bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive simulations for promoting transdisciplinary understanding: a case study of the Western Cape fisheries, South Africa
Authors: Proches Cecile , Bodhanya Shamim
Published: June 2016

Simulations have proven beneficial in enabling participants from various backgrounds to meaningfully engage in learning from experience. The aim of this paper is to investigate how interactive simulations can play a role in navigating the changes faced in a multi- stakeholder setting, characterised by users dependent on marine resources and an authorising institution. Relevant literature in the areas of simulation and gaming, change management, systems thinking, and complexity theory was examined. A qualitative research approach and purposive sampling were employed. Interviews were first conducted with diverse stakeholders in the Western Cape fisheries of South Africa to determine the issues. A simulation was thereafter designed. The main findings from this study indicate that simulation use illustrates how the various stakeholders in a system interact, and how their actions and decisions influence each other. The simulation may be used in other areas of natural resource management, as well as in other kinds of multi- stakeholder scenarios.Keywords: Simulation and gaming, Change management, Fisheries, Multi-stakeholder scenarios, Systems thinking, Complexity theoryDisciplines: Conflict Resolution, Leadership Studies, Management Studies, Natural Resource Management
A transdisciplinary approach to understanding the causes of wicked problems such as the violent conflict in Rwanda
Authors: Velthuizen Andreas
Published: June 2016

The paper is presented against a background of many wicked problems that confront us in the world today such as violent crime, conflict that emanates from political power seeking, contests for scarce resources, the increasing reaction all over the world to the deterioration of socio-economic conditions and the devastation caused by natural disasters. This article will argue that the challenge of violent conflict requires an innovative approach to research and problem solving and proposes a research methodology that follows a transdisciplinary approach. The argument is informed by field research during 2006 on the management of knowledge in the Great Lakes region of Africa, including research on how knowledge on the 1994 genocide in Rwanda is managed. The paper will make recommendations on how transdisciplinary research is required to determine the causes of violent conflict in an African context and how practitioners and academics should engage in transdisciplinarity. It was found that trans- disciplinary research is required to gain better insight into the causes of violent conflict in an African context. It requires from the researcher to recognise the many levels of reality that has to be integrated towards a synthesis to reveal new insights into the causes of violent conflict, including recognising the existence of a normative-spiritual realm that informs the epistemology of Africa. It furthermore requires a methodology that allows us to break out of the stifling constraints of systems thinking and linear processes into the inner space at the juncture where disciplines meet (the diversity of African communities).Keywords: Africa, conflict, Rwanda, crime, genocide, violence, transdisciplinaryDisciplines: politics, education, law, epistemology, sociology, theology, management science
The application of water poverty mapping in water management
Authors: Van der Vyver Charles , Jordaan Dawid
Published: June 2016

Water management has been carried out for many centuries wherever there has been a need to provide water to large numbers of people. Complex social norms have developed around water management and competing users have established political (governance) and economic cooperative relationships. For example, community-managed irrigation schemes in Bali and the cloud-collection canals built by the Incas at Inca Pirca in Peru are examples of water management systems which still currently supply water to people (Sullivan et al., 2005). Water resources will steadily decline because of population growth, pollution and expected climate change (Hemson et al., 2008). It has been estimated that the global demand for water doubles approximately every two decades (Meyer, 2007) and that water will even become as expensive as oil in the future (Holland, 2005). “In the year 2000, global water use was twice as high as it was in 1960” (Clarke and King, 2004:19). Unfortunately this trend is expected to continue. The aim of this paper is to describe how water poverty mapping as a process can be used to assist the management of our already scarce water resources. It constructs a water poverty map after which it describes its application at various management levels. The research indicates that the mapping process can be used to obtain more accurate predictions, as well as to form part of the master plan and integrated development plan documents.Keywords: Water management, water poverty mappingDisciplines: Water management, geographical information systems (GIS), poverty studies, decision support
Investigating an effective supply chain for a refinery in a regulated petroleum sector
Authors: Adendorf Chris , Emuze Fidelis , Khulu Vukani
Published: June 2016

Currently, refined petroleum products are manufactured by six refineries in South Africa. The supply of refined petroleum products is supplemented by imports of refined petroleum products. These refined petroleum products are transported by pipeline, rail, road, sea and a combination thereof to depots across the country. These products are then distributed directly to commercial customers through points of resale in the form of retail service stations. The challenge is that the storage facilities and distribution networks in South Africa are currently utilised to its full capacity. There is a need to expand current storage infrastructure or to erect new storage facilities to facilitate imports. Durban Port that currently handles 70% of the country’s crude oil and 40% of refined products is also utilised to its full capacity. The investigated problem pertains to the limited storage and transport capacity available for the distribution of petroleum products in the country. The interview protocol, which was based on the literature reviewed, was used for compiling the primary data for the case study. Selected findings revealed that the respondents perceived that storage capacity is the most significant constraint militating against adequate supply by the supply chain. The findings also indicated that the respondents were of the opinion that transport rates and routes (cost of logistics) are the greatest contributor to the prices of products. As a result, there appears to be a major scope for improvement in terms of the usage of pipelines and rails for the movement of petroleum products.Keywords: Petroleum products, storage facilities, supply chain, transportation, South African energy sector.Disciplines: civil engineering, architecture, business studies, energy studies
An analysis of the declining support for the ANC during the 2011 South African local government elections
Authors: Twala C
Published: June 2016

