bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of οἰκονομία in a missional reading of the Gospel of Luke-Acts
Authors: Van Aarde Timohty
Published: November 2015

The term οἰκονομία is important term the Gospel of Luke. The word οἰκονομία, in particular its meaning in Luke, is a perpetration and prerequisite for a missional reading of Luke-Acts. The dual motifs of creation and redemption are interdependently related from Genesis to Revelations. In the Gospel of Luke these motifs are unified in the sphere of the household as the most basic social structure through the οἰκονομος management of the οἰκος, the household.Die gebruik en betekenis van οἰκονομία as ’n handeling en voorvereiste vir ’n missionalelees van die Evangelie van Lukas-Handelinge. Οἰκονομία is ’n belangrike term in die Evangelie van Lukas. Die woord οἰκονομία en veral die betekenis daarvan in Lukas is ’n handeling envoorvereiste vir ’n missionale lees van Lukas-Handelinge. Die twee motiewe van  skepping en verlossing is interafhanklik aan mekaar verbind vanaf Genesis tot Openbaring. In die Evangelie van Lukas word hierdie motiewe saamgebind in die sfeer van die huishouding as die mees basiese sosiale struktuur deur die οἰκονομος bestuur van die οἰκος, die huishouding.
A Numerical Scheme for Generalized Peierls-Nabarro Model of Dislocations Based on the Fast Multipole Method and Iterative Grid Redistribution
Authors: Zhu Aiyu , Jin Congming , Zhao Degang , Xiang Yang , Huang Jingfang
Published: November 2015

Dislocations are line defects in crystalline materials. The Peierls-Nabarro models are hybrid models that incorporate atomic structure of dislocation core into continuum framework. In this paper, we present a numerical method for a generalized Peierls-Nabarro model for curved dislocations, based on the fast multipole method and the iterative grid redistribution. The fast multipole method enables the calculation of the long-range elastic interaction within operations that scale linearly with the total number of grid points. The iterative grid redistribution places more mesh nodes in the regions around the dislocations than in the rest of the domain, thus increases the accuracy and efficiency. This numerical scheme improves the available numerical methods in the literature in which the long-range elastic interactions are calculated directly from summations in the physical domains; and is more flexible to handle problems with general boundary conditions compared with the previous FFT based method which applies only under periodic boundary conditions. Numerical examples using this method on the core structures of dislocations in Al and Cu and in epitaxial thin films are presented.
Paleocatálogo 3D: Photogrammetry for the realization of a high quality, accessible and free 3D Virtual Catalog
Authors: Maqueda García-Morales Raúl , Luque Cortina Manuel
Published: November 2015

To develop quality tools for dissemination and outreach today is no longer a problem. The access to archaeological collections, to have at our disposal a repertoire of portable art, tools, etc. of European Prehistory, neither will be. In these lines we will see the project in which we combine technology, information and accessibility to that information, as a tool for the study and dissemination of prehistory for all educational levels.
Princeps Resurgens: archaeological research and photogrammetric documentation in the study of a Roman thoracata statue of Los Bañales (Uncastillo, Zaragoza)
Authors: Maqueda García-Morales Raúl , Luque Cortina Manuel , Andreu Pintado Javier , Romero Novella Luis
Published: November 2015

In these lines we present a set of sculptural fragments in Carrara marble recovered in a secondary context in the forum of the Roman city of Los Bañales (Uncastillo, Zaragoza) and how digital recovery of these set using photogrammetric procedures has allowed the reintegration of digital fragments to restore the original appearance of the sculpture recovered so far, allowing the documentation of the remains, a deeper scientific study and the dissemination of the performed works.
Power law distributions of wildfires across Europe: benchmarking a land surface model with observed data
Authors: Di Mauro B. , Fava F. , Frattini P. , Camia A. , Colombo R. , Migliavacca M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Monthly wildfire burned area frequency is here modeled with a power law distribution and scaling exponent across different European biomes are estimated. Data sets, spanning from 2000 to 2009, comprehend the inventory of monthly burned areas from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) and simulated monthly burned areas from a recent parameterization of a Land Surface Model (LSM), that is the Community Land Model (CLM). Power law exponents are estimated with a Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) for different European biomes. The characteristic fire size (CFS), i.e. the area that most contributes to the total burned area, was also calculated both from EFFIS and CLM data set. We used the power law fitting and the CFS analysis to benchmark CLM model against the EFFIS observational wildfires data set available for Europe. Results for the EFFIS data showed that power law fittings holds for 2–3 orders of magnitude in the Boreal and Continental ecoregions, whereas the distribution of the Alpine, Atlantic are fitted only in the upper tail. Power law instead is not a suitable model for fitting CLM simulations. CLM benchmarking analysis showed that the model strongly overestimates burned areas and fails in reproducing size-frequency distribution of observed EFFIS wildfires. This benchmarking analysis showed that some refinements in CLM structure (in particular regarding the anthropogenic influence) are needed for predicting future wildfires scenarios, since the low spatial resolution of the model and differences in relative frequency of small and large fires can affect the reliability of the predictions.
The Generalized Non-absolute type of sequence spaces
Authors: Subramanian Nagarajan , Bivin M. R. , Saivaraju Nallaswamy
Published: November 2015

