bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive Psychology and Aging
Authors: Pandey Jyoti Mishra , Garg Shobit
Published: February 2018

The present chapter will help in understanding the role of positive psychology and intervention in approaching towards a healthy aging. Aging is inevitable. The clock cannot be turned backwards. At first glance, it seems that generally the growing population enjoy what they face which is true to a certain extent but at the same time it is important not to overlook or discount the stresses they face when they start to age. How they age depends how they look at their life. Positive intervention has its effect in all ages. Taking the help of positive psychology as a primary prevention can help eliminating various effects of aging. In the same way, it can also help in reducing the exiting trouble occurring in elderly. By taking preventive steps, one can take care of the body and the mind, and that can help stave off some of the devastating illnesses associated with age and live a full, meaningful and energetic life. Elderly person must acknowledge that their roles in life will change as their former lifestyles are replaced by new schedules, approaches and relationships.
Management of Elder Abuse Through Social Support
Authors: Husain Akbar , Alee Nongzaimayum Tawfeeq
Published: February 2018

This chapter is an attempt to highlight the numerous ways in which elders are abused in our society and the ways to support them. A concise account in ways elders are vulnerable and how they are exploited are discussed in the chapter as well as remedies to these problems. The chapter includes types of abuse faced by elders and the consequences they face due to it. It also discusses Social Support as the main remedy, social support as an acronym of 13 types of social support. The chapter concludes by recommendation of how elder abuse can be stopped or at least controlled.
Cognition in Ageing
Authors: Halder Susmita , Mahato Akash Kumar
Published: February 2018

This chapter focuses on cognitive functions and impairment in the elderly; its implications in daily functioning with inputs on differences in the existing literature. The chapter further focuses on the diagnostic and assessment issues and intervention strategies. Ageing is an inevitable phase of life and encompasses changes in physical, psychological and social realms of an individual. Concern with the dwindling health and presence of any medical issues make the geriatric population prone to develop mental health conditions. Poor memory and reduced functional ability is one of the common complaints from older adults coming to psychiatric or neurology clinics. Cognitive functions have been well documented regarding their role in daily functioning of an individual. With growing age of the brain; while some cognitive functions do slow down; some of the functions do evolve better with experience. In this context, it is important to differentiate between normal age related cognitive changes and symptoms of any degenerative disease.
Factors Contributing of Ageing
Authors: Pandey Smita
Published: February 2018

Ageing is related to problems in physical, emotional, and mental health. If we can delay the ageing process, we may be able to live more happily and successfully. Several factors are responsible for ageing: age, sleep, dietary habits, nutrition, physical activity, general health condition, emotional well-being, physical impairment, cultural factors, life events, social support, family well-being, financial resources, cognitive functioning, and diseases. The chapter is based on the above views and mainly focuses on the various factors that contribute to ageing.
Aging and Sexuality
Authors: Tekkalaki Bheemsain
Published: February 2018

Sexual health in general and issues of old age sexuality in particular are neglected by laymen and healthcare professionals alike. Contrary to popular beliefs, elderly individuals continue to have sexual desire and sexual activities, and they believe that healthy sexual expression is an important aspect of healthy aging. Sexual problems are more frequently found in the elderly. This chapter describes the various causes of sexual dysfunction, assessment, and management of sexual problems in the elderly.
Electrotechnology as One of the Most Advanced Branches in the Agricultural Production Development
Authors: Baev Viktor Ivanovich , Yudaev Igor Viktorovich , Petrukhin Vladimir Aleksandrovich , Baev Ivan Viktorovich , Prokofyev Petr Victorovich , Armyanov Nikola Kolev
Published: February 2018

This chapter describes how electric current is the main electrotechnological working tool in crop farming. It can initiate the plant growth and development or it can suppress, damage and destroy them. The stimulating electrotechnology example involves the electrical stimulation of ligneous plants allowing grafting survivability and growth. Alternatively, the suppressing and damaging current influence is vividly illustrated by the electro-impulse of sunflower and tobacco plants for pre-harvest processing. The demonstrative example of plants' electric destruction is weeds control using electro-impulse technology. The electrotechnologies effect on nature with key points' of usage and issues, alongside their technological and economic efficiency benefits are considered in the chapter.
Energy-Efficient Lighting System for Greenhouse Plants
Authors: Yuferev Leonid , Sokolov Alexander
Published: February 2018

This chapter describes how with the artificial cultivation of plants lamps are required with a certain spectrum of radiation. For lighting plants have developed a special lamp. Industry produces special gas discharge lamp. In these lamps a fixed range of radiation. Recently, there were light sources for plants on LEDs. LEDs can create light with any spectrum range from 360 to 800 nm. The authors of the article give a technique for modeling the spectrum of luminaires and calculating LED lamps for plants. The tests of the developed lamps for plants in dark chambers are given. A description of a resonant regulated power supply system for LED luminaires is given. In the proposed system when the frequency changes radiation power.
The Resonant Power Transmission System
Authors: Yuferev Leonid
Published: February 2018

