bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS BAURAN PEMASARAN TERHADAP PERILAKU KONSUMEN PRODUK PANGAN ORGANIK
Authors: Farida Farida
Published: August 2019

This study was aimed to analyze the effect of marketing mix consist of product, price, place, promotion, and service on consumer satisfaction and repurchase intention of organic food products. Fifty-four respondent were selected by convenience sampling method to collect information from the respondent by filled the sheet questionnaires to obtain primary data. The data were analyzed by using multiple regression method. The result of the study showed that the marketing mix was influenced significantly on customer satisfaction by 99,7percent and 80,4 percent was affected by repurchase intention. Product was a variable of marketing mix had more important to influence customer satisfaction and repurchase intention for organic food products. Marketing mix product, price, place, promotion, and service partially have a significant effect on consumer satisfaction. Product, price, and service significantly affected on repurchase intention, whereas place and promotion was no significant effect.

Key words: organic food, marketing mix, consumer satisfaction, repurchase intention
PENGARUH PERSEPSI KUALITAS DAN CITRA MEREK TERHADAP LOYALITAS PELANGGAN DENGAN KEPERCAYAAN PELANGGAN DAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL ANTARA
Authors: Faizal Hanim , Nurjanah Siti
Published: August 2019

The objective of this research is to know the effect of perceived quality, brand image towards customer loyalty through customer trust and customer satisfaction as intervening variables. The research model is the quantitative approach through a survey of 170 Mazda customers across 17 Dealers in Java, Kalimantan & Sulawesi. The sampling method is purposive sampling. The hypothesis test result shows that there is significant effect between perceived quality and brand image towards customer trust. And there is significant effect between perceived quality and brand image towards customer satisfaction. There is no significant effect between perceived quality towards customer loyalty and there is no significant effect between customer trust towards customer loyalty. But there is significant effect between brand image towards customer loyalty and there is significant effect between customer satisfaction towards customer loyalty. Based on the result, the company need to do marketing strategies by using 6P’s (People, Payplan, Product, Price, Place, Promotion) in order to enhance the positive impression of perceived quality and build customer trust through marketing activities to make a customer loyal to use Mazda car in Indonesia.

Keywords: perceived quality, brand image, customer trust, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty
DAMPAK PENDAPATAN ASLI DAERAH, DANA PERIMBANGAN DAN BELANJA MODAL TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PEMERINTAH DAERAH
Authors: Veny Veny , Anah Sri , Hariani Swarmilah
Published: August 2019

This study aims to examine the effect of Regional Original Income (PAD), transfer Funds and Capital Expenditures on Government Financial Performance The population in this study are 27 regencies and cities in West Java Province that have data on the realization of the Regional Budget (APBD) for the period 2012 - 2016. This study uses descriptive statistical analysis, classic assumption test in the form of normality test, multicollinearity test, autocorrelation test, heteroscedasticity test and hypothesis testing in the form of multiple linear regression analysis, T statistical test, F statistical test, test coefficient of determination (R2). The results of the study partially show that regional original income has a positive and significant effect on financial performance, while the transfer fund has a negative and significant effect on financial performance and Capital Expenditures shows a negative and not significant effect on financial performance.
INITIAL RETURN DAN RETURN 7 HARI SAHAM-SAHAM IPO DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA
Authors: Rahmanto Basuki Toto , Suriawinata Iman Sofian
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the study is to determine whether financial information that is proxied by the current ratio, return on assets, and debt to equity ratio and non-financial information proxied by auditor reputation, percentage of stock offerings, company age, and government ownership affect initial return and stock return 7 days. The sample used in this study are companies that conduct initial public offerings on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period of 2012 to 2016. The sampling method used was purposive sampling and the statistical method used is linear regression. The results of the study obtained the debt equity ratio, auditor reputation and company age negatively affected the initial return. The return of 7 days after the IPO is not influenced by financial and non-financial information, but the initial return affects the return of 7 days after the IPO in a positive direction.

Keywords: initial return, return  7 day post IPO
The Chromospheric Response to the Sunquake Generated by the X9.3 Flare of NOAA 12673
Authors: Quinn Sean , Reid Aaron , Mathioudakis Mihalis , Nelson Christoper , Krishna Prasad S. , Zharkov Sergei
Published: August 2019

Active region NOAA 12673 was extremely volatile in 2017 September, producing many solar flares, including the largest of solar cycle 24, an X9.3 flare of 2017 September 06. It has been reported that this flare produced a number of sunquakes along the flare ribbon. We have used cotemporal and cospatial Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) line of sight (LOS) and Swedish 1 m Solar Telescope (SST) observations to show evidence of the chromospheric response to these sunquakes. Analysis of the Ca ii 8542 Å line profiles of the wavefronts revealed that the crests produced a strong blue asymmetry, whereas the troughs produced at most a very slight red asymmetry. We used the combined HMI, SST data sets to create time–distance diagrams and derive the apparent transverse velocity and acceleration of the response. These velocities ranged from 4.5 to 29.5 km s−1 with a constant acceleration of 8.6 × 10−3 km s−2. We employed NICOLE inversions, in addition to the center-of-gravity method to derive LOS velocities ranging from 2.4 km s−1–3.2 km s−1. Both techniques show that the crests are created by upflows. We believe that this is the first chromospheric signature of a flare induced sunquake.
Viscosity and Prandtl Number of Warm Dense Water as in Ice Giant Planets
Authors: French Martin , Nettelmann Nadine
Published: August 2019

