bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Organizational Culture on Creative Behavior: A Field Study on a Sample of Commercial Banks Operating in Jordan
Authors: Shehadeh Hazem Khaled
Published: October 2016

This study aims to analyze the impact of the organizational culture on the creative behavior by taking a field study on a sample of commercial banks operating in Jordan. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire which included 30 items was built and developed. The reliability and the sincerity of the tool were tested. Then, the questionnaire used on a sample study of 250 employees in the commercial banks operating in Jordan was selected at random. This was done using a stratified random sample method. A number of findings found in this study include the following: a. Rise in the means of the organizational culture dimensions which include work teams, ability to adapt, and the ability to innovate. It also includes the creative behavior dimensions such as problem solving, change susceptibility, and amplitude to contact. These results indicate that the employee’s responses in the commercial banks operating in Jordan about the mentioned dimensions were positive. Also, this means that the evaluation level of these dimensions was high from their perspective. b. Existence of a statistically significant impact at the significance level (α = 0.05), for the organizational culture dimensions which are work teams, ability to adapt, and ability to innovate, and on the creative behavior of the employees at the commercial banks operating in Jordan. The study, however, gave a number of conclusions and recommendations.
Management of Entrepreneurial Orientation Tendencies in Artisanal Oil Refineries and Nigeria’s National Growth
Authors: Asawo Soye Peniel
Published: October 2016

Nigeria’s oil economy is facing lingering crises and the oil rich Niger Delta region of the country is dotted with illegal artisanal oil refineries with attendant economic, environmental and social consequences for the country. This paper identifies entrepreneurial orientation tendencies exhibited by the operators of these refineries and examines how these tendencies can be managed towards the enhancement of national development. The study adopted the ideographic research methodology, generating textual data from personal observation and series of written reports on the operations of the artisanal oil refineries, and the statements of critical stakeholders including government agents, community leaders and ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The qualitative data was analyzed through the use of an issue-focused approach. The study concludes that there is a link between entrepreneurial orientation tendencies and national development and recommends that the Nigerian government should properly manage these entrepreneurial orientation tendencies to enhance national development.
Hassles and Panacea to Educational Researches in South- South Nigeria
Authors: Isaac Dokubo N. , Isaac Dokubo Chivuikem
Published: October 2016

This study examined the problems affecting educational researches in South-South Nigeria. The research work was conducted at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state (UNIPORT); Niger Delta University, Amasoma, Bayelsa state (NDU); and the University of Calabar, Cross Rivers state (UNICAL). Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study was 3000 which comprised of final year students and academic staff in the above mentioned institutions. A sample size of 600 was drawn from the population. Four research questions guided the study. A 30- item questionnaire was developed and administered. The study revealed governmental factors, tertiary institutional factors, and researchers’ factors affecting educational researches in South-South Nigeria. Recommendations were made such as: the various state governments should improve on the security condition in their respective regions; the managements of the South- South tertiary institutions should encourage lecturers to carry out researches by making funds available to them through Tertiary Education Trust (TET) fund; e-libraries should be introduced, etc.
What About Inclusive Education and ICT in Italy: a Scoping Study
Authors: Volpe Valentina Della
Published: October 2016

Strategies and approaches to inclusion in the classroom are important in developing a high quality, inclusive experience for students with Special Education Needs. Generally, strategies are not geared towards specific exceptionalities, but are instead designed to be implemented across exceptionality categories. Pavone (2014) and de Anna, Gaspari, Mura (2015) determined through their systematic literature review and research results that co-operation among staff, commitment and accountability to the teaching of all students, differentiation of instruction, and recognizing “that social interaction is the means through which student knowledge is developed” are key to successful inclusion of students with SEN. This paper looks at the issue of school inclusion by referring to the most recent laws about the inclusive education of students with special educational needs in Italy. Inclusive education means that all students attend and are welcomed by their neighbourhood schools in age-appropriate, regular classes and are supported to learn, contribute and participate in all aspects of the life of the school. Inclusive education is about how we develop and design our schools, classrooms, programs and activities so that all students learn and participate together. So ICT should be considered as a key tool for promoting equity in educational opportunities, that is using ICT to support the learning of learners with disabilities and special educational needs in inclusive settings within compulsory education. The paper also argues how the Italian teachers can realized good practices for inclusion through the use of ICT.
Capital Adequacy and Financial Performance of Banks in Nigeria: Empirical Evidence Based on the Fgls Estimator
Authors: Umoru David , Osemwegie Joy O.
Published: October 2016

The study examines the degree of significance of the capital adequacy ratio in influencing the financial deeds of Nigerian banks by applying the feasible GLS estimator technique on the pooled panel model for the period of 2007 to 2015. Empirical evidence supports the overriding impact of capital adequacy in enhancing the financial deeds of Nigerian banks. Nevertheless, the impact of the estimated capital adequacy is below 30%. The policy stance of the empirics holds thus that depositor’s money in the banking sector has not been absolutely assured. Hence, the deposit money banks might not be able to fulfil their liabilities and risk. In light of the findings, we suggested a constant reassessment of the least amount of capital required of banks by the CBN.
Consumer Ethnocentrism, Demographic Characteristics and Willingness to Buy Commercial Banking Services in Kenya
Authors: S. M. Maina,
Published: October 2016

