bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transnational student consultancy – an integrated approach to business students’ learning
Authors: Wohlgemuth Veit , Lehmann Tine , Saulich Christina
Published: July 2018

Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are under pressure to enhance graduate employability. The concept of graduate employability refers to a mix of specific skills, knowledge, and personal attributes; among others internationalisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills. This paper asks the question: How can HEI enhance students’ internationalisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills in order to foster graduate employability? The authors provide insights into a transnational student consultancy teaching approach that was implemented simultaneously at five European HEI in the winter term of 2017/2018. The paper adds to the practical dimension of internationalisation, entrepreneurship education, and innovation pedagogy by presenting an example of how these interrelated concepts can be integrated into a course for business students. The authors discuss important challenges of implementing transnational consultancy projects at HEI, such as varying academic calendars and administrative requirements, matching student teams and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as managing expectations. Based on participant feedback, this paper  draws three lessons learned for lecturers that are involved in transnational teaching projects.
The development trends of the main drivers for attracting students into the tertiary education sector in Latvia – distance learning and internationalization
Authors: Skvorcovs Aleksandrs , Titareva Tatjana , Igors Graurs
Published: July 2018

The European Union (EC-JRC, 2010), has stressed that higher education must change and adapt to economic and social needs, that institutional change is essential to educational innovation, and that information and communication technologies (ICT) must form part of the teaching and learning process. The second international challenge is to encourage international cooperation between institutions in order to share knowledge across borders and facilitate collaboration (Morin, 2009) and post-cosmopolitan citizenship (Dobson and Bell, 2006). The dramatic decrease of the number of students in Latvia in the last 10 years by 64% and disproportionally high number of HE institutions, makes Latvia’s Government, the Ministry of Education and Science and higher education institutions to look for new ways to structure and optimize the processes in the higher education sector. The main research question of this paper is: the general development trends of the main drivers for attracting more students into the tertiary education sector in Latvia by means of online education and internationalization. The relevance of the research: the authors review the intersections of the distance learning and internationalization as the optimal solutions for the critical situation in the Latvian higher education sector with lack of students.
Factors that Influence Student Retention
Authors: Devereux Aisling , Hofmann Markus
Published: July 2018

With the increase in enrolment figures from second level education to third level education over the last number of decades, non-progression rates continue to give cause for concern in certain levels and disciplines. It has been widely argued that in addition to increasing enrolment numbers, higher education must also be concerned with the success of these students. In both the Irish and the international sector, the negative consequences of non-progression has been highlighted, not just on a societal level, but also for the students themselves. It is crucial for first-year student experience to have a positive experience and be fully supported in achieving the goals of higher education. From researching several reports in the area of retention and in particular the reports published by the Irish Higher Education Authority and the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in this area, it is clear that there is a need to analyse the data available and present the findings in a clear way to the key decision makers to allow for early intervention. This paper uses the different phases of the CRISP-DM methodology and applies data mining techniques and models to a real student dataset with the aim to predict the students that will progress. Keywords: Learning analytics; Data Mining; Higher Education; Retention.
Yes you can, follow your goals! Individual Coaching for female Computer scientists on career development
Authors: Förtsch Silvia
Published: July 2018

Abstract Earlier results show that female computer scientists show a lower self-efficacy compared to male colleagues. Similarly, gender-typical attributions, in the sense of gender stereotypes, are considered a disorder. As a result, a coaching program that supports computer scientists after a re-entry into professional life also, in a new orientation or with regard to management ambitions has been developed at the University of . The measure strengthens computer scientists in their motivational resources and enables them to take advantage of professional opportunities. A scientifically founded analysis of their potential helps the coachees to become aware of their abilities and competences. The coaching program based on the potential analysis, takes important life goals of the coachees into account. Individual career plans are developed in coaching sessions, including a clear definition of the objective and implementation strategy. An open and modern corporate culture offers new opportunities of career paths for female computer scientists. If the company philosophy is based on appreciation of good performance, women in computer science are more motivated strengthen their career ambitions.   Keywords: Women in computer science; self-efficacy beliefs; potential analysis; individual coaching;career development
Implementing Management Systems and Demand Driven MRP concepts: A Project Based Learning experience in Industrial Organization Engineering
Authors: Kortabarria Alaitz , Elizburu Ander
Published: July 2018

