Vol. 3, No. 4, July, 2011 (In 2 parts).


1^st PART.  /   NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

      Abay Baimukhametov, Nikolay Маrtynov, Amanzhol Таnirbergenov
Influence of thermogradients on formation of oil and gas traps

Abstract:This research covers outcomes of numerical modeling of a stressed-deformed state of a sedimentary complex and subsalt bed, formation of oil and gas traps. It has demonstrated that areas of oil and gas traps are associated with higher temperature gradients. The small-scale thermal convection in the top horizons of earth crust makes essential impact on distribution and formation salt diapirs in a sedimentary cover.

Keywords: salt structures, numerical method, Rayleigh-Taylor instability, oil and gas traps.

Pages: 7-12

      Manuel Alberto M. Ferreira, Marina Andrade
Hahn-Banach theorem for normed spaces

Abstract:This paper main objective is to present two separation theorems, important consequences of the Hahn- Banach Theorem applied to normed vector spaces. They are very important optimization tools in a lot of problems, namely in economic and management problems.

Keywords: Hahn-Banach Theorem, normed vector spaces, separation theorems.

Pages: 13-16

      P.C. Pal, B. Sen
Disturbance of Sh-type waves due to shearing stress discontinuity in an orthotropic media

Abstract:The disturbance of SH-type waves in an orthotropic media are discussed here. Here we use different boundary condition for solving SH-type waves in orthotropic media. The exact solutions for the displacements are obtained by the help of modified Cagniard method. Numerical calculations are performed for a particular value of stress discontinuity and results are shown graphically.

Keywords: SH-type waves, orthotropic media, Cagniard De-Hoop method, Stress discontinuity.

Pages: 17-25

      Anamaria G. Macovei
Differential subordinations and superordinations for analytic functions defined by the Ruschweyh linear operator

Abstract:Let q₁ is convex and q₂ is univalent in U = { z : | z | < 1}. Let Rm f (z) is Ruscheweyh linear operator. This paper presents some results of differential subordination and superordonation with this operator for certain normalized analytic functions in U .

Keywords: Differential Subordination, Differential Superordination, subordinant, dominant, operator Ruscheweyh.

Pages: 26-32

      Hasan Alrefai, Amer N. AbuAli, Hassan Mohammad
Convergence traffic over wireless networks

Abstract:The main purpose of this paper to give the reader a better under-standing of wireless networks Convergence traffic witch is used by different technologies and networks such 2G/3G/4G wireless networks. The consideration, of wireless networks is a proven networking infrastructure that supports the convergence traffic (voice, video, data) transmission, why convergence traffic? in the past the network bandwidth equals 10 Mbps such transmission speed suitable only for data transmission but In the mean time the bandwidth is increasing rapidly, the transmission speed increased to 10/100/1000 and to 10 Gbps so it is proven that we need to integrate QoS in convergence traffic, to deliver high quality voice, video and data streams over wireless networks which allows building a packet core network for different technologies.

Keywords: MPLS: Multi protocol label switching, 2G: Second generation Mobile system, 3G third generation Mobile system, 4G Fourth generation Mobile system

Pages: 33-37

      Smain Bekhti, Amjad Rehman, Maryam Al-Harbi, Tanzila Saba
AQuASys: An Arabic Question-Answering system based on extensive question analysis and answer relevance scoring

Abstract:This paper presents Arabic Question-Answering system AQuASys «Arabic Question-Answering System». The proposed system is composed of three modules: A question analysis module, sentences filtering module and an answer extraction module. A special consideration has been given to improving the accuracy of the question analysis and the answers relatedness scoring phases. These phases are crucial in terms of improving the correct answer finding. The encouraging scores obtained are presented and discussed.

Keywords: Arabic language, factoid questions, Information retrieval, Morphological analysis, Natural language processing, Question-Answering system.

Pages: 45-54

      Emine Ozmete
Subjective well-being: a research on life satisfaction as cognitive component of subjective well-being

Abstract:Comprehensive perspectives on well-being that include positive aspects of human life such as subjective wellbeing have recently been proposed. Life satisfaction is the cognitive component of subjective well-being and plays an important role in positive perception as an indicator, a predictor, a mediator/moderator, and an out-come. Whereas low life satisfaction is associated with psychological, social, and behavior problems, high life satisfaction is related to good adaptation and optimal mental health among individuals. This paper evaluates the life satisfaction as a cognitive component of subjective well-being of a sample of 108 women and men with a measurement on life satisfaction. The life satisfaction scale includes 20 items related to One’s view to his or her whole life. Answers given sentences typed Likert are scored, used as a technique of factor analysis “Varimax analysis technique” for reliability and items with factor loading less than 0.30 deleted. In order to test the safety of questionnaire are calculated “Cronbach alpha” as inner consistency coefficient. Results indicated that mean ratings of life satisfaction were generally positive.

Keywords: Well-being, subjective well-being, life satisfaction, cognitive well-being

Pages: 55-61

      Normeen A. Kaddah, Hala D. El Gindi, Naglaa O. Mostafa, Nevin M.S Abd El Aziz, Alyaa H.A. Kamhawy
Role of Hepcidin in the Pathogenesis of Iron Overload in Children with B-thalassemia

Abstract:Background: Iron overload is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in beta-thalassemia with or without transfusion dependence. Iron homeostasis is regulated by the hepatic peptide hormone hepcidin. Hepcidin controls dietary iron absorption, plasma iron concentrations, and tissue iron distribution. This work aimed to: Evaluate hepcidin level as an indicator of iron status in patients with hemosiderosis 2^ry to thalassemia in order to achieve a better understanding of the pathogenesis and in turn the management of iron overload in both thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia. Methodology: The present study is conducted on: thirty patients with thalassemia major (TM) 17(56.7%) males and 13(43.3%), their age range from 5-20 years, with mean (10.9±4.03). Thirty patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI), 9(30%) males and 21 (70%) females, their age ranged from 5-17 years (10.8±3.6). All were previously diagnosed. Patients are randomly recruited among those attending the Hematology Department, Children Hospital, Cairo University. Compared to thirty age and sex matched healthy controls (C group), 22 (73.3%) males and 8(26.7%) females, their age ranged between 5-15 years (10.2±3.6). All patients were subjected to, full history taking and clinical examination. Laboratory investigations are performed including: CBC, reticulocytic count. Liver aminotransferases (ALT-AST). Serum iron level (Umol/L). Quantitative determination of serum ferritin level is done by enzyme immunoassay. ( ELISA) (ng/ml). Hepatitis markers for HCV is done by a microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Serum Hepcidin level (ng/ml) is estimated using DRG Hepcidin 25 (C-Terminal) competitive ELISA Kit...

Keywords: Hepcidin, B-Thalassemia major, B-Thalassemia intermedia, Iron Homeostasis.

Pages: 62-69

      U.A. Umar, S.A. Ibrahim, A. Omole-Ohonsi, I.A. Yakasai
Comparative evaluation of tubal patency: hysterosalpingography versus laparoscopy

Abstract:Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of HSG in detecting tubal patency with reference to laparoscopy. Methodolgy: A retrospective comparative study of 90 infertile patients who had both hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy was conducted over a four year period from January 2004 to December 2007 at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Results: Thirty six of the patients (40%) had primary infertility and 54(60%) had secondary infertility. Their ages ranged between 18 and 42 years with a mean of 25.7 (SD5.4) years for primary infertility and 30.3 (SD6.5) years for secondary infertility. HSG diagnosed bilateral proximal and bilateral distal blockage in 50(55.5%) and 6(6.7%) cases respectively. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the above sites of occlusion in 22(24.4%) and 12(13.3%) cases. Laparoscopy detected bilateral tubal patency in 16(17.8%) patients in whom HSG had diagnosed tubal blockage. HSG was able to detect peritubal adhesion in only 6(6.7%) as compared with 18(20%) patients when laparoscopic procedure was used. In comparison to laparoscopic chromopertubation, HSG has 11.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity for determination of tubal patency. HSG also has a high sensitivity (100%) for determination of either unilateral or bilateral proximal blockage with a specificity of 86.0% and 70.8% respectively. However, HSG has low sensitivity (50%) but high specificity (100%) for determination of distal tubal blockage. Conclusion: The predictive value of HSG is high except for proximal tubal blockages, which still makes it a valuable tool for making diagnosis and instituting management.

Keywords: end stage renal disease, vitamin D receptor polymorphism, Bsm1, Fok1, BMD, DPD.

Pages: 70-74

      Ihab Z. El-Hakim, Azza M. O. Abdel- Rahman, Sally A.F. El Sahrigy, Nagwa Abdallah Ismail,
Nagwa A.A. Kantoush, Eman A. El- Ghoroury, Mona R. El Kafoury
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Egyptian Pediatric Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Abstract:Background: Previous studies indicated that genetic factors may be responsible for inter-individual variability in the occurrence and severity of abnormalities in bone and mineral metabolism among end stage renal disease patients. The aim was to determine the frequencies of vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotypes in pediatric hemodialysis (HD) patients, and to investigate a possible association between them and bone mineral density (BMD) and hormones involved in calcium homeostasis. Methods: The study was carried out on thirty pediatric HD patients who were classified into group I with normal BMD, and group II with osteoporosis measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), osteocalcin (OC), and deoxypyridinoline cross links (DPD) levels were measured by ELISA. Study of gene polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor Bsm1 and Fok1 was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Bsm1 allele distribution of BB, Bb and bb in groups I and II were: 33.3%, 50%, 16.7% and 44.4%, 27.8%, 27.8% respectively (p>0.05); whereas for Fok1 the distribution of FF, Ff and ff in groups I and II were: 50%, 33.3%, 16.7% and 55.5%, 27.8%, 16.7% respectively. There were non significant higher mean levels of i-PTH and osteocalcin with the BB genotype and in DPD with bb genotype. ff genotypes were associated with higher mean levels of i-PTH and DPD; whereas, osteocalcin showed no change in mean levels among the 3 genotypes. Conclusions: No significant association was found between Bsm1 and Fok1 polymorphism genotypes and bone mineral density or bone turnover markers.

Keywords: end stage renal disease, vitamin D receptor polymorphism, Bsm1, Fok1, BMD, DPD.

Pages: 75-79

      Obuzor Gloria Ukalina, Nwaokolo Matthew Ifechukwude
Characterization of the fatty acids of gardenia Jasminoide flower from port harcourt, Nigerian

Abstract: Fatty acids of Gardenia jasminoide were analyzed and fourteen acids were observed. Ten acids were found only in trace amounts while the essential fatty acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid Linoleic is 53.65% “omega-6” with Oleic (a monounsaturated fatty acid “omega-9”), Palmitic (saturated fatty acid), and Stearic acids (saturated fatty acid) gave values of 23.00, 20.87 and 2.49% respectively. The physicochemical analysis gave the Acid value as 0.85mg KOH/g of oil, Free fatty acid (oleic) 9.76%, Iodine value 79.00 (g of 1/100g of oil), Peroxide value 14.42meq of active oxygen/Kg oil and Saponification value of 181.5mg KOH/g of oil. The concentration of micronutrients calcium, manganese, potassium, sodium and copper were found to be 1.694, 0.074, 2.712, 0.072 and 0.004% respectively.

Keywords: Fatty acid, essential oil, micronutrients, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and lubricant.

Pages: 80-83

      Hussein H. Sabit, Osama A.M. Said, Ali F. Shamseldin, Kholoud Elsayed
Molecular Identification of Acinetobacter Isolated From Egyptian Dumpsite as Potential Bacteria to Degrade Malathion

Abstract:Efficiency of Acinetobacter isolated from a dumpsite in Qaliubeyya, Egypt for Malathion degradation was investigated. It was able to utilize Malathion as a sole carbon and energy source and to degrade it. Minimal salt medium supplied with different concentrations of Malathion along with a constant amount of the bacteria were prepared and incubated for seven days at 37°C. The degradation rate was obtained by using the gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results showed an obvious degradation with a rate of 100% of the initial concentrations applied. These results indicate that Acinetobacter is an excellent candidate for the efficient and convenient way of Malathion biodegradation. 16S ribosomal DNA gene was detected and RFLP analysis was employed. Sequencing of the full length 16S rRNA was performed and obtained data were analyzed and compared to other sequences recorded in the NCBI.