In this paper we introduce the notion of $\lambda_{mn}-\chi^{2}$ and $\Lambda^{2}$ sequences. Further, we introduce the spaces $\left[\chi^{2q\lambda}_{f\mu },\left\|\left(d\left(x_{1},0\right),d\left(x_{2},0\right),\cdots, d\left(x_{n-1},0\right)\right)\right\|_{p}\right]^{\textit{I}\left(F\right)}$ and $\left[\Lambda^{2q\lambda}_{f\mu },\left\|\left(d\left(x_{1},0\right),d\left(x_{2},0\right),\cdots, d\left(x_{n-1},0\right)\right)\right\|_{p}\right]^{\textit{I}\left(F\right)},$ which are of non-absolute type and we prove that these spaces are linearly isomorphic to the spaces $\chi^{2}$ and $\Lambda^{2},$ respectively. Moreover, we establish some inclusion relations between these spaces.
On homological properties of some module derivations on Banach algebras
Authors: İnceboz Hülya , Arslan Berna
Published: November 2015

In recent years, lots of papers have been published on module amenability. In this paper, our main aim is to study the homological properties of various module derivations and prove some results about module amenability. So this paper continous a line investigation in [3], [4] for Banach algebras.
The Vital Role of Gender Diversity on Corporate Outcomes: The Need for Empirical Studies Concerning Frontier Markets
Authors: Badru Bazeet Olayemi , Bagudu Hauwa Daniyan , Alfa Abdulmumini Baba , Alfa Abdulmumini Baba
Published: November 2015

The purpose of the study is to review empirical studies related to gender diversity on corporate outcomes and suggest the need for more empirical research on gender diversity in frontier markets. Several empirical studies have identified the need for a critical mass of female directors and executives in corporate firms. This review further justifies the clamour for more female representation on boards globally. Nigeria is a country that has very weak corporate governance compared to the United States (US) and other developed countries. Therefore, the present study suggests that more empirical studies in this area should be carried out and widely explored. It is hoped that capital market regulatory authority can consider the need for 35% women in public institutions and corporate settings. In other words, there is an urgent need for the implementation of this policy as this would have implications for women’s development and career planning.
Importance of Effective Communication in Public Organisations
Authors: Babatunde Osabiya
Published: November 2015

Communication has crucial impacts within or among workgroups in both private and public organizations. Communication can be a channel to flow information, resources, and even policies. Given the importance of organization communication and its managerial impacts, further research is needed to explore this topic as it relates to both private and public administration field. To this end, this study assesses the impacts of organizational communication on the perception of red tape by comparing internal communication with external, especially client-oriented, communication in both public and non-profit organizations.
Utilizing current literature, this paper will examine effective organizational communication within a private and public organization. Many organizations today often look at communication and leadership as one-dimensional; the inability of leaders in small organizations to adapt to a leadership style that effectively communicates with the employee hinders organizational performance. This study examines the communication exchange within a private and public organization and its effects on the organizational culture and employee performance.
This study summarizes the increasing importance of organizational communication, the basic theoretical perspectives that guide the study of communication and the key distinctions that guide the study of organizational communication, the key functions of communication in organizations. Because organizational communication has become such a big topic, this study is limited to addressing internal and external organizational communication.
A Trying Five Years
Authors: Machor James L.
Published: November 2015

Despite extensive scholarly work on Twain's early writing career, little detailed attention has been paid to the reception of the four books that followed the success of Innocents Abroad: Mark Twain's (Burlesque) Autobiography and First Romance, Roughing It, The Gilded Age, and Sketches New and Old. That is a significant omission because the public and private responses to these four books marked an important stage in the development of Twain's status and reputation. Twain followed the whirlwind success of Innocents with repeated attempts to produce books that would enhance his popularity and bring in substantial royalties. Unfortunately, none of the four he published was able to match Innocents in sales, and while common readers responded quite positively to Roughing It and The Gilded Age, the reception of all four books in the public sphere was at best mixed, producing a trying five years for Twain.
Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Online: An Anecdotal Case Study Related to Engaging ISIS Members and Sympathizers (from North America, Western Europe, and Australia) on Twitter
Authors: Shaikh Mubin
Published: November 2015

