bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Significance of Job Satisfaction in Modern Organizations
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: March 2017

This chapter explains the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational constructs in modern organizations; job satisfaction, job performance, and adaptability; job satisfaction and negative organizational issues; and the importance of job satisfaction in the health care industry. Job satisfaction is an attitude that employees have about their work and job-related activities. Job satisfaction is important from the perspective of maintaining employees within the organization. High job satisfaction effectively leads to the improved organizational productivity, decreased employee turnover, and reduced job stress in modern organizations. Job satisfaction leads to a positive ambience at the workplace and is essential to ensure the higher revenues for the organization. Organizations should create the systematic management and leadership strategies to increase the high levels of job satisfaction of their employees. When employees are satisfied with their jobs, they will energetically deliver the higher levels of job performance.
The Relationship Between Social Problem Solving Ability and Burnout Level
Authors: Efeoğlu Efe Ibrahim , Ozcan Sevgi
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between social problem solving ability and burnout level of health professionals in a southeast city of Turkey. Material and Method: Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire with the Short Form of Social Problem Solving Inventory and Maslach Burnout Inventory. A total number of 356 health professionals participated in the study. Results: Of all the participants; 44.1% were nurses, 27.0% were doctors and 28.9% consisted of other health professionals. Functional social problem solving dimensions were negatively correlated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and positively correlated with personal accomplishment. Conclusion: There is a negative correlation between social problem solving ability and burnout levels of health professionals. Evaluating social problem skills may allow to identify the ones who may be at risk for burnout; and improving their social problem solving skills may protect them from burnout.
Understanding Diversity in Virtual Work Environments
Authors: Tomasiak Marta Alicja , Chamakiotis Petros
Published: March 2017

This chapter presents a comparative case study which was conducted with the aim of understanding how diversity can be managed in the context of the virtual work environment. The authors argue that the unique characteristics of virtuality might influence how diversity is managed in the virtual, computer-mediated environment. In view of this, a comparative case study involving qualitative interviews with participants from two contrasting environments—a face-to-face one and a virtual one—is presented. The findings of the study show what types of diversity are found to be important in the virtual workplace and also start to unpack the relationship between some of the unique characteristics of virtuality and diversity within the context of this study. The contributions of the study are discussed and recommendations to both future researchers and also practitioners are provided.
Rethinking the College Environment
Authors: Torres Washieka
Published: March 2017

The premise of my work circles around the ways in which administrators have “breached” or moved beyond these roles in order to help the lives of people with disabilities both in and out of school. This work not only centers on students but the ways in which multiple areas of the campus exist and need to adjust in order to create more equitable job opportunities for people with disabilities. Much of this work is done keeping in mind the four environments of college campuses, proposed by Strange and Banning. Using this lens I look at how different kinds of colleges are organized and how resources can be integrated into these systems in order to create more accessible information and environments for those with disabilities. This work also includes several case studies from universities, large and small globally and locally, in order to see how they are creating and sustaining new and innovative programs that go beyond just the classroom.
Higher Education for Whom? Higher Education for What?
Authors: Midkiff Brooke
Published: March 2017

This chapter provides a critical quantitative examination of issues related to increasing access to higher education in the United States. The chapter first offers insights into the utility of using empirical evidence within a critical, theoretical framework to unpack underlying issues of expanding accessibility. Specifically, critical theory is used to excavate the limits of liberal approaches to expanding higher education through increasing access, coupled with empirical analysis of disparities in college completion rates. That is, while increasing access is important, access is hardly enough to decrease social and economic gaps. Issues of hegemony within higher education are examined through an examination of which students, despite increased access to higher education broadly, have access to specific types of post-secondary educational experiences.
Laws, Finance, and Policies of Higher Education Accessibility
Authors: Raasch Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Historically, educational accessibility in higher education appeared to be a dynamic and fluid scale with individual rights and accessibility on one side while institutional policies and procedures balanced the other side. Additional weights were applied to both sides of the scale. United States (U.S.) federal laws applied weight to the individual rights and accessibility side. Meanwhile, financial considerations applied weight to the institutional policies side. U.S. universities may have found this balancing act difficult through ongoing legal cases and law revisions. Critical Disability Theory (CDT) provides an alternative viewpoint to review education accessibility. CDT also encourages participation by more campus stakeholders to resolve accessibility issues and promote full accessibility on university campuses. This chapter will explore and explain the complex interconnections of laws, finances and policies in supporting accessibility on campuses and discuss potential guidelines for future institutional policies and procedures related to students with disabilities.
A Survey on Synchronization Approach in MAC Layer Protocols
Authors: Chandnani Manali , Khandelwal Mukesh Kumar , Sharma Meeta
Published: March 2017

