bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Athletic Training Program Commitment: Four-Year Longitudinal Analysis of Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Weiss Windee M. , Neibert Peter J.
Published: September 2016

Context: Changes in commitment and the predictors of commitment to an athletic training program (ATP) across the academic 4-year program is important for facilitating students' continued success in ATPs and on the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.

Objective: The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) examine changes in 1 cohort's perceptions of commitment across 4 academic years, and (2) to determine if commitment constructs could predict BOC scores.

Design: Longitudinal and cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Commission on Accrediting Athletic Training Education accredited ATP at a midsize Division I University.

Patients or Other Participants: For purpose (1), 24 ATP students (male = 12, female = 12) participated, and ranged in age from 21–23 years (mean = 21.50 ± 0.59). For purpose (2), a total of 75 male and female senior ATP students participated.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted on each predictor of commitment and ATP commitment to determine significant changes in scores from 1 year to the next. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine if commitment constructs could predict BOC scores. Lastly, a multivariate analysis of variance compared successful and unsuccessful first attempt BOC candidates on the commitment constructs.

Results: Commitment, enjoyment, and benefits decreased significantly from the first year in the ATP to the second year in the program. Attractive alternatives and investments significantly increased during this same timeframe. No significant changes occurred in students' perceptions of perceived social constraints or support from professors, parents, peers, or best friends. Lastly, commitment constructs failed to predict who would pass the BOC exam, and no differences emerged for commitment constructs between students who passed the BOC exam on the first attempt and those who did not.

Conclusions: Athletic Training Program students' commitment, enjoyment, investments, attractive alternatives, and perceived benefits fluctuate throughout their time enrolled in an ATP.
Peer Assessment of Clinical Skills and Professional Behaviors Among Undergraduate Athletic Training Students
Authors: Engelmann Jeanine M.
Published: September 2016

Context: Peer assessment is widely used in medical education as a formative evaluation and preparatory tool for students. Athletic training students learn similar knowledge, skills, and affective traits as medical students. Peer assessment has been widely studied with beneficial results in medical education, yet athletic training education has thus far produced only 2 studies that address the use of peer assessment with athletic training students.

Objective: To identify whether undergraduate athletic training students accurately and reliably assess their peers on clinical skills and professional behaviors.

Design: Quasi-experimental between-groups and within-group.

Setting: Medical exam office.

Patients or Other Participants: Junior and senior athletic training students, classroom faculty and clinical preceptors (instructors) from the same Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education athletic training program.

Intervention(s): One instructor and 2 students concurrently performed an assessment in real-time of 5 clinical skills performed by a junior or senior student. Clinical skills demonstrated were the Biceps Femoris Manual Muscle Test (BFMMT), Lachman Test, Kleiger Test, Noble's Compression Test, and Thompson Test.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Each student group's scores were compared with instructor group scores to determine the accuracy of the assessment. Each student group's scores were compared within-group to determine reliability of student scores. Accuracy and reliability of clinical skills were measured using the Cohen κ coefficient. A weighted Cohen κ coefficient was used for professional behavior measures.

Results: Senior students were accurate (P < .05) for all clinical skills and professional behaviors and reliable (P < .05) for the BFMMT, Thompson Test, and professional behaviors. Junior students were accurate (P < .05) for all clinical skills except the Lachman Test and reliable (P < .05) for the BFMMT and Noble's Compression Test.

Conclusions: Students are able to assess the clinical skills of their peers with the same consistency as instructors during a live skills demonstration. Year in school may affect ability to assess professional behaviors.
Interassociation Consensus Statement on Cardiovascular Care of College Student-Athletes
Authors: Hainline Brian , Drezner Jonathan , Baggish Aaron , Harmon Kimberly G. , Emery Michael S. , Myerburg Robert J. , Sanchez Eduardo , Molossi Silvana , Parsons John T. , Thompson Paul D.
Published: September 2016

Cardiovascular evaluation and care of college student-athletes is gaining increasing attention from both the public and medical communities. Emerging strategies include screening of the general athlete population, recommendations of permissible levels of participation by athletes with identified cardiovascular conditions, and preparation for responding to unanticipated cardiac events in athletic venues. The primary focus has been sudden cardiac death and the utility of screening with or without advanced cardiac screening. The National Collegiate Athletic Association convened a multidisciplinary task force to address cardiovascular concerns in collegiate student-athletes and to develop consensus for an interassociation statement. This document summarizes the task force deliberations and follow-up discussions, and includes available evidence on cardiovascular risk, pre-participation evaluation, and the recognition of and response to cardiac arrest. Future recommendations for cardiac research initiatives, education, and collaboration are also provided. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2016;doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.03.527.) ©2016 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.
Transportation decisions of small businesses in Soweto: Balancing responsiveness and efficiency
Authors: Eicker Themari , Cilliers Jacoba O.
Published: September 2016

