCESSES IN COLOMBIA: THE CASE “DONBERNABILIDAD” IN MEDELLIN
Authors: ARRATIA SANDOVAL ESTEBAN
Published: December 2017

The widespread impact of criminal violence in Latin America, has led it to be ranked as the most dangerous region in the planet by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This situation, combined with the ineffectiveness of the policies implemented so far to mitigate it has generated an intense debate about how, some classic conflict resolution tools as mediation could be explored to contain the violence associated with drug cartels, militias and gangs. However, which are the principal risks to mediate with criminal groups? This article aims to answer this question, using as a case study the city of Medellin. In 2003, the Antioquian capital experienced a dramatic drop in homicides product of aka Don Berna hegemony over all the armed actors operating in the city and subsequent demobilization of his paramilitary group Cacique Nutibara Block, period best known locally as Donbernability. In this way, based on the Colombian case, this work analyzes, under a qualitative approach, the main constraints faced by Governments to mediate with criminal actors to reduce the levels of lethality, usually in exchange for judicial benefits.
THE MILITARY AND INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS IN LATIN AMERICA
Authors: PION-BERLIN DAVID
Published: December 2017

The nature of 21st century threats to internal security require, in certain situations, the introduction of the armed forces. Can the military be used effectively, and in ways that are consistent with standards of humane conduct, and that will minimize collateral damage? It very much depends on the precise nature of the operation. It is important to know whether an operation coincides with a military’s professional skills and preferences. The probability of operational success and civilian protection is enhanced when the operation is congruent with military capabilities, where soldiers can confine themselves to military-like operations and not engage in police work.
THE EFFECT OF USING OUTLINES ON IDEA DEVELOPMENT QUALITY OF STUDENTS ESSAY WRITINGS
Authors: Salija Kisman
Published: December 2017

The study dealt with the entity and process of essay writings both using and without using an outline. It aimed at finding out (1) the idea development quality of two essays by using outline, (2) the idea development quality of two essays without using outline, and (3) the significant difference of idea development quality of the two essays with and without using outlining strategy. The study was experimental with factorial and repeated measure design. The results showed that using outlining strategy was significantly better than without using it, and the comparison indicated the same results as classification both with and without outlines. It was strongly recommended that the pre-writing strategy was extremely pivotal to have good idea quality development.Â
USING INNOVATION AND ACTION RESEARCH TO BUILD TESOL TEACHER CAPACITY IN VIETNAM
Authors: Andrew Martin Benedict
Published: December 2017

Critical insights from educational innovation research inform TESOL educators in Vietnam that pedagogical interventions should be particular to their context and environment. This paper presents a qualitative descriptive analysis of four teachers who are students in a Master of Education (TESOL) program delivered in Vietnam by within a partnership between an Australian and a Vietnamese University. The study draws on the assessed work of students in the unit Innovation which aims to encourage its students, all of whom are experienced professional educators, to identify a research problem specific to their teaching and learning environment and design a research question built around a pedagogical or curricular intervention they can ethically implement and evaluate within their workplaces. This activity, serving as both curriculum and assessment, empowers students to apply a segment of an action research cycle to their classrooms. The study presents four narratives of teacher/researchers engaged in innovation research, identifying research problems, developing topics and lines of enquiry and ultimately evaluating their projects reflectively. This pedagogical approach articulates the idea that the best people to know what innovations are required in Vietnamese educational contexts are the teachers themselves. Additionally, the findings support the use of an action research-focused pedagogy as an appropriate approach for use in TESOL programs in such developing nations as Vietnam.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AT MAKASSAR PRIMARY SCHOOLS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Rosmaladewi Rosmaladewi
Published: December 2017

The research aims to describe current practice of English as a foreign language at primary schools. The case study conducted at two favorite elementary schools in Makassar involving 84 students. The data gained through observation, questionnaire and semi-structured interviews.Â  The study revealed that teachers used textbook as the main resources for teaching besides using media and physical objects. The research identifies that there are a lot of challenges faced by both teachers and students in teaching and learning English. From teachersâ€™ perspective, the difficulties are limited availability of materials, allocation of time, class size, and using teaching media. Students preferred variety of teaching method as well as materials.Â  From the learners viewed that time allocation is not enough, and teaching material are not varied. It is suggested that the government should provide a variety of teaching materials that can assist teachers and students in teaching and learning English
INTERCULTURAL SENSITIVITY IN ENGLISH DEPARTMENT STUDENTS OF AN INDONESIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION
Authors: Dollah Syarifuddin , Abduh Amirullah , Talib Ahmad
Published: December 2017

