bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration Policies in Qatar: Did it work Enough to Attract the HighlySkilled Migrants
Authors: Al Muftah Hend Abdalrahman
Published: June 2019

The increase in Qatar's population, over the last decades, has not been caused primarily by a natural growth of indigenous population, but by the influx of migrant workers (MW). During past last four decades, Qatar population multiplied 15 times from 111,000 to 1,624,761 in July 2011 (Permanent Population Committee, 2011). The total number of MW in Qatar increased during the period 2004-2014 from 400,000 to 1,400,000, with annual growth rate of 14.7 percentage, 70 percentage are semi/unskilled workers in the private sector (4th Qatar Human Development Report, 2015: 48). Overtime, the MW has become one of the most dynamic economic factors in Qatar. More recently, the employment of large numbers of MW has been a structural imperative in Qatar, as the oil and gas-related projects, construction development, Education City, specific projects as the Pearl, Lusial, Qatar Rail, and Qatar 2022 depends on the importation of foreign technologies and require knowledge and skills. Such uncontrolled growth resulted in population imbalances in terms of nationality for the sake of non-Qataris and gender for the sake of male population imbalances, as well as labor market segmentation, mainly government/public and private, and skilled and un-semi-skilled market, where the former is dominated by the Qataris while the latter is dominated by the MS. Over the last two decades, Qatar has revised its policies related to migration in order to monitor and supervise the influx of MW. In turn, this led to the establishment of some local institutions, membership of some international institutions, and issuing some rules and regulations that conform to international standards. This paper discuss those policies, with special focus on sponsorship system, kafala, and to what extent it supported Qatar»s need of Highly-Skilled Migrants (HSM) in driving its economy.
هل نجحت المرأة القطرية في ريادة الأعمال؟
Authors: Al Muftah Hend Abdalrahman
Published: June 2019

تمكنت دولة قطر من تحقيق مكاسب هائلة من خلال تطوير قطاع الموارد الهيدركربونية واستثمار عوائده في بناء البنية التحتية الاجتماعية للدولة. وتفاديا لتقلبات أسعار النفط والغاز وعدم استدامتهما كموارد طبيعية، وسعيا لتأمين الأمن والاستقرار الاقتصادي والاجتماعي للجيل القادم حسب رؤية قطر الوطنية 2030، فقد توجهت قطر مؤخرا نحو تنويع اقتصادها في المجالات التي تمتلك فيها قدرات كامنة ومواطن قوة. وقد تمكنت قطر خلال العقود الثلاث الأخيرة الماضية من تحقيق إنجازات متلاحقة في مجالات التنمية الاقتصادية والسياسية والاجتماعية، كان للمرأة القطرية دور هام فيها وذلك بفضل الدعم الحكومي لها والذي أنعكس جلياً في ارتفاع مستوى تحصيلها التعليمي ومشاركتها في الاقتصاد الوطني وسوق العمل وريادة الأعمال. وفي سبيل ذلك، قامت الحكومة القطرية باتخاذ عددا من الاصلاحات السياسية والتعليمية والاجتماعية وعددا من التدابير اللازمة لسد فجوات النوع الاجتماعي وبما يُمكن المرأة القطرية من أداء دورها المأمول في التنمية بكل مجالاتها، كما قامت بدعم المرأة تشريعيا وهيكليا من خلال سن العديد من التشريعات والسياسات المُشجعة لها على ممارسة وريادة الأعمال بل والمشاركة في سلسلة أوسع من الأنشطة الاقتصادية من خلال انشاء عددا من الأجهزة التشغيلية وتحديدا بنك قطر للتنمية وشركاؤه وتقديم الكثير من الأطر والمبادرات لتمكينهن اقتصاديا. تبحث هذه الدراسة الوصفية في دور المرأة القطرية ومساهمتها في التنوع الاقتصادي لقطر، حيث يتم أولا تقديم عرض مختصر لتطور الاقتصاد القطري والتوجه المؤخر نحو التنوع الاقتصادي، ثم يتم مناقشة تطور التحصيل التعليمي المتميز للمرأة القطرية ومشاركتها في سوق العمل، كما سيتم تحليل خوض المرأة القطرية لريادة الأعمال بما في ذلك التطرق للدعم الحكومي لها من خلال الاجهزة التشغيلية التي تم انشاؤها وأخيرا أهم التحديات المؤسسية والتنظيمية التي تواجهها المرأة القطرية في ريادة الأعمال. وقد خلصت الورقة الى أهمية الدور الذي لعبه التحصيل العلمي للمرأة القطرية في ريادة الأعمال رغم بعض الصعوبات والتحديات- كالتمويل- التي تواجهها سواء في بداية انطلاق أعمالهن أو تلك الضامنة لاستمرارها لاحقا. ورغم الدعم السياسي والحكومي الُمقدم للمرأة القطرية وبالذات التأهيلي والتدريبي واللوجستي، فما زال هناك حاجة الى بذل المزيد من الجهود وتطوير بعض اللوائح والأنظمة التي من شأنها تفعيل مشاركة المرأة القطرية في التنوع الاقتصادي، حيث اظهرت الدراسة الحالية أنه لا بد من تطوير المزيد من الأطر والأدوات والتسهيلات الخاصة بالمرأة القطرية لدعم ريادتها للاعمال علاوة على ضرورة توفير المعلومات الاقتصادية والتنظيمية والتشريعية بشكل عام وتلك المتعلقة بالسوق المحلي وفرص ريادة الأعمال الجديدة ومنافذ التوزيع والتسويق بحيث يُمكن لهن اتخاذ القرارات الواعية المبنية على الاحتياجات الفعلية للسوق مما يمكنهن لاحقا من حُسن ادارة أعمالهن واستمراريتها وتطويرها. وتخلص الدراسة الى انه كلما هدفت الأطر والخدمات الداعمة لتنيمة وتطويرة الأعمال المرأة بشكل خاص، كلما كانت هذه الخدمات أكثر فعالية في زيادة فرص حصولهن على مساندة أكبر لبدء واستمرارية وتنمية أعمالهم.
Unskilled Labour Migrants in Qatar: Issues and Policy Developments
Authors: Lafferty Carol Rose
Published: June 2019

