bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Breeding Values Obtained from Random Regression Models for Genetic Inference of Longitudinal Traits
Authors: Campbell Malachy , Momen Mehdi , Walia Harkamal , Morota Gota
Published: May 2019

Understanding the genetic basis of dynamic plant phenotypes has largely been limited because of a lack of space and labor resources needed to record dynamic traits, often destructively, for a large number of genotypes. However, the recent advent of image‐based phenotyping platforms has provided the plant science community with an effective means to nondestructively evaluate morphological, developmental, and physiological processes at regular, frequent intervals for a large number of plants throughout development. The statistical frameworks typically used for genetic analyses (e.g., genome‐wide association mapping, linkage mapping, and genomic prediction) in plant breeding and genetics are not particularly amenable for repeated measurements. Random regression (RR) models are routinely used in animal breeding for the genetic analysis of longitudinal traits and provide a robust framework for modeling trait trajectories and performing genetic analysis simultaneously. We recently used a RR approach for genomic prediction of shoot growth trajectories in rice (Oryza sativa L.) from 33,674 single nucleotide polymorphisms. In this study, we have extended this approach for genetic inference by leveraging genomic breeding values derived from RR models for rice shoot growth during early vegetative development. This approach provides improvements over conventional single time point analyses for discovering loci associated with shoot growth trajectories. The RR approach uncovers persistent as well as time‐specific transient quantitative trait loci. This methodology can be widely applied to understand the genetic architecture of other complex polygenic traits with repeated measurements.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON PRESSURE SENSITIVE PROPERTIES OF COPPER CONTAMINATED SOIL SOLIDIFIED BY MODIFIED RED MUD
Authors: Shen Keyu
Published: May 2019

As a static method for testing pollution and strength of soil, the resistivity method has been used by many scholars, whereas few studies have been carried out on dynamic deformation monitoring by this method. To study the pressure sensitive properties of copper contaminated soils solidified by modified red mud, a series of unconfined compression tests were conducted. The compressive stress, strain and electrical resistivity in whole process were determined. Relationship between the resistivity and the parameters including stress, strain, red mud content, copper content, and curing age were analysed. Then the mechanism of electrical resistivity is revealed. Results indicate the stress-resistivity change rate follows the same trend as the stress-strain curve. The resistivity change rate follows the same rule as the strain change, indicating that the electrical resistivity can reflect the strain indirectly. The higher red mud content is, the better pressure sensitive properties of solidified soil is. A proper amount of copper can improve the pressure sensitivity of solidified soil, while excessive copper ions can reduce pressure sensitivity of solidified soil. These changes can be attributed to the pore water, iron oxide in red mud, tunnel conductive effect and conductivity percolation.
Constraints on a Putative Planet Sculpting the V4046 Sagittarii Circumbinary Disk
Authors: Ruíz-Rodríguez Dary , Kastner Joel H. , Dong Ruobing , Principe David A. , Andrews Sean M. , Wilner David J.
Published: May 2019

We analyze the highest-resolution millimeter continuum and near-infrared (NIR) scattered-light images presented to date of the circumbinary disk orbiting V4046 Sgr, a ∼20-Myr-old actively accreting, close binary T Tauri star system located a mere 72.4 pc from Earth. We observed the disk with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) at 870 μm during Cycle 4, and we analyze these data in conjunction with archival NIR (H band) polarimetric images obtained with SPHERE/IRDIS on the ESO Very Large Telescope. At 0.″3 (20 au) resolution, the 870 μm image reveals a marginally resolved ring that peaks at ∼32 au and has an extension of ∼90 au. We infer a lower limit on a dust mass of ∼60.0 M
⊕ within the 870 μm ring, and confirm that the ring is well aligned with the larger -scale gaseous disk. A second, inner dust ring is also tentatively detected in the ALMA observations; its position appears coincident with the inner (∼14 au radius) ring detected in scattered light. Using synthetic 870 μm and H-band images obtained from disk–planet interaction simulations, we attempt to constrain the mass of the putative planet orbiting at 20 au. Our trials suggest that a circumbinary Jovian-mass planet may be responsible for generating the dust ring and gap structures detected within the disk. We discuss the longevity of the gas-rich disk orbiting V4046 Sgr in the context of the binary nature of the system.
An Infrared Census of DUST in Nearby Galaxies with Spitzer (DUSTiNGS). V. The Period–Luminosity Relation for Dusty Metal-poor AGB Stars
Authors: Goldman S. R. , Boyer M. L. , McQuinn K. B. W. , Whitelock P. A. , McDonald I. , van Loon J. Th. , Skillman E. D. , Gehrz R. D. , Javadi A. , Sloan G. C. , Jones O. C. , Groenewegen M. A. T. , Menzies J. W.
Published: May 2019