The thermophysical properties in water-rich planets are important for understanding their radius, luminosity, and magnetic field. Here we calculate the shear viscosity, isobaric heat capacity, and Prandtl number of warm dense fluid water using ab initio simulations. More specifically, the density (0.2–6 g cm−3)–temperature (1000–50,000 K) conditions considered here include states present in mini-Neptune to Neptune-sized planets. As a general result, we find that Pr ≳ 1 in their deep interiors if they are adiabatic, whereas Pr ≲ 1 if they are super-adiabatic. Our results lend some support to the suggestion of turbulent convection at Pr ≈ 1 to explain the peculiar magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune. Finally, we argue that double-diffusive convection in these Ice Giants would require fine-tuning of the compositional-to-superadiabaticity ratio

within a small factor of 2; instead we conclude that compositional gradients in Uranus and Neptune would be diffusive in nature and thus primordial heat could still be trapped inside.
SN 2016iet: The Pulsational or Pair Instability Explosion of a Low-metallicity Massive CO Core Embedded in a Dense Hydrogen-poor Circumstellar Medium
Authors: Gomez Sebastian , Berger Edo , Nicholl Matt , Blanchard Peter K. , Villar V. Ashley , Patton Locke , Chornock Ryan , Leja Joel , Hosseinzadeh Griffin , Cowperthwaite Philip S.
Published: August 2019

We present optical photometry and spectroscopy of SN 2016iet (=Gaia16bvd=PS17brq), an unprecedented Type I supernova (SN I) at z = 0.0676 with no obvious analog in the existing literature. SN 2016iet exhibits a peculiar light curve, with two roughly equal brightness peaks (≈ −19 mag) separated by about 100 days, and a subsequent slow decline by about 5 mag in 650 rest-frame days. The spectra are dominated by strong emission lines of calcium and oxygen, with a width of only 3400 km s−1, superposed on a strong blue continuum in the first year. There is no clear evidence for hydrogen or helium associated with the SN at any phase. The nebular spectra exhibit a ratio of

, much larger than for core-collapse SNe and Type I superluminous SNe. We model the light curves with several potential energy sources: radioactive decay, a central engine, and ejecta–circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction. Regardless of the model, the inferred progenitor mass near the end of its life (i.e., the CO core mass) is ≳55 M
⊙ and potentially up to 120 M
⊙, clearly placing the event in the regime of pulsational pair instability supernovae (PPISNe) or pair instability supernovae (PISNe). The models of CSM interaction provide the most consistent explanation for the light curves and spectra, and require a CSM mass of ≈35 M
⊙ ejected in the final decade before explosion. We further find that SN 2016iet is located at an unusually large projected offset (16.5 kpc, 4.3 effective radii) from its low-metallicity dwarf host galaxy (Z ≈ 0.1 Z
⊙, L ≈ 0.02 L
*, M ≈ 108.5
M
⊙), supporting the interpretation of a PPISN/PISN explosion. In our final spectrum at a phase of about 770 rest-frame days we detect weak and narrow Hα emission at the location of the SN, corresponding to a star formation rate of ≈3 × 10−4
M
⊙ yr−1, which is likely due to a dim underlying galaxy host or an H ii region. Despite the overall consistency of the SN and its unusual environment with PPISNe and PISNe, we find that the inferred properties of SN 2016iet challenge existing models of such events.
Accretion-induced Collapse from Magnetic White Dwarf Binaries and Formation of Binary Millisecond Pulsars: Redbacks and Black Widows
Authors: Ablimit Iminhaji
Published: August 2019

Redbacks (RBs) and black widows (BWs) are two peculiar classes of eclipsing millisecond pulsars (MSPs). The accretion-induced collapse (AIC) of an oxygen/neon/magnesium composition white dwarf (WD) to a neutron star has been suggested as one possible formation pathway for those two classes of MSPs. However, it is difficult to produce all known MSPs with the traditional AIC scenario. In this study by using the MESA stellar evolution code, we investigate the detailed pre-AIC evolution of magnetized WD binaries with the magnetic confinement model where the high magnetic field strength of the WD can confine the accreted matter in the polar caps. We find that the initial donor mass and orbital periods in our model can be lower than that of previous traditional AIC models. We also present post-AIC evolution models to form RBs and BWs with and without the spin-down luminosity evaporation of MSPs. Under the magnetic confinement model and evaporative winds (with corresponding angular momentum loss from the surface of the donor star), the companion masses and orbital periods of all known RBs can be covered and a number of binaries can evolve to become BWs.
Atomic Transition Probabilities for UV and Blue Lines of Fe ii and Abundance Determinations in the Photospheres of the Sun and Metal-poor Star HD 84937
Authors: Den Hartog E. A. , Lawler J. E. , Sneden C. , Cowan J. J. , Brukhovesky A.
Published: August 2019