Keywords: Molecular identification, 16S rRNA, Acinetobacter, Malathion, Biodegradation, GC.

Pages: 84-90

      Medhat M. M. Mandur, Abdelhakam A. Baioumi
Planktonic foraminifera biostratigraphy of the lower and middle miocene successions of the gulf of Suez, Egypt

Abstract:The lower and Middle Miocene successions of the Gulf of Suez (Gs 160 -1 well, Gs 196 1-A well and Gs 216- 1 well) comprise four formations.These formations are Nukhul, Rudeis, Kareem and Belayim. The biostratigraphic zonation of the studied successions is based on the Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages. The examination of the studied samples has led to the identification thirty planktonic foraminiferal species (belonging to ten genera). The Planktonic foraminifera contents is used to subdivide the studied successions into five planktonic foraminiferal biozones. The correlation of these biozones with those known from the Gulf of Suez region and from other parts of the world confirms that the present zonation has strong relationships with those recognized in the Mediterranean region. The Early/Middle Miocene boundary is determined by means of planktonic foraminifera, it coincides with the boundary between the Globigerinoides trilobus Zone and the Praeorbulina glomerosa Zone.

Keywords: Planktonic foraminifera, Miocene, Lithostratigraphy, Biostratigraphy.

Pages: 91-102

       H.S. Al-Menaie, O. Al-Ragom, M. Al-Zalzaleh, M. Mathew, N. Suresh
Influence of water quality on the growth of water-lily varieties (Nymphaea Sp.) in Kuwait

Abstract:Growth performance of three promising water-lily varieties (Nymphaea sp.) namely, N. sumptuosa, N. marliacea carnea, and N. alba was studied using different types of water in split plot design. Three replicates of each variety were tested using different water sources i.e., fresh, brackish, and treated wastewater under the climatic conditions of Kuwait. For this six water tanks were used out of which two tanks were filled with fresh water, two with brackish water and the remaining two with treated waste water. The plants were transferred to five gallon containers filled with a growing medium of sand: sphagnum peat moss in 2:1 (v/v) which were then placed in tanks. Data on number of leaves, leaf width and number of flowers were statistically analyzed using R method. All the water-lily varieties exhibited clear-cut differences in their growth performances in freshwater and low quality water and the results proved that flower production is dependent on water quality. Plants grown in fresh water performed well compared to those grown in brackish or treated water and low quality water had a detrimental effect on plant growth. Results demonstrated that successful water gardening in Kuwait is possible only by the use of freshwater.

Keywords: water lily varieties: growth performance: flower production

Pages: 103-107

       Fatma Reda, Hannan M.H. Mandoura
Response of enzymes activities, photosynthetic pigments, proline to low or high temperature stressed wheat plant (Triticum Aestivum l.) in the presence or absence of exogenous proline or cysteine

Abstract:Two experiments were carried out in two successive seasons of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Yokorarogo. Plants (22 day old) were sprayed with the amino acids (proline or cysteine) solutions (zero, 10^-4M and 10^-3M). Then the plants of all treatments returned to continue their growth under normal air temperature after exposure of two groups of growing-plants to 3^o for 48 hr., 45^o and 55^oC for 30 min. The content of chlorophyll (a), (b) and carotenoids as well as free proline were determined in the fresh leaves of two samples (1^st sample immediately after stress and 2^nd sample after 4 days from stress). In addition, catalase, peroxidase protease and chlorophyllase were determined in fresh (3^rd and 4^th) leaves samples. It could deduced from the present results that proline and cysteine treatments especially at 10^-4M were partially effective for ameliorating the harmfull effect of heat and cold temperature stress on photosynthetic pigments and the determined enzymes activities of wheat plants.

Keywords: Wheat, photosynthetic pigments, enzyme activities, proline and cysteine treatments, low and high temperature stress.

Pages: 108-115

       Abou-Bakr Salim
Effect of some plant extracts on fungal and aflatoxin production

Abstract:Antifungal activity of aqueous plants extracts beet root (Beta vulgari var.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), Leek (Allium porrum L), radish (Raphanus sativus niger), rocket salad (Eruca sativa) and turnip (Brassica rapa L.) prepared with different concentrations (15% and 30%) at different temperatures (25^oC, 50^oC and 100^oC) were investigated against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger in vitro. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of aqueous extracts (30% concentration at 100^oC were determined by agar dilution method. All tested plants showed strong antifungal activity against A. flavus. However among tested plants, radish roots and garlic showed antifungal activity against A. niger. MIC of beet root extract was 11.0 mg/ml was found the most inhibitor against A. flavus followed by garlic (12.4 mg/ml). The efficiency of aqueous red beet (Beta vulgari var.) root extracts in inhibition of Aspergillus flavus growth and its aflatoxin production in vivo using home-made tomato paste as a model food system were tested. Aspergillus flavus isolated from deteriorating tomato fruits was inculcated 10⁵ per ml of medium and 10sup>4 CFU/g of tomato past, and incubated for aflatoxin producing- analysis. Addition of beet root extract 11mg/ml (MIC) into tomato paste was found to be strongly fungicidal and inhibitory to aflatoxin productions. It could be concluded that aqueous extracts of beet root, garlic, leek, radish, rocket salad and turnip could be applied as a good natural food preservative against fungi producing mycotoxins.

Keywords: Beet root, garlic, leek, radish, rocket salad, turnip, Aspergillus niger Aspergillus flavus, Aflatoxin and tomatoes.

Pages: 116-120

       F.A. El-Shobaki, A.M. Attia, I.H. Badawy, Maha H. Mahmoud, S.S. Mohamed
Evaluation of supplementing infant formulas with sources rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids

Abstract:The present study aims to evaluate the health impact of baby formulas enriched with different sources and ratios of n-3/n-6 PUFAs. This was done based on estimation of liver and kidney functions, brain fatty acid content, lipid parameters and oxidation load in the body. The ingredients used for formulation are whole wheat, chickpea, rice, lupine, whey protein, wheat germ, flaxseed, almond, walnut, sesame, peanut, pumpkin, skimmed milk and carrot. Four formulas were prepared; each was fed to a group of rats for 6 weeks. No significant changes occurred in hemoglobin concentration. The liver and kidney functions were more or less normal. There was a significant reduction of plasma total lipids and cholesterol of rats fed on the prepared formulas. The values obtained for plasma apolipoprotein-B of rats fed on each of these formulas were significantly higher than that of control. Lipid peroxide of rats fed on either of the formulas was significantly lower than control. The activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase for rats fed on formulas were not significantly different from control. An increase in the amount of C_18:1 n9 trans, a decrease in the value of C_18:3 n3 and an increase in the value of C_18:3 n6 were reported. The level of C_22:6 n3 was higher in case of rats fed on the prepared formulas. The conclusion is that these prepared formulas are of high nutritional value. They are rich in PUFAs. Consumption of these formulas is safe, cause enrichment of the brain PUFAs and assumed to promote brain development.

Keywords: Infant food, PUFAs, brain development, liver, kidney, lipids, antioxidant capacity.

Pages: 121-131

      Marie-Christine R. Shakib, Shreef G.N. Gabrial, Gamal N. Gabrial
Buckwheat consumption improved lipid profile, fasting and postprandial blood glucose in hypercholesterolemic and type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract:The use of buckwheat as an unconventional functional food in many countries has beneficial effect on human health and reduces the risk of many diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of buckwheat yogurt mixture (BWYM) on serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol in 20 hypercholesterolemic subjects. Reductions in total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol and triglycerides were significant during the 2- week and 6-week period of the study compared to baseline (p<0.001), while HDL-cholesterol increased significantly compared to baseline (p<0.001) for both periods. Sixteen non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) subjects were provided with BWYM as breakfast every morning. This intervention continued for four weeks and during which blood glucose (fasting and 2 h postprandial) was estimated on weekly basis. The effect of BWYM on lowering fasting and postprandial blood glucose was significant from the very first week and it was successively decreased with the duration of intake as compared to the pre-intervention period (p<0.01). Incorporation of 30 g buckwheat in daily diet markedly improved serum lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic subjects and led to a significant reduction in fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels of NIDDM subjects. Regular buckwheat consumption can thus be recommended as a life style intervention to alleviate hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Buckwheat, protein, cholesterol-lowering effects, diabetes.

Pages: 132-139

      Shams El-Din M.H.A., Helmy I.M.F., Fayza M. Hussein
Effect of antioxidant from different sources on the retention of B-Carotene in spinach and carrot during domestic cooking methods

Abstract:This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of some antioxidant on the retention of β-carotene in spinach and carrot during boiling and pressure cooking methods. β-carotene contents of fresh tested vegetables were ranged from 4963.4±180.35 to 8210.2±361.63 µg/100g. Cooking affected β-carotene content. Considerable amounts of β-carotene were lost during the two domestic methods commonly used for cooking, the loss ranged from 32.85 to 40.87% for boiling method and from 25.52 to 34.58% for pressure cooking method for the two examined vegetables in the present study. Higher retention of β-carotene was observed in carrot than that in spinach. Inclusion of acidulants (citric and ascorbic) and their combinations with spinach or carrot brought slight increase in the level of β-carotene retention. The antioxidant spices (garlic and anion) and their combinations enhanced the retention of β-carotene in the two tested vegetables. The combinations of acidulants and antioxidant spices have a similar effect. The retention of β-carotene in spinach and carrot were improved in the presence of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) or artichoke leaf powder (ALP) during the two cooking methods. The retention amounts of β-carotene were greater in the presence of ALP than those in the presence of PPP, especially when combined with garlic and onion as an antioxidant spices. This effect was maximum in the case of carrot during pressure cooking and the magnitude was higher than that observed with the individual components. In conclusion, pressure cooking is preferable to processing by boiling with regard to β-carotene retention in spinach and carrot. β-carotene losses can be minimized by the inclusion of acidulants and antioxidant spices, especially in the presence of PPP or ALP.

Keywords: β- carotene; acidulants; antioxidant spices; domestic cooking; pomegranate peel; artichoke leaf.

Pages: 140-145

      Bambang Sukatja, Soewarno
The problems of small reservoir that built in river basins with high sedimentation rate, a case study of Sengguruh reservoir

Abstract:Sengguruh reservoir was operated since 1989 as a power station of 2x14,5 MW. The vast pool was 2.6 km² with maximum capacity 21,5 million m³. One of the main problems in Sengguruh reservoir dam was full of sediment and affected to the reservoir operation. Sedimentation rate was 3.02 million m³/year and resulted in remaining reservoir capacities of 6.63%. Increasing reservoir capacity was conducted by means of disposing sediments and additional infrastructures.

Keywords: Small reservoir, sediment rate, integrated handling.

Pages: 146-150

      O.G.E. Arowosoge, O.I. Faleyimu
Assessment of Household Energy Utilized for Cooking in Ado-Ekiti Metropolitan Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract:The role of energy in household cooking cannot be under estimated. Moreso, that it accounts for a major part of the total energy consumed in Nigeria. Household energy utilized for cooking in Ado-Ekiti metropolitan area of Ekiti State was therefore considered in this study. Data were obtained through the administration of structured questionnaire on 300 households randomly sampled in the study area. Descriptive statistics, % acceptability and chi-square test were used to analyze the data collected. The study revealed the preference rating of household energy utilized for cooking as electricity (1.98%), liquefied petroleum gas (1.53%), kerosene (1.36%), charcoal (1.14%), firewood (0.62%) and sawdust (0.42%). Contrary to the preference rating, household energy utilized are in the order of kerosene (47%), firewood ( 32%), charcoal (9%), liquefied petroleum gas (8%), electricity (3%) and sawdust (1%). Chi-square test showed that there exist significant relationship between the income of households and the types of energy used for cooking in the study area (P<0.05). More convenient and environmentally safe energy such as electricity and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) should be made available for cooking at subsidized rate while improving the purchasing power of households by increasing income.

