bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dedicated Three-dimensional Breast Computed Tomography: Lesion Characteristic Perception by Radiologists
Authors: Kuzmiak Cherie Marie , Cole Elodia B , Zeng Donglin , Tuttle Laura A , Steed Doreen , Pisano Etta D
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

To assess radiologist confidence in the characterization of suspicious breast lesions with a dedicated three-dimensional breast computed tomography (DBCT) system in comparison to diagnostic two-dimensional digital mammography (dxDM).

Materials and Methods:

Twenty women were recruited who were to undergo a breast biopsy for a Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4 or 5 lesion evaluated with dxDM in this Institutional Review Board-approved study. The enrolled subjects underwent imaging of the breast(s) of concern using DBCT. Seven radiologists reviewed the cases. Each reader compared DBCT to the dxDM and was asked to specify the lesion type and BI-RADS score for each lesion and modality. They also compared lesion characteristics: Shape for masses or morphology for calcifications; and margins for masses or distribution for calcifications between the modalities using confidence scores (0–100).

Results:

Twenty-four biopsied lesions were included in this study: 17 (70.8%) masses and 7 (29.2%) calcifications. Eight (33.3%) lesions were malignant, and 16 (66.7%) were benign. Across all lesions, there was no significant difference in the margin/distribution (Δ = −0.99, P = 0.84) and shape/morphology (Δ = −0.10, P = 0.98) visualization confidence scores of DBCT in relation to dxDM. However, analysis by lesion type showed a statistically significant increase in reader shape (Δ =11.34, P = 0.013) and margin (Δ =9.93, P = 0.023) visualization confidence with DBCT versus dxDM for masses and significant decrease in reader morphology (Δ = −29.95, P = 0.001) and distribution (Δ = −28.62, P = 0.002) visualization confidence for calcifications.

Conclusion:

Reader confidence in the characterization of suspicious masses is significantly improved with DBCT, but reduced for calcifications. Further study is needed to determine whether this technology can be used for breast cancer screening.
Une simulation des interactions ville-atmosphère à différentes échelles : application sur Strasbourg
Authors: Kastendeuch Pierre P. , Najjar Georges
Published: March 2016

Plusieurs modèles météorologiques ont été utilisés pour simuler les interactions ville-atmosphère à différentes échelles. Cette chaîne de simulation implique l’utilisation de réanalyses globales d’une résolution de 16 km comme données de forçage météorologique. Ce forçage est utilisé pour contraindre un modèle de méso-échelle qui permet d’atteindre une résolution de 250 m sur la ville grâce à la technique du grid-nesting. Finalement les champs du modèle à 250 m ont été utilisés comme forçage météorologique pour un modèle de simulation de canopée urbaine en 3D qui fonctionne avec une résolution de quelques mètres. Les outils utilisés pour atteindre cet objectif sont : les réanalyses du CEPMMT, le modèle Méso-NH & SURFEX (de Météo-France et du Laboratoire d’Aérologie) et le modèle de canopée urbaine LASER/F (Icube). Une simulation a été réalisée sur Strasbourg pour tester cette chaîne sur une période qui va du 13 au 17 août 2002. Les validations montrent que les processus de surface et atmosphériques simulés par Méso-NH & SURFEX pour la résolution de 250 m sont en accord avec les mesures de terrain. Pour s’assurer que le modèle de canopée urbaine en 3D s’intègre bien dans la chaîne de simulation, ses résultats sont comparés à ceux de SURFEX pour un quartier. Les analyses montrent que les résultats obtenus par ce modèle sont en accord avec ceux de SURFEX. L’introduction de la géométrie réelle du quartier en 3D permet même un gain appréciable pour certaines variables. Vu la cohérence des résultats obtenus, l’adjonction du modèle de canopée urbaine se justifie dans cette chaîne. Et ceci d’autant plus que ce type de modèle permet l’accès à de nouvelles informations avec un haut niveau de détails.
A Design Methodology for Medical Processes
Authors: Bonacina Stefano , Pozzi Giuseppe , Pinciroli Francesco , Marceglia Sara , Ferrante Simona
Published: March 2016

Healthcare processes, especially those belonging to the clinical domain, are acknowledged as complex and characterized by the dynamic nature of the diagnosis, the variability of the decisions made by experts driven by their experiences, the local constraints, the patient’s needs, the uncertainty of the patient’s response, and the indeterminacy of patient’s compliance to treatment. Also, the multiple actors involved in patient’s care need clear and transparent communication to ensure care coordination.

In this paper, we propose a methodology to model healthcare processes in order to break out complexity and provide transparency.

The model is grounded on a set of requirements that make the healthcare domain unique with respect to other knowledge domains. The modeling methodology is based on three main phases: the study of the environmental context, the conceptual modeling, and the logical modeling.

The proposed methodology was validated by applying it to the case study of the rehabilitation process of stroke patients in the specific setting of a specialized rehabilitation center. The resulting model was used to define the specifications of a software artifact for the digital administration and collection of assessment tests that was also implemented.

