bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CodeUp: Marking up Programming Languages and the winding road to an XML Syntax
Authors: Lee David
Published: September 2012

Text markup has a rich history and mature tools and techniques. Programming languages however are rarely marked up except to provide embedded documentation. In this paper I compare the properties of Text and Programming Languages and suggest ways of applying the lessons and tool-chains from the Text Markup tradition to Programming Languages, evaluating the value verses the cost and suggest alternative approaches to achieving some of the value gained using Text Markup in a Programming Language context.
Fleshing the XDM chimera
Authors: van der Vlist Eric
Published: September 2012

The XQuery and XPath Data Model 3.0 (XDM) is the kernel of the XML ecosystem. XDM had been extended with foreign item types to embrace new data sources such as JSON, taking the risk to become a chimera. This talk explores some ways to move this fundamental piece of the XML stack forward.
Schematron in the Context of the Clinical Document Architecture (CDA)
Authors: Hamilton Kate , Wood Lauren
Published: September 2012

The Clinical Document Architecture (CDA), created by Healthcare Level 7 HL7 is widely used in healthcare. Its scope is any clinical document or report. The (single) CDA schema that is used to validate all of these reports is derived from a UML model. The element names reflect specializations of various concepts, while the attribute values can refine element meaning, add flavor to the parent/child relationship, reverse the subject and object of a compound expression, negate the meaning, or explain the absence of a value. Separately-defined prose constraints represent the requirements for individual document types such as a Procedure Note or a public-health accounting of bloodstream infections. These report-specific constraints are, of course, not defined in the general CDA.xsd schema. Although the element-attribute relationships can be tested using the schema, the value-driven conditional and alternative rules are best tested using Schematron. We create Schematron and use it in conjunction with the CDA schema to confirm that the CDA documents conform to the relevant specific report constraints and requirements. The Schematron must itself be tested to ensure that the combination of W3C Schema and Schematron correctly checks the rules and that the Schematron error messages point comprehensibly to the real error.

This paper presents the reasons for using Schematron for this validation, some of the processes used to test the Schematron during its development, and challenges.
Quality Control of PMC Content: A Case Study
Authors: Kelly Christopher , Beck Jeff
Published: September 2012

PubMed Central (PMC) is the US National Library of Medicine's digital archive of life sciences journal literature. On average the PMC team processes 14,000 articles per month. All of the articles are submitted to the archive by publishers in an agreed-upon markup format, and the articles are transformed to a common article model. To help reduce the number of content- or markup-related problems encountered, PMC puts new participating journals through an evaluation period that includes both automated and manual checks.

Once a journal has passed the evaluation stage, it sends its content to PMC on a regular production schedule. The production content is processed automatically when it arrives, with any processing problems generating expected error messages. Although most of the content sent to PMC has been through production systems and QA when it was published, we've found that there is still a level of manual content checking that needs to be done on the production content. Any problems found must be investigated to determine if they result from a problem in the source content, a problem with the PMC ingest transforms, or simply a problem with our rendering of the normalized XML content.

Having the content in XML certainly has advantages: it can be validated against a schema and easily manipulated and processed, but XML doesn't solve all of the problems. A sharp eye and attention to detail are still needed by the production team as they would be for any publishing process.
Severe Thrombotic Events Associated with Dengue Fever, Brazil
Authors: da Costa Paulo Sérgio Gonçalves , Ribeiro Geyza Machado , Junior Cleber Soares , da Costa Campos Lenilton
Published: September 2012

Dengue fever has been a major problem in hospital settings in Brazil for the past 15 years. The main concern has been the severe forms, i.e., dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Hemorrhagic events of different degrees have also been a major concern. We report five cases of large vein thrombotic events associated with the acute phase of dengue fever, including a previously non-reported case of mesenteric vein thrombosis. Complications such as these could have been overlooked in the diagnosis of dengue fever, given that the major concern is the hemorrhagic event.
Assessment of the Molecular Marker of Plasmodium falciparum Chloroquine Resistance (Pfcrt) in Senegal after Several Years of Chloroquine Withdrawal
Authors: Ndiaye Magatte , Faye Babacar , Tine Roger , Ndiaye Jean Louis , Lo Aminata , Abiola Annie , Dieng Yemou , Ndiaye Daouda , Hallett Rachel , Alifrangis Michael , Gaye Oumar
Published: September 2012