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model describes the layered approach for communication between two networked systems. The Data link layer of OSI model consists of a sub layer known as MAC layer for achieving coordination among the communicating nodes to access the shared channel. This channel is shared between multiple nodes in a communication network and the packets transmitted at same time by different nodes collide with each other. This situation leads to loss of data and bandwidth gets wasted. To avoid this situation, MAC layer supports various protocols: TDMA, ALOHA, CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA and many hybrid techniques which employ their own criteria of synchronization for minimizing the collisions. In this paper the authors discuss about the MAC layer and the multiple access protocols which it supports for achieving synchronization among the nodes in the channel.
Modification of Traditional RSA into Symmetric-RSA Cryptosystems
Authors: Mohit Prerna , Biswas G. P.
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses the modification of RSA cryptography namely Symmetric-RSA, which seem to be equally useful for different cryptographic applications such as encryption, digital signature, etc. In order to design Symmetric-RSA, two prime numbers are negotiated using Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol followed by RSA algorithm. As the new scheme uses Diffie-Hellman and RSA algorithm, the security of the overall system depends on discrete logarithm as well as factorization problem and thus, its security is more than public-key RSA. Finally, some new cryptographic applications of the proposed modifications are described that certainly extend the applications of the existing RSA.
The Politicization of Selfie Journalism
Authors: Maniou Theodora , Panagiotidis Kosmas , Veglis Andreas
Published: March 2017

While the phenomenon of selfie photographs in the media has been extensively analysed by academics, Selfie Journalism was recently introduced and constitutes one of the most notable phenomena within the digital media environment, raising a number of issues relating to notions of infotainment and impartial reporting, especially in ‘difficult' sectors, such as politics. This paper identifies the specific characteristics of Selfie Journalism in political reporting. Based on both quantitative and qualitative research, the study analyses these characteristics in the period of parliamentary elections of 2016 in Cyprus. The aim of the study is dual: first, to examine the extensive use of Selfie Journalism by candidates themselves in political campaigning and, secondly, to examine the impact of this phenomenon upon the media and, in turn, media engagement in such political tactics. The greater scope of this study evolves around the argument that Selfie Journalism, as a new species of participatory journalism, has penetrated the media in an effort to attract larger audiences.
Postphenomenological Performance in Interactive Narrative
Authors: O'Brien Daniel Paul
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses the performance of bodies through a postphenomenological framework developed by Don Ihde. Through his theory, I will argue how performance is central to the stories of two recent interactive artworks: Dennis Del Favero's Scenario (2011) and Blast Theory's A Machine to See With (2010). Both artworks are distinct interactive narratives that utilize the human body in different ways. In each experience, it is essential for the user's body to perform with a technology in order to move the story through a sequence of events. In doing so the user as a performing body co-authors the story by interfacing with a technology in a specific way. My readings of the artworks are based on interviews that I have conducted with each of the artists. I pair these accounts with Ihdeian analysis to explain how different types of technologies and different uses of a technology break down into different human-technology relationships. I use these relationships to show how the story in each artwork is mobilized through the body of the participant as a postphenomenological performance.
A CoAP-Based Hypermedia Framework for Always-On and Sleepy Devices in Smart Home Environment
Authors: Kolchin Maxim , Andreev Alexey , Garayzuev Daniil , Chursin Nikita , Mouromtsev Dmitry , Zakoldaev Danil
Published: March 2017

Lack of commonly accepted standards for the connected devices' APIs caused the situation when each manufacturer or Smart Home enthusiast creates its own mobile application to control their devices. The authors propose a lightweight framework to the design of self-descriptive API on top of CoAP protocol using Hydra Core, Schema.org and Semantic Sensor Network vocabularies which allow to create a mobile application with an adaptive user interface to interact with any type of device. In this paper the authors enumerate the requirements, describe the framework, evaluate it on three exemplified devices built using ESP8266 Wi-Fi module and describe the architecture of the mobile application for interacting with such devices.
An Opinion Paper
Authors: Safdari Fash
Published: March 2017

Remote Framebuffer (RFB) protocol is a simple protocol for remote access to graphical user interfaces. The use of the RFB protocol has been developed as a means of streaming content, alleviating much of the processing requirements of games for the end user. Cloud gaming is currently an area of the gaming industry gaining large amounts of ground with respect to the potential viability in the future. Understanding how QoS can affect the development of cloud gaming, as well as the metrics involved, and how these metrics affect areas surrounding QoE could help aid developments in cloud gaming as an extremely viable process in the future.
Enterprise System as Business Intelligence and Knowledge Capabilities for Enhancing Applications and Practices of IT Governance
Authors: Alkhaldi Firas M. , Hammami Samir M. , Kasem Saleh , Rashed Abdullah , Alraja Mansour Naser
Published: March 2017