As the conflict in Syria has escalated and the attention paid to foreign fighters increases, many Western citizens who have joined extremist groups (particularly that which calls itself the “Islamic State” or ISIS) have taken to posting tales of their exploits on various social networking platforms. They do this for both propaganda and recruitment purposes, as well as to project onto themselves a romanticized version of Islamic history. This article documents attempts by the author to interact with ISIS and its followers through online messaging by direct involvement on Twitter and by engaging individuals and networks sympathetic to extremist messaging.
“Contesting the Space”: Adversarial Online Engagement as a Tool for Combating Violent Extremism
Authors: Fernandez Alberto
Published: November 2015

The rise of social media as a tool by Salafi Jihadist organizations for mobilization and propaganda engendered a variety of responses by governments. One controversial and prominent effort was the work of the U.S. Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications (CSCC) from 2011 to 2014. Aggressively responding to al-Qa'ida/ISIS propaganda in the space they had previously monopolized, this small low-budget but high profile effort succeeded in attracting the ire of terrorist communicators and their supporters, who exerted efforts to block or blunt counter-messaging. Despite the response, the overall effectiveness of this experiment in freewheeling adversarial engagement is unclear.
Medicine and Politics: The Primitive Physic and Early American Methodism
Authors: Georgian Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2015

While John Wesley's Primitive Physick is well known, this article explores its role in early American Methodist politics. Bishop Francis Asbury used it to prove his devotion to Wesley and America and to triumph in his battle with rival James O'Kelly over the structure of the American Church. In doing so, he dramatically transformed the work and solidified his position as the architect of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By partnering with American Methodist physician, Henry Wilkins, he transformed Wesley's work into The Family Advisor, and successfully rebranded himself, the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his book as distinctly American.
Proyecto Persevera: Una respuesta desde la Universidad Don Bosco
Authors: Xiomara Martínez Yesenia
Published: November 2015

La Universidad Don Bosco (UDB), consciente de la responsabilidad por mejorar los indicadores de rendimiento interno implementa Persevera para la reducción de los índices de repitencia y deserción. Dicho programa responde al principio de educar y promover el desarrollo integral de la persona, siendo una respuesta desde los principios pedagógicos del sistema preventivo salesiano que permite la construcción de la síntesis personal de fe, cultura y vida1. Posee cuatro componentes: Observatorio de la repitencia y deserción, Coaching para estudiantes y docentes, Autoformación permanente por medio de recursos físicos y TIC y Estudio de la clase entre los docentes. Aquí se presenta una descripción de cómo se implementó institucionalmente y de sus logros.Diálogos 13, 41-51.
Hyperspectral imaging of retinal microvascular anatomy
Authors: Kashani Amir H. , Wong Mark , Koulisis Nicole , Chang Chein-I , Martin Gabriel , Humayun Mark S.
Published: November 2015

Background: Hyperspectral image processing has been applied to many aspects of astronomical and earth science research. Furthermore, advances in computed tomographic imaging spectroscopy and diffraction grating design have allowed biological applications for non-invasive tissue analysis. Herein, we describe a hyperspectral computed tomographic imaging spectroscope (HCTIS) that provides high spatial, spectral and temporal resolution ideal for imaging biological tissue in vivo. Methods: We demonstrate proof-of-principle application of the HCTIS by imaging and mapping the microvascular anatomy of the retina of a model organism (rabbit) in vivo. The imaging procedure allows rapid and dense spectral sampling, is non-toxic, non-invasive, and easily adaptable to a commercially available fundus camera system. Results: HCTIS provides highly co-registered temporal, spatial and spectral data with resolution capable of reconstructing the fine vascular tree of the rabbit retina in vivo. Conclusions: We show that HCTIS allows for reliable and reproducible tissue classification and detection using signature discriminant analysis. Future applications of this system may provide promising diagnostic methods for diseases of many tissues.
Teachers’ Learning and Innovation Skills Development: Challenge and Changing based on Professional Learning Community
Authors: Paison Adul , Chucampang Chowalit , Jansang Aperadee
Published: November 2015

This study was aims to investigate the effects of teacher development program based on Professional Learning Community (PLC) on teachers’ learning and innovation skills. The sample group for implementing the program was 10 Thai language teachers in grade 3. The instruments consisted of the observation form, and the performance assessment form. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe the data. The results of this study found that the sample group was conduct the learning and innovation skills at highest level and the innovation of sample groups were the innovation to promote learning and innovation skills at highest level, mean 4.90 and standard deviation 0.02.
Beneficial Ownership: To What Extent It Complies with Shari’ah?
Authors: Nik Abdul Ghani Nik Abdul Rahim , Saleem Muhammad Yusuf , Lahsasna Ahcene
Published: November 2015