International marketing empirical literature has indicated the existence and strength of relationships among the consumer ethnocentrism, demographic variables and product attitude vary in different market context. Subsequently consumer ethnocentrism and purchase intentions influence depends on the product categories and other market factors. It is on the basis of this premise that the current study embarked on assessing the moderating effect of demographic characteristics on the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and willingness to buy banking services. Descriptive and explanatory research design were used in the study. Primary data was collected among 374 commercial banks account holders in Kenya. Data was analyzed using step wise binary logit regression. Consumer national ethnocentrism was found to have a negative influence on the willingness to buy banking services from foreign owned commercial banks. The assessment of the effect of demographic characteristics on willingness to buy commercial banking services revealed that as the levels of respondents’ income per month increased, there was high preference of buying from foreign owned banks and vice versa. However age, gender and income do not moderate the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and willingness to buy banking services. This indicate the essence of intergroup differentiation in service or market offerings as well as market segmentation and targeting.
Peace Education Practices in Pre-Service Teacher Training Programs: and Analysis
Authors: Amin Sufi , Jummani N. B. , Mahmood Sheikh Tariq , Raziq Khan , Babar Muhammad Ayoob Khan
Published: October 2016

This study was designed to investigate peace education in pre-service teacher training programs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The objectives of the present study to find out :( a) to examine prevailing practices of peace education in pre-service teacher training programs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. (b) To evaluate the views of teacher Educators regarding the need of peace education in pre-service teacher training programs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. (c) To suggest way of integrating peace education in pre-service teacher training programs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Using Survey method the data were collected through questionnaire from 245 teachers using simple random technique. A questionnaire was developed to investigate the opinions of the participants of the study. The data was analyzed by using the mean score, frequency and percentage.
Effectiveness of Conciliation and Arbitration in the Ferro- Chrome Industry in Zimbabwe
Authors: Watadza Christopher , Mahapa Mildred , Muchadenyika Chakanaka Ernest
Published: October 2016

The study sought to establish the effectiveness of Conciliation and Arbitration as dispute resolution mechanism with the case of Ferro –Alloy Industry in Zimbabwe. A case study of 2 major players in the industry were examined in a descriptive research design. Backing the research is the concept of legal pluralism which then defined conciliation and arbitration as alternative dispute resolution systems. Management and Trade Union representatives, general employees and Labour Officers participated through interviews. The research uncovered that the current legal framework was not providing a conducive and enabling regulatory environment to ensure an effective dispute resolution mechanism. The gaps in terms of time limits, the absence of explicit guidelines on conciliation, lack of finality to arbitral awards were identified as major drawbacks of the current legal structure. The State department, the Ministry of Labour, is the vehicle for an effective dispute resolution mechanism. The research identified that the department was inadequately resourced to enable speedy and prompt resolution of disputes. Due to the centrality and inevitability of disputes at workplace, the research recommended that government should amend the current legal framework to align it to International Labour Organisations provisions on conciliation and arbitration to ensure an effective resolution to disputes.
Challenges Impacting Community Participation and Their Effect on Teaching and Learning: a Case Study of Rural Areas
Authors: Godfrey Sango Mesheck
Published: October 2016

This study sought to investigate challenges impacting community participation in schools and their effect on quality of education. The study was carried out in a qualitative paradigm in which a case study facilitated access to in-depth feelings, views, and opinions of community members and educators regarding their participation in providing education. Data were generated through focus group discussions with parents of children in the schools, community members without children in the schools, School Development Committee (SDC) members, and the teachers. In addition, data were generated through in-depth interviews with community leaders and school heads, observation as well as analysis of school documents such as minutes of SDC meetings, staff meetings, financial records, and children’s progress records. Data were transcribed and analysed manually through the cut and paste technique. The study found out that communities were involved in providing primary education through preparing children for school by providing food, school uniforms and stationery. Parents were also involved in children’s homework, as well as monitoring teacher and children’s attendance. In addition, parents were involved in preparing schools for children through providing labour and materials for constructing classrooms. Further, parents financed school budgets, and were involved in school governance. Challenges impacting community participation were centred on parents’ low standard of living, community attitude towards education, family income level, and school-community relations. Impact of community participation on teaching and learning included the following: hungry learners, narrow curriculum, unmotivated teachers, high rate of absenteeism and drop out, as well as ineffective school administration. The study recommended development and implementation of strategies for uplifting community standard of living through increasing family income levels and availability of food. The study, further recommends government policy on parent orientation on school processes and school based study sessions for parents and school children respectively. Government policies that prohibits the practice of sending away of children from school for non payment of levies should be reinforced.
Knowledge Management practices: Teachers perception
Authors: Babar Muhammad Ayoob Khan , Jummani N. B. , Mahmood Sheikh Tariq , Amin Sufi , Uddin Hafeez
Published: October 2016