According to different views in information systems and the socio-technical perspective, many organizations was led to redefine their business with a more focused IT solutions, this study suggested a number of confirmatory measurement models that establish the ground for the hypothesed research constructs, and utilized the structural equation modeling techniques to test and validate the research hypotheses. The research present the results of a practical investigation of the influence and the effect of enterprise systems role applications and organizational knowledge capabilities on IT governance practices by enhancing its application and usability within the organization. The study suggests that smart enterprise systems capabilities (infrastructure scalability, planning alignments, and HR planning and professional capabilities the IT staff) and knowledge organizational capabilities (individual, managerial, and collaborative) have a positive dynamic influence on IT governance activities. It's also observed that enterprise systems role applications have a more profound influence on organizational knowledge capabilities (OKC) comparing to IT governance (ITGOV), where OKC played a significate additive role in mediating the effect and thus provided an enhanced extra effect on IT governance.
A Preliminary Study of Oxidation Behavior of Mo-50Re Alloy at Different Temperature Using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Zhe Jie , Yang Wei , Shi Jian Jian , Zhai Tong Guang , Wu Yi Chu
Published: March 2017

The oxidized Mo-50Re alloys in air at 573 K and 873 K for various times were investigated by X-Ray diffraction and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. The results indicated that main orthogonal phase MoO3 together with small amount of monoclinic phase Mo8O23 were formed on on the surface of the specimens, and the oxide film of specimens oxidized at 873 K were much thicker than that of specimens oxidized at 573 K. Meanwhile, when Mo-50Re specimens oxidized in air at 873K, the defect’s size within interface layer of the specimens was larger, and the oxide film on the surface of the specimens contained much more defects. Faster oxidation process were observed occured at 873K, which was likely due to the formation of larger-size interfacial defects.
Estimation of Dislocation Concentration in Plastically Deformed FeCrNi Alloy by Positron Annihilation Lifetime
Authors: Lu Er Yang , Cao Xing Zhong , Jin Shuo Xue , Gong Yi Hao , Zhang Peng , Yu Run Sheng , Wang Bao Yi
Published: March 2017

Dislocations would be induced after plastic deformation, which might change the mechanical properties of solids. FeCrNi austenitic model alloy and its Mo-diluted alloy were cold rolled with different degree of thickness reduction. Positrons are sensitive to point defects, which are easily trapped and annihilated around the trapping sites. The mean positron lifetimes have been used to estimate the average dislocation concentration in solids. Meanwhile, the trapping efficiency μ was calculated from the lifetime results. The trapping efficiency value is estimated about 3.31×10-7 cm3s-1 for FeCrNi alloy and 3.31×10-7 cm3s-1 for Mo-diluted alloy, respectively. The increment of the hardness value during plastic deformation is related to the increase of the dislocation density and dislocation pile up in solids.
The Microdefects, Magnetic Properties and Electron Characters of Fe-Ga Alloys
Authors: Xiong Ding Kang , Wei H.Q. , Liu W.T. , Huang Yu Yang , Deng Wen
Published: March 2017

The microdefects, magnetic magnetization curves and electric characters of Fe100-xGax (x=16, 17, 18, 19, 20) were investigated by the means of X-ray diffraction, VSM modular on PPMS, positron lifetime spectroscopy and electric paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The X – ray diffraction patterns show that the Fe100-xGax alloys is similar to that of α – Fe, but the peaks move to low angle slightly. The result indicates Ga entered the iron lattice and the larger radium lead to the changing of the patterns. Positron lifetime spectra show that the intensity of the defects of the Fe100-xGax alloys varies obviously with different Ga content. The magnetizing curves were measured to check the saturation magnetization at room temperature. The variations of saturation magnetization do not monotonic decrease as expect with the increasing of Ga. When x=18, the magnetization is maximum; the minimum is x=20 because of the lowest iron content. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum shows that the peaks become narrower when the x decreases from 20 to 16. These results indicate that the addition of Ga has effect on the 3d electrons of Fe.
Study of Defects in Croconic Acid Single Crystals Using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy
Authors: Guzman Francisco , Tran Judy , Cousins Kimberley , Dixon Paul K. , Smith Douglas , Usher Timothy D. , Zhang Ren Wu
Published: March 2017

Croconic acid is the first single molecular organic ferroelectric material exhibiting very high spontaneous polarization (~ 20 μC/cm2) at room temperature. Maximizing polarization depends on minimizing void defects in croconic acid crystals. In this experiment, the change in void defects upon the thermal treatment is characterized using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. Both defect void size and intensity are measured, and their dependence upon the thermal treatment duration is studied. In addition, the relation between the void defect and ferroelectric hysteresis of croconic acid is established.
On the Limits of Sensitivity of PALS to Incorporated Free Volume Holes in Polymeric Membranes and Sorbents: Effect of sc-CO2 in Polyhexafluoropropylene
Authors: Shantarovich Victor P. , Bekeshev Valentin , Belov Nikolai , Kevdina Irina , Filimonov Mikhail , Ronova Irina , Nikolaev Aleksandr
Published: March 2017