Background: The performance of small businesses makes an important contribution to the South African economy. Although the South African government implemented various initiatives for the development of small businesses in townships, the full advantage of such initiatives has not yet been experienced.Objectives: To investigate how formal, independent small retail businesses operating in Soweto manage transportation as a logistical supply chain driver to be financially sustainable.Method: During 2014, a survey was conducted among a sample of 556 formal, independent small retail businesses in Soweto to determine if these retailers focused on responsiveness or cost-efficiency when managing their logistical supply chain driver of transportation.Results: The results showed that the retailers manage transportation decisions by focusing on either cost-efficiency or responsiveness, depending on the type of transportation decision and the industry in which the retailer operates. In terms of the profile of the older businesses (5 years and older) that showed a growth pattern in income (turnover) over the past year, responsive transportation decisions based on having inventory available (either by direct delivery by suppliers or by using own transportation) was a higher priority than considering cost.Conclusion: The type of transportation decisions made by the older, growing businesses could serve as an example to younger businesses showing a stagnating or contracting growth pattern.
Prioritising the implementation of practices to overcome operational barriers in reverse logistics
Authors: Badenhorst Amanda
Published: September 2016

Background: Reverse logistics is a complex process, and many organisations experience operational barriers that prevent them from successfully managing the process. This study overcomes the gap in research regarding the most important practices that organisations can implement to overcome operational barriers in reverse logistics.Objectives: The study aims to identify operational barriers preventing the efficient performance of the reverse logistics process, matching them to applicable practices by means of a theoretical framework and prioritising the implementation of appropriate practices with the inputs of practitioners.Method: The study used a survey method, and data were collected by means of a questionnaire based on a theoretical framework that was sent to organisations that offered reverse logistics as a service or specialised in reverse logistics in South Africa. The study used descriptive statistics to conduct a gap-and-opportunity analysis.Results: Respondents were asked to indicate the importance of the practices and how difficult they would be to implement. Results showed that all the practices are important to at least a moderate extent but some are more difficult to implement.Conclusion: The framework developed in this article will enable organisations to identify the operational barriers they experience in reverse logistics and the practices they can implement on a priority basis to overcome these barriers.
Error Estimates of Mixed Methods for Optimal Control Problems Governed by General Elliptic Equations
Authors: Hou Tianliang , Li Li
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we investigate the error estimates of mixed finite element methods for optimal control problems governed by general elliptic equations. The state and co-state are approximated by the lowest order Raviart-Thomas mixed finite element spaces and the control variable is approximated by piecewise constant functions. We derive L2 and H–1-error estimates both for the control variable and the state variables. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Stability Analysis of a Fully Coupled Implicit Scheme for Inviscid Chemical Non-Equilibrium Flows
Authors: Wang Yu , Cai Jinsheng , Qu Kun
Published: September 2016

Von Neumann stability theory is applied to analyze the stability of a fully coupled implicit (FCI) scheme based on the lower-upper symmetric Gauss-Seidel (LU-SGS) method for inviscid chemical non-equilibrium flows. The FCI scheme shows excellent stability except the case of the flows involving strong recombination reactions, and can weaken or even eliminate the instability resulting from the stiffness problem, which occurs in the subsonic high-temperature region of the hypersonic flow field. In addition, when the full Jacobian of chemical source term is diagonalized, the stability of the FCI scheme relies heavily on the flow conditions. Especially in the case of high temperature and subsonic state, theCFLnumber satisfying the stability is very small. Moreover, we also consider the effect of the space step, and demonstrate that the stability of the FCI scheme with the diagonalized Jacobian can be improved by reducing the space step. Therefore, we propose an improved method on the grid distribution according to the flow conditions. Numerical tests validate sufficiently the foregoing analyses. Based on the improved grid, theCFLnumber can be quickly ramped up to large values for convergence acceleration.
Effect of terazosin hydrochloride in airways of patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Krasniqi Shaip , Islami Hilmi
Published: September 2016

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the potential effect of terazosin hydrochloride on bronchodilatation and compare it with the agonist effect of salbutamol in patients with asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity.

Material and methods: Twelve patients with the diagnosis of asthma and increased bronchial hyperreactivity were enrolled in an open label cohort study. We registered the functional pulmonary parameters by body plethysmography, including airway resistance, intrathoracic gas volume and specific resistance in each clinical subject. Terazosin hydrochloride was orally administered in the dosage of 1 mg and 2 mg tablets.

Results: The results of this study performed in patients with bronchial asthma and hyperreactivity showed that the blockade of specific α1-adrenergic receptors with terazosin hydrochloride (1 mg and 2 mg, oral tablets) did not change significantly (p > 0.1) bronchomotor tone of the tracheobronchial system compared with the group of patients treated with salbutamol (specific agonist of β2-adrenergic receptors). The arterial blood pressure decreased slightly, but not significantly, after use of 1 mg and 2 mg tablets of terazosin hydrochloride.