Much of the literature on migrants in the GCC has focusses primarily on the treatment of construction labourers who have relocated from mostly South Asia. Fottrell (2015). Okaz News (2017). Their plight has been published in many newspapers and journals and countries within the GCC have made some headway into introducing legislation to address the protection of migrant workers to bring about policy change. BBC News (2016), BBC News (2017), Piper (2014), Martin and Malit (2017), The Guardian (2017), Mohammad and Sidaway (2016). Surprisingly, stemming from the present Gulf crisis, there have been accusations by the blockading countries of abuses to migrant labour in Qatar. This applied, non-experimental and quasi-evaluative research uses both primary and secondary sources to conduct an investigation to obtain information about the issues of migrant labour in Qatar and the extent to which their problems have been addressed in terms of legislation. Wickramasekara (2015), Wickramasekara and Baruah (2017), Kamrava (2015), Ulrichsen (2009). The purpose of this work is to establish an evidence base regarding the issues of migrant workers and what positive actions have been undertaken to address the issues surrounding migrant management. It also aims to report on the effectiveness of the legislation and suggest possible amendment.
موقع التعليم العالي في المشاريع التنموية بالوطن العربي الخصوصيات والأدوار الإستعجالية رؤى نظرية
Authors: Sahraoui Abdallah
Published: June 2019

تستهدف الورقة استكشاف فرص الاستفادة من التطورات الدولية المعاصرة في تحديث رسالة التعليم الجامعي وتوسيع آفاقه لتطال جوانب التنمية البشرية والمادية بمجتمعاتنا العربية ، ولتصبح أكثر فعالية في التنمية المجتمعية ، بالشكل الذي يجعل منها الآلية الأفضل للحراك الاجتماعي والإصلاح الاقتصادي والتنموي والمدني في المجتمع. انطلاقا من كونها مصدر القوة المجتمع، ومركز الإشعاع الثقافي والعلمي والحضاري، تجسد رسالتها غايات الأوطان ومتطلبات تنميتها والدفع بها للانخراط في مجتمعات المعرفة المعاصرة والمستقبلية ، و تمدها بالطاقات البشرية المؤهلة لتدوير عجلة التنمية التي ترسم مشاريعها رؤى مستقبلية طموحة في كثير من البلدان العربية خليجيا ومغاربيا ، وتعيقها حاجات الواقع العربي الهش في الأمن والاقتصاد والاجتماع والتربية والثقافة..... ومن منظور عربي تبرز مسئولية جامعاتنا في الاستجابة لأعباء وتحديات تأهيل الأفراد والأوطان للقرن 21 وتفعيل المشاريع والأهداف التنموية التي تستهدف اللحاق بالعصر وأدواته المادية والمعرفية استعداد لمستقبل ستزداد صور الهيمنة الغربية فيه شراسة ، ويزداد التنافس بين المجتمعات ضراوة على الأسواق والمعرفة والأمن وغيرها....، بما يعينه ذلك من تحديث للقيم والرؤى وبما يفرضه من متطلبات للتوفيق بين اعتبارات التنمية المحلية ، وتكلفة الانفتاح علي قيم العولمة والتكنولوجيا والمعلوماتية... والتعايش معهما والاستفادة من فرصها ، فضلا عن متطلبات التعامل مع تحديات التنمية والانبعاث الحضاري في أبعادهما الشاملة.... وعلي المستوي الدولي حيث تزداد الدوائر والمسؤوليات تداخلاً وتعقيداً. في ظل تنامي مشكلة التنافس والهيمنة المعرفية والتكنولوجية ومتطلبات الانخراط في مجتمعات السلم وثقافة الحوار وقبول الآخر والتعايش مع متطلبات البعد عن مسببات التطرف ودوافع الإرهاب دينيا وثقافيا واقتصاديا... ، وما يفرضه من تبعات ومسؤوليات علي الجامعات العربية في الرسالة والمنهج والممارسات ، ليس فقط بسبب ضرورات تأهيل الأفراد لأدوارهم المجتمعية والامتداد بها في البعد الدولي الإنساني ، كضامن لتمكين الفرد العربي من مكانة مقبولة دوليا ، ولدفع عجلة التنمية والخروج من دوائر التبعية الاقتصادية والثقافية ، بل يتعلق الأمر بدور ومسئولية الجامعة في إنتاج المعرفة وإعادة تدويرها واستغلال التقدم التكنولوجي لخدمة المجتمع العربي ومشاريعه التنموية ،والمساهمة بايجابية في صياغة استراتيجيات محلية للتعامل مع شبكة التفاعلات الإقليمية والدولية بشكل يزيد فرص وعوائد الموارد البشرية المحلية تكوينا وتأهيلا وتمدنا.
Population Growth and Housing Affordability in Doha Metropolitan: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Ibrahim Hatem
Published: June 2019