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is a recognized instrument for the studies of size-distribution of nanopores (intrinsic free volume holes FVH) in polymers, particularly membrane materials. The limits of this application in the case of “alien” pores, produced by swelling of poly (hexafluoro propylene) PHFP in the gas (CO2) in super-critical (sc-) state are discussed. The obtained conclusions are controlled by measurements of low temperature gas (N2) sorption (LTGS) and by comparison of the data with the results on permeation of various gases through the PHFP membrane. Attention is payed to relaxation with time of the newly created FVH in the PHFP membrane.
Project for a Source of Polarized Slow Positrons at ELI-NP
Authors: Djourelov Nikolay , Oprisa Andreea , Leca Victor
Published: March 2017

We describe the status of a project for obtaining an intense beam of polarized slow positrons at the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) at Magurele (near Bucharest, Romania) [1]. Positrons will be created via pair production and moderated at a tungsten target using the pulsed brilliant gamma beam which will be produced by Compton back-scattering of circularly polarized laser photons on electrons from a warm linac beam [2]. Simulations of the interaction of circularly polarized γ‑rays of energies up to 3.5 MeV and an intensity of 2.4×1010γ/s with the target, moderation of created positrons and beam formation are discussed. The optimization of the target design showed that the primary slow positron beam can be obtained with intensity of 1‑2×106e+/s. The primary beam will be transversally polarized with a degree of polarization of ~30%. We discuss the necessity of changing the e+ beam polarization from transversal to longitudinal by an electrostatic 90˚ bender which is proposed to work in combination with a remoderator. Simulations show that neither the remoderator nor the electrostatic bender will change the degree of e+ beam polarization. The longitudinally polarized e+ can be successfully transported to the sample chambers without depolarization, but with reduced intensity (by approximately one order of magnitude) due to the remoderation. We present a convertor-moderator assembly with a hole which will allow creating positrons in parasitic mode, i.e., simultaneously with the nuclear physics experiments at ELI-NP. The positron spectroscopy laboratory at ELI-NP will be user dedicated and the beam will have the highest intensity of polarized slow positrons for material science in the world and therefore it could become a unique tool for investigation of magnetic samples.
Model Approaches for Simulation of Processes in Rod and Wire Production
Authors: Schmidtchen Matthias , Adamyanets Pavel , Kawalla Rudolf
Published: March 2017

Actual improvements in rod or wire production e.g. in relation to power requirements, energy consumption and final material properties demand powerful simulation tools for process optimization, pre-setting calculations or automation. The groove pass design model of TU Bergakademie Freiberg was developed and applied for this purposes. This paper gives a short review of the history of this model approaches and highlights some important stages of development.
Enhanced diagnosis of rabies and molecular evidence for the transboundary spread of the disease in Mozambique
Authors: Coetzer Andre , Anahory Iolanda , Dias Paula T. , Sabeta Claude T. , Scott Terence P. , Markotter Wanda , Nel Louis H.
Published: March 2017

Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease with veterinary and public health significance, particularly in Africa and Asia. The current knowledge of the epidemiology of rabies in Mozambique is limited because of inadequate sample submission, constrained diagnostic capabilities and a lack of molecular epidemiological research. We wanted to consider the direct, rapid immunohistochemical test (DRIT) as an alternative to the direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) for rabies diagnosis at the diagnostic laboratory of the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), Directorate of Animal Science, Maputo, Mozambique. Towards this aim, as a training exercise at the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Rabies Reference Laboratory in South Africa, we performed the DRIT on 29 rabies samples from across Mozambique. With the use of the DRIT, we found 15 of the 29 samples (52%) to be negative. The DRIT-negative samples were retested by DFA at the OIE Rabies Reference Laboratory, as well as with an established real-time Polymerase chain reaction, confirming the DRIT-negative results. The DRIT-positive results (14/29) were retested with the DFA and subsequently amplified, sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analyses, confirming the presence of rabies RNA. Molecular epidemiological analyses that included viruses from neighbouring countries suggested that rabies cycles within Mozambique might be implicated in multiple instances of cross-border transmission. In this regard, our study has provided new insights that should be helpful in informing the next steps required to better diagnose, control and hopefully eliminate rabies in Mozambique.
Показатели Ляпунова и инвариантные меры на проективном расслоении
Authors: Osipenko Georgy Sergeevich
Published: March 2017