This study aimed at identifying intercultural sensitivity elements perceived by English department students in an Indonesian university. Broadly, this study used mix-methods: quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were obtained through questionnaires. The questionnaires were sent to 100 participants and followed by semi-structured interview of 10 participants. For this paper, only quantitative data were used. The findings show that there were three important intercultural sensitivity dimensions: cultural engagement, respect to cultural differences and interaction enjoyment. This study contributes to the more understanding of intercultural dimensions and debates across the globe about intercultural issues. In addition, this study provides methodological contribution on the set of criteria to determine the scale of intercultural sensitivity.Â  This study has further implication of the teaching and learning as one of the key elements on English curriculum. The study suggested that the research on wider participants can further enhance the sounding of this findings and provide overarching understanding of intercultural sensitivity.
ANALYSIS OF NARRATIVE MATHEMATICAL QUESTIONS ON TEXTBOOKS BASED ON SOLO TAXONOMY AND MATHEMATICAL POWER
Authors: Kusmaryono Imam
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to identify the proportion of diversity and suitability of narrative mathematical questions with SOLO taxonomy level and mathematical power ability. The research was conducted through quantitative descriptive. Sources of data in the forms of narrations contained in mathematics textbooks. The research procedure was conducted by making the classification and determining the percentage of the narrations based on the compatibility of SOLO taxonomy and the mathematical power ability. The results showed that, the narrative mathematical questions with uni-structural level are of 7.5%, multi-structural of 33.8%, relational of 46.6% and extended abstract of 12.1 %. In terms of compatibility of the narrative  questions were able to measure 23% reasoning aspect, 18% problem solving, 8.3% connection, 28% communication and 22.6% mathematical representation. In general, mathematics textbooks as the object of research should be revised, since they have not yet achieved the ideal alignment between SOLO taxonomy based on grade level and the objective of learning develop mathematical power
EFFECTIVENESS STYLE LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR SETTINGS CERTIFIED IN MATH LEARNING
Authors: Iman Nurul
Published: December 2017

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of applying linear note style and non linear recording style with scientific setting in terms of learning achievement, mathematical communication, and student self-efficacy. The type of research is quasi experimental research with pretet-posttest nonequivalent comparison-group design design. The population in this research is all students of class VIII SMP Negeri 15 Yogyakarta. The samples are class VIIIE and VIIIB as experimental class. Class VIIIE is treated as linear recording style, while class VIIIB is treated with non linear recording style. To test the effectiveness of learning using paired sample t test. To test the difference in effectiveness using MANOVA (multivariate tests). For univariate test using independent sample t-test. The results of this study are: 1) linear note style effective when viewed from learning achievement and mathematical communication, while non linear note style effective when viewed from student achievement and student self-efficacy. 2) There is a difference of effectiveness between linear and non linear recording style in terms of learning achievement, mathematical communication and student self-efficacy. 3) linear note style is more effective when viewed from learning achievement and mathematical communication, while non linear note style more effective if ditinjasu from self-efficacy student
A Digitally Enabled Strategic Sourcing Process to Mitigate Risk
Authors: Cupido Kim , Van Belle Jean-Paul
Published: December 2017

A South African insurance company is considering how to automate the process of handling home insurance repair claims in order to make the process more efficient and improve the customer experience. Should they stick with the status quo, develop their own system, purchase existing technology or employ a hybrid solution?

ABC Insurance was a leading short-term insurer in South Africa. The FSB (Financial Services Board) of South Africa defined short term insurance cover as indemnification secured by the insurance purchaser over their fixed and movable assets (FSB, n.d.). Such insurable assets could be one’s home (the actual building) or motor vehicle (https://www.fsb.co.za). The purchased insurance cover protected the policyholder (customer) against total loss or accidental damage, as a result of insurable events like fires or floods. In exchange, payment for insurance cover (referred to as the “premium”), was collected by the insurance company from its customers. Andrew Cohen, commodity manager for the Non-Automobile Property and Casualty procurement division at ABC Insurance, was faced with the choice of either digitizing the day to day claims fulfillment procedures within his portfolio, or to continue his business unit’s activities “as is.”

The main function of Cohen’s business unit was to ensure that home owners (policyholders) who purchased insurance cover over their fixed assets (i.e., buildings insurance) could access and receive the required repair services as per the provisions set out in their insurance policies. In delivering these services to the policyholders, Cohen’s immediate challenges were that he had to increase efficiency within the claims environment, meet customer demand and enhance operational processes while concurrently accelerating daily business operations. In opposition to maintaining the status quo, his options were to either build an in-house solution, or purchase an existing tool and customize it to his organization’s requirements. His preliminary cost benefit analysis showed that choosing to remain “as is” would cost the firm nothing in terms of immediate cash outflows, but in the long term would expose management to the risk of not capitalizing on opportunities to service their customers quickly and efficiently, infuse transparency into the appointment procedure of suppliers on repair claims, and gain line of sight of interactions between the firm, its service providers, and its customers. He furthermore surmised that whatever the solution was it might require the firm to make initial investments of time for the re-organization of internal processes and new information technology competencies to acquire. To select an ideal solution, he would need to weigh the risks of remaining “as is” against the benefits of infusing mobile technology such as a mobile app into his portfolio, and ultimately, into the core day-to-day operations of the firm as well.
IMAGEN COMO PRE-TEXTO Y SU REGULACIÓN
Authors: Molina Camilo , Cevallos Fernanda
Published: December 2017