Local government elections are notorious for low voter turnout, but the May 2011 elections in South Africa showed a record 58 percent of the 24 million registered voters. In South Africa, local government matters and not just because it provides a pointer to what might happen in the provincial and national elections due in 2014, but helps in determining the readiness of the African Nation Congress in providing basic services to the different communities. Interestingly, these elections were preceded by service delivery protests against the ANC. The article is an analysis of the decreased support for the ANC during the 2011 local government elections. The multifaceted reasons behind the boiling cauldron of this decline in support for the ANC are scrutinised. Underpinning this decline in support often lie deep and complex factors which can be uncovered through a careful analysis of the ANC’s campaigning strategies ahead of these elections; the media which has been accused of rampant sensationalism; service delivery protests and mudslinging from other political parties. However, it is not the author’s intention in this article to deal with how other parties fared during these elections, but to highlight their impact on the declined support received by the ANC in the elections. The discussion is presented in four parts: the first presents an exploratory discussion on the theory of local government in the sphere of governance. The second part discusses some key strategies and tactics used by the ANC in attempts to galvanise support, as well as the challenges encountered. The third deals with the opposition parties’ machinery in preventing the ANC from getting a majority vote during the election. Lastly, the article concludes by highlighting the lessons learnt by the ANC during these elections within the framework of electoral politics in South Africa.Keywords: local election 2011, African National Congress (ANC), local government. Disciplines: History, political science, electoral studies
Conference Notice
Authors: Publishing AOSIS
Published: June 2016

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Constructing a diverse institutional binding
Authors: Publishing AOSIS
Published: June 2016

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Transdisciplinarity: two preliminary issues
Authors: Coletto Renato
Published: June 2016

Any discussion about transdisciplinarity presupposes some sort of recognition of the scientific disciplines and some agreement on how they are or should be grouped or classified. This article supplies a demarcation criterion to distinguish science from non- science and discusses the way the sciences should be grouped. The first issue can be summarized by the question: (how) can scientific disciplines be distinguished from non- scientific ones? To answer this question it is necessary to sketch what in philosophy of science is called a “demarcation criterion” to distinguish between scientific and non- scientific activities. Secondly, does it make sense to recognise groups of sciences and which disciplines should be placed in each group? Does it make sense to use categories like social, hard, soft, exact, applied sciences and so forth? To answer these questions it is necessary to assess the plausibility of some of the categories traditionally used to classify the sciences. The purpose of the article is to provide an initial (yet philosophically grounded) orientation in an area in which many academics seem to wander, and sometimes to accept simplistic answers.Keywords: Demarcation criterion, groups of sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, human sciences, groups of sciences, general sciences, special sciences, transdisciplinarity, 9Theory of) modal aspects, multi-modal sciencesDisciplines: Philosophy, Philosophy of science, (Basically, all sciences are interested)
Together we can do more – environmental consciousness in the South African dam construction sector (1945-1980)
Authors: Van Vuuren Lani
Published: June 2016

For several thousand years societies have diverted and dammed up rivers to meet their increasing water needs. The Industrial Revolution ushered in the modern era of water resource development, which has led to the construction of an estimated 50 000 large dams worldwide.Rising concerns over the state of natural resources following the Second World War resulted in the emergence of public anti-dam lobby groups who used protest and advocacy to place pressure on authorities to cease dam construction activities and improve environmental legislation. While these actions proved successful in many countries this approach has led to conflict between environmental groups and dam authorities.South Africa is highly dependent on dams for stable and regular water supply. The country’s 320 largest dams together store some 66% of the country’s mean annual runoff. In contrast with the global environmental movement, institutionalisation of the environment occurred within the water engineering sector not as a result of outside pressures but due to rising concerns from water engineers themselves.In the absence of strong adversarial environmental non-governmental organisations, improved management of the impact of large dams grew out of early cooperation between department officials and aquatic scientists, especially around the sustainable management of water resources in KwaZulu-Natal, as this article illustrates. This trend towards negotiation and collaboration led to the country’s main developer of large dams, the Department of Water Affairs, instituting voluntary environmental policies from 1980.Keywords: History, dams, rivers, history, environmental movement, environmental consciousness, water, aquatic science, engineering, cooperation
Establishing and maintaining international collaborative research teams: an autobiographical insight
Authors: Carr T J , Van der walt C , Watson F , Linda N
Published: June 2016