As a result of widespread antimalarial drug resistance, all African countries with endemic malaria have, in recent years, changed their malaria treatment policy. In Senegal, the health authorities changed from chloroquine (CQ) to a combination of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine (AQ) in 2003. Since 2006, the artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) artemether–lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate plus amodiaquine (AS/AQ) were adopted for uncomplicated malaria treatment. After several years of CQ withdrawal, the current study wished to determine the level of CQ resistance at the molecular level in selected sites in Senegal, because the scientific community is interested in using CQ again. Finger prick blood samples were collected from Plasmodium falciparum-positive children below the age of 10 years (N = 474) during cross-sectional surveys conducted in two study sites in Senegal with different malaria transmission levels. One site is in central Senegal, and the other site is in the southern part of the country. All samples were analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P. falciparum CQ resistance transporter gene (Pfcrt; codons 72–76) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time PCR methods. In total, the 72- to 76-codon region of Pfcrt was amplified in 449 blood samples (94.7%; 285 and 164 samples from the central and southern sites of Senegal, respectively). In both study areas, the prevalence of the Pfcrt wild-type single CVMNK haplotype was very high; in central Senegal, the prevalence was 70.5% in 2009 and 74.8% in 2010, and in southern Senegal, the prevalence was 65.4% in 2010 and 71.0% in 2011. Comparing data with older studies in Senegal, a sharp decline in the mutant type Pfcrt prevalence is evident: from 65%, 64%, and 59.5% in samples collected from various sites in 2000, 2001, and 2004 to approximately 30% in our study. A similar decrease in mutant type prevalence is noted in other neighboring countries. With the continued development of increased CQ susceptibility in many African countries, it may be possible to reintroduce CQ in the near future in a drug combination; it could possibly be given to non-vulnerable groups, but it demands close monitoring of possible reemergence of CQ resistance development.
Magnetic Affinity Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay for Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis Japonicum in Persons with Low-Intensity Infection
Authors: Yu Qin , Yang Hai , Feng Youmei , Zhu Yanhong , Yang Xiangliang
Published: September 2012

Most schistosome-endemic areas in China are characterized by low-intensity infections that are independent of prevalence. To establish an effective diagnostic method, we developed a magnetic affinity enzyme-linked immunoassay based on soluble egg antigens (SEA-MEIA) for diagnosing schistosomiasis in persons with low-intensity infection with Schistosoma japonicum by comparing it with a conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results showed that the SEA-MEIA had a higher sensitivity and greater precision in the diagnosis of low-intensity S. japonicum infections than the ELISA. In addition, when we used Pearson's correlation in associating SEA-MEIA with ELISA, a significant correlation existed between the two assays (r = 0.845, P < 0.001). Our data indicated that SEA-MEIA, with a higher sensitivity and greater ease of performance, would be valuable for diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonicum in persons with low-intensity infections.
Diphyllobothrium pacificum Infection is Seldom Associated with Megaloblastic Anemia
Authors: Jimenez Juan A. , Rodriguez Silvia , Gamboa Ricardo , Rodriguez Lourdes , Garcia Hector H. , _ _
Published: September 2012

Twenty cases of Dyphillobothrium pacificum (fish tapeworm) infections were prospectively studied to determine whether this tapeworm is associated with megaloblastic anemia, as commonly reported for D. latum infections. The most frequent symptoms were fatigue and mild abdominal pain, which were identified in approximately 66.6% of the 18 patients interviewed. Fourteen patients received treatment with niclosamide and all were cured. The other six patients spontaneously eliminated the tapeworms. One patient, who also had chronic diabetes and gastric atrophy, had low vitamin B12 levels and megaloblastic anemia. In all other patients, including three other patients with anemia, baseline vitamin B12 levels were in the reference range and did not significantly change when re-assessed three months later. Unlike D. latum, infection with D. pacificum is seldom associated with megaloblastic anemia or vitamin B12 deficit.
Profile of Trypanosoma cruzi Reactivity in a Population at High Risk for Endemic Pemphigus Foliaceus (Fogo Selvagem)
Authors: Sousa Joaquim X. , Diaz Luis A. , Eaton Donald P. , Hans-Filho Günter , Lanzani de Freitas Elder , Delgado Livia , Ichimura Ligia Maria F. , Cristaldi Flávia , Orlandi Renata , Kesper Norival , Umezawa Eufrosina S. , Rivitti Evandro A. , Aoki Valeria , _ _
Published: September 2012

Fogo Selvagem (FS) is an autoimmune bullous disease with pathogenic IgG autoantibodies recognizing desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), a desmosomal glycoprotein. In certain settlements of Brazil, a high prevalence of FS (3%) is reported, suggesting environmental factors as triggers of the autoimmune response. Healthy individuals from endemic areas recognize nonpathogenic epitopes of Dsg1, and exposure to hematophagous insects is a risk factor for FS. Fogo selvagem and Chagas disease share some geographic sites, and anti-Dsg1 has been detected in Chagas patients. Indeterminate Chagas disease was identified in a Brazilian Amerindian population of high risk for FS. In counterpart, none of the FS patients living in the same geographic region showed reactivity against Trypanosoma cruzi. The profile of anti-Dsg1 antibodies showed positive results in 15 of 40 FS sera and in 33 of 150 sera from healthy individuals from endemic FS sites, and no cross-reactivity between Chagas disease and FS was observed.
Identification of Immunodominant Peptides from Gnathostoma binucleatum
Authors: Campista-León Samuel , Delgado-Vargas Francisco , Landa Abraham , Willms Kaethe , López-Moreno Hector Samuel , Mendoza-Hernández Guillermo , Ríos-Sicairos Julian , Bojórquez-Contreras Ángel Noel , Díaz-Camacho Sylvia Páz
Published: September 2012