The survey for DUST in Nearby Galaxies with Spitzer (DUSTiNGS) has identified hundreds of candidate dust-producing asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in several nearby metal-poor galaxies. We have obtained multi-epoch follow-up observations for these candidates with the Spitzer Space Telescope and measured their infrared (IR) light curves. This has allowed us to confirm their AGB nature and investigate pulsation behavior at very low metallicity. We have obtained high-confidence pulsation periods for 88 sources in seven galaxies. We have confirmed DUSTiNGS variable star candidates with a 20% success rate and determined the pulsation properties of 19 sources already identified as thermally pulsing AGB stars. We find that the AGB pulsation properties are similar in all galaxies surveyed here, with no discernible difference between the DUSTiNGS galaxies (down to 1.4% solar metallicity; [Fe/H] = −1.85) and the far more metal-rich Magellanic Clouds (up to 50% solar metallicity; [Fe/H] = −0.38). These results strengthen the link between dust production and pulsation in AGB stars and establish the IR period–luminosity relation as a reliable tool (±4%) for determining distances to galaxies, regardless of metallicity.
Dust-to-gas Ratio Resurgence in Circumstellar Disks Due to the Formation of Giant Planets: The Case of HD 163296
Authors: Turrini D. , Marzari F. , Polychroni D. , Testi L.
Published: May 2019

The amount of dust present in circumstellar disks is expected to steadily decrease with age due to the growth from μm-sized particles to planetesimals and planets. Mature circumstellar disks, however, can be observed to contain significant amounts of dust and possess high dust-to-gas ratios. Using HD 163296 as our case study, we explore how the formation of giant planets in disks can create the conditions for collisionally rejuvenating the dust population, halting or reversing the expected trend. We combine N-body simulations with statistical methods and impact scaling laws to estimate the dynamical and collisional excitation of the planetesimals due to the formation of HD 163296's giant planets. We show that this process creates a violent collisional environment across the disk that can inject collisionally produced second-generation dust into it, significantly contributing to the observed dust-to-gas ratio. The spatial distribution of the dust production can explain the observed local enrichments in HD 163296's inner regions. The results obtained for HD 163296 can be extended to any disk with embedded forming giant planets and may indicate a common evolutionary stage in the life of such circumstellar disks. Furthermore, the dynamical excitation of the planetesimals could result in the release of transient, nonequilibrium gas species like H2O, CO2, NH3, and CO in the disk due to ice sublimation during impacts and, due to the excited planetesimals being supersonic with respect to the gas, could produce bow shocks in the latter that could heat it and cause a broadening of its emission lines.
Challenges of Isolation for African American Movement to Suburbanization
Authors: Collins Belinda K.
Published: May 2019

Recent conversations about African American families leaving urban neighborhoods to move to the suburbs are spreading on cable news and social media. Historically, those living conditions were in the neighborhoods with low-quality housing and high crime rates compared to suburban neighborhoods. According to Bialik, more than six million African Americans who lived in urban communities in United States have migrated to the suburbs to take advantage of improved housing and safer environment. This chapter explores the challenges of isolation for African American movement to suburbanization.
Media Communication Perspectives of African American Males Regarding Criminal Behaviors
Authors: Gardiner Carl L.
Published: May 2019