This paper is a preliminary research on studying the application of beneficial ownership in Islamic financial products. It aims at investigating the meaning of beneficial ownership and its recognition in the Shari’ah perspective. This paper starts with identifying the meaning of milkiyyah (ownership) and its characteristics in the Islamic law and followed by the discussion on beneficial ownership from legal perspective. The study emphasizes on the historical and theoretical aspects of beneficial ownership. It then critically elucidates the meaning of beneficial ownership and its use in commercial transaction as to ascertain whether its use is in compliance with the requirements of ownership in Shari’ah. Analysis is done via the method of takyif fiqhi (fiqh characterisation) on the use of beneficial ownership. Some Shari’ah issues would be examined carefully by comparing the views of classical jurists and then supported by modern jurists. Finally, the study suggests that the beneficial ownership should be considered as real ownership since it is exclusively used in registration and legal documentation because Shari’ah has allowed the transfer of ownership based on a sole basis of contract.
Rise and Fall of Development: How does Hadith Views on Economic System?
Authors: Usman Abur Hamdi , Ismail Abu Zaki , Soroni Mohd Khafidz , Wazir Rosni
Published: November 2015

As many as 40% of the population that categorized poor people in the world on which their income less than 2 US dollar per day is the result of the existing applied economics theories and they have failed to obtain sustainability and stability condition. The economic theory that is now developed mainly use positivism approach where normative assessment dispensed. This paper attempts to re-open the history back into the 6th century, where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) tried to develop the economy of the state using concept taken from the hadith (prophetic tradition). This concept is the very roots of the improving Islamic economics theory nowadays that comes up to be the best alternative concept to replace upon the fail conventional theories. Qualitative approach through document analysis of relevance references as well as historical approach use to observe the economic development in the eye of hadith.
Riding the Country, Buying the Brand: How Country-of-Origin Image Drives the Purchase Behavior of Big Motorcycle in Indonesia
Authors: Suharyanti Suharyanti , Wijaya Bambang Sukma , Rostika Melida
Published: November 2015

This paper examines the role of country-of-origin image (COO image) values in the process of purchase decision making of big motorcycle consumers in Indonesia. Referring to the COO image values such as Authenticity, Differentiation, Quality Standard and Expertise, as well as the elements of purchase decision making process such as Need Recognition, Information Search, Evaluation of Alternatives, Purchase Decision and Post Purchase Decision, researchers conducted in-depth interviews to five Triumph big motorcycle consumers. The results show that the authenticity of the British-made product is the main consideration of consumers both in searching for information and in recognizing the need of big motorcycles. The competitive advantages of product that make it different from other products is the consideration in evaluating the brands, while product quality has the role in stimulating the purchase decision and post purchase actions, in which also strengthened by the perception towards the British-expertise in producing big motorcycles. This research is very beneficial to big motorcycle brands in understanding the mindset of Indonesian consumers.
Laws and Policies on Sustainable Development of China’s Small Hydropower
Authors: Luo Guoliang , Wang Tao , Sun Rong
Published: November 2015

China boasts fairly plentiful water energy in its rural areas, ranking No. 1 in the world. China has made great social, economic and ecological achievements in small hydropower (SHP) development. But SHP development in the rural areas is still confronting unavoidable realistic contradictions: the absence of nationwide laws and compensation institutions and the ambiguity in supervision responsibility. The paper proposes pertinent countermeasures against major problems in laws and policies for China’s SHP development. 
An Estimation of Market Size for Microfinance: Study on the Urban Microentrepreneurs in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Hassan Salwana , Alam Md Mahmudul , Rahman Rashidah Abdul
Published: November 2015

Malaysia is a fast growing developing country where majority of the people are Muslim. Due to the religious bindings, Muslim prefers Shariah compliant Islamic credits instead of conventional interest based credits. At the same time, non-Muslims can also consider Shariah compliant Islamic credit because it is considered as the ethical credit. However, still many microentrepreneurs are not receiving the Shariah compliant Islamic microfinance products because they have negative perceptions about the credit and interest (riba). Therefore, this study aims to assess the demand for microfinance among the microentrepreneurs in the State of Selangor, Malaysia and thus, determine the potential market size. Data of the study were collected based on a questionnaire survey from 550 microentrepreneurs from the urban areas of Selangor. It was found that only 12.2 per cent of them received microfinance from various microfinance institutions and banks. However, the study found that still there is potential for microfinance borrowing with around 55,000-128,000 microenterprises in Selangor, Malaysia. Therefore, Islamic microfinance institutions should try to expand their market size by promoting these potential microfinance borrowers among the existing microentrepreneurs.
Corporate Tax Disclosure: A Review of Concepts, Theories, Constraints, and Benefits
Authors: Mgammal Mahfoudh Hussein , Ku Ismail Ku Nor Izah Bt
Published: November 2015