Despite being only an example, our case study showed the ability of process modeling to answer the actual needs in healthcare practices. Independently from the medical domain in which the modeling effort is done, the proposed methodology is useful to create high-quality models, and to detect and take into account relevant and tricky situations that can occur during process execution.
Het drievoudige leven van gedachte-experimenten
Authors: Ierodiakonou Katerina
Published: March 2016

The Triple Life of Ancient Thought Experiments

There is no ancient Greek term corresponding to what we nowadays refer to as a thought experiment, and presumably ancient philosophers did not have our modern notion of a thought experiment. But there is no doubt that they did use thought experiments. In fact, they often employed them in ways similar to those of contemporary philosophers, that is, both for defending their own theories as well as for refuting the theories of their opponents. What seems to be particularly intriguing, though, is a third way in which thought experiments were used in antiquity, and particularly in Hellenistic philosophy, namely in order to induce suspension of judgement. For the ancient Sceptics, who wanted to avoid being saddled with dogmatic opinions, made abundant use of thought experiments, not in order to settle philosophical controversies, but in order to formulate arguments of the same strength in support of contradictory beliefs. Indeed, in some cases the hypothetical scenario of one and the same thought experiment was evoked on both sides of a philosophical dispute. Thus, thought experiments were used by ancient philosophers: first, in order to support philosophical theories; second, in order to rebut philosophical theories; and third, in order to induce suspension of judgement. This is what I call the triple life of ancient thought experiments.
De praktische en epistemische waarde van het pyrronisme
Authors: Machuca Diego
Published: March 2016

The Practical and Epistemic Value of Pyrrhonism

This paper assesses both the practical and the epistemic value of Pyrrhonism as this stance is described in Sextus Empiricus’s extant writings. It will first be explored whether the Pyrrhonist’s suspension of judgment and undisturbedness make us behave in a moral or immoral way, and whether they allow us to attain those goals that would make it possible to live well. It will then be examined whether the Pyrrhonist’s suspension of judgment makes it possible to reach the epistemic goals of attaining truth and avoiding error. It will finally be considered whether the results of the previous analyses show that Pyrrhonism is of no philosophical interest to a contemporary audience.
Vrijheid door scepticisme
Authors: Nickel Philip J.
Published: March 2016

Freedom Through Skepticism

In this paper, I consider a form of skepticism that has a permissive conclusion, according to which we are rationally permitted to suspend judgment in an area, or to have beliefs in that area. I argue that such a form of skepticism is resistant to some traditional strategies of refutation. It also carries a benefit, namely that it increases voluntary control over doxastic states by introducing options, and therefore greater freedom, into the realm of belief. I argue that intellectual preferences and dispositions provide decisive reasons that can settle our doxastic states in such cases.
A micro-capacitive pressure sensor design and modelling
Authors: Kubba Ali E. , Hasson Ahmed , Kubba Ammar I. , Hall Gregory
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Measuring air pressure using a capacitive pressure sensor is a robust and precise technique. In addition, a system that employs such transducers lies within the low power consumption applications such as wireless sensor nodes. In this article a high sensitivity with an elliptical diaphragm capacitive pressure sensor is proposed. This design was compared with a circular diaphragm in terms of thermal stresses and pressure and temperature sensitivity. The proposed sensor is targeted for tyre pressure monitoring system application. Altering the overlapping area between the capacitor plates by decreasing the effective capacitance area to improve the overall sensitivity of the sensor (ΔC ∕ C), temperature sensitivity, and built-up stresses is also examined in this article. Theoretical analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) were employed to study pressure and temperature effects on the behaviour of the proposed capacitive pressure sensor. A MEMS (micro electro-mechanical systems) manufacturing processing plan for the proposed capacitive sensor is presented. An extra-low power short-range wireless read-out circuit suited for energy harvesting purposes is presented in this article. The developed read-out circuitry was tested in terms of sensitivity and transmission range.
Magnitude and Forms of Linguistic Violence against Teachers in Dar Es Salaam Schools: A Gender Comparison
Authors: Msuya Erasmus Akiley
Published: March 2016

This study is a descriptive and interpretive account of indirect form of linguistic violence to teachers by their students in 72 males and 35 females) from assorted secondary schools in Dar es Salaam region the majority of whom were, by the time of data gathering, aged between 10 and 19 years. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and non-participatory observation. The findings indicate there the students are engaged in six forms of indirect linguistic violence, namely; sexualizing, pejorizing, stupidizing, feminizing, musculinizing, and animalizing. Further, female teachers are more victims of these forms of violence than their male counterparts at two levels: by being given comparably harsher expressions and by their body parts being referents for insults.
دور المعلومات في التخطيط الاستراتيجي واتخاذ القرار: دراسة تطبيقية على المؤسسات الاقتصادية الحكومية العمانية
Authors: Salim Alissai Huda , Harth Alharasi Nabhan , Zahran Alhaji Khlfan
Published: March 2016

دور المعلومات في التخطيط الاستراتيجي واتخاذ القرار: دراسة تطبيقية على المؤسسات الاقتصادية الحكومية العمانية

تعتبر المعلومات في العصر الحالي إحدى الركائز الأساسية في عمليات التنمية الاقتصادية على مختلف مستويات الاقتصاد وتزداد أهمية تلك المعلومات في ظل التغيرات السريعة والمتلاحقة للأحداث في مختلف المجالات، مما يحتم على متخذي القرار الحصول على تلك المعلومات في الوقت المناسب حتى يتمكنوا من حسم قراراتهم بصورة واضحة.
تهدف الدراسة إلى التعرف على دور المعلومات في التخطيط الاستراتيجي واتخاذ القرار في المؤسسات الاقتصادية الحكومية العمانية ،وذلك بمعرفة آلية اتخاذ القرار المتبعة في تلك المؤسسات وبيان أهمية المعلومات في التخطيط الاستراتيجي واتخاذ القرار .
ستعتمد الدراسة لتحقيق أهدافها على المنهج النوعي، وذلك باستخدام المقابلة الشخصية المفتوحة لتكون أداة لجمع البيانات، وذلك بإختيار 12 مؤسسة اقتصادية حكومية عمانية لتمثل مجتمع الدراسة، ثم مقابلة أصحاب القرار بتلك المؤسسات على مختلف مسمياتهم الوظيفية، ودرجاتهم العلمية.
وستعمل الدراسة على تحليل نتائجها بشكل علمي سليم يحقق الأهداف المرجوة من القيام بها، وذلك للخروج بنتائج وتوصيات تسهم بشكل إيجابي في تطوير قطاع المعلومات بالمؤسسات الاقتصادية بشكل خاص ومختلف المؤسسات بالسلطنة بشكل عام.
Emerging roles and activities of health sciences librarians: a literature review, 2004
Authors: P Nair Bindhu , Anand Evelyn
Published: March 2016