Urban issues are increasingly considered on national policy programs. Cities are major contributors to national economies and play a key role as nodes in the global market. As with any urban area with an emerging history, the city of Doha has emerged as a commercial hub around a port, which has guided the emergence of housing agglomerations. Several types of houses were developed over the various stages of Doha's urbanization period since the 1950s. Doha metropolitan has evolved rapidly in the twentieth century due to the investment of oil and gas revenues which has resulted in massive inflows of migrants. During the last few decades, the phenomenal impact of the multicultural population on the housing market has suggested unique lifestyle-oriented preferences. The city has evolved rapidly in the twentieth century due to the investment of oil and gas revenues, which has resulted in massive population growth. Housing supply and demand have been challenged to satisfy the diverse market needs. Since the 1990s, the phenomenal impact of the increased population growth rates of the massive migrant flows on the housing market has instigated the need for a demand-driven supply of housing. In parallel, the socio-cultural diversities of the multi-cultural population require certain housing typologies to meet this diverse need. The rapid increase in land prices has led to the increase of residential rents and hindered the establishment of more affordable housing. Accordingly, housing affordability became one of the most important topics that presents an important topic both in the present and for the future. Tracing population growth rates in Doha reflects the rapid increase in certain periods of their massive inflows. During the period between 1990 and 1995, Doha has witnessed a considerable increase in population growth rates. This is followed by a steady increase until 2005 where another rapid increase has taken place. This was a result of Doha's participation in mega-sporting events, which has led to an increase in housing demand to accommodate the increasing population. In this paper, two methodological approaches to study housing dynamics and characteristics are used: an analysis of population trends and a survey of housing preferences. Statistical analysis of population trends provides a quantitative overview on the dynamics of the housing supply and demand. The survey of housing preferences is known to be related to cultural factors on how nationals and migrants are residing in the city, including their demography and lifestyle. It provides an overview of the current lifestyle clusters of current population. The paper aims to explore affordable housing opportunities with respect to supply and demand trends and the surveyed lifestyles in order to meet the diverse demographics of Doha's population. Conclusions are drawn to establish future guidelines and recommendations for housing growth and neighborhood planning in view of population demographics, governmental visions, and urban realities.
High Skilled Professionals in the GCC: Migration policies and Government outlook
Authors: Khadri Sabah Anbareen
Published: June 2019

The long-term national visions of the GCC states are unanimous in their ambition: economic development of their countries and transformation into knowledge-based economies. In order for these states to achieve this objective, it is critical that they continue to attract high-skilled professionals with the required expertise and know-how. This paper attempts to provide substantive research into both current government policies and their future-planning as to how high-skilled migrants will continue to aid the development of GCC countries. The aim of this paper is to understand the dynamics that come into play when hiring and recruiting high-skilled migrants for employment in the GCC states. It will analyze GCC government approaches through various policies, in areas such as Immigration and Labor, which have been adopted to address the requirements of these migrants. The paper will then highlight a trend in the demand for the various high-skilled professionals that has emerged in the GCC owing to the changing economic dynamics of the countries involved. It will evaluate how this approach towards highly skilled professionals sits alongside nationalization plans that could be said to be diametrically opposite in ambition, in an attempt to determine the future trajectory of GCC countries in their approach towards high-skilled professionals.
Effective Factors of Service Marketing Mix on Tourist Satisfaction: A Case Study
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Islam Mohammad Shariful , Amin Md. Al , Sultana Rebaka , Talukder Md. Imran
Published: June 2019

The core goal of the study is to examine the relationship between the service marketing mix and tourist satisfaction. The study also attempted to measures the impact of each element of service marketing on tourist satisfaction at Ahsan Manzil in Bangladesh. In order to attain the goal of the research, a good number of extant literature was reviewed and a structured questionnaire was developed to meet the research gap. Based on the studied variables non probabilistic convenience sampling method used to collect data from a sample of 250 respondents who visited the place and seven causal hypothesize was developed. Statistical measurement techniques employed for the study are descriptive, correlation, regression, ANOVA used and cronbach alpha measured the internal consistency of variables. Data analysis executed by using SPSS 20.0. The findings of the study revealed a positive linear relationship of all variables with tourist satisfaction except promotional activities. The novelty of the paper is that it exhibited the consequences of tourists’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction to guide decision-makers and to keep the specific focus on promotional activities.
Spatial Configuration of Fishing Village in Bagan Deli Belawan Medan Indonesia
Authors: Marpaung B O Y , Aulia Dwira Nirfalini , Loebis M Nawawiy , Cahya M D
Published: June 2019