Gnathostomiasis is now recognized as a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution. In the Americas, it is caused by the third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma binucleatum and in Asia mainly by G. spinigerum. The availability and preparation of specific antigens are among the main obstacles for developing reliable immunodiagnostic tests. In this study, six immunodominant peptides were identified and characterized from G. binucleatum, somatic antigens (AgS: 24, 32, and 40 kDa) and excretory-secretory antigens (AgES: 42, 44, and 56 kDa) by two-dimensional immunoblot analysis. Among those immunodominant peptides, two AgS spots were characterized by mass spectrometric analysis (32 kDa; pI 6.3 and 6.5) and identified as type 1 galectins. In accordance with this finding, a fraction of AgS exhibited affinity to lactose and displayed a 100% specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of human gnathostomiasis.
Molecular Identification of a Case of Paragonimus pseudoheterotremus Infection in Thailand
Authors: Intapan Pewpan M. , Sanpool Oranuch , Thanchomnang Tongjit , Imtawil Kanokwan , Pongchaiyakul Chatlert , Nawa Yukifumi , Maleewong Wanchai
Published: September 2012

Paragonimiasis is an important food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by infection with lung flukes of the genus Paragonimus. In Southeast Asia, Paragonimus heterotremus is the only proven causative pathogen. Recently, a new Paragonimus species, P. pseudoheterotremus, was found in Thailand. This species is genetically similar to P. heterotremus and is considered as a sister species. However, infectivity or pathogenicity of P. pseudoheterotremus to humans remains unclear. We report the first confirmed human pulmonary paragonimiasis case caused by P. pseudoheterotremus infection. After polymerase chain reaction/sequencing of the DNA extracted from Paragonimus eggs in the sputum of the patient, partial internal transcribed spacer 2 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 sequences were approximately identical (98–100%) with those of P. pseudoheterotremus. For P. heterotremus, the partial internal transcribed spacer 2 sequence was approximately identical (99–100%), but the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 sequence showed a similarity of 90–95%.
Low Entomological Impact of New Water Supply Infrastructure in Southern Vietnam, with Reference to Dengue Vectors
Authors: Tran Hau P. , Huynh Trang T. T. , Nguyen Yen T. , Kutcher Simon , O'Rourke Peter , Marquart Louise , Ryan Peter A. , Kay Brian H.
Published: September 2012

We did a prospective study in southern Vietnam where new water infrastructure was added. New 1,200-L tanks may present potential breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti, particularly when sealed lids were not always supplied. Some householders in these communes received a piped water supply, however there was no reduction in water storage practices. The prevalence of Aedes aegypti immatures in tank and tap households reached 73%, but were non-significantly different from each other and from control households that received no infrastructure. In all three communes, standard jars comprised from 48% to 71% of containers but were associated with > 90% of III–IV instars and pupae on occasions. In contrast, project tanks contributed from 0–21% of the total population. Non-functional or no lids were apparent 4 months after installation in 45–76% of new tanks, but there was no difference between communes with lids and without lids.
Occurrence of Paracoccidioides lutzii in the Amazon Region: Description of Two Cases
Authors: Marques-da-Silva Silvia Helena , Messias Rodrigues Anderson , de Hoog G. Sybren , Silveira-Gomes Fabíola , Pires de Camargo Zoilo
Published: September 2012

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most important human systemic mycosis in Latin America, is known to be caused by at least four different phylogenetic lineages within the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex, including S1, PS2, PS3, and Pb01-like group. Herein, we describe two cases of PCM in patients native from the Amazon region. The disease was originally thought to have been caused by P. brasiliensis. Despite the severity of the cases, sera from the patients were negative in immunodiffusion tests using the standard exoantigen from P. brasiliensis B-339. However, a positive response was recorded with an autologous preparation of Paracoccidioides lutzii exoantigen. A phylogenetic approach based on the gp43 and ARF loci revealed high similarity between our clinical isolates and the Pb01-like group. The occurrence of PCM caused by P. lutzii in the Brazilian Amazon (Pará State) was thus proven. The incidence of PCM caused by P. lutzii may be underestimated in northern Brazil.
Schistosoma mansoni Morbidity among School-Aged Children: A SCORE Project in Kenya
Authors: Samuels Aaron M. , Matey Elizabeth , Mwinzi Pauline N. M. , Wiegand Ryan E. , Muchiri Geoffrey , Ireri Edmund , Hyde Molly , Montgomery Susan P. , Karanja Diana M. S. , Secor W. Evan
Published: September 2012