Emerging roles and activities of health sciences librarians: a literature review, 2004

Change across the educational landscape has been greatly influenced by demographic shifts, economic instability and technological advances. As globalization gains momentum fueled by social media tools enabling ease of access to information source the immediate effect has impacted work environments around the world. As librarians are considered as guardians of information new trends like open source concepts, digital revolution and new knowledge sharing initiatives have impacted job roles greatly. The purpose of this review is to focus on the health science librarian to identify how jobs have been re-engineered to enhance the role of health science librarians. Studies show that Medical and Health Science programmes are taking initiatives to introduce health information literacy skills into the curriculum (Cooper & Crum, 2013) whereby the role of librarians has moved beyond routine orientation sessions to curriculum integrated literacy sessions throughout the academic year.

Objective:
In this paper we will establish emerging roles of the health science librarian. Understand how new re-cast job roles have changed visible work activities, tasks and responsibilities. Determine how librarians are developing the capacity to take on the blended roles in order to move from information disseminators to information creators.

Method/Approach:
A systematic review of literature was conducted using LISTA, SCOPUS, Emerald, Academic Search Complete and Medline. A definite time period from 2004 to 2014 was defined to determine how Health Science librarianship has transformed over the years.

Conclusion:
The roles of health sciences librarians continue to emerge as our practices change to support the needs of the clientele.
اختصاصيو المكتبات الأكاديمية كعمال معرفة : دراسة حالة مكتبة الجامعة الأردنية
Authors: Rafiq Hamarsheh Amani , Ahmad Mubaidin Mohannad , Rafiq Alawneh Afnan
Published: March 2016

اختصاصيو المكتبات الأكاديمية كعمال معرفة : دراسة حالة مكتبة الجامعة الأردنية

تهدف هذه الدراسة الى استكشاف العوامل التي تؤثر في موظفي المكتبات الجامعية وتؤدي إلى نجاح الموظف كعامل معرفة ، واندماجه في الأدوار الحديثة التي تتبناها المكتبات ، بالإضافة إلى دورها الرئيس كمزود للكتب والمراجع في الوقت الذي تعتبر فيه المكتبة الأكاديمية أحد أبرز أنواع المكتبات التي تتبنى التقنيات المعرفية الحديثة وتخدم الشريحة الواسعة في مجتمع المعرفة، وبسبب الدور المهم لأخصائيي المكتبات الأكاديمية في هذا المجال، تحاول هذه الدراسة تسليط الضوء على واقع اعتبار هذه الفئة من العاملين كعمال معرفة، والتحديات التي تواجههم، والاحتياجات التدريبية التي تعزز مكانتهم كعمال معرفة ، وقد اتخذت الدراسة من مكتبة الجامعة الأردنية حالة دراسية بوصفها مركزاً للعديد من الباحثين، وللنشاطات الثقافية المتعددة ، وممثلة للجامعات الأردنية التي تعتبر أم الجامعات في الأردن، بالإضافة إلى كونها مركزاً لإيداع الرسائل الجامعية من مختلف أقطار الوطن العربي ، وهي من أكبر المكتبات العربية في المنطقة من ناحية عدد المقتنيات. وتعتمد الدراسة المنهج التحليلي الإحصائي. وقد تم اعتماد الاستبيان كأداة لجمع المعلومات، ويتكون استبيان الدراسة من ثلاثة محاور رئيسية هي : (البيانات الديموغرافية، ومقومات إدارة المعرفة وتمثلت في هذه الدراسة ب: إدارة المعرفة الضمنية والظاهرة، ومدى توفر متطلبات إدارة المعرفة، و مهارات العاملين في مكتبة الجامعة الأردنية و تضمنت هذه المحاور العديد من النقاط المهمة مثل : الاستراتيجيات والمتطلبات التنظيمية، والبنية التكنولوجية، والموارد البشرية المتوافرة (ومهاراتهم)، ومشاركة المعرفة الضمنية وتبادل الخبرات، وتم اعتماد المتغير التابع المتمثل بالعاملين في المكتبة كعمال للمعرفة)، وأظهرت النتائج أن جميع المتغيرات المستقلة كان لها دور في اعتبار العاملين في مكتبة الجامعة الأردنية عمالاً للمعرفة، وقد أشارت الدراسة أيضاً إلى استفتاء بسيط قامت به الباحثتان ، حيث تم تسليط الضوء على الأدوار التي يقوم بها العاملون في مكتبة الجامعة الأردنية بالإضافة إلى كونهم مزودي معرفة ، وهو الدور المعتاد لأي شخص يقوم بالعمل في المكتبات الأكاديمية ، وذلك ليتم بيان الدور الذي تقوم به مكتبة الجامعة الأردنية حالياً كمجتمع معرفة ، ولدعم نتائج الفرضيات التي تمت دراستها والتي تعتبر العاملين فيها عمالاً للمعرفة، بل ويمكن أن يطلق على بعضهم أخصائيو معرفة.
مواقع جمعيات المكتبات والمعلومات العربية على الانترنت: دراسة تقويمية
Authors: عبدالله العلوي عفاف
Published: March 2016