En este artículo se presenta un debate específico sobre los alcances y límites de la libertad de expresión en el debate de su carácter absoluto. Específicamente se analiza cómo en el ejercicio del periodismo la libertad de información y de opinión generan parámetros verificables de objetivación, entendiéndolos como una producción presente en un medio de comunicación que impacta la formación de opinión pública.

En este caso se realizó la aplicación de un análisis multimodal del discurso partiendo de una caricatura del ecuatoriano Xavier Bonilla (Bonil), primer dibujante ecuatoriano en ser sancionado de forma administrativa por la Superintendencia de la Información y la Comunicación (Supercom) aplicando los principios de la Ley Orgánica de Comunicación, la que obligó al caricaturista a rectificarse, en medio de la contradicción en el marco de las garantías de la libertad de expresión.

Este artículo deja abierta las conclusiones frente a la libertad de expresión en la caricatura, y abre un escenario en donde es necesario preguntarse por el papel del periodismo en su relación con la libertad de expresión en el marco de la esencia de sus géneros y formatos comunicacionales. El caso de la caricatura, y especialmente de la caricatura política, vista a la luz de esas libertades, implica una discusión desde lo teórico hasta lo práctico, ya que este género periodístico de opinión, por su naturaleza, exagera la realidad a partir de la sátira y el humor.
Islamic Education in the Obstruction of Religious Radicalism (Reflection on Epistemology-Methodology)
Authors: Muhajir Muhajir
Published: December 2017

The change of living pattern into permissive, open, highly-mobile life style, as well as the high risk of anarchistic actions, requires the establishment of steady education system which is capable ofresponding the demanding challenge. Islamic education in particular, is forced to constantly adapt to the existing phenomena arising in society. Based on this consideration, Islamic education curriculum has found its moment to be carefully redesigned as an inclusive, down to earth curriculum promoted as a picture of peaceful tolerant Islam, endlessly sholih li kullizamanwamakan.
Foreign Language Reading Anxiety Among Indonesian EFL Senior High School Students
Authors: Muhlis Azhari
Published: December 2017

This study aims to investigate foreign language reading anxiety among Indonesian EFL Senior High School students. Thirty two students of grade eleven in a senior high school in Bandung were involved as the participants. This study employed a survey research design. The primary data source was collected by two types of questionnaires and the secondary data source was gained by interview. The findings revealed that most of the students perceived anxiety in medium level (71,9%). The study found that there were two major potential factors of foreign language reading anxiety namely text features and personal factors. Under the concept of text features, there are three sources of foreign language reading anxiety including unknown vocabulary, unfamiliar topic, and unfamiliar culture. Unknown vocabulary was considered as the most potential factor of reading anxiety under the aspect of text features (49%). On the other hand, under the concept of personal factors, there are two sources of foreign language reading anxiety including afraid of making errors, and worry about reading effects. Afraid of making error was nominated as the highest potential factor of reading anxiety under the aspect of personal factors (39%). Implication to the study and recommendations for further research were considered.

Keywords: Foreign language reading anxiety, potential factors of foreign language reading anxiety
Behaviorism and Foreign Language Teaching Methodology
Authors: Budiman Asep
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

This paper aims at exploring in details about one of the left language learning theoriesnamely Behaviorism. Behaviorism, as how it is today, is gradually left behind since there are many new theories of language learning. Regarding this issue, it is very important to ensure that actually Behaviorism is still useful in certain teaching and learning activities in the classroom. This review investigates behaviorism methodology having advantages in learning a language in the classroom. This review also observes the critics of behaviorism and its weaknesses in a learning environment. This inquiry concentrates on the view point of B.F. Skinner, one of the most outspoken behaviorism psychologist and his experimentations about animals. The notion of antimentalism of behaviorism also discussed in the process.

Keywords: Behaviorism Theory, Foreign Language, Teaching Methodology
Authentic Material and Interactive Activities in EFL Classroom
Authors: Arianie Masita
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Actively engaging EFL learners in the classroom will help them think more deeply about the course content, bring additional energy to the classroom, and help identify the extent to which they may be struggling with the material. Yet, some teachers of English are having problem to engage students’ attention. Incorparating authentic material and interactive activities such as jigsaw reading and group discussion can be alternative ways to deliver the materials.The purpose of this paper is to highlight interactive activities which can motivate students and increase their interest in leaning English in EFL classroom.