Schistosomiasis control programs aim to reduce morbidity but are evaluated by infection prevalence and intensity reduction. We present baseline cross-sectional data from a nested cohort study comparing indicators of morbidity for measuring program impact. Eight hundred twenty-two schoolchildren 7–8 years of age from Nyanza Province, Kenya, contributed stool for diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and blood smears for malaria, and were evaluated for anemia, quality of life, exercise tolerance, anthropometry, and ultrasound abnormalities. Schistosoma mansoni, STH, and malaria infection prevalence were 69%, 25%, and 8%, respectively. Only anemia and S. mansoni infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.70; confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–2.80), and hepatomegaly and heavy S. mansoni infection (aOR = 2.21; CI = 1.19–4.11) were associated. Though anemia and hepatomegaly appeared most useful at baseline, additional morbidity indicators may be sensitive longitudinal measures to evaluate schistosomiasis program health impact.
Instructor Verbal and Nonverbal Immediacy and the Relationship with Student Self–efficacy and Task Value Motivation
Authors: Velez Jonathan J. , Cano Jamie
Published: September 2012

This descriptive correlation study sought to examine the relationships between verbal immediacy, nonverbal immediacy, self–efficacy and task value. Respondents assessed the verbal and nonverbal immediacy of their course instructor, and then assessed their personal self–efficacy and task value motivation. Results showed a significant positive relationship between verbal immediacy and self–efficacy (r = .334), nonverbal immediacy and self–efficacy (r = .209), verbal immediacy and task value (r = .234), and nonverbal immediacy and task value (r = .152). Based on the list of effect size descriptors for the magnitude of a correlation, developed by Hopkins (1997), the effect sizes between self–efficacy and verbal immediacy were considered moderate. The effect sizes between nonverbal immediacy and self– efficacy, and between verbal immediacy, nonverbal immediacy, and task value were considered small. Results indicated 11% of the variance in self–efficacy was explained by the verbal immediacy of teachers, and four percent of the variance in self–efficacy was explained by nonverbal immediacy. Specific to task value, six percent of the variance was explained by verbal immediacy and two percent by nonverbal immediacy. Results are discussed in light of the theoretical underpinnings and recommendations made for continued research.
Experiential Learning Using Second Life®: A Content Analysis of Student Reflective Writing
Authors: Leggette Holli R. , Witt Christy , Dooley Kim E. , Rutherford Tracy , Murphrey Theresa Pesl , Doerfert David , Edgar Leslie D.
Published: September 2012

Experiential learning allows students to connect previous experiences with new ideas. Second Life (SL) is a virtual world that allows students to simulate real–world experiences. SL was utilized as an educational tool in an agricultural risk and crisis communications course. Weekly journal entries pertaining to the SL simulation were analyzed to understand the students’ perceptions of the SL simulation. Content analysis within the qualitative research paradigm was used to analyze the student reflective journals. Although not prompted to do so, 14 of the 16 students discussed the SL simulation in their journals on at least three occasions throughout the semester. Upon analysis of the Second Life–related journal entries, six main themes emerged—simulation context, anxiety, capabilities, inabilities, Aha! moments, and suggestions for future simulations. Based on findings from this study, one can conclude that many students involved in the course under study found value in the use of SL as an educational tool. Student comments revealed a strong sense of application in the experiential process. This study sought to document best practices for SL as an educational tool in agricultural courses from the student perspective to allow more efficient and effective adoption for education.
Are black carbon and soot the same?
Authors: Buseck P. R. , Adachi K. , Gelencsér A. , Tompa É. , Pósfai M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The climate change and environmental literature, including that on aerosols, is replete with mention of black carbon (BC), but neither reliable samples nor standards exist. Thus, there is uncertainty about its exact nature. That confusion can be avoided if terms are defined and widely understood. Here we discuss an ambiguity between BC and soot and propose a more precise definition for soot as a specific material, which we call ns-soot, where "ns" refers to carbon nanospheres. We define ns-soot as particles that consist of nanospheres, typically with diameters < 100 nm, that possess distinct structures of concentrically wrapped, graphene-like layers of carbon and with grape-like (acinoform) morphologies. We additionally propose that, because of their importance for climate modeling and health issues, distinctions are made among bare, coated, and embedded ns-soot. BC, on the other hand, is not a well-defined material. We propose that the term should be restricted to light-absorbing refractory carbonaceous matter of uncertain character and that the uncertainty is stated explicitly.
e-HRM: A Strategic Reveiw
Authors: Sareen Puja , Subramanian K. Venkat
Published: September 2012

