bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internal Audit in the Statutory Bodies and Government-linked Companies of Malaysia: The Never Ending Saga!
Authors: Md. Ali Azham , Juliana Suleman, Ahmad Zamil Abd Khalid Ram Al Jaffri Saad, Aryati , Gloeck Juergen Dieter 
Published: February 2017

This paper is part of the third and final study conducted on the state of internal audit in the public sector of Malaysia. The first study was concerned with the internal audit operations in the state and local governments found in Peninsular Malaysia (Azham et al 2007a), while the second study was concerned with internal audit in the nation’s federal government ministries, departments and agencies (Azham et al 2007b). This third study covers 47 organizations at the federal government level, comprising 27 statutory bodies and 20 government-linked companies. From the face-to-face interviews conducted with internal auditors over the three year period 2005 to 2007, several notable audit features emerged as common to all 47 organizations. Some are depressing, while a few others are encouraging. All in all, however, the internal audit function in a majority of the organizations still leaves much to be desired. Also, it is notable that these findings are very much like those of the previous two internal audit studies (Azham et al 2007a; 2007b), and to make sense of the dismal state of the internal audit function in the public organizations, there is perhaps a need to look at the bigger context within which the internal audit function is found.
Examining the Antecedents of Job Satisfaction and further its impact on Organizational Commitment
Authors: Javeria Aisha , Rizwan Muhammad , Khan Ali Junaid , Hameed Amjad , Naeem Qazi , Subctageen Muhammad 
Published: February 2017

The Human capital plays a vital role in success of any organization. The contended and committed employee is a key to achieve organizational objective. There are several researches conducted to understand the function of worker’s satisfaction and commitment towards job but this area of study is remain unexposed. The purpose of this study is to discuss and examine the forces which lead to private and govt sector workers Job satisfaction and organizational commitment. A theoretical model was anticipated and tested and findings indicates various challenges for HRM that the factors which contributes to job satisfaction does not necessarily makes the employee committed. This research is a cross sectional study. A sample of 170 respondents was taken from the Public and Private sector Professional around Pakistan. The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire, using the earlier conventional scales and the results demonstrated that Relationship with coworkers, workplace environment, empowerment, pay and promotion have a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction while in turn only the job satisfaction and empowerment leads to organizational commitment. Relationship with coworkers, pay and promotion and workplace environment have insignificant relation with organizational commitment.
Antecedents of Customer Switching Intentions: A case study of Nokia Mobile Phones’ users
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Hayat Rashid , Ali Mohsin 
Published: February 2017

The current study moves beyond satisfaction and proposes that switching variables are important factors impacting a customer’s decision to switch from a service provider. The purpose of the study analyzes customer switching intention about Nokia mobile. In this sample only one company’s customers include, so the findings may not be generalized to other companies. There are many variables which impact on customer decision and enable to customer choose the better services which available in market. These variables impact on customer decision in many ways like, perceived switching cost, the attractiveness of alternatives and service quality. We propose this study to find and support those variables model which influence between core-service satisfaction and customer switching intention. The results indicates that the influence of core-service quality satisfaction on repurchase intentions and decreases switching intention and make customer loyal with that product for a long period. Although switching variables had no influence on repurchase intentions when satisfaction was high, switching variables positively influenced on repurchase intentions when satisfaction was low. Future research in other service industries is called for.
Primary Student Teachers’ Understanding of Basic Ideas of Nature of Science: Laws, Theories and Models
Authors: Stefanidou Constantina , Skordoulis Constantine 
Published: February 2017

Nature of Science is an integral part of scientific literacy which researchers and international policy-making institutions highlight as the purpose of science education. The notions of scientific law, theories and models are crucial for understanding the Nature of Science. These notions are better grasped in the historical context of Nature of Science. For this purpose, appropriate instructional sequences, based on semi-structured interviews, were designed and implemented to investigate whether and how the student teachers of Primary Education can perceive these concepts. The study revealed that after particular difficulties were confronted, student teachers were able to grasp firmly the notions of scientific law, theories, models and the relationships among them.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of global drought
Authors: Herrera‐Estrada Julio E. , Satoh Yusuke , Sheffield Justin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the evolution and physical drivers of drought is critical to informing forecasting efforts. One aspect that has seldom been explored is the joint evolution of droughts in space and time. Most studies fix the reference area and focus on their temporal variability or study their spatial heterogeneity over fixed durations. This work implements a Lagrangian approach by aggregating contiguous areas under drought into clusters. These clusters become the frame of reference and are tracked as they evolve through space and time. Clusters were identified from soil moisture data from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (1979–2009). Evapotranspiration, moisture fluxes, and precipitation were used to explore the relevance of possible mechanisms of drought propagation. While most droughts remain near their origin, the centroid of 10% of clusters traveled at least 1400–3100 km, depending on the continent. This approach also revealed that large‐scale droughts often lock into further growth and intensification.