Spatial planning in the context of configuration will form a balance of spatial patterns and structures. Spatial patterns related to factors that influence such as spatial patterns formed by economic, social, religious, political, government regulations and natural factors. Based on the above factors, this research has several problems, namely the influence of activity in forming the relationship between spaces, then how the relationship pattern of space is formed, and how it is configured in the settlements of the fishing village of Bagan Deli in Belawan Medan. To assist in the process of this research, several methods were chosen. The method used is the method of determining the location by considering which location is good to be researched and determined intentionally (purposive method), then the method of determining variables by first identifying interpretations of theoretical foundations, and methods of data analysis that produce activity discoveries that influence the formation of the relationship between space, then the relationship between the space formed in the settlements of the fishing village, and the spatial configuration in the fishing village of Bagan Deli in Belawan Medan.
Impacts of Credit Access on Agricultural Production and Rural Household’s Welfares in Northern Mountains of Vietnam
Authors: Lam Bui Thi , Hop Ho Thi Minh , Burny Philippe , Dogot Thomas , Cuong Tran Huu , Lebailly Philippe
Published: June 2019

There is a great consensus on the positive impact of credit access on farmers' incomes and consumption, however, its effect on income inequality among different population segments is still a controversial issue. The paper aims to examine these concerns through using the mixed data collected from the sample of 193 households surveyed (demand-side) and in-depth interviewees with the key credit providers (supply-side) in Lao Cai, the sixth poorest province in Vietnam. At the grass root level, it is evident that better credit access not only significantly positive influences on the effectiveness of agricultural production, but also is the driving force for better structural transition within cultivation versus livestock. Besides this, it enhances both on-farm and off-farm income as well as the well-being of rural households. At the community-impact level, surprisingly, the financial development without agriculture-related supports causes to the negative effect on the distribution of agricultural outcomes and prolongs the inequality in the locality. In addition, an alarm regarding latent social issues has been generating from the preferential credit screen under the community-based lending method. Finally, policy implications are discussed to enhance the effectiveness and outreach of credit in the locality.
Empirical Analysis of Mcdonald's Fast-Food in Malaysia Based on Halāl Food Regulations in Sūrah Al-Māʾidah
Authors: Abdelali Bey Zekkoub , Ngah Besar bin
Published: June 2019

This study tends to monitor the phases of fast food chains industry at MacDonald’s in Kuala Lumpur at Malaysia and check its compliance with Sharia restrictions based on ḥalāl food regulations in Sūrah al-Māʾidah. Besides, this study eyes to make sure that the food is edible and safe from any kind of ingredient or component that might harm the consumer’s health or have any negative impact on his religion. The deductive method has been used to conclude the most important sharia restrictions related to the acquisition of ḥalāl food. In addition, a qualitative research method with a case study was used to monitor the operations of the fast food industry in McDonald's in Malaysia. Furthermore, a set of questions has been used for an interview with two senior staff members of McDonald's in order to gain a deep understanding of industry processes ḥalāl food. These questions were developed based on ḥalāl food regulations in Sūrah al-Māʾidah. In this study, eight emergent themes have been discovered while doing analysis which are: Food Hygiene and Safety, Ingredient, Equipment and Environment, Packaging, Processing, Storage and Transportation, Staff and Sharia Advisor. The result of this study proved that Mcdonald's Fast-Food in Kuala Lumpur comply with the halāl food regulations stated in Sūrah al-Māʾidah. This study might benefit the international and domestic food companies with a greater concern on Sharia requirements on food handling from production to marketing and from preparation to serving.
Discretionary Loan Loss Provisions, Earnings Management and Capital Management in Banks
Authors: Zgarni Amina , Fedhila Hassouna
Published: June 2019

The two past decades have been marked by a multitude of financial scandals (the Enron failure, WorldCom. etc.) mainly caused by the practices of earning management that have challenged the financial reporting quality disclosed. The purpose of this research is to study the determinants of discretionary loan loss provisions in banks. To achieve this objective, we selected a sample of the main Tunisian banks over the period from 2001 to 2014. The estimation results shows that the banks are opting for earnings management practices through the discretionary loan loss provisions in order to align with international standards, in particular with respect to regulatory capital. In opposition, we found a non-significant relationship between earnings before taxes and provisions and discretionary provisions.
Mind Maps Aid EFL Students’ Vocabulary Building
Authors: AlSaleem Basmah Issa Ahmad
Published: June 2019

Mind mapping is a way to facilitate access to knowledge and retrieval by visual evidence such as pictures, arrows and colors. Young students need one place to register mind maps and the possibility of retrieving their memory. Through this study, the researcher found that the elementary student assistant on the creation of personal, bright and interesting using mind maps can alleviate the difficulties of recall and memorization of vocabulary for a longer period of time. On the other hand, teaching and learning through the mapping of the mind is a fun and entertaining way as it helps to motivate students to study new things and seek to learn and encourage learners to use new vocabulary habitually and increase the desire of students to know more. In addition, drawing skills is one of the easiest ways to manage, handle and develop vocabulary retention.
School Engagement as Predictors of Academic Achievement of the Left-Behind Children in Henan Province, China
Authors: Xiani Wang , Muthukrishnan Priyadarshini , Sidhu Gurnam Kaur
Published: June 2019