Рассматривается дискретная динамическая система,
порожденная диффеоморфизмом $f$ на компактном многообразии.
Спектр Морса - это предельное множество показателей Ляпунова
периодических псевдотраекторий. Показано, что спектр Морса
совпадает с множеством усреднений функции $\varphi(x,e)=\ln|Df(x)e|$
над инвариантными мерами отображения,
которое индуцируется дифференциалом $Df$ на проективном расслоении.
Библиография: 14 названий.
A Climate-scale Satellite Record for Carbon Monoxide: The MOPITT Version 7 Product
Authors: Deeter Merritt N. , Edwards David P. , Francis Gene L. , Gille John C. , Martinez-Alonso Sara , Worden Helen M. , Sweeney Colm
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The MOPITT (“Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere”) satellite instrument has been making observations of atmospheric carbon monoxide since 2000. Recent enhancements to the MOPITT retrieval algorithm have resulted in the release of the Version 7 (V7) product. Improvements include (1) representation of growing atmospheric concentrations of N2O, (2) use of meteorological fields from the MERRA-2 reanalysis for the entire MOPITT mission (instead of MERRA), (3) use of the MODIS Collection 6 cloud mask product (instead of Collection 5), (4) a new strategy for radiance bias correction, and (5) an improved method for calibrating MOPITT’s NIR radiances. Statistical comparisons of V7 validation results with corresponding V6 results are presented, using aircraft in-situ measurements as the reference. Clear improvements are demonstrated for V7 products with respect to overall retrieval biases, bias variability, and bias drift uncertainty.
Physiology regulates the relationship between coccosphere geometry and growth phase in coccolithophores
Authors: Sheward Rosie M. , Poulton Alex J. , Gibbs Samantha J. , Daniels Chris J. , Bown Paul R.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Coccolithophores are an abundant phytoplankton group that exhibit remarkable diversity in their biology, ecology and calcitic exoskeletons (coccospheres). Their extensive fossil record is a testament to their important biogeochemical role and is a valuable archive of biotic responses to environmental change stretching back over 200 million years. However, to realise the full potential of this archive for (palaeo-)biology and biogeochemistry requires an understanding of the physiological processes that underpin coccosphere architecture. Using culturing experiments on four modern coccolithophore species (Calcidiscus leptoporus, Calcidiscus quadriperforatus, Helicosphaera carteri and Coccolithus braarudii) from three long-lived families, we investigate how coccosphere architecture responds to shifts from exponential (rapid cell division) to stationary (slowed cell division) growth phases as cell physiology reacts to nutrient depletion. These experiments reveal statistical differences in coccosphere size and the number of coccoliths per cell between these two growth phases, specifically that cells in exponential-phase growth are typically smaller with fewer coccoliths, whereas cells experiencing growth-limiting nutrient depletion have larger coccosphere sizes and greater numbers of coccoliths per cell. Although the exact numbers are species-specific, these growth-phase shifts in coccosphere geometry demonstrate that the core physiological responses of cells to nutrient depletion result in increased coccosphere sizes and coccoliths per cell across four different coccolithophore families (Calcidiscaceae, Coccolithaceae, Isochrysidaceae and Helicosphaeraceae), a representative diversity of this phytoplankton group. Building on this, the direct comparison of coccosphere geometries in modern and fossil coccolithophores enables a proxy for growth phase to be developed that can be used to investigate growth responses to environmental change throughout their long evolutionary history. Our data also show that changes in growth rate and coccoliths per cell associated with growth-phase shifts can substantially alter cellular calcite production. Coccosphere geometry is therefore a valuable tool for accessing growth information in the fossil record, providing unprecedented insights into the response of species to environmental change and the potential biogeochemical consequences.
The sexuality of a colostomized person as a major component of quality of life and nursing care
Authors: Kimura Cristilene Akiko , Kamada Ivone , Guilhem Dirce Bellezi , De Abreu Breno Silva de Abreu , Fortes Renata Costa , Santos Walquiria Lene dos
Published: March 2017