In today’s world, Knowledge Management is considered as a key to organizational growth and competitiveness. This study aim was to investigate the perception of teachers about main factors affecting the teaching learning process in adopting and applying Knowledge Management. The main objectives of the study were (i) to explore the existing Knowledge Management Practices of teachers in International Islamic University Islamabad (ii) to find out the difficulties regarding knowledge management and (iii) to examine the factors affecting the application of Knowledge Management Practices in improving the performance of teachers. Qualitative method was used as mode of inquiry. Data was collected through an Interview guide. Concurrent exploratory design was used in the study while collecting and analyzing data. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis and percentage.
Impact of Public Goods on Economic Growth Gaps among Regions of China - from the Perspective of Public Finance
Authors: Wu Maoguo , Sun Tanyue , Zhou Yu
Published: October 2016

Based on the economic growth model of public expenditures, this paper assesses the contribution of public expenditures to economic growth among the East, Centre and West of China from 2007 to 2014. This paper attempts to explain the differences of the output per capita in these three regions from the perspective of disparities of investment in public goods determined by public finance and finds that public expenditures have effects on regional differences so that proper types of fiscal expenditures should be invested based on the regional economic characteristics.
Social Capital: an Efficient Instrument for Sustainable Development (Algeria 1990 -2012)
Authors: Zeggai Diab , Boudali Bensekrane
Published: October 2016

The studies on the development and well-being focused on the tools and the instruments and declaration of economic reforms which accelerated significantly to put civil society under study and look after stages of the experiment and application, where after the first generation of reforms during the period [1980-1988], what are known as financial restructuring and organic and structural adjustment programs, which support the orientation to a market economy; then the second generation of reforms [1990-1996] on the government’s work in order to define the impact and effectiveness on economic activity. Finally, the last generation came on the role of civil society, that considering the networks, trust and participation become a major research under the title of "social capital".
Corporate Governance, Institutional Ownership, and Their Effects on Financial Performance
Authors: Hykaj Kristal
Published: October 2016

This paper studies the 105 U.S. Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts for the period of 2007-2012, and explores the relationship between corporate governance, institutional ownership, and financial performance. The results are conclusive and show that the presence of women on the board of directors as well as the choice to opt for a classified board enhances the returns on assets and returns on equity. The second finding of this paper is that the percentage of stocks owned by the top 10 institutions, between the levels of 30% and 50%, are associated with higher returns on assets and returns on equity.
Research Area, Work Experience And Parents’ Completed Higher Education Within Scientists’ Intellectual Leadership in Higher Education: Which Roles Matter?
Authors: Zydziunaite Vilma
Published: October 2016

Scientists as intellectual leaders are seen through their expertise and the scope of knowledge. The research issue in this pilot study was related to scientists‘ working in higher education schools and focused on intellectual leadership, which consists of different roles. The participants of the pilot study were researchers with acquired PhD. Data collection were accomplished by implementing the questioning survey from 2015-06-02 to 2015-06-30. In total 138 respondents filled in the instrument, but for data analysis were suitable 131 instrument. For data analysis were applied descriptive statistics, correlation analysis (Spearman), ANOVA, and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated. Findings showed that the roles of the advocate and critic for researchers from social sciences were more worth than for researchers from other research areas. The lowest assessments were related to the role of the mentor nevertheless of the scientist’s research area. Results revealed that more experienced scientists in higher education area more value the roles of academic citizen and public intellectual. The roles of ambassador, critic, advocate were assessed more positively by scientists one of whose parents was educated in higher education school. Intellectual leadership of a scientist in higher education is about everyday learning. The particular roles of a scientist are not in position of status quo. The core messages from this pilot study are the following: scientists from social research area see more complex their roles in higher education school; work experience of the scientist in higher education and the completed higher education of scientist’s parents matter.
Insights Into Instructors’ Verbal Aggressiveness and Students’ Machiavellianism Through Leadership Style and Motivational Climate
Authors: Bekiari Alexandra
Published: October 2016

The aim of the present study was threefold: a) to explore the relationship between perceived instructor verbal aggressiveness, leadership style, motivational climate and student Machiavellianism, b) to investigate the influence of instructor verbal aggressiveness on their leadership style, motivational climate and student Machiavellianism in physical education context and c) to propose students’ and instructors’ typology. The sample consisted of 247 Greek students (128 males, 119 females) aged 14-17 years old (M=15.4, SD=.49) from secondary schools who completed four types of questionnaires during physical education classes. The results supported the internal consistency of the instruments. Statistically significant differences were observed in instructors’ verbal aggressiveness, autocratic leadership teaching style, democratic leadership style and students’ Machiavellianism between the two genders of the students. Perceived instructors’ verbal aggressiveness was negatively related to their democratic teaching style and mastery climate. Also, there was a positive significant relationship between instructors’ verbal aggressiveness and autocratic teaching style, performance climate and students’ Machiavellianism. The results of regression analysis revealed that perceived instructors’ verbal aggressiveness could significantly predict the variables of leadership teaching style, motivational climate and students’ Machiavellianism. Distinct types of relations between students and instructors may be distinguished: the “insurrection”, the “acceptance of authoritarianism” and the “effective democracy”. The findings and the effects of the instructors’ verbal aggressiveness on leadership style, motivational climate and students’ Machiavellianism are further discussed and future research issues are suggested.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography Used in the Assessment of the Alveolar Bone in Periodontitis
Authors: Stoica Alexandra Mihaela , Monea Monica , Vlad Ramona , Sita Dragos Dan , Buruian Mircea
Published: October 2016