The representation of African Americans in the media has been a major concern in mainstream American culture and is also a component of media bias in the United States. Representation, in itself, refers to the construction in any medium of aspects of “reality” such as people, places, objects, events, cultural identities, and other abstract concepts. Such representations may be in speech or writing as well as still or moving pictures. Media representation of minorities is not always seen in a positive light; therefore, representation of African Americans in particular propagates somewhat controversial and misconstrued images of what African American represent. According to Potter, research on the portrayal of African Americans in prime-time television from 1955 to 1986 found that only 6% of the characters were African Americans, while 89% of the TV population was white. Among these African-American characters, 19% lacked a high school diploma, and 47% were low in economic status.
Parental Involvement in Education
Authors: Miller Olivia Patrice-Chante' , Banks-Hall Regina L.
Published: May 2019

This chapter examines the key factors of parental involvement in relation to African-American students' academic success. Researchers identified that school failure is common among low-income African-American youth in the United States. This achievement gap requires a review of areas, such as poverty and crime, family environments, parenting styles, and academic race stereotypes, that could possibly affect African-American's academic achievement. Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey revealed that opportunities exist in reducing poverty and crime in African-American communities. Additionally, factors such as school-district locations may impact African Americans' perception of education. Most low-income schools lack educational resources to support students with increased learning needs which leads to greater disparities in developmental outcomes. Using social-cognitive theory as a framework, the authors found that increased parental involvement may improve African-American students' self-efficacy for increased academic motivation.
Soft Computing-Based Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease Using Non-Invasive Method Based on Speech Analysis
Authors: Ravi Chandrasekar
Published: May 2019

This chapter aims to use the speech signals that are a behavioral bio-marker for Parkinson's disease. The victim's vocabulary is mostly lost, or big gaps are observed when they are talking or the conversation is abruptly stopped. Therefore, speech analysis could help to identify the complications in conversation from the inception of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in initial phases itself. Speech can be regularly logged in an unobstructed approach and machine learning techniques can be applied and analyzed. Fuzzy logic-based classifier is proposed for learning from the training speech signals and classifying the test speech signals. Brainstorm optimization algorithm is proposed for extracting the fuzzy rules from the speech data, which is used by fuzzy classifier for learning and classification. The performance of the proposed classifier is evaluated using metrics like accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity, and compared with benchmark classifiers like SVM, naïve Bayes, k-means, and decision tree. It is observed that the proposed classifier outperforms the benchmark classifiers.
Intelligent Big Data Analytics in Health
Authors: Bayrak Ebru Aydindag , Kirci Pinar
Published: May 2019

Intelligent big data analytics and machine learning systems have been introduced to explain for the early diagnosis of neurological disorders. A number of scholarly researches about intelligent big data analytics in healthcare and machine learning system used in the healthcare system have been mentioned. The authors have explained the definition of big data, big data samples, and big data analytics. But the main goal is helping researchers or specialists in providing opinion about diagnosing or predicting neurological disorders using intelligent big data analytics and machine learning. Therefore, they focused on the healthcare systems using these innovative ways in particular. The information of platform and tools about big data analytics in healthcare is investigated. Numerous academic studies based on the detection of neurological disorders using both machine learning methods and big data analytics have been reviewed.
Importance of 3D Printing Technology in Medical Fields
Authors: Barua Ranjit , Datta Sudipto , Roychowdhury Amit , Datta Pallab
Published: May 2019