Keywords: kerosene, firewood, household energy, cooking.

Pages: 151-155

      Remy Uche, Diemuodeke O. Endurance
Energy optimization in a condenser water loo

Abstract:Energy optimization of a condenser water loop operation in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been done. The objective function, which minimizes the operating costs, was formulated on the analysis of thermal interaction between the cooling tower and chillers. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the changes of outdoor environment and indoor cooling load based on the objective function formulated. The approach has the capability of solving the combinatorial optimization problem with both discrete variables and continuous variable.

Keywords: Energy, Condenser, Water Loop, Optimization, Thermal.

Pages: 156-162

      Sherly Asriany, Johan Silas, Ispurwono Soemarno
A study of exclusive-inclusive public space in Panakkukang national housing settlement of Makassar

Abstract:Inclusive-exclusive public space has a great power not only to direct city development but also to control the velocity of city development both vertically and horizontally. The role of exclusive – inclusive public space as the lung of the city and social binder has responsive characters, democratic, and meaningful in the context of settlement development. The exclusive-inclusive public space at the settlement of Panakkukang National Housing from time to time changes in line with the development of the city. The study was carried out to identify and assess the exclusive-inclusive public space at Panakkukang National settlement focusing on seven different locations. Three different patterns of exclusive-inclusive public space are identified: (1) exclusive public space; (2) inclusive public space, and (3) semi exclusive-inclusive public space. The study employs descriptive qualitative method. The data were obtained through direct observation and field study. The study indicates the nature of exclusive-inclusive public space is determined by several factors: (1) location, (2) accessibility, (3) infrastructure and facility availability, (4) users’ group, and (5) types of activities.

Keywords: public space, exclusive-inclusive, settlement.

Pages: 163-167

      Eziaku N. Onyeizu, Abu Hassan Abu Bakar
Assessing key factors in design in the industrialised building system (IBS) approach: stakeholders’ opinions in Malaysia

Abstract:This paper aims to investigate the opinions of stakeholders on the current industrialized building system (IBS) designs in Malaysia’s construction industry. Using the quantitative method for data collection, we developed a questionnaire and carried out an exploratory survey to test its validity. The main survey was carried out on a population of 120 respondents that represent the clients, engineers, architects, and construction managers from 72 IBS contractor firms and 34 property developers within the region of Penang State. A total of 64 replies were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the relative importance index. Four design aspects, namely, creativity, quality, flexibility, and viability were used as the bases for the analysis of the opinions collected. The IBS designs were deduced to be the most creative but the least viable in the construction industry.

Keywords: Building Design, Industrialized Building Systems, Creativity, Quality, Flexibility, Viability

Pages: 168-175

      Surjono, Dimas Wisnu Adrianto
Sustainable production and consumption and the role of cleaner production

Abstract:The unsustainable production and consumption is a significant cause to environmental degradation. While the earlier framework adopted to minimize negative impacts to the environment was the pollution control, many industries refused to adopt this obligation due to the high cost (internalization). This paper discusses an alternative option to adopt cleaner production supported with sensible consumption behaviour as an acceptable strategy to combat negative environmental impacts. The concept of cleaner production is more acceptable, where mitigating pollution and maintaining profit from an enhanced production system at the same time is applicable. Meanwhile, creating a sustainable consumption pattern and behaviour will reduce the impacts related to waste generation. Therefore, a cooperative framework between industries and consumers to control each other’s supply and demand will also deliver benefit to the cleaner production process.

Keywords: Cleaner production, Sustainable Production and Consumption

Pages: 176-179

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

      Imad Z. Ramadan, Qais A. Kilani, Thair A. Kaddumi
Determinants of bank profitability: evidence from Jordan

Abstract:In this study, a balanced panel data set of Jordanian banks was used for the purpose of investigating the nature of the relationship between the profitability of banks and the characteristics of internal and external factors. For this purpose 100 observation of 10 banks over the period 2001-2010 were comprised. Two measures of bank’s profitability have been utilized: the rate of return on assets (ROA) and the rate of return on equity (ROE). Results showed that the Jordanian bank’s characteristics explain a significant part of the variation in bank profitability. High Jordanian bank profitability tends to be associated with well-capitalized banks, high lending activities, low credit risk, and the efficiency of cost management. Results also showed that the estimated effect of size did not support the significant scale economies for Jordanian banks. Finally, the estimation results indicated that individual effects on the profitability are present; this is concluded due to the fact that some of the differential slope coefficients are statistically significant.

Keywords: Bank profitability; panel data; Jordan

Pages: 180-191

       Khalizani Khalid, Hanisah Mat Salim, Siew-Phaik Loke, Khalisanni Khalid
Demographic profiling on job satisfaction in Malaysian utility sector

Abstract:This study aimed to examine the influence of demographic factors of gender and age on job satisfaction and its facets in Malaysian utility sector. A total of 689 employees from the sector participated in this study. A gap analysis was utilized to determine the significant difference on the levels of job satisfaction and its facets based on gender and age. The t test result revealed that female experienced greater overall job satisfaction rather than male. Significant difference in satisfaction for female only recorded for pay, benefits, rewards, coworkers and communications. The ANOVA result revealed that job satisfaction increased with age. Four facets of JSS which are pay, benefits, coworkers and nature of work also found to be a determinant of JSS with older workers experienced greater satisfaction. The result of this study will facilitate the utility sector or other organization to understand the crucial aspects considered in employee’s evaluation on job satisfaction is changes over time. The interesting findings provided an evidence to better understand personal characteristics of employees as a function of the individual’s characteristics and the characteristics of the job itself. The study suggested that it is impossible to generalize the key aspects of job satisfaction in diverse personal characteristics of employees.

Keywords: Job satisfaction, gender, age, utility sector

Pages: 192-198

       Cristian - Marian Barbu, Sorinel Căpuşneanu
Technology of the monetary policy decision

Abstract:This article is meant to emphasize that, in principle, intuition has a twofold purpose in the monetary policy decision-taking: to protect the main objective of the Central Bank and the operationalisation of the function allocated to the monetary policy. Consequently, the intuition of the decision-takers will complete the professional side of their institutional responsibility with the ineffable in a way that eventually will provide the decision-takers the feeling of handling the policies of the Central Bank as much as possible in compliance with its main objective. Intuition usually helps weighing the future or the prospects; these are made up of few certainty elements and a whole range of risks and uncertainty elements. The latter can sometimes annul the few certainties (of the past), that is why their chemistry in relation to the objective of the monetary policy needs the urged intuition of the decision-takers. This expression suggests that the exercise of intuition itself is oriented and adjusted to the purpose, to the innate gift and to the talent of the decision-taker, beyond profession, and it follows a certain path, thus defining the real action field of intuition as an accompanying aid in the monetary policy decision-taking. While knowing How it happens, the attempt to answer the question: How much will be intuitive and will take into account the constraints of the field?.

Keywords: monetary policy, price stability, intuition, risk, uncertainty

Pages: 199-204

       Thrulogachanter Perumal, Lawrence Arokiasamy, Suhaiza Zailani
The moderating role of Purchasing Strategic Integration (PSI) in the manufacturing perfoemnce: an operations management perspective

Abstract:In the recent years, a number of emerging issues are posing serious challenges to the manufacturing industry in Malaysia. Hence, these manufacturing industries faces dramatic challenges such as globalization, new competitors, high turnover, high operating cost and minimum profits. Therefore, this study is to examine the influence of purchasing strategies on manufacturing performance with moderating effect of purchasing strategic integration. Therefore, this conceptual paper indicating that Purchasing Strategic Integration (PSI) plays moderating role in creating stronger influence of purchasing strategies on manufacturing performance. Even though purchasing only plays supporting role in manufacturing organization but its strategies creates significant contribution on manufacturing performance. Hence, the manufacturing firms should emphasize on focusing in purchasing strategies mainly effective negotiation, supplier relationship and interaction; and effective cost management as drivers for their excellence performance in this uncertainty market condition. This is essential for manufacturing firms in order to remain competitive and relevant in the challenging and competitive business environment. Therefore, this paper examines the background of the study, research problem and literature review. The uniqueness of this paper focuses on the operation management perspective which is important for manufacturing industry to progress and competitive. Finally, this article maps out the conceptual model for manufacturing industry for greater performance.

Keywords: Purchasing Strategic Integration, Manufacturing Performance, Operations Management.

Pages: 205-214

       Mahfuz Judeh
Ethical decision making and its relationship with organizational justice

Abstract:The aim of the paper is to determine perceptions regarding organizational justice in media corporations in Jordan. The study also aims to determine whether ethical decision making and organizational justice are related. The study is conducted via a survey through the administration of questionnaires. A convenience sample of 214 employees was drawn of the total population of employees working with media corporations in Jordan. The findings reveal that participants have moderate positive perceptions regarding organizational justice. The study also reveals that there are significant positive relationship between ethical decision making and organizational justice. This paper will enrich the literature on ethical decision making and organizational justice, specifically in media sector and it will assist the managers to master the techniques of enhancing justice feeling inside their organizations.

Keywords: Ethics, Decision Making, Media, Organizational Justice.

Pages: 215-220

       Chee-Keong Choong, Venus Khim-Sen Liew, Sok-Gee Chan, Huck-Khoon Ch'ng
Foreign direct investment volatility and economic growth in Asian-five countries

Abstract:This study examines the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) volatility as a source of variability in five major ASEAN economies. Using bounds testing approach, we show that while FDI has positive and significant effect in all the ASEAN economies considered, its volatility retards long-run economic growth in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Moreover, FDI volatility can be welfare reducing even after controlling for other country-specific growth correlates. This finding is robust to different measures of FDI volatility.

Keywords: Foreign direct investment, economic growth, volatility, bounds test

Pages: 221-224

       José Chavaglia, José António Filipe
Photovoltaic solar energy contribution for Amazon’s companies

Abstract:This study shows the process of innovation as a business strategy through the use of photovoltaic solar energy in industrial enterprises in the Amazon. The study is based on the classical theory of common goods (see Filipe, 2006 and Filipe et al, 2007) and intends to analyze the need of the contemporary world in finding clean alternatives for supply energy for the production of goods and services in the economy. It analyzes also how this process influences customers’ minds in an business-friendly environment in the Amazon region. The study permits to conclude that the implementation of solar energy in companies in Amazon region generates competitive advantages in the market.

Keywords: Innovation, commons, Amazon, solar energy.

Pages: 225-231

       Mohd Hassan Mohd Osman, Muhammad Amir Rashid, Fauziah Sheikh Ahmad, Amer Rajput
Market orientation - a missing link to successful women entrepreneurship in developing countries: a conspectus of literature

Abstract:Research on constellations of larger firm market orientation is sprouting, but knowledge bivouac exiguous appertaining to women-owned small and medium sized business market orientation, and its role in shaping women-owned small and medium sized business performance. This paper construes market orientation construct attributes, cultural and behavioural perspectives of market orientation in general and within the context of small and medium sized businesses, and then annotate the significance of acquiring market orientation to implicate womenowned small and medium sized business performance in conservative economies. Finally, this paper proposes conceptual and empirical insinuations for future research within the women-owned small and medium sized business context.

Keywords: Marketing, Market orientation, Women-owned small and medium sized businesses

Pages: 232-236

       Samina Nawab, Khuram Shafi
Accessing the Influence of Management Practices in Enhancement of Employee productivity

Abstract:Employee productivity is the major dynamic in shaping the success or downfall of any organization that is why organizations are continuously striving to enhance the productivity of their employees. Employee productivity is defined as the rate at which goods or services are produced especially output per unit of labor, properly managed and controlled employees are more productive. This research study was related to human resource and it investigated the different methods by adopting which organizations can increase the productivity of their employees. Relationship of employee productivity with employee monitoring, benefit system, team structure, computerization and human resource practices was examined. Data was collected from the sample of 200 employees. Bivariate regression and correlation coefficient was applied to study the relationship. Regression analysis showed that the relationship existed between employee monitoring, benefit system, human resource practices, team structure and computerization with the employee productivity and the variance analysis showed that the model was best fitted. Team structure had the greatest impact on employee productivity while the benefit system and employee monitoring had the smallest impact on the employee productivity.