Despite the growing impetus for international collaborative research teams (ICRT), there are relatively few resources available to guide and support researchers through the processes of establishing and maintaining ICRTs. In particular, no articles were found that provided researchers’ firsthand accounts of being a member of such a team. Having access to such personal accounts can help both experienced and novice researchers learn more directly about what to expect, as well as the benefits, challenges, pitfalls, and success strategies for establishing and maintaining ICRTs. The authors used phenomenological autobiographical reflective journaling to capture their experiences as members of ICRTs. In this article we provide an overview of key themes that emerged from the analysis of our reflections as members of ICRTs. These themes include: benefits, challenges, and strategies for success. Our aim is to share our first-hand experiences of what it is like to establish and participate in ICRT. It is not our intention to provide readers with prescriptive guidelines on how to set up and maintain ICRTs. Every ICRT is unique and some of these ideas may or may not apply in every case. Instead, we are describing what worked for us, hoping that others may benefit from our experience. Consequently, we suggest that the focus of ICRT should be on the benefits thereof which promote and encourage interaction between disciplines, transfer of knowledge and techniques and personal and professional development.Keywords: international, collaborative, research, teams, interdisciplinary
Agritourism activities in the Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa: perceptions and opportunities
Authors: Myer S L , De Crom E P
Published: June 2016

Farms in South Africa have to compete in a very hostile agricultural economic environment and it has become imperative for farmers to find new ways of generating additional income. Research undertaken in the Mopani District Municipality (MDM) in the Limpopo Province of South Africa identified agritourism as a potential means to this end. The main aim of this primarily qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of the perceptions and opportunities for agritourism in the study area. Data were mainly collected through interviews and questionnaires. Participants consisted of farmers and tourists, as well as owners of existing agritourism farms within the MDM. Five current active agritourism establishments were identified. Key fidnings revealed that agritourism is not being utilised to its full potential. Although perceptions of respondents towards agritourism are positive, marketing around it is insufficient and not all farmers are willing to host agritourism activities on their farms for various reasons. However, the MDM is a tourist hub with many visitors passing through various reasons. However, the MDM is a tourist hub with many visitors passing through the area en route to the Kruger National Park. Therefore, the potential already exists to host agritourism activities that will benefit farmers in various ways. By developing farm trails, scheduling daily farm activities, using information brochures, forming networks with existing tourist establishments, encouraging the use of local and fresh produce and providing good roadside signage, farmers can gain increased exposure and recognition for what they do and opportunities for growth and development may be realised. Keywords: Agritourism, farm tourism, alternative tourism, farm activities, tourism
Using participatory and visual arts-based methodologies to promote sustainable teaching and learning ecologies: through the eyes of pre- service teachers
Authors: Khau Mathabo , De Lange Naydene , Athiemoolam Logamurthie
Published: June 2016

The National Framework for Quality Education in Rural Areas (DoE, 2006) draws attention to education in rural ecologies and scrutinises the role of HEIs in developing teachers who understand the diverse contexts and who are able to facilitate quality teaching and learning in such contexts. Drawing from the project ‘New teachers for new times: Visual methodologies for social change in rural education in the age of AIDS’, this article explores how the use of participatory and visual arts-based methodologies at a rural school can lead to sustainable teaching and learning environments that promote transformative and emancipatory classrooms. We draw on the focus group discussions held at the end of each school day as debriefing sessions with the six Intermediate Phase pre-service teachers 4 reflecting on their experiences of professional development and what was learnt about using ‘new’ methodologies in a rural farm school. We argue that when a cohort of pre-service teachers work together with in-service teachers using emancipatory pedagogies in a rural context, classrooms can get transformed into enabling and democratic spaces conducive for teaching and learning for all.
South African teachers’ exposure to workplace bullying
Authors: De Wet Corene , Jacobs Lynette
Published: June 2016

Research on workplace bullying (WPB) in occupations, identified teaching as a high risk job. Yet there is a dearth of research on WPB among teachers. The aim of this study is to contribute to the limited body of knowledge on the prevalence of WPB within an international and South African schooling context. This article reports on results from an exploratory study on South African teachers’ exposure to WPB. Self-reporting questionnaires were completed by a convenient, voluntary sample of teachers (n=999). The respondents had to indicate their exposure to 43 pre-defined acts of WPB clustered into four categories. This study exposes the commonness of WPB among participating teachers: 90.8% of them were victims of WPB during the 12 months that preceded the study, and 89.1% of the victims had been exposed to at least two different categories of WPB. The perpetrators tried especially to undermine the victims’ professional status and isolate them. The study identified the constant evaluation of victims’ performance as the most common of the 43 negative acts. The results are discussed with reference to other studies. It is concluded that WPB is a serious problem in South African schools and needs to be addressed on policy and institutional levels.
Citizenship education and human capabilities: lynchpin for sustainable learning environment and social justice
Authors: Marovah Tendayi
Published: June 2016