We report new branching fractions (BFs) for 121 UV lines from the low-lying odd-parity levels of Fe ii belonging to the z6Do, z6Fo, z6Po, z4Fo, z4Do, and z4Po terms of the 3d6(5D)4p configuration. These lines range in wavelength from 2250 to 3280 Å and originate in levels ranging in energy from 38,459 to 47,626 cm−1. In addition, we report BFs for 10 weak blue lines connecting to the z4Do term that range in wavelength from 4173 to 4584 Å. The BFs are combined with radiative lifetimes from the literature to determine transition probabilities and log(gf) values. Comparison is made to selected experimental and theoretical data from the literature. Our new data are applied to iron abundance determinations in the Sun and in metal-poor star HD 84937. For the Sun, eight blue lines yield log ε(Fe) = 7.46 ± 0.03, in agreement with standard solar abundance estimates. For HD 84937 the observable wavelength range extends to the vacuum UV (λ ≥ 2327 Å), and from 75 lines we derive log ε(Fe) = 5.26 ± 0.01 (σ = 0.07), near to the metallicity estimates of past HD 84937 studies.
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine Use Associated with Worse Patient-reported Outcomes among Chinese American Rheumatology Patients?
Authors: Sun Kai , Szymonifka Jackie , Tian Henghe , Chang Yaju , Leng Jennifer C. , Mandl Lisa A.
Published: August 2019

Objective.

Chinese Americans are a fast-growing immigrant group with more severe rheumatic disease manifestations than whites and often a strong cultural preference for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). We aimed to examine TCM use patterns and association with patient-reported outcomes (PRO) among Chinese American rheumatology patients.

Methods.

Chinese Americans actively treated for systemic rheumatic diseases were recruited from urban Chinatown rheumatology clinics. Data on sociodemographics, acculturation, clinical factors, and TCM use (11 modalities) were gathered. Self-reported health status was assessed using Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) short forms. TCM users and nonusers were compared. Factors independently associated with TCM use were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

Results.

Among 230 participants, median age was 57 years (range 20–97), 65% were women, 71% had ≤ high school education, 70% were on Medicaid insurance, 47% lived in the United States for ≥ 20 years, and 22% spoke English fluently. Half used TCM in the past year; these participants had worse self-reported anxiety, depression, fatigue, and ability to participate in social roles and activities compared with nonusers. In multivariable analysis, TCM use was associated with belief in TCM, female sex, ≥ 20 years of US residency, reporting Western medicine as ineffective, and shorter rheumatic disease duration.

Conclusion.

Among these Chinese American rheumatology patients, TCM users had worse PRO in many physical and mental health domains. TCM use may be a proxy for unmet therapeutic needs. Asking about TCM use could help providers identify patients with suboptimal health-related quality of life who may benefit from targeted interventions.
Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Acquire Sustainable Skills for Home Monitoring: A Prospective Dual-country Cohort Study (ELECTOR Clinical Trial I)
Authors: Skougaard Marie , Bliddal Henning , Christensen Robin , Ellegaard Karen , Nielsen Sabrina M. , Zavada Jakub , Oreska Sabina , Krogh Niels S. , Holm Christian C. , Hetland Merete L. , Vencovsky Jiri , Røgind Henrik , Taylor Peter C. , Gudbergsen Henrik
Published: August 2019

Objective.

In an eHealth setting, to investigate intra- and interrater reliability and agreement of joint assessments and Disease Activity Score using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and test the effect of repeated joint assessment training.

Methods.

Patients with DAS28-CRP ≤ 5.1 were included in a prospective cohort study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02317939). Intrarater reliability and agreement of patient-performed joint counts were assessed through completion of 5 joint assessments over a 2-month period. All patients received training on joint assessment at baseline; only half of the patients received repeated training. A subset of patients was included in an appraisal of interrater reliability and agreement comparing joint assessments completed by patients, healthcare professionals (HCP), and ultrasonography. Cohen’s κ coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used for quantifying of reliability of joint assessments and DAS28-CRP. Agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman plots.

Results.

Intrarater reliability was excellent with ICC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.83–0.90) and minimal detectable change of 1.13. ICC for interrater reliability ranged between 0.69 and 0.90 (good to excellent). Patients tended to rate DAS28-CRP slightly higher than HCP. In patients receiving repeated training, a mean difference in DAS28-CRP of −0.08 was observed (limits of agreements of −1.06 and 0.90). After 2 months, reliability between patients and HCP was similar between groups receiving single or repeated training.

Conclusion.

