bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mismanaging Knowledge and Education and their Effects on Employment in Lebanon and the Middle East
Authors: EL-Annan Saher H.
Published: September 2019

Higher education plays an integral role in preparing graduates to enter and adapt, with minimal difficulties, to the work environment. The Lebanese and the wider Middle Eastern industry playersâ€™ feedback has shed light on the increasing dissatisfaction of the employers with the quality of those who have graduated from local universities. They contend that local graduates are too steeped in theoretical knowledge, and that their technical competencies, as well as their communication and interpersonal skills are found lacking. These graduates need further extensive training before they can be ready to join the work force and adapt to the workplace environment. Hence, and due to the existing deteriorating quality of higher education in the region, there are an increasing number of unemployed graduates. This paper addresses this issue by tackling the challenges that the educational institutions face, in addition to the means that could be adopted to effectively deal with the concerns of the Arab industries.
An Evaluation of Assessment Tools in Outcome-based Education: A Way Forward
Authors: Mohamad Shamsul , . Rafizah Mohd Hanifa , . Afandi Ahmad , . Mohamad Md Som
Published: September 2019

With the existing manual-based of outcome based education (OBE) systems, data complexity appears as the main problem to be solved. In this paper, a critical discussion of the manual-based system and a way forward with the online version of the OBE systems in the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (FKEE), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) have been discussed. Two assessment tools of programme learning outcomes (PLOs) as well as course learning outcomes (CLOs) have been used to measure and analyse manually both achievements of the PLOs and CLOs. However, results obtained have shown that these processes require a better system, to deal with various parameters such as different cohort of students and various courses. Obviously, the online-based version and further improvement of the manualbased system that have been proposed are expected to resolve these issues, hence it will be fruitful for the FKEEsâ€™ OBE administrator.
Academic Internationalization: The Impact of Mobility and Technology
Authors: Broaden Charlotte B.
Published: September 2019

The education industry has been transformed, in part, due to the impact of globalization. Globalization has created shifting paradigms in the way educational services are designed, how they are delivered and where they are located. For academic institutions to deal with these shifts; they will need to develop strategies, policies, and procedures that address issues related to globalization, the movement of resources (human, financial and physical) and the application of technology. Faculty, and how they perceive their role in shaping an internationalized academy, will be crucial in this process. In this paper, we examine academic roles, opportunities, and challenges, in an era of global change, while proposing a model of institutional internationalization that addresses the impact of mobility and technology on the academy.
Does Effectiveness of Training Program Influenced Teachersâ€™ Job Performance? Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Tzu Shirley Ken , . Nur Shazyani Binti Mohd Salleh
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between the effectiveness of the training programs and job performance as perceived by teachers in Malaysia. This study investigates the relationship between the level of effectiveness of training with respect to reaction, learning and behavior outcomes and job performance. 210 respondents from various government schools in Klang Valley had participated in this study through a self-administered survey. The results disclosed that all level of effectiveness have significant relationship with job performance. Therefore we can conclude that teachers indeed need and appreciate all the training programs designed by TED currently.
The Return of Investment on Tertiary Education in Malaysia
Authors: Taskinsoy John
Published: September 2019

This paper examines the rate of return on higher education to first degrees, masterâ€™s degrees, and PhDs in Malaysia using previously published data. The purposes of this research are to study and identify whether or not there is a direct link between tertiary education and wages. Barbara Ischinger, Director for Education, points out â€˜â€˜Education has always been a critical investment for the future, for individuals, for economies and for societies at large.â€™â€™1 John F. Kennedy once said; â€˜â€™Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.â€™â€™ 2 A common belief existing in all societies suggests that tertiary education degree actually provides great pay-off to the beneficiary. According to the results of some recent surveys on this topic, students in general seem to agree with this common belief that they will have positive returns immediately after graduation.
Responding to Disaster with Alternative Education: A Case Study of a Post-disaster Education Project in Bangladesh
Authors: Ishaq-ur-Rahman Muhammad
Published: September 2019

The paper presents a case study and lessons learnt from an alternative education project implemented in two cyclone-devastated districts of Bangladesh as a post-disaster response and recovery initiative after the massive cyclone â€˜Sidr' in November 2007. A survey revealed that the shattered financial condition of local families along with other problems in the formal education system was causing dropouts and non-attendance. Based on the needs assessment the NGO Islamic Relief Worldwide implemented an alternative education project named â€˜Anondo Biddaloy-Alternative Education for â€˜Sidrâ€™ Affected Childrenâ€™. In an effort of creating access to the formal education for the drop-out and nonenrolled children, the project focused on regaining and augmenting their interest towards education by offering a learner friendly, joyful education scheme that combined life skills and livelihood skills education with health and wellbeing aspects. Implementation of the project resulted into introducing and retaining a significant number i.e. almost 80% of its target group in mainstream education. The project thus brought about a major lesson that education with an alternative nature (to the mainstream) can effectively contribute towards ensuring education for vulnerable target groups in a crisis. With an aim of contributing to the academic and practitionerâ€™s knowledge of the community relevant to providing education in post-disaster situation, the paper has specific purposes of sharing the concept and contents of the particular alternative education initiative as well as lessons learnt from it.
An Evaluation of Core Competence on Knowledge Management for Elementary Schoolsâ€™ Teachers: A Case Study of Remote Rural Area in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Ya-Ching , . Chia-Chun Hsiao
Published: September 2019