The transmission of electric energy from renewable energy sources requires a system of transmission of electrical energy. The most widespread system of electric power transmission is AC and DC. The chapter presents a description of a resonant system of electric power transmission on one wire. This system converts AC or DC voltage and transmits it over a single wire. At the end of a transmission line is a reverse converter that generates the standard voltage. This system of transmission of electrical energy can be applied to lighting systems.
Mobile Financial Services in Emerging Countries
Authors: Adjei Joseph Kwame , Odei-Appiah Solomon
Published: February 2018

This chapter describes a recent World Bank report which indicated a sizable percentage of households in developing countries do not have access to formal accounts with financial institutions. The situation has created a major barrier in the quest for a world without poverty due to the exclusion of segments of society from the formal financial system. The phenomenon has resulted in the exclusion of many from traditional financial services, thus the use of other means to conduct informal financial transactions. In Ghana, many households rely on domestic informal forms of remittance to relatives and payments. Such informal mediums of remitting money to and from relatives in Ghana (e.g. via “Bus Driver”) received wide patronage irrespective of the associated risks until mobile financial services were introduced. This chapter discussed Mobile Financial Services (MFS) from the perspective of emerging economy and treats the following topics; technology, adoption and the regulatory issues in MFS.
TerrorWatch
Authors: Oyelere Solomon Sunday , Atsa'am Donald Douglas , Ayuba Hope Micah , Olawumi Olayemi , Suhonen Jarkko , Joy Mike
Published: February 2018

Activities of prominent terrorist groups like Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, Ansaru, and Ansar Dine have left thousands of people dead and properties destroyed for a number of decades in some developing nations. The high level of insecurity occasioned by operations of terror groups has impacted negatively on the socio-economic development of these nations. On the other hand, the use of mobile devices, such as cell phones, has gained prominence in developing nations over the past two decades. Putting side-by-side these two facts, namely, that the menace of terrorism among some developing nations is alarming and that the use of mobile devices is common among citizens of developing countries, this chapter develops a mobile application prototype called TerrorWatch. TerrorWatch is equipped with relevant menus, buttons, and interfaces that will guide a user on what to do when confronted with a terrorist attack or threat. The unified modeling language (UML) was deployed to design the architecture of the application, while the object-oriented paradigm served in the implementation.
The Role of Trust in Mobile Technologies Usage in Emerging Countries
Authors: Alan Alev Kocak
Published: February 2018

M-commerce is supposed to be a critical issue for initiating consumer relationships due to the opportunities of m-technologies such as combining subsistent advantage of the wireless internet, mobility, and flexibility, especially in emerging nations. But consumers still perceive high risk about m-commerce. Thereby, they prefer to make online transaction with a company they trust. The purpose of the chapter is to underline the substantiality of trust in m-commerce. The chapter presents integrative review of the trust literature; a conceptual model is proposed and tested by SEM with 226 m shopping users. The relative effects of the main of antecedents (relative benefits of mobile shopping, propensity to trust, firm reputation) of trust as well as the extent which personal evaluations exert on trust in m-commerce and satisfaction of m-commerce is the key research question explored in the chapter. The result shows that a significant percentage of the variability in trust and satisfaction of m-commerce can be statistically explained.
Pedagogical Interventions in the First-Year Writing Classroom for First-Generation College Students
Authors: Borchert Jessica Rae Jorgenson
Published: February 2018

This chapter discusses ways of engaging first-generation college students in the first-year writing classroom. Many interventions exist for helping first-generation college students adjust to and thrive in academic life, such as TRIO programs. This chapter focuses on how instructors in writing classrooms can create pedagogical interventions to encourage and engage these students in academic discourse. To better understand how the pedagogical interventions were received, the author studied contemporary research on multiple ways of engaging first-generation college students in the first-year writing classroom. Along with this research, the author also collected data from students that identified what activities and assignments most engaged them and what they learned from those assignments. From this data and outside research, the author determined three main pedagogical interventions to help first-generation college students succeed, such as peer review groups, creating empathetic spaces, and assigning empathetic writing genres.
The Vizualization of the Dynamics of the Relationship Between the Bridegrooms in the “Song of Songs”
Authors: Szetela Monika , Dankowska Malgorzata Piotrkowska
Published: February 2018