Keywords: Employee Productivity, Employee Monitoring, Benefit System, Computerization, Human Resource Practices, Team Structure.

Pages: 237-244

       Fomenko Olesya Olegovna
The evolution of cooperation between government and fuel and energy companies in France

Abstract:The author of the article characterizes the evolution of cooperation process between government and leading companies, the experience of state regulation and economic planning in France. The process is considered in the context of France inner changes and global level. The article emphasizes the system of governmental management in the sphere of fuel and energy complex.

Keywords: governmental regulation; cooperation; indicative planning; strategic planning; fuel and energy complex.

Pages: 245-248

       Ishfaq Ahmed, Muhammad Musarrat Nawaz, Tehmina Fiaz Qazi
Impact of terrorism on tourism industry: A point to ponder

Abstract:World is moving so rapidly that the pace is difficult to catch when we are off the track. Along with many revolutionary changes that are taking place with each second to pass one of the prominent changes is shift in economic models of the countries. Many industrial based countries are now shifting from manufacturing to service economies. Whether a country decides to be a manufacturing or a service economy or using both manufacturing and service model, depends on the availability of natural resources. While shifting from manufacturing to service economy, one major source of earning being adopted is tourism industry. That shift is dependent upon the availability of natural beauty to attract tourists from the globe. Many developed and even developing nations are getting a great amount of market share from tourism industry. Like many other countries of the world Pakistan is a country with natural beauty with artificial touch to keep it attractive. Tourism industry has been a great source of earning for the country till 2000 even till 2005 (before the wave of tourism). But that share has declined sharply as the wave of terrorism in the country has shattered economic activities. Tourism industry is also one of those activities that has witnessed great downfall. This has tremendously reduced the earning for government as well as locals. So this is an area that required a researcher’s eye. Considering importance of the problem this study aims to uncover economic affects (in shape of tourism industry only) our country has witnessed because of terrorism. This study is conceptual in nature based on secondary data. Data is gathered and analyzed for era of pre tourism and post terrorism wave (1990s-2010). Findings prove that terrorism has tremendously shattered tourism industry in the country. Recommendations are also made at the end to tackle the problem and how to fetch more tourism share.

Keywords: tourism, terrorism, economic development, education, Pakistan

Pages: 249-256

      Mustafa Damar, Hulya Gulay, Serdal Seven
Assessing the relationship between television programme choices and aggression tendencies in children going through early adolescence

Abstract:The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between film choices and aggression in children going through early adolescence. Participants of the study comprised of 167 (88 girls and 79 boys) normally developed sixth and seventh grade students attending 4 elementary school in the region of Muş, Turkey. Personal Information Form and Intent Attribution Questionnaire were used in research. In conclusion of this study, conducted on children going through early adolescence, aggression and gender had an effect on the preference of T. V. programmes. Boys had a higher hostile attribution in comparison to girls. Boys preferred violent and horror programmes more than girls.

Keywords: Aggression; Television Programme Choice; Gender; Early Adolescence.

Pages: 257-261

      Ata Atun
The legal aspects of Khojali issue

Abstract:Khojali (Azerbaijani: Xocalı) also, Ay-Khodzhaly, Khodgalou, Khodzhalv, Khodzhaly, Khojalu, and Khozhali, is a town in Daghlig Karabakh (Nagorno Karabakh), located some 10 km northeast of its capital Khankendi. Internationally, it is still considered a de-jure part of Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan counts it as the capital of its Khojali Rayon. The de jure belonging of the currently Armenian occupied region to Azerbaijan is recognized by all relevant international bodies and organizations, including the United Nations Security Council, UN General Assembly(49/13 and 57/298), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE),Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Azerbaijan has endured ethnic cleansing and genocide by Armenian nationalists for 200 years. The people of Azerbaijan were deported from their historical lands and became refugees and internally displaced persons because of Armenian occupation. During the Soviet period, Azerbaijan people harshly forced out from their centuries long owned lands. 167,000 Azerbaijanis were deported from Armenia and placed in the Kur-Araz plain between 1948 and 1953. In the year 1988 an Azerbaijani population as much as 250,000 was expelled from Armenia and Armenia became a mono-ethnical state. The Daghlig Karabakh events, which began in 1988 along with continuous efforts to implement the Armenian desire of building a state from sea to sea, led to the destruction of Azerbaijanis towns and villages, the murder of thousands of innocent Azerbaijani people, as well as the exile of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from their native lands.

Keywords: Khojali, Azerbaijan, Daghlig Karabakh, Armenian aggression, Armenian occupation

Pages: 262-264

      Ata Atun
Of Western Thrace

Abstract:When the Lausanne Agreement was signed the Turkish population, including the Pomak Turks were more in number proportionally than the Greek, Bulgarian, Armenian and Jewish population. The Turkish population numbered around 129,120 in the area, and was 67% of the population. Today is 40% of the population. Despite the fact that the rate of population increase was around 2.8%, due to constant emigration the population did not increase and the result of this is that they became a minority in the area. The land ownership in Western Thrace has also dramatically changed. Whilst in 1923 the land ownership by Turks was 84%, they now only own between 20 and 40%. Throughout the years the area has been subjected to a ruthless genocide by Greece.

Keywords: Western Thrace, West, Thrace, Greece, Turkish Minority, Turkish, Minority, Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, Human Rights, IKSAREN, International Crime, History

Pages: 265-276

       Diogo Faria de Moura, José António Filipe, Manuel Alberto M. Ferreira, Manuel Coelho, Isabel Pedro
An analysis of the political risks environment in American developing countries

Abstract:Companies investments abroad need an involving and multifaceted organization. These investments require that a company knows about political risks and other involving environment risks and knows that this topic is essential to analyse the risk of a country in which the company intends to go to. This paper intends to analyze the conditions of attractiveness and the risks in a political context of a country in which a company intends to invest. The politics’ stability of a country’s government is often determinant to have investments, particularly the ones from an international company. The complexity of this analysis requires the understanding of the way the interrelationships are made. This paper explains the environment in which companies invest abroad, under the uncertainty climate involving the political risks. The impact of the political environment in Latin America upon the international investment of companies is particularly studied given the importance of these particular governments’ measures impact on the economic field of firms’ decisions, historically known.

Keywords: Political risk, International business, political environment.

Pages: 287-291

       Azizeh Khanchobani Ahranjani, Rajab Tohidian, Maryam Akbari Moghanjoogi
Non-ezafe construction in the Persian medieval poems

Abstract:Complex noun phrases in Persian language are formed in three ways: “ezafe construction”, ”non-ezafe construction” and compound construction(ezafe +non-ezafe). These phrases consist of at least two parts: “head” (independent part) and “modifier(s)” [dependent part(s)]. There are many studies and researches in the first field, ezafe construction, as opposed to the other two ones. This study investigates the second group, structurally , getting samples from the medieval poems. These are most outstanding poets’ masterpieces: Hafez, Jami and Baba Faghanie’s poems.

Keywords: Non- ezafe construction, Persian Medieval poems, Complex noun Phrases, head

Pages: 292-297

       Shamsa Aziz, Naushaba Atta, Hamid Hassan Mian
Self concept of female prospective teachers: A comparative study

Abstract:Self Concept is one’s perception about one’s qualities and attributes. Awareness of self can be referred to an individual’s self concept. Teachers’ own self concept can affect their students’ self concept. Present study was conducted to explore and compare the self concept of the future female teachers enrolled in different programs of teacher education. Three institutes were chosen as sample; All the students of these institutes enrolled in different programs of teacher education were included in the sample.Sample size was 180. In order to determine the selfconcept of the sample, a 36 itemed six-factor self-concept scale for adults developed by Jayne e Stake in 1994 was used for the collection of data. The six-factors were likeability, morality, task accomplishment, giftedness, power and vulnerability. It is concluded that Prospective teachers of B. Ed program are significantly different from other groups of prospective teachers on likability subscale while Prospective teachers of B. S. Education program are significantly different from other groups of prospective teachers on Giftedness subscale of Self concept. It is recommended that; teacher education programs should concentrate on the techniques & strategies for enhancement of students’ self concept along with content, skills and teaching strategies.

Keywords: Self concept, Teacher Education, Prospective Teachers

Pages: 298-301

       M. Girija, S. Prakash Rao, M. B. Raju
The audio and visual teaching aids for communication skills lab

Abstract:This paper outlines the history of English Language Teaching and states the following key aspects of ELT, which is based on activity involving LSRW skills. The amount of practice is directly proportionate to the medium and social constraints faced by the learner. These principles involve in the learner inputs required for general teaching and remedial teaching. L.H. Stren (1983) in his fundamental concepts of language teaching mentions the concepts that help a Classroom teacher: This means that Motivation is inside or “intrinsic” of the learner. Mere anxiety or enquiry does not reveal whether he/she is really motivated and ready to learn. So, the teacher must ensure readiness and effect of his learners. Only conditioning is important according to the behaviorists. English is learnt by constant use and practice.

Keywords: Communication skills lab, visual teaching, ELT, LSRW

Pages: 302-308

       Fatma Alkaaf, Divya Jindal-Snape, Angela Roger
Basic education reform in Oman

Abstract:This paper outlines the development of a new educational reform in the Sultanate of Oman called the ‘Basic Education’ system which has been underway since 1998. It aims to meet the needs of all students by creating an environment in which students learn how to learn and acquire the tools for life-long learning. The reform covered all aspects of schooling from the learner as the heart of the educational process to the curriculum, teaching methods, and the assessment. The shift in Basic Education from traditional teacher-centered learning to student-centered learning has required a great deal of effort and dedication from all those involved in delivering the new programme. The paper demonstrates how the new educational reform is drastically changing the picture of education in the Sultanate compared to the previous traditional educational system. Some lessons from the innovation-based and pedagogical experiences accumulated from employing the system will be discussed.

Keywords: Basic Education, learner-centered, life-long learning, Oman.

Pages: 309-314

       Ayaz Afsar
Literary texts in language teaching

Abstract:The aim of this study is to explore alternative approaches to the teaching literature in a context where literature is still taught according to traditional literary-critical method—where all efforts are made to prepare students to get through the examinations. There is little emphasis on developing language skills or literary competence. The paper begins with highlighting the importance of teaching literature, moves on to describe the context of the study, turns on to discuss some features of a literary text, goes on to provide a model lesson for teaching a poem and closes with some practical ideas about teaching literature in a language classroom. Another purpose of the paper is to raise the awareness of the teachers towards using alternative ways of teaching literature based on linguistic description.

Keywords: Teaching Literature, Language Classroom, Literary Competence, Linguistic Description, Language Skills.

Pages: 315-320

       Maryam Rafiq, Zainab Naseer, Bakhtiar Ali
Impact of emotional intelligence on organizational learning capability

Abstract:In today’s world of globalization, organizational learning is considered as an approach to maintain competitive advantage facilitated by organizational learning capability. Emotionally intelligent employees ease organizational learning. Therefore, this paper aims to resolve the question that what impact does emotional intelligence have on organizational learning capability. Single questionnaire was used to collect data from sample size of 200 employees from several private banks of Islamabad /Rawalpindi. The findings detect significant positive relationship among emotional intelligence, organizational learning capability and its dimensions. This reveals that emotionally intelligent employees facilitate organization learning capability. The study has limitations which provide suggestions for future research including one-shot study issue, considering only banking sector for analysis. However, the study will benefit both the practitioners and future researchers.