Today, HR is not treated as a single function. It’s a collection of highly specialized capabilities — each with distinct objectives, tasks and needs. There is an ever-increasing pressure on Human Resource (HR) function to support strategic goals and to focus on value adding activities. Organizations have realized the growing importance of using Information Technology (IT) in leveraging their Human Resource (HR) functions. This takes the form of e-HRM (Electronic Human Resource Management). The e-HRM revolution relies on cutting-edge information technology, ranging from Internet-enabled human resources information systems (HRIS) to corporate intranets and portals. The driving forces are intensifying competition, need to manage workforce on a global level, to improve HR service delivery and to bring cost savings. e-HRM enables HR leaders to become architects in the development of competitive organizational social systems.This paper reviews the research work done in the field of e-HRM. It provides insights into a framework of e-HRM, along with benefits and limitations. It discusses the impact of e-HRM on HR professionals. It seeks to identify implications for future research in this field.Key words: Human Resource(HR), Electronic Human Resource Management (e-HRM), Human Resource Information System(HRIS), Information Technolo
Human Resource Management Leadership Succession in Multinationals: Are Japanese CEOs still more likely to be hired from within Company Ranks than US CEOs? Jim Tanoos
Authors: Tanoos Jim
Published: September 2012

The study of CEO human resource management has been popular because of the stakes involved in anticipating and predicting effects on corporate stock prices.  Local customs affect regional organizational leadership philosophies, including societal norms common to America and Japan, which prompt management structures to be unique for each country.  A prolonged slowdown in the Japanese economy starting in the early 1990s has caused scholars to debate the impact of coinciding declines in their traditional organizational management templates and its impact on current CEO hiring approaches for multinational corporations based in Japan.  Today, many scholars predict that fewer Japanese CEOs will be hired from within company ranks.  As such, this study reports on the proportions of CEOs that are hired from outside the multinational corporation in the US versus Japan. Keywords: organizational leadership, leadership succession, multinational corporation, Japanese CEO, American CEO, seniority, hiring practices, societal norms, human resource management
Effect of Recruitment and Selection of Employees on The Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kisumu Municipality, Kenya
Authors: Omolo Jonathan W. , Oginda Moses N. , Oso Willis Yuko
Published: September 2012

The study investigated the effect recruitment and election on the performance of SMEs in Kisumu Municipality, Kenya. Kenya has 1.6 million SMEs, constituting 96% of business enterprises, employing 75% of the labour force and contributing 20% to GDP. But their performance has been poor in the last decade. Hence the need to determine the suitable recruitment and selection strategies that could increase their performance. The study found that the overall average performance of SMEs in Kisumu Municipality was 60.71%. There was a significant positive correlation between recruitment and selection, and performance of SMEs at α = .01. The average performance of SMEs with good recruitment and selection was 81.90%; with moderate was 67.94%, with poor was 53.90%. Recruitment and selection account for 40.8% of the total variance in performance of SMEs. The study concludes that recruitment and selection has a significant effect on the performance of SMEs in Kisumu Municipality.  Key WordsRecruitment, selection, performance, SMEs, Kisumu, sourcing, attracting, screening
Significance of Professionalism in Curriculum Development and Research Process
Authors: Mushtaq Muhammad
Published: September 2012

Professionalism is usually considered the expertise, skill and knowledge of that particular field first, and its application effectively and efficiently than. The curriculum professionals are the people who are associated with teaching and learning activity and they suggest the course of action by taking aims and objectives prescribed by the state. They need to have knowledge of various educational, ideological, sociological and psychological foundations to meet the change and challenges of the post modern era. Their professional characteristics and significance has been discussed, analysed and assessed by the views of social scientists of different countries in the coming paragraphs. Finally the expertise they need, factors that affect them, major consideration they had to take into account in developing curriculum for the futures is presented  as main theme of the article. In the end the effects of globalisation, internationalisation and information and communication technology which is changing in great speed and strength play a significant role in development of curriculum in this century.
BSC technique research employment National Cartographic Center of Iran to identify and classify the human sources performance indicators in fuzzy AHP environment
Authors: Farhanghi Ali Akbar , Ghassemi Reza Abachian , Liaghati Esmaeil , Rahrovy Elnaz
Published: September 2012