Conclusions: The results of the study show that the activity of specific α1-adrenoreceptors in tracheobronchial smooth muscle tone is not the primary mechanism for bronchorelaxation in patients with increased bronchial reactivity. The antagonism of α1-adrenoreceptors has a minor impact on the tracheobronchial tone compared with the agonist effect of β2-adrenergic drugs, which cause a significant decrease in specific resistance of airways.
Affective temperaments in nicotine-dependent and non-nicotine-dependent individuals
Authors: Oniszczenko Włodzimierz , Stanisławiak Ewa
Published: September 2016

Background

One of the smoking risk factors influencing nicotine dependency may be human personality; however, few studies have examined the association between Akiskal’s affective temperaments and smoking in adults. Our study aims to evaluate the associations between nicotine dependence and affective temperaments using the TEMPS-A.

Participants and procedure

The sample in this study consisted of 678 healthy Caucasian adults aged from 17 to 69 years, including 134 self-declared nicotine-dependent subjects (89 females and 45 males) and 544 self-declared non-nicotine-dependent subjects (352 females and 192 males). The Polish version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) was used to assess affective temperaments (depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable and anxious).

Results

Nicotine-dependent individuals scored higher on cyclothymic, irritable and anxious temperaments than non-nicotine-dependents (no significant differences with regard to depressive and hyperthymic temperaments). Among the nicotine-dependent individuals, females scored higher on anxious temperaments than males (no differences with regard to the other affective temperaments), and among the non-nicotine-dependent individuals, females exhibited more depressive, cyclothymic and anxious temperaments than males, while males exhibited more hyperthymic temperaments than females.

Conclusions

The results suggest that affective, cyclothymic and irritable temperaments in both genders and anxious temperaments in females may be predictors of nicotine dependence in adults.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms in women with gynaecologic pathology: the role of temperament, self-esteem and mental health
Authors: Oniszczenko Włodzimierz , Szulc Joanna , Bulsa Marek , Żebiełowicz Dariusz
Published: September 2016

Background

Women with gynaecological pathology are affected by diseases associated with their femininity, attractiveness and fertility. Diseases like these can potentially be sources of trauma for women. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate temperament traits, self-esteem and mental health dimensions that may contribute to the intensity of trauma in hospitalized women.

Participants and procedure

The study was conducted on 136 women aged from 18 to 60, hospitalized for a variety of gynaecological diseases. The level of trauma symptoms was assessed with the PTSD-Factorial Version inventory. Temperament traits were assessed with the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI), self-esteem was measured using the Multi­dimensional Self-Esteem Inventory, and mental health was diagnosed with the General Health Questionnaire – 28 items.

Results

Emotional reactivity and anxiety symptoms increase trauma symptom intensity in gynaecological patients, whereas briskness, endurance and lovability as a dimension of self-esteem may serve as protective buffers against intensification of trauma symptoms. Together, emotional reactivity, anxiety symptoms and lovability account for 48% of the variance of trauma intensity symptoms.

Conclusions

Emotional reactivity and anxiety symptoms increase trauma symptom intensity in gynaecological patients, whereas lovability as a dimension of self-esteem (and to a lesser extent briskness and endurance as temperament traits) may serve as protective buffers against intensification of trauma symptoms. The findings may have implications for the social support programmes that may be arranged for gynaecological patients.
Effect of emotional intelligence and resilience on trauma coping among university students
Authors: Bulathwatta Asanka Dilan Nayana , Witruk Evelin , Reschke Konrad
Published: September 2016

Background

Exposure to natural or manmade disasters is associated with long-term health consequences, including those for mental health. Trauma can be considered as the severe mental health outcome of such kinds of disasters. University students as an academic population can also be exposed to different types of disasters in their life. However, most students tend to remain within the academic society due to their coping capacities. It is possible that some students who are suffering from a trauma may not have been identified and that some may even have healed due to individual resilience.

Participants and procedure

This study investigated samples of German and Sri Lankan university students (N = 356), attempting to identify relationships between emotional intelligence and its impact on trauma compared with resilience capacities. A purposeful sampling method was used for data collection.