Objectives: The aim of our study was to highlight the advantages of using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the study of the extent of the alveolar bone loss, compared to the conventional intraoral radiography and to prove the boon of the CBCT scans for establishing the correct periodontal diagnosis. Material and methods: A total of 16 patients with age between 35-55 years old, and a minimum of 8 teeth per dental arcade, presenting peridontal clinical symptomatology were selected. We used a custom periodontal chart that included the measuring of the gingival recession and the pocket depth in 6 points for 16 teeth, 8 maxillary teeth and 8 mandibulary teeth in all cases. For the radiographic evaluation we used CBCT imaging and intraoral radiography. Results: CBCT scans offers the possibilities of measuring with accuracy the alveolar bone loss on mesial, distal vestibular and oral sides. It provides images with the exact position of the bone and also the expediency to assess the correct diagnosis. Retroalveolar radiography offers just a hint of the possible position of the alveaolar bone in all cases the anatomical details were offered by CBCT. Conclusions: A correct periodontal diagnosis using conventional radiography is not possible because of the superimposition of the anatomical structures. The importance of CBCT imaging is no longer disputed, at the present time it is the best radiographic investigation available.
Risba kot orodje za vpogled v matematično razumevanje
Authors: Lipovec Alenka , Podgoršek Manja
Published: October 2016

Vizualne reprezentacije omogočajo osmišljanje pomena matematičnih pojmov, odnosov in procesov, zato imajo pomembno vlogo pri pouku matematike. V predstavljeni raziskavi smo pri udeležencih preučevali razumevanje osnovnih matematičnih pojmov s pomočjo risb. Pojem je bil podan v simbolni obliki (npr. 17 - 9), udeleženci pa so ga morali prikazati z risbo. Zanimalo nas je, ali dijaki oz. študenti in bodoči učitelji (N = 345) ustrezno (v skladu z matematično definicijo) narišejo podani matematični pojem. Podatke smo obdelali s kombinacijo kvantitativne in kvalitativne metodologije. Rezultati so pokazali, da udeleženci zahtevane pojme z risbo ustrezno prikazujejo, pri čemer je delež ustreznosti risb v povezavi z abstraktnostjo prikazanega pojma. Ugotovili smo tudi, da študenti 4. letnikov, ki se izobražujejo za poučevanje na razredni stopnji, pozitivno izstopajo. Po pregledu vzorca risb smo na osnovi vsebinske analize oblikovali dve temi, ki prikazujeta dva načina matematičnega razumevanja (instrumentalno in relacijsko) oz. dva tipa matematičnega znanja (proceduralni in pojmovni). Izsledki raziskave lahko služijo raziskovalcem pri oblikovanju novih raziskovalnih instrumentov za merjenje matematičnega razumevanja in učiteljem pri izbirah načina vpogleda v učenčevo razumevanje.
Design and Construction of a Bilateral Haptic System for the Remote Assessment of the Stiffness and Range of Motion of the Hand
Authors: Oscari Fabio , Oboe Roberto , Daud Omar , Masiero Stefano , Rosati Giulio
Published: October 2016

The use of haptic devices in rehabilitation of impaired limbs has become rather popular, given the proven effectiveness in promoting recovery. In a standard framework, such devices are used in rehabilitation centers, where patients interact with virtual tasks, presented on a screen. To track their sessions, kinematic/dynamic parameters or performance scores are recorded. However, as Internet access is now available at almost every home, and in order to reduce the hospitalization time of the patient, the idea of doing rehabilitation at home is gaining wide consent. Medical care programs can be synchronized with the home rehabilitation device; patient data can be sent to the central server that could redirect to the therapist laptop (tele-healthcare). The controversial issue is that the recorded data do not actually represent the clinical conditions of the patients according to the medical assessment scales, forcing them to frequently undergo clinical tests at the hospital. To respond to this demand, we propose the use of a bilateral master/slave haptic system that could allow the clinician, who interacts with the master, to assess remotely and in real time the clinical conditions of the patient that uses the home rehabilitation device as the slave. In this paper, we describe a proof of concept to highlight the main issues of such an application, limited to one degree of freedom, and to the measure of the stiffness and range of motion of the hand.
Socio Environmental and Haematological Profile of Landfill Residents (São Jorge Landfill – Sao Paulo – Brazil)
Authors: Wanderley Vivianni , Luiz Affonso Fonseca Fernando , Vala Quiaios André , Nuno Domingues José , Paixão Susana , Figueiredo João , Ferreira Ana , de Almeida Pinto Cleonice , Ramos da Silva Odair , Alvarenga Rogério , Machi Junior Amaury , Justo Luiz Savóia Eriane , Daminello Raimundo Rodrigo
Published: October 2016