The dominant theme in the “Song of Songs” is the relationship of love between Bridegrooms. The subject of interest is the dynamism of the relationship. The attitude and feelings expressed by love, depicted in this book of the Old Testament, don't express only a description of their beauty, but a description of expressing mutual delight of all your loved ones. Mutual learning is shaping a unique spousal bond, which as a result of the involvement of the beloved and the beloved of each event, not always easy, brings them together; and thus they can build their own language of communication. Narrative character of text is treated in its literal sense. Presented course of events highlights everything that deepens and develops relationships between characters and clearly shows what returns as the leitmotif of the story. Focusing attention on events, using visualization as a way to telling about the people and events, puts less emphasis on the lyrical parties – descriptions of the beauty of the Bride appear in the text of the “Song of Songs.”
Complex-Network Approach for Visualizing and Quantifying the Evolution of a Scientific Topic
Authors: Mryglod Olesya , Berche Bertrand , Holovatch Yurij , Kenna Ralph
Published: February 2018

Tracing the evolution of specific topics is a subject area that belongs to the general problem of mapping the structure of scientific knowledge. Often bibliometric databases are used to study the history of scientific topic evolution from its appearance to its extinction or merger with other topics. In this chapter, the authors present an analysis of the academic response to the disaster that occurred in 1986 in Chornobyl (Chernobyl), Ukraine, considered as one of the most devastating nuclear power plant accidents in history. Using a bibliographic database, the distributions of Chornobyl-related papers in different scientific fields are analysed, as are their growth rates and properties of co-authorship networks. Elements of descriptive statistics and tools of complex-network theory are used to highlight interdisciplinary as well as international effects. In particular, tools of complex-network science enable information visualization complemented by further quantitative analysis.
Bibliometric Maps of Science
Authors: Marshakova-Shaikevich Irina
Published: February 2018

This chapter is devoted to directions in algorithmic classificatory procedures: co-citation analysis as an example of citation network and lexical analysis of keywords in the titles. The chapter gives the results of bibliometric analysis of the international scientific collaboration of EU countries. The three approaches are based on the same general idea of normalization of deviations of the observed data from the mathematical expectation. The application of the same formula leads to discovery of statistically significant links between objects (publication, journals, keywords, etc.) reflected in the maps. Material for this analysis is drawn from DBs presented in ISI Thomson Reuters (at present Clarivate Analytics).
Perspectives and Good Practices in Visualization of Knowledge About Public Entities
Authors: Fazlagić Jan , Loopesko Windham , Matuszak Leszek , Johnson Rigby
Published: February 2018

Visualization of knowledge in public entities is becoming more and more popular due to the development of information technology tools, the demand for solutions allowing for reduction of information overload (IO), and new approaches to local government, including citizen participation. The chapter presents some case study examples of knowledge visualization in public entities with some conclusions and recommendations for policy makers. Additionally, it presents a complete map of certain Polish counties prepared by the authors. The authors applied, apart from the visualization in the form a map, the “Chernoff Faces” method (invented by Herman Chernoff in 1973). This method displays multivariate data on Polish counties in the shape of a human face. The individual parts, such as eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, represent values of the variables by their shape, size, placement, and orientation. The idea behind using faces is that humans easily recognize faces and notice small changes without difficulty. Chernoff Faces handle each variable differently.
Lighting Simulation Algorithms in Real-World Sacral Building Visualisation
Authors: Osinski Grzegorz , Świętek Błażej , Chaniecki Zbigniew
Published: February 2018

The most commonly used rules of modeling are limited to determine the level and direction beam of the light. However, such an approach does not reflect the real impact of lighting on the object. More accurate selection of lighting parameters is important, especially in the case of design objects, when it is still possible to change the structure or any selection of location and type of lighting. The chapter presents the use of specialized numerical methods in the design of modern sacred buildings as well as visualization methods used in communication between professionals creating and managing such models.
Social Network Analysis
Authors: Jain Somya , Sinha Adwitiya
Published: February 2018

Over the last decade, technology has thrived to provide better, quicker, and more effective platforms to help individuals connect and disseminate information to other individuals. The increasing popularity of these networks and its huge content in the form of text, images, and videos provides new opportunities for data analytics in the context of social networks. This motivates data mining experts and researchers to deploy various mining apparatus and application-specific tools for analysing the massive, intricate, and dynamic social media knowledge. The research detailed in this chapter would entail major social network concepts with data analysis techniques. Moreover, it gives insight to representation and modelling of social networks with research datasets and tools.
Social Implications of E-Government
Authors: Rimjhim  , Kumar Vijay
Published: February 2018

With increased ICT (Information and Communication Technology), the day-to-day life is shifting online. E-government is one of the crucial parts of the developing world. This chapter contains a detailed introduction of e-government, which includes a broad definition, pillars, goals, stages, delivery models of e-government, advantages, and disadvantages. The difference between e-governance and e-government is also clarified. This chapter clears up the concept of e-government and how e-government can have impact on society. Next is the background section, which covers the research and surveys done by UN (United Nations) and other researchers in order to monitor and analyze the developments of e-government across different countries, social implications of e-government, requirements to develop a robust e-government, future scope of the e-government, etc. Finally, the direct and indirect implications of e-government are stated along with a short review of the status of e-government across a few countries.
Impact of Sarcasm in Sentiment Analysis Methodology
Authors: Silva Priscilla Souza , Barroso Haroldo , Weitzel Leila , Ribeiro Dilcielly Almeida , Santos José
Published: February 2018