Keywords: Organizational learning, Organizational learning capability, Experimentation, Risk taking, Interaction with the external environment, Dialogue, Participative decision making

Pages: 321-325

       Hasan Bozgeyikli
Observation of Turkish school counsellor’s life quality

Abstract:The aim of this study which investigates the life quality of Psychological Counselors in school is to find out whether the factors of levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue related to the life quality of Psychological Counselors working at primary and secondary schools differ according to the variables of gender, working place and seniority. The samples of the study included 134 psychological counselors in total; 73 females (54.5%) and 61 males (45.5%).The methods for collecting data were personal information forms and the scale of ‘Life Quality Scale for Employees’ with sub-scales of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue. Ttest an one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for the analysis of the data. The results demonstrated that the level of compassion satisfaction of the female psychological counselor was significantly higher than the male psychological counselors. Additionally, it was found that the levels of compassion satisfaction of psychological counselors working at primary schools were significantly lower than compassion satisfaction of psychological counselors working at secondary schools, and the levels of burnout and compassion fatigue were significantly higher. Another result of the study was about the fact that the levels of burnout of psychological counselors who worked 1-5 years were significantly higher than the ones who worked 16 or more years. The results of this study were discussed in the light of existing literature and suggestions for further research were recommended.

Keywords: School psychological counselors, compassion satisfaction, burnout, compassion fatigue

Pages: 326-332

       Nabi Bux Jumani, Samina Yasmeen Malik, Saeed ul Hasan Chishti, Fazalur Rahman
Crimes causes in educated youth of Pakistan

Abstract:Crime and violation is a growing problem of every society. Specifically, the crimes of educated youth are one of the major problems of Pakistan, which need attention of the society. This paper discussed the findings of the study conducted to investigate nature and causes of crimes in educated youth of Pakistan. The population of the study consisted of educated prisoners, justices of the courts and jail officials. Questionnaires and structure interview were used for collection of data from the participants of the study. The study further described some conclusions that are to taken into account while devising strategy for crime control.

Keywords: crime causes, Prison, Juvenile justice

Pages: 333-338

       Rabia Atiyah Kreishan, Ahmad M. Saidat
The effect of the religious and cultural Schemata on Jordanian students' comprehension of English texts

Abstract:The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of religious and cultural schemata on Jordanian students' comprehension of English texts. The subjects' reading comprehension was measured using four reading texts. Two of the texts reflected the subjects' culture and religion, while the other two texts reflected a foreign culture and a different religion. The findings of the study showed that students, performance on reading comprehension tests was significantly affected at level (α < 0.05) due to the familiar religious and cultural content of the text. It is recommended that teachers should help the students activate their prior knowledge about the reading topic before reading. More studies are recommended to investigate the effect of the extended time and other variables such as courses of English language which include ready answers on reading comprehension using more texts.

Keywords: schemata, content schema, reading comprehension

Pages: 339-347

      Tamkeen Saleem, Seema Gul
Prevalence of obsessions and compulsions among adults of Pakistani community

Abstract:This study aimed to explore the prevalence of obsessions and compulsions in Pakistani community. 80 Patients (40 Males and 40 Females) who satisfied DSM-IV T R criteria for obsessive compulsive disorder were included in the study. Prevalence of different types and forms of obsessions and compulsions was assessed using the literature review, DSM IV TR criteria, patient clinical file and a self designed Checklist. The most frequent Obsessions were found to be dirt and contamination, fear of losing & insecurity, Checking, Religious thoughts, arrangement & order. Compulsions found in research were washing & cleaning, checking, arrangement & ordering, hoarding. No major gender based differences regarding obsessions and compulsions were found. Obsessions and compulsions are common in the adult OCD patients. The particular types of OCD are important for clarifying etiology of disorder and improving treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Obsessions and Compulsions

Pages: 348-353

      Aziz-Ur-Rehman, Maqsood Alam Bokhari
Effectiveness of brain-based learning theory at secondary level

Abstract:Role of human brain in thinking (T), emotions (E) and memory (M) is vital. Learnability of an idea cannot be kept aloof from the procedures involved in T, E and M. Since teaching learning process (TLP) is closely related with T, E and M of learners and innate faculties of human brain (I.F.) contribute to learning process, it is logical to examine the TLP in context of I.F. So, the study was conducted to investigate comparative effectiveness of different I.F., namely parallel processing; innate search of meaning; patterning; perception through creation of parts and wholes; and uniqueness in the subject of mathematics at secondary level. BBL theory is based on 12 principles which focus on these I.F. A pre-test, post-test control group design was followed. Three chapters from 9^th grade textbook of mathematics were selected to teach. The validated academic achievement test comprised 16 items. The selected 60 students from 211 ninth graders were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The results of the study showed that students of experimental group performed better by activating the I.F. as compared to those of control group. It was concluded that performance can be improved significantly by sharpening the I.F.

Keywords: Brain-based Learning, Academic Achievement, Teaching Method

Pages: 354-359

      Samina Malik
Impact of women education on fertility

Abstract:There have been numerous researches regarding the impact of education on fertility. It has been asserted by many that female education does have an impact on fertility. Educated Women find difficulty in creating a balance between children bearing and work, usually an inverse relationship results; ultimately leading to a decrease in fertility which gives birth to an inverse employment-fertility relationship. Women involved in the economic activities fail to cater to the demands of the newly developed motherhood; which is looked upon as an obstacle in immaculate job performance. The absence of facilities available for raising a child also do havoc with the already mismanaged time schedule, thus exacerbating the prevalent situation in personal and professional areas. The present study aims at exploring the relationship between women education and fertility. All the females working in officer’s grade in the Universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi formed the cohort of the study. Structured questionnaire was used as the tool for data collection. Collected data was statistically analyzed and then described in detail. On the basis of the findings, an inverse relationship between educated women and fertility was found out and was more pronounced in the case of women engaged in higher grade jobs. The study led to the findings that education does acts as an important factor in lowering down the rate of fertility which mostly operates through some intervening variables that determine the ideological demand for children, social prestige, costs of rearing and education.

Keywords: Women Education, Fertility, Social Prestige, Cost of Rearing, Motherhood

Pages: 360-363

2^nd PART.  /   HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

       Ata Atun
Principal Actors of Khojali Genocide

Abstract:The Khojaly genocide is one of the most terrible and tragic pages of Azerbaijan history. Azerbaijan's national leader Heydar Aliyev said in his speech addressed to the nation of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Khojaly genocide: "This merciless and cruel genocide was the most dreadful mass terror act in the history of humankind." The Armenian government wanted to annex Daghlig Garabagh despite international legal norms and demonstrates their readiness to resort to any kind of crime and barbarism for the sake of its ideology. The Khojaly genocide - the tragedy of the 20th century - was a result of this aggressive and criminal policy. This tragedy, which took place in the 20th century was one of the most serious crimes not only against the people of Azerbaijan, but humanity as a whole. The Khojaly genocide is comparable to the genocides in Khatin, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Songmi.

Keywords: Khojaly genocide, Azerbaijan, Armanian occupation, War in Daghlig Karabagh

Pages: 370-373

       Jumaan Abdulqader Alzahrani
Suggested framework to overcome perceived barriers to research publishing in Saudi Arabia

Abstract:This article focuses on the academic publication processes in Saudi Arabia, the obstructions that affect researchers’ ability to carry out and publish research. There are possible difficulties faced by researchers wishing to publish; these include length of time required to publish, referees’ demands and conditions, mailing difficulties, lack of communication between researchers and journals, delays in researchers’ addressing the reviewers’ corrections, the weaknesses of financial support, the cost of using and publishing articles, delays in the printing of research. This article reviews the attitudes of academics towards electronic publishing and publishing in general. The research comprises interviews, case studies methods. The data are analysed in a systematic method to explain findings in accordance with required objectives. The mainly important findings from this article are the lack of academic staff encouragement to conduct and publish research, lack of financial support to the research publishing sector, lack of a research publishing infrastructure.

Keywords: traditional publishing, electronic publishing, qualitative analysis, publishing framework, Saudi Arabia.

Pages: 374-392

       Ishfaq Ahmed, Tehmina Fiaz Qazi
Do students’ personality traits moderate relationship of teacher’s leadership style and students’ academic performance? Empirical evidence from institute of higher learning

Abstract:Current research establishes the relationship between leadership style of a teacher as per students’ assessment and their own perceived academic performance, keeping their level of emotional intelligence as the moderator of this relationship. Students had been selected as the target population of the study because the purpose of the study was to assess the leadership style of a teacher and to explore its impact on the academic performance of students. Out of 250 students (estimated sample size), 212 students voluntarily participated and contributed in data collection comprising a response rate of 85%. Questionnaire was used to elicit their responses. They all have/had been the students of author (a permanent faculty member of Hailey College of commerce, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan). In 1^st portion of questionnaire they were asked to assess the leadership style of their teacher, secondly they had to mention their perception about their academic performance. In 3^rd portion of the questionnaire, EI level of students had been assessed. 3 categories had been made among students on the basis of their study period with the mentioned teacher i.e 111 students studied for 1 semester; 70 students studied for 2 semesters and 31 students assessed the leadership style after 1 year of their studies taught by the said teacher. Study concluded that there is a significant effect of teacher’s transformational leadership style (IV) on students’ perceived academic performance (DV). Similarly, teacher’s Transactional leadership style (IV) affects students’ perceived academic performance (DV) significantly. But the presumed moderator (Emotional Intelligence) does not moderate the effects of the predictors (Teacher’s transformational and transactional leadership style) on the outcome variable (Students’ Academic performance).

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Transformational leadership, Transactional leadership, Education, Academic performance, Pakistan

Pages: 393-400

       Abdel-Rahman Hamza Hussein, Ayman Bassam Nassuora
Jordanian student’s attitudes and perceptions towards knowledge sharing in institutions of higher education

Abstract:The emergence of a new economy has been viewed by many for latest developments where knowledge has become a valuable asset and resource. Since things have changed rapidly in this new economy, the concern is not just what you learn, but also how you can apply what you learn quickly and capture what you have learned. The main aim of this research study is to better understand and measure the Jordanian student’s attitudes and perceptions towards knowledge sharing in Institutions of Higher Education (IHE). This paper reports on the results of a survey of 255 undergraduate and master students at Jarash University. This descriptive research discovered that the students feel very powerfully about the signification of sharing of knowledge in IHE’s. More efforts must be made and awareness must be created to guarantee that people understand the advantages of sharing of knowledge. The overall findings revealed that knowledge sharing is vital to the success of knowledge management practices in all organizations; inclusive of IHE’s and effective knowledge sharing among students is essential for IHE’s.

Keywords: Knowledge sharing, Knowledge Management, Institutions of Higher Education

Pages: 401-405

       Fauzia Janjua
Urdu-English switching: decline of the linguistic capital of Urdu language in Pakistan

Abstract:Social and communicative significance of code switching has been well researched by sociolinguists worldwide; this paper aims to discuss how it affects the languages in contact. The study sets out to investigate Urdu-English code switching at different levels with the basic aim to make generalization about how influence of English is generating a new variety of Urdu language. Data for the present study was collected from formal and informal language use in different settings. Fifty examples were collected for inter-sentential and intra-sentential types of Code-Switching each. Formal language use examples were collected from official conversations, Classroom discourses, two Urdu daily Newspapers, one Urdu magazine and PTV Urdu news. Data clearly reveals that the frequency of code switching from Urdu to English seems to be of such an extent that Urdu discourses are no more in standard Urdu form, rather Urdish is emerging out of the phenomenon of code switching. Nouns are most frequently switched and are integrated following the rules of Urdu grammar, verbs are also switched and the most alarming situation is of the switching at morphemic level.

Keywords: Urdu language, English, Urdu-English code switching, linguistics

Pages: 406-409

       Safeer Awan, Muhammad Sheeraz
Gender-oriented code-switching: a case-study of English language teachers at Pakistani universities

Abstract:It is generally believed that men and women use language with distinct gendered features. Since Otto Jespersen’s disparaging dismissal of women’s language as inferior, the debate surrounding this issue has remained charged with arguments both for and against Jespersen’s original observations. The issue has also been explored in relation to literary texts, as, for example, Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway are dubbed often as the representative writers who write in either ‘male’ or ‘female’ ‘language’. Arguments in favour of creating a genderfree language not withstanding, it is a fact universally observed that men and women use language differently. By drawing upon the theoretical underpinnings of language and gender in general, and by observing and recording 16 lectures, we investigate the reasons and modes of code switching, and its frequency by the male and female teachers in the class-rooms of two Pakistani Universities located in Islamabad.