We are experiencing an unprecedented urbanization process that alongside with physical, social and economic developments is having a significant impact on population’s health. Due to higher apprehensions of pollution, violence and poverty, our modern cities no longer ensure a good quality of life so they become unhealthy environments. This study aims to measure the socio-environmental and hematologic profile of residents of Santo André’s landfill – “Bairro Espírito Santo” by using the contextualization of the studied area. The research method is Observational type and from Retrospective cohort and by convenience sampling in Santo André in the Greater ABC region. The study determined a socio environmental profile and the hematologic diseases screening related to a close location to the landfill. The disease manifests itself within a broad spectrum of symptoms that causes changes in blood count parameters. The full blood counts analysis was performed, indicating that the blood counts of residents living near the landfill  led to positive hematological changes and diseases like Leukopenia, Anemia, Neutropenia and lymphocytosis were the most common changes. However it is considered that the proof of the relation of cause- effect to environmental exposures that may trigger chronic manifestations in humans requires specific studies that are often complicated.
Properties of the long-term oscillations in the middle atmosphere based on observations from TIMED/SABER
Authors: Zhang Yiyao , Zhou Shudao , Shi Hanqing , Sheng Zheng , Shi Weilai , Du Huadong , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: October 2016

The properties of the annual, semiannual and triennial oscillations (AO, SAO and TO) in the middle atmosphere have been investigated using the TIMED/SABER temperature data. The lomb-Scargle and wavelet spectra were used to determine the dominant oscillations in the background temperature field. The AO is prominent at the mid-latitudes. The AO amplitudes present an asymmetry between the two Hemispheres, being larger in the mesosphere than in the stratosphere. The SAO dominates the tropical regions, with three amplitude maxima at altitudes of 45, 75, and 85 km. The SAOs in the upper mesosphere (75 km) are out of phase with those in the mesopause (85 km) in the tropical regions, which can generate an enhancement of 11 K at each equinox, contributing to the lower mesospheric inversion layer. The TO is significant in the tropical region, with amplitude being maximum at 35, 45 and 85 km. Result shows that there may be potential interaction by the TO with SAO at 85km at the equator. The relation between ENSO and the TO has also been discussed Result is that the ENSO signal may modulate the amplitude of the TO, mainly in the lower stratosphere, and the real origin of the TO may possibly lie in the wave-mean-flow interaction.
Properties of the long-term oscillations in the middle atmosphere based on observations from TIMED/SABER
Authors: Zhang Yiyao , Zhou Shudao , Shi Hanqing , Sheng Zheng , Shi Weilai , Du Huadong , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: October 2016

The properties of the annual, semiannual and triennial oscillations (AO, SAO and TO) in the middle atmosphere have been investigated using the TIMED/SABER temperature data. The Lomb-Scargle and wavelet spectra were used to determine the dominant oscillations in the background temperature field. The AO is prominent at the mid-latitudes. The AO amplitudes present an asymmetry between the two Hemispheres, being larger in the mesosphere than in the stratosphere. The SAO dominates the tropical regions, with three amplitude maxima at altitudes of 45, 75, and 85 km. The SAOs in the upper mesosphere (75 km) are out of phase with those in the mesopause (85 km) in the tropical regions, which can generate an enhancement of 11 K at each equinox, contributing to the lower mesospheric inversion layer. The TO is significant in the tropical region, with amplitude being maximum at 35, 45 and 85 km. Result shows that there may be potential interaction by the TO with SAO at 85km at the equator. The relation between ENSO and TO has also been discussed. The ENSO signal may modulate the amplitude of the TO, mainly in the lower stratosphere. The real origin of the TO may lie in the wave-mean-flow interaction.
Progress in the Infrared Remote Sensing of Volcanic Activity
Authors: Blackett Matthew
Published: October 2016

Volcanic activity essentially consists of the transfer of heat from the Earth’ interior to the surface. The precise signature of this heat transfer relates directly to the processes underway at and within a particular volcano and this can be observed, at a safe distance, remotely, using infrared sensors that are present on Earth-orbiting satellites. For over 50 years, scientists have perfected this art using sensors intended for other purposes, and they are now in a position to determine the particular sort of activity that characterizes different volcanoes. This review will describe the theoretical basis of the discipline and then discuss the sensors available for the task and the history of their use. Challenges and opportunities for future development in the discipline are then discussed.
Bio-Resource Exchange: Study of Prevalence of Antibody Donation and Development of a Web Portal to Facilitate it
Authors: Subramanian Sandeep , Ganapathiraju Madhavi
Published: October 2016