مواقع جمعيات المكتبات والمعلومات العربية على الانترنت: دراسة تقويمية

لقد هدفت الدراسة الى تقييم مواقع الجمعيات المهنية العربية المتخصصة في مجال المكتبات والمعلومات من خلال عرض سريع لجمعيات المكتبات والمعلومات في الوطن العربي حسب الدولة التي تنتمي إليها، وحصر مواقع الجمعيات على الإنترنت ومن ثم العمل على تقييمها وتحليلها.
وقد تم استخدام المنهج الوصفي التحليلي في الدراسة، حيث شمل مجتمع الدراسة جميع مواقع جمعيات المكتبات والمعلومات العربية على الإنترنت والتي بلغ عددها (7) مواقع، وتم جمع البيانات من خلال قائمة مراجعة مقترحة والتي تضمنت (11) معياراً رئيسياً يشمل (45) معياراً فرعياً، كالآتي: المسؤولية الفكرية والاتصال، عن الجمعية، المحتوى، الاستخدام، التوثيق، الحداثة، المظهر العام، الروابط، الخدمات التفاعلية، اللغة، واصفات الميتاداتا.
وأوضحت النتائج أن متوسط المعايير المتوفرة بمواقع الجمعيات (3.9) درجة، بنسبة (65.4%) من إجمالي درجات المعايير، وكان معيار التوثيق أكثر المعايير التي حرصت جميع مواقع الدراسة عليه بنسبة (100%) ، ويليه معيار الروابط حيث بلغ متوسط درجاته (1,7) بنسبة (85,7%) ، ثم معيار المظهر العام بنسبة (71,4%) ، وكانت الحداثة أقل المعايير من حيث حرص مواقع الجمعيات على إدراجها بالموقع، حيث بلغ متوسط درجات مواقع الجمعيات به (0.8) درجة بنسبة (25%) من إجمالي الدرجات المعطاة لهذا المعيار، ويرجع ذلك الى ان كل مواقع الجمعيات لم تذكر معدل التحديث و احصائيات الزوار.
وأوصى الباحث بضرورة الاطلاع على تجارب جمعيات المكتبات والمعلومات في الدول الأخرى في قارات العالم المختلفة والاستفادة من النماذج الناجحة لمواقع تلك الجمعيات على الإنترنت، كما ينبغي أن تحرص الجمعيات على توفير محتويات موقعها على الإنترنت بأكثر من لغة حتى يتسنى لغير العرب الاطلاع والاستفادة منها، بالإضافة الى أهمية توفير الخدمات التفاعلية مثل خدمة مجموعات النقاش لتشجيع الحوار وتبادل الآراء و الخبرات، كما ينبغي أن تحرص على توفير واصفات ميتاداتا وفقاً للمعايير الدولية.
واقترحت الدراسة قائمة من المعايير الصالح تطبيقها في مواقع الجمعيات المهنية في مجال المكتبات والمعلومات على الإنترنت في دول الوطن العربي بشكل خاص والمواقع الاخرى بشكل عام.
التفكير الإبداعي لدى مديري المكتبات الجامعية وعلاقته بحل المشكلات الادارية دراسة ميدانية علي العاملين في مكتبات كليات جامعة المنيا
Authors: Fathy Elglab Mohammed
Published: March 2016

التفكير الإبداعي لدى مديري المكتبات الجامعية وعلاقته بحل المشكلات الادارية دراسة ميدانية علي العاملين في مكتبات كليات جامعة المنيا

التفكير أرقي سمة يتسم بها الإنسان الذي كرمه سبحانه وتعالي وميزه على غيره من سائر الكائنات الحية ولقد حث الله سبحانه وتعالى البشر على التفكير في الكثير من الآيات القرآنية وكرم العقل والعلم والعلماء وبالتالي تسعى هذه الدراسة الى تحقيق مجموعة من الأهداف التعرف على مستويات مهارات التفكير الإبداعي لدي مديري مكتبات جامعة المنيا وشقراء من وجهة نظر العاملين فى المكتبات محل الدراسة فيها ، التعرف على مؤشرات الحل الإبداعي للمشكلات الإدارية التى تواجه المكتبات الجامعية ويمكن حلها عن طريق القيادات داخل هذه المكتبات ، التعرف على دور التفكير الإبداعي فى حل المشكلات وخاصة المواقف الغامضة الغير معروفة والغير محددة . ومشكلة الدراسة تتبلور فى ان الانسان بدا يشعر بأنه يعيش حياة مضطربة وذلك بسبب المشكلات المتراكمة التى يواجهها فبات عليه ان يقف فى وجه هذا التحدي والبحث عن العقول المبتكرة من القيادات التى تأتي بحلول وابتكارات مثالية والتى تساعد على تطوير المجتمعات وبالتالي فأن الإبداع يقود الى التغيير الاجتماعي والثقافي والاقتصادي ولما كانت المكتبات الجامعية تواجه فى العصر الحالي العديد من التحديات الاستراتجية التى تتضمن فى محتواها الكثير من المشكلات والقوي المعوقة والتهديدات .واتبع الباحث المنهج المسحي الميداني لجميهع العاملين فى المكتبات الجامعية فى جامعة المنيا وكانت الاستبانة هى اداة الدراسة الرئيسية وتم قياس صدق وثبات الاستبانة وتوصلت الدراسة الى مجموعة من النتائج والتوصات تهم المكتبات الجامعية ودورها فى حل المشكلات التى تواجهها .
International Students’ Perspectives on the Importance of Obtaining Social Support from Host National Students
Authors: Chuah Julie S. C. , Singh Manjet Kaur M.
Published: March 2016