With the expansion of industrialisation and rapid development of economy in China, migration of the rural population to the urban areas in seek of employment has resulted in changes in the family structure and increased number of left-behind children (LBC) in China. Numerous studies on LBC have concluded the critical issues among the children related to their overall well- being and their performance at school. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of emotional, cognitive and behavioural engagement of the LBC on the academic achievement of the left behind children. Quantitative research method was used and the sample were 186 left- behind children in Henan Province, China. To measure school engagement, the instrument developed by Finlay (2006) was used. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the various predictors and academic achievement. The findings concluded that emotional, cognitive and behavioural engagement of the LBC at school were significantly correlated with academic achievement. The hierarchical regression findings concluded that emotional engagement (β= .268; t= 3.593, p<0.000, cognitive engagement (β= .245; t= 3.284, p<0.000 and care takers (β= .132; t= 2.009, p<0.05) were significant predictors of academic achievement of the LBC.
Contemporary Oriental Studies on the Character of the Prophet of Islam, Our Master Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and Its Impact on Western Society: An Analytical Study
Authors: Otoom Allaith Saleh , Alabadee Khalil Abd Alhameed
Published: June 2019

This study discusses the orientalist’ view of the character of Master Muhammad (peace be upon him). The purpose of the study is to present and analyze the fair statements as well as presenting and analyzing the unfair statements given by orientalists. The problem of the study represents the way how the views of the orientalists and their writings are presented, showing the true image of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Also, it refutes the suspicions undertaken by the orientalists in order to distort the image of enlightened Islam by distorting the image of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Furthermore, few studies have been discussed this issue. The analytical approach has been used. The study concludes that the enemies of Islam have one goal which is to distort the image of Islam and its Prophet (peace be upon him) despite the differences of their means. This distorted image of Master Muhammad (peace be upon him) appeared because of the hatred filling the hearts of orientalists, depending on weak false texts of Muslims’ writers. Further studies and recommendations are presented accordingly.
On the Eternity of Beauty Again-Reading John Keats’s “ode on a Grecian Urn”
Authors: Song Dongmei
Published: June 2019

John Keats was one of the most important figures of the early nineteenth-century Romanticism. He pursed all his life the eternal beauty and truth and showed a certain indulgence in the appreciation of beauty. This essay analyses why Keats never belongs to the school of Aestheticism, interprets the use of the images in John Keats's "ode on a Grecian Urn" to demonstrate that the beauty in this poem is natural not philosophic.
The Impact of Infrastructure on Tourism: The Case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Mustafa A. M. M.
Published: June 2019

This study examines the impact of infrastructure on tourism development in Sri Lanka with greater emphasis on road network. The time period used in this study are ranging from year 2005 to year 2017. The annual time series data are analyzed by using statistical package, E-Views 10 after the preliminary calculations by using Microsoft Excel. The unit root of the variables is tested by ADF test to test the stationarity of the time series data used in the model of this study. Co-integration is tested with the use of Engle–Granger. The relationship of causality between the variables is found by test of Granger Causality. The results show that infrastructure has significant short run as well long run positive impact on tourism. Two-way causal relationship is found between tourism sector and infrastructure. Further, this study recommends that the government should play its role in improving the infrastructure facilities to increase tourist’s arrival in Sri Lanka.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 15, No. 7
Authors: Zhang Jenny
Published: June 2019

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 15, No. 7 2019.
The Problem of Dormitory Schools as Human Resources Development for Native Papuan Children, Indonesia
Authors: Sariwulan Tuty , Agung Iskandar , Atmadiredja Genardi , Sudrajat Unggul
Published: June 2019

This paper aims to examine the effect of government policy variables, continuance commitment, school image, and parents' aspirations on dormitory school performance. Data collection is done by distributing questionnaires to teacher respondents, interviews, and focus group discussions. The study found that government policies and continuance commitment had a positive influence on school performance, while the school image variables and the aspirations of parents did not have a positive influence. A more coordinated and synergic operational mechanism is needed between the government (central, provincial, district) and schools to improve dormitory school performance. The government needs to give priority to honorary teachers in recruiting workers with work agreements (PP No. 48/2018), by not implementing a system of employment agreements (contracts), but as non-ASN permanent teachers who get salary / wages in accordance with applicable regulations (recommended based on regional minimum wages), the right to take competency tests and get teacher professional allowances, family health insurance, leave rights, capacity building training, and others.
Factors Associated with Non-Institutional Delivery among Pregnant Women in Nepal
Authors: Tamang Jonu Pakhrin , McNeil Rhysa , Tongkumchum Phattrawan
Published: June 2019

Delivery location may influence maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries such as Nepal. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with place of delivery among pregnant women in Nepal in order to inform health policy makers attempting to improve mother and child health. Data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, conducted in 2014, were retrospectively reviewed. In the survey, women aged 15-49 years were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Study subjects were women who had giving birth within the previous two years. A total of 2,086 women (48.9%) had non-institutional delivery (46.5% at home). Logistic regression models were used to identify significant factors influencing non-institutional delivery. Results showed that increasing educational level and wealth quintile index corresponded to a decreasing percentage of non-institutional delivery. More than half (55.5%) of women from rural areas had a non-institutional delivery. Multiparous women (57.2%) and those having less than 4 antenatal care visits (66.8%) had relatively higher rates of non-institutional delivery. In conclusion, there is a need to intensify education for pregnant women, especially those who have had previous childbirth experience. It is also crucial to target women from poor households, to increase their awareness, and promote institutional delivery.
Determinants of University Dropout: A Case of Thailand
Authors: Tentsho Kelzang , McNeil Rhysa , Tongkumchum Phattrawan
Published: June 2019