This research work presents an experience of the Faculty of Engineering of Mondragon Unibertsitatea using Project Based Learning (PBL) with the students of 4th semester of Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Organization Engineering (IOE). The PBL delved into the concepts developed in the subjects of Management Systems and Production Logistics. The project was contextualized in a company that produced parts for the automotive sector. Teams of students implemented a management system that enabled the efficient management of materials and the production process using tools such as Demand Driven MRP (DDRMP). As a result, they had to solve the proposed problem, develop a simulation and choose the proposal that best met the needs of the company. In order to assess PBL performance a survey was carried out. The results confirmed that the experience was positive since the achieved knowledge provided a meaningful learning experience for the students, while facilitating the development of both technical and transversal competences.
Strategic Plan of Graphic Expression to implement BIM on a Degree in Technical Architecture
Authors: Bernal Amparo , Rodriguez Ángel
Published: July 2018

Architectural and engineering studies in Higher Education Institutions face the challenge of modifying their teaching programmes, so that students acquire the competences linked to the new methodological techniques of Building Information Modelling (BIM) during their academic training. The experience of its adaptation at the Higher Polytechnic School of the University of Burgos is described in this paper, where the implementation of this methodology on collaborative work and integral project management has begun in the Knowledge Area of Architectural Graphic Expression with the teaching of its disciplines. The project has the strategic end-purpose of transferring these experiences to the other subjects on the Degree in Technical Architecture. A preliminary analysis of the human and material resources available in the Knowledge Area was performed and a Strategic Methodological Plan was drafted, to ensure the success of its implementation, establishing the lines of action to implement BIM methodology within a time period of eight semesters following its start-up.
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS DEVELOPING IMAGINATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS — THE CASE OF FOOD ENGINEERING
Authors: Torrecilla José S. , Aguado Roberto , Tijero Antonio , Ballesteros Menta , Moral Ana , Lastra Miguel
Published: July 2018

In this summary, a teaching technique to learn relevant food engineering and chemical engineering concepts has been presented. This method has been tested experimentally for the last two years in a class which belongs to the Food Science and Technology Bachelor’s Degree in the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain, and it is based on the induction of complex concepts through comprehensive everyday examples. More than 90% of students have adequately been able to extrapolate the knowledge acquired to other technical fields. The application of this method has resulted in an increased rate of passing exams and classes, as well as a higher attendance percentage. And most importantly, the students are having fun while learning. Furthermore, this great experience has encouraged some students to collaborate in the development of this teaching approach.
A Grassroots, Practical Response to Student Belonging through Learning and Teaching Experiences
Authors: Clarke Bronwyn , Wilson Rachel , Murray Gabrielle
Published: July 2018

RMIT University is Australia’s second largest higher education provider and has a very diverse student body. Taking a holistic approach and capturing the entire student life cycle, the RMIT Belonging Strategy outlines a rationale and plan for delivering belonging interventions across the whole institution. An institution wide strategy requires economic, political and global considerations; however, as grass-roots academics, our work is informed by the philosophy that education can affect positive communitarian and individual change, and that meaningful and authentic relations with staff and students enable genuine collaboration and growth (Chickering, Dalton, & Stamm, 2006; Kreber, 2013). Guided by these principles, we identified five drivers that impact student belonging at the university, and proposed a measurement framework to form an ‘index’ of belonging that can be tracked and reported. This paper focuses on the innovative and collaborative work of developing an enterprise wide strategy for inclusive belonging and presents a roadmap of the process. We argue that grassroots, practical responses through learning experience interventions have the greatest potential to influence student engagement.
THE HIGHER EDUCATION IN MODERN RUSSIA AS INSTITUTE OF CULTURAL TRANSFER AND TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Narkhova Elena Nikolaevna , Narkhov Dmitry Yur'evich , Kalyuzhnaya Ekaterina Gennad'evna
Published: July 2018

The problem of changes in modern Russian education is analyzed in the article. Modernization of the Russian education system staticized questions of a ratio of traditions and innovations in education, about maintaining parity of training and education. The aerticle’s purpose is to define the mechanism of implementation of education in the system of modern Russian education as traditions of culture (2014-2017). The research of the relation of scientific and pedagogical workers, students, administrative and managerial personnel to the matter influences effectiveness of their activity. Extent of consent with this or that point of view staticizes the potential of communities of education that appears in the form of the social capital. Authors emphasize value of an educational role of institute of education as culture translator as in the course of education, comprehension of the world of people gets own perception of this world, the system of estimates of this world, the system of coordinates, including valuable. The cultural background which the person perceives in the course of education gives the chance already more multilaterally to perceive also modern reality, and itself in this reality
Integration of gamification in a traffic education platform for children
Authors: Riaz Malik Sarmad , Cuenen Ariane , Janssens Davy , Brijs Kris , Wets Geert
Published: July 2018