Patient-performed assessments of joints and DAS28-CRP in an eHealth home-monitoring solution were reliable and comparable with HCP. Patients can acquire the necessary skills to conduct a correct joint assessment after initial and thorough training. [clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02317939)]
Energy of Graphs
Authors: Ramane Harishchandra S.
Published: August 2019

The energy of a graph G is defined as the sum of the absolute values of the eigenvalues of its adjacency matrix. The graph energy has close correlation with the total pi-electron energy of molecules calculated with Huckel molecular orbital method in chemistry. A graph whose energy is greater than the energy of complete graph of same order is called hyperenergetic graph. A non-complete graph having energy equal to the energy of complete graph is called borderenergetic graph. Two non-cospectral graphs are said to be equienergetic graphs if they have same energy. In this chapter, the results on graph energy are reported. Various bounds for graph energy and its characterization are summarized. Construction of hyperenergetic, borderenergetic, and equienergetic graphs are reported.
Post-shipment financial flows in supply chains: A study of small- to medium-sized enterprise importers
Authors: Schutte Francois , Niemann Wesley , Kotzé Theuns
Published: August 2019

Background: Global sourcing has impacted inventory levels, lead times and the availability of working capital, affecting the standard financial flow of a supply chain. Poorly managing the link between the financial and physical supply chains could therefore lead to unnecessarily high inventory investments or to a short supply of inventory, affecting cash flow, working capital, sales and, subsequently, a firm’s profitability.Objectives: The aim of this generic qualitative study was to explore how firms manage their financial supply chain alongside their physical supply chain.Method: Data were collected from 12 semi-structured interviews with senior managers across six small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME) importing firms in various industries.Results: The research finds that the buyer is the driver of both upstream and downstream financial supply chain management (FSCM) as SME importers in Gauteng are proactively managing their financial alongside their physical supply chains. Through the continuous evaluation of sourcing strategies, exchange rate risk management strategies and inventory investment management strategies, firms can align their physical and financial supply chains.Conclusion: This study highlights the lead time and disruption risks and costs of global sourcing and identifies FSCM tools that can be used to alleviate the financial burden associated with long lead times.
Evaluation of Operating Room Learning Environment for UAE Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents Using STEEM
Authors: Ramsi Ebtehal Al , Gami Neha
Published: August 2019

Background

The quality of the learning environment in the operating room (OR) is vital for the training of surgical residents. Tools with validity evidence exist to measure resident perceptions of the operative learning environment, yet to date no studies have assessed this environment for obstetrics and gynecology residency programs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Objective

We explored perceptions of obstetrics and gynecology residents regarding their operative learning environment in 2 hospitals in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Methods

Our cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 using the validated Surgical Theater Educational Environmental Measure (STEEM) questionnaire for trainee assessments in the OR learning environment. The 4 STEEM subscales measure teaching and training, learning opportunities, overall atmosphere, and supervision, workload, and support, respectively. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation were used to establish the internal consistence and reliability of the questionnaire. We calculated an overall score and compared scores between the 2 institutions using Student's t test.

Results

Thirty-one residents completed the questionnaire (18 at Corniche Hospital and 13 at Al Ain Hospital). The overall average STEEM score was 142.1. The score for residents at Corniche Hospital was 134.9 and that for Al Ain Hospital was 152.2, with better overall scores on 3 STEEM domains at Al Ain Hospital.

Conclusions

Our study showed that obstetrics and gynecology residents in the UAE have a positive perception of their operative learning environment. We also identified areas for improvement.
Postgraduate Medical Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Spanning 26 Years and Lessons Learned
Authors: Talib Zohray , Narayan Lalit , Harrod Thomas
Published: August 2019

Background

Investments in training physician specialists through postgraduate medical education (PGME) are critical for Sub-Saharan Africa, given the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.

Objectives

The objectives of this scoping review were to (1) understand the breadth of publications on PGME from Sub-Saharan Africa, and (2) conduct a thematic analysis of lessons learned by specific training programs.

Methods

We conducted a literature search of 7 databases for PGME literature published between January 1991 and December 2016. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts for inclusion. Full-text articles were then reviewed, and bibliometric data were extracted to create a profile of PGME-related publications. Two authors coded the manuscripts to identify articles written about specific PGME programs. These were analyzed for lessons learned.

Results

We identified 813 publications that reported on postgraduate medical education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most articles were published between 2005 and 2016. Nations leading in publication were South Africa and Nigeria, followed by Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi. The largest number of articles related to general surgery training, followed by family medicine, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology. Thematic analysis revealed advantages of training programs for health facilities, challenges related to teaching, resourcing, and standardizing of training, and lessons learned related to international partnerships, faculty engagement, and research support for trainees.

Conclusions

PGME in Sub-Saharan Africa has evolved over the past 26 years. Future growth will require strategic support to scale programs, support new specialties, trainees, and teachers, and leverage best practice models to sustain PGME programs.
Characteristics, Trends, and Factors Associated With Publication Among Residents of Oman Medical Specialty Board Programs
Authors: Al-Busaidi Ibrahim S. , Al-Shaqsi Sultan Z. , Al-Alawi Awatif K. , Al-Sinani Siham , Al-Kashmiri Ammar
Published: August 2019

Background

Research during residency is associated with better clinical performance, improved critical thinking, and increased interest in an academic career.