Students pursuing studies in a foreign land experience a disruption or loss of familiar support networks that function as powerful coping mechanisms in times of stress. Loss of social support has been associated with negative consequences such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. Researchers have categorized social support as emotional, practical, informational and in the form of social companionship. This study reports the findings of a study involving undergraduate international students pursuing their first degrees in four research universities in Malaysia. Using the quantitative methodology, a total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to international undergraduates with a return of 318 questionnaires. Results showed that many international students desired frequent social support from host national students in all four categories. Suggestions are made to institutions of higher learning to create a more supportive and conducive environment for intercultural contact in line with the efforts of internationalization.
Teaching Natural Resource Management-Teaching Techniques and Difficulties in Greek Vocational Lyceum: A Case Study
Authors: Koutsoukos Marios , Mouratidis Antonios
Published: March 2016

The aim of the present study is to investigate the teaching techniques applied, as well as the difficulties, with which educators in teaching Natural Resource Management are confronted. For research purposes, a case study was conducted on teaching Natural Resource Management in the Third Grade of Vocational Lyceum (EPAL) in Northern Greece. It was established that the teachers of the aforementioned subject make use of a range of experiential and active teaching techniques. On the other hand, the major difficulty faced by teachers is the lack of updated textbooks and training on the subject.
Codification and Validation of Professional Development Questionnaire of Teachers
Authors: Ayyoobi Fatemah , Pourshafei Hadi , Asgari Ali
Published: March 2016

Teacher in the educational system and the teaching-learning process, as a main leading should need to knowledge and professional skills. Therefore, evaluation of professional development is important. This study aims to design and modify Construction and Validation of professional development questionnaire of teachers. This research based on methodology and data collection procedure was descriptive-surveyed. The population consists of 400 teachers from high in Birjand in the academic year 2013-2014. A sample of 246 was estimated by Krejcie and Morgan. The instrument used in this study is a researcher's questionnaire of teachers’ professional development. In order to assess the reliability and validity was used the content and construct validity by using of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha. Results show that the questionnaire has good reliability and validity. According to the results of a factor analysis of the eight factors (components) were identified for professional development of teachers that explains a total of 54/69% of total variance. It can be concluded that the questionnaire would be a suitable tool for the professional development of teachers.
Expanding Knowledge Gaps: The Function of Fictions in Teaching Materials after the 2011 Swedish High School Reform
Authors: Graeske Caroline
Published: March 2016

The aim in the study is to analyze how work with fiction is organized in six textbooks for senior high school in Sweden after the school reform 2011. Research into Swedish teaching materials has been neglected in recent years and there is a knowledge gap about how the work with fictions is affected by the reform in 2011. In the study quantitative and qualitative methods are used and Bernstein’s theories relating to horizontal and vertical discourse are applied to the empirical material. The analysis shows that work with fiction in textbooks is marginalized, particularly work with fictions created by women. The study also shows that students attending vocational programs have access to a different knowledge than students attending university preparatory programs. This is remarkable, since the learning objectives in Svenska 1, curriculum for vocational and university preparatory programs, are the same. This means that central values of equal education are eliminated after the reform, and the knowledge gap between different groups of students likely is to increase.
Mind Maps to Modify Lack of Attention among Saudi Kindergarten Children
Authors: Daghistan Bulquees Ismail Abdul Majid
Published: March 2016

This research study aims at investigating the impact of Mind Maps on modifying the lack of attention in Arabic language class among Saudi Kindergarten children. To achieve the goals of this study the researcher used an experimental design with a random sample from AlRae’d Kindergarten’s children in Riyadh -Saudi Arabia for the academic year (2014-2015). The study sample consisted of (40) children divided into two groups: (23) in the experimental and (17) in the control group. The researcher used Al-Obeidi’s (1999) Lack of Attention Scale LAS. Validity of the tool was approved through a half division to measure lack of attention (0.93) which is considered good. The scale was used before and after the implementation of the experiment on both groups. Results showed a positive change in attention concentration in favor of the experimental group. Thus, the researcher recommended the use of Mind Maps in teaching kindergarten children to avoid attention deficiency.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 9, No. 4
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: March 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 9, No. 4, 2016.
Historical Significance from Turkish Students’ Perspective
Authors: Avarogullari Muhammet , Kolcu Nurten
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to determine how students in a south-western province of Turkey employ historical significance which is one of the second order concepts of historical thinking. 44 11th and 12th grade students participated in the study. They were asked to identify the most significant 10 persons in the history and provide their reasons for selecting each person. A total of 127 people are determined by students as significant. Each person identified by the students given a score according to a formula developed by the researchers. Thus 10 people with the highest score determined by the most significant person history. Analysis of these 10 people along with remaining of the list revealed that students are unable to employ professional standards to differ significant people from those who are not. Rather they are quite personal and subjective with regard to selections they made. Additionally it has been revealed that they choose people only from Turkish history, their selections characterized by people from relatively recent past, and paucity of female figures in list raised concerns regarding content, curriculum and instruction of history and social studies courses in Turkey.
Social Phobia as a Predictor of Social Competence Perceived by Teenagers
Authors: Ates Bünyamin
Published: March 2016

In this research, it was analyzed to what extent the variables of social avoidance, concern for being criticized and sense of individual worthlessness as sub-dimensions of social phobia predicted the perceived social competence levels of teenagers. The study group of this study included totally 648 students including 301 (46.5%) female and 347 (53.5%) male studying at high-school grade in Erzincan Provincial center. Age interval of the research group varied between 14 and 18. In the research, Perceived Social Competence Scale, Social Anxiety Scale and Personal Information Form were used as data collection tools. The data obtained in the research were analyzed through the stepwise regression analysis method as one of the multiple linear regression analysis. According to the research findings, the variables of social avoidance, concern for being criticized and sense of individual worthlessness significantly predicted perceived social competence.
Characteristics of 15-Year-Old Students Predicting Scientific Literacy Skills in Turkey
Authors: Demir Ergül
Published: March 2016