In the knowledge economy era, teachersâ€™ core competencies for knowledge management have an important impact on the development of school education. It is an important issue to explore how to evaluate core competencies of knowledge management for elementary schoolsâ€™ teachers. This requires a thorough investigation to gain core competencies. Hence, the main purpose of this paper is to present a Matrix Analysis (MA) approach for evaluating core competencies of knowledge management and to describe the applications of the MA approach for elementary schoolsâ€™ teachers. An empirical analysis is performed to demonstrate the computational process of the MA approach adopted by this paper. Study results show that eleven core competencies are identified. They are â€˜finding problems,â€™ â€˜flexibility,â€™ â€˜interpersonal communication,â€™ â€˜oral communication skills,â€™ â€˜knowledge selection,â€™ â€˜activities recording,â€™ â€˜knowledge application on work planning,â€™ â€˜research data application,â€™ â€˜transforming knowledge into concrete actions,â€™ â€˜interpreting results,â€™ and â€˜judging knowledge value,â€™ respectively. It is suggested that more attentions should be paid to exploit these core competencies effectively and then develop the solutions, which should continuously strengthen the perspective of teachers in order to obtain the competitive advantages in the future.
Digital Inequality amongst University Students in the Tshwane Region
Authors: Kassangoye Wilfried Ndiaye , . Robert Rugimbana
Published: September 2019

Whilst the main objective of this paper is to investigate the digital divide amongst the university students in the Tshwane region of South Africa, the purpose is to determine a generalisable profile that would characterize their Internet usage behaviour. The research design consisted of a descriptive design. The convenience sampling method was applied and the research instrument was a structured questionnaire, which was employed to collect the final data amongst a total of 300 university students (selected from two universities in South Africa, TUT and UP by way of self-administration questionnaires. Male and female students were almost equally distributed. The significance of the results obtained was then tested through analytical tools embedded in the computer software STATA 11. The analytical tools were used to quantitatively analyze the data, out of which different inferences were drawn. The main findings were that the university students in the Tshwane region can be profiled on the basis of the results obtained over and above specific situational and personal characteristics, provides important opportunities for marketers for better understanding the needs and expectations of the university students; and by extension, to those of the youth market, since the sample elements belonged to the 18 to 34 years old age group. A proper segmentation would present an important mean by which marketers can keep in touch with their consumersâ€™ expectations.
Extraction of 137Cs from moss using solutions similar to acid rain
Authors: Cuculovic Ana , Veselinovic Dragan
Published: September 2019

Extraction of 137Cs from: Hypnum cupressiforme and Isothecium myurum mosses was investigated using the following solutions: H2SO4, HNO3, and a mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3 at three pH values (4.61, 5.15, and 5.75) and distilled water (pH = 6.50). After five successive desorption processes lasting 24 hours the following amounts of 137Cs [%] were extracted from mosses: using acid solutions 19.1-34.7 and 18.4-30.5, and using distilled water 29.1 and 26.9. Sorption of 137Cs was performed at no less than two sorption points in moss tissue. In the investigated pH region no significant influence of H2SO4 or HNO3 on 137Cs extraction was noted in relation to water extraction, i. e. extraction with acid rain with pH > 4.6.
Pelvis imaging: Achieving dose reduction with different patient positions
Authors: Resnik Anja , Zibert Janez , Mekis Nejc
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this research was to determine how dose area product, effective dose, absorbed doses to specific organs, and image quality changed according to different automatic exposure control positions in pelvis imaging. The research was carried out in two parts. The study was conducted on an anthropomorphic phantom and 200 patients referred to pelvic imaging. We measured the dose area product, field size, height, and mass. Then we calculated the effective dose and absorbed dose for individual organs accordingly. Lateral ionizing cells were first positioned in line with the iliac crests (head towards position) and subsequently, with the femoral neck (head away position). All the images were independently evaluated by three radiologists using ViewDEX and objective image analysis was performed measuring contrast-to-noise ratio and signal-to-noise ratio. We found no significant differences in the Siemens Luminos unit in any of the inspected parameters. However, there was a significant difference in dose area product (37.3 %), effective dose (35.7 %) and average absorbed dose to selected individual organs (36.7 %) when the head away position of the patient was used and the image quality increased. Based on these results, we can propose that the optimal position of the patient regarding the ionizing cells is the head away position.
Cross-Listings and Voluntary Disclosure: International Evidence
Authors: Chen Long , Dong Yashu , Ng Jeff , Tsang Albert
Published: September 2019