Fracture capture of organic pores in shales
Authors: Daigle Hugh , Hayman Nicholas W. , Kelly Eric D. , Milliken Kitty L. , Jiang Han 
Published: February 2017

AbstractShales are heterogeneous media with porosity at many scales and in many microtextural positions, including within organic matter and clay aggregates. Because these materials have contrasting mechanical properties, it remains unclear how induced fractures manage to connect with this porosity whether during hydrocarbon production, wastewater injection, or carbon‐capture‐and‐storage efforts. To explore porosity changes related to fracturing, we experimentally failed shale samples in a triaxial load apparatus and observed changes in microstructure through scanning electron microscopy, low‐pressure nitrogen sorption, and nuclear magnetic resonance. We observed a system of microcracks, many of which were likely experimentally induced and localized on grain boundaries. In some cases these fractures propagated into regions of natural porosity in organic matter. In the subsurface this “fracture capture” likely enhances pore connectivity, but only selectively depending upon mechanical conditions. Fracture capture is one possible mechanism by which multiscale compositional heterogeneity in shales may affect rheological heterogeneity.
Time‐varying extreme rainfall intensity‐duration‐frequency curves in a changing climate
Authors: Sarhadi Ali , Soulis Eric D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAnthropogenic climate change influences the nature and probabilistic behavior of extreme climate phenomena over time. Current infrastructure design of water systems, however, is based on intensity‐duration‐frequency (IDF) curves that assume extreme precipitation will not significantly change. To sustain the reliability of infrastructure designs in a changing environment, time‐varying nonstationary‐based IDF curves must replace the static stationary‐based IDF curves. This study outlines a fully time varying risk framework using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques to incorporate the impact of different complex nonstationary conditions on the occurrence of extreme precipitation in the Great Lakes area. The results demonstrate the underestimation of the extreme precipitation using stationary assumptions and the importance of updating infrastructure design strategies in a changing climate.
Particulate phases are key in controlling dissolved iron concentrations in the (sub)tropical North Atlantic
Authors: Milne Angela , Schlosser Christian , Wake Bronwyn D. , Achterberg Eric P. , Chance Rosie , Baker Alex R. , Forryan Alex , Lohan Maeve C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe supply and bioavailability of iron (Fe) controls primary productivity and N2 fixation in large parts of the global ocean. An important, yet poorly quantified, source to the ocean is particulate Fe (pFe). Here we present the first combined dataset of particulate, labile‐particulate (L‐pFe), and dissolved Fe (dFe) from the (sub)tropical North Atlantic. We show a strong relationship between L‐pFe and dFe, indicating a dynamic equilibrium between these two phases whereby particles “buffer” dFe and maintain the elevated concentrations observed. Moreover, L‐pFe can increase the overall “available” (L‐pFe + dFe) Fe pool by up to 55%. The lateral shelf flux of this available Fe was similar in magnitude to observed soluble aerosol‐Fe deposition, a comparison that has not been previously considered. These findings demonstrate that L‐pFe is integral to Fe cycling and hence plays a role in regulating carbon cycling, warranting its inclusion in Fe budgets and biogeochemical models.
Energetic electron precipitation in weak to moderate corotating interaction region‐driven storms
Authors: Ødegaard Linn‐Kristine Glesnes , Tyssøy Hilde Nesse , Søraas Finn , Stadsnes Johan , Sandanger Marit Irene 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHigh‐energy electron precipitation from the radiation belts can penetrate deep into the mesosphere and increase the production rate of NOx and HOx, which in turn will reduce ozone in catalytic processes. The mechanisms for acceleration and loss of electrons in the radiation belts are not fully understood, and most of the measurements of the precipitating flux into the atmosphere have been insufficient for estimating the loss cone flux. In the present study the electron flux measured by the NOAA POES Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detectors 0° and 90° detectors is combined together with theory of pitch angle diffusion by wave‐particle interaction to quantify the electron flux lost below 120 km altitude. Using this method, 41 weak and moderate geomagnetic storms caused by corotating interaction regions during 2006–2010 are studied. The dependence of the energetic electron precipitation fluxes upon solar wind parameters and geomagnetic indices is investigated. Nine storms give increased precipitation of >∼750 keV electrons. Nineteen storms increase the precipitation of >∼300 keV electrons, but not the >∼750 keV population. Thirteen storms either do not change or deplete the fluxes at those energies. Storms that have an increase in the flux of electrons with energy >∼300 keV are characterized by an elevated solar wind velocity for a longer period compared to the storms that do not. Storms with increased precipitation of >∼750 keV flux are distinguished by higher‐energy input from the solar wind quantified by the ϵ parameter and corresponding higher geomagnetic activity.