Bio-molecular reagents like antibodies required in experimental biology are expensive and their effectiveness, among other things, is critical to the success of the experiment. Although such resources are sometimes donated by one investigator to another through personal communication between the two, there is no previous study to our knowledge on the extent of such donations, nor a central platform that directs resource seekers to donors. In this paper, we describe, to our knowledge, a first attempt at building a web-portal titled Bio-Resource Exchange that attempts to bridge this gap between resource seekers and donors in the domain of experimental biology. Users on this portal can request for or donate antibodies, cell-lines and DNA Constructs. This resource could also serve as a crowd-sourced database of resources for experimental biology. Further, in order to index donations outside of our portal, we mined scientific articles to find instances of donations of antibodies and attempted to extract information about these donations at the finest granularity. Specifically, we extracted the name of the donor, his/her affiliation and the name of the antibody for every donation by parsing the acknowledgements sections of articles. To extract annotations at this level, we propose two approaches – a rule based algorithm and a bootstrapped relation learning algorithm. The algorithms extracted donor names, affiliations and antibody names with average accuracies of 57% and 62% respectively. We also created a dataset of 50 expert-annotated acknowledgements sections that will serve as a gold standard dataset to evaluate extraction algorithms in the future. Contact: madhavi@pitt.edu, madhavi@cs.cmu.edu Database URL: http://tonks.dbmi.pitt.edu/brx Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Database online.
Long-range WindScanner System
Authors: Vasiljevic Nikola , Lea Guillaume , Courtney Michael , Cariou Jean-Pierre , Mann Jakob , Mikkelsen Torben
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the technical aspects of a multi-lidar instrument, the long-range WindScanner system, will be presented accompanied by an overview of the results from several field campaigns. The long-range WindScanner system consists of three spatially separated coherent Doppler scanning lidars and a remote master computer that coordinates them. The lidars were carefully engineered to perform arbitrary and time controlled scanning trajectories. Their wireless coordination via the master computer allows achieving and maintaining lidars’ synchronization within ten milliseconds. As a whole, the long-range WindScanner system can measure an entire wind field by emitting and directing three laser beams to intersect, and then by moving the beam intersection over the points of interest. The long-range WindScanner system was developed to tackle the need for high-quality observations of wind fields from scales of modern wind turbine and wind farms. It has been in operation since 2013.
PEMANFAATAN TERNAK KERBAU UNTUK MENDUKUNG PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI SUSU
Authors: Matondang Rasali Hakim , Talib Chalid
Published: October 2016

Kerbau rawa/lumpur tersebar di seluruh Indonesia dan berpotensi dikembangkan sebagai ternak perah untuk meningkatkan produksi susu dalam negeri yang baru mampu memenuhi 30% dari kebutuhan nasional. Potensi produksi susu kerbau di Indonesia mencapai 0,5–2,25 liter/ekor/hari pada kondisi pemeliharaan suboptimal. Kandungan lemak dan protein susu kerbau lebih baik daripada susu sapi, kaya akan kandungan mineral penting seperti kalsium, besi, dan fosfor, kolesterol rendah, dan vitamin A tinggi. Susu kerbau merupakan makanan sehat karena mengandung zat bioprotektif antara lain imunoglobulin, laktoferin, lisozim, laktoperoksidase, dan bifidogenik. Keunggulan ternak kerbau yang lain ialah mampu beradaptasi pada kondisi iklim dan manajemen pemeliharaan peternak di pedesaan. Perkawinan antara kerbau lokal dengan kerbau unggul dapat meningkatkan produksi susu dan populasi kerbau lokal. Selain itu, perbaikan sistem pemeliharaan dari dilepas menjadi semiintensif atau intensif, peningkatan jumlah dan kualitas pakan, serta pelayanan kesehatan ternak akan mengoptimalkan produktivitas kerbau lokal.
Bagan Warna Daun: Alat untuk Meningkatkan Efisiensi Pemupukan Nitrogen pada Tanaman Padi
Authors: Erythrina Erythrina
Published: October 2016

Nitrogen (N) merupakan unsur hara utama pada tanaman padi, tetapi ketersediaannya terbatas pada hampir semua jenis tanah. Pemberian pupuk N secara berlebihan menyebabkan tanaman berwarna hijau gelap, mudah rebah, serta rentan terhadap hama dan penyakit. Di pihak lain, kekurangan N menyebabkan tanaman tumbuh kerdil, sistem perakaran tidak berkembang, daun menjadi kuning, dan gabah cenderung cepat rontok. Makalah ini mengulas perkembangan penggunaan bagan warna daun (BWD) pada tanaman padi sawah, mencakup cara dan manfaat penggunaannya dalam meningkatkan hasil gabah, menekan serangan hama dan penyakit tanaman, serta memperbaiki kondisi lingkungan. Pemberian pupuk N sesuai kebutuhan merupakan kunci dalam memperbaiki pertumbuhan tanaman untuk memperoleh hasil yang optimal. Waktu penggunaan BWD dapat dengan dua cara, yaitu: 1) berdasarkan kebutuhan tanaman, yaitu dengan membandingkan warna daun padi dengan skala warna pada BWD dan 2) berdasarkan waktu yang telah ditetapkan, yaitu pada saat pembentukan anakan aktif (21-28 HST) dan primordia (35-40 HST). Pemberian N yang berlebihan pada stadia awal pertumbuhan tanaman meningkatkan kerentanan terhadap hama wereng coklat dan penggerek batang serta penyakit blas, sehingga rekomendasi pupuk spesifik lokasi menjadi sangat penting. Gerakan penggunaan BWD secara masif ke depan dapat didukung melalui penggunaan kamera digital atau telepon seluler beresolusi tinggi.
 