Children are highly represented in injuries and fatalities caused by road accidents. The major reasons are children’s lack of ability to scan the environment, inconsistent behaviour, distraction in traffic situations, ability to estimate speed and distance, and less developed hazard perception skills. Therefore, traffic education for children is very important. This study will look at a platform about traffic education for children including gamification elements. Gamification is a relatively new concept which has gathered a lot of attention over the last few years with its application in many diverse fields. Gamification is defined as the application of game mechanics to non-game activities in order to change behaviour. The education community has discovered the power it has to increase students’ performance and engagement. The current study focuses on educating school going children on traffic safety in Flanders (Belgium). We expect the platform to be effective in increasing traffic knowledge, situation awareness, risk detection and risk management among children and a positive change in (predictors of) behaviours of children who will be using the platform. To investigate the effect of the platform, a pretest-posttest design with an intervention group and a control group will be used. Data will be collected and analyzed in the spring of 2018 and results, limitations and policy recommendations will be provided during the conference in June 2018.
Equity, Access, and Diversity through Short-term Study Abroad in Online Education Programming
Authors: Clothey Rebecca A
Published: July 2018

This paper describes the challenges of creating quality international educational opportunities for non-traditional adult learners who are studying online and have families and full-time jobs. The paper discusses the potential for success of an education model for study abroad designed specifically to address the needs of this student population. It concludes that although the model attracted some students among the target population who may not otherwise have gone abroad, more work needs to be done to create inclusive study abroad models.
Digital scriptum – novel approach of student experiment preparation
Authors: Roß Nikolas , Kuska Robert , Rieth Iris , Frerich Sulamith
Published: July 2018

In mechanical engineering, students pass several seminars aiming at selfconducted experiments and trials. In the ELLI project (Excellent Teaching and Learning in Engineering Science), different virtual and remote laboratories have been installed within the three engineering departments at the Ruhr-University Bochum. The preparation in a classic experiment is usually done with a classic paper print scriptum. This is not suitable for a virtual or remote laboratory, since, amongst others, no supervision is provided. Due to that, a classic scriptum has been transferred in a digital scriptum based on the Open Source software “Adapt Learning” and has been extended by various implemented digital items. This contribution is discussing preliminary student experiences and identified prospective improvements. It turns out that the digital scriptum is suitable for the preparation of virtual and remote laboratories but can be an excellent alternative to the classic printout scriptum in a student experiment in a hands on laboratory as well.
Pre-school Education Degree students´ prior knowledge and perception of digital competence
Authors: Gamito Rakel , Aristizabal Pilar , Vizcarra María Teresa
Published: July 2018

Currently Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are necessary for everyday life. That is why digital competence is one of the eight key competences for lifelong learning established by the European Parliament in 2006. In this regard, DigComp is the European framework of digital competence and includes five areas and twenty-one digital subcompentes: Information and data literacy, Communication and collaboration, Digital content creation, Safety and Problem solving. Knowing Pre-School Education Degree students´ prior knowledge and perceptions of digital competence is important to strengthen future teachers´digital skills. This work has examined and explored Pre-School Education Degree students´ digital competence level. Results have provided concepts and ideas to guide the work to strengthen future teachers´ digital skills and to guarantee digitally competent teachers. Pre-School Education Degree students´ have good skills in Information and data literacy and Communication and collaboration areas but need training in skills related to Digital content creation, Security and Problem solving.
NeuroBoricuas: a novel approach for incorporating neuroscience education in schools of Puerto Rico
Authors: Bravo-Rivera Christian , Díaz-Ríos Manuel , Aldarondo-Hernández Ariadna , Santos-Vera Bermary , Ramos-Medina Liorimar , De Jesús-Burgos María Inés , Bravo-Rivera Héctor , Torrado Aranza , Cabezas-Bou Ernesto , Cruz-Lopez Fabiola , Colón-Mercado Jennifer , Otero-Rivera Jose , Rolon-Reyes Kimberleve , Mendez-Gonzalez Miguel , Ferrer-Acosta Yancy , Zayas-Santiago Astrid , Tejeda Flavia , Merced Amelia , Quintero-Martinez Zarcaly , Landivar Alicia , Colon-Cruz Luis , Crooke-Rosado Jonathan , Rivera-Aponte David , Acevedo-Canabal Agnes , Sosa-Lloréns María A , Quijano-Rivera Eduardo
Published: July 2018