Results and conclusions

Independent sample t-test and hierarchical multiple regression analysis demonstrated that German students and Sri Lankan students used different levels of resilience capacity and emotional intelligence in their trauma coping.
Multi-year comparisons of ground-based and space-borne Fourier
Transform Spectrometers in the high Arctic between 2006 and 2013
Authors: Griffin Debora , Walker Kaley A. , Conway Stephanie , Kolonjari Felicia , Strong Kimberly , Batchelor Rebecca , Boone Chris D. , Dan Lin , Drummond James R. , Fogal Pierre F. , Fu Dejian , Lindenmaier Rodica , Manney Gloria L. , Weaver Dan
Published: September 2016

Abstract. This paper presents eight years (2006–2013) of measurements obtained from Fourier Transform Spectrometers (FTSs) in the high Arctic at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL, 80.05° N, 86.42° W). These measurements were taken as part of the Canadian Arctic ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) Validation Campaigns that have been carried out since 2004 during the polar sunrise period (from mid-February to mid-April). Each spring, two ground-based FTSs were used to measure total and partial columns of HF, O3, and trace gases that impact O3 depletion, namely, HCl, and HNO3. Additionally, some tropospheric greenhouse gases and pollutant species were measured, namely CH4, N2O, CO, and C2H6. During the same time period, the satellite-based ACE-FTS made measurements near Eureka and provided profiles of the same trace gases. Comparisons have been carried out between the measurements from PARIS-IR and the co-located high-resolution Bruker 125HR FTS, as well as with the latest version of the ACE-FTS retrievals (v3.5). The total column comparison between the two co-located ground-based FTSs, PARIS-IR and Bruker 125HR, found very good agreement for most of these species (except HF), with differences well below the estimated uncertainties (~ 6 %) and with high correlations (R ≥ 0.8). Partial columns have been used for the ground-based to space-borne comparison, with coincident measurements selected based on time, distance and scaled potential vorticity (sPV). The comparisons of the ground-based measurements with ACE-FTS show good agreement in the partial columns for most species within 6 % (except for C2H6 and PARIS-IR HF), which are consistent with the total retrieval uncertainty of the ground-based instruments. The correlation coefficients (R) of the partial column comparisons for all eight species range from approximately 0.75 to 0.95. The comparisons show no significant increase in the mean differences over these eight years, indicating the consistency of these datasets and suggesting that the space-borne ACE-FTS measurements have been stable over this period. In addition, changes in the amounts of these trace gases during springtime between 2006 and 2013 are presented and discussed. Increased O3 (0.9 % yr−1), HCl (1.7 % yr−1), HF (3.8 % yr−1), CH4 (0.5 % yr−1) and C2H6 (2.3 % yr−1, 2009–2013) have been found near PEARL from the Portable Atmospheric Research Interferometric Spectrometer for the InfraRed (PARIS-IR) dataset.
An approach for data-driven characterization of tide and current fluxes in coastal basins
Authors: Armenio Elvira , De Serio Francesca , Mossa Michele
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Recently, much effort has been spent in the attempt to provide predictions of physical processes at coastal sites. Numerical models are more and more adopted to characterize hydrodynamics and sediment transport features and their use is encouraged because of their feasible applicability, accuracy and cost. In any way, they need for parameters calibration and validation of results, thus requiring a sensitivity analysis and increasing in turn the demand for rich and comprehensive sets of data. Our work aims to demonstrate that a data approach, besides supporting and improving numerical modelling, has also an additional advantage, i.e. allows to directly identify the key physical processes driving a coastal system as well as to assess their relative strength under diverse conditions. This is especially true in restricted coastal environments, where numerical models could fail because of small spatial scales and fine temporal resolution. In the present case, we illustrate and analyse a unique data set comprising a sequence of detailed measurements of tides, waves and currents, acquired at the same time and location, to infer evidence of recurring patterns and cycles, thus evidencing the possibility to extrapolate these data also in a forecasting perspective. Our method is based on (i) the analysis of temporal trends and variability of hourly-averaged vertical profiles of the current velocity for a variety of tidal conditions; (ii) the spectral analyses of tide levels and water currents measured at different depths; (iii) the computation of the tidal asymmetry factor; and (iv) the harmonic analysis of the tidal constituents. Consequently, details on the vertical structure of the flow, on the correlation between currents and tide, on the tidal asymmetry as well as on flood or ebb dominance are the principal outcomes of this study. Our data approach and results are documented through the detailed study of the Mar Piccolo, a shallow water basin located in the inner part of the Ionian Sea (Southern Italy). While the type of coherent patterns observed are site-specific, the approach and investigation framework are general and may be employed in diverse settings.
Investigation of the long-term variations in hydro-climatology of the Dinder and Rahad basins and its implications on ecosystems of the Dinder National Park, Sudan
Authors: Hassaballah Khalid , Mohamed Yasir , Uhlenbrook Stefan
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Hydro-climatic variability plays a pivotal role in structuring the biophysical environment of riverine and floodplain ecosystems. Variability is natural, but can also be enhanced by anthropogenic interventions. Alterations of hydro-climatic variables can have significant impacts on the ecohydrological functions of rivers and related ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems have caused increasing concern about the current situation of the Dinder and Rahad River basins (D&R), particularly the ecosystems of the Dinder National Park (DNP). However the causes are not yet fully understood. Conservation of the DNP ecosystems for direct and indirect human benefit is one of major challenges facing the country. This paper examines the long-term variations of streamflow, rainfall and temperature over the D&R and its implications on DNP ecosystems. Statistical tests of Mann–Kendall (MK) and Pettitt were used. The analysis was carried out for twelve precipitation, one temperature, and two streamflow gauging stations over different time periods. Streamflow characteristics of magnitude, duration, timing, frequency and rate of change in flow that likely impact the ecological functions of the ecosystem of the DNP, were analysed using the Indicators of Hydrologic Alterations (IHA). The MK test showed statistically significant increasing trends of temperature. The mean annual and monthly mean precipitation showed no significant change. Streamflow of the Rahad River showed a significant increasing trend in annual and monthly means at Al-Hawata station, while no significant trend in Dinder River flows at Al-Gewisi station could be observed. However, the Dinder river showed significant decreasing trend in maximum annual and monthly mean and maximum flow during August (month of high flow), and increasing trend during November (month of low flow). The IHA analysis indicated that the Rahad River flow was coupled with significant upward alterations in some of the hydrological indicators. In contrast, the Dinder River flow was coupled with significant downward alterations. This alterations in Dinder river flow are likely affect the ecosystems in DNP negatively. Alterations in magnitude and duration of the annual flood peaks that reduce the amount of water flowing to the river-floodplain, may diminish the production of native flora and fauna, and animal migration that may be linked to floodplain inundation.
Effects of different reference periods on drought index estimations for 1901–2014
Authors: Um Myoung-Jin , Kim Yeonjoo , Park Daeryong , Kim Jeong Bin
Published: September 2016

