Palestinian media landscape: Experiences,narratives, and agendas of journalists under restrictions

This study aims to increase our understanding of the dynamics of the Palestinian media and the conditions and circumstances in which they work, including both the conflict with Israel and the internal political strife within Palestinian society. It is based on the use of qualitative research methods and was conducted in two stages. First, we performed a mapping of Palestinian media outlets. Data on these Palestinian media outlets were collected online from the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Information website, the Gaza-based Hamas government’s Ministry of Information website, and statements published by Palestinian media outlets on their websites describing their affiliation and ownership. Second, to gain a more in-depth understanding of the dynamics and experience of practicing journalism in a situation of asymmetrical conflict, semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 professional local Palestinian journalists working for local media outlets in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Through this study we aim to learn more about how groups shape and express their narratives and agendas through the media when restricted by the conditions, pressures, and limitations of asymmetrical conflict.     

A corpus-based discourse analysis of the vision and mission statements of universities in Turkey

This article presents findings from a corpus-assisted discourse analysis of mission and vision statements of 105 state and 66 private/foundation universities in Turkey. The paper combines a corpus-based approach with critical discourse analysis to interpret the data in relation to its institutional as well as socio-political context. It argues that the mission and vision statements are marked by a need for reassuring their legitimacy and the demands of a growing tertiary market. The historical and cultural backgrounds of the development of universities in Turkey, as well as political and economic conditions, are also decisive in the shaping of mission and vision statement of universities.     

Biological variations of ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor in human adults

Background:

The ultra-large von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers are very active and must be degraded by ADAMTS13 for optimal activity. A severe functional deficiency of ADAMTS13 has been associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The correct interpretation of patient vWF and ADAMTS13 plasma levels requires an understanding of the biological variation associated with these analytes. In the present paper, we aimed to determine the biological variation of ADAMTS13 and vWF in human adults.

Materials and methods:

Blood samples were collected weekly from 19 healthy subjects for 5 consecutive weeks. vWF activity and antigenicity were determined using aggregometric and immunoturbidimetric methods. ADAMTS13 antigenicity and activity were determined by ELISA.

Results:

The within-subject biological variations for vWF activity and antigenicity were 8.06% and 14.37%, respectively, while the between-subject biological variations were 18.5% and 22.59%, respectively. The index of individuality for vWF activity was 0.44, while vWF antigenicity was 0.64. Similarly, ADAMTS13 activity and antigenicity within-subject biological variations were 12.73% and 9.75%, respectively, while between-subject biological variations were 9.63% and 6.28%, respectively. The ADAMTS13 indexes of individuality were 1.32 and 1.55, respectively.

Conclusion:

We report high biological variation and individuality in vWF antigenicity and activity levels. However, ADAMTS13 antigenicity and activity displayed high biological variation, but low individuality. Thus, population-based reference intervals may be useful for monitoring ADAMTS13 antigenicity and activity, but not for vWF, which displays high individuality. These findings should be considered when determining the reference interval and other clinical variables associated with ADAMTS13 and vWF levels.     

Optimization of fuzzy model using genetic algorithm for process control application

A technique for the modeling of nonlinear control processes using fuzzy modeling approach based on the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model with a combination of genetic algorithm and recursive least square is proposed. This paper discusses the identification of the parameters at the antecedent and consequent parts of the fuzzy model. For the antecedent fuzzy parameters, genetic algorithm is used to tune them while at the consequent part, recursive least squares approach is used to identify the system parameters. This approach is applied to a process control rig with three subsystems: a heating element, a heat exchanger and a compartment tank. Experimental results show that the proposed approach provides better modeling when compared with Takagi Sugeno fuzzy modeling technique and the linear modeling approach.     

Evaluating research performance of research institutes within Malaysian universities: an alternative assessment framework

Tertiary Education and Management - Evaluation of research performance has significantly increased in importance, particularly in many emerging higher education systems. In Malaysia, the Malaysian...     

Optimal sizing of piezo-actuators for minimum-deflection design of frames under uncertain loads

Optimal piezo-actuator sizes and locations for a frame structure under bending load uncertainty are determined with the objective of minimizing the deflection under worst case of loading. The bending moments generated by the piezo-actuators are used for deflection control, i.e., to minimize the maximum deflection. The frame is subjected to a tip load which lies in an uncertainty domain with regard to its magnitude and direction. The specific uncertain loading studied in the present paper involves a load of given magnitude but of unknown direction, which should be determined to produce the highest deflection. The worst case of loading depends on the size and location of the actuators leading to a nested problem of optimization (design) and anti-optimization (uncertainty problem). Results are given for deterministic and uncertain loading conditions.     

Evaluating students experiences using a virtual learning environment: satisfaction and preferences

Educational technology research and development - Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are web-based software systems that enable students to interact with their teachers and classmates, access...     

Teacher educators as gatekeepers: Preparing the next generation of teachers for technology integration in education

This study aims at investigating the profiles of teacher educators in order to explore their ability to prepare preservice teachers for technology integration in education. Specifically, the current study examines whether teacher educators can be grouped on the basis of their attitudes toward ICT (in education), their ICT self-efficacy to design ICT-rich learning environments, their competencies to use ICT in their teaching practice and the strategies they use to prepare preservice teachers for technology integration. These strategies are included in the SQD (Synthesis of Qualitative Data) model and comprise: (1) teacher educators as role models, (2) reflecting on the role of technology in education, (3) learning how to use technology by design, (4) collaboration with peers, (5) scaffolding authentic technology experiences and (6) providing continuous feedback. Data were collected from a sample of 284 teacher educators in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, and submitted to latent profile analysis. The added value of the current study lies in the account of how SQD strategies and a typical set of determinants of ICT integration can be associated within teacher educators’ profile. Based on the profiles emerging from this study, teacher training institutions should consider their teacher educators to be gatekeepers when preparing future generations of teachers for the learning environments of the twenty-first century. In the discussion section, the implications for practice and future research are discussed.     

The need for Saudi faculty and the media for instruction in Saudi Arabian universities

The past three decades have witnessed rapid growth and expansion in higher education. This study attempts to throw some light on the extent to which Saudi universities have attracted national faculty to match the level of increase in students' enrollment. Another important issue which is discussed in this article is the extent to which Arabic, the national language, is used as a medium of instruction in Saudi universities.Saudi government publications, as well as some international statistical documents, have been utilized in evaluating the possibility of achieving a national faculty and the possibility of using Arabic as the medium of instruction. Practical suggestions are offered to help the higher educational system in Saudi Arabia overcome some of the current problems.