The paper builds on and contributes to literature in citizenship education studies in higher education. Many studies in this field have explored the history, development and implementation of various forms of citizenship formation as an advancement of social justice. However, little has been written on how the formation of critical democratic citizens 2 links with the notion of sustainable learning environments and how it relates to social justice. Studies by McKinney (2007); Waghid (2007; 2009), Lange (2012); and Leibowitz, Swartz, Bozalek, Carolissen, Nicholls &Rohleder(2012) are among those on citizen formation in the South African higher education context. Thisconceptual paper argues that the formation of critical democratic citizens through higher education relates not only to social justice, but also to the advancement of sustainable learning environments (SLEs) beyond physical spaces. The paper explores the normative value of a democratic education theory, Marion Young’s (1990) theory of justice and the politics of difference, and human development principles in advancing citizenship education. These foster both sustainable learning environments and social justice. A democratic education theory lays the foundation for an inclusive and deliberative form of education, while a theory of justice and politics of difference advances better justice and an environment that is non-oppressive. Human development principles set the tone for a sustainable human development, which becomes a framework through which asustainable learning environment is built in pursuit of social justice. Drawing on a Capabilities Approach framework and the philosophy of Ubuntu, with emphasis on substantive freedoms, opportunities, and the thriving of the common good, the paper illustrates how citizenship education advances a conception of sustainable learning environments and social justices not necessarily limited to physical spaces, distributive justice or economic motives, but inclusive of institutional arrangements, policy issues and relational justice.
Magnetic resonance enterography: A stepwise interpretation approach and role of imaging in management of adult Crohn's disease
Authors: Ram Roopa , Sarver David , Pandey Tarun , Guidry Carey L , Jambhekar Kedar R
Published: June 2016

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that often requires frequent imaging of patients in order to detect active disease and other complications related to disease activity. While endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis, it may be contraindicated in some patients and has a limited role in detecting deep submucosal/mesenteric diseases and intra abdominal complications. In recent years, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has evolved as a noninvasive, radiation free imaging modality in the evaluation of patients with CD. This review article will focus on role of MRE in imaging patients with CD with emphasis on technical considerations, systematic image interpretation, differential diagnoses, and the role of imaging in deciding treatment options for patients.
Computed tomography coronary angiography diagnosis of single right coronary artery with congenital absence of left coronary artery system equivalents
Authors: Siddiqui Shahyan Mohsin , Rao RC Kesava , Kaza Sashidhar , Kumar EA Padma
Published: June 2016

The present case report is computed tomography (CT) coronary angiographic depiction of an exceedingly rare entity-single right coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva with the absence of equivalent left coronary artery system branches and associated mitral valve prolapse. Even though a statistical rarity, it is potentially fatal and can cause myocardial ischemia, sudden cardiac death, and warrants immediate clinical attention. Further, the report reveals the decisive role of CT coronary angiogram in the diagnosis of such rare entities, in contrast to catheter angiography, which may be inconclusive.
Recurrent hemoptysis: An unusual cause and novel management
Authors: Surya Praharsha , Keshava Shyamkumar N , Irodi Aparna , Vyas Sunil , Thangakunam Balamugesh
Published: June 2016

We report a rare case a 15 year old boy who presented with recurrent hemoptysis. There was past history of pancreatitis. A CT scan of thorax revealed a small collection in the region of the tail of the pancreas and a tract from it extending across the diaphragm into the posterobasal segment of left lower lobe, suggesting a pancreatico-pleuro-pulmonary fistula. The fistula was embolised by percutaneous injection of glue into the collection and fistula, which resulted in good symptom control.
Imaging features of primary tumors of the spine: A pictorial essay
Authors: Patnaik Sujata , Jyotsnarani Y , Uppin Shantiveer G , Susarla Rammurti
Published: June 2016

Primary tumors of spine are rare accounting for less than 5% of new bone tumors diagnosed every year. These tumors may exhibit characteristic imaging features that can help in early diagnosis and improved prognosis. Plasmacytoma/multiple myeloma and lymphoproliferative tumors are the most common malignant primary spinal tumors. Hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of the spine. Computed tomography is useful to assess tumor matrix and osseous change. Magnetic resonance is useful to study associated soft tissue extension, marrow infiltration, and intraspinal extension. Confusing one tumor with the other based on only imaging findings is not uncommon. However, radiologic manifestations of these tumors need to be correlated with the age, sex, location, and presentation to arrive at a close clinical diagnosis.
Genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from central India
Authors: Desikan Prabha , Chauhan D.S. , Sharma Pragya , Panwalkar Nikita , Chourey Manju , Patidar Mohan Lal , Yadav Priyanka , Chandrasekaran V. , Ohri B.S.
Published: June 2016

Background & objectives:

There is a paucity of data available on genetic biodiversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from central India. The present study was carried out on isolates of M. tuberculosis cultured from diagnostic clinical samples of patients from Bhopal, central India, using spoligotyping as a method of molecular typing.