This paper examines changes in firms' disclosure behavior around cross-listings. Using an international setting, we find significant differences in management forecast likelihood and frequency between cross-listed firms and firms with similar characteristics but that are not cross-listed; particularly when differences in accounting standards between a cross-listed firm's home and target countries are larger. Further, we find that firms choosing to cross-list in target countries with larger accounting standards differences tend to provide more voluntary disclosure during the two years preceding a new cross-listing, rather than during the earlier time periods or the period after cross-listing, and such voluntary disclosure helps firms attract more foreign institutional ownership in their cross-listing target countries. Collectively, our evidence suggests that although differences in accounting standards across countries deter firms' cross-listing activities, cross-listed firms, by providing more management forecasts voluntarily, preemptively alleviate the information disadvantage faced by foreign institutional investors.
Creating Firm Disclosures
Authors: Amel-Zadeh Amir , Scherf Alexandra , Soltes Eugene F.
Published: September 2019

Managers expend significant time and effort preparing disclosures about firm performance and strategy. Although prior literature has explored how variation in the style and presentation of disclosures impacts investors' perceptions of firms, little is known about how firms actually create these disclosures and how this process impacts presentation. Based on field data collected from nearly 200 firms, we show that there is considerable variation in who prepares disclosures, when they are prepared, and the amount of effort expended by different types of managers (e.g., legal, public relations/marketing, finance, investor relations, senior leadership). We find that these differences in organizational processes are associated with differences in the structure, style, and tone of 10-Ks and conference calls. Ultimately, our investigation begins to illuminate how individual managerial efforts vary across firms and contribute to differences in public disclosures.
Çay Atıklarından Türetilen Yüksek Performans Karbonun Transistörde İletim Kanal Materyali Olarak Uygulanması
Authors: BIÇAKÇI Saliha Nur , AKGÜL Gökçen
Published: September 2019

Diyotlar,
transistörler ve benzeri aygıtlar gibi ileri teknoloji alanlarında karbon
malzemeler çalışılmaktadır. Gözenekli karbon materyallerin elektronik
aygıtlarda kullanımı ve enerji depolama alanlarında uygulamaları da daha
ekonomik yöntemler geliştirilmesi ve boyutların küçültülmesi bakımından
önemlidir. Son yıllarda literatürde çok sayıda karbon kanallı transistör rapor
edilmiş olsa da, gözenekli karbon olarak biyokütleden elde edilen karbonun
transistör uygulamaları sınırlı sayıdadır. Karbon malzemelerin çoğu, giderek
tükenmekte olan fosil kaynaklardır. Bu sebeple yenilenebilir karbon kaynakları
önem kazanmaya başlamaktadır. Biyokütle tek yenilenebilir karbon kaynağıdır.
Piroliz yöntemi ile biyokömür olarak adlandırılan karbonize materyale
dönüştürülebilir. Ancak biyokömürün karbon tabanlı elektriksel aygıtlara
uygulanabilmesi için yapısının geliştirilmesi gerekmektedir. Bu çalışmada,
endüstriyel çay atıklarından elde edilen biyokömür, kimyasal ve fiziksel
yöntemlerle yüksek performans ve n-katkılı karbon materyale dönüştürülmüştür.
Yeni türetilen karbon materyal SEM, XRD, ve FT-IR yöntemleriyle karakterize
edilmiştir. Oluşturulan bu karbon transistörde iletim kanal malzemesi olarak
kullanılmıştır. Geliştirilen alan etkili karbon transistörün akım-gerilim (I-V)
karakteristikleri belirlenmiştir. Daha hızlı ve verimli elektriksel aygıtlar,
yenilenebilir, sürdürülebilir ve yerel biyokütle kaynakları kullanılarak
geliştirilebilir.
Introduction to JuliaFEM, an open source FEM solver
Authors: Aho Jukka , Vuotikka Antti-Jussi , Frondelius Tero
Published: September 2019

This article briefly describes a new programming language Julia and a new innovative Finite Element Method (FEM) solver JuliaFEM. We selected an easy to understand example of a linear elasticity problem as a method for this introduction. We go through the example step by step and provide a detailed explanation of the different phases of the solution steps. The main result presented here demonstrates the scripting possibilities of JuliaFEM, both pre- and post-processing.
Empowering Disabled Economic MaqÄá¹£id Asy-SyarÄ«â€™ah Perspective in UD. Mutiara Handycraft Karangsari Buayan Kebumen Central Java
Authors: Faozan Akhmad
Published: September 2019

This article is RETRACTED
Hafidz Qur'an and Its Influence toward High School Students Learning Achievement in Indonesia
Authors: Arif Muh. , Nggolitu Iswan
Published: September 2019

This article elaborates on the achievements of the memorization of the Qur'an in the achievement of studentsâ€™ learning in Gorontalo. These studies focus on the ability of the haafiz (memorizer) Qur'an in Islamic High School Student of Insan Cendekia Gorontalo is not less than of 5 juz as set forth in the vision and the tahfidz Qur'an syllabus started from semester 1 to 5 with should memorize juz. Thus, division is made up of 30 juz 1 to with juz 4 so that as a whole was 5 juz. The ability of the haafiz Quran obtained the rate of speed and the number of the surah memorized by any learners differ between each other so that the teacher provide different methods in activity recite on the activity or activities tahfiz tasmi' performed at dawn by a fellow colleague. The results showed that the impact of learning achievements by the Qur'an haafiz learners on the subjects of Hadith and Qur'an natural science (IPA) in the Islamic High School Student of Insan Cendekia Gorontalo was shown by the results of the assessment of learning achievements of students on subjects.
The Dynamic of Social Changes of Muslim Community Toward Water Park Tourism in Maguwoharjo Tourism Village, Sleman, Yogyakarta
Authors: Ningsih Tutuk
Published: September 2019