The aim of this paper is to offer an impression of the issues raised by the disclosure of companies’ tax information by supplying existing and historical viewpoints from the aspects of concepts, theory, constraints, benefits and measurements. We are concerned that full disclosure of organizations' tax information could result in firms weakening tax information, hampering tax enforcement, and maybe, in a weakened structure, disclosing private data that could give a competitive benefit to those organizations that are not requested to do such a disclosure. Hence, some studies do not underpin full disclosure. On the other hand, full tax disclosure could have numerous beneficial impacts. It might put pressure on regulators to develop the tax system and it might incite companies to oppose aggressive tax decrease strategies. We anticipate and expect interested parties to take into consideration the best practices of tax disclosure in implementing their future plans.
Speech Acts Strategies of “Refusing” by Indonesian in France Language
Authors: Sanjaya Dedi
Published: November 2015

Learning a foreign language is not just focused on learning the language grammatically, but also pragmatically that is spoken in accordance with the proper context. Mistakes in particular speech act speech act can have an impact on the problem of refusing to face up to conflict. This paper wants to see how the strategy of rejecting speech acts committed by Indonesian students who study French. Strategies analyzed by the selection vocabulary, effectiveness of sentences, sentence structure and politeness. Respondents are 30 students majoring in French at the University of Medan were selected based on purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using Discourse Completion Test (DCT). The results show that in the choice of vocabulary, many respondents use the verb is not appropriate to express rejection. Respondents were also frequent repetition of words in a sentence that makes the sentence to be long and rambling. In refusing, respondents are very polite, especially in the interaction between faculty and students. However, politeness is only indicated with concomitant use of words such as madame (madame), monsieur (sir) and excuse the expression (z) -moi (pardon me), je suis désolé (e) (I regret). Whereas for the polite form sentences in French can be used with conditionel mode, and other strategies such as the use of the phrase impersonnel, neutral pronoun use on, or the passive sentence. These strategies do not look at the answers of the respondents.
The Implementation of High Performance Work System in Public Organizations: Implication for Organizational Performance.
Authors: Ugheoke Solomon Ozemoyah
Published: November 2015

Abstract

A principal concern express among organizational researchers is to understand why some organizations irrespective of size, location and sector outperform others. High performance work system (HPWS) offers an explanation for this phenomenon. The implementation of unique practices leads some organizations to outperform others and give organizations the competitive advantage over others. While it has been well established that HPWS practices affect organizational performance within a large and complex organizations, less have been empirically established if they also create benefit for public organizations and this has generated concerns among researchers in the field of HPWS.  Following this argument, this study examines this theoretical gap with a survey data collected from employees in the public sector. Overall, three dimensions of HPWS were identified by the researchers and the level of awareness was assessed on a seven point Likert scale. We found that two out of the three dimensions of HPWS identified in this have a positive relationship with organizational performance.

Keywords: HPWS, organizational performance, selective training and development, PMS, individual role.

 
Didactic conditions of implementation of ICT in the formation of creativity of future teachers of physics
Authors: Ramankulov Sherzod Zhumadullaevich
Published: November 2015
Learning English as Thai Adult Learners: An Insight into Experience in Using Learning Strategies
Authors: Suwanarak Kasma
Published: November 2015

This research aims to understand language learning strategies of Thai adult learners and factors affecting their strategy use. The participants are forty officers of General Service Division of the Council of State of Thailand, attending an English training course for developing their work potential. The data were collected through the questionnaire adapted from the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). To further explore personal views about their experience in learning strategies and factors influential on their strategy use, fifteen participants were selected for individual interviews. Findings revealed that the learners reported an overall preference for the use of social strategies. Analysis of the qualitative data confirmed most of the SILL responses and revealed additional strategies and factors affecting the strategy use. Individual learners chose strategies suitable for the achievement of their goals and take account of their affective needs and work context. Overall, this study has emphasized the necessity of having qualitative data which can enrich and illuminate the findings of quantitative data and could be valuable resources for considering appropriate ways in which English proficiency of Thai adult learners could be developed. Implications are drawn regarding the language learning strategies of adult learners and their strategy use as professional engagement as well as recommendations for future research.
Choosing an English Teacher: The Influence of Gender on the Students’ Choice of Language Teachers
Authors: Taqi Hanan A. , Al-Darwish Salwa H. , Akbar Rahima S. , Al-Gharabali Nada A.
Published: November 2015