This investigation was exercised to identify the human source’s key indicators of National Cartographic Center as a provider of map and spatial data infrastructure, taking into account the balances scorecard approach and analyzing the fuzzy hierarchal process. The investigation is in a descriptive form and the way of collecting the information is in library-ground form. Balanced scorecard (BSC) establishes balance between financial previous indicators and provident indicators (the other three aspects) to assess the organizational performance. In this research first the compliance inquiries evidence and documentaries (National Cartographic Center) about human source' indicators has been collected then, indicators was set in hierarchal structure using the alternative purposes of BSC spectrum and scales was specified for every indicators coefficient. For nominating the efficiency importance, AHP questionnaire with fuzzy framework were used. The results showed that human force expense costing, job satisfaction, coverage the educational requirement, and the percentage of educated human source are the most important key performance indicators (KPI) that specified in human source distinct.
The Effect of Dynamic Assessment on General English test’s Performances of Iranian Medical Students
Authors: Hadigheh Saharsadat , Khaghaninezhad Mohammad Saber
Published: September 2012

As the need for appropriate alternative assessment techniques for general English students seems to be both obvious and critical, the researchers tried to put dynamic assessment (DA) theoretical principles into practice with Iranian medical students. The study’s initial subjects were 58 freshmen at Paramedical Faculty of Gerash one of the branches of Shiraz University of Medical Science (SUMS) who were at the second semester of their university education and asked to participate in a general English test based on their course books. Seventeen participants out of fifty eight received less than half of the total mark and became the real subjects of the study. Inspired by DA mediational techniques, they were interviewed individually and provided with some guidelines, advices, and test performing techniques by the teacher/researcher. As the interviews were finished the subjects were asked to take the previous exam again after fifty days (the optimal temporal distance in which the extraneous factors such as test witness, practice effect, and cognitive maturation affect the study’s performances minimally). With the aid of a paired-samples t-test it was revealed that subjects performed remarkably better on the second administration after being interviewed by the teacher/researcher about their performance problems. The study’s general findings implied that teacher’s mediation (derived from Vygotsky’s “dialogue of unequals”) within students’ zones of proximal development (ZPD) can miraculously pave the way for teachers, students, and material developers to reach to the ultimate “aim” of all instructional courses which is students “learning”.
The Effects of Training on Pre-school Teachers Practices in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oduolowu Esther , Oyesomi Fatimah Ayodele
Published: September 2012

The survey of daycare and nursery schools in Nigeria conducted by National Commission for Colleges of Education in 2004 revealed that teachers are not trained for this level of education and most early years programmes are managed by people who have never been in the classroom. Because of this, Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), organized series of training for teachers of pre-schools to improve their quality on child development curriculum interpretation, teaching method and evaluation techniques. This study therefore investigated the teaching practices of those preschool teachers exposed to the training in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State. It adopted the descriptive survey research design. Thirty two pre-school teachers participated in the study. Two instruments titled “Pre-school Teachers Teaching Practices Questionnaire” (PTTPQ) and “Pre-school Teachers Observation Schedule” (PTOS) were used to gather relevant data. Findings of the study revealed the pre-school teachers used teacher-centred method of teaching with few materials provided. It was also revealed that the pre-school teachers used the new curriculum but did not encourage hands-on activities in learning the content of the curriculum. Among others, it was recommended that trained pre-school teachers should be recruited to teach in the pre-schools and workshops should be organized to train and re-train those on the job regularly on pedagogy.
Role of Educational Technology in Public and Private Institutes at Secondary School Level in District Karak (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) Pakistan
Authors: Suleman Qaiser , Hussain Ishtiaq , Akhtar Zaitoon
Published: September 2012

Educational technology plays a fundamental role in enhancing teaching learning process. It has facilitated instructional process and made it more productive, dynamic and effective. Therefore the study was conducted to explore the role of educational technology in public and private institutes in district Karak (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) Pakistan in comparative perspectives. The main objectives of the study were: to compare the availability of educational technology in public and private institutions at secondary level; to compare the usability of educational technology in public and private institutions at secondary level and to know the usefulness of educational technology in public and private institutions at secondary level. All the heads, teachers and students in public and private secondary schools in district Karak constituted the population of the study. In order to ensure adequate sample, 60 heads, 180 teachers and 600 students serving and studying in public and private sectors at secondary school level in District Karak were selected randomly. The study was delimited to the selected male public and private secondary schools. The study was also delimited to those technologies which are commonly used. The study was descriptive in nature therefore, the researchers decided to develop questionnaire for the collection of data. A single questionnaire was developed for the whole sample. Pilot testing was conducted to know the weakness, misconceptions and ambiguities of the questions. After conduction of pilot testing, the questionnaire was revised and then its final version was prepared in the light of valuable suggestions of the heads, teachers and students. The researchers personally visited to the respective sample and distributed the questionnaires among the heads, teachers and students in public and private secondary schools. In this way data was collected. After the collection of data, the data was organized, tabulated and analyzed. The researchers decided to apply chi-square for the statistical treatment of the data. Therefore, chi square was applied to compare the responses of the sample. After analysis of the data, it was concluded that educational technologies are not available in both sectors. Some technologies are available in minor amount but these technologies are not used in both public and private sectors. Key Words:Educational Technology, Availability of Educational Technology, Usability of Educational Technology, Importance of Educational Technology
Senior Academic Staff Mentoring: Dealing with a Challenging Concept
Authors: Boboc Marius , Smaldino Sharon , Persichitte Kay
Published: September 2012