Keywords: Gender, language, code-switching

Pages: 410-415

       Umbreen Javaid
Politics of religious Extremism in Pakistan

Abstract:The history of Pakistan movement reveals that all the religious parties opposed Pakistan, but after its emergence, all these have been striving to give a severe blow to secular forces by stressing upon Islamic society and an orthodox Islamic state. Pakistan is the best example of culmination of cooperation and then confrontation between political and extremist elements. The extremist face of Pakistan can be best understood in the backdrop of its different phases of political history, heterogeneous composition of society, ethno – cultural communities and various nationalities. Besides these trends, international and regional politics have also contributed towards the flourishing of extremism in Pakistan. The paper looks into the various causes which have led to religious extremism in Pakistan. This article is an attempt to study the growing role of extremism in society and politics of Pakistan.

Keywords: Pakistan, extremism, politics, religion

Pages: 416-420

       Perihan Ünüvar
Pre-school education experiences and the school attendance

Abstract:This research aims to examine the life perceptions of the undergraduates having received preschool education that influenced their school attendance during the preschool education period. The study group of the research is consisted of totally 185 undergraduates, 124 girls and 61 boys, having received the preschool education. The study data was collected and analyzed through semi-constructed interview forms. According to the research findings, perceptions of the undergraduates regarding preschool education experiences were classified under two main groups: affirmative and negative. Affirmative experience perceptions were collected under main topics: friends, teachers and nutrition-amusement- activities. In this regard, playing with friends (38%), fondness to teachers (24) and activities at school (58%) were turned out to be the most important experiences influencing the school attendance affirmatively. The most noteworthy negative experiences were determined as getting up early (18%), staying away from mother (12%), being forced to eat and sleep at school (17%) and fighting with friends (9%).

Keywords: Preschool, School attendance, Teacher, Game, Friend

Pages: 421-423

       Muhammad Imran, Syed Hasan Muhammad Rizvi, Bakhtiar Ali
Impact of organizational learning on organizational performance

Abstract:Organizational Learning leads to enhanced productivity and performance measured through financial and non-financial variables. This study is seeking to find the (i) relationship between organizational learning and organizational performance (ii) the impact of five major strategies of learning organization on organization performance, which includes: continues learning; team learning; empowerment; and leadership. In order to test five hypotheses, the data was collected from Private Banks of Pakistan through the adopted questionnaire. The result show that the elements i.e continuous learning and empowerment are the most significant factors that increase the organizational performance, whereas the leadership and team learning, especially in Pakistani private banking sector context, do not have visible effect. The study will be useful for policy makers and management while developing any strategy related to organization learning or performance. These findings will enable them to positively consider and exploit these significant factors more seriously rigorously.

Keywords: Organizational Learning, organizational performance, continuous learning

Pages: 424-427

       Aysha Urooj, Shazia Naureen
A comparative study of pedagogical practices of Allama Iqbal Open university and Virtual University of Pakistan

Abstract:The study was designed to Compare Pedagogical Practices of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and Virtual University of Pakistan (V.U). The objectives of the study were: i) to investigate the Pedagogical Practices of Allama Iqbal Open University and Virtual University of Pakistan for the students of Bachelor and Master level ii). to compare the Pedagogical Practices of Allama Iqbal Open University and Virtual University of Pakistan for the students of Bachelor and Master level. The random sampling technique was used to select the sample of 300 students of bachelors and master level programs of Allama Iqbal Open University and Virtual University of Pakistan. The findings of the study indicate that there were various pedagogical and assessment practices used for teaching in both the distance universities. Face to face teaching in tutorial classes were used in Allama Iqbal Open University only. Online teaching was used only in Virtual University of Pakistan. Virtual learning environmental systems were used in Virtual University of Pakistan only.

Keywords: Virtual University of Pakistan, Allama Iqbal Open University, pedagogical practices

Pages: 428-431

       Haydar Efe
Turkish policy towards South Caucasian region and stability in the South Caucasus

Abstract:Turkey has contributed to peace and prosperity in the South Caucasian region and encouraged the South Caucasian countries’ political, economic and social transformation, establishment of market economy in the region. Turkey also supports these countries’ aims for integration with EU and NATO. In this respect, Turkish foreign policy towards Caucasus have always been to ensure regional stability, prosperity, good neigbourly relations and its main purpose is to create interdepence between regional states to increase regional prosperity and to ensure stability in this region. Because of its close historical and cultural ties with countries in the South Caucasian Region, establishing and maintaining friendly and mutually benefical relations with this region and stable and developed South Caucasia and Caspian Sea Basin has become one of Turkey’s foreign policy goals. Turkey always wants to maintain regional stability and attributes great importance to the strengthening of these nations’ independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Because, any instability in the South Caucasian Region could have easily spilled over into Turkish territory and bother not only Turkey but also South Caucasian states and international actors. Therefore, Turkey plays the role of a mediator in the regional conflicts and contribute to the peace and stability. Energy is an another important factor of Turkish foreign policy towards this region. Uninterrupted transport of Caspian oil and gas also depend upon stability in the South Caucasian region. Within this context, one of the primary objectives of Turkey in the South Caucasian region is to ensure the flow oil and gas into west markets without interruption.

Keywords: Turkey, stability, South Caucasian Region

Pages: 432-439

      Omar Abdallah Ahmad Shehadeh, Reem Farhan Odeh Maaita
Infanticide in Pre-Islamic era: Phenomenon investigation

Abstract:This research investigates the spread of infanticide that apparently prevailed in Pre – Islamic era, which many people have reported claiming that burying female children alive was a common happening during that time. This paper proposes that the spread of infanticide among Arabs in the Pre-Islamic era was not true. Accusations of infanticide moved down among Arabs from generation to another until it became deeply rooted in the minds of Arabs in subsequent generations. The present paper attempts to shed light on many issues, which will hopefully cover this phenomenon from various aspects:
- who claimed that Arabs practiced infanticide against their female children;
- whether all Arabs followed this practice;
- whether there were some Arabs voiced their rejection of this practice;
- whether there were some Arabs that urged others to stop this alleged practice.
The paper comes to close with some conclusions.

Keywords: infanticide, Pre-Islamic era

Pages: 440-443

       Cristian - Marian Barbu, Sorinel Căpuşneanu
Remarks regarding the notions of risk and uncertainty

Abstract:This article shows that risk means the chance that a fact with unpleasant effects may occur. Risk and uncertainty are combined in various proportions but in fact, uncertainty can never be removed. Risk should not be perceived as a bad thing. Risk actually may incur excellent opportunities for those who can handle it. The answer is not total avoidance of risk but avoidance of less understood risks. Risk influenced the development of all sectors whose main competence is risk management. The wish to take risks is shared by all economic agents. Practically, risk avoidance is the surest way to failure. Instead of avoiding risk (which is impossible), we should develop a more detailed understanding of the way in which we could convert potentially negative results into opportunities. The deep reasons for which risk and especially uncertainty cannot be measured have been shown by Keynes who started his intellectual career with a paper on probability theory, recognized by experts as a major contribution to the study of logical basics of this field of mathematics. According to Keynes, the concept of probability that operates in the theory of probabilities is a way of representing a future that is certain but the economic agents and authorities do not know it with certainty although they feel the need to try foreseeing it. However, the genuine uncertainty residing in the uncertain nature of the future itself cannot be expressed through the analytical structure provided by the theory of probabilities. According to the demonstration provided by N. Georgescu-Roegen, the deep cause of the difficulties that economic science faces in dealing with uncertainty is the fact that the relation between uncertain events cannot be always numerically expressed. Actually, this is the cause of the variety of interpretations and disputes. Thus, anticipations that can be placed in a significant relation with a real number (coefficient of probability) make up a special class.

Keywords: risk, uncertainty, probability, economic uncertainty, anticipations

Pages: 444-450

       Mohd Nizam Bin A. Badaruddin, Lawrence Arokiasamy, Hamidah Yusoff
Cyber entrepreneurship in institutions of higher learning in Malaysia

Abstract:Entrepreneurship is getting wider attention with increasing globalization and also the recent downturn in the world economies. Malaysia also emphasizes on a more entrepreneurs and but cyber entrepreneurs are still in embryonic stage. This could develop and accelerate the economic growth by devoting necessary time and effort. Thus cyber entrepreneur development is one of the fundamental solutions to the economic development and globalization. Specially, developing necessary resources in developing cyber entrepreneurs which tend to have great impact on economies growth. This paper examines the extent to which entrepreneurs important for the graduate’s career advancement and the role of the higher education in developing cyber entrepreneurs. The paper is to explore and identifies the action plan in building entrepreneurship in Malaysia higher education. Finally, this paper suggests that cyber entrepreneur should meaningfully redefine the notion of entrepreneurs by reconsidering their border theoretical underpinnings for a better development practice.

Keywords: Entrepreneurs, cyber entrepreneur, institutions of higher learning and career advancement.

Pages: 451-455

       José António Filipe, Manuel Alberto M. Ferreira, Manuel Coelho, Isabel Pedro
Modeling anti-commons. The case of fisheries

Abstract:Anti-Commons Theory explains new Property Rights concerns. An “anti-commons” problem arises when there are multiple rights to exclude. Little attention has been given to the setting where more than one person is assigned with exclusion rights, which may be exercised. “Anti-commons” problem is analyzed in situations in which resources are inefficiently under-utilized rather than over-utilized as in the familiar commons setting. In fact, these two problems are symmetrical in several aspects. Fisheries problems are studied.

Keywords: Anti-Commons, Property Rights, Fisheries

Pages: 456-460

       As'ad H. Aborumman, Faleh Abdelgader Alhawary, Hani J. Irtaimeh
Enhancing holiday travelers loyalty toward traveling agents through the relationship quality: an empirical study on the Jordanian travelers

Abstract:The purpose of this study is to examine empirically whether relationship quality namely, satisfaction, commitment, trust, communication and conflict handling has impact on the level of loyalty for Jordanians holiday travelers toward traveling agents, a conceptual framework was developed and tested,. A questionnaire was designed to collect primary data from the respondents whom they travel outside of Jordan for the purpose of vacation and recreation through travel agents (organized traveling). Sample was selected based on purposive sampling technique. Multiple regression and stepwise analysis techniques were used to test the study hypothesis. The empirical study results revealed that satisfaction, commitment, trust and conflict handling have more significant impact on Holiday Travelers Loyalty, while communication has no significant effect on loyalty.

Keywords: Relationship Quality, Loyalty, Tourism, Travel Agents, Jordan.

Pages: 461-467

       Komal Khalid Bhatti, Samina Nawab
Determinants of organizational commitment in banking sector

Abstract:The objective of this research is to understand some of the major determinants that contribute in manager’s commitment to an organization (OC). A survey of 147 banks was conducted, using non-probability conversion sampling technique. These were conducted in public and private sectors in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. In overall perspective and in public and private sectors, job satisfaction has the highest impact on organizational commitment, role clarity has the highest impact on organizational commitment whereas in the overall point of view, employee participation has the least impact and in the private sector, organizational climate has lease impact on organizational commitment.

Keywords: banking sector, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational commitment.

Pages: 468-474

       José Pereira Lamelas, José António Filipe
Co-leadership in the tourism sector companies: Increasing effectiveness and efficiency

Abstract:Great leaders have always been rare and usually have been surrounded by a team of other real leaders. The world is in constant and global turmoil and people are much more cultured and sophisticated, more knowledgeable, more autonomous and more demanding than before. Nowadays it is even more difficult to find out a single person with all the key skills necessary for an effective and efficient management. Consequently, this work intends to analyze the shared leadership in modern organizations. As prerequisites for a successful shared management it is possible to consider for example the team spirit or the complementarities among the pairs of the management team. The study of literature reveals some successful co-leadership cases. In this study, it is intended to identify the factors that make the combination of directors to be successful, particularly in tourism companies.

Keywords: Co-leadership, shared leadership, hotel management, complementary skills, effectiveness, efficiency.