Student dropout is a growing concern for educational institutions across the world and extensive research on this issue has been done in past few decades. In this study, we analyzed the determinants of student propensity to dropout at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani campus. The data comprised 10,377 students enrolled between the 2007 and 2011 academic years. Variables included in the analysis were admission year, faculty, gender-religion, first semester GPA and admission type. The overall dropout rate over the five-year period was 23.9%, and a decreasing trend in dropout rate was found from second semester and onwards. A logistic regression model was used to determine the effect of explanatory variables on dropout. The findings indicate that admission year, gender-religion, faculty and first semester GPA are strongly associated with student dropout.
Journalists’ Perceptions about Truth in Press Reporting, Freedom and Gate-keeping in South Korea
Authors: Sa EunSuk
Published: June 2019

This paper examines journalists’ perceptions about truth in press reporting, freedom and gate-keeping in South Korea. It is based on quantitative and qualitative survey responses from journalists in South Korea. A study of related theories and an assessment of empirical data result in the following findings: firstly, truth in press reporting connects basically to autonomy of the news production; secondly, the media play gate-keeping roles in every process of news production. With regard to journalists’ primary activities, gathering news was the freest process. The peak-stress part for reporters was writing articles. Editing news was the least free process. A notable finding was that autonomy of the editing news process was predominantly less than it was for the processes of gathering news and writing articles. This means that gate-keeping roles were intensively played by managing groups during the news production.
The Impact of Ageing Population on Economic Growth in South Asia
Authors: Abeywardhana D.K.Y.
Published: June 2019

The share of working age population has declined all over the world. It is forecasted that this will continue for the coming years in all countries in South Asia. Low growth in working age population in South Asia will be effecting negatively for the economic growth. This paper studies whether the South Asia 2050 employment targets would be sufficient to compensate for the downward impact of demographic burden and whether the impact of demography on economic growth differs between South Asian countries. The results show that degreasing working age population is the main challenge the South Asian region faces. Further it shows that growth in GDP mainly depend on the demographic change. Population who contributed the economic development become maturing and dependents of their children. The consumption of the ageing population is very high as of higher spending on healthcare facilities. This effect badly on the economic growth in the region and cause lots of challenges to the nations.
“Who Bothers!” A Common Ailment in Higher Education ELT Classrooms in Nepal
Authors: Poudel Kamal Kumar , Sharma Netra Prasad
Published: June 2019

Critics of higher education in Nepal, even the concerned agencies, are much worried about the decreased quality resulting in low employability of higher education. The most common adjectives used by them to describe this state are ‘theoretical’ and/or ‘impractical’. The present case study was instigated when two college students of third year Bachelor’s degree majoring in English, one from Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) and the other from Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.), remarked that the excessive lecture-based classes at college were not worth attending regularly. Stemming from this problem, each of the classes was observed once to see if the students’ remark would be verified. As a triangulation process, the observation was then followed by an informal post-class interaction with the faculties whose classes were observed. This article, thus, basically assesses the efficacy of the excessive lecture (EL) within the limitation of teaching English to adult learners of higher education in Nepal. Considering the inefficacious nature of EL to cause learning, and the faculties’ (Note 1) perceptions towards, and an over-attachment with, this method as the unique one, some alternative strategies applicable to English language teaching (ELT) classes have been recommended with the hope that they would be properly used to keep the burdened use of EL reasonably low. The article also recommends some changing roles of faculties involved in ELT in the higher education sector.
Sexuality in Elderly Adults: Study on Knowledge and Attitudes Related to Sexuality in Older Adults
Authors: Guillermina Saldarriaga G. , Keydis Ruydiaz G. , Sindy Jiménez A. , Shirley Fernández A.
Published: June 2019

INTRODUCTION: Aging is a universal and natural phenomenon that causes structural and physiological changes. It is a process of deterioration, progressive and intrinsic.

OBJECTIVE: Determining the level of knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in older adults living in three centers.

MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross- sectional descriptive study in 80 elderly adults enrolled and attending three life centers on the City of Cartagena, Questionnaires about Knowledge on Sexual Health of the Elderly (2007) and the Attitude Scale towards Sexuality were applied in the Elderly Adult (Scale ACASAM-MM-2013).

RESULTS: On a population of elderly adults, female sex predominated 58%, average age of 74 years, adults widowers 35% of the total population, and 31% maintain a relationship. Older adults reported having inadequate knowledge in relation to the three sessions evaluated, the access section to a couple predominated, they reflected having an average general attitude, being the cognitive and volitional component those of greater significance.

CONCLUSION: The attitudes that reflect the elderly is favorable, being so, that the elderly are clear that society notice them regarding sexuality, and are autonomous to express and experience it.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 11, No. 7
Authors: Grey Erica
Published: June 2019

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 11, No. 7, 2019.
PCR detection of Salmonella spp. in Fresh Vegetables and Feed
Authors: Samar Qadoumi , Dura Susan A.M. , Maysa Darwish , Nahed Ahmad M. , El-Banna Nasser
Published: June 2019

PCR detection of Salmonella spp. in Fresh Vegetables and Feed
The Attitudes of Jordanian Kindergarten Female Teachers Towards Children's Libraries
Authors: Abdul-Razzaq Luma
Published: June 2019

The study aimed at identifying the attitudes of Jordanian female kindergarten teachers towards children's libraries. It also aimed at identifying whether there is any statistically significant difference – at the statistical significance level of (a ≤ 0.05) - between respondents’ attitudes which can be attributed to their years of experience or academic qualifications. The sample consisted of (161) out of 167 (96.4%), female kindergarten teachers in the public schools located in Karak Governorate, Jordan. A questionnaire was used for collecting data. Several statistical methods were used.