Society consists of several persons who live together to create culture. Thus without the existence of a society as a place for cultural growth, culture will not exist. Jogja Bay Waterpark Tourism is considered to be one of the biggest water park tourism in Southeast Asia which attracts many local and foreign tourists. The purpose of this study is finding out the dynamics of social change in society, especially Muslim communities around tourism area. Data retrieval is done by interviewing some people and clergy leaders around the Jogja Bay Waterpark. The results of this study find that there is an impact of positive changes in the economic sector, whereas in the socio-cultural field, there is a significant impact on the behavioral pattern of Muslim communities towards the negative, especially the youth caused by the existence of foreign cultures.
Comparison of Risks, Returns and Performance Measurements of Sharia and Non-Sharia Mutual Funds in Indonesia
Authors: Prasetyo Yoyok , Athoillah Mohamad Anton , Yusup Deni Kamaludin
Published: September 2019

Investment is a sacrifice to postpone current consumption by allocating a number of assets that are expected to earn benefits in the future. Islamic Sharia does not forbid Muslims to do it, even there is an indication that it is recommended. The main motivation is to be able to pay more alms in the future. One of investment instruments in Indonesia is Mutual Funds. Indonesia's predominantly Muslim population is one of the triggers for the development of sharia-based mutual funds. However, its development has not been as big as the existing potential market. One of the reasons is there is still a view in the community that sharia-based instruments provide lower returns than non-sharia. This study compares the risks and returns of mutual funds, between sharia and non-sharia based. Sampling of both used purposive sampling, where there were 6 sharia mutual funds and 8 non-sharia mutual funds. The study was conducted in 5 years. The results of the study were: (1) There was no significant difference between the risks of both; (2) There was no significant difference between the returns of both; (3) The performance of non-sharia mutual funds was more dominating than sharia mutual funds.
O Censo Escolar
Authors: Diniz Ednar
Published: September 2019

Realizado anualmente, o Censo Escolar abrange todos os níveis de ensino (Educação Infantil, Ensino Fundamental e Ensino Médio) e modalidades (Ensino Regular, Educação Especial e Educação de Jovens e Adultos). Com base nas informações captadas, é atualizado o Cadastro Nacional de Escolas e são estabelecidas as políticas de correção dos desequilíbrios regionais e de promoção da eqüidade na oferta do ensino público, como os programas de Alimentação Escolar, Livro Didático, Dinheiro Direto na Escola e o de Aceleração da Aprendizagem.

Palavras-chave: estatísticas educacionais; censo escolar; Sistema Integrado de Informações Educacionais (SIEd).

Abstract

The School Census, yearly performed, consists of a ationwide collection of educational information and statistics of Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Education and different types of programs, (Regular, Special and Adult Education). Based on the data collected, the National School Register is updated and the politics of the correction of the regional unbalances is established, as well as the equity promotion in the offering of public education, such as the School Meals, Didactic Books, Money in Schools and Learning Acceleration.

Key words: educational statistics; school census; Integrated System for Educational Information (SIEd).
A evolução da leitura e da escrita de um grupo de professores: estudo de caso
Authors: Moraes Euzi
Published: September 2019

Focaliza os relatórios de estudo produzidos de setembro de 1997 a outubro de 1998 por um grupo de 11 professores de escola pública que aderiram voluntariamente ao Projeto Formar, de formação continuada de professores no trabalho patrocinado pela Aracruz Celulose S.A., em parceria com cinco municípios do Espírito Santo e a Rede Interdisciplinar de Educação, com sede em Vitória. O objetivo do Projeto é examinar o desenvolvimento da competência dos professores na condição de leitores e escritores durante o período, como resultado de atividades teóricopráticas presenciais e a distância. O desempenho do grupo mostra uma variação ao longo de uma hierarquia que começa em ø, isto é, um texto que copia literalmente o original, e aproxima-se da escrita autônoma com uma compreensão mais clara do material lido. Esse movimento é marcado por avanços e retrocessos, revelando uma correlação entre melhoria do conteúdo do relatório e emergência de problemas gramaticais o que, aparentemente, é um estágio obrigatório no desenvolvimento da competência comunicativa, via escrita.

Palavras-chave: educação presencial e a distância; formação continuada dos professores no trabalho; competência leitora e escritora; interdisciplinaridade; integração entre teoria e prática.

Abstract

This study focusses on 10 reports produced from September 1997 to October 1998 by a group of 11 public school teachers who voluntarily joined Formar, a continuous in-service teacher education project funded by Aracruz Celulose S. A., in partnership with five municipalities and the Interdisciplinary Education Network, in Vitória, the capital city. Its aim is to examine the improvement of the teachers' competence as readers and writers, along that period, as a result of distance and in praesentia theoretical and practical teaching activities. The Group's written performance shows a variation along a hierarchy that starts at Ø, that is, a text which is a literal copy of the original, and proceeds until it reaches the stage of near-autonomous writing with a clearer comprehension of the material read. This movement is marked by advances and setbacks, unveiling a correlation between improved text content and the emergence of grammatical problems which, apparently, is a necessary path to the development of communicative competence via writing.