Systematic investigation of power line harmonic radiation in near‐Earth space above China based on observed satellite data
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhang Chong , Zeng Ling , Ma Qishuang 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe environmental impact of power line emission and power line harmonic radiation (PLHR) in near‐Earth space has become an increasing concern. In the years 2004–2010, based on the data of microsatellite DEMETER, 133 PLHR events are detected in near‐Earth space above China. PLHR has a close correlation with the development of China's electric power network. Its central frequency appears to depend on the latitude. The geographic distribution of the events occurs in clusters. Several events take place continuously above specific regions. PLHR shows no significant dependence on geomagnetic activity. There are more events in daytime than in nighttime and more in winter than in summer. The differences of naturally generated whistlers and power consumption between day and night and the strong thunderstorms in local summer may lead to such diurnal and seasonal differences of PLHR.
An analysis of magnetic reconnection events and their associated auroral enhancements
Authors: Case N. A. , Grocott A. , Milan S. E. , Nagai T. , Reistad J. P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAn analysis of simultaneous reconnection events in the near‐Earth magnetotail and enhancements in the aurora is undertaken. Exploiting magnetospheric data from the Geotail, Cluster, and Double Star missions, along with auroral images from the IMAGE and Polar missions, the relationship between a reconnection signature and its auroral counterpart is explored. In this study of 59 suitable reconnection events, we find that 43 demonstrate a clear coincidence of reconnection and auroral enhancement. The magnetic local time (MLT) locations of these 43 reconnection events are generally located within ±1 h MLT of the associated auroral enhancement. A positive correlation coefficient of 0.8 between the two MLT locations is found. The enhancements are localized and short‐lived (τ≤10 min) and are as likely to occur during the substorm process as in isolation of a substorm. No significant dependence of the reconnection or auroral enhancement location on the dusk‐dawn components of the solar wind velocity (Vy), IMF (By) or local By or Vy, as measured by the reconnection‐detecting spacecraft, is found.
Simulated ocean response to tropical cyclones: The effect of a novel parameterization of mixing from unbroken surface waves
Authors: Stoney Lachlan , Walsh Kevin , Babanin Alexander V. , Ghantous Malek , Govekar Pallavi , Young Ian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTropical cyclones dissipate large amounts of energy into the upper ocean, locally enhancing vertical mixing and cooling the sea surface. In this study, we investigate how the response of the ocean to tropical cyclones is affected by additional mixing from unbroken surface waves. This “Surface Wave Mixing” (SWM) is represented by a novel parameterization, in which the wave orbital motion contributes directly to the production of turbulent kinetic energy. The parameterization is implemented here as a modification to the k‐ε turbulence scheme, used within an ocean model with 1/4° horizontal resolution (MOM5). This model is forced with idealized tropical cyclone wind fields based on observed case studies. Relative to simulations without SMW, the inclusion of SWM leads to surface temperature differences of around 0.5°C near the storm track, typically with warm anomalies on the side with the strongest winds and cool anomalies in other regions. This pattern is explained by an initial wave‐induced deepening of the mixed layer, which can modify the subsequent shear‐induced entrainment and upwelling. The temperature anomalies from SWM could potentially influence tropical cyclone intensity and structure.
Hydrological mediated denitrification in groundwater below a seasonal flooded restored riparian zone
Authors: Kolbjørn Jensen Jannick , Engesgaard Peter , Johnsen Anders R. , Marti Vicens , Nilsson Bertel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA restored riparian zone was characterized to understand the effects of flooding on subsurface hydrological flow paths and nitrate removal in groundwater. Field and laboratory investigations were combined with numerical modeling of dynamic flow and reactive nitrate transport. Flooding enhances nitrate removal in groundwater primarily by two mechanisms. First, by creating a stagnant flow zone beneath the flooded area thereby increasing the residence time and leaving more time for nitrate removal. Secondly, nitrate removal is increased by enhancing upward flow into the highly reactive organic‐rich top layers. Flooding therefore contributes to nitrate removal in “hot spots”, where nitrate is transported to the peat and during “hot moments”, when flow is stagnant. The permeability of the capping peat layer relative to the aquifer is important as it controls both mechanisms. The model shows that the deep‐seated nitrate removal is greater than projected from the laboratory nitrate reduction experiments.