Puerto Rico is in dire need of transforming its education system to counter the current economic recession and ensure a future with talented Puerto Ricans at the forefront of scientific research and technology development.  Here we present a group of neuroscientists and educators, the NeuroBoricuas, committed to revolutionize the scientific culture of Puerto Rico by incorporating neuroscience research training and inquiry-based activities in public and private schools. We carry out our vision through diverse methods, such as community outreach activities, where we promote neuroscience literacy using diverse learning activities. In parallel, we are designing a neuroscience course and textbook with educators to be implemented in schools. We also established neuroscience laboratories in K-12 schools and trained science teachers to manage such laboratories, using equipment from the company “Backyard Brains”. These laboratory experiences are integrated into the academic curriculum in high schools and the equipment is also available for students interested in designing their independent research projects. Lastly, we are expanding a network of committed scientists who partner with educators to help nurture future neuroscientists early in their academic endeavors. Here, we describe our trajectory and our approach to transform scientific education in Puerto Rico.
Integration of HE system of Azerbaijan in the Global World
Authors: Abbasova Ulviyya , Babayeva Natavan
Published: July 2018

This article deals with the analysis of some important reforms and innovations implemented in the education sector by the government in Azerbaijan. After gaining the independence Azerbaijan started successfully to move forward towards the  development as an independent country. The country established the close relations with different international organizations and institutions. After Azerbaijan signed on to the Bologna process, the Ministry of Education developed a comprehensive action plan, calling for the modernizing of the higher education system, a transfer to the credit system, the elaboration of new diploma and the recognition of international documents on higher education. As a result, the government of Azerbaijan started the implementation processes of reforms focused on the improvement of the quality of education in order to integrate to international standards. The Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan closely collaborates with major international organizations such as: The Council of Europe, UNESCO, World Bank, UNICEF, ISESCO, EU and so on. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU is carried out within the framework of TEMPUS/TACIS, Erasmus+, Twinning/TAIEX programs. This article provides a brief overview about the above mentioned programs, their application processes, as well as the results and their influences in education system of Azerbaijan .
The enterprising manager and project performance
Authors: Russo Rosária de Fatima Segger Macri , Sbragia Roberto
Published: July 2018

Project managers can play a key role in implementing organizational strategy by using entrepreneurial approaches when responding to new needs and opportunities. Nevertheless, the operational responsibilities of a project manager – planning and control – are in stark contrast to the characteristics of an entrepreneur. In light of these contradictory viewpoints, it is important to assess whether managers showing entrepreneurial characteristics are associated with more successful projects. A field survey was conducted, involving 164 project managers most of whom were male and had graduate-level education and broad practical business experience. Non-parametric statistics was used and showed that enterprising tendency on the part of project managers is correlated with more successful projects, and creativity, in particular, was one of the most relevant variables.
Program management approach for large-scale information technology development projects: a case study
Authors: Somanchi Vijay , Dwivedula Ravikiran
Published: July 2018

This case study presents the program management approach in managing large-scale information technology projects. Using the case of ACME Solutions Ltd., a large software development company, the authors first emphasize on the need to use program management over project management when managing related multiple information technology projects. Then, they explain the program lifecycle in this company and discuss the ‘process’ and ‘people’ related challenges across the program stages. Broadly, they observe that there is a lack of coordination between the stakeholders and processes of the program. Recommendations to overcome these limitations are discussed.
Integrating knowledge management with project management for project success
Authors: Yeong Anthony , Lim Thou Tin
Published: July 2018

This paper aims to study the improvement of project success in organizations by integrating knowledge management strategies with project management practices in a typical project lifecycle.  According to the Standish Group’s Chaos Report for 2009, only 32% of all surveyed projects are considered to be successful and are delivered on time, on budget, with the required features and functions. This could be an indication that project management practitioners have not fully acquired and transferred knowledge learned from past projects to ensure a higher success rate for current and future projects.  Knowledge management is an emerging discipline and practice in organizations. This paper proposes an integrated model that combines knowledge management with project management to improve project success and thus contribute towards competitiveness and sustainability in organizations.
The Need for a Chief Portfolio Officer in Organizations
Authors: Steyn Pieter
Published: July 2018