Keywords: distance and in praesentia education; continuous in-service teacher education; reading and writing skills; interdisciplinary courses; integration between theory and praxis.
A prática pedagógica e o desafio do paradigma emergente
Authors: Behrens Marilda
Published: September 2019

A experiência vivenciada com professores universitários preocupados em buscar paradigmas inovadores para suas práticas pedagógicas levou a desenvolver uma pesquisa-ação. Esta investigação contemplou uma reflexão individual e coletiva dos docentes. Seu objetivo era oferecer subsídios metodológicos para que ultrapassassem o paradigma cartesiano que vinha caracterizando suas ações docentes conservadoras. Com o intuito de superar a reprodução do conhecimento, desencadeou-se um processo de posicionamento crítico sobre a docência. As leituras, as discussões e os posicionamentos levaram a construir a caracterização de um paradigma inovador na sala de aula. O paradigma denominado como emergente foi proposto como uma aliança entre uma abordagem progressista com uma visão holística e o ensino com pesquisa. Embora apresentadas separadamente, os professores tiveram a clareza que elas se interconectam e que tinham como pressupostos essenciais a visão do todo e a transformação da realidade.

Palavras-chave: prática pedagógica; formação de docente; paradigma emergente; metodologias inovadoras; produção do conhecimento; docência universitária.

Abstract

The experience acquired with higher educators concerned with the search of innovative paradigms for their pedagogical practices assisted the development of a research-action. This investigation contemplated both an individual and a collective reflection by the teachers. Its objective was to offer a methodological assistance in surpassing the Cartesian paradigm that has been characterizing their conservative teaching actions. With the aim of overcoming the knowledge reproduction, a process of critical positioning about teaching was unchained. The readings, discussions and positions conducted in building up the characterization of an innovative paradigm for the classroom. The paradigm entitled as emergent was proposed as an alliance among a progressive approach with a holistic view and the teaching with research. Although separately presented, the teachers had the clarity that they were interconnected and had, as essential assumptions, the whole view and the reality transformation.

Keywords: pedagogical practice; teacher formation; emergent paradigm; innovative
methodologies; knowledge production; university teaching.
O sistema britânico de garantia de qualidade do ensino superior: lições para o Brasil
Authors: Spagnolo Fernando
Published: September 2019

A avaliação do ensino superior, um dos principais compromissos da atual administração do Ministério da Educação, está, com ênfase crescente, na agenda dos governos do mundo inteiro. Em se tratando de uma problemática bastante nova e decididamente polêmica, é comum avançar nessa área a partir de um escrutínio da experiência de outros para adotar e adaptar o que parece de interesse. O sistema de avaliação britânico, proposto pela Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), criada em 1997, é um sistema que chama a atenção pela abrangência e sofisticação da sua concepção. Além de promover e integrar as avaliações internas das próprias instituições e as externas (avaliação de cursos e avaliação institucional), a agência aceitou o desafio de definir pontos de referência de qualidade. Por meio de programas, tais como "Estrutura das Titulações Acadêmicas", "Padrões de Referência de Qualidade de Área" e "Especificações de Programa", a QAA se propõe a definir de forma explícita e consensual padrões e exigências a serem cumpridas em diferentes cursos e níveis de ensino. Da análise dessa experiência, em fase de avançada implementação, são extraídas lições para melhor articular e fortalecer o Sistema Nacional de Avaliação do Ensino Superior no Brasil.

Palavras-chave: sistemas de avaliação; ensino superior; Reino Unido.

Abstract

Quality assurance in higher education, a major commitment of the current administration of the Brazilian Ministry of Education, is increasingly being placed on the agenda in most of the countries of the world. As this is a relatively new and highly controversial issue, a common strategy is to scrutinize the experience of others and adapt and adopt what seems to be of interest. The British quality assurance system, formulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (the QAA, created in 1997), is often cited for its comprehensiveness and sophistication. Besides promoting internal evaluation by the institutions of higher education themselves and its integration with external evaluation by the agency "Subject Review" and "Institutional Review"), the QAA has taken up the challenge of defining "reference points for quality". Through programmes such as the "National Qualifications Framework", "Subject Benchmarking" and "Programme Specification", the QAA intends to define, in an explicit and consensual way, the standards and demands to e met by students and institutions in different subjects and at different levels. From assessment of this experience, which is already at an advanced stage of execution, lessons are being learned to better integrate and strengthen the Brazilian system of quality assurance in higher education.