Since 2003, Turkey regularly participates in PISA. According to the PISA 2012 results, 15-year-old students in Turkey performed below both OECD countries and participating countries. Defining the relations between students’ characteristics and their scientific literacy skills is thought to provide deeper understanding for the nature of this situation in Turkey. The main aim of this study was to construct a significant multivariate model with secondary level structural equating modelling which includes relations between students’ characteristics and their scientific literacy performance by using PISA 2012 Turkey data. Also, according to this model, it was aimed to define and interpret the predictive level of these characteristics to the scientific literacy skills of students. This study was designed as a basic research and secondary level analyses were conducted on PISA 2012 Turkey student questionnaire data. PISA 2012 Turkey sample was composed of 4.848 students. A secondary-level structural model was constructed by using PISA data. Limitations of the model, best predictor of scientific literacy skills were ‘socio-economic status’. Students’ ‘opinions for teacher’ shows negative correlation with scientific literacy skills. Students’ ‘attitudes for school’ have low but positive correlation with scientific literacy skills. Among indicators, best predictor of scientific literacy skills is ‘home possessions’. It is followed by ‘index of economic, social and cultural status’ and ‘wealth’. Lowest predictors among indicators are ‘attitude towards school: learning outcomes’, ‘attitude towards school: learning activities’ and ‘sense of belonging to school’ respectively. All these variables are positively correlated with scientific literacy skills.
The Phenomena of Interlanguage Interference at the Morphemic Level
Authors: Veliyeva Malahat Akbar
Published: March 2016

The phenomena of language interference at the morphemic level as a type of grammatical interference were not accepted by the linguists who considered morphological interference impossible. However, there are linguists who claim that in language contacts morphological systems of languages affect each other and they consider it quite acceptable.

Divergences in morphological systems of contacting languages cause morphological interference in bilinguals’ speech. Morphological peculiarities of contacting languages explain the reason of such deviations. Morphemes are two-sided units which are identified by the unity of phonetic or exponential (expository) and semantic features. Due to major differences in morphological structures of English and Azerbaijani languages, Azerbaijani students confuse English morphemes with the morphemes in their native language that is reflected in the phenomena of morphemic interference in their speech. So, in the study of morphemic interference it is significant to consider the types of contacting languages that is the basis of typological research in condition of bilingualism and language contacts.
Rethinking Critical Metaphor Analysis
Authors: Li Wei
Published: March 2016

Critical Metaphor Analysis is concerned with integrating critical discourse analysis, corpus linguistics, pragmatics and cognitive linguistics to explore implicit speaker intentions and covert power relations through the analysis of metaphoric expressions. CMA has been a meaningful enrichment of both Critical Discourse Analysis and Conceptual Metaphor Theory. This paper aims to give an overview of the formation of CMA, the research findings, the existing problems and the possible solutions.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Mathematics Research, Vol. 8, No. 2
Authors: Wang Sophia
Published: March 2016

Journal of Mathematics Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.

Many authors, regardless of whether Journal of Mathematics Research publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers.

Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2

 

Abdelaziz Mennouni

Antonio Boccuto

Arman Aghili

Eric José Avila

Fei Han

Gabriela CIUPERCA

Jalal Hatem

Khalil Ezzinbi

Marek Brabec

Michael Wohlgenannt

Peng Zhang

Pengcheng Xiao

Roberto S. Costas-Santos

Rosalio G. Artes

Sanjib Kumar Datta

Selcuk Koyuncu

Sergiy Koshkin

Vishnu Narayan Mishra

Youssef El-Khatib

Zhongming Wang

Zoubir DAHMANI
Spergulo-Chrysanthemetum segeti (Br.-Bl. et de Leeuw 1936) R. Tx. 1937 in the Drawsko Lakeland (Western Pomerania)
Authors: Sobisz Zbigniew , Osadowski Zbigniew , Anioł-Kwiatkowska Jadwiga , Kącki Zygmunt
Published: March 2016

The species richness and structure of Spergulo-Chrysanthemetum segeti have been assessed on the basis of 25 phytosociological relevés made by the Braun-Blanquet method in the Drawsko Lakeland (Poland). Two variants have been distinguished, Spergulo-Chrysanthemetum segeti chamomilletosum typicum and Spergulo-Chrysanthemetum segeti chamomilletosum with Plantago intermedia. The paper presents the distribution and analytical characteristics of this subatlantic association against the background of habitat conditions.
Sur la possibilité d’un doute hyperbolique en phénoménologie
Authors: St-Laurent Guillaume
Published: March 2016

Dans ses récentes méditations philosophiques, Claude Romano soutient non seulement que la phénoménologie ne devrait plus être cartésienne (ou « transcendantale »), mais qu’elle ne peut plus l’être, car un doute universel serait lui-même foncièrement absurde du point de vue phénoménologique. L’objectif du présent essai est de contester qu’une telle réfutation phénoménologique du cartésianisme soit possible. En ce sens, nous soutiendrons que les arguments anti-sceptiques de Romano s’avèrent insuffisants parce que le doute hyperbolique est une possibilité de pensée qui, bien que spéculative, demeure à la fois intelligible et plus radicale que toute description d’essence ou « réduction eidétique ».
L’unité du dernier chapitre du Peri Hermeneias : traduction et commentaire d’Aristote, De l’interprétation, 14
Authors: Vachon Maxime
Published: March 2016