A recent IBM survey found consensus among chief executive officers that organisations are bombarded by change and many are struggling to cope with the transformation. The gap between expected change and the ability to manage the required transformation has almost tripled since IBM’s previous study in 2006. CEOs are moving aggressively towards global business designs, deeply changing capabilities, and partnering more extensively. This trend has great significance for the program approach to managing the enterprise value chain. It necessitates the introduction of cross-functional program management structures to create synergy in monitoring and controlling operations. To succeed, CEOs and the full staff complement of the enterprise of the future need to be well versed in the principles of project, program and portfolio management. Importantly, as program offices in the organisational structure grow in numbers, the need for an executive position to which portfolio managers report increases. It would be unthinkable that they all report to the CEO who, according to the IBM survey, is already “bombarded by change” and “struggling to cope”. The emergent role of chief portfolio officer, or CPO, aims to solve this problem
Encouraging divergent thinking in HRM studies through use of project management case studies
Authors: Twiname Linda Jean , Gibb Jenny
Published: July 2018

It is important that human resource management (HRM) undergraduate students develop critical thinking around project management decision making as part of their transferable skills development. Such initiatives provide opportunities for students to consider the implications of their decisions in relation to practical settings, that they might better address unexpected HRM demands of the future. We integrate project management into our teaching to progressively build students' skills in HRM.     First, students engage in a project management case study and conduct a formal presentation. Second, we extend student awareness of divergent approaches to project management through engagement with excerpts from previous HRM student case studies. Third, the students execute project management of a written case study, under examination conditions.     Our approach scaffolds students' higher order thinking and engagement with the divergent nature of the HRM discipline. We provide facilitator and student feedback to illustrate our outcomes. This research is relevant to management educators and, we suggest, is transferable to disciplines other than HRM.
Organisational competence in project management —new perspectives on assessing and developing organisations
Authors: Wagner Rienhard
Published: July 2018

Organisations need to cope with a lot of challenges in an increasingly complex environment. As projects act as means to adapt to dynamic change the competence of managing these projects gains more and more attention. So far, the competence of individuals was seen as main the lever to improve the performance in projects. But the competence of an organisation is more than the collective competence of all individuals; it is rather the combination of individual competences, together with strategic, structural and cultural factors and the availability of suitable resources that helps an organisation to compete. The concept of organisational competences in project management is an integrative and holistic approach showing the competences needed to cope with projects in a complex environment.Assessments could be used to derive the development needs for an organisation. Taking into account the approach of organisational competences in project management, the assessment should cover more than the processes. For instance it should take a closer look at the strategy and how projects are selected and prioritised to increase the effectiveness. Furthermore, it should check how project work is organised and embedded in the corporate culture to improve efficiency.The gap between actual and target state as a highlighted result of an assessment leads to the need for action. Top management decides what should be done and how the objectives could be reached. One way to start a project is to improve the project management top-down. It will be argued that this as well the bottom-up approach is a way of improving organisational competence, giving space to manoeuvre for the people involved and letting self-organisation help the organisation to develop in a co-evolutionary way.
Knowledge management, project integration and corporate sustainability: is there a link?
Authors: Michels Everton , Grijó Paulo Eduardo Antunes , Machado Elizandra , Selig Paulo Mauricio
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to analyse the possible use of knowledge management as a means to assist in project integration and corporate sustainability. Therefore, a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research study was developed, through which some useful properties were found that could minimise this gap. From this, one can see that the link between knowledge management and project management is of utmost importance to the natural integration of the portfolio, and contributes effectively and adequately to corporate sustainability.
Workforce issues and their impact on projects: study on the Indian IT and ITeS industry
Authors: Jigeesh Nasina
Published: July 2018

Today’s information technology (IT) industry is facing challenges from different corners because of globalization, technological changes, market and economic fluctuations and dynamic changes in customer requirements.  A new stream of jobs has been emerging from time to time in the IT and IT enabled services (ITeS) industry.  People management is gaining more concern when compared to technology management.  Issues of recruiting right people with right and special skills, motivating them to improve their productivity continuously and retaining potential and productive people are becoming additional challenges to the success of IT projects by enabling the IT industry achieve steady growth and continue the ongoing projects without any interruptions or constraints.  The study focuses on the dynamics of human work force of IT projects and analyses the important issues of managing the manpower and their impact on time, cost and quality of the projects.   From the analysis of data collected through surveys in some big IT and ITeS companies in India, it was found that the issue of availability of human resources stood as the most significant issue in addition to showing highest impact on quality, cost and time of the IT projects.  In contrast, the issue of employees-oriented programs attributed lowest significance and showing least impact on the three success factors of IT projects when compared with remaining ones.
Estimating observation and model error variances using multiple data sets
Authors: Anthes Richard , Rieckh Therese
Published: July 2018