Abstract. This study aims to understand how different reference periods (i.e., calibration periods) of climate data for estimating the drought index influence regional drought assessments. Specifically, we investigate the influence of different reference periods on historical drought characteristics such as trends, frequency, intensity and spatial extents using the standard precipitation evapotranspiration index with a 12-month lag (SPEI-12) estimated from the datasets of the climate research unit (CRU) and the University of Delaware (UDEL). For the 1901–1957 (P1) and 1958–2014 (P2) estimation periods, three different types of reference periods are used: P1 and P2 together, P1 and P2 separately and P1 only. Focusing on East Asia, Europe, North America and West Africa, we find the influence of the reference periods to be significant in East Asia and West Africa, with dominant drying trends from P1 to P2. The reference periods influence the assessment of drought characteristics, particularly for severity and spatial extent, whereas their influence on the frequency is relatively small. Finally, self-calibration, which is the most common practice with an index such as SPEI, tends to underestimate the drought severity and spatial extent relative to the other approaches used in this study. Although the conclusions drawn in this study are limited to two global datasets, they nevertheless highlight the need for the reference period to be clarified in drought assessments to better understand regional drought characteristics and their temporal changes, particularly under climate change scenarios.
Practitioners' viewpoints on citizen science in water management: a
case study in Dutch regional water resource management
Authors: Minkman Ellen , van der Sanden Maarten , Rutten Martine
Published: September 2016

Abstract. In recent years, governmental institutes have started to use citizen science as a form of public participation. The Dutch water authorities are among them. They face pressure on the water governance system and a water awareness gap among the general public, and consider citizen science a possible solution. The reasons for practitioners to engage in citizen science, and in particular those of government practitioners, have seldom been studied. This article aims to pinpoint the various viewpoints of practitioners at Dutch regional water authorities on citizen science. A Q-methodological approach was used because it allows for exploration of viewpoints and statistical analysis using a small sample size. Practitioners (33) at eight different water authorities ranked 46 statements from agree to disagree. Three viewpoints were identified. Viewpoint A considers citizen science a potential solution that can serve several purposes, thereby encouraging citizen participation in data collection and analysis. Viewpoint B considers citizen science a method for additional, illustrative data. Viewpoint C views citizen science primarily as a means of education. These viewpoints show practitioners are willing to embrace citizen science at water authorities, although there is no support for higher levels of citizen engagement.
Disengagement, Pedagogical Eros and (the undoing of?) Dialogic pedagogy
Authors: Cresswell James
Published: September 2016

Dialogic pedagogy is an approach to education influenced by Bakhtin, Freire, and others. It is an approach that is critical of conventional education, which tends to be didactic and alienating to students. Student engagement is made central as dialogue takes priority over standardization and core cannons of content. Dialogic pedagogy also emphasizes the importance of communities of learners where teachers are co-learners along with students as all parties work on problems together. I seek to raise challenges to Dialogic Pedagogy and these come from scholars working on the “conduct of everyday life” and from Charles Taylor’s notion of “strong evaluations”. The conduct of everyday life involves a focus on first-person subjectivities with an eye to their constitution in social and power relations. Strong evaluations enhance this discussion by addressing how people can engage in decisions that involve weighing options about the qualitative kind of person one is. I outline how education involves a conduct of everyday life where strong evaluations are promoted. Taking such an approach to education grounds two challenges to dialogic pedagogy. One challenge is that students are reticent to engage in strong evaluations and the modern identity is one disposed to disengagement. The converse challenge is that student engagement entails pedagogical eros, which is easily converted into power and abuse by a pedagogue.
Employees Perception on Performance Appraisal System in a public limited company in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Abdul Hameed
Published: September 2016