It was found that Jordanian female kindergarten teachers in Karak Governorate have moderate attitudes towards children's libraries. It was also found that there is a statistically significant difference - at the statistical significance level of (a ≤ 0.05) between the respondents’ attitudes towards children's libraries which can be attributed to their years of experience and academic qualification.

The study recommended that more attention should be paid to achieve the goals of the Child's Library. She also recommended the need to improve the reality of the libraries, and continue to provide them with the latest sources of information allocated to children by different age groups of childhood, and secure qualified teacher/ librarians.
A Network Analysis of Shariah-Compliant Stocks across Global Financial Crisis: A Case of Malaysia
Authors: Mahamood Fatin Nur Amirah , Bahaludin Hafizah , Abdullah Mimi Hafizah
Published: June 2019

Financial network is a complex system in which transaction of securities take place. Due to its complexity, a minimum spanning tree (MST) technique is used to visualize the structure. This paper investigates the topological structure of 125 shariah-compliant stocks traded in Bursa Malaysia from the year 2000 until 2017. Financial networks of the shariah-compliant stocks are constructed using MST for three duration periods namely the pre-crisis, during crisis and post-crisis. To determine the important stocks in the networks, centrality measures are applied such as degree centrality, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality and eigenvector centrality. Lastly, overall centrality measures are computed to identify the overall characteristic of each node. The findings showed that, KUB Malaysia Berhad was the most influential stock in the pre-crisis and crisis periods. While, MK Land Holdings was the main stock in the post-crisis network.
The Architectural Element Distribution of Cinambo Formation in Jatigede Area, Sumedang District, West Java - Indonesia
Authors: Rizal Yan , Gumilar Aji Rahmat
Published: June 2019

This research is conducted in Jatigede subdistrict, Sumedang district, West Java Province, Indonesia, with a geographic position 175500 - 185000E and 9237800 -9242200 S. There are many different types of rocks scattered forming the Cinambo Formation including sandstones, mudstones, alternation claystones, conglomeratic sandstones, and conglomerate stones. Stratigraphic cross-section measurements on the Cimanuk River and Cinambo River traverses is carried out to figure out the distribution of the architectural elements of the Cinambo Formation. Nine lithofacies are obtained from both traverses: massive conglomerate (A1-1), graded bedding conglomerate and graded bedding conglomeratic sandstone (A2-3), conglomeratic sandstone (A2-1), massive sandstone (B1-1), graded bedding sandstone (B2-4), bedded sandstone (B2-1), alternation sandstone – mudstone (sandstone domination) (C2-2), alternation dense and thin alternation sandstone – mudstone, and mudstone intercalation sandy siltstone. The architectural elements that appear on Cimanuk River traverse are sandy lobe, proximal channel, distributary channel and proximal levee, while the elements that appear on the Cinambo River traverse are sandy lobe, proximal levee and distal levee.  A vertical change of the architectural element can be observed on both traverses, which are likely to be caused by the fluctuation of sea level. Base on the architectural element data, it can be concluded that the Cinambo Formation was deposited in the upper fan-basin plain of a deep-marine fan system.
Pregnancy Outcome of Pre-Diabetic Women in the South of Iran: Brief Report
Authors: Roozbeh Nasibeh , Jarideh Farideh , Abdi Fatemeh
Published: June 2019

Identification of pregnant women in the pre-diabetes stage is very important because changes in the lifestyle of these women and pharmaceutical treatment can prevent diabetes mellitus and reduced maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy outcome of pre-diabetic women in the South of Iran. This study demonstrated the incidence of pre-diabetes was 12% in the South of Iran and was higher than gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Experimental study of As(V) adsorption onto different adsorbents
Authors: Danková Zuzana , Bekényiová Alexandra , Lukáčová-Bujňáková Zdenka , Mitroová Zuzana , Gešperová Danka , Štyriaková Iveta , Štyriaková Darina , Briančin Jaroslav , Tomčová Jana
Published: June 2019

The As(V) adsorption onto natural bentonite (B), Fe enriched bentonite (FB) and synthetic magnetic particles (MP) from the aqueous solutions was investigated by batch as well as column tests. The natural materials did not show such good adsorption properties towards As(V) in the batch experiments as MP, whose Qmax was calculated to 23 mg/g. However, in column experiments the adsorption effect of natural materials was comparable with MP. The model solution with the concentration 30 mg As(V)/L was percolated through the columns filled with the B and FB sample. After two cycles the As(V) concentration was lower than 2 mg/L. The second series of columns were filled with FB/MP/QS and B/MP/QS. Two cycles with the solution concentration of 50 and 100 mg As(V)/L were performed. After the second cycle 74 and 100% of As(V) were removed by FB/MP/QS and B/ MP/QS, respectively. In the third series two most effective columns were selected for the second percolation of 100 mg As(V)/L solution. While the adsorption effect of the QS/MP column decreased at 36%, for the QS/B/MP column it was about 24%. The first experimental study showed that natural materials should be used effectively as column fillers to fix finer magnetic particles. On the other hand, their selectivity towards Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions could be beneficial for regeneration of media used in the process of soil bioremediation.
N-doped carbon material modified with cobalt nanoparticles as catalyst for oxygen reduction
Authors: Stagniūnaitė Raminta , Kepenienė Virginija , Sukackienė Zita , Balčiūnaitė Aldona , Niaura Gediminas , Drabavičius Audrius , Andrulevičius Mindaugas , Kruusenberg Ivar , Kaare Katlin , Volperts Aleksandrs , Dobele Galina , Zhurinsh Aivars , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: June 2019