Keyword: authentic material, interactive activities and EFL classroom
Utilizing Preservice English Teachers Strategies and Classroom Management at Junior High School in Rejang Lebong Regency
Authors: Apriani Eka
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

The objective of this research is aimed to know what are the most strategies and classroom management which are used by Preservice English Teacher at STAIN Curup in the academic year 2016/2017. The total of English Teacher was 7 teachers which as cooperating teacher of 17 preservice English Teacher. The types of english teaching strategies used by preservive English teacher were: (1) Task-Based Language Learning (100%) and (2) Cooperative Learning (100%); (3) Grapic Organizers (29%); (4) Technology (5.8%); (5) Roleplay (5.8%); (6) Storytelling (11.7%); (7) Vocabulary Building (11.7%); (8) Summarizing and Notetaking (5.8%); and (9) Analysis of Student Work (5.8%). The most strategies used by preservice english teacher (>50%) were Task-Based Language Learning and Cooperative Learning (100%). The types of classroom management used by preservive English teacher were: (1) Maintaning Discipline (58.5%), (2) giving feedback (100%), and classroom interaction (17.6%). The most classroom management used by preservice english teacher (>50%) were giving feedback and maintaning discipline.

Keywords: Classroom Management, Presrvice English Teacher, Teaching Strategies
Formulasi Hybrid Contract Sebagai Alternatif Pembiayaan Pertanian Di Bank Syariah
Authors: Pratiwi Rahmi , Noprizal Noprizal
Published: December 2017

This research uses interpretive approach. This approach is chosen to understand a symptom both oral and written, and aims to know a symptom of the symptoms themselves are studied in depth using the instrument interview or interview with informants. This research was conducted to understand how the portrait of agricultural financing in both Islamic banks namely Bank Muamalat and BPRS SAFIR Curup branch. The results showed that the existing agricultural financing in both sharia banks using murabaha schemes used to finance the goods or tools that support the agricultural business. According to the authors, murabahah contract is not appropriately applied to the agricultural sector because it has not been able to answer the needs of farmers. A more precise contract is profit-sharing such as muzara'ah or mukhabarah. Therefore, the authors recommend the formulation of contracts on the agriculture sector based on hybrid contracts namely ba'i al-wafa wal muzara'ah and ba'i al-wafa wal mukhabarah.
Manajemen Kepala Madrasah Dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Pendidikan Di MTS Nurul Kamal Kabupaten Rejang Lebong
Authors: Baryanto Baryanto
Published: December 2017

Didalam Manajemen Kepala MTs Nurul Kamal dalam menjalankan operasional Madrasah banyak mengalami problematika Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM) didalam unsur Yayasan, Madrasah, Tenaga Pendidik dan Tenaga Kependidikan. Untuk membedah permasalahan ini maka disampaikan rumusan masalah, 1). Problematika SDM apa saja di lihat unsur Yayasan, Madrasah, tenaga Pendidik dan tenaga Kependidikan di MTs Nurul Kamal. 2).Bagaimana Manajemen Kepala Madrasah dalam menyikapi Problematika dari unsur SDM didalam Yayasan, Madrasah, Tenaga Pendidik, tenaga Kependidikan di MTs Nurul Kamal Sambirejo Kecamatan Slupu Rejang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan; observasi partisipan, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi. Teknik pengumpulan datanya menggunakan alur reduksi yang diawali dengan memilih hal-hal pokok atau penting dan memfokuskan hal-hal yang penting tadi yang berasal dari lapangan sehingga dapat memberikan gambaran yang lebih tajam. Dalam penelitian ini terdapat temuan-temuan sebagai berikut, bentuk-bentuk problematika-problematika SDM di dalam Yayasan Nurul Kamal lemahnya Sumber Daya Manusia di dalam kepengurusan yayasan kerena peneliti menemukan ketidak seriusan dalam mengelola yayasan di buktikan hingga kekinian yayasan boleh di katakan tinggal namanya saja sehingga MTs Nurul Kamal berjalan dengan sendirinya, Di dalam Madrasah dari segi siswa secara input hanya sekedar menerima limpahan dari madrasah negeri hal ini otomatis sumber daya manusia di lihat dari kualitas siswa rendah, demikian juga dalam sarana prasarana masih jauh dari ideal. Di dalam masyarakat animo masyarakat masih sangat kurang karena cara pandang masyarakat MTs Nurul kamal madrasah swasta. Dilihat dari Tenaga pendidik dilihat dari Etos Kerja yang masih lemah hal utama karena keterkaitan honor yang rendah, dari tenaga kependidikan tenaga karyawan yang masih terbatas skilnya , sehingga hal ini juga mempengaruhi proses operasional madrasah, di lihat dari Stakeholder Kantor Kemenag dan kemendiknas kabupaten kota dalam pembinaan mesih mengedepankan Madrasah yang berstatus Negeri, khusunya masalah bantuan.
Urinary Tract Infection Management in Elderly People : Approach Beyond the Pills and Needles
Authors: Chowdhury Abhijit , Ferdoush Jannatul , Rahman Mokhlesur , Das Binayok , Sarker Prasenjit
Published: December 2017