Pages: 475-480

       Abu Hassan Abu Bakar, Mohamad Nizam Yusof, Aidah Awang, Aulina Adamy
Survival strategies of construction companies in Malaysia during two periods of recession

Abstract:The ability of the construction industry to respond to changes in the environment has always been a subject of debate. There are some organizations that have been quite successful in responding to changes by adjusting their outlook and fundamentals, but the construction industry in general responds slowly to environmental changes. The objective of this paper is to determine the survival strategy variables (SSVs) used by Malaysian construction companies in the past two economic downturns to remain competitive and to ensure survival in the future. Respondents to this research are construction companies classified in the large category by the Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia (CIDB). The findings of this study are based on 152 questionnaires, out of 600 sent out by the researchers, redeemed from construction companies. Response rate thus stands at 25.3%. This study used the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the frequency analysis as methodologies. The findings show that the construction companies responded differently in the two periods of recessions, and among the top key SSVs found were management style, market penetration, quality improvement, market development, and product development.

Keywords: survival strategic variables, recession, construction companies, Malaysia

Pages: 481-486

       Sugeng Prayitno Budio, Indra Cahya, Koo Gideon Wibawa
Selection of roof structure model of timber, lightweight steel and conventional steel due to gravity load

Abstract:In the recent years, the development of science makes the increasing of construction technology. Many materials were created to replace existing materials with a variety of advantages. One of them is light steel which is widely used as material for roof truss in place of timber or wood and conventional steel. However, there has no national code which can be used as the basic for the analysis of light steel construction. Therefore, many researches are needed to determine how the advantages and disadvantages of light steel and compare with timber or steel conventional. In this study, the test is conducted to determine the type of truss from the most efficient way to create a landscape with a model and plan of buildings from different views that generally occur in applications in the field. Besides, the weight and cost required in the model the same roof truss structure are compared. SAP 2000 is selected to be the analysis tool and the material properties such as elasticity is selected from laboratory test. From the analysis, it is found that mild steel is lighter and cheaper than timber, while timber is lighter and cheaper than a steel frame structure in the model the same roof.

Keywords: roof, light steel, conventional steel, timber.

Pages: 487-489

       Roslinda Ibrahim, Sarwoko Mangkoedihardjo, Wahyono Hadi, Ari Dipareza Syafei
Transpiration efficiency of three species of plants (Albizia saman, Swietenia mahagoni, Delonix regia) for use in city phytostructure of Surabaya

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to establish plant ratings on the basis of transpiration efficiency. Three plant species (Albizia saman, Swietenia mahagoni, Delonix regia) were investigated for the rate of transpiration (T) and growth in dry weight (DW). Results revealed that the ranking of transpiration efficiency (T/DW) from highest to lowest was Swietenia mahagoni, Albizia saman, Delonix regia. Transpiration efficiency was suitable for use as a criterion for selection of plant species for use in design of city phytostructure. The potential distribution of the plant species was proposed, aimed at the maximum absorption of carbon dioxide and water drainage by transpiration mechanism.

Keywords: Transpiration rate, dry weight, transpiration efficiency, plant ratings, potential distribution

Pages: 490-493

       Siti Nur Fazillah Mohd Fauzi, Nor’Aini Yusof, Nazirah Zainul Abidin
Common defects found in Build-then-sell houses

Abstract:The implementation of the Build-Then-Sell housing delivery system is aimed at providing houses that are less defective than the conventional Sell-Then-Build system. Nevertheless, the BTS houses have been found to still have defects but those defects are yet to be explored. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the common defects discovered in BTS houses by housing occupants. The defects are identified based on fifteen building elements that are: roof; external and internal doors; windows; external and internal floor; ceiling; stairs; external and internal wall; sanitary equipment; electricity service; water service; plumbing facilities and drainage. The result reveals that for each building element that has been examined, at least one type of defect tends to appear. Although the BTS houses are less defective than the STB houses, this study seems to suggest that there are certain areas on which the developers should be more focused in BTS houses so that they can be more valuable as their quality improves.

Keywords: type of defects, Build-then-sell houses, housing

Pages: 494-497

       Zahra Sadat Saeideh Zarabadi, Nora Haeri, Timaz larimian
Sense of place in the concept of Persian Garden

Abstract:The Persian garden as one of the best patterns of landscaping with a glorious history is the result of the interaction of the Iranian human with nature. This phenomenon is core of several theories and discussion .sense of place rescues spaces from general and identical state for everybody and changes it to special point for its addressees. Most of people, who have experienced a specific place, esteem it and become upset lacking those scenes. Perceptible and meaningful places are suitable base that the personal memories, emotions and values depend on it. Spatial identity has an intimate connection with personal identity. This paper classifies the principles to reach a conceptual pattern. An applicable approach is presented for recreation of these old valuable gardens, which are compatible with contemporary requirements and new facilities, so the aim of this paper is accessing to indicators which are forming sense of place in the Persian garden so that through this achievement a sustainable design pattern would be possible. Investigations on successful samples of creating place sense in Persian garden as identical evidence analyzes quality measurement at different climate.

Keywords: Persian Garden, Conceptual Pattern, Sense of Place.

Pages: 498-504

       Yasemin Erbil
A survey on the dynamics of innovation in Building suppliers

Abstract:This study examines behaviors of building suppliers towards innovation, considering that construction industry is often considered as a supply-dominated industry. The aim of the on-going research is to, contribute to our understanding of the dynamics of innovation in building suppliers in Turkey. The sample of the pilot study is six suppliers firms. The period of the pilot study was from 13^th March – 2^nd April 2009. Theinterviewslastedbetween 30 minutes to 1 hour. Interviews were taped and later transcribed. As part of the analyses of the interviews, content analysis was employed. A semi-structured interview approach was employed to achieve the objectives of the pilot study. Semi-structured interviews provided some flexibility to probe various areas and discuss specific queries during the course of the interview. In this paper some findings of the pilot study are presented. Based on a pilot study, which is a part of an on going research more efforts are needed to understand the attitudes and behaviors of building suppliers towards innovation.

Keywords: Innovation, Building suppliers, Construction sector, Case study research.

Pages: 505-508

       Amin Akhavan Tabassi, Mahyuddin Ramli, Abu Hassan Abu Bakar
Training and development of workforces in construction industry

Abstract:Human resource development strategies play a critical role in order to have a successful organization. Based on a combination of literature research and an exploratory survey, the chapter explores the methods of training and development in HRD practices in construction firms. The survey was conducted by sending 50 sets of questionnaires to the nominated contractor firms in Mashhad, Iran. The analysis methods in this research were mainly descriptive and the type of investigation was a co-relational study. The research found some of the barriers and solutions of training and development of workforces.

Keywords: Human resource development; training, development, construction; Iran.

Pages: 509-515

       Herghea Daniel, Chicet Daniela, Filipescu C-tin, Paraschiv Dragos, Nanu Neculai, Chirileanu Marius, Popa Sorin
Determination of the chemical composition through the SEM method for two alloyed steels

Abstract:In this paper we present the determination of the chemical composition through the method of scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) for two materials, alloyed steels for auto parts, 51VMnCr11 and 34CrMo4. These materials have been first thermally treated through hardening and then processed through dry correction and lapping. We are doing a comparison between the chemical composition determined in raw state through spectrography and the chemical composition determined through SEM, after the processings described before.

Keywords: electronic microscopy; secondary electrons (Secondary Electrons SE); reflected electrons (Back Scattering Electrons BSE); X radiations spectrum (spectrum EDAX - Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis); SEM; EDS

Pages: 516-524

NATURAL AND APLIED SCIENCES

       Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Amjad Rehman, Mohamad Faizal Ab Jabal, Tanzila Saba
Close spanning tree (CST) approach for error detection and correction for 2d CAD drawing

Abstract:This article presents the development of a Close Spanning Tree (CST) approach for error detection and correction in CAD drawing which is stored in the data exchange files (DXF) format. The motivation for this research is to develop error detection and correction methods to help designers easily detect the error and make the correction to the drawing before the extraction process. The main contribution of the research has been the development of the error detection and correction methods which is integrated with the close spanning tree (CST) algorithm. The conclusion of the research is that the proposed algorithm can detect error and produce a correction value for the designers to easily correct the error. The algorithm has been tested and evaluated in terms of the accuracy of the detection and correction of error in 2D mechanical part drawings which have been used in this research. The drawings have been drawn by using I-DEAS application software.

Keywords: CAD drawing, Error detection, Error correction

Pages: 525-533

       Gloria Ukalina Obuzor, Harold Chika Nweke
Fatty acids characterization of Plumeria rRubra from Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: Fatty acid of Plumeria rubra from Port Harcourt, Nigeria was analyzed by gas chromatography and sixteen acids were identified. It was observed that the concentration order of the fatty acids is polyunsaturated (44.72%) >monounsaturated (29.25%) > saturated (26.05%) for Plumeria rubra. Ten of the fatty acids were found in trace amounts while palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) gave values of 17.82% and 8.23% respectively. The monounsaturated fatty acids oleic (C18:1) an “omega-9” and erucic acid gave values of 24.76% and 4.49% respectively. The polyunsaturated essential fatty acids linoleic (C18:2) an “omega-6” was 39.52% while linolenic (C18:3) an “omega-3” gave a value of 5.20%. The physicochemical analysis of Plumeria rubra gave free fatty acid (oleic) 8.84%, saponification 201.21 mg KOH/g of oil, peroxide value 16.17meq of active oxygen/Kg oil, iodine value 79.00 (g of 1/100g of oil) and acid value 0.86 mg KOH/g of oil. The micronutrients calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and Copper gave values of 1.11%, 0.06%, 2.26%, 0.06% and 0.003% respectively.

Keywords: Polyunsaturated, fatty acid, saponification, omega and essential oil

Pages: 538-541

       Manal G. Mahmoud, Iman A. Ghazy, Ghada S. Ibrahim, Afaf S. Fahmy, Mohamed O. El-Badry, Azza M. Abdel-Aty
Purification and characterization of a new Fibrinolytic Enzyme of Bacillus Polymaxa NRC-A

Abstract: Fibrinolytic enzyme from Bacillus polymaxa NRC-A was successively purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose and gel filtration chromatography on Sephacryl S-2000 columns. The specific activity of the fibrinolytic enzyme was increased approximately 9-fold, from 1736 U mg^-1 protein to 15042 U mg^-1 protein. fibrinolytic is a monomeric protein and its molecular weight was 18 kDa. Characterization of the fibrinolytic exhibited optimum pH and temperature were 9.5 and 40 °C, respectively. The purified enzyme was 95% inhibited by 10 mM of the serine protease inhibitor PMSF. A Lineweaver-Burk analysis showed a K_m value of 3.33 mg and V_max of 25U.

Keywords: Fibrinolytic, Bacillus polymaxa, Purification, Characterization, column chromatography

Pages: 542-547

       Mona M. Hussein, Soraya T. El. Damhougy
A health promotion for older people

Abstract: The nutritional needs of individuals, change with lifestyle and over time. As children reach maturity and adulthood they no longer require nutrition for growth. Instead food and nutrition is needed to replace expended energy and to provide sufficient protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals as well as other essential components to meet the body's needs. With advancing age the ability to store nutrients declines, as do regulatory and recovery abilities. However, the nutritional requirements of the population aged over 65 years are diverse and are influenced by health, physiological function and susceptibility to diseases. In appropriate food intake, chronic disease and functional impairment place a substantial number of older people at high risk of malnutrition. Unrecognised or untreated malnutrition, including both over or under nutrition, can lead to disability, reduce the quality of life, increase morbidity and need for health care and social services, and can contribute towards premature institutionalization and early mortality. In 1996 FAO and WHO jointly Organized a consultation on the development of food-based dietary guidelines as part of the two organization's continuing efforts to increase the relevance and effectiveness of nutritional recommendations in every day life.

Keywords: Aged, Ageing, Physiology, Nutrition, Nutritional Requirements, Guideline.