Three-dimensional or 3D printing technology is a growing interest in medical fields like tissue engineering, dental, drug delivery, prosthetics, and implants. It is also known as the additive manufacturing (AM) process because the objects are done by extruding or depositing the material layer by layer, and the material may be like biomaterials, plastics, living cells, or powder ceramics. Specially in the medical field, this new technology has importance rewards in contrast with conventional technologies, such as the capability to fabricate patient-explicit difficult components, desire scaffolds for tissue engineering, and proper material consumption. In this chapter, different types of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are described that are applied in the medical field, especially in community health and precision medicine.
Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kalita Hridayjit , Zindani Divya , Kumar Kaushik
Published: May 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) is the most advanced recently trending manufacturing technique that employs 3D printers to create 3D objects by layer upon layer fabrication from the base to the top. The required trajectory of the fabricating tool to create the layer can be well programmed by CAD software available in the market. The 3D CAD model in the computer can be manipulated and customized for different design needs of the product. These manipulations in model and quick fabrication process make the system a flexible and an effective one. This chapter discusses the AM application in educational system by describing the individual AM processes, their limitations, advantages, feasibility in general conditions, and planning for future generations to get accustomed to this technology from the early education in schools to the specialized education in universities. The technology enables students to convert 2D objects into 3D on the CAD software and feel them physically by 3D printing. AM also enables teachers to demonstrate their ideas easily to students.
3D Printing Analysis by Powder Bed Printer (PBP) of a Thoracic Aorta Under Simufact Additive
Authors: Ameddah Hacene , Mazouz Hammoudi
Published: May 2019

In recent decades, vascular surgery has seen the arrival of endovascular techniques for the treatment of vascular diseases such as aortic diseases (aneurysms, dissections, and atherosclerosis). The 3D printing process by addition of material gives an effector of choice to the digital chain, opening the way to the manufacture of shapes and complex geometries, impossible to achieve before with conventional methods. This chapter focuses on the bio-design study of the thoracic aorta in adults. A bio-design protocol was established based on medical imaging, extraction of the shape, and finally, the 3D modeling of the aorta; secondly, a bio-printing method based on 3D printing that could serve as regenerative medicine has been proposed. A simulation of the bio-printing process was carried out under the software Simufact Additive whose purpose is to predict the distortion and residual stress of the printed model. The binder injection printing technique in a Powder Bed Printer (PBP) bed is used. The results obtained are very acceptable compared with the results of the error elements found.
Design of Prosthetic Heart Valve and Application of Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Bhuyan Dheeman
Published: May 2019

Heart valve prostheses are well known and can be classified in two major types or categories: biological and mechanical. Biological valves (i.e., Homografts and Heterografts) make use of animal tissue as the valving mechanism whereas mechanical valves make use of balls, disks, and other mechanical valving mechanism. Mechanical valves carry considerable risk and require lifelong medication. The design of these valves is usually done on a “one size fits all” basis, with only the diameter changing depending on the model being produced. The author seeks to present an application of additive manufacturing in the design process for mechanical valves. This is expected to provide patients with customized prostheses to match their physiology and reduce the risk associated with the implantation.
Optimization of Additive Manufacturing for Layer Sticking and Dimensional Accuracy
Authors: Ali Syed Faiz , Malik Fasih Munir , Kececi Emin Faruk , Bal Burak
Published: May 2019

When the 3D printing process is considered, there are also other parameters, such as nozzle size, flow rate of material, print-speed, print-bed temperature, cooling rate, and pattern of printing. There are also dependencies that will be addressed in between these parameters; for example, if the printing temperature is increased, it is not clear if the viscosity of the material will increase or decrease. This chapter aims to explain the effect of printing temperature on layer sticking while dimensional accuracy is achieved. Theoretical modelling and experimental testing will be performed to prove the relationship. This type of formulation can be later adapted into a slicer program, so that the program automatically selects some of the printing parameters to achieve desired dimensional accuracy and layer sticking.
Parameters Optimization of FDM for the Quality of Prototypes Using an Integrated MCDM Approach
Authors: Jagadish  , Bhowmik Sumit
Published: May 2019