Gender and teaching are gaining increasing attention in the field of higher education. The significance of teacher gender seems even more crucial in an environment based on gender segregation. In the scope of language teaching and gender, this study investigates the influence of gender on the students’ selection of teachers in general, and language teachers more specifically. The participants, 146 English major students in an all-female college of education, were given a questionnaire of 32 statements--to be answered on a 5-point likert scale--and four open-ended questions; all of which aim at examining the difference between male and female English language teachers in terms of attitude, grades, teaching and even appearance. The statistics were analyzed in terms of frequency, mean and variance in correlation with the independent variables of age, social status, GPA and years in college. It was found that most students prefer male teachers as they believe that the positive personal traits of the male teachers far exceed those of the female teachers. Nonetheless, the statistics have revealed that both genders (and sometimes female more than male teachers) are good language teachers. Hence, reflecting the main finding: gender is not a criterion for good language teaching, but it is our students’ criterion for choosing a language teacher.
Organizational Governance, Board of Directors, and the Influence of Context in Emerging Markets
Authors: Almadi Madi M
Published: November 2015

This paper aims to build corporate governance theory to inform company success in the context of emerging markets. Success for a company listed in an emerging market is contingent on being able to effectively manage a range of business, economic, social and political considerations unique to that emerging country. This paper explains the significance of incorporating context with corporate governance systems to inform how can organizational governance and board of directors affect firm performance. Theory developed in the context of emerging markets provides the basis for more widely applicable emerging stock market insight into theory of context and practice of corporate governance.
Characterizing the Gap between Accounting Education and Practice: Evidence from Lebanon
Authors: Majzoub Salam , Aga Mehmet
Published: November 2015

Over the past few decades, there has been a widening gap between accounting education and accounting practice. In this article, we present a novel framework that aims to understand this gap by analyzing the accounting educational system and profession from the perspective of the International Accounting Education Standards (IAES). We further consider Lebanon as a case study for thoroughly investigating the accounting educational system and characterizing the gap.

 This study is the first of its kind in analyzing the five main groups of stakeholders in this system (fresh graduates, employees, professors, department heads, and employers) and comparing their perspectives about the competencies of accounting graduates. As part of our framework, we introduce a model that captures the interactions between the various stakeholders of the accounting educational and professional system. We then thoroughly probe the various components of this model theoretically, as well as through qualitative and quantitative studies.
Our findings show that while, theoretically, the accounting curriculum incorporates the competencies stipulated by the IAES, in practice, there is a large gap in how the various stakeholders assess the proficiencies of fresh accounting graduates in these competencies. Alarmingly, employers believe that accounting graduates lack the required technical competencies for the job market, while professors, department heads, and students believe that fresh graduates have acquired the required competencies by the time of graduation. In this paper, we investigate the reasons for this gap, characterize it in details, and propose recommendations for bridging it.
The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Service Quality of Banks in Ghana: Case Study of Ecobank and Access Bank Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Johnson , K. Asirifi Ernest , Ampadu Samuel
Published: November 2015

Ghana has witnessed a wave of mergers and acquisitions (M & As) in the banking industry following the bank recapitalization initiative by the government in 2008. This raises an important question concerning the trade-off between the possible efficiency gains and efficiency losses as banks merge into one large unit. The objective of this study was to find out how Mergers & Acquisitions have impacted service quality of consolidated banks in Ghana. A descriptive and explanatory design was adopted as the study sought to describe customer perceived service quality and to also explain the relationship between M & As and service quality. An ANOVA and T-tests techniques were used to analyze primary and secondary data gathered. Findings from the study indicated that M & As had positive impact on overall service quality. The conclusion drawn by the researchers indicates that mergers and acquisitions offer superior growth and financing option for banks. This in turn promotes economic efficiency through improvements in costs and services delivery.
Customer's Adoption for Technology-Enabled Delivery Channels in Selected Public Sector Banks
Authors: Gupta Neha , Tandon Khanna Vandana
Published: November 2015

Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to investigate customer’s adoption for technology-enabled delivery channels such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Internet banking, Tele-banking, mobile banking and branch lobby kiosks of selected Public Sector Banks (PSBs). In addition, the study consists of the customer’s willingness for adopting banks delivery channels and customer demographics influence on delivery channels in specific for Mumbai city (India).

Design/methodology/approach–For this study, structured questionnaire was administered to collect the primary data and random sampling method was adopted. The paper also presents a multi-year research effort on e-banking in delivery channels and suggests strategies to enhance the channelization of banking products and services through usage of delivery channels.

Findings–The findings reveal that the customer’s willingness for adoption of various technology-enabled delivery channels is lower than the banks’ acceptable level. The usage of technology-enabled delivery channels such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Internet banking is high in Mumbai. The results also show that the usage of mobile banking and branch lobby kiosks is very low. Most of respondents are using Internet banking for the purpose of fund transfer and account information. ATMs service is highly used among 36-45 years of age groups. Promoting awareness about benefit of technology-enabled delivery channels is of utmost important to increase usage of technology-enabled delivery channels.