The colostomized person's perceptions regarding sexuality and sexual activity is a major component of quality of life and nursing care, however due to several limitations, the questionnaire only approach, although validated for such applications, has not enough resolution, due to its qualitative approach, to capture more delicate aspects of the impact of an ostomy onto a otherwise healthy patient. In order to correct such bias, a exploratory-descriptive study of a qualitative approach based on Bardain’s content analysis was conducted.  80 colostomized participants were recruited from Stomatology Outpatient Clinics in the Hospital de Base, Regional Hospital of Asa Norte and the Regional Hospital of Gama, Distrito Federal, Brazil. Data was collected through a clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as an individual interview. The results are presented in five categories: self-concept, leakage issues, odor and gases, stigma, sexual activity and companionship. The analysis suggests that the fulfillment of nursing care ideals, through clear and objective communication, results in the colostomized person's care and can favor in the acceptance of their new way of living. The exchange of knowledge and practices between the colostomized patient and the medical care support crew, in special the nursing care, allows the establishment of strategies that contribute gradually to the full health care, promoting the improvement of the QoL of both the colostomized person as well his/her partner. It is concluded that health services should provide care process in health and nursing, with the purpose of guaranteeing means for the planning of a holistic implementation of health care. This planning should include the psychological support and the educational process that develops one's ability for self-care, which may interfere in the role of sexuality and sexual activity, in addition to the physiological, psychological and social issues.
Designing First-year Sociology Curricula and Practice
Authors: Thomas Theda Ann , Rechter Sue , Wallace Joy , Allen Pamela , Clark Jennifer , Cole Bronwyn , Sheridan Burns Lynette , Jones Adrian , Lawrence Jill
Published: March 2017

Many countries are now specifying standards for graduates in different disciplines, including sociology. In Australia, the Australian Sociological Association (TASA) has developed Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs) for sociology to provide the learning outcomes that students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology should achieve. These TLOs have encouraged universities to think explicitly about their sociology curriculum in a holistic way. This paper reports on a project that investigated the skills and concepts sociology students need to learn in first year to meet the TLOs by the time they graduate. The project identified the needs of students as they transition from school or work into the study of sociology in first year through a study of literature of first-year pedagogy and a student survey. A workshop was held for sociology that involved 37 academics from 14 universities. The workshop was used to promote a rethink of teaching of sociology in the light of the new TLOs as well as to collect ideas from the participants. The student surveys, workshop ideas and relevant literature were analyzed and synthesized for each TLO to determine what skills and concepts first-year students needed to learn, identify what they might find difficult and propose strategies for teaching. The paper also provides practical ideas for engaging academics with thinking holistically about the sociology curriculum and for teaching and learning sociology in the first year of an undergraduate degree.
Power, Legitimacy, and Urgency of Community-Based Tourism Stakeholders in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Sripun Mattara , Yongvanit Sekson , Pratt Richard
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the dynamics of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) stakeholder salience namely; power, legitimacy and urgency. Data is drawn from a doctoral research fieldwork, undertaken from 2013-2016 in two long running CBT villages in Northeastern Thailand which are Ban Prasat; an archaeological site in Nakhon Ratchasima province, and the ethnic Phu Tai cultural village of Ban Khok Kong in Kalasin province. Instruments include secondary data, participatory and non-participatory observations, and in-depth interviews using semi-structured questions with 53 key informants selected from 5 pre-defined stakeholder groups. Content analysis is employed using a modified stakeholder salience framework. The paper is structured into four main parts; an introduction to the theoretical foundations of the research, the examination of “legitimate” stakeholder groups and their dynamic relations, the discussion of stakeholder salience’s fundamental concepts of “who and what really matters”, and the limitations of applying a stakeholder approach in the CBT context. Findings unfold subtle but complex layers of process dynamics and stakeholder relationship. Women and the elderly are the backbone of a CBT process. Stakeholders play various roles based on group member skills. Roles and responsibilities are contingent, inclusive, and non-hierarchical. Functional differentiation serves as a management parameter and determines stakeholder urgency. Though CBT is managed through a participatory decision making process, the leaders are the most powerful stakeholder groups controlling tourism resources and regulations. CBT stakes are collective benefits. Normative legitimacy is found to be the most critical aspect. Interest overlap and the dynamic range of the stakeholder interrelations found in both CBT communities are too contingent and transitory for a unified thought on CBT management. Stakeholder interrelations transit as the setting evolves and the stakeholders themselves make decisions or change their opinions. This subjective element highlights moral essentiality and leadership dependence. Legitimacy is inevitably another form of power.
Evidence-Based Research on Barriers and Physical Limitations in Hospital Public Zones Regarding the Universal Design Approach
Authors: Phaholthep Charanya , Sawadsri Antika , Bunyasakseri Thirawut
Published: March 2017