The Performance Appraisal system is now a common phenomenon in Pakistan. It is a major tool for most of the organizations to evaluate various aspects of their employees. Majority of the organization has implemented this process and is a regular feature for evaluation of their staff. Ample literature is available which has discussed the performance appraisal process at length targeting various dimensions of it. Although in the last few decades many studies are done and sufficient  international literature on performance appraisal  is available (Landy and Farr, 1980),  however very  limited research is done in Pakistan in this area .To analyses the perception of employees regarding the performance appraisal system implementation a public limited company in energy sector is selected .The company which previously used to undertake employees evaluation through the Annual Confidential Report (ACR) system introduced Performance appraisal system in 2001 in order to comply with the new vision of the company.

In order to analyze the perception of employees regarding the new system and its implementation, 33 item questionnaires consist of 4 independent and one dependent variables was distributed among 150 management position employees   who were acquainted with the Performance appraisal procedure. The questionnaire has 4 independent variable which are Procedural justice, Goal setting, feedback and Pay for performance and one dependent variable, the employee perception towards Performance appraisal process.  The instrument used was a likert scale questionnaire with the scale of 1 for strongly disagree to 5 for strongly agree. Factor analysis and regression analysis was done through SPSS19 .The result shows the process was implemented as per organization guidelines to the overall satisfaction of employees. There are however some areas of improvement which have been noted in the conclusion. The results and outcome are in line with international published data.
Salvaging The Counselor: Watching Cormac McCarthy and Ridley Scott's Really Trashy Movie
Authors: Agner Jacob
Published: September 2016

I argue that Cormac McCarthy's The Counselor, set amid the U.S.–Mexican drug wars, critiques late capitalism through self-reflexive genre filmmaking. Centered on the metaphor of trash, this essay connects the film's low-art spectacle with the drug trade's entrenchment in globalization and multinational capitalism. The Counselor, in effect, resists cinema's central role in the culture industry by tying its “trashy” plot to the historically pressing narcotics crisis and the twenty-first century's accumulating trash heaps.
Blood Meridian's Deathcarts and Angels of Death
Authors: Luce Dianne C.
Published: September 2016

This note explores the cultural implications of the Penitente sect's deathcart and figure of Death armed with bow and arrow, and identifies McCarthy's source in Fergusson's Rio Grande. The Penitentes' female death angel, La Muerte, is represented either as a bare skeleton or in feminine garb. The ungendered skeleton in Blood Meridian allows for the protagonist's misinterpretation of the figure as male and thus a reminder of his Indian-fighting. The eldress in the rocks, wearing the icons of Our Lady of Guadalupe but unrecognized by the man, is another death angel, a conflation of the Virgin and Death. The deathcart appears not only in the Penitente procession, but also in the tarot reader's prediction of Black Jackson's death and again in the buffalo bonecarts. Together these tropes support the novel's representation of border, national, and human history as the procession of Death Triumphant.
Growth and nutrient uptake patterns in plants of Duboisia sp
Authors: Fioretto Conrado Cagliari , Tironi Paulo , Souza José Roberto Pinto de
Published: September 2016

Characterizing growth and nutrient uptake is important for the establishment of plant cultivation techniques that aim at high levels of production. The culturing of Duboisia sp., although very important for world medicine, has been poorly studied in the field, since the cultivation of this plant is restricted to a few regions. The objective of this paper is to characterize growth and nutrient absorption during development in Duboisia sp. under a commercial cultivation system, and in particular to assess the distribution of dry matter and nutrients in the leaves and branches. Our work was performed on a commercial production farm located in Arapongas, Paraná, Brazil, from March 2009 to February 2010. A total of 10 evaluations took place at approximately 10-day intervals, starting 48 days after planting and ending at harvesting, 324 days after planting. The growth parameters analyzed were the height of the plants and the dry matter of the leaves and of branches, while the chemical composition of the leaves and branches was used to study nutrient absorption. Data were submitted to regression analysis. Growth in height followed Richards’ model, mirroring the rise in air temperature and water availability. Phytomass accumulation in the aerial parts of the plants was slow during the first 150 days, but grew 25 times from that point to harvesting. Starting from 260 days, phytomass accumulation in the leaves began to be notable, while in the branches, a growth of 169% occurred, a pattern of biomass partitioning that is unfavorable for the producer. Accumulation of nutrients mirrored the accumulation of phytomass, showing the same unfavorable partition. The nutritional demand for macronutrients and micronutrients was, respectively, N < K < Ca > P > Mg > S and Fe >Mn> Zn > B > Cu.
Plants that cause photosensitivity in ruminants in Brazil
Authors: Knupp Sheila Nogueira Ribeiro , Knupp Leonardo Sidney , Riet-Correa Franklin , Lucena Ricardo Barbosa
Published: September 2016