This article theorizes mentoring in higher education, particularly considering the gap that senior academic staff notice in terms of support after being granted tenure. Following discussions of the various definitions of the concept as well as the identification of its features and several operational models as found in the literature, the authors propose a model for mentoring of experienced college professors. The model in question capitalizes on parameters that characterize effective mentoring, while comparing the pre- and post-tenure experiences of senior academic staff. The focus of a prospective professional development program relying on mentoring should take into account contextual parameters that motivate seasoned college instructors as contributors to their institution’s knowledge base and positive culture.   Keywords: Senior Academic Staff; Mentoring; Professional Development
Learning through a Reflection: Becoming an effective PhD supervisor
Authors: Blazevski Nikica Mojsoska-
Published: September 2012

The aim of this paper is to learn how to be a better or more effective supervisor through a critical reflection on my own supervisory experience. The importance of the effective supervision is highlighted in view of the established link between effective supervision and greater completion rates of postgraduate degrees, where the latter is main focus of higher education institutions/authorities in the last decade. The reflection is used to not only to justify the way we were supervised, but to challenge it and find ways how we can improve our effective supervision. Several researchers argue that supervisors usually adopt the same supervisory practice and style as the one they experienced themselves as research students (Pearson and Brew, 2002; Lee, 2008; Wright et al., 2008), notwithstanding additional factors that might influence the effectiveness of supervision. Pearson and Brew (2002) argue that new supervisors should have an ability to critically reflect on their past experience as research student in light of the theoretical conceptions and research findings in the literature on supervision, a process called “a critical reflective journey” by Tait (2009, p.193). The methodology for this research is based on the framework for effective supervision adopted by Engebretson et al. (2008) who establish eleven characteristics of an effective supervision. Parallel to the examination of each of those individual characteristics, I provide my insight into each characteristic by reflecting on my own experience. The structure of the paper is as follows. Section 1 introduces the importance of an effective supervision in the modern educational environment, as well as the value that critical reflection brings to the learning. Section 2 provides a literature review of the characteristics of a good supervisor, along with a personal experience related to each of them. Section 3 concludes.   Key words: Reflection, Learning, Supervision, Students, Oversees
Reward System in the Nigerian Political and Public Sector: The Call for a Paradigm Shift in the 21st Century
Authors: Agba Michael Sunday , Achimugu Hassan , D.C. J. Chukwurah, , Agboni Joy Uyo
Published: September 2012

Reward system defined in terms of remunerations, salaries, wages, allowances, and fringe benefits constitute a dominant feature of political and public institutions in developed and developing countries. Nigeria as a social formation operates a reward system where civil servants and political office holders are remunerated through salaries, fringe benefits and allowances for performing legislative, executive and administrative functions. This paper is an attempt at examining political and other public servants salaries and allowances within the backdrop of its implications on human resource management, productivity and sustainable development of the country. The paper argues that because reward systems are highly skewed in favor of the political class in comparison to salaries and allowances in other sectors of the economy, Nigerian politicians have turned democratic elections into investment areas and opportunities and battle fields where money, private armies and thugs are employed to create enabling environments that guarantee returns on investments and accelerated access to primitive accumulation of wealth. Given the inequality in the Nigerian reward system between the political and other classes in the country, the paper argues that a paradigm shift aimed at the restructuralization of the reward system and the fight against corruption are inevitable for human capital development, productivity enhancement and sustainable development of the country in the 21st century
Financial Governance and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Critical Review
Authors: Ocheni Stephen , Atakpa Moses , Nwankwo Basil C.
Published: September 2012

The work is a review of the Federal Government application of fiscal and monetary policies to create the necessary healthy environment for sustainable growth and development of the Nigerian state.  The review indicates that although the government of Nigeria has designed in theory good fiscal and monetary policies to facilitate sustainable growth and development of all the sectors of the economy, the practical implementation of such policies to attain the desired results has remained an illusion.  The problem responsible for the great expectations not matching with the realities on ground is because of lack of budget discipline.  The Nigerian government in practical terms most often than not hardly follows the implementation of her annual budget as approved by the National Assembly.  Consequently, a lot of extra budgetary activities which amount to both financial and budget indiscipline are experienced in the management of the annual budgets over the years.  It is therefore recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should maintain strict budget discipline to guarantee good financial governance which is a necessary condition for sustainable development.   Keywords: Financial Governance, Sustainable Development, Money Market, Policy
Analysis of options for Maximizing Local Government internally generated Revenue in Nigeria
Authors: Atakpa Moses , Ocheni Stephen , Nwankwo Basil C.
Published: September 2012