Methods:

DNA was extracted from 340 isolates of M. tuberculosis from culture, confirmed as M. tuberculosis by molecular and biochemical methods and subjected to spoligotyping. The results were compared with the international SITVIT2 database.

Results:

Sixty five different spoligo international type (SIT) patterns were observed. A total of 239 (70.3%) isolates could be clustered into 25 SITs. The Central Asian (CAS) and East African Indian (EAI) families were found to be the two major circulating families in this region. SIT26/CAS1_DEL was identified as the most predominant type, followed by SIT11/EAI3_IND and SIT288/CAS2. Forty (11.8%) unique (non-clustered) and 61 (17.9%) orphan isolates were identified in the study. There was no significant association of clustering with clinical and demographic characteristics of patients.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Well established SITs were found to be predominant in our study. SIT26/CAS1_DEL was the most predominant type. However, the occurrence of a substantial number of orphan isolates may indicate the presence of active spatial and temporal evolutionary dynamics within the isolates of M. tuberculosis.
Association of CDKAL1, CDKN2A/B & HHEX gene polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the population of Hyderabad, India
Authors: Kommoju Uma Jyothi , Samy Subburaj Kadarkarai , Maruda Jayaraj , Irgam Kumuda , Kotla Jaya Prasad , Velaga Lakshmi , Reddy Battini Mohan
Published: June 2016

Background & objectives:

The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown an association of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with several novel genes. We report here the findings on the pattern of genetic association of three genes (CDKAL1, CDKN2A/B and HHEX) with T2DM in the population of Hyderabad, south India.

Methods:

A sample of 1379 individuals (758 T2DM cases and 621 controls) from Hyderabad, India, were genotyped for five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CDKAL1 (rs7754840, rs7756992) CDKN2A/B (rs10811661) and HHEX (rs1111875, rs7923837) genes on Sequenom Mass Array platform.

Results:

The risk allele frequencies of the CDKAL1 and CDKN2A/B SNPs were relatively higher in cases than in the controls and the logistic regression analysis yielded significant odds ratios suggesting that the variant alleles conferred risk for developing T2DM in this population. The HHEX gene did not show either allelic or genotypic association with T2DM. The multivariate logistic regression analysis with reference to both alleles and genotypes of CDKAL1 SNPs showed significant association, suggesting an important role for this gene in the T2DM pathophysiology.

Interpretation & conclusions:

A significant association was seen of all the three SNPs of CDKAL1 and CDKN2A/B genes with T2DM but none of the two SNPs of HHEX. Further studies are required to cross-validate our findings in a relatively larger sample. It is also necessary to explore other SNPs of HHEX gene to unequivocally establish the pattern of association of this gene with T2DM in this population.
Pattern of episiotomy use & its immediate complications among vaginal deliveries in 18 tertiary care hospitals in India
Authors: Singh Shalini , Thakur Tushita , Chandhiok Nomita , Dhillon Balwan Singh
Published: June 2016

Background & objectives:

In developed countries, efforts have been made to restrict episiotomy practice. However, in developing countries the episiotomy rates continue to be high. This study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of episiotomy use and its immediate complications among women delivering at tertiary level public hospitals in India.

Methods:

Prospective data of all women undergoing vaginal delivery including instrumental delivery were collected daily from the labour room registers of the 18 tertiary care hospitals on a structured proforma. Weekly data from all sites were sent to a central unit for compilation and analysis. Odds ratio was used to compare the proportion of genital trauma among women with and without episiotomy both in nulliparous and multiparous women.

Results:

Among 1,20,243 vaginal deliveries, episiotomy was performed in 63.4 per cent (n=76,305) cases. Nulliparaous women were 8.8 times more likely to undergo episiotomy than multiparous women. The various genital tract injuries reported were first degree perineal tear (n=4805, 3.9%), second degree perineal tear (n=1082, 0.9%), third and fourth degree perineal tear (n=186, 0.2%), anterior vaginal trauma requiring suturing (n=490, 0.4%), extension of episiotomy/vaginal laceration/excessive bleeding from episiotomy or tear (n=177, 0.15%), vulval/vaginal haematoma (n=70, 0.06%) and cervical tear (n=108, 0.08%). The combined rate of third and fourth degree perineal tears was observed to be significantly lower (P<0.001) among nullipara who received episiotomy (0.13%) compared to those who delivered without episiotomy (0.62%).