This study aimed to review the mechanisms of action, clinical signs, pathology, and toxic compounds of plants that cause photosensitivity in ruminants. In addition, we sought to clarify the diagnostic methods and prophylaxis of photosensitivity-induced plants. Photosensitizing plants constitute an important group of poisonous plants in Brazil and there are at least seventeen species distributed in nine genera. Some of these plants have well known toxic compounds; in others, the substance responsible for the disease is unknown. In general, the photosensitivity can be classified as primary or secondary. Among the plants causing primary photosensitivity in Brazil, Ammi majus contains furocoumarins, while the compound in Froelichia humboldtiana remains uncertain. The known toxic compounds causing secondary photosensitivity include pyrrolizidine alkaloids, furans sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, and steroidal saponins. In other plants causing secondary photosensitization, including Stryphnodendron spp. and Enterolobium spp., the toxic compound is still unknown. Future research should be conducted in order to determine the various mechanisms of action of each toxic compound to assist the diagnosis of photosensitivity, to develop less toxic or non-toxic cultivars, or even to find new ways of preventing photosensitization.
Effects of postgrazing residue on morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Tifton 85 pastures
Authors: Silva Wilton Ladeira , Ruggieri Ana Cláudia , Reis Ricardo Andrade , Silva Sobrinho Américo Garcia , Malheiros Euclides Braga
Published: September 2016

The ideal time to start grazing is when pastures reach 95% light interception. The use of residual leaf area index (rLAI) to time the interruption of grazing under intermittent grazing has recently been studied in forage species in different climatic conditions in Brazil. However, studies evaluating the formation and development of leaves and tillers through morphogenetic and structural variables in functional rLAI are still lacking for Tifton 85 pastures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of varying rLAI in successive grazing cycles on morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Tifton 85 pasture grazed intermittently by sheep. Morphogenetic and structural characteristics were evaluated in three grazing cycles under three rLAI conditions (0.8, 1.6, and 2.4). The regrowth interval (time taken to return to 95% light interception) of pastures increased from 21.33 to 29.66 days with decreasing rLAI. The leaf appearance rate increased at a rate of 0.02 leaves tiller-1 day-1 and the number of live leaves per tiller increased by 0.41 with decreasing rLAI. Phyllochron, leaf elongation rate, final leaf length, leaf senescence rate, and stem elongation rate decreased linearly with decreasing rLAI. The number of live leaves per tiller was lower (7.97) in the third grazing cycle, probably owing to the higher senescence rate observed that same cycle, while the other variables had higher values. The 2.4 rLAI condition promotes excessive stem elongation, reduced leaf appearance, lower number of live leaves per tiller, and increased senescence of leaves, while the 0.8 and 1.6 rLAI conditions promote desirable morphogenetic and structural characteristics, which correlate directly with forage quality. In order to avoid excessive forage losses, grazing must occur preferentially by the end of March, when climatic conditions still support the appropriate development of the plants.
Microencapsulated acids associated with essential oils and acid salts for piglets in the nursery phase
Authors: Callegari Marco Aurelio , Novais Aliny Ketilim , Oliveira Eduardo Raele , Dias Cleandro Pazinato , Schmoller Dalita Laurinha , Pereira Junior Marcino , Nagi Julie Gabriela , Alves Jefferson Bastos , Silva Caio Abércio da
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of commercial blends of organic and inorganic acids combined with essential oils for piglets in the nursery phase. The formulations were administered as microcapsules or as acid salts. Ninety-six, Pen Ar Lan, barrow and female piglets, weaned at a body weight of 600 kg ± 12 kg and age of 23 days were subjected to four treatments. The animals were distributed in randomized blocks of three animals per pen and 8 replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of four different diets: control (free of organic acids); acid and essential oil blends (fumaric acid 10,5%, malic acid 8.0%, essential oils; in microencapsulated form); microencapsulated acid blend (phosphoric acid 10%, citric acid 10%, malic acid 10%, fumaric acid 20%; in microencapsulated form); and acid salt blend (formic acid 40.5%, phosphoric acid 13.6%, propionic acid 4.9% and salts (23.2% calcium and 4.4% phosphorus available). The performance parameters, digestive transit time, weights of organs of the digestive tract, bacterial count of feces (Lactobacillus, E coli and Salmonella ssp and Clostridium), pH of the stomach and duodenal content did not differ between treatment groups (P > 005). All treatments containing organic acids exhibited positive effects on diarrhea control (P < 005). The cecal contents of volatile fatty acids (VFA) were higher in piglets fed diets containing acids than in animals that received the control diet (P < 005), and blends containing essential oils improved the jejunum villus height compared with the control group. The use of diets containing acids improved diarrhea control and VFA production in the cecum, and specifically the diets containing microencapsulated acid blends required the lowest doses to be effective.
Opinions of Faculty Members Regarding Quality Implementation in the Faculty of Arts at King Saud University
Authors: Saud Aljohara Saud Abdulaziz Al , Sheikh Nouf Ibrahim Al
Published: September 2016