Objective

We examined the rate, characteristics, and factors associated with research publications by residents in Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) programs.

Methods

We included residents enrolled in 18 OMSB residency programs between 2011 and 2016. Resident characteristics were obtained from the OMSB Training Affairs Department. In April 2018, MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases were searched independently by 2 authors for resident publications in peer-reviewed journals using standardized criteria.

Results

Over the study period, 552 residents trained in OMSB programs; 64% (351 of 552) were female, and the mean age at matriculation was 29.4 ± 2.2 years. Most residents (71%, 393 of 552) were in the early stages of specialty training (R ≤ 3) and 49% (268 of 552) completed a designated research block as part of their training. Between 2011 and 2016, 43 residents published 42 research articles (range, 1–5 resident authors per article), for an overall publication rate of 8%. Residents were the first authors in 20 (48%) publications. Male residents (odds ratio [OR] = 2.07; P = .025, 95% CI 1.1–3.91) and residents who completed a research block (OR = 2.57; P = .017, 95% CI 1.19–5.57) were significantly more likely to publish.

Conclusions

Research training during residency can result in tangible research output. Future studies should explore barriers to publication for resident research and identify interventions to promote formal scholarly activity during residency.
The Positive Effects of Accreditation on Graduate Medical Education Programs in Singapore
Authors: Holt Kathleen D. , Miller Rebecca S. , Byrne Lauren M. , Day Susan H.
Published: August 2019

Background

There is worldwide interest in assessing the impact of accreditation systems to quantify their benefits to medical education and, through this, health care at the local and global levels.

Objective

We analyzed ACGME-I Resident Survey data from Singapore for 2011–2018 to assess the impact of accreditation on residents' evaluations of their programs.

Methods

We focused on 7 questions from the annual Resident Survey, which would be affected by accreditation compliance, along with a single global rating of respondents' overall perception of their program. We assessed for differences among specialty groupings (medical, surgical, and hospital-based) and Singapore's 3 health care systems. Repeated measures analysis of variance procedures was used to assess trends across time for the combined 8 items and each individual item.

Results

Analysis of the combined items showed significant improvement over the 7 years Singaporean programs had accreditation. There were no effects for specialty type or sponsoring institution. Analyses of individual questions showed 6 of 8 were significant for improvement. For the individual question related to duty hour compliance, there was a significant interaction between time and specialty, suggesting medical specialties showed greater improvement across time compared to surgical and hospital-based specialties.

Conclusions

Implementation of accreditation in Singapore provided educational and clinical learning environment infrastructure not present prior to 2010, with the benefits of this reflected in residents' perceptions of their learning environment. Future assessments of the effects of accreditation might add stakeholder interviews to more fully describe its value and impact.
Balm in Gilead: religious soothing from the furnace of the Nigeria-Biafra War and Igbo Pentecostal expressions
Authors: Nwadialor Kanayo
Published: August 2019

Pentecostalism in recent times has become a crucial phenomenon exerting a great influence on the religious, social and cultural life of the Igbo. This is traceable to the social-economic and psychological conditions that prevailed in Igboland during and immediately after the Nigeria-Biafra war. Most of the existing literature on the war seem to be focused on its economic and social consequences with little or no serious attention given to religious yearnings from the furnace of the war particular the growth of Pentecostalism in Igboland. Furthermore, the war appears to be majorly seen by historians from the perspective of the international diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the international communities, without looking inwards to its religious implications. It is on the strength of the above lacuna that this research work was conceived. The study was anchored on the empirical theory of divine intervention as propounded by Thomas Aquinas and observed that disillusionment, poverty and depression that naturally followed the war could not be resolved by the programme of reintegration, reconciliation and reconstruction of the federal government. Similarly, the Igbo people appeared to have lost confidence in the potency of their traditional religious practices as well as the sincerity of the harbingers of mission Christianity, which created an atmosphere of a new religious demand that enhanced evangelization and Pentecostal growth. Like the post slave trade, the post war Igboland saw a balm in Gilead from the soothing messages of the Pentecostal movements that promised to heal the wounds of the war. Pentecostalism offered hope, absolute reliance on the divine will on matters of marginalization, poverty and disillusionments that compounded the tragic incidence of the war.
Codemixing and effective communication: a study of University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka undergraduates
Authors: Obasi Jane Chinelo
Published: August 2019