L’objectif de cet article est de montrer l’unité du chapitre 14 du Peri Hermeneias, chapitre dans lequel Aristote retourne au fondement de l’échange dialectique, à savoir la doxa. Je montre ainsi que ce chapitre expose progressivement les trois conditions sémantiques que des points de vue doivent respecter pour être contraires : le sujet doit être le même, l’objet (le prédicat) doit aussi être le même, mais le mode de prédication doit être contradictoire.
Surface passivation on 4H-SiC epitaxial layers by SiO2 with POCl3 annealing
Authors: Okuda Takafumi , Kobayashi Takuma , Kimoto Tsunenobu , Suda Jun
Published: March 2016

We investigated surface passivation on 4H-SiC epitaxial layers with deposited or thermally grown SiO2 followed by POCl3 annealing. The measured carrier lifetime in a p-type epilayer with deposited SiO2 was limited to 0.5 µs and it was improved to 3.0 µs after POCl3 annealing. In an n-type epilayer, a measured carrier lifetime of 5.8 µs was improved to 12 µs after POCl3 annealing. We found a clear relationship between the measured carrier lifetime and the interface state density at SiO2/n-SiC after POCl3 annealing, suggesting that the reduction in interface state density lowered the surface recombination velocity on the 4H-SiC.
Development of simultaneous measurement system of birefringence, optical rotational power, and transmission spectra for chiral liquid crystal phases
Authors: Feng Zhengyu , Ishikawa Ken
Published: March 2016

A novel experimental setup used to measure the important optical properties of liquid crystal materials is proposed. The setup allows us to measure electric-field-induced birefringence, optical rotational power, and transmission spectra consecutively. This system can be widely applied to characterize liquid crystal materials including blue phases, ferroelectric liquid crystals, and other chiral phases. We adopted this system to study the phase transition behavior of a V-shape switching ferroelectric liquid crystal mixture and made an important correction of experimental results previously reported by Sandhya et al. [
Europhys. Lett. 90, 56005 (2010)]. This finding proves the advantage of this system compared with the measurement method using individual systems.
Effects of Mg/Ga and V/III source ratios on hole concentration of N-polar

p-type GaN grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Nonoda Ryohei , Shojiki Kanako , Tanikawa Tomoyuki , Kuboya Shigeyuki , Katayama Ryuji , Matsuoka Takashi
Published: March 2016

The effects of growth conditions such as Mg/Ga and V/III ratios on the properties of N-polar

p-type GaN grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy were studied. Photoluminescence spectra from Mg-doped GaN depended on Mg/Ga and V/III ratios. For the lightly doped samples, the band-to-acceptor emission was observed at 3.3 eV and its relative intensity decreased with increasing V/III ratio. For the heavily doped samples, the donor–acceptor pair emission was observed at 2.8 eV and its peak intensity monotonically decreased with V/III ratio. The hole concentration was maximum for the Mg/Ga ratio. This is the same tendency as in group-III polar (0001) growth. The V/III ratio also reduced the hole concentration. The higher V/III ratio reduced the concentration of residual donors such as oxygen by substituting nitrogen atoms. The surface became rougher with increasing V/III ratio and the hillock density increased.
Piper rukshgandhum (Piperaceae): a new species from Southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Mathew Jose , George Kadakasseril V , Yohannan Regy
Published: March 2016

Piper rukshagandhum J.Mathew is described as a new species from the Achankovil forest, Kerala section of the

southern Western Ghats, India. The diagnostic morphological characters, distribution, conservation status and

colour images of the new species are presented. The significance of this newly discovered species in breeding

programs of black pepper is also briefly discussed. A key to Piper from the southern Western Ghats is provided.
Correlation‐based modeling and separation of geomagnetic field components
Authors: Holschneider Matthias , Lesur Vincent , Mauerberger Stefan , Baerenzung Julien
Published: March 2016

We introduce a technique for the modeling and separation of geomagnetic field components that is based on an analysis of their correlation structures alone. The inversion is based on a Bayesian formulation, which allows the computation of uncertainties. The technique allows the incorporation of complex measurement geometries like observatory data in a simple way. We show how our technique is linked to other well‐known inversion techniques. A case study based on observational data is given.
Northward expansion of paddy rice in northeastern Asia during 2000–2014
Authors: Dong J. , Xiao X. , Zhang G. , Menarguez M. A. , Choi C. Y. , Qin Y. , Luo P. , Zhang Y. , Moore B.
Published: March 2016

Paddy rice in monsoon Asia plays an important role in global food security and climate change. Here we documented annual dynamics of paddy rice areas in the northern frontier of Asia, including northeastern (NE) China, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan, from 2000 to 2014 through analysis of satellite images. The paddy rice area has increased by 120% (2.5 to 5.5 million ha) in NE China, in comparison to a decrease in South Korea and Japan, and the paddy rice centroid shifted northward from 41.16°N to 43.70°N (~310 km) in this period. Market, technology, policy, and climate together drove the rice expansion in NE China. The increased use of greenhouse nurseries, improved rice cultivars, agricultural subsidy policy, and a rising rice price generally promoted northward paddy rice expansion. The potential effects of large rice expansion on climate change and ecosystem services should be paid more attention to in the future.
Evidence of a shallow persistent magmatic reservoir from joint inversion of gravity and ground deformation data: The 25–26 October 2013 Etna lava fountaining event
Authors: Greco Filippo , Currenti Gilda , Palano Mimmo , Pepe Antonio , Pepe Susi
Published: March 2016

To evaluate the volcanic processes leading to the 25–26 October 2013 lava fountain at Mount Etna, we jointly investigated gravity, GPS, and DInSAR measurements covering the late‐June to early‐November time interval. We used finite element modeling to infer a shallow magmatic reservoir which (i) inflated since July 2013, (ii) fed the volcanic activity at the summit craters during 25–26 October, and (iii) deflated due to magma drainage related to this volcanic activity. We suggested that this reservoir belongs to a shallow volume, which is located beneath the summit area and is replenished by magma rising from deep reservoirs and fed the short‐term volcanic activity, representing a persistent shallow magmatic plumbing system of Etna. In addition, the model results show that there is a large discrepancy between the erupted and shallow reservoir deflation volumes, which could be reasonably attributable to a highly compressible volatile‐rich magma.
Numerical Analysis of Skin Effect on Microplastic Flow of HPDC Mg Alloys
Authors: Zhang Bao
Published: March 2016