Interpretations & conclusions:

Significantly lower rates of third or fourth degree perineal tear were seen among nulliparous women undergoing episiotomy. The risk and benefit of episiotomy and its complications need to be evaluated through randomized clinical trials in the Indian context.
Analysis of expression profile of mce operon genes (mce1, mce2, mce3 operon) in different Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates at different growth phases
Authors: Singh Pratibha , Katoch V.M. , Mohanty K.K. , Chauhan Devendra Singh
Published: June 2016

Background & objectives:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) has four homologous mammalian cell entry (mce) operons (mce1-4) that encode exported proteins and have a possible role in the virulence mechanism of this pathogen. The expression of mce operon is considered to be complex and not completely understood. Although expression of mce operon at different in vitro growth phases has been studied earlier, its expression in different M. tuberculosis isolates under different growth phases is not yet studied. The present preliminary study was conducted on a limited number of isolates to know the trend of expression pattern of mce operon genes in different M. tuberculosis isolates under different growth stages.

Methods:

In this study, we monitored the transcriptional profile of selected mce operon genes (mce1A, mce1D, mce2A, mce2D, mce3A, mce3C) in different M. tuberculosis isolates (MDR1, MDR2, and sensitive isolate) at early exponential and stationary phases using real-time quantitative PCR.

Results:

The expression ratio of all selected mce operon genes in all M. tuberculosis isolates was reduced at the initial phase and increased substantially at a later phase of growth. Higher expression of mce1 operon genes was found in all M. tuberculosis isolates as compared to other mce operon genes (mce2 and mce3 operons) at stationary growth phase.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The higher expression of mce operon genes at stationary phase (as compared to early exponential phase) suggested growth phase dependent expression of mce operon genes. This indicated that the mce operon genes might have a role in M. tuberculosis survival and adaptation on the onset of adverse condition like stationary phase. Identification of differentially expressed genes will add to our understanding of the bacilli involved in adaptation to different growth conditions.
Complete bounded embedded complex curves in $\mathbb C^2$
Authors: Alarcón Antonio , López Francisco J.
Published: June 2016

We prove that any convex domain of

\mathbb C^2

carries properly embedded complete complex curves. In particular, we give the first examples of complete bounded embedded complex curves in

\mathbb C^2

.
Contenidos e interactividad de las apps para smartphone de las televisiones españolas
Authors: Videla Rodríguez José Juan , García-Torre Manuel , Formoso Barro María Josefa
Published: June 2016

Los cambios sufridos por los medios de comunicación tradicional, hace que tengan que estar presentes en otros soportes diferentes a los que estaban acostumbrados. La disposición de aplicaciones móviles es clave para su adaptación a las nuevas formas de consumo audiovisual. Metodología. En un primer paso se hace una revisión de las principales investigaciones relacionadas con el marco de estudio. Además, se lleva a cabo a través de técnicas cuantitativas, un análisis de contenido de las aplicaciones móviles para smartphones, de los operadores de televisión generalista en España, con presencia en sistemas operativos IOS y Android. Resultados y conclusiones. De este análisis se destaca que los operadores de televisión apuestan por los contenidos interactivos para smartphones y todos ellos ven en la interactividad de los contenidos, un elemento importante para conectar con el espectador.
A Time-Space Adaptive Method for the Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Kormann Katharina
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we present a discretization of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation based on a Magnus-Lanczos time integrator and high-order Gauss-Lobatto finite elements in space. A truncated Galerkin orthogonality is used to obtain duality-based a posteriori error estimates that address the temporal and the spatial error separately. Based on this theory, a space-time adaptive solver for the Schrödinger equation is devised. An efficient matrix-free implementation of the differential operator, suited for spectral elements, is used to enable computations for realistic configurations. We demonstrate the performance of the algorithm for the example of matter-field interaction.
The Kinematic Effects of the Defects in Liquid Crystal Dynamics
Authors: Chen Rui , Bao Weizhu , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2016

Here we investigate the kinematic transports of the defects in the nematic liquid crystal system by numerical experiments. The model is a shear flow case of the viscoelastic continuummodel simplified fromthe Ericksen-Leslie system. The numerical experiments are carried out by using a difference method. Based on these numerical experiments we find some interesting and important relationships between the kinematic transports and the characteristics of the flow. We present the development and interaction of the defects. These results are partly consistent with the observation from the experiments. Thus this scheme illustrates, to some extent, the kinematic effects of the defects.
A Robust Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann Method for Simulation of Fluid-Structure Interaction Problems
Authors: Wu Jie , Wu Jing , Zhan Jiapu , Zhao Ning , Wang Tongguang
Published: June 2016