Sentiment of analysis is a study area applied to numerous environments (financial, political, academic, business, and communication) whose purpose is to search for messages posted on social media, and through these to identify and classify people's opinions about particular item as positive or negative. Rating the sentiment expressed in opinionated messages is such an important task that currently companies invest a lot of money in collecting this type of information and the development of methods and techniques to classify the sentiment that they express, so that they can use the results as useful information in preparing marketing and sales strategies efficiently. However, one of the major problems facing the feelings of analysis is the difficulty of methods to properly analyze messages with sarcastic and/or ironic content, as these linguistic phenomena have the characteristic of transforming the polarity or meaning of a positive or negative statement into its opposite.
Trust and Credibility Analysis of Websites
Authors: Bansal Himani , Shukla Prakhar , Dhar Manav
Published: February 2018

Trust on any online information is psychosomatic and hidden by nature. The choice is in the hands of the information seeker to consider, evaluate, and confirm the contents of the websites before using it. This makes a sharp concern for websites dealing with sensitive topics like health, research, or academics. There is no benchmark or tool that tells or characterises about making these “trust” decisions. Although web users make such decisions after considering numerous factors, still there are no such criteria to fulfil the underlying principle to deal with such decision making. This chapter is an effort to resolve the problem of how to measure the content provided by any website in terms of its credibility. Various models have been projected in this chapter to identify several factors pertaining to the credibility of content and users' trust on any website and accordingly analyse the identified factors to assess the websites.
ERP On-Premise or On-Demand
Authors: Zhao Fan , Kirche Elias T.
Published: February 2018

This article contends that vendors are now pushing into the small to mid-size organizational markets with simplified, less-risk, less-reward systems while consultants have project experience and have thorough contracts isolating their role. However, SMEs that adopted ERP on-premise solutions before are now facing a dilemma: continuing with ERP on-premise upgrades or switch to on-demand solutions. This article contains data surveyed from Chief Information Officers (CIO) of SMEs with respect to indicators of ERP adoptions. Cost, reduced demand for own IT resources, outage/accessibility and performance were found to be the most critical and important factors to assess ERP adoptions for SMEs.
Using Simulation to Teach Operations Management to First- and Continuing-Generation Students
Authors: Riley Jason M. , Ellegood William A.
Published: February 2018

Leveraging a popular operations management simulation, we examine how team interaction, students' previous software experience, simulations' ease of use, team leadership, and instructors' guidance affects students' comprehension. Respondents completed a 27-item survey designed to assess individual comprehension. To illustrate the various affects, we use structural equation modeling to compare first-generation and continuing-generation undergraduate populations. The results indicate software's ease of use and instructors' guidance affects both groups, while team interaction to comprehension is present for only first-generation students. We also find that the strength of the various relationships depends on the population of students being studied. As simulations continue to grow in popularity, educators need to recognize how these pedagogical tools affect different student populations.
A Taxonomy of Data Mining Problems
Authors: Rahman Nayem
Published: February 2018

Much of the research in data mining and knowledge discovery has focused on the development of efficient data mining algorithms. Researchers and practitioners have developed data mining techniques to solve diverse real-world data mining problems. But there is no single source that identifies which techniques solve what problems and how, the advantages and limitations, and real-life use-cases. Lately, identifying data mining techniques and corresponding problems that they solve has drawn significant attention. In this paper, the author describes the progress made in developing data mining techniques and then classify them in terms of data mining problems taxonomy to help assist practitioners in using appropriate data mining techniques that solve business problems. This will allow researchers to expand the body of knowledge in this discipline. This article proposes a data mining problems taxonomy based on data mining techniques being used. Prominent data mining problems include classification, optimization, prediction, partitioning, relationship, pattern matching, recommendation, ranking, sequential patterns and anomaly detection. The data mining techniques that are used to solve these data mining problems in general fall under top 10 data mining algorithms.
A Review of Non-Minutiae Based Fingerprint Features
Authors: Kumar Ravinder
Published: February 2018

This article presents a critical review of extensive research on automatic fingerprint matching over a decade. In particular, the focus is made on the non-minutiae-based features and machine-learning-based fingerprint matching approaches. This article highlights the problems pertaining to the minutiae-based features and presents a detailed review on the state-of-the-art of non-minutiae-based features. This article also presents an overview of the state-of-the-art fingerprint benchmark databases, along with the open problems and the future directions for the fingerprint matching.
Music Melodies Suited to Multiple Users' Feelings Composed by Asynchronous Distributed Interactive Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Nomura Kota , Fukumoto Makoto
Published: February 2018