Keywords: quality assurance; higher education; United Kingdom.
Tierras de común repartimiento y formación de ranchos en el sistema de riego de Cuautitlán, Estado de México, 1856-1911
Authors: Neri José Porfirio , Camacho Pichardo Gloria
Published: September 2019

En México la ley de desamortización de 25 de junio de 1856 estableció que todas las fincas rústicas y urbanas en propiedad de las corporaciones civiles o eclesiásticas debían adjudicarse en propiedad individual. La mayoría de los pueblos indígenas se resistieron a desamortizar sus tierras comunales, pero algunos vecinos aceptaron rápidamente la desamortización de sus tierras de común repartimiento; por ejemplo, los vecinos de varias municipalidades que integraban el sistema de riego de Cuautitlán. En este sentido, el objetivo de este artículo es analizar el proceso desamortizador de las tierras de común repartimiento y la formación de ranchos en la municipalidad de Cuautitlán, entre 1856 y 1911. Se establece que el traslado de las tierras de común repartimiento a propiedad individual se dio rápidamente debido a tres aspectos: la posesión individual de las tierras, la pérdida del sentido comunitario sobre las mismas y la existencia del recurso hídrico. Así mismo, se concluye que los rancheros lograron acumular tierras desamortizadas, porque la venta de tierras era una práctica habitual en la región. Además, los nuevos propietarios vieron en las tierras y el recurso hídrico oportunidades de desarrollo económico enfocado a la actividad ganadera y lechera. Finalmente, el texto hace evidente que las formas de acceder y disfrutar de las tierras de común repartimiento sufrióeron cambios durante el siglo XIX; por lo que no podemos continuar considerándolas como tierras individuales que eran distribuidas entre las familias para su sobrevivencia.
Urinary Sodium/Potassium Ratio in Acute Kidney Injury Accurately Differentiates Prerenal Azotemia from Acute Tubular Necrosis
Authors: Shankel Theodore , Shankel Stewart
Published: September 2019

Objective: To develop a more accurate, cost effective, non-invasive test to differentiate between pre-renal renal failure (PRA) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods: Urine sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratios were compared with fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) and renal failure index (RFI) as well as other commonly used indices to differentiate patients with PRA from ATN. Patients with a rise in serum creatinine > 0.5 mg/d identified from medical records for a six- to eighteen-month period, were reviewed and categorized either as PRA or ATN based on presenting findings, course in hospital or renal biopsy. All patients had urinary sodium and potassium, creatinine, and serum creatinine done.

Results: The Na/K was < 1 in PRA and > 1 in ATN, correctly identifying all 42 cases of PRA and all 28 patients with ATN. The FeNa was >1 and misdiagnosed 9 of 42 patients with PRA and was >1 and correctly diagnosed all patients with ATN. The RFI was >1 and misdiagnosed 11 of 42 patients with PRA but was >1 and correctly diagnosed all patients with ATN. The BUN/creatinine ratio, urine sodium concentration and U/P creatinine ratio all had a very poor correlation with the correct diagnosis.

Conclusion: The Na/K ratio correctly diagnosed all 42 cases of PRA and all 28 cases of ATN. It is easy to do, is cost effective, non-invasive, and is useful for following patients with PRA to see if and when they develop ATN.
The Effects of Thinnings on Yield and Value Changes in Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Stands: A case study
Authors: Rédei Károly , Keserű Zsolt , Rásó János , Gál János
Published: September 2019

Thinning experiments in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) stands have been conducted in Hungary for many years. Black locust is an economically important tree species supplying the domestic timber industry. This paper evaluates two effects of thinnings: the effect on yield and the effect on stand value. The case study has proved thinnings in black locust stands do not increase periodic total production, but do increase the stem-quality index by 11–24%.
On elliptic curves with a closed component passing through a hexagon
Authors: Kureš Miroslav
Published: September 2019

In general, there exists an ellipse passing through the vertices of a convex pentagon, but any ellipse passing through the vertices of a convex hexagon does not have to exist. Thus, attention is turned to algebraic curves of the third degree, namely to the closed component of certain elliptic curves. This closed curve will be called the spekboom curve. Results of numerical experiments and some hypotheses regarding hexagons of special shape connected with the existence of this curve passing through the vertices are presented and suggested. Some properties of the spekboom curve are described, too.
Performance Assessment Methods of Managers in Kosovo Businesses
Authors: Karaxha Hidajet
Published: September 2019

Performance measurement is a constant challenge to economic sciences in general, and this study is a response to an increased need for performance measurements to ensure maximum efficiency on the use of human resources. The main goal of this study is to evaluate employee performance as a key component of employee performance management. This paper aims at determining the current development level of new performance measurement techniques experienced by the businesses in Kosovo. In this study, linear regression, Pearson’s Chi-Squared test, and case study methods were used. The total number of case studies comprised 391, out of which 27 study cases were excluded because they did not apply any method of assessing the performance of the penitentiary. The results of the study have shown that businesses in Kosovo applying new evaluation methods of the performance of management staff ensure higher organisational performance. This study brings an added value to the field of application of performance measurement methods, exercising control and motivation of employees and contributing to the encouragement of businesses in Kosovo to apply new performance evaluation methods.
Towards Big Data Analytics in the e-Learning Space
Authors: Popchev Ivan P. , Orozova Daniela A.
Published: September 2019