The hospital is a public building which has the primary duty to provide services to everyone. So far, it is necessary to take into consideration the principle of Universal Design (UD) in responding to the behavior of users, particularly, persons with disabilities. This research focused on 2 main issues, (1) the physical features of the public areas for measurement and collection regarding to the style, size and location of facilities, and whether they meet the requirement and/or appropriate for people with disabilities, and (2) behavior of users with disabilities in accessing spaces and service facilities in the hospital public zones, focusing on the involvement between activities, behaviors and problems which occur. This research used empirical method to assess and evaluate the physical features by the process of Post Occupancy Evaluation, (POE), using 2 evaluation methods, 1) survey/observation (Cognitive walkthrough) and 2) scenario access audit methods. In detail, the survey/observation focused on the obstacles within a physical environment that affect space and service activities regarding people with different types of disabilities. Identifying the obstructions in public functions and health care facilities was implemented by a group of design specialists. On the other hand, the scenario access audit process was operated by determining the level of accessibility and the real patient flow of patients with disabilities on-sites and spaces in public zones. Therefore, this research speculated on all problems and came up with the design guidelines to improve the physical features of public zones in responding to the usability of the service facilities under the UD approach.
Aircraft Acquisition Conceptual Framework
Authors: Yusof Ismail bin , Rahim Abd Rahman Abdul
Published: March 2017

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has faced difficulties in achieving and sustaining at least 70% of its aircraft availability (Av) in order to support its operational requirements. The head start for this research is to discuss with a focus group (FG) which comprise of eight officers and one moderator and supported by observation on the field. The FG highlighted that the low Av was due to the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of the through life cycle support (TLCS) as a result of weaknesses in the acquisition conceptual framework (ACF). Three research questions were put forward; Q1: Why has the RMAF not achieved its aircraft Av as its desired objectives? Q2: How do the RMAF’s present acquisition practices given a significant impact to Av? And Q3: What is the recommended ACF to be used to ensure higher aircraft Av? The mix mode method (quantitative and qualitative) data collection was used. The literature review focused on critical success factors (CSFs) in terms of acquisition, terms and definition, and present practices in the Royal Malaysian Army (RMA), the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), the Malaysian public sector, the Department of Defence of the United States of America (DoD USA), the Ministry of Defence of United Kingdom (MoD UK) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Based on the CSFs from the literature review, a preliminary ACF I was developed. The RMAF case study had focused on Type A, Type B, Type C and Type D aircraft. Data on aircraft status for FY 2011 to 2015 was gathered from the Air Support Command Headquarters (ASHQ). The survey was achieved through 16 self-administered structured questionnaires which are close-ended involving 120 out of 150 respondents from the Worker Group (WG). The interviewer collected qualitative data using 21 semi-structured questionnaires with open-ended answers on 20 respondents from the Management Group (MG). The survey and interview results were presented in a matrix table and categorized in accordance with themes and their relationships. Based on the results of the case study, the preliminary ACF I was modified to ACF II. Then, ACF II was validated by four experts who comprise of two senior officers and two senior managers from the aviation industry. After validation, the ACF II was modified to ACF III (final) and was proposed for implementation. Three project objectives were put forward. Objective 1: To identify the cause of low Av.
Corporate Culture in Russia: History, Progress, Problems and Prospects
Authors: Chernykh Sergei I. , Parshikov Vladimir I.
Published: March 2017

Research on corporate culture is a trend that in essence reflects the problems and risks that exist in Russian society as well as corporations. Authors have three goals: first goal is to make a short analysis after investigations, that are dedicated to the condition of Russian culture; the second goal is an analysis of risks and problems of facing the Russian state and corporations caused by the world community’s transition to a new technological environment; and the third goal is the explication of development prospects of Russian corporate culture. There are many possible differentiated approaches and methods possible for a study of a cultural phenomena. The practical aspects of the corporate culture formation are considered on the example of the finance-bank structure “Sberbank”. The most productive approach is interdisciplinary research method. The research result is that the Russian scientific community has two main approaches (related to the corporate culture theme): rational and value approach and the term “corporate culture” used in the scientific literature as adequate for definitions “organizational” and “business” culture. This is identical to western research tradition, in general. The “industrial” development level of Russian corporate culture does not correspond to the meanings and values of the sixth technological paradigm, which is the main problem and the original “risk field” for optimization of corporate culture in Russia. The authors consider the organizational forms in which corporate culture develops and the wide historic experience of professional education had been accumulated earlier and corresponded to the pragmatism as the megatrend of education development that is the positive factor.
New species of the genus Otitoma Jousseaume, 1898 (Pseudomelatomidae, Conoidea) from the Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Morassi Mauro , Nappo Andrea , Bonfitto Antonio
Published: March 2017