Practical implications/limitations–The paper presents the opportunity for bank marketers to adapt to market orientated approach. They can consider customers usage pattern to increase the effectiveness of delivery channels. The results suggest that banks strategic and tactical activities require improvement in order to become more customer-focused and market-oriented. Furthermore, the scope of the study was selected PSBs’ customers residing in Mumbai city (India).
Originality/value–Previous studies that sought adoption of innovative delivery channels lack concern to user’s inclination to technology-enabled delivery channels. This paper makes a valuable contribution in the field of marketing strategy of banks, and evaluate to what extent consumers are ready to accept and use the products or the services introduced.
Money Laundering Phenomenon and How Successful the Oversight Role of Adjusting and Control of the Jordanian Central Bank
Authors: AL Qaied Bader
Published: November 2015

The research aims to evaluate and examine the oversight role of the Central Bank of Jordan and assess its success in controlling the phenomenon of money laundering in a simple and uncomplicated manner by distributing a questionnaire to a group of corporate managers of Jordan, which are of the major companies in Jordan and within the Jordanian level.
The researcher has concluded a number of recommendations including; Activating the control entities subject to Central Bank more accurately, identify the interaction between banks operating in the Kingdom and foreign banks, mainstream frustrations operations of money laundering.
Wind Energy Assessment at Bafoussam, Cameroon
Authors: Kisito Talla Pierre , Nfor, Jr Bawe Gerard , David Yemele , Ndinakie Ghogomu Patrick
Published: November 2015

Three-hourly wind speed data measured using the Beaufort scale at a height of 10m, from 6am to 6pm local time (5 periods per day), was obtained from the Bafoussam Airport. It was analyzed using the Weibull and Rayleigh probability density models and wind rose plots. It was determined that the lowest wind speeds (most calms) were observed during the first period (6am) and the highest at 3pm (fourth period). The very low morning wind speed adversely affected the daily mean wind speed. Better, but still poor, power density results were obtained at this fourth (3pm) period. The monthly and yearly mean speeds varied between 1.9 and 3.1m/s and with very low standard deviations. The wind rose plots also showed that all the significant winds fell in the first quadrant (NE) and predominantly on angle 10o with some discernibly on 20o and 30o, only. Three goodness-of-fit tests: the chi square, coefficient of determination or R2 and root mean square error, showed the Weibull to be a better fit to the wind regime than the Rayleigh model. The shape parameters were always greater than the scale parameters. Results show that, using the Weibull parameters, the power density of Bafoussam falls in the category 1 of the wind energy resource group and hence is not a very good wind energy exploitable candidate.
Assessment of Contractors’ Mitigating Measures for Cost Overrun of Building Projects in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Awolesi Jacob A. B. , Fabi Jonathan K. , Akinseinde Olubola A.
Published: November 2015

The study examined the mitigating measures employed by contractors in southwest of Nigeria for cost overrun of building projects with a view to determining its adequacy and effectiveness. A mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods was adopted where data pertinent to the study were obtained through questionnaire survey on a sample of 32 project managers of medium sized construction firms selected from the list of 125 contractors on the register of Federation of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors located in South-West Nigeria using Simple Random Sampling method. Additional information was obtained from contracts bills of quantities and programme schedule to complement the data obtained from the questionnaire survey. Contract sums and final sums of building projects between 200 million Naira – 1.7 billion Naira handled by respondents were also collected as secondary data. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was employed to analyse the data for descriptive statistics while manual approach was adopted for inferential statistics of t-test. The results obtained revealed that effective site management and supervision with the highest relative importance index (RII) for adequacy of the mitigation measures was at average level and the (RII) for the effectiveness of mitigation measures adopted by contractors was very low. It also revealed that there is significant difference between initial sums and final sums of building projects at 5% significance level where the mitigation measures were taken in to consideration. The study concluded that mitigation measures adopted by contractors have not been adequate and effective in curbing cost overrun of building projects in southwest Nigeria.
The Influence of Socio-Demographic Factors in Adopting Good Aquaculture Practices: Case of Aquaculture Farmers in Malaysia
Authors: Samah Rozana , Kamaruddin Roslina
Published: November 2015