Language is the basic reason communication is made possible. It is essentially a means of communication among the members of a society. Based on this, the research appraises the nature of language use in the University environment especially as it concerns students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. From the point of view of the theory of interactional sociolinguistics which uses discourse analysis to study how language users create meaning via social interactions, the study examines some peculiar codes that are used by the students of UNN and UNIZIK in their different locations: classrooms, hostels and relaxation centres; and how these codes create unimaginable meaning while communicating in English. These codes were tabulated and analysed based on their lexical and morphological implications. It is important to state that these codes are intelligible and acceptable among the users even though they make conscious effort not to use these codes in formal communications. However, when one is not familiar with the linguistic background of the users, the person may be at sea in the midst of these students during communication. Therefore, for one to understand these codes and the way students mix them in their English language expressions, one has to observe and study the linguistic structures of their language use.Keywords: Code-mixing, effective communication, lexis, morphology
Cultural conceptualization of women in Igbo Proverbs
Authors: Emeka-Nwobia Ngozi U. , Ndimele Roseline I.
Published: August 2019

There is a popular narrative that women are the weaker vessels and depend on men for confirmation of their thoughts and actions. This narrative is expressed linguistically through the pejorative and diminutive portrayal of women in Igbo proverbs. Proverbs are powerful and potent vehicle for culture dissemination from one generation to the other. The functionality and cultural essence therefore transcends generational sayings and performances. Proverbs are metaphorical statements and reflection of the people’s cultures, indigenous knowledge, cosmology, value, spirituality and essence. They provide channels for intergenerational transfers from old to young members of the society. Among the Igbo of the south eastern Nigeria, it is said to be the oil with which words are eaten. Applying Lakoff’s concept of Women language and Critical discourse Analytical theory, this paper examines the representation of women in Igbo proverb. The objective is to examine the nexus between language, gender and culture. It specifically analyses the traditions, views, perceptions and roles of women in traditional and contemporary Igbo society. Forty five Igbo proverbs about women were selected from both written and oral sources. These include Igbo proverbs that literarily mentioned women (old women – agadi nwaanyị, young woman/lady - nwaagbọghọ, wife - nwunye and the woman’s body) and explored its portrayal without much attention to the contextualised meaning which may vary according to usage at different context, though being one of the fluidities of proverbs. Findings reveal that in spite of the changing role of women in Igbo society, the cultural interpretations/conations attached to these proverbs are still untainted. Women are still stereotyped as subservient, weak, vulnerable and evil using proverbs. This cultural representation extols hegemonic masculinity and feminity.Keywords: Igbo Language, Culture, Proverb, Igbo Women
Biodigestores e biogás na suinocultura Catarinense
Authors: Gelinski Neto Francisco , Gelinski Junior Eduardo , Guesser Filipe
Published: August 2019

A suinocultura é importante na economia brasileira e catarinense. O Brasil é quarto exportador de carne suína. Em Santa Catarina o produto é o segundo em Valor Bruto de Produção. Porém, a suinocultura é uma atividade visada por problemas ambientais. A preocupação neste trabalho são as emissões de metano geradas pelos efluentes da atividade. Nesse sentido, o objetivo é verificar a utilização da tecnologia de coleta e queima de biogás nas experiências feitas em três microrregiões de Santa Catarina (Joaçaba, Concórdia e Xanxerê) avaliando a evolução e dificuldades e o grau de utilização de biodigestores do modelo Canadense de fluxo contínuo. As entrevistas com técnicos e outros permitiram verificar a dificuldade de manutenção dos biodigestores, o que motivou o seu abandono por muitos produtores. Não há expectativa de ampliação de uso no curto prazo se não houver solução tecnológica e financeira para estímulo aos produtores.
The evolution of cloud microphysics upon aerosol interaction at the summit of Mt. Tai, China
Authors: Li Jiarong , Zhu Chao , Chen Hui , Zhao Defeng , Xue Likun , Wang Xinfeng , Li Hongyong , Liu Pengfei , Liu Junfeng , Zhang Chenglong , Mu Yujing , Zhang Wenjin , Zhang Luming , Li Kai , Liu Min , Herrmann Hartmut , Chen Jianmin
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The influence of aerosols, both natural and anthropogenic, remains a major area of uncertainty when predicting the properties and behaviour of clouds and their influence on climate. In an attempt to understand better the microphysical properties of cloud droplets, the aerosol-cloud interactions, and the corresponding climate effect during cloud life cycles in the North China Plain, an intensive observation took place from 17 June to 30 July 2018 at the summit of Mt. Tai. Cloud microphysical parameters were monitored simultaneously with number concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei (NCCN) at different supersaturations, PM2.5 mass concentrations, particle size distributions and meteorological parameters. Number concentrations of cloud droplets (NC), liquid water content (LWC) and effective radius of cloud droplets (reff) show large variations among 40 cloud events observed during the campaign. Perturbations of aerosols will significantly increase the NC of cloud droplets and shift cloud droplets toward smaller size ranges. Clouds in clean days are more susceptible to the change in concentrations of particle number (NP). LWC shows positive correlation with reff. As NC increases, reff changes from a trimodal distribution to a unimodal distribution. By assuming a cloud thickness of 100 m, we find that the albedo can increase 36.4 % if the cloud gets to be disturbed by aerosols. This may induce a cooling effect on the local climate system. Our results contribute more information about regional cloud microphysics and will help to reduce the uncertainties in climate models when predicting climate responses to cloud-aerosol interactions.
The Quaternary sequence of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: areas of specific interest and ongoing investigations
Authors: Börner Andreas , Gehrmann Anna , Hüneke Heiko , Kenzler Michael , Lorenz Sebastian
Published: August 2019