This article aims to compose music melody suited for multiple users' feelings by employing parallel Distributed Interactive Genetic Algorithm (DIGA). In the DIGA, each user proceeds into a general Interactive Genetic Algorithm (IGA) process by evaluating solution candidates subjectively. In some generations, individuals in IGA are exchanged between the users. With the exchange, each of the users is affected by other users' feelings. As a result, obtaining good solutions suited for all users is expected. The authors conducted listening experiments for investigating the efficiency of the DIGA for composition of a music melody. Two experimental conditions with and without the exchange were employed. Ten people participated in the experiment as subjects, and were paired for the IGA task. The experimental results showed that a higher fitness was obtained in the final generation and similar melodies were obtained with the exchange.
Internet of Things in Asset Management
Authors: Kinnunen Sini-Kaisu , Ylä-Kujala Antti , Marttonen-Arola Salla , Kärri Timo , Baglee David
Published: February 2018

The emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technologies could rationalize data processes from acquisition to decision making if future research is focused on the exact needs of industry. This article contributes to this field by examining and categorizing the applications available through IoT technologies in the management of industrial asset groups. Previous literature and a number of industrial professionals and academic experts are used to identify the feasibility of IoT technologies in asset management. This article describes a preliminary study, which highlights the research potential of specific IoT technologies, for further research related to smart factories of the future. Based on the results of literature review and empirical panels IoT technologies have significant potential to be applied widely in the management of different asset groups. For example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technologies are recognized to be potential in the management of inventories, sensor technologies in the management of machinery, equipment and buildings, and the naming technologies are potential in the management of spare parts.
The immunohistochemical presence and distribution of ghrelin, apelin and their receptors in dog ovaries
Authors: Pirino Carolina , Maranesi Margherita , Polisca Angela , Troisi Alessandro , Dall'Aglio Cecilia
Published: February 2018

The activity of ghrelin, apelin and their receptors has been correlated to the control of some infectious diseases, besides the hypothesis of their role in the control of some peripheral organs, among which ovaries. The aim of the present work was to highlight the presence and distribution of ghrelin, apelin and cognate receptors in the ovaries of pregnant bitches, by means of immunohistochemical techniques. Apelin, its receptor and the receptor of ghrelin were highlighted in the corpora lutea, with a particular localization in the cytoplasm of some luteal cells. Instead, a positive reaction for ghrelin was evident in the walls of small arteries in the connective tissue. These results allowed us to hypothesize that these molecules intervene in the control of ovaries in pregnant bitches, suggesting autocrine/paracrine mechanisms of regulation.
HERITAGE ASSETS: DESAFIOS PARA A SUA MENSURAÇÃO
Authors: Barbosa Pires Charline , Cerqueira Ribeiro Daniel , Katsumi Niyama Jorge , Matias-Pereira José
Published: February 2018

Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar quais são, segundo os pesquisadores do tema heritage assets (HA) em âmbito internacional, os principais desafios enfrentados pela Contabilidade no processo de mensuração destes ativos. Para tanto, discutem-se temas relacionados à Teoria da Mensuração e HA, apresentando-se aspectos conceituais e contábeis relacionados a esta temática. Sob a perspectiva metodológica, trata-se de pesquisa teórico-exploratória, qualitativa, descritiva e bibliográfica, apoiado nos principais autores internacionais. O resultado principal do presente estudo foi a evidenciação dos diversos métodos e modelos disponíveis para a mensuração do HA com suas respectivas limitações. Constata-se que esses métodos e modelos recebem críticas, principalmente pelo fato de não serem capazes de captar os atributos específicos deste tipo de ativo. Assim, observa-se que a Contabilidade tem um longo caminho a trilhar na busca pelos critérios adequados para capturar não apenas os atributos financeiros, mas também sociais e de importância cultural, ambiental, hereditária e educacional dos heritage assets.
EMPREENDEDORISMO DIGITAL: UM ESTUDO SOBRE O USO DA TECNOLOGIA COMO GERAÇÃO DE NEGÓCIOS NAS STARTUPS EDUCACIONAIS
Authors: Domingues Alexandre Albuquerque , Floyd-Wheeler Kathryn , Nascimento Neide Silva
Published: February 2018