Abstract. In this paper we show how multiple data sets, including observations and
models, can be combined using the “three-cornered hat” (3CH) method to
estimate vertical profiles of the errors of each system. Using data from
2007, we estimate the error variances of radio occultation (RO), radiosondes,
ERA-Interim, and Global Forecast System (GFS) model data sets at four radiosonde locations in the
tropics and subtropics. A key assumption is the neglect of error covariances
among the different data sets, and we examine the consequences of this
assumption on the resulting error estimates. Our results show that different
combinations of the four data sets yield similar relative and specific
humidity, temperature, and refractivity error variance profiles at the four
stations, and these estimates are consistent with previous estimates where
available. These results thus indicate that the correlations of the errors
among all data sets are small and the 3CH method yields realistic error
variance profiles. The estimated error variances of the ERA-Interim data set
are smallest, a reasonable result considering the excellent model and data
assimilation system and assimilation of high-quality observations. For the
four locations studied, RO has smaller error variances than radiosondes, in
agreement with previous studies. Part of the larger error variance of the
radiosondes is associated with representativeness differences because
radiosondes are point measurements, while the other data sets represent
horizontal averages over scales of ∼ 100 km.
A simulation of the large-scale drifting snow storm in a turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Wang Zhengshi , Jia Shuming
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Drifting snow storm is an important aeolian process that reshapes alpine glaciers and polar ice shelves, and it may also affect the climate system and hydrological cycle since flying snow particles exchange considerable mass and energy with air flow. Prior studies have rarely considered the full-scale drifting snow storm in the turbulent boundary layer, thus, the transportation feature of snow flow higher in the air and its contribution are largely unknown. In this study, a large eddy simulation is combined with a subgrid scale velocity model to simulate the atmospheric turbulent boundary layer, and a Lagrangian particle tracking method is adopted to track the trajectories of snow particles. A drifting snow storm that is hundreds of meters in depth and exhibits obvious spatial structures is produced. The snow transport flux profile at high altitude, previously not observed, is quite different from that near the surface, thus, the extrapolated transport flux profile may largely underestimate the total transport flux. At the same time, the development of a drifting snow storm involves three typical stages, the rapid growth, the gentle growth and the equilibrium stages, in which the large-scale updrafts and subgrid scale fluctuating velocities basically dominate the first and second stage, respectively. This research provides an effective way to get an insight into natural drifting snow storms.
A Community-Based Vulnerability Assessment of Terrestrial Flooding in the South Oropouche River Basin After Tropical Storm Bret
Authors: Charles Don
Published: July 2018

The year 2017 had a very active season for hurricanes and extreme weather conditions. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria did damage to several Caribbean islands. Even Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), a country which rarely experiences extreme weather conditions, was affected by Tropical Storm Bret. Tropical Storm Bret caused flooding in T&T, especially in the low lying South Oropouche River Basin.There is a dearth of research conducted in T&T about the impact of extreme weather conditions and flooding on communities and families. Thus, this study sought to conduct a community base vulnerability assessment (CBVA) of the impact of the Tropical Storm Bret induced flooding upon the residents of the South Oropouche River Basin.Primary data was collected via semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to conduct the CBVA. Furthermore, this study introduced a Modal Community Based Vulnerability Assessment Index (MCBVAI) to help determine which factors the residents South Oropouche River Basin are most vulnerable to.This study found that the most vulnerable residents were vulnerable largely to their building of structures at locations unsuitable for housing. Moreover, the most vulnerable residents also built structures that were not resilient to flooding and was elevated less than 4 feet (ft) off the ground. The appropriate policy response for the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) would be to i) establish building codes, ii) develop a comprehensive spatial planning strategy which prohibits people from building structures in unsuitable areas, and iii) implement disaster risk reduction programmes which focus on improving pre-event disaster preparedness, improving the national and local response, and promoting educational awareness.
The Role of Technology, Organization, and Environment Factors in Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation Success in Jordan
Authors: AL-Zoubi Mohammad
Published: July 2018