The issues related to the analysis and management of Big Data, aspects of the security, stability and quality of the data, represent a new research, and engineering challenge. In the present paper, techniques for Big Data storage, search, analysis and management in the area of the virtual e-Learning space and the problems in front of them are considered. A numerical example for explorative analysis of data about the students from Burgas Free University is applied, using instrument for Data Mining of Orange. The analysis is a base for a system for localization of students at risk.
Regional Retail Sector Development in Serbia – Key Performance and Development Indicators’ Gap
Authors: Dragan Stojković , Emilija Manić , Zoran Bogetić , Aleksa Dokić
Published: September 2019

Are there significant regional differences in regional retail development in Serbia? This was the main research question at the beginning of writing this paper. The main goal of this paper was to analyse regional differences in retail development based on existing statistical data. The idea was to point out regions with underdeveloped retailing and the one with endangered retail competition. Thorough desk research has been performed. It included both literature review and data collection from available official sources. Existing retail data have been analysed. However, the lack of data at lower levels of aggregation (regional and local) prevents the authors from getting strong conclusions. In addition, the lack of data also altered the main research question, which has now become adequacy of data in the retail sector and potential solutions for that problem. The noted lack of crucial data and solutions for solving this problem were the main purpose of this paper. The main finding is that decision makers in Serbia do not have adequate information about retail network. This is a problem because it is very hard to prove anticompetitive actions or to plan (stimulate) retail development without relevant data from both government and business point of view. Retail census would help getting key indicators about development of retailing in certain regions and municipalities. However, the solution needs to be sustainable. Therefore, some legislative requirements should provide information for census update.
Synthesis and characterization of thiourea
Authors: Dai Chuanbo , Zhang Hongyu , Li Ruiduan , Zou Haifeng
Published: September 2019

Herein, a simple and effective method for the preparation of thiourea using a nucleophilic substitution reaction is reported. Urea and Lawesson’s reagent were used as the raw materials to prepare thiourea via a one-step method involving the sulfuration reaction, and the reaction mechanism was analyzed. The effect of the reaction time, reaction temperature, and mass ratio of the raw materials on the yield of thiourea were investigated.The most beneficial conditions used for the reaction were determined to be: Reaction time = 3.5 h, reaction temperature = 75°C, and mass ratio of urea to Lawesson’s reagent = 2:1. Under these optimal conditions, the average yield of thiourea over five replicate experiments was 62.37%. Characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the as-synthesized substance was thiourea. Our synthetic method has the advantages of high yield, mild reaction conditions and simplicity.
Does surgery performed at night time shifts lead to a worse outcome? Findings from Asir Central Hospital
Authors: Al_Qahtani Saeed , Qahtani Abdullah , Alshahrani Saad , Alqahtani Abdullah , Qahtani Saad , Alshahrani Mohammed , Alshehri Dafer
Published: September 2019

Background: Night shifts, prolonged work hours and insufficient recovery sleep hours mainly affect the homeostatic and circadian processes which influence the physician performance, resulting in more medical errors, failure due to poor attention, and work-related wounds. This study was done to evaluate the differences in outcomes between night time and daytime surgeries. Methodology: This was a retrospective cohort study on 500 patients, with age range of 15 to 75 years or older, done from 2015  2018 in Asir hospital, Saudi Arabia. A comparison was performed of operations completed between daytime versus those between nighttime, and also between those which were completed between weekday and weekend. The data were conducted based on the database of the Asir Hospital. Results: Most of the patients were males (61.7%). The Chi-square test between two times of surgery groups regarding different demographic characters reported significant correlations regarding the age of 75 years or more, male gender, comorbidity, gall bladder stone and obstruction injury type, non-occurrence of injury, gall bladder stone as a mechanism of injury, while laparoscopy, and laparotomy in surgery types. Significant correlations were also reported with 15-24 years old group, diabetes mellitus, and comorbid cardiac disorders, non-occurrence of injury, gall bladder stone as a mechanism of injury and bleeding complications regarding the day of surgery. Conclusion: It is critical to maximize patient safety and provide the best possible care for patients at any time of the day. This includes surgeon self-awareness and carefully choosing when to operate.
IMPLIKASI EFISIENSI MODAL KERJA TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS
Authors: Riyanto Andi , Raspati Galih , Rahayu Yuri , Prayudi Dicki
Published: September 2019

Profitabilitas dalam pengelolaan modal kerja perusahaan merupakan hal yang sangat penting, karena bagaimanapun tujuan setiap kegiatan perusahaan adalah untuk memperoleh laba, dan salah satu cara untuk memperoleh kenaikan laba yang signifikan adalah dengan meningkatkan efisiensi penggunaan dana perusahaan melalui pengelolaan modal kerja. Akan tetapi laba yang tinggi belumlah merupakan ukuran bahwa perusahaan itu telah dapat bekerja dengan efisien. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui  implikasi efisiensi modal kerja terhadap tingkat profitabilitas pada PT. Agronesia Saripetojo Sukabumi dengan cara mengolah data sekunder berupa Laporan Keuangan perusahaan periode 2013 – 2017. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah expose facto, uji statistik digunakan dengan melakukan pembuktian terhadap hipotesis. Hasil penelitian membuktikan efisiensi modal kerja berimplikasi signifikan terhadap profitabilitas. Profitability in managing company working capital is very important, because after all the purpose of each company's activities is to make a profit, and one way to obtain a significant increase in profits is to increase the efficiency of using company funds through working capital management. However, high profits are not yet a measure that the company has been able to work efficiently. The purpose of this study was to determine the implications of working capital efficiency on the level of profitability at PT. Agronesia Saripetojo Sukabumi by processing secondary data in the form of corporate financial statements for the period 2013-2017. The method used in this study is expose facto, statistical tests are used by proving hypotheses. The results of the study prove the efficiency of working capital has significant implications for profitability.
Amerikan Merkez Bankası Faiz Kararları İle BIST 100 Endeksi Arasındaki İlişkinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: KESKİN KÖYLÜ Meltem , YÜCEL Ahmet
Published: September 2019