Este artigo  versa sobre como  a tecnologia da informação  (TI) influência no  aumento da qualidade da atividade empreendedora. Devido à nova realidade brasileira que se apresenta em um universo complexo e multifacetado, acaba exigindo grande flexibilidade do empreendedor para se conectar com o cliente através de aplicativos e dispositivos móveis que passam a ser acessíveis à sociedade brasileira, garantindo flexibilidade e novas relações de negócios em atividades tradicionais como a educação ou outras atividades do terceiro setor . Neste sentido o estudo objetiva explicar como a política de tecnologia da informação auxilia na  melhoria  dos  serviços  em  uma  organização  educacional.  Com  base  em  pesquisa quantitativa como método um “Startup” foi utilizado como objeto de estudo e validou o aumento  da  produção  dos  serviços  educacionais  através  da  publicação  de  aplicativos propostos na ESPEDUC, desta forma a meta de divulgação para oferta e demanda de publico foi atingida através de uma política de geração de produtos e acessos móveis digitais a futuros e atuais clientes.
Volatile organic compounds at a rural site in Beijing: Influence of temporary emission control and wintertime heating
Authors: Yang Weiqiang , Zhang Yanli , Wang Xinming , Li Sheng , Zhu Ming , Yu Qingqing , Li Guanghui , Huang Zhonghui , Zhang Huina , Wu Zhenfeng , Song Wei , Tan Jihua , Shao Min
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) contribute substantially to PM2.5 during wintertime severe haze events in north China, yet ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as SOA precursors are comparatively much less characterized in winter especially in rural areas. In this study, ambient air samples were collected in 2014 from 25 October to 31 December at a rural site inside the campus of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in northeast Beijing for the analysis of VOCs. Since that temporary intervention measures were implemented during 3–12 November to improve air quality for the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in 5–11 November in Beijing, and that wintertime central heating started since 15 November in Beijing after the APEC summit, it is a good opportunity to study the influence of the temporary control measures and the wintertime heating on the ambient VOCs. As a result of temporary intervention measures implemented during 3–12 November (period II), total mixing ratios of non-methane hydrocarbons averaged 11.25 ppb, about 50 % lower than that of 23.41 ppb before the APEC (25 October–2 November; Period I) or 21.71 ppb after the APEC (13 November–31 December; Period III). Their ozone and SOA formation potentials decreased by ∼50 % and ∼70 %, respectively, with the larger drop in SOA formation potentials attributed to more effective control of aromatic hydrocarbons mainly from solvent use. Back trajectory analysis revealed that the average mixing ratios of VOCs in the southerly air masses were 2.3, 2.3 and 2.9 times that in the northerly ones during period I, II and III, respectively; and all VOC episodes occurred under the influence of southerly winds, suggesting much stronger emissions in the south urbanized regions than in the northern rural areas. Based on the positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor model, changed contributions from traffic emission and solvent use could explain 47.9 % and 37.6 % of the reduction in ambient VOCs, respectively, during the Period II relative to the Period I, indicating that the temporary control measures on vehicle emission and solvent use were effective in lowering ambient levels of VOCs. Coal/biomass burning, gasoline exhaust, and industrial emission were among the vital sources, and they altogether contributed 60.3 %, 78.6 % and 78.7 % of VOCs during the period I, II and III, respectively. Coal/biomass burning, mostly residential coal burning, became the dominant source which accounted for 45.1 % of the VOCs during the wintertime heating period, with a remarkably lower average contribution percentage (38.2 %) in the southerly air masses than that of 48.8 % in the northerly air masses.
Climate-induced hydrologic change in the source region of the Yellow River: a new assessment including varying permafrost
Authors: Wu Pan , Liang Sihai , Wang Xu-Sheng , Feng Yuqing , McKenzie Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The source region of the Yellow River (SRYR) provides 35 % of the rivers annual discharge but is very sensitive to the climate change. The change in discharge from the SRYR has been attributed to both climatic and anthropogenic forces, and previous estimates of the impact of human activities on the change in discharge have been higher than 50 % of the total change. Considering the very low population density and limited land use change, this result is potentially inconsistent. Our study modifies the traditional Budyko separating approach to identify and quantify the climatic causes in discharge changes. Application of this new approach to the SRYR now highlights the role of the degrading permafrost, based on long-term observation data of the maximum frozen depth (MFD). Our results show that over the past half-century, the change in discharge in the SRYR was primarily controlled by climate change rather than local human activities. Increasing air temperature is generally a negative force on discharge whereas it also causes permafrost to degrade – a positive factor on discharge generation. Such conflicting effects enhance the uncertainty in assessments of the hydrological response to climate change in the SRYR.
Character Traits of Jordanian Universities International Students Influenced by Economic - Political Status
Authors: Jarrar Amani G. , Odeh Adnan M.
Published: February 2018

The study aimed to reveal the personality traits of international students in Jordanian universities as affected by both the economic and political factors. The study sample consisted of (410) foreign students in Jordanian universities, representing males (208) and females (202).The results of the study showed that the personal characteristics of international students are mainly affected by both economic and political status of their original countries. The study showed that the most affecting factor is the economic rather than the political. The students traits were also divided in four categories or levels: The (Social) level was highest, the (emotional level) was the second in rank. The (cognitive level) ranked in the third level. And finally ranked the (cultural level). There were also differences between the average grade of individuals on the scale of personality traits and in each of its areas according to the level of education variable. The results of the study showed that there are statistically significant differences in personality characteristics according to the level of education variable in the field of knowledge and were in favor of the master while there were differences of statistical significance attributed to gender variable in favor of females.
Do Democratic Economies Grow Faster? The Case of Asia vs. the EU
Authors: Barrows Samuel D.
Published: February 2018