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the emerging rapid prototyping (RP) processes in additive manufacturing. FDM fabricates the quality prototype directly from the CAD data and is dependent on the various process parameters, hence optimization is essential. In the present chapter, process parameters of FDM process are analyzed using an integrated MCDM approach. The integrated MCDM approach consists of modified fuzzy with ANP methods. Experimentation is performed considering three process parameters, namely layer height, shell thickness, and fill density, and corresponding response parameters, namely ultimate tensile strength, dimensional accuracy, and manufacturing time are determined. Thereafter, optimization of FDM process parameters is done using proposed method. The result shows that exp.no-4 yields the optimal process parameters for FDM and provides optimal parameters as layer height of 0.08 mm, shell thickness of 2.0 mm and fill density of 100%. Also, optimal setting provides higher ultimate TS, good DA, and lesser MT as well as improving the performance and efficiency of FDM.
Determination of Optimum Process Parameter Values in Additive Manufacturing for Impact Resistance
Authors: Malik Fasih Munir , Ali Syed Faiz , Bal Burak , Kececi Emin Faruk
Published: May 2019

3D printing as a manufacturing method is gaining more popularity since 3D printing machines are becoming easily accessible. Especially in a prototyping process of a machine, they can be used, and complex parts with high quality surface finish can be manufactured in a timely manner. However, there is a need to study the effects of different manufacturing parameters on the materials properties of the finished parts. Specifically, this chapter explains the effects of six different process parameters on the impact resistance. In particular, print temperature, print speed, infill ratio, infill pattern, layer height, and print orientation parameters were studied, and their effects on impact resistance were measured experimentally. Moreover, the optimum values of the process parameters for impact resistance were found. This chapter provides an important guideline for 3D manufacturing in terms of impact resistance of the printed parts. Furthermore, by using this methodology the effects of different 3D printing process parameters on the other material, properties can be determined.
Relation Between Work-Family Life Conflict and Organizational Cynicism in Women
Authors: Yasim Yavuz Kağan
Published: May 2019

The quantity and quality of women's employment has long been a worldwide issue and has particular resonance in Turkey. In Turkey, the banking sector is of particular significance due to its high number of female employees. Thus, owing to this phenomenon, the main focus of the chapter is on the banking sector. One of the greatest problems facing working women in life is work-family conflict, kind of role conflict. Furthermore, in recent years, organizational cynicism has long been a central plank in many studies. This study thus examines women's conflict with work and family life along with organizational cynicism and its numerous lower dimensions. Data gathered from 182 female bankers was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Program of Social Sciences) software. Analysis of the results would suggest that some demographic variables have a significant impact upon organizational cynicism and the conflict between work and family life conflict. Also, there is a positively significant correlation in medium level between the variables.
Understanding Career Barriers of Women Executives
Authors: Kişi Nermin
Published: May 2019

Inequalities between women and men continue in global labor markets. Although the inclusion of women as labor force increases day by day, their representation in senior management levels remains insufficient. Women continue to face several barriers preventing them from attaining equal access, participation, and progress in the business environment. Within this chapter, the authors discuss two types of career barriers called “glass ceiling” and “glass cliff,” which women encounter frequently in their work life. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a general perspective on barriers of women's career advancement and to examine glass ceiling and glass cliff the in its background, its causes, and its consequences. The chapter also aims to analyze studies which criticize the concept of glass ceiling. The results of the chapter are expected to be a source for researchers in the areas of women's career barriers, women's leadership, and gender inequality.
Gender Awareness and Women Managers in Tourism
Authors: Carvalho Inês , Costa Carlos , Torres Anália
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this chapter is to reveal women top-level managers' gender awareness in relation to two aspects: 1) perceptions of discrimination and 2) views of what could be done towards gender equality (by the state, organizations, and women themselves), so that more women can advance their careers. Women top-level managers in the Portuguese tourism sector were interviewed. The interview data suggests that discrimination might still be pervasive in the Portuguese tourism industry. However, many women do not perceive it as “real” discrimination and have contradictory discourses about it. Informants were also asked what could be done so that more women advance in their careers. They place the solution to the problem of gender equality mostly in women's hands. While some of the strategies proposed by women confront the gender order, others align with the status quo by ensuring that women “fit in” without challenging existing structures.
Perspective and Challenges of Blockchain Technology in the Accountability of Financial Information
Authors: Tarifa-Fernández Jorge , Casado-Belmonte María Pilar , Martínez-Romero María J.
Published: May 2019