An axisymmetric finite element (FE) model is established to investigate how “skin effect” affects microplastic flow behavior of hpdc Mg–Al alloys. Due to internal interaction, initiation of microplastic flow requires an externally applied stress higher than microyield strength, while propagation can take place at external stresses lower than yield strength. Degree of internal interaction is quantified by characteristic constraint stress defined, which increases with progression of microplastic flow. Instability of microplastic flow occurs when characteristic constraint stress reaches a critical value, and an increase in Al content delays the occurrence of flow instability. In addition, the size of skin region has been well‐defined based on the present analysis.
Study of Phase Decomposition in ZrW2O8
Authors: Fedorova Anna , Kämpf Timo , Scheffler Michael
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the decomposition behavior of zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) materials above 1 050 K. The materials are synthesized according to a sol–gel‐route and a solid‐state route, and have been characterized with respect to their crystallographic properties. Apart from the initial phase and decomposition products ZrO2 and WO3, the additional phase γ‐ZrW2O8 is found, which results from a phase transition initiated by local pressures higher than 200 MPa. Residual stresses induced by the thermal mismatch between different phases within the composite material are found to be 1.15 GPa(ZrO2/ZrW2O8) and 1.26 GPa (WO3/ZrW2O8). Obtained stress values are high enough to induce this transition.
Direct Laser Interference Patterning of Nickel Molds for Hot Embossing of Polymers
Authors: Rank Andreas , Kunze Tim , Hoffmann Tina , Lasagni Andrés F.
Published: March 2016

In this study, the authors present a single‐step approach for fabricating micrometer structures on metallic hot embossing molds using direct laser interference patterning. Patterns with spatial periods of 1.8 and 2.5 µm are structured on a Ni‐mold and used for embossing PET‐foils. The influence of the laser parameters on the structure height as function of the spatial period is investigated. A rapid increase in structure height is observed up to a specific laser fluence. Thermal simulations show a linear correlation between the structure height and the amount of molten material. Hot embossing of PET‐foils considering the imprint time and temperature is successfully performed. The results show that both the imprint temperature and time do not have any significant influence on the structure height of the imprints.
Modeling and performance prediction of chromate reduction by iron oxide coated sand in adsorber reactors
Authors: Thacher Ryan , Ravindran Varadarajan , Pirbazari Massoud
Published: March 2016

Iron oxide coated sand (IOCS) as an adsorbent medium for removing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from industrial wastewater, as well as in permeable reactive barriers for remediation of Cr(VI) in aquifers is investigated in this study. An important feature was the use of a mathematical model for performance forecasting and process upscaling of IOCS fixed‐bed adsorber systems for Cr(VI) removal. Another significance aspect was the elucidation of IOCS surface mechanisms and interactions responsible for Cr(VI) sorption and reduction to the less toxic Cr(III). The adsorption equilibrium and mass‐transfer parameters for modeling were obtained from independent laboratory studies. Adsorber studies validated the predictive model and established the effectiveness of IOCS for Cr(VI) removal under different conditions. Model simulation studies demonstrated that adsorbent capacity, surface diffusion, and film transfer significantly influenced process dynamics. The study showed that IOCS can be used to remove Cr(VI) from contaminated waters, meeting the overall objectives of regulatory agencies. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3717–3729, 2016
Transient viscosities of negatively buoyant concentrated alumina suspensions
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Chauhan Suresh Singh , Singh Harlal , Mukherjee Amit
Published: March 2016

The transient viscosities of sterically stabilized alumina suspensions with different degrees of aggregation were measured at low viscous flows in a Couette viscometer. The well‐dispersed suspensions showed an increase in viscosity under a constant applied shear while the flocculated suspensions showed just the opposite behaviour. The drifts in the viscosity of the well‐dispersed suspensions show strong features of shear‐induced particle migration. However, experimental observations strongly indicate that the observed viscosity profiles of these suspensions are resultant of the competitive processes of shear‐induced particle migration and shear rejuvenation. The drifts in viscosity of the well‐dispersed suspension could be correlated to the degree of aggregation present in the suspension. On the other hand, the viscosity profiles of the flocculated suspensions showed characteristic shear rejuvenation behaviour. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foaming of EPDM with water as blowing agent in injection molding
Authors: Hopmann Christian , Lemke Florian , Nguyen Binh Quoc
Published: March 2016

Chemical foaming of elastomers is state of the art and preferred to the more complex systems engineering of physical foaming, yet, many commonly used chemical blowing agents often are hazardous. In current investigations, we introduced water bound to carrying substances (silica, carbon black) into elastomer compounds. A stable, reproducible foaming process can be implemented using water as physical blowing agent. In first tests, the average cell diameters in injection molded elastomer parts exceed the average cell diameters of chemically foamed parts. Yet, varied amounts of blowing agent can reduce the cell diameters. Furthermore, nucleating agents and water carriers are being examined to reduce cell diameters and reach cellular structures and mechanical properties of chemically foamed parts. In conclusion, foaming of elastomers with water is a promising. Yet, further examinations have to cover the effect mechanism of foaming and vulcanization as well as continuous processing and compounding. Rear end of an EPDM part foamed with water carried on silica in injection molding process (mold temperature 195 °C, breathing mold opening 2 mm) © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43613.