The dynamics of the five fastest growing GDP per capita economies in Asia and the EU are studied between 2010 and 2014. This time frame was selected in order to avoid the height of the 2008-2009 financial crisis, but to include the stimulus and recovery periods which occurred afterward. The intent was not to compare the recoveries or the impact of the stimulus programs. The intent was to compare the economic growth rates of the two groups and also the absolute per capita income along with five topic areas on economies including: configuration, utilization, investments, demographics, and outcomes. A total of twenty measurements are used for assessment from the World Bank databank website. The findings are that the Asian economies grew faster while the EU economies had a higher per capita income. The workforces of the Asia economies are also younger and more flexible whereas the workforces of the EU economies are older, but more educated. Discussions include the links between effective governments and economic development and the links between democracy and economic levels.
Russian –Gulf Relations: Reading in Present Interactions and Future Challenges
Authors: Hassan Ahmed M. Taher
Published: February 2018

The current study tries to examine the Russian – Gulf relations, which witnessed the stages of convergence and divergence. The main factor governing these relations between the two sides is the regional and international conditions and interactions. There are a set of variables which have affected the Russian foreign policy making towards the Gulf region. The study aims to measure the impact of these variables on Russian-Gulf relations and to explore the future of these relations in light of these variables. To discuss this phenomenon and achieve the required results, systems analysis approach is adopted. The study concluded that the success of the Russian-Gulf rapprochement must be built on common direct interests with multiple directions and must not be built on the urgent international and regional circumstances. Thus, the relations between the two parties must transform from the relations of attitude and circumstance to the level of fixed strategic cooperative relations.
Single-father Parenting in Contemporary Russian and Foreign Social Science Research
Authors: Alexeevich Popov Viktor , Alexandrovna Kanareikina Tatiana
Published: February 2018

The article contains a comparative analysis of Russian and foreign research exploring the phenomenon of single father hood. The most significant pedagogical and psychological aspects of child-rearing in single male parent families dealt with in Russian and foreign studies have been examined along with the results of the authors’ empirical research into the characteristics of parental responsibilities and single-father parenting strategies.
The Deconstruction of Patriarchal Power against Nature and Women in the Indonesian Novels
Authors: Wiyatmi Wiyatmi , Suryaman Maman , Swatikasari Esti
Published: February 2018

This study aims to identify and understand the deconstruction of the patriarchal ideology power to the nature and women which is portrayed in the Indonesian novels, using the perspective of ecofeminism. The data source is the Indonesian novels that raise issues associated with women's nature. This study used a qualitative design to scrutinize the patriarchal power over nature, environment, and women in the Indonesian novels. Of the nine novels studied (Bilangan Fu, Manjali dan Cakrabirawa, Maya, Partikel, Isinga, Lemah Tanjung, dan Amba, Bunga, and Api Awan Asap, the following findings are obtained. (1) The studied novels describe the deconstruction of the patriarchal power that led to the massive exploration and exploitation of natural resources and cultural heritage and to disremember the values of local wisdom, (2) the novels show a tendency written by the authors with ecofeminism asthe basic aesthetic writing of the novel.
Videoconference in Academic Tutoring: A Case Study
Authors: León Fátima Margarita Castro , Barberán José Mª del Castillo-Olivares , Pérez-Jorge David , Olivenza Juan José Leiva
Published: February 2018

The use of the videoconference as a resource for academic tutoring is starting to spread as a useful practice. From a pedagogical point of view this technological innovation involves many uncertainties as regards its organization, its technology and its pedagogical features. In this paper we study this process in the Degree of early childhood education at the University of La Laguna in the academic course 2016, where two hundred students experienced the video tutorials in two subjects. We will prove how students enter university with previous experiences related to the use of videoconferences in different usage models. In this paper we reflect on decision making processes carried out in several categories. We conclude with the assessment that students have made about this experience, highlighting here the specific utility as regards the most effective type of feedback and the relational environment.
Study on Internet Finance Credit Information Sharing Based on Block Chain Technology
Authors: Zhu Maoran , Liu Xin
Published: February 2018

With development of Big Data technology these years, Internet financial companies in China started trying using big data technology to do credit investigation instead of traditional methods. But there is some limitation and problem in terms of data acquisition channel, information asymmetry and data privacy protection, etc. Block chain, characterized in unalterability and decentralization comes into people's sight. This paper will introduce block chain technology, explore the use of block chain technology in Internet financial credit investigation, and put forward an internet financial credit data sharing model based on block chain, which mainly composed by the Fin-tech Federate Servers group (FFS), the user data storage structure and a distributed database system (DDBS). By combining DPoS and re-encryption technology, the model has the characteristics of non-tampering, authorized access and convenient accountability. Through this model, the user data is recorded by the trusted agent, encrypted by asymmetric encryption technology, and anchored to the chain of the block periodically.
Improvement in the Extraction of Hass Avocado Virgin Oil by Ultrasound Application
Authors: Segura Nadia , Amarillo Miguel Alejandro , Martinez Natalia Ines , Grompone María Antonia
Published: February 2018