In many ways, the application of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is useful. In today’s business arena, ERP is regarded as a necessity. Implementation of ERP is costly and requires a lot of efforts but in Jordanian organizations, its success rate has been unsatisfactory. Hence, this study attempts to identify factors linked to implementation success of ERP in Jordan. The strategic factors are examined and they include technology adoption, web site service, competitive, top management support, change management, business process management, and trust. Questionnaires were distributed to ERP users in Jordanian firms which returned 141 responses which were analyzed. The results show significant linkage between technology adoption, web site service, competitive, top management support, change management, and business process management, and ERP implementation success. Nonetheless, the findings do not support the linkage between business process management and ERP implementation success. The findings show that firms can leverage TOE for improving ERP’s implementation success to gain the anticipated benefits. Also, there is possibility that different critical success factors have different impacts on ERP benefits. Such finding expands the supposition of TOE theory that resources generate competitive advantages. This paper adds to researches on ERP by providing further evidence of the differing impacts of TOE on the successful implementation of ERP.
Contribution of Recycled Alumina Waste to Cement Strength and Microstructure Development
Authors: Ibrahim Suzan , Hagrass Ayman , Boulos Tawfik , Youssef Samir , El-Hosiny Fouad , Moharam Mohamed
Published: July 2018

The role of alumina waste as a reactive pozzolan for the local Portland cement has been thoroughly investigated. The results showed that the initial and final setting times of the hardened blended pastes were reduced significantly by increasing the amount of the added alumina. In addition, the compressive strength and the hydraulic property measures of the hardened blends showed progressive improvement reaching approximately 42% and 23% after the early ages of hydration (1 and 3 days), respectively. According to such conditions, these cement blends could be applied in many concrete applications, such as high speed construction, rapid repair, frost prevention, tunneling, shoring, gas and oil well cementing, that require concrete to have rapid setting and strength development abilities.The improvement of the physico-mechanical characteristics and the hydration kinetics of the hardened blended pastes with the recycled alumina were explained after the microstructure study included the examinations of hydration product morphology and type, the thermal gravimetric (TG), the differential scanning calometry (DSC) and the differential thermo-gravimetric (DTG) thermographs analyses. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure and morphology of hydration products.
Evaluation of the incidence of malocclusions among school-age children in Lublin
Authors: Świrski Andrzej , Olszewska Katarzyna , Mielnik-Błaszczak Maria , Owczarek Krzysztof
Published: July 2018

The evaluation of the incidence of malocclusions is the first step to assess the demand for orthodontic treatment in a given population, to plan prophylactic activities, to set priorities for early treatment, and to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of therapeutic activities to be introduced. Aim. To assess malocclusions in primary school students at the age of 10–12 years in Lublin. The epidemiological study was aimed to assess the presence of dental abnormalities, but without complete specialised orthodontic diagnostics. Material and methods. The study group included 242 children at the age of 10–12 years, namely 118 girls and 124 boys who were students at randomly selected primary schools in Lublin. A clinical examination of the masticatory organ was conducted in school dental offices. Results. Normal occlusion was observed in 15.3% of children in the study group. Malocclusions ranging from mild to severe were observed in 84.7% of subjects. Class I malocclusion was diagnosed in 57% of the study group, class II – in 24.3%, and class III – in 3.3%. In a group of 10–12-year-old children the most common orthodontic abnormality included increased overbite that was observed in 52.1% of subjects, followed by crowding of lower incisors diagnosed in 45.9% of subjects. Conclusions. Among 10-12-year-old students of Lublin schools malocclusions were observed in the significant majority of children. Class I and class II malocclusions were predominant therapeutic needs in a group of 10-12-year-old children according to studies conducted. With regard to class I malocclusions the most frequently diagnosed abnormalities requiring orthodontic treatment included: increased overbite, crowding of lower incisors and transverse abnormalities. (Świrski A, Olszewska K, Mielnik-Błaszczak M, Owczarek K. evaluation of the incidence of malocclusions among school-age children in Lublin. Orthod Forum 2017; 13: 153-66)
Avian Preservation
Authors: Duran Jane ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2018

The case of the reintroduction efforts made on behalf of the California condor is examined, with a view toward discussing both the environmental difficulties and the overall cost. The work of Singer, Snyder, and others is cited, and it is concluded that the work was worthy, but that a full articulation of the problems has seldom been made.
Two new Pandanus frogs (Guibemantis: Mantellidae: Anura) from northern Madagascar
Authors: Lehtinen Richard M. , Glaw Frank , Vences Miguel , Rakotoarison Andolalao , Scherz Mark D.
Published: July 2018