Abstract. This paper aims to combine the knowledge of more than 100 years of Quaternary research in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Geinitz,
1922; Deecke, 1907; Schulz, 1967, 1971; von Bülow, 2000; Rühberg et
al., 1995; Müller et al., 1995; Katzung, 2004; Kenzler et al.,
2015, 2018) including a summary of the areas of specific interest, a general
overview of the most recent scientific results and of the ongoing
investigations presented during the Field Symposium of the INQUA PeriBaltic
Working Group 2019.
Sea cliff at Glowe: stratigraphy and absolute age chronology of the Jasmund Pleistocene sedimentary record
Authors: Kenzler Michael , Hüneke Heiko
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Four remarkable Pleistocene cliff outcrops scattered across the
peninsula of Jasmund exhibit the dynamics of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet
during the Weichselian glaciation in this area. The investigated sites
display up to 30 m thick sequences of glacial tills with intercalated
(glaci)fluvial to (glaci)lacustrine sediments. Based on detailed
lithofacies analyses and a physical age chronology, we trace the
reconstruction of the depositional sequences and their corresponding
stratigraphic position within the Weichselian record.
Suitability analysis of ski areas in China: an integrated study based on natural and socioeconomic conditions
Authors: Deng Jie , Che Tao , Xiao Cunde , Wang Shijin , Dai Liyun , Meerzhan Akynbekkyzy
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics (Beijing
2022, officially known as the XXIV Olympic Winter Games) has greatly
stimulated Chinese enthusiasm towards winter sports participation.
Consequently, the Chinese ski industry is rapidly booming due to enormous
market demand and government support. However, investing in ski areas in
unreasonable locations will cause problems from an economic perspective (in
terms of operation and management) as well as geographical concerns (such as
environmental degradation). Therefore, evaluating the suitability of a ski
area based on scientific metrics has become a prerequisite for the
sustainable development of the ski industry. In this study, we evaluate the
locational suitability of ski areas in China by integrating their natural
and socioeconomic conditions using a linearly weighted method based on
geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis combined with remote
sensing, online, and field survey data. The key indexes for evaluating
natural suitability include snow cover, air temperature, topographic
conditions, water resources, and vegetation, whereas socioeconomic
suitability is evaluated based on economic conditions, accessibility of
transportation, distance to a tourist attraction, and distance to a city. As
such, metrics ranging from 0 to 1 considering both natural and socioeconomic
conditions are used to define a suitability threshold for each candidate
region for ski area development. A ski area is considered to be a dismal
prospect when the locational integrated index is less than 0.5. The results
show that 84 % of existing ski areas are located in areas with an
integrated index greater than 0.5. Finally, corresponding development
strategies for decision-makers are proposed based on the multicriteria
metrics, which will be extended to incorporate potential influences from
future climate change and socioeconomic development. However, the snowmaking
model with local data should to be used to further analyze the suitability
for a specific ski area.
The influence of water percolation through crevasses on the thermal regime of Himalayan mountain glaciers
Authors: Gilbert Adrien , Sinisalo Anna , Gurung Tika R. , Fujita Koji , Maharjan Sudan B. , Sherpa Tenzing C. , Fukuda Takehiro
Published: August 2019

Abstract. In cold and arid climate, small glaciers with cold accumulation zone are often thought to be entirely cold based. However, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) measurements on Rikha Samba Glacier in the Nepal Himalaya reveal a large amount of temperate ice that seems to be influenced by the presence of crevassed areas. We used a coupled thermo-mechanical model forced by a firn model accounting for firn heating to interpret the observed thermal regime. We show that the addition of water percolation and refreezing in crevassed areas using a simple energy conservative approach is able to explain the observations. Model experiment shows that both steady and transient thermal regimes are significantly affected by latent heat release in crevassed areas. It makes half of the glacier base temperate, resulting in the dynamics mainly controlled by basal friction instead of ice deformation. Timescale of thermal regime change in response to warming climate is also greatly diminished with a potential switch from cold to temperate basal ice in 50–60 years in the upper part of the glacier while it would take 100–150 years without the crevasses effect. This study highlights the crucial role of water percolation through the crevasses on the thermal regime of glaciers and validates a simple method to take it into account in glacier thermo-mechanical models.
The benefits of good tutor-student relationships in the first year
Authors: Kahu Ella R , Picton Catherine
Published: August 2019