In the present study, carbon-derived material from pulping residues, such as black liquor, was doped with a cheap nitrogen precursor, dicyandiamide, and after that modified with cobalt nanoparticles using electroless metal plating. The morphology, structure and composition of the synthesised catalyst was characterised using TEM, XPS, Raman Spectroscopy and ICP-OES, whereas the activity of the prepared catalyst was evaluated for the electro-reduction of oxygen in an alkaline medium by employing the rotating disk electrode method.
It has been determined that modifying of N-doped carbon material with cobalt nanoparticles results in enhanced activity for the oxygen electro-reduction as compared with that of pure N-doped carbon material.
Investigation of the properties of Cr coatings deposited in an improved Cr(III) electrolyte
Authors: Bikulčius Gedvidas , Češūnienė Asta , Matijošius Tadas , Selskienė Aušra , Pakštas Vidas
Published: June 2019

In this study, mechanical and tribological properties of Cr coatings obtained from a Cr(III) sulfate bath with addition of the heterocyclic compound (HCC) prepared on mild steel have been investigated. The chromium plating electrolyte containing the HCC additive enables us to deposit the Cr coatings at low (20°C) temperature and low current densities. Small amounts (from 20 to 60 mgl–1) of HCC were added to the Cr(III) sulfate bath in order to study the effects of HCC on coating formation. At an optimal concentration of 40 mgl–1, the HCC additive to the solution ensures a high surface microhardness of the Cr deposits obtained (HV0.05 = 1036 kg mm–2) without a subsequent heat treatment. The dry sliding wear tests have shown that the Cr coatings have both a low friction coefficient and a low wear rate. The Cr(III) bath with the HCC additive is more eco-friendly and requires less energy compared with a conventional Cr(III) process.
Raman spectroelectrochemical study of redox dye Nile blue adsorbed or electropolymerised at a gold electrode
Authors: Mažeikienė Regina , Niaura Gediminas , Eicher-Lorka Olegas , Malinauskas Albertas
Published: June 2019

The redox dye Nile blue has been adsorbed and electrochemically polymerised at a roughened gold electrode. The resulting modified electrodes were subjected to Raman spectroelectrochemical study with 785 nm laser line excitation. For both types of electrodes, well-expressed and rich in features Raman spectra were obtained. The spectra are closely related to those of another oxazine type redox dye Meldola blue. At solution pH 7.0, the overall intensity of the Raman spectra for both types of modified electrodes appears higher than in a pH 1.0 solution. Probably, this is caused by different light absorbance properties of this dye in two solutions. In a pH-neutral solution, the dye possess light absorbance in the red range of the visible spectrum, thus, resonance enhancement is possible. The intensity of the Raman spectra also increases by the shift of the electrode potential to higher positive values. This effect could be understood taking into account an intensifying colouration of the dye at a stepwise increase of the electrode potential due to a continuous growth of the content of oxidised forms within the electrode-bound layer.
Solvothermally derived Me2(H2O)4(5SSA)3·DMF and Me2(H2O)4(4NSA)2·DMF: Application as Biginelli reaction catalysts
Authors: Laurikėnas Andrius , Yalçin Fatma , Žilinskas Robertas , Morkan Ayse Uztetik , Žilinskas Albinas , Morkan Izzet Amour , Kareiva Aivaras
Published: June 2019

The solvothermal synthesis between Me(NO3)x ∙ yH2O (Mex+ = Fe3+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Cu2+) and respectively 4-nitrosalycilic (4NSA) and 5-sulfosalicylic (5SSA) acids produced hybrid organic-inorganic compounds composed of Mex+ ions and organic fragments which include three different functional groups, carboxylic, hydroxyl and sulfonic, each coordinated to the Mex+ ions. The phase and chemical composition, microstructure and properties of Me2(H2O)4(5SSA)3·DMF and Me2(H2O)4(4NSA)2·DMF (DMF – dimethylformamide) hybrid compounds were evaluated and discussed. The synthesised materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The catalytic properties of the obtained compounds were also investigated.
Formation of ZnO films using the SILAR method
Authors: Šimkūnaitė-Stanynienė Birutė , Grincienė Giedrė , Naruškevičius Leonas , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Selskis Algirdas , Pakštas Vidas , Jasulaitienė Vitalija , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: June 2019

The thin ZnO films were deposited using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The morphology, structure and composition of the thin ZnO films were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optical properties of the thin ZnO layers, which were deposited onto glass substrates, were investigated using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV/Vis).
It was found that the optical properties of the ZnO films depend on the composition of anionic precursor solutions, which were used for deposition of the ZnO layers. Moreover, the highest band gap energy of 3.86 eV was obtained for the ZnO layer when the 0.026 mol l–1 Na2B4O7 + 0.002 mol l–1 KMnO4 solution was used as the anionic precursor solution for the deposition of ZnO layers.