We describe two new frog species of the genus Guibemantis Dubois, 1992 (Mantellidae) from northern Madagascar. Both species are placed in the subgenus Pandanusicola Glaw & Vences, 1994 and, like most of their relatives, appear to only inhabit the leaf axils of Pandanus plants. Guibemantis albomaculatus sp. nov. is distinguished from other closely related species by light colored dorsolateral stripes and abundant small white spots found on its flanks and limbs. Guibemantis woosteri sp. nov. also has light-colored dorsolateral stripes and small white spots, but differs by having strongly banded forelimbs and a reddish coloration around the eye orbits. Mitochondrial DNA sequences corroborate the identity of these two new species, which appear to be regional endemics in northern and north-eastern Madagascar, respectively. These descriptions bring the species count in Pandanusicola to thirteen.
Traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage following septorhinoplasty
Authors: Youssef Ahmed , Ahmed Shahzad , Ibrahim Ahmed Aly , Daniel Mulvihill , Abdelfattah Hisham M. , Morsi Haitham
Published: July 2018

Septoplasty/septorhinoplasty is a common ear, nose and throat procedure offered for those patients with deviated septum who are suffering from nasal obstruction and functional or cosmetic problems. Although it is a basic and simple procedure, it could lead to catastrophic complications including major skull base injuries which result in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We describe two different cases of traumatic CSF leaks following septoplasty/septorhinoplasty at two different sites. The first patient suffered a CSF leak following septoplasty and
presented to Alexandria University Hospital. The leak was still active at presentation and identified as coming from a defect in the roof of the sphenoid sinus and was repaired surgically. The second patient presented 4 days after her cosmetic septorhinoplasty with a CSF leak and significant pneumocephalus. She was managed conservatively. Understanding the anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses and implementing proper surgical techniques are crucial in preventing intracranial complications when performing either septoplasty or septorhinoplasty. A good quality computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses is a valuable investigation to avoid major complications especially CSF leaks following either procedure.
Primary angle-closure glaucoma, a rare but severe complication after blepharoplasty: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kappen Isabelle Francisca Petronella Maria , Nguyen Duy Thuan , Vos Albert , van Tits Hermanus Wilhelmus Hendricus Joseph
Published: July 2018

Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures. Surgical complications are rare, but can have severe consequences, such as permanent vision loss. In this report, we describe a patient who developed primary angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) with associated vision loss after a oculoplastic procedure using local anesthesia. So far, six similar cases have been described in the literature. It is believed that acute ACG is triggered by the surgical procedure in patients with predisposing risk factors such as a cataract. Surgical triggering factors include the use of buffered lidocaine/xylocaine with adrenaline/epinephrine, stress, and coverage of the eyes postoperatively. Due to postoperative analgesic use, the clinical presentation can be mild and atypical, leading to a significant diagnostic delay. Acute ACG should therefore be excluded in each patient with postoperative complaints by assessing pupillary reactions. If a fixed mid-wide pupil is observed in an ophthalmologic examination, an immediate ophthalmology referral is warranted. Surgeons should be aware of this rare complication in order to offer treatment at an early stage and to minimize the chance of irreversible vision loss.
Development of Teaching Materials of Poetry Writing Using Pictures for the Elementary Students
Authors: Satinem - , Juwati -
Published: July 2018

The research aims to develop the product of Teaching Materials of Poetry Writing Using Pictures. This developed teaching material result is expected to be used by the students of grade V of SD Xaverius Lubuklinggau, SD Negeri 44 Lubuklinggau, and SD Negeri 20 Lubuklinggau in learning to write poetry.The method used in research is research and development or better known as R & D.If the calculation of the data is smaller than the alpha value (0.05), it means that there has been a significant difference before it is used after the use of poetry writing materials compared to the KKM of each school, so that the Teaching Materials of Poetry Writing Using Pictures is declared effective. From the calculation bySPSS, the results obtained for the test value tcount 11.219 and ttable 2.045 for (d) 30 and alpa 0.05 in high level group students of SD Xaverius. While for the average level group shows the value of tcount 9,416 and ttable 2.042 for (d) 30 and alpha 0.05. For the low group level, gained the tcount value of 4.859 and ttable 2,110 for (d) 17 and alpha 0.05, thus it can be concluded that tcount> ttable, so H0 is rejected, and H1 is accepted. In the other word, it can be concluded that tcount> ttable, so that H0 is rejected.Based on t test result from three schools, it can be concluded that tcount> ttable, so H0 is rejected, and Ha accepted. The average value of learning completeness after using writing materials is the same or greater with the Minimal Completeness Criteria (KKM) in each school, meaning that the teaching materials is effective used to improve the students’ ability in writing poetry.