This review article focuses on critical analyses of the approach towards the management of older adults suffering from urinary tract infections. The article sheds light on the better scopes of management for these patients beyond the conventional treatment strategies to deal with the disease complexities with a goal to achieve patient satisfaction as well as fulfilling their psychosocial needs. Medline (1946) Scopus, Embase,CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched for articles published from 1980 to 2015 using the keywords Urinary Tract Infection, Older Adults, Elderly, Aged and Aged Care Facilities. The reference lists of the selected publications were also reviewed. Articles published only in English have been chosen.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.16 (1); Jan 2017; Page 3-6
Detection and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Gardnerella vaginalis Isolated from Bacterial Vaginosis Patients Attending Chittagong Medical College Hospital
Authors: Ara Nura Nasrin Rowshan , Husain Md Anwar , Akter Nasima , Ahmed Shakeel , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Nigar Mafruha , Akhter Shamima
Published: December 2017

Background: Now a day’s bacterial vaginosis is an extremely common health problem for women in the world which causes many complications both in the pregnancy and non-pregnancy states. G. vaginalis is most important cause of bacterial vaginosis.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted to detect G. vaginalis in bacterial vaginosis and their sensitivity patterns on patients attending at the outpatient Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong. A total of 170 sexually active female in the age group of 15-45 years, with abnormal vaginal discharge were selected for the study. A detailed history and a thorough clinical examination of all the cases were done.Results:In this study 38(22.35%) Gardnerella vaginalis were isolated by culture and bacterial vaginosis was detected by different methods 47(27.65%). Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health threats. So antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of the organisms should be done at regular intervals.Conclusion: In this study Gardnerella vaginalis showed high (52.63%) resistant to most commonly used metronidazole and 100% sensitive to clindamycin.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.16 (1); Jan 2017; Page 48-53
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Due to Hyperemesis Graviderum : A Rare Presentation
Authors: Begum Tahera , Hasan Shafiul , Nazimuddin M
Published: December 2017

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a common and preventable acute neurological symptom due to deficiency of thiamine. Alcoholism also causes Thiamine deficiency. It can occur in non-alcoholic conditions such as prolonged starvation, hyperemesis graviderum, bariatric surgery, HIV, AIDS. The characteristics clinical triad of disease is ophthalmoplagia,ataxia & global confusion. Here a patient was studied who was diagnosed on M.R.I as Wernicke’s encephalopathy.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.16 (1); Jan 2017; Page 54-56
Wave interaction with Floating platform of different shapes and supports using BEM approach
Authors: Shirkol Anoop I. , Thuvanismail Nasar
Published: December 2017

Wave interaction with a floating thin elastic plate which can be used as floating platform is analyzed using Boundary Element Method (BEM) for different shapes such as rectangular, circular and triangular. Different support conditions are considered and the performance of the floating platform under the action of ocean waves is explored. The study is performed under the assumption of linearized water wave theory and the floating elastic plate is modelled based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Using Galerkins approach, a numerical model has been developed and the hydrodynamic loading on the floating elastic plate of shallow draft (thickness) is investigated. The wave forces are generated by the numerical model for the analysis of the floating plate. The resulting bending moment and optimal deflection due to encountering wave force is analysed. The present study will be helpful in design and analysis of the large floating platform in ocean waves.
The sights and insights of examiners in objective structured clinical examinations
Authors: Chong Lauren , Taylor Silas , Haywood Matthew , Adelstein Barbara-Ann , Shulruf Boaz
Published: December 2017