This study examined the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on the level of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) among aquaculture farmer in the Northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Primary data was obtained from survey that was conducted on 121 brackishwater and freshwater pond aquaculture farmer in the states of Kedah and Penang. Descriptive analysis was applied to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of aquaculture farmer and their level of GAqP. Multiple Linear Regression model was used to analyze the relationship between socio-demographic factors and the level of GAqP. The findings has revealed that the level of GAqP among brackishwater pond farmer is satisfactory where almost 84 per cent of farmer practicing GAqP at the level of 60 per cent and above with the mean value of 71.9 per cent. While the mean level of GAqP for freshwater pond farmer was at 50.3 per cent with only 18.6 percent of them practicing GAqP at the level of 60 per cent and above. Age and having technical knowledge related to aquaculture were the main factors that significantly influence to the level of GAqP among aquaculture farmer. Therefore measures related to the enhancement of technical knowledge among aquaculture farmer should be deliberated in the formulation of aquaculture development programs to ensure the sustainable development of aquaculture in Malaysia.
Contemporary History of Indonesia between Historical Truth and Group Purpose
Authors: Abdullah Anzar
Published: November 2015

Contemporary history is the very latest history at which the historic event traces are close and still encountered by us at the present day. As a just away event which seems still exists, it becomes controversial about when the historical event is actually called contemporary. Characteristic of contemporary history genre is complexity of an event and its interpretation. For cases in Indonesia, contemporary history usually begins from 1945. It is so because not only all documents, files and other primary sources have not been uncovered and learned by public yet where historical reconstruction can be made in a whole, but also a fact that some historical figures and persons are still alive. This last point summons protracted historical debate when there are some collective or personal memories and political consideration and present power. The historical facts are often provided to please one side, while disagreeable fact is often hidden from other side. The article aims to discuss some subject matter of contemporary history in Indonesia as they are printed in history textbook for school, along with varies issues. The article will make correction about context of some issues that they actually used as discussion topic among teachers of history. In the last part of this article, it will outline on how we respond to contemporary history of Indonesia. Conclusion is made that in context of contemporary history in Indonesia, it found two interests, i.e. for historical truth and group purpose.
Multi-AUV Hunting Algorithm Based on Bio-inspired Neural Network in Unknown Environments
Authors: Zhu Daqi , Lv Ruofan , Cao Xiang , Yang Simon X.
Published: November 2015

The multi-AUV hunting problem is one of the key issues in multi-robot system research. In order to hunt the target efficiently a new hunting algorithm based on a bio-inspired neural network has been proposed in this paper. Firstly, the AUV's working environment can be represented, based on the biological-inspired neural network model. There is one-to-one correspondence between each neuron in the neural network and the position of the grid map in the underwater environment. The activity values of biological neurons then guide the AUV's sailing path and finally the target is surrounded by AUVs. In addition, a method called negotiation is used to solve the AUV's allocation of hunting points. The simulation results show that the algorithm used in the paper can provide rapid and highly efficient path planning in the unknown environment with obstacles and non-obstacles.
Mathematics, Anyone?
Authors: Reys Robert , Reys Rustin
Published: November 2015

Get your students to rally around the connections between mathematics and tennis.
Turning Students into Symmetry Detectives
Authors: Wilders Richard , VanOyen Lawrence
Published: November 2015

Students will flip when they are given the opportunity to learn about art and transformations in math class.
One of the foremost experiments of the 20th century
Authors: Bada Jeff L.
Published: November 2015

Stanley Miller is best known for his classic 1953 experiment on organic compound synthesis on the early Earth in the context of the origins of life. However, he did several other experiments that are lesser known and in some cases never published. The finding in 2007 that Miller had archived dried solutions from his 1950s experiments offered the opportunity to analyse the products of his early experiments using modern day state-of-the-art techniques. These results along with Miller’s results, have provided an inventory of the large variety of compounds, that include amino acids, amines, simple peptides, hydroxy acids, simple hydrocarbons and 1urea, that can be synthesized under simulated early Earth conditions.
Higher Level of Serum Heme Oxygenase-1 in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Li Xin , Li Changqing , Hou Lichun , He Mei , Song Guangfu , Ren Shiyan , Han Chengwu
Published: November 2015

The objective of this paper was to investigate the association of the serum level of heme oxygenase-1 in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with the risk of ICH. Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) metabolizes heme into biliverdin, bilirubin, carbon monoxide, and iron, our recent study showed that serum level of HO-1 was increased in stroke patients, yet the association of HO-1 level with risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is poorly known. Forty patients with ICH and another 40 patients without ICH were recruited. The serum level of HO-1, total, and direct bilirubin were measured. The level of HO-1, serum total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin, as well as blood pressure were increased in ICH group than in control group (P < 0.001). The level of HO-1, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure had a significant difference between subgroups (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that poor compliance to medicine for hypertension, the serum level of HO-1, and systolic blood pressure were associated with the prevalence of ICH. Blood pressure, serum HO-1, serum total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were raised in patients with ICH who did not take medicine for hypertension compared with those who did, and increased in ICH patients in comparison with control group. Further investigation in multiple medical centers with large number of cohorts is warranted to verify these results.