Toward Marker-assisted Breeding for Root Architecture Traits in Southern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Nunez Gerardo H. , Rodríguez-Armenta Hilda Patricia , Darnell Rebecca L. , Olmstead James W.
Published: October 2016

Root growth and root system architecture (RSA) are affected by edaphic and genetic factors and they can impact plant growth and farm profitability. Southern highbush blueberries [SHBs (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrids)] develop shallow, fibrous root systems, and exhibit a preference for acidic soils where water and ammonium are readily available. The amendments used to create these soil conditions negatively affect the profitability of SHB plantations. Hence, breeding for RSA traits has been suggested as an alternative to soil amendments. Vaccinium arboreum is a wild species that is used in SHB breeding. V. arboreum exhibits greater drought tolerance and broader soil pH adaptation than SHB, and—according to anecdotal evidence—it develops deep, taproot-like root systems. The present study constitutes the first in-depth study of the RSA of Vaccinium species with the intention of facilitating breeding for RSA traits. Root systems were studied in rhizotron-grown seedling families. In separate experiments, we tested the effect that growth substrate and family pedigree can have on root growth and RSA. Subsequently, a genotyping by sequence approach was used to develop single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that could be used along with the phenotyping method to investigate the heritability of RSA traits and look for marker-trait associations. We found that RSA is affected by growth substrate and family pedigree. In addition, we found that V. arboreum exhibited greater maximum root depth and a lower percentage of roots in the top 8 cm of soil than SHB, and interspecific hybrids generally exhibited intermediate phenotypes. Also, we found that RSA traits exhibit moderate to low heritability and genetic correlations among them. Finally, we found 59 marker-trait associations. Among these markers, 37 were found to be located in exons, and 16 of them were annotated based on protein homology with entries in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. Altogether, the present study provides tools that can be used to breed for root architecture traits in SHB.
FPGA-Based Multiple DDoS Countermeasure Mechanisms System Using Partial Dynamic Reconfiguration
Authors: Thinh Tran Ngoc , Pham-Quoc Cuong , Nguyen-Hoang Biet , Tran-Thi Thuy-Chau , Do-Minh Chien , Nguyen-Bao Quoc , Tuan Nguyen Quoc
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we propose a novel FPGA-based high-speed DDoS countermeasure system that can flexibly adapt to DDoS attacks while still maintaining system performance. The system includes a packet decoder module and multiple DDoS countermeasure mechanisms. We apply dynamic partial reconfiguration technique in this system so that the countermeasure mechanisms can be flexibly changed or updated on-the-fly. The proposed system architecture separates DDoS protection modules (which implement DDoS countermeasure techniques) from the packet decoder module. By using this approach, one DDoS protection module can be reconfigured without interfering with other modules. The proposed system is implemented on a NetFPGA 10G board. The synthesis results show that the system can work at up to 116.782 MHz while utilizing up to 39.9% Registers and 49.85% BlockRAM of the Xilinx Virtex xcv5tx240t FPGA device on the NetFPGA 10G board. The system achieves the detection rate of 100% with the false negative rate at 0% and false positive rate closed to 0.16%. The prototype system achieves packet decoding throughput at 9.869 Gbps in half-duplex mode and 19.738 Gbps in full-duplex mode.
Exploiting Context-Aware Event Data for Fault Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Huy , Ha Tran Manh , Vu Quy Tran , Ha Synh Viet Uyen
Published: October 2016

Fault analysis in communication networks and distributed systems is a difficult process that heavily depends on system administrator’s experience and supporting tools. This process usually requires analytic techniques and several types of event data including log events, debug messages, trace obtained from these systems to investigate the root cause of faults. This paper introduces an approach of exploiting context-aware data and classification technique for improving this process. This approach uses both event data and context-aware data including CPU load, memory, processes, temperature, status to train a decision tree, and then applies the tree to assess suspected events. We have implemented and experimented the approach on the OpenStack cloud computing system with the Hadoop computing service and MELA event collection system. The experimental results reveal that the accuracy score of the approach reaches 85% on average. The paper also includes detailed analysis for the results.
The application of moving bed biofilm reactor to denitrification process after trickling filters
Authors: Kopec Lukasz , Drewnowski Jakub , Kopec Adam
Published: October 2016