This study examined the various options for maximizing internal revenue generation in the Nigerian local governments.  It took critical and hard look on the various sources of internal revenue in the local governments, problems of exploiting the various sources for revenue generation, and the reason why most of the sources remain untapped or under-tapped by the local government in Nigeria.  The study suggested feasible and pragmatic ways to maximize internal revenue generation in the local governments.  It observed that prior to 1976 Local Government Reform; most local governments were able to maximize their internal revenue generation and discharged their primary responsibilities with little or no financial assistance from the higher tier governments.  However, with the introduction of statutory allocations to the local governments following the 1976 Reform, most of the local governments abandoned the hitherto viable internal revenue sources in preference to the revenue from statutory allocation.  This unwholesome attitude of most local governments, among others, was identified as the bane of internal revenue generation at this level of government.  The paper concludes, by stating that unless the local governments look inwards to maximize their internal revenue sources it cannot be financially self-reliant.  The implication of this is that it cannot enjoy reasonable degree of autonomy as a third tier of government if it continues to be heavily dependent on the financial assistance from both the federal and the state governments, to be able to function effectively.  The reason is because as the saying goes, “he who pays the piper dictates the tune.” Keywords: Local Government, Revenue, Reforms, and Administration
Classroom Management of Mental Retardation
Authors: Onyekuru Bruno U.D. , NJOKU Joyce
Published: September 2012

Mental retardation is one of the major human development problems of our time. The consequences of mental retardation in the general population are alarming and devastating. Even the cost of managing the disorder cannot be met or borne by so many whose children are afflicted. Some people whose children are suffering from the disorder are handicapped and don’t know what to do about it. It is based on this premise that the authors decided to bring this ugly trend to the awareness of many Nigerians especially school administrators. The paper started by examining the meaning of the disorder. The authors went ahead to enumerate the different classifications of mental retardation as well as the signs, symptoms and causes of this disorder. The paper ended by suggesting some practical ways the school administration and government can help in training these children thereby reducing the occurrence and prevalence of this disorder which is highly incurably by the present scientific knowledge. Key words: Mental retardation, classroom management, disability
Nanofiltration Membranes with Modified Active Layer Using Aromatic Polyamide Dendrimers
Authors: Gao Yuan , de Jubera Ana M. Saenz , Mariñas Benito J. , Moore Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2012

The modification of a commercial nanofiltration (NF) membrane (TFC‐S) with shape‐persistent dendritic molecules is reported. Amphiphilic aromatic polyamide dendrimers (G1–G3) are synthesized via a divergent approach and used for membrane active layer modification by direct percolation. The permeate samples collected from the percolation experiments are analyzed by UV‐visible spectroscopy to monitor the influence of dendrimer generations on percolation behavior and active layer modification. Further characterization of modified membranes by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and atomic force microscopy techniques reveals a relatively low‐level accumulation of dendrimers inside the original TFC‐S NF membrane active layer and subsequent formation of a coating of pure aramide dendrimers on top of the active layer. A PES‐PVA ultrafiltration membrane is used as a control membrane support (without an NF active layer) showing that structural compatibility between the dendrimers and support plays an important role in the membrane modification process. The performance of the modified TFC‐S membrane is evaluated on the basis of the rejection abilities for a variety of water contaminants having a range of molecular size and chemistry. As the water flux is inversely proportional to the thickness of the active layer, the amount of dendrimers deposited for specific contaminants are optimized to improve the solute rejection while maintaining high water flux.
Graphite Coating of Iron Nanowires for Nanorobotic Applications: Synthesis, Characterization and Magnetic Wireless Manipulation
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad A. , Pané Salvador , Youn Seul Ki , Pellicer Eva , Schuerle Simone , Sort Jordi , Fusco Stefano , Lindo André M. , Park Hyung Gyu , Nelson Bradley J.
Published: September 2012

Wireless‐manipulated graphite coated nanomagnets are promising candidates for minimally invasive targeted drug delivery platforms. Iron nanowires coated with graphitic shells are synthesized by template‐assisted deposition. The use of porous aluminum oxide templates enables both the batch production of nanowires by electrodeposition and their subsequent conformal encapsulation in graphite using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). High quality graphitic shells are obtained when CVD conditions are optimized using acetylene as carbon feedstock at 740 °C. Interestingly, the iron nanowires transform into iron carbide during the CVD process leading to changes in magnetic properties. The graphite coated iron nanowires are precisely manipulated against a water flow (0.1 mm/s) using a magnetic field of 350 Oe and a gradient of 50 kOe m−1 in a 5‐DOF magnetic manipulation system. Our approach opens new avenues for the design and synthesis of functional graphite coated nanowires that are promising for nanorobotics applications.