Teacher-student relationships (TSR) are an important influence on the student experience at university. Existing research, predominantly with lecturers, highlights that these relationships have academic and affective dimensions. Studies demonstrate good TSR increase student motivation, engagement, and learning. The current study adds a student voice to this topic, focussing on their views of tutoring staff, who undertake much of the face-to-face teaching in universities. The qualitative study followed 19 students through their first year at an Australian university. The students identified four characteristics of a ‘good’ tutor: helpful, caring, likeable, and hands-on. Students talked about multiple benefits of having a good tutor including increased help-seeking, studying harder, more interest in class, and improved well-being and belonging. The importance of the tutor role is underestimated and institutions would do well to better support these valuable staff.
Engaging the disengaged: Exploring the use of course-specific learning analytics and nudging to enhance online student engagement
Authors: Lawrence Jill , Brown Alice , Redmond Petrea , Basson Marita
Published: August 2019

Universities increasingly implement online delivery to strengthen students’ access and flexibility. However, they often do so with limited understanding of the impact of online pedagogy on student engagement. To explore these issues, a research project was conducted investigating the use of course-specific learning analytics to ‘nudge’ students into engaging more actively in their courses. Drawing on perspectives emanating from communication and critical theories, the research involved a staged intervention strategy conducted across three courses (n=892) focussing on a range of timely, strategic communication interventions. Research findings revealed benefits for students who felt supported by explicit expectation management and the strategic use of early nudging to enhance their prioritisation of key course-specific resources. Academics benefited by making use of nudging templates/principles to increase student engagement in their courses. The course-specific context meant that academics and students explicitly shared ways of working in the one place where learners ultimately succeed – the course.
Using an alternate reality game to facilitate student engagement during orientation
Authors: Glencross Sarah , Elsom Sandra , Westacott Marguerite , Stieler-Hunt Colleen
Published: August 2019

An alternate reality game was designed to facilitate transition and engagement amongst students commencing a tertiary preparation program at a regional university in Australia.  The design of the game was informed by a student engagement framework which proposes four psychosocial constructs which mediate engagement at the intersection between student and institutional influences: self-efficacy, belonging, well-being, and emotion.  The 108 participants completed a survey which measured these constructs prior to the commencement of the game.  Game players (n = 13) were surveyed again immediately after the game.  The results of statistical analysis indicated that game players reported a greater sense of well-being and more positive emotions than the group surveyed before the game.
Online learning in Australian higher education: Opportunities, challenges and transformations
Authors: Stone Cathy
Published: August 2019

Higher education is being rapidly transformed by the growth in online learning, with an increasing number of universities worldwide offering degree programs in online, distance modes of study. Australian education has a long history of 'distance education', primarily offered by regional universities. With the digital communication advances of the 21st century, traditional 'correspondence' study has transformed into online learning, with many more universities, both metropolitan and regional, offering undergraduate degree programs that can be completed entirely online. While this can provide a significant opportunity for further widening of participation in higher education, Australian and international research indicates that much needs to be done to improve the higher attrition rates currently associated with online learning. This paper draws on the findings of three separate yet related Australian research projects, to compare student and staff perspectives on ways to improve outcomes in online learning.
International students’ transition to university: Connection and disconnection in online group work interactions
Authors: Sleeman Jade , Lang Catherine , Dakich Eva
Published: August 2019

An Australian higher education experience often includes group work as an important social learning opportunity. For international students, taking part in a group assignment can positively influence learning and adjustment to the new cultural and educational context through social interaction. However, students are increasingly choosing to use digital technologies to participate in group assignments, which may impact on opportunities available to make social connections with peers. This study investigated the experiences of 26 international students as they transitioned to study at an Australian university about their use of social media for group assignments and their resulting perceptions of connection to classmates. Analysis of the results suggests that students who engaged in collaborative rather than cooperative interactions via social media were more likely to perceive a connection to their classmates. This has implications for educators to include classroom modelling of digitally-mediated collaborative interactions to benefit students’ participation in group assignments, which can improve the transition experience through social connection.
Volume 10 Issue 2 2019
Authors: Nelson Karen , Creagh Tracy
Published: August 2019

We were pleased to hold the 2019 Students, Transitions, Achievement, Retention and Success (STARS) Conference in Melbourne, Australia as a celebration of the fifth anniversary of one of Australasia’s most welcoming and collegial academic communities of practice.    This year’s Conference confirmed that STARS is now firmly established as a collaborative and inclusive annual event for tertiary educators and leaders.   Delegates —a mix of professional, academic and administrative practitioners and leaders—attended and participated in a range of presentations and activities which included, refereed papers, Good Practice Reports and Emerging Initiatives, along with Poster presentations and the STARS Network meetings.
How can a 'Sense of Belonging' inform your teaching strategy? Reflections from a core Business unit
Authors: Levin Elizabeth , Rixon Andrew , Keating Maree
Published: August 2019

This paper reflects on how a ‘sense of belonging’ is cultivated for both the teaching team and the students in a large, core first year Business unit. In the Innovative Business Practice (IBP) unit students develop their personal brand and professional identity through strength-based science, and also pitch creative solutions to social problems. This cross-disciplinary unit is taught using an activity-based approach. The team of tutors are being trained as facilitators which creates a sense of belonging and community within the teaching team. A blended delivery approach utilising Crowdicity, idea management software, facilitates networked learning, and helps students develop their digital skills as well as interact with one another, the teaching team and industry experts.