Purpose: The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is considered to be one of the most robust methods of clinical assessment. One of its strengths lies in its ability to minimise the effects of examiner bias due to the standardisation of items and tasks for each candidate. However, OSCE examiners’ assessment scores are influenced by several factors that may jeopardise the assumed objectivity of OSCEs. To better understand this phenomenon, the current review aims to determine and describe important sources of examiner bias and the factors affecting examiners’ assessments. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the medical literature using Medline. All articles meeting the selection criteria were reviewed, with salient points extracted and synthesised into a clear and comprehensive summary of the knowledge in this area. Results: OSCE examiners’ assessment scores are influenced by factors belonging to 4 different domains: examination context, examinee characteristics, examinee-examiner interactions, and examiner characteristics. These domains are composed of several factors including halo, hawk/dove and OSCE contrast effects; the examiner’s gender and ethnicity; training; lifetime experience in assessing; leadership and familiarity with students; station type; and site effects. Conclusion: Several factors may influence the presumed objectivity of examiners’ assessments, and these factors need to be addressed to ensure the objectivity of OSCEs. We offer insights into directions for future research to better understand and address the phenomenon of examiner bias.
Effect of Water Deficit-Induced at Vegetative and Reproductive Stages on Protein and Oil Content in Soybean Grains
Authors: Mertz-Henning Liliane , Ferreira Leonardo , Henning Fernando , Mandarino José , Santos Elizeu , Oliveira Maria , Nepomuceno Alexandre , Farias José , Neumaier Norman
Published: December 2017

Soybean is one of the most common grain crops worldwide, representing an important protein and oil source. Although genetic variability in the chemical composition of grains is seen in soybean, the mean levels of proteins have remained stagnant or, in some cases, have decreased over time, arousing concern in the agricultural industry. Furthermore, environmental conditions influence the chemical composition of grains. Thus, the present study evaluated the effect of water deficit (WD) induced at the vegetative period (vegetative stress (VS)) and reproductive period (reproductive stress (RS)) on the protein and oil contents of grains in different soybean genotypes. Yield and its components were evaluated to evaluate the interrelation of these traits. The experiment was completed over three crop seasons under field conditions in Londrina, Paraná (PR), Brazil. WD was induced using rainout shelters and then stress treatments with irrigated and non-irrigated conditions were compared. WD negatively affected yield and its components. All evaluated genotypes showed similar responses for oil and protein contents under different water conditions. Higher protein content and lower oil content were observed in grains under RS. Such a relationship was not equally established under VS. Additionally, negative relationships between protein and oil content and between protein content and yield were confirmed.
Room Response Equalization—A Review
Authors: Cecchi Stefania , Carini Alberto , Spors Sascha
Published: December 2017

Room response equalization aims at improving the sound reproduction in rooms by applying advanced digital signal processing techniques to design an equalizer on the basis of one or more measurements of the room response. This topic has been intensively studied in the last 40 years, resulting in a number of effective techniques facing different aspects of the problem. This review paper aims at giving an overview of the existing methods following their historical evolution, and discussing pros and cons of each approach with relation to the room characteristics, as well as instrumental and perceptual measures. The review is concluded by a discussion on emerging topics and new trends.
TFR: A Novel Approach for Clock Synchronization Fault Recovery in Precision Time Protocol (PTP) Networks
Authors: Alshaikhli Alfarooq Omar , Rhee Jong Myung
Published: December 2017

Accurate and precise clock synchronization is one of the fundamental requirements for various applications, such as telecommunication systems, measurement and control systems, and smart grid systems. Precision time protocol (PTP) was designed and specified in IEEE 1588 to meet that requirement. PTP provides a mechanism for synchronizing the clocks in a PTP system to a high degree of accuracy and precision based on exchange synchronization messages through a master–slave hierarchy. The best master clock (BMC) algorithm is currently used to establish the master–slave hierarchy for PTP. However, the BMC algorithm does not provide a fast recovery mechanism in case of master failures. The accuracy and precision of the PTP clocks could be deteriorated by the occurrence of failure in the network (link or node failure). These fault occurrences will affect network performance and reliability, and cause clock time drifting of the PTP nodes. In this paper, we present a novel approach, called timing fault recovery (TFR), to significantly reduce clock time drifting in PTP systems. TFR detects the fault occurrence in the network and recovers it by using a handshake mechanism with a short duration. Therefore, the TFR approach provides clock stability and constancy and increases the reliability and the availability of PTP systems. The performance of TFR has been analyzed and compared to that of the standard PTP. Various simulations were conducted to validate the performance analysis. The results show that, for our sample network, the TFR approach reduces clock drifting by 90% in comparison to the standard PTP, thus providing better clock firmness and synchronization accuracy for PTP clocks.
Broken Rotor Bar Fault Detection and Classification Using Wavelet Packet Signature Analysis Based on Fourier Transform and Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network
Authors: Zolfaghari Sahar , Noor Samsul , Rezazadeh Mehrjou Mohammad , Marhaban Mohammad , Mariun Norman
Published: December 2017