The virgin oil extraction from avocado Hass was carried using an Abencor pilot scale plant.High-power ultrasound (1.73 MHz) was applied after mixing. High-frequency ultrasound device consists of two transductors which each deliver 30 W/L.Different proportions of water were added before ultrasound treatment (no water added and paste:water relation (1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1) and also different ultrasound application times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 minutes). The study was carried out by setting one of the two variables considered and changing the values of the other. In the water addition study, ultrasound time was set at 15 min.It was found that oil recovery increased with the percentage of water added. It was decided to employ a ratio of 1:1 to study the influence of ultrasound application time. Under these conditions, it was found that with 1 minute of ultrasound application, recovery increased by 40 % over the process without ultrasound.It was observed that the composition in fatty acids and the content of natural antioxidants (tocopherols and polyphenols) are not affected by the ultrasound application.It is concluded that the application of high-frequency ultrasound with addition of water post malaxing improves recovery of virgin avocado oil without negative effects on the general quality of the oil.
Rozwój turystyki spotkań biznesowych w Warszawie na tle danych krajowych
Authors: Iwan Bolesław
Published: February 2018

Przewodnim celem niniejszego opracowania jest analiza oraz próba oceny rozwoju turystyki biznesowej w Polsce, zwłaszcza w Warszawie. Nieco bardziej szczegółową analizą objęto główne segmenty turystyki biznesowej, tj. konferencje i kongresy, wydarzenia korporacyjne oraz motywacyjne, a także targi i wystawy. W opracowaniu przedstawiono również ranking państw i miast świata pod względem liczby odbywających się spotkań międzynarodowych. Przodujące miejsca zajmują w nim USA oraz państwa Europy Zachodniej. Polska, w tym Warszawa, zajmują również relatywnie wysokie miejsca. Warszawa na tle innych polskich miast pełni wiodącą rolę w organizacji spotkań i wydarzeń biznesowych.
Zrównoważony rozwój a turystyka w Polsce
Authors: Kozikowska Magdalena
Published: February 2018

Koncepcja zrównoważonego rozwoju pojawia się w literaturze od kilkudziesięciu lat w odniesieniu do modelu gospodarki w różnych dziedzinach, w tym również w turystyce. Strategia rozwoju turystyki w Polsce na każdym poziomie samorządowym powinna zawierać koncepcję zrównoważonego rozwoju regionów z uwzględnieniem przyjętych dla niej spójnych zasad. Ze względu na ograniczony zakres lub brak badań nad zrównoważonym rozwojem regionów (przede wszystkim w aspekcie wpływu podejmowanych działań) w niniejszym artykule przeglądowym podjęto temat zrównoważonego rozwoju w odniesieniu do turystyki, świadomości ekologicznej turystów oraz możliwości realizacji alternatywnych rodzajów turystyki w Polsce.
Polska praktyka w zakresie kontroli zwalczania klauzul abuzywnych w umowach o usługi turystyczne
Authors: Banasik Przemysław , Wilczewska Sylwia
Published: February 2018

Agreements for tourist services are increasingly concluded by Polish consumers. At the same time, each year the insolvency of many travel agencies is recorded, which implies negative consequences for the people using their services. In addition, tourism is asector where the largest number of unfair contract terms is recorded. The use of such contract terms would significantly affect the interests of consumers, and slows down their position relative to the professionals. Under EU regulations such activities of travel companies are prohibited, and thus - not binding for consumers. Despite the relatively short duration of the regulations in this
regard on the ground, also the Polish law currently provides a number of measures for both the
control and elimination of unfair contract terms of consumers turnover.
Kopalnie Węgla brunatnego-szansa czy zagrożenie dla rozwoju turystyki?
Authors: Świątkowski Zbigniew
Published: February 2018

W artykule ukazano problemy związane z projektem budowy kopalni węgla brunatnego i elektrowni wykorzystującej ten surowiec na terenie gmin Brody i Gubin. Gminy te położone są na terenie województwa lubuskiego. Projektowane działania zniszczą bezpowrotnie dotychczasowy zrównoważony model rozwoju turystyki na wspomnianym obszarze. Model ten opiera się na wykorzystaniu walorów środowiska przyrodniczego, szczególnie dominujących na terenie obu gmin obszarów leśnych. Dezintegracji ulegnie także lokalna społeczność wraz z jej walorami kulturowymi. Z drugiej zaś strony proces rekultywacji terenów pokopalnianych umożliwi w perspektywie kilkudziesięciu lat rozwój nowych form turystyki opartych na nowej specyfice tego miejsca.