Pages: 548-553

       Fatma H. Abd El-Razek, Enas A. Kamel
Ameliorative effect of pomengrate peel water extract against folic acid-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract: Recent studies indicate that free radicals are important mediators of renal damage induced by high dose folic acid injection. Pomengrate peel was reported as a potent antioxidant. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of pomengrate peel water extract in folic acid induced renal failure. For this purpose, thirty adult male albino rats were assigned into 5 groups. group1: normal control group, group 2: experimentally induced renal failure injected with folic acid (250mg/Kg body weight), group 3, 4 and 5 experimentally induced renal failure injected with folic acid followed by oral administration of pomengrate peel water extract( 0.5 ml,1ml and 1.5 ml /day, respectively). The results of this study demonstrated that injection with folic acid (250mg/Kg body weight) impaired renal function judged by a significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, and uric compared with normal control (p<0.05). Oral administration of pomengrate peel water extract significantly attenuated nephrotoxicity induced by folic acid resulting in a significant decrease in serum urea, creatinine and uric acid (p<0.05). The results also showed a significant increase in folic acid injection induced oxidative stress reflected in a significant increase in serum Malondialdehyde ( MDA) levels. Also, renal MDA significantly increased with a significant decrease in renal catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities (p<0.05). Oral administration of pomengrate peel water extract restored normal levels of malondialdehyde and retained control activities of renal antioxidant enzymes. Qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of natural antioxidants as flavonoid,tannin,saponin and sterols.Therefore,pomengrate peel extract have a more potential as health supplement and nephroprotective agent rich in natural antioxidant.

Keywords: pomengrate peel water extract ; folic acid; nephrotoxicity; antioxidants; rats.

Pages: 554-559

       Abd El-Moneim M.R. Afify, Romeilah R.M., Amany M. Hegazy, M.M.H. Osfor, Amr S.M. Elbahnasawy
Ameliorative effect of pomengrate peel water extract against folic acid-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract: Both dietary fibers and polyphenols have been reported to exert antihypercholesterolmia. Potato peel a waste by product of potato processing is found to be a good source of both dietary fiber and polyphenols. Polyphenols may provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular and hypercholesterolemia. The current study examined the attenuating influence of dietary potato peel powder on hypercholesterolemia and various oxidative stress-associated with biochemical parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats. Thirty two male albino rats weighing 110 + 10 g were divided in to four groups, the first group received the basal diet only and served as (negative control), the second group received the basal diet supplemented with 2% cholesterol +20% animal fat and 0.2% bile salt (hypercholesterolemic diet) and served as positive control), the other groups received hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with 10%, 20% potato peel powder (Popp) for six weeks. The obtained results revealed that groups supplemented with 10% and 20% Popp significantly decrease total lipids, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) compared with positive control compared to positive and negative groups. Kidney functions also significantly decrease in urea and creatinine. Organs weight, body weight gain, HDL-C and blood picture parameters significantly increased compared with positive control. Moreover Popp can use to reduce the weight on hypercholesterolemic state and reducing hypercholesterolemic complications. In addition, PoPP also serves to improve the lipid profile (cholesterol, total lipid, triglycerides, LDL-C and HDL-C) and blood picture and to reduce the blood glucose level in hypercholesterolemic rats and could use in obese people for body loss.

Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Potato peel, dietary fiber.

Pages: 560-567

       Amany M. Hegazy, Shereen S. Ghaleb
The preventive effect of garlic, lupinus and vitamin C on hepatotoxicity of arsenic in experrnintal rats

Abstract: The hepatotoxic effect of arsenic is related to the intracellular glutathione (GSH) content. Glutatione (GSH) seems to facilitate the metabolism of arsenic inside the cell. Arsenic is also known to induce oxidative damage in the cells by producing lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, which represent stronger indices of oxidative stress. This study tests the protective effect of lupinus, garlic extracts and Vitamin C of each alone or in combination with Meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA).

Keywords: glutathione, garlic, lupinus, vitamin c, DMSA, GSSC. ALT, AST.

Pages: 568-574

       Yusr M. I. Kazem, Maha I. A. Moaty, Nihad H. A. El-Arabi, Salwa M. El Shebini
The relation between insulin resistance and cognitive functions among a group of healthy obese Egyptian females

Abstract: The link between obesity and both insulin resistance and cognitive defects has been proved. Some recent studies raised the issue of the role of insulin and the effect of insulin resistance as a mediator to cognitive function decline and even dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this study is to test the relation between insulin resistance and cognitive functions among a group of obese females. Our study included a group of 47 obese Egyptian females (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²),and their age ranged from 40 to 70 years old. A control group of 21 females matched for age, health status and social background and with BMI between 21 and 25 kg/m²were taken All cases were subjected to: Full clinical examination, 24 hours dietary intake recall and anthropometric measurements including ;weight,height and waist circumference. Kendrick battery for evaluation of cognitive functions (short term memory and attention). Estimation of fasting blood insulin and glucose concentrations, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)was used as an index for insulin resistance. SPSS (17.0-2008) software was applied for data analysis. Results: The obese group had significantly higher (HOMA-IR) (p<0.000), blood insulin(p<0.001) and glucose levels (p<0.035) compared to normal controls. An inverse significant correlation (p<0.01) between cognitive functions and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood and insulin blood levels was detected. In conclusion, our study found a significant correlation between insulin resistance and cognitive functions decline (both memory and attention) among our group of obese Egyptian females. A mediating role of insulin resistance in cognitive functions impairment among obese individuals is suggested. Following a healthy diet and maintaining normal weight can be the clue to prevent insulin resistance, and hence preserve cognitive functions and delay dementia.

Keywords: Obesity, cognitive functions, insulin resistance, (HOMA-IR)

Pages: 575-579

      V. Naveen Shankar, S.M. Ravi Prakash, M.N. Sumalatha, Ashwini Shankar
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of tongue

Abstract:Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant neoplasm that originates in both the minor and major salivary glands, characterized by slow growth, diffuse invasion and potential to produce distant metastases, mainly to the lungs and bones, It is an infrequent lesion, as it represents approximately 1% to 2% of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck, and up to 10% to 15% of all malignant salivary gland neoplasms, The most common intraoral site for minor salivary gland tumors is the hard palate, followed by the base of the tongue. On the other hand, one of the least frequent sites of presentation for ACC is the mobile tongue, as several authors have reported an incidence of only approximately 3% of the cases. Here we are reporting a case report of ACC on tongue.

Keywords: Cylindroma: Perineural invasion (PNI): Glossectomy;

Pages: 580-582

      Hanan Abd Allah El Gamal, Salah Mostafa, Adel Naguib Hanna, Hala Dawood El Gindi,
Mohamed Abo Elasrar Mohamed El Bayoomy, Dina Ahmed Soliman, Manal Abd El Kader Shehata Mohamed
Estimation of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells in children with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract:Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell mediated autoimmune disease that is associated with loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. The role of regulatory T cells in maintaining self tolerance has been intensively researched. It is considered that in the autoimmunologic reaction participate the disturbances in the number/function of T regulatory cells. The aim of study was to determine the percentages and count of T regulatory cells in the peripheral blood of children with type 1 diabetes. Material and methods: A total of 40 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes were studied, and compared to the control group consisted of 40 healthy children age and sex matched with no signs of autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory, neoplastic disease, and no evidence of T1D in their families. Flowcytometric analysis of T-cell subpopulations was performed using the following markers: anti-CD3, anti-CD4 and anti-CD25. Results: In the group of children with type 1 diabetes we found statistically significant higher percentages of T regulatory cells, CD4+CD25 ^high (10.42%) comparing to the control children (3.9%). No difference was observed in the frequency of CD4+CD25⁺ between both groups Conclusions: the higher percentages of T regulatory cells in children with T1D need to be confirmed in larger studies and complemented with functional studies. Further identification of these T cells may contribute to a better understanding of underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: children, type 1 diabetes, T lymphocytes, T regulatory cells

Pages: 583-589

      Hossein Karim, Reza Toushmalani, Saeid Rahmatabadi
Peter principle (“level of incompetence”): viewpoint of physics

Abstract:Entropy is a concept that was derived in the nineteenth century during the study of thermodynamic systems. Entropy exists in all systems, nonliving and living, that possess free energy for doing work. As system energy declines, entropy increases. Entropy has precise mathematical and statistical definitions, but can be approximately defined as the degree of disorder or uncertainty in a system. If a system is isolated, or cut off from all inputs of matter and energy, it will tend toward a maximum, according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Entropy is important for the study of life support systems because it offers a valuable way of defining and measuring sustainable systems. A sustainable system must, by definition, ensure that its entropy level does not rise to the maximum, as maximum entropy is tantamount to system death. To be sustainable, the system must have life support subsystems that can ensure supplies of matter, free energy, and information sufficient to maintain entropy levels below the maximum. Peter’s Corollary states that “in time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out his duties” and adds that “work is accomplished by those employees who have not yet reached their level of incompetence". If we look at the level of incompetency from the view point of thermodynamic, we will see that this principle conforms to the second rule of thermodynamic and the changes (inclination to increase) of the individual that is in the employing organization. In fact we can say that an individual who is employed in an organization, starts working and climbs up the ladder of success one after the other to reach the level of incompetency. In fact he has reached the apex of his disorder in this case and a group of managers( in this level of incompetency) form an organization with the maximum of entropy (minimum of efficiency).

Keywords: Entropy, thermodynamic entropy, General Systems Theory, The Peter Principle, level of incompetency

Pages: 590-593

      Veeri Chettiar Arumugam, Rouhollah Mojtahedzadeh
Relationship between supply chain management practices and performance in the Iranian industries: a theoretical approach

Abstract:This paper shows a model to conduct an empirical study in Iranian industries in order to improve their performance. This study intends to examine the relationships between supply chain practices and performance. Supply chain management (SCM) is one of the most important tools that companies used to develop their performances. There are many factors which are effective factors in determining of supply chain management in Iranian industry namely, customer orientation, knowledge sharing, information technology (IT) adoption, partnership, leadership, training and communication. The communication plays a fundamental role in determining the performance in Iranian manufacturing industries. In this research, a model has been developed that includes Supply Chain Management and Performance to study their influence on the Iranian industry. Regression analysis was applied to test the model in this research. The findings showed that leadership, IT adoption, customer orientation, training, and communication have a significant influence on the performance of the service organizations. It is hoped that this paper can provide an academic source for both academicians and managers due to investigate the relationship between Supply Chain Management and Performance.

Keywords: supply chain management, SCM practices, service industries, organizational performance, Iran, supply chain strategy, customer orientation, knowledge sharing, information technology (IT) adoption, partnership, leadership, training, communication.

Pages: 594-598

       Masoud Hashemi, Vahid Najafi
Using blogs in English language writing classes

Abstract:Since 1998, weblogs (or ‘blogs’) have gained increasing notice in the modern world (Blood, 2000). More and more EFL/ESL teachers have applied this user-friendly technology to classroom instruction and language learning (Campbell, 2003; Johnson, 2004; Lankshear & Knobel, 2003; Richardson, 2004a); however, it seems that few English teachers have ever used blogs in an EFL writing class in Iran. weblogs have great capabilities as an educational tool for the teaching of EFL writing class. During the present paper, the researcher has tried to show and discuss the capabilities and advantages of using weblogs in increasing the writing skill of Iranian college students. Another important objective behind this paper is to present the reactions and feedback of Iranian college learners who experienced blog in their writing class for the first time. Finally, some instructions and tips are provided for the teachers who want to use blog in their writing class.

Keywords: CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning), Blog, Weblog, BALL (Blog-Assisted Language Learning), English language Writing skill

Pages: 599-604

       Muhammad Javed Iqbal, Najma Kousar, Muhammad Ajmal
Collaborative learning: myth for distance learning?

Abstract:Collaborative learning is a process in which two or more students work together. Collaborative strategies can be used in planning, translating and reviewing the distance education process to have a better product. This research identified climate for the application of collaborative learning strategies, highlighted the area of the application of collaborative learning at MS leading to Ph.D programme. It is concluded that learning process can be improved by interaction, positive interdependence of collaborative learning leads to common responsibility, collaborative learning builds students self-esteem and confidence in students.

Keywords: Collaborative learning, ICT, Collaborative learning strategies, e-learning environment, distance education

Pages: 605-608