Twelve new species are assigned to the genus Otitoma Jousseaume, 1898 in the family Pseudomelatomidae Morrison, 1966 and herein described: O. hadra sp. nov., O. neocaledonica sp. nov., O. rubiginostoma sp. nov and O. tropispira sp. nov. from New Caledonia; O. boucheti sp. nov., O. nereidum sp. nov. and O. sororcula sp. nov. from the Fiji Islands; O. xantholineata sp. nov. from the Solomon to the Fiji Islands; O. crassivaricosa sp. nov. from Fiji to Hiva Oa Island (Marquesas Archipelago); O. philpoppei sp. nov. from the Philippines but also reported from the Fiji Islands; O. elegans sp. nov. from the Fiji Islands and O. philippinensis sp. nov. from the Philippines. New data on O. carnicolor (Hervier, 1896) are provided. Otitoma mitra (Kilburn, 1986), from Southern Mozambique, is here considered a synonym of O. cyclophora (Deshayes, 1863). Drillia batjanensis Schepman, 1913, previously assigned to the genus Maoritomella Powell, 1942 in the family Borsoniidae Bellardi, 1875, is here assigned to the genus Otitoma. Photographs of the holotype of Drillia batjanensis are provided for the first time. In addition, color photographs of the type specimens of the following species are provided: Drillia kwandangensis Schepman, 1913, D. timorensis Schepman, 1913 and Mitrellatoma mitra Kilburn, 1986.
Survey of Energy Requirements for Public Water Supply in the United States
Authors: Sowby Robert B. , Burian Steven J.
Published: March 2017

National studies on drinking water systems’ energy requirements are sparse, and only limited empirical data have been available. This study adds considerable spatial and temporal detail to better characterize the requirements in the continental United States. Annual water use and energy use observations were collected from a panel of 109 water systems. The data show that the energy intensity of public water supply exhibits (1) an approximate log‐normal distribution; (2) regional patterns, with higher intensities in the western United States than the eastern United States; (3) significant interannual variations, with mixed increases and decreases; and (4) relationships to location, water source type, and system size that can be used to estimate energy intensities for other systems. Improved data collection is recommended. The data here contribute to several well‐documented research needs and will facilitate further study of the water–energy nexus with benefits to federal agencies, researchers, local water utilities, and national security practitioners.
Forensics Support Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance
Authors: Martin Barb , Wheeler Gerry
Published: March 2017

Troubleshooting a wastewater treatment facility's performance challenges often requires detective work, or forensics, to clearly identify and address an issue's root cause. A stable, scientifically managed level of process control can help simplify troubleshooting and aid a quick return to best performance.
Improve Water Quality by Leveraging Customer Complaints
Authors: Mix Nelson , Sanchez Cassia
Published: March 2017

Refine your utility's process for managing customer complaints to improve customer service and the utility's ability to detect potential contamination incidents. Existing technologies and tools can be used to prepare for and proactively respond to water quality problems with a customer complaint surveillance (CCS) protocol.
Tribal Rifts: A Valuation to the Extent of Criminal Justice System and Bodong System in Resolving Crimes and Disputes in the ASEAN Region
Authors: Domingo Noemi
Published: March 2017

The Cordillera Administrative Region's way of resolving crimes and disputes between two tribes is in accordance with their Bodong system wherein the codified and published Pagta or "the law of the Bodong" (literally translated "peace covenant or pact") is Kalinga's number one cultural and historical contribution to the country's National Cultural Treasure. The study determined the extent of Criminal Justice System and Bodong System in resolving crimes and disputes encountered by tribes who are in conflict. The researcher used the case study method wherein the basis for its concept is the theoretical framework, socio-cultural theory and grounded theory and self-report data with convenience sampling. "Semi-structured interviews, narrative response and blog discussions" were also used. 50% of the respondents stand for the statement that bodong system is bound to resolve cases that involve murder, land disputes, loss of property and other violations. Hence, the Cordillera Administrative Region's urge in pursuing in the legalization and government recognition of the Bodong System has put an ease with the lengthy trials of the Criminal Justice System. The Cordilleran leaders' initiative to organize PEACE SUMMIT every year is an effective way of informing people of Cordillera the essence of Bodong in their life not just a mere machinery, but rather a system.
The Influence of Cognitive Skills on the Core Values of Science Class Students
Authors: Libed Glenda
Published: March 2017

The Philippines has felt the need of brilliant leaders that would impact growth and development of the country.  Thus, this study determined the influence of cognitive skills on the core values of students. Specifically, it aimed to determine: 1) respondents' characteristics considering self-awareness, stress - coping skills, self - motivation, environmental influences such as family, peer and media; and academic performance; 2) students' cognitive skills; 3) level of students' core values; 4) difference in the students' cognitive skills and core values when grouped according to their characteristics; and 5) extent of contribution of the students' cognitive skills on their core values. This descriptive research used simple random sampling method, descriptive and inferential statistics.  Results showed that students have good stress coping skills, self-motivation, family and peer relationships.  Their overall cognitive skills and core values are fair and good, respectively. Students with good family and peer influence, high academic performance have significantly higher cognitive skills and core values. Their cognitive skills also positively affect core values. There is hope for a much better performance as they are rated good in core values given that the respondents are still grade 9. With proper intervention, they could assume leadership roles and be highly competitive leaders.