As a result of increasing machines capabilities in modern manufacturing, machines run continuously for hours. Therefore, early fault detection is required to reduce the maintenance expenses and obviate high cost and unscheduled downtimes. Fault diagnosis systems that provide features extraction and patterns classification of the fault are able to detect and classify the failures in machines. The majority of the related works that reported a procedure for detection of rotor bar breakage so far have applied motor current signal analysis using discrete wavelet transform. In this paper, the most appropriate features are extracted from the coefficients of a wavelet packet transform after fast Fourier transform of current signal. The aim of this study is to develop an effective and sensitive method for fault detection under low load conditions. Through combining the strength of both time-scale and frequency domain analysis techniques, a unified wavelet packet signature analysis pinpoints the fault signature in the special fault-oriented frequency bands. The wavelet analysis combined with a feed-forward neural network classifier provides an intelligent methodology for the automatic diagnosis of the fault severity during runtime of the motor. The faults severity is considered as one, two, and three broken rotor bars. The results have confirmed that the proposed method is effective for diagnosing rotor bar breakage fault in an induction motor and classification of fault severity.
Enhancement of Chlorophyll a Production from Marine Spirulina maxima by an Optimized Ultrasonic Extraction Process
Authors: Choi Woon , Lee Hyeon
Published: December 2017

Under the optimal ultrasonification extraction conditions of 20.52 kHz for the frequency, 32.59 °C for the temperature, and 4.91 h for the process time, 17.98 mg/g of chlorophyll a was obtained. It was much higher than 13.81 mg/g from conventional 70% ethanol extraction and even higher than other data from Spirulina. This yield was close to the predicted value of 18.21 mg/g from the second-order polynomial model with a regression coefficient of 0.969. This model showed the greatest significance with the ultrasonic frequency and process time and the least significance with the temperature. The extracts also showed high α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities as 69.38%, compared to 58.25% for the extracts from the 70% ethanol extraction. It was first shown that the optimal extraction was effective at enhancing the neuroprotective activities possibly due to the synergistic effects of higher amounts of chlorophyll a and other bioactive substances in the extract, revealing a 90% protection of the growth of mouse neuronal cells and a great reduction in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production.
Efficient Disruption of Escherichia coli for Plasmid DNA Recovery in a Bead Mill
Authors: Padilla-Zamudio Adriana , Lucero-Acuña J. , Guerrero-Germán Patricia , Ortega-López Jaime , Tejeda-Mansir Armando
Published: December 2017

The release kinetics of pDNA in a bead mill was studied. Samples taken during the process were analyzed to determine total pDNA (pDNA(t)) and supercoiled pDNA (pDNA(sc)) concentration. In order to identify important variables of the process and to develop an empirical model for optimal pDNA(t) and pDNA(sc) release, a two level 23 factorial design was used with variables: mill frequency, cell concentration, and bead size. The results were analyzed by response surface methodology. The optimized conditions for pDNA(t) yield 13.26 mg/g dcw (93.41% recovery), with a mill frequency of 30 Hz, a bead size of 0.10–0.25 mm, and a cell concentration of 20 g wcw/L. However, the optimized conditions for pDNA(sc) yield 7.65 mg/g dcw (92.05% recovery), with a mill frequency of 15 Hz, a bead size of 0.10–0.25 mm, and a cell concentration of 10 g wcw/L. Cell disruption in a bead mill was proved efficient for the release of pDNA(t) and pDNA(sc) compared to the alkaline treatment. The results obtained suggest a compromise between pDNA(sc) purity and recuperation in the process development.
TNF-α and IFN-γ Together Up-Regulates Par-4 Expression and Induce Apoptosis in Human Neuroblastomas
Authors: Shelke Ganesh , Jagtap Jayashree , Kim Dae-Kyum , Shah Reecha , Das Gowry , Shivayogi Mruthyunjaya , Pujari Radha , Shastry Padma
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study was to examine the combined effect of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and Tumor Necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on cytotoxicity and expression of prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) and Par-4 interacting proteins B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/p65 subunit (NF-κB/p65), Ak mouse strain thymoma (Akt) in human neuroblastoma (NB) cells. Materials and methods included human neuroblastoma cell lines-SK-N-MC, SK-N-SH, and SH-SY5Y, which were treated with IFN-γ and TNF-α individually, or in combination, and were assessed for viability by tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was monitored by hypodiploid population (by flow cytometry), DNA fragmentation, Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and caspase-8 activity. Transcript level of Par-4 was measured by RT-PCR. Protein levels of Par-4 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3) were assessed by immunoblotting. Cellular localization of Par-4 and p65 was examined by immunofluorescence. Unbiased transcript analysis for IFN-γ, TNF-α, and Par-4 were analyzed from three independent clinical datasets from neuroblastoma patients. In terms of results, SK-N-MC cells treated with a combination of, but not individually with, IFN-γ and TNF-α induced apoptosis characterized by hypodiploidy, DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage, and increased caspase-8 activity. Apoptosis was associated with up-regulation of Par-4 mRNA and protein expression. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that Par-4 was localized exclusively in cytoplasm in SK-N-MC cells cultured for 24 h. but showed nuclear localization at 48 h. Treatment with IFN-γ and TNF-α together enhanced the intensity of nuclear Par-4. In gene expression, data from human neuroblastoma patients, levels of IFN-γ, and TNF-α have strong synergy with Par-4 expression and provide good survival advantage. The findings also demonstrated that apoptosis was associated with reduced level of pro-survival proteins–Bcl-2 and Akt and NF-κB/p65. Furthermore, the apoptotic effect induced by IFN-γ-induced Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1(STAT-1), and could be due to down-regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3). The study concludes that a combinatorial approach using IFN-γ and TNF-α can be explored to maximize the effect in chemotherapy in neuroblastoma, and implies a role for Par-4 in the process.
Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation (aDBS) for Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Marceglia Sara , Rosa Manuela , Servello Domenico , Porta Mauro , Barbieri Sergio , Moro Elena , Priori Alberto
Published: December 2017