King Saud University has been seeking to achieve excellence and leadership; this is shown through seeking to advance towards the best and to cope with the universities needs by qualifying its employees academically and practically in various fields. Throughout this journey of excellence, King Saud University has adapted the quality system implementation in 2007.This study aims at presenting the opinions and suggestions of faculty members regarding quality implementation mechanisms in the departments of Faculty of Arts at King Saud University. To achieve the goals of the current study, the researchers depend on a questionnaire, which was constructed by both of them to collect data. This tool was constructed based on the standards steps of constructing a questionnaire. The tool has included several focus points which are: social and academic characteristics of the study community that consists of faculty members (n=273), strategies (vision, mission, and goals) which include 8 statements, evaluation which includes 14 statements, and finally communication and engagement which include 5 statements. In light of the results of this study the researchers recommend considering the goals of Quality Units in the departments of Faculty of Arts so that they agree and serve the goals of the development process and the quality in the college and the university, in addition to introducing a clear and announced plan of quality to all employees in the department. In addition, they suggest that Quality Units in the departments of Faculty of Arts should hold training workshops and courses to clarify quality requirements and ensures that they are understood by the employees. 
Towards Ethical Framework for Personal Care Robots: Review and Reflection
Authors: Mansouri Nazanin , Goher Khaled
Published: September 2016

In recent decades, robots have been used noticeably at various industries. Autonomous robots have been embedded in human lives especially in elderly and disabled lives. Elderly population is growing worldwide significantly; therefore there is an increased need of personal care robots to enhance mobility and to promote independence. A great number of aging and disabled hold appeals for using robots in daily routine tasks as well as for various healthcare matters. It is essential to follow a proper framework in ethics of robot design to fulfill individual needs, whilst considering potential harmful effects of robots. This paper primarily focuses on the existing issues in robot ethics including general ethics theories and ethics frameworks for robots. Consequentialism ethics will be recommended to be applied in robot ethics frameworks.
Small States in the Shadow of the International Alliances Kuwait as a Case Study
Authors: Ali Mona M. Bin , Kamal Mohammad , Selim Mohammad Al-Sayed
Published: September 2016

The international alliances, with their military, political, security and economic types, are seeking to achieve the goals of the concerned parties. Therefore, small states more than other states in dire need to these alliances where they seek through them to achieve their security, stability and protecting their existence, because of composition and limited capacity. However, these international alliances has many cost. The cleared ones and the undeclared cost, which is dependency for great countries allied with them. These alliances forcing small states to be satellite states, living in the shadow of the power countries to achieve their goals.
This study seeks to know the nature of the relationship between the small and the great countries in their alliances by following the political behavior of them under these alliances. The state of Kuwait will be the case study. It’s a typical case of small state which has alliances with great powers.
Structural Relationships between Disruptive Attributes and Women Consumers’ Attitude when Using Mobile Retailing
Authors: Bujang Azllina , Mohd Suki Norbayah , Mohd Suki Norazah
Published: September 2016

This study aims to examine the structural relationship between disruptive attributes and women consumers’ attitude when using Mobile Retailing. A total of 486 completed sets of structured self-administered questionnaires were analyzed using the purposive sampling technique. The sample for this study consisted of Malaysian women who have used Mobile Retailing in the past six months, including mobile retailers and members of women organizations in Malaysia. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was used to evaluate the relationship among the hypothesized variables for this study via the Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) computer program version 21. Based on the SEM analysis, five significant results and two insignificant results were obtained in regard to the direct relationship between disruptive attribute factors and women consumers’ attitude when using Mobile Retailing. Specifically, reachability, ubiquity, personalization, connectivity, and convenience have a direct, positive relationship with women consumers’ attitude when using Mobile Retailing, whereas mobility and localization have no significant relationship with women consumers’ attitude when using Mobile Retailing. It is vital for retailers to entice female consumers to buy their products. The sellers are able to re-observe and alter their marketing approaches to specific target markets and earn a competitive advantage by recognizing their customers’ personal attitudes and subjective norms, all of which may affect their behavior. The direction for future research concludes this study.