A robust immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM) is proposed to simulate fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems in this work. Compared with the conventional IB-LBM, the current method employs the fractional step technique to solve the lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) with a forcing term. Consequently, the non-physical oscillation of body force calculation, which is frequently encountered in the traditional IB-LBM, is suppressed greatly. It is of importance for the simulation of FSI problems. In the meanwhile, the no-slip boundary condition is strictly satisfied by using the velocity correction scheme. Moreover, based on the relationship between the velocity correction and forcing term, the boundary force can be calculated accurately and easily. A few test cases are first performed to validate the current method. Subsequently, a series of FSI problems, including the vortex-induced vibration of a circular cylinder, an elastic filament flapping in the wake of a fixed cylinder and sedimentation of particles, are simulated. Based on the good agreement between the current results and those in the literature, it is demonstrated that the proposed IB-LBM has the capability to handle various FSI problems effectively.
A Posteriori Error Estimates for Conservative Local Discontinuous GalerkinMethods for the Generalized Korteweg-de Vries Equation
Authors: Karakashian Ohannes , Xing Yulong
Published: June 2016

We construct and analyze conservative local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) methods for the Generalized Korteweg-de-Vries equation. LDG methods are designed by writing the equation as a system and performing separate approximations to the spatial derivatives. The main focus is on the development of conservative methods which can preserve discrete versions of the first two invariants of the continuous solution, and a posteriori error estimates for a fully discrete approximation that is based on the idea of dispersive reconstruction. Numerical experiments are provided to verify the theoretical estimates.
Обратные спектральные задачи для дифференциальных операторов на пространственных сетях
Authors: Yurko Vyacheslav Anatol'evich
Published: June 2016

Дается краткий обзор результатов по обратным спектральным задачам для обыкновенных дифференциальных операторов, заданных на пространственных сетях (геометрических графах). Основное внимание уделено наиболее важным нелинейным обратным задачам восстановления коэффициентов дифференциальных уравнений по спектральным характеристикам при условии, что структура графа известна априори. В первой половине обзора приведены результаты, относящиеся к обратным задачам Штурма-Лиувилля на произвольных компактных графах. Далее представлены результаты по обратным задачам для дифференциальных операторов произвольных порядков на компактных графах. В заключение приведены основные результаты по обратным задачам на некомпактных графах.
Библиография: 55 названий.
The [African] Novelist and the Nation: A Postcolonial Reading of Chukwuemeka Ike’s Our Children Are Coming
Authors: Anyanwu Patricia Ngozi
Published: June 2016

Even though the nation is an accepted “imagined community”, the process of nation formation and nation becoming in Africa has not guaranteed rights of its citizens. It is this failure to guarantee rights of citizens irrespective of age, gender, class, race, religion and ethnicity that incites the creative imagination of African novelists. This study is an examination of how Chukwuemeka Vincent Ike has appropriated the form of the novel in order to interrogate the abuse of the rights of the child and youth in his Nigerian nation. This is illuminated under postcolonial theoretical paradigm, as well as the qualitative research methodology. This study has investigated the relationship between form and content in Ike’s Our Children Are Coming. We have established that through the elements of narrative fiction, the novelist has not only created the space of the nation as an imagined community, but has equally represented the unfortunate bleak future of his Nigerian nation occasioned by the continued neglect of the average Nigerian child and youth. He has in addition, dramatized through his characters’ voices, and actions, the failure of the adult society, the disappointment of self-rule and its resultant disillusionment on the part of the youth…. the leaders of his nation’s hazy future.Keywords: The Novel, Novelist, Nation, Postcolonial, Ike, children, youth, adult society, self-rule, and elements of narrative fiction
Language, Colonial Attitude and War in Emecheta’s Destination Biafra: A Stylistic Critical Approach
Authors: Igbokwe I. Chima , Udumukwu Onyemaechi
Published: June 2016

This study aims at examining the relevance of Sociolinguistic Functional Stylistics (SFS) in supplying a methodical structure upon which Emecheta’s Destination Biafra can be appreciated. Much of the critical attention on Emecheta has been centred on issues of gender and sexuality to the extent that ideological implications of language in her fiction have almost been ignored. This study applies as its theoretical framework Halliday’s Social Semiotic Structure with special reference to the context of situation discourse which not only interpretes relevant linguistic data but also establishes a link between people and the linguistic items used to describe them. This study adopts a qualitative research methodology for its data analysis which entails interpretative and definitive data analysis techniques. The study observes the presence of linguistic items such as verba sentiendi, lexical, syntactic negation, contextual use of language and paralinguistic devices such as figures of speech and so on in the novel under review. These linguistic choices determine the relationship between characters as they interact and also depict the specific function of language in operation. This study, therefore, recommends that the eclectic approach of Sociolinguistic Functional Stylistics should be applied to other sub-genres of prose, and other literary genres in order to open up a new vista in the appreciation of Emecheta’s works.
Derivations in Ọni̩cha Igbo
Authors: Onumajuru VC
Published: June 2016