The paper presents research of a prototype moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). The device was used for the post-denitrification process and was installed at the end of a technological system consisting of a septic tank and two trickling filters. The concentrations of suspended biomass and biomass attached on the EvU Perl moving bed surface were determined. The impact of the external organic carbon concentration on the denitrification rate and efficiency of total nitrogen removal was also examined. The study showed that the greater part of the biomass was in the suspended form and only 6% of the total biomass was attached to the surface of the moving bed. Abrasion forces between carriers of the moving bed caused the fast stripping of attached microorganisms and formation of flocs. Thanks to immobilization of a small amount of biomass, the MBBR was less prone to leaching of the biomass and the occurrence of scum and swelling sludge. It was revealed that the maximum rate of denitrification was an average of 0.73 gN-NO3/gDM·d (DM: dry matter), and was achieved when the reactor was maintained in external organic carbon concentration exceeding 300 mgO2/dm3 chemical oxygen demand. The reactor proved to be an effective device enabling the increase of total nitrogen removal from 53.5% to 86.0%.
Combined instructions and template for articles submitted to the ANZIAM Journal
Authors: Roberts Anthony John
Published: October 2016

Use LaTeX to generate the PDF to be submitted for consideration. Download the following from the links listed to the right, use "Save link as ..."

download the leaflet, anziamleaflet.pdf, as a handy reference;
download the new short style file, anziamjedraft.sty;
download the new LaTeX template, template.tex;
and perhaps what it looks like, template.pdf;
Interactive three dimensional plots for documents, i3dp.pdf.
Avaliação e Gestão da Qualidade no Ensino Superior em Angola: Traços Emergentes
Authors: Mendes Maria Da Conceição Barbosa
Published: October 2016

A avaliação no contexto do ensino superior em Angola tem sido referenciada como uma das estratégias para a melhoria da qualidade do subsistema, possuindo um sistema nacional de avaliação em fase de concepção. Este fato coloca a avaliação e a qualidade no centro de reflexões e discussões no campo investigativo e acadêmico. Assim, este trabalho procurou descrever os sentidos e traços subjacentes à configuração da avaliação enquanto estratégia de gestão da qualidade no ensino superior em Angola. As descrições basearam-se nas perceções dos atores organizacionais e nas tendências implícitas à legislação existentes, o que confere ao estudo natureza fundamentalmente qualitativa.
A avaliação externa de escolas em Portugal: reflexões sobre potencialidades e constrangimentoas
Authors: Ferreira Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2016

A avaliação externa de escolas em Portugal constitui uma prática realizada para o controlo da qualidade educativa das escolas e para a prestação de contas. Visando a melhoria da educação escolar, essa avaliação identifica os pontos fortes, as fragilidades e os aspetos a melhorar nas escolas nos domínios dos resultados académicos, da prestação de serviços educativos e da liderança e gestão. Daqui resulta um plano de melhoria da escola que visa a superação das suas fragilidades e a melhoria dos resultados escolares dos seus alunos.Daí que tenhamos pretendido refletir sobre potencialidades e constrangimentos da atual avaliação externa de escolas em Portugal. Se, por um lado, através dessa avaliação, é elaborado um diagnóstico da escola, por outro lado, verifica-se a centralidade dos resultados académicos dos alunos na análise da escola, sendo estes percecionados de uma forma descontextualizada e desarticulada das informações obtidas pela autoavaliação da escola.
Computed Tomography Guided Stereotactic Biopsy of Cerebral Lesion: A Safe Diagnostic Procedure
Authors: Joshi Ramesh M , Lohani Subash , Devkota Upendra P
Published: October 2016

CT guided Stereotactic biopsy (CTSB) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses three dimensional (3D) coordinated system for precisely locating a target within a space to obtain tissue sample for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.The main aim of this study is to analyze the role of CTSB in deep seated lesions, multi-focal lesions, lesions in eloquent areas as well as in frail patients at high risk for major cranial surgeries and small intra-cranial lesions which are otherwise hard to access.The study was conducted in National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Nepal with retrospective data using non probability purposive sampling.The study was done from January 2007 to December 2012. Analysis of frame based stereotactic biopsy over that period was done.Descriptive statistics for patient demographics and distribution of lesions was used. Paired t-test was used to compare pre-operative and post-operative GCS to define the safety. Difference in post procedure diagnosis in terms of histology was analysed.Of the 40 cases evaluated, 55% were males and 45% females. Lesions had lobar distribution in 62.5% and were deep seated in 37.5% cases. Three (7.5%) patients had multifocal lesions. Net diagnostic yield was 97.5% and diagnosis could not be established in one case. In fi ve (12.5%) cases the preoperative diagnosis was revised by the procedure and in 13 (32.5%) a new diagnosis was established. Complications were observed in 10%, 7.5% cases having seizure and 2.5% having postoperative brain swelling. Procedure related mortality was seen in one (2.5%) moribund patient. There was no statistical difference in GCS at 48 hours post procedure as compared to preoperative state implying the safety of the procedure.CTSB of cerebral lesion appears to be safe procedure of diagnostic advantage. It can significantly change the final diagnosis making it imperative when indicated.Nepal Journal of Neuroscience 12:14-19, 2015