Impact of Uveitis on Quality of Life in Adult Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Haasnoot Anne‐Mieke J. W. , Sint Jago Naïlah F. M. , Tekstra Janneke , de Boer Joke H. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo establish the impact of uveitis on the quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsAdult patients with a history of JIA, both with (n = 31) or without (n = 51) chronic anterior uveitis, were included. Their scores on 3 validated QoL questionnaires (National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire [NEI VFQ‐25], Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form health survey [SF‐36], and EuroQol 5‐domain questionnaire [EQ‐5D]) were analyzed to find factors that could influence QoL.ResultsThe median overall composite score (OCS) of the NEI VFQ‐25 was significantly worse in the uveitis group compared to the non‐uveitis group (respectively, 83.4 [range 15.2–94.7] and 94.9 [range 46.3–100]; P < 0.001). Nearly all subscale scores were lower in patients with uveitis than in patients without uveitis (P < 0.001 for all). After adjusting for duration of arthritis, JIA subtype, arthritis onset before or after 1990, and the use of systemic immunomodulatory medication, the QoL was still worse in patients with uveitis (NEI VFQ‐25 OCS regression coefficient = −11.7; P = 0.002). No significant differences were found between the groups for the SF‐36 and the EQ‐5D. In the total JIA group, the use of systemic medication appeared to negatively influence some general QoL scores.ConclusionHaving a history of uveitis has a substantial negative effect on the vision‐related QoL in JIA in adulthood, despite good visual acuity. General QoL scores did not differ between uveitis and non‐uveitis patients, but the use of systemic immunomodulatory treatment, independent of uveitis, did negatively influence general QoL scores in adult JIA patients.
Effect of Comprehensive Behavioral and Exercise Intervention on Physical Function and Activity Participation After Total Knee Replacement: A Pilot Randomized Study
Authors: Piva Sara R. , Almeida Gustavo J. , Gil Alexandra B. , DiGioia Anthony M. , Helsel Diane L. , Sowa Gwendolyn A. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo test the feasibility of a comprehensive behavioral intervention (CBI) program that combines intense exercises with an education program, to be implemented at a later stage (3 months) following total knee replacement (TKR), and to get a first impression of the effects of the CBI as compared to a standard of care exercise (SCE) program on the outcomes of physical function and physical activity.MethodsA total of 44 subjects participated in a 3‐month program of either CBI or SCE, followed by 3 months of a home exercise program. Outcomes of physical function and physical activity were measured at baseline and at 6‐month followup. Analysis of variance was used to compare statistical differences between groups, whereas responder analyses were used for clinically important differences.ResultsThe CBI was found to be safe and well tolerated. As compared to the SCE group, the CBI group had less pain (P = 0.035) and better physical function based on the Short Form 36 health survey (P = 0.017) and the single‐leg stance test (P = 0.037). The other outcome measures did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. Results from the responder analysis demonstrated that the CBI group had a 36% higher rate of responders in physical function as compared to the SCE group. Also, the CBI group had 23% more responders in the combined domains of physical function and physical activity.ConclusionThe CBI program is feasible and improves physical function and physical activity in patients several months after TKR. Larger pragmatic randomized trials are needed to confirm the results of this study.
How long bones grow children: Mechanistic paths to variation in human height growth
Authors: Lampl Michelle , Schoen Meriah 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesEveleth and Tanner's descriptive documentation of worldwide variability in human growth provided evidence of the interaction between genetics and environment during development that has been foundational to the science of human growth. There remains a need, however, to describe the mechanistic foundations of variability in human height growth patterns.MethodsA review of research documenting cellular activities at the endochondral growth plate aims to show how the unique microenvironment and cell functions during the sequential phases of the chondrocyte lifecycle affect long bone elongation, a fundamental source of height growth.ResultsThere are critical junctures within the chondrocytic differentiation cascade at which environmental influences are integrated and have the ability to influence progression to the hypertrophic chondrocyte phase, the primary driver of long bone elongation. Phenotypic differences in height growth patterns reflect variability in amplitude and frequency of discretely timed hypertrophic cellular expansion events, the cellular basis of saltation and stasis growth biology.ConclusionsFinal height is a summary of the dynamic processes carried out by the growth plate cellular machinery. As these cell‐level mechanisms unfold in an individual, time‐specific manner, there are many critical points at which a genetic growth program can be enhanced or perturbed. Recognizing both the complexity and fluidity of this adaptive system questions the likelihood of a single, optimal growth pattern and instead identifies a larger bandwidth of saltatory frequencies for “normal” growth. Further inquiry into mechanistic sources of variability acting at critical organizational points of chondrogenesis can provide new opportunities for growth interventions.