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a novel therapy for the treatment of several movement and neuropsychiatric disorders, and may also be suitable for the treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS). The main DBS targets used to date in patients with TS are located within the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuit involved in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. They include the ventralis oralis/centromedian-parafascicular (Vo/CM-Pf) nucleus of the thalamus and the nucleus accumbens. Current DBS treatments deliver continuous electrical stimulation and are not designed to adapt to the patient’s symptoms, thereby contributing to unwanted side effects. Moreover, continuous DBS can lead to rapid battery depletion, which necessitates frequent battery replacement surgeries. Adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), which is controlled based on neurophysiological biomarkers, is considered one of the most promising approaches to optimize clinical benefits and to limit the side effects of DBS. aDBS consists of a closed-loop system designed to measure and analyse a control variable reflecting the patient’s clinical condition and to modify on-line stimulation settings to improve treatment efficacy. Local field potentials (LFPs), which are sums of pre- and post-synaptic activity arising from large neuronal populations, directly recorded from electrodes implanted for DBS can theoretically represent a reliable correlate of clinical status in patients with TS. The well-established LFP-clinical correlations in patients with Parkinson’s disease reported in the last few years provide the rationale for developing and implementing new aDBS devices whose efficacies are under evaluation in humans. Only a few studies have investigated LFP activity recorded from DBS target structures and the relationship of this activity to clinical symptoms in TS. Here, we review the available literature supporting the feasibility of an LFP-based aDBS approach in patients with TS. In addition, to increase such knowledge, we report explorative findings regarding LFP data recently acquired and analysed in patients with TS after DBS electrode implantation at rest, during voluntary and involuntary movements (tics), and during ongoing DBS. Data available up to now suggest that patients with TS have oscillatory patterns specifically associated with the part of the brain they are recorded from, and thereby with clinical manifestations. The Vo/CM-Pf nucleus of the thalamus is involved in movement execution and the pathophysiology of TS. Moreover, the oscillatory patterns in TS are specifically modulated by DBS treatment, as reflected by improvements in TS symptoms. These findings suggest that LFPs recorded from DBS targets may be used to control new aDBS devices capable of adaptive stimulation responsive to the symptoms of TS.
Preliminary Findings that a Targeted Intervention Leads to Altered Brain Function in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Nash Kelly , Stevens Sara , Clairman Hayyah , Rovet Joanne
Published: December 2017

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) exhibit behavioral dysregulation, executive dysfunction, and atypical function in associated brain regions. Previous research shows early intervention mitigates these outcomes but corresponding brain changes were not studied. Given the Alert® Program for Self-Regulation improves behavioral regulation and executive function in children with FASD, we asked if this therapy also improves their neural functioning in associated regions. Twenty-one children with FASD aged 8–12 years were randomized to the Alert®-treatment (TXT; n = 10) or waitlist-control (WL; n = 11) conditions. They were assessed with a Go-NoGo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm before and after training or the wait-out period. Groups initially performed equivalently and showed no fMRI differences. At post-test, TXT outperformed WL on NoGo trials while fMRI in uncorrected results with a small-volume correction showed less activation in prefrontal, temporal, and cingulate regions. Groups also demonstrated different patterns of change over time reflecting reduced signal at post-test in selective prefrontal and parietal regions in TXT and increased in WL. In light of previous evidence indicating TXT at post-test perform similar to non-exposed children on the Go-NoGo fMRI paradigm, our findings suggest Alert® does improve functional integrity in the neural circuitry for behavioral regulation in children with FASD.