The paper examined derivation as one of the word formation processes in the Ọnịcha variety of Igbo. Derivation is defined in the literature as one of the productive processes of word formation. It is achieved in Ọnịcha mainly through the process of affixation. This paper studied derivation in the dialect through the processes of affixation. Starting with preliminary statements on the dialect and its locality, the paper proceeded to discuss with examples the various processes of derivation in the dialect. The study revealed that prefixation is very productive in the derivation of words in the dialect. It also disclosed that tone plays a vital role in distinguishing grammatical constructions in the Igbo language.Keywords: derivation, prefixation, affixation, interfixation, O̩ni̩cha
Socio-ethical implication of contraception and abortion: A rising paradigm of John Paul II’s culture of death
Authors: Onyiloha Chiedu A. , Iheanacho Ngozi N.
Published: June 2016

Contraception and abortion remains a global socio-ethical problem – more so to religious traditions like Christianity. John Paul II, the Pope (1918-2015) perceived the same problem as a culture of death because it diminishes human dignity and divine content. Against this backdrop, the study considers contraception and abortion from the insights of John Paul II, concerning the critical implications for humanity. The study is a qualitative research skewed in phenomenological method of inquiry and analysis of the Nigerian experience. Findings show that contraception and abortion are recurrent practices among the single and the married. Even as the practice is not legalized, yet, it is common amongst the people. The individuality crisis, obscurity of the sense of the sacred and phony theories of morality in different ways offer alignment to understanding the Nigerian experience. The study identifies debasement of self-esteem, physical health hazards and mental-spiritual crisis as some of the consequences which build up to the culture of death. Towards reducing the rising culture of death there should be profound pedagogies on human life. Concerted enlightenment is also necessary.Keywords: Contraception, Abortion, Social Ethics, Culture of death, Nigeria
The relevance of Ali (Earth Deity): Ritual forms and processes in the 21st century Ikwerre of north eastern Niger Delta
Authors: Olumati Rowland
Published: June 2016

The language of religion is often colored with rites and symbols. Man the “homoreligiosus” has in every age and culture, in his horizontal and vertical relationship with the sacred and the humans, evolved means of communicating and expressing his sentiments and belief patterns. Patent and evocative as they may be, rituals in symbolic forms have remained a rhythm of significance in man’s response to the sacred and his experience within the ecosystem. Configured in icons and expressed in metaphors, religious rituals and symbols convey a people’s religious consciousness, thoughtlogic and world view. This study generally focuses on the relevance of Ali ritual forms and processes among the Ikwerre ethnic nationality located in the North Eastern Niger Delta of Nigeria. The study supports the view of earlier scholars that Ali is Ikwerre's principal deity and the watch dog of Ikwerre moral ethos and has various manifestations of rituals associated with it in order to maintain social order in Ikwerre. Most importantly, this study negates the erroneous impression by some foreign scholars, that Africans were not objective in handling the issue of morality. Our finding shows that in the last one hundred years or so, there have been tremendous changes on beliefs and practices relating to Ali deity in her ritual forms and processes. However, the story of the impact of Christianity and other agents of modern change on Ali deity is one in which at the instant of these agents of modern  change, some features of the belief system elapsed while others remain resolute.Keywords: Ali, Deity, Rituals, Niger Delta, Change
Of innocuousness and insolence: A dialogue on commitment in Nigerian drama
Authors: Mbachaga Desen Jonathan
Published: June 2016

Questioning repression and exploitation especially of the working class is the hallmark of committed writing. This paper looks at the relevance of literature or art to life with a focus on the Nigerian experience. Our commitment as dramatists is to capture socio political experiences in our environments by clearly expressing the anxieties and sensibilities of our societies. The paper submits that the committed dramatist is one who knows his history and refuses to bow to the hegemonic structures of the system (status quo). Also, our writings as dramatists and artistes must not just offer mere social criticism but expose the social institutions in our communities and countries at large by properly delineating the conflicts and struggles between individuals and social classes. The paper concludes that, for our writing and indeed art to find relevance and make impact on the teeming population, it must provide ‘hope’ through reminding the world of a need to re – humanize with a focus on loving ourselves as humans, comforting ourselves and caring for ourselves.Keywords: committed writing, Nigerian Drama, arts for art’s sake