Çalışmada, Amerikan Merkez Bankası görevini yerine getiren Federal Rezerv Sistemi’nin sıkı veya genişletici para politikası dönemlerinde aldığı faiz kararlarının Borsa İstanbul Pay Piyasasında kullanılan temel endekslerden biri olan BIST 100 endeksine yaptığı etki incelenmiştir. Çalışmada kullanılan veri seti 04.01.1988 ile 06.08.2018 tarihleri arasını kapsamaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı; Federal Rezerv Sistemi’nin aldığı faiz indirimi veya artırımı kararlarının Borsa İstanbul’da işlem gören hisse senetleri fiyatları arasında ilişkinin varlığını, yönünü ve boyutunu belirlemektir. Bu tespiti yapabilmek için sınıflama ve regresyon karar ağaçları analizi kullanılarak model oluşturulmuştur. Federal Rezerv Sistemi faiz oranlarındaki değişimin BIST 100 endeksi üzerinde ne yönlü etki yaptığı saptanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, Federal Rezerv Sistemi’nin açıkladığı faiz oranının BIST 100 endeksi üzerindeki etkisi bir sonraki işlem günü için sınırlı kaldığı, bir haftalık işlem sürecinde etkisinin belirginleştiği ve zaman ilerledikçe bu etkinin azalarak bir sonraki Federal Rezerv Sistemi’nin faiz oranları açıklamasına kadar devam ettiği gözlemlenmiştir.
Conexões entre Kelsen e o Círculo de Viena
Authors: Silva Matheus Pelegrino da
Published: September 2019

O artigo apresenta as relações entre algumas das teorias e concepções de Kelsen com o Círculo de Viena. O método empregado consiste na pesquisa bibliográfica dos escritos de Kelsen bem como da literatura relevante para os temas abordados. Argumenta-se que um elemento do Círculo de Viena foi incorporado a algumas das teorias de Kelsen, qual seja, a noção de que ciências distintas podem compartilhar um mesmo objeto de estudo e que elas devem levar isto em conta quando desenvolvem suas hipóteses. As metas do Círculo de Viena são apresentadas, principalmente levando em conta o escrito A concepção científica de mundo. A fim de expor o principal exemplo da influência do Círculo de Viena na obra de Kelsen alguns aspectos do livro de Kelsen Sociedade e Natureza são analisados. Por meio da consideração das críticas de Kelsen ao sincretismo metodológico se estabelece uma conexão subsequente entre Kelsen e o Círculo de Viena, juntamente com a apresentação de algumas críticas que Kelsen realizou a uma certa forma de sociologia do direito e psicologia. Através da combinação desses aspectos se indica que em certa medida é possível falar de uma influência por parte do Círculo de Viena no pensamento e nos escritos de Kelsen.
La “Cuestión Indígena” y Los Derechos Humanos: Alcances y Potencialidades de Una Estrategia Política
Authors: Raffin Marcelo
Published: September 2019

Una cuestión fundamental a la hora de pensar los derechos de los pueblos originarios en el marco de los derechos humanos, es considerar la forma misma en que lo “indígena” es aprehendido y conceptualizado por la praxis político-jurídica que define los derechos humanos. Así, en un sentido fuerte, los derechos de los pueblos indígenas no se pueden separar del modo en que Occidente y la modernidad han incorporado lo “indígena” a la escena cultural contemporánea, es decir, a partir de una posición subordinada y excluida que, al mismo tiempo, incluye e instituye a los indígenas como tales en el lugar de los otros excluidos-incluidos, dominados y desvalorados. Pero, al mismo tiempo, dicha praxis permite, a partir de un uso contrario a esas operaciones y teniendo en cuenta la especificidad de la lucha de los pueblos indígenas y sus reivindica-ciones, conseguir una institución de esos colectivos como sujetos políticos y jurídicos en sentido pleno. Este artículo pretende entonces poner en evidencia la operación enunciada y analizar los mecanismos y dispositivos que los dere-chos humanos ofrecen a los pueblos indígenas en su lucha por constituirse como sujetos políticos y jurídicos plenos. En este sentido, el análisis toma una serie de herramientas provenientes del campo de la filosofía y la teoría política contem-poránea, así como destaca y profundiza la relación que lo “indígena” establece con los referentes básicos de la praxis político-jurídica de los derechos huma-nos: el Estado, la ciudadanía, la participa-ción socio-política, las formas democrá-ticas y la inserción en el horizonte socio-cultural (en particular, la clase y la etnia), en las sociedades latinoame-ricanas.