The accounting information system could be improved by blockchain technology, but some potential risk could arise. Thus, it is worth considering such risks. The accounting research and academic literature regarding the impact of this technology on the accounting system are in an initial stage of this emergent field. The purpose of this chapter is to go a step further on this topic and to spur additional research regarding accounting and blockchain technology. The contribution of this study is twofold. On the one hand, it shows the main technologies comprising blockchain and their main consequences understood as sources of improvement. On the other hand, it assesses said effects applied to different processes of the accounting information system. Not only does this work show implications for the accounting profession, but the effects on the primary stakeholders are also brought to light.
Blockchain 2.0
Authors: Virmani Charu , Gupta Dimple Juneja , Choudhary Tanu
Published: May 2019

Blockchain is a shared and distributed ledger across an open or private processing system that expedites the process of recording transactions and data management in a business network. It empowers the design of decentralized transactions, smart contracts, and intelligent assets that can be managed over internet. It formulates the revolutionary decision-making governance systems with more egalitarian users, and autonomous organizations that can control over internet without any third-party involved. This disruptive technology has tremendous opportunities that open the doors to detract the power from centralized authorities in the sphere of communications, business, and even politics or law. This chapter outlines an introduction to the blockchain technologies and its decentralized architecture, especially from the perspective of challenges and limitations. The objective is to explore the current research topics, benefits, and drawbacks of blockchain. The study explores its potential applications for business and future directions that is all set to transfigure the digital world.
Bank Data Certification and Repurposing Using Blockchain
Authors: Ajay Usha B. , Nanjundaswamy Sangeetha K.
Published: May 2019

Privacy protection is one of the basic needs for supporting a good interaction in a globally interconnected society. It is important not just for business and government but also to a huge and increasing body of electronic or online societies. In such situations, a traditional digital ledger storage systems seems more centralized. Security of traditional digital ledger system has always been a greater concern when considered for implementing at a huge scale. When such sensitive data is at stake, there should be nothing doubtable about the system's strength to secure data and withhold itself against any potential attacks. Blockchain is one way through which such potential security issues can be solved. A blockchain, actually block chain, is basically a continuously increasing list of records, which are called blocks; these blocks are linked and secured mainly using cryptography. Every block typically has a cryptographic hash of the block previous to it, along with a timestamp and data of the transaction.
Young People-Sensitive and Participatory Governance Approaches
Authors: Kurebwa Jeffrey
Published: May 2019

This study seeks to make a strong case for young people's visibility in the governance framework, not only in the sectors that are traditionally linked to their wellbeing and development. Young people should be visible with respect to their role in governance and accountability. This will help ensure that commitments made across all these areas are translated into relevant actions on the ground; it will support young people's ability to hold national and local authorities accountable, and strengthen young people's active involvement in promoting good governance practices at the global, national and local levels, laying the foundations for their long-term engagement as active citizens. The state has the responsibility to perform a core set of duties that allow society to function and exist. In doing so, it forges a relationship with its citizens. Participatory governance is one of many strategies of governance, and refers to the processes and deliberations that citizens are engaged in when discussing the distribution of public resources and broader decision making.
Case Study
Authors: Tardi Susanna
Published: May 2019

Case studies have been widely used across a number of disciplines including health, business management, education, law, and in the social sciences. The purpose of this chapter is to define and differentiate types of case studies, discuss the pros and cons of single versus multiple case studies, explore the necessary processes for engaging in this technique, and explain how data is collected and analyzed. A variety of data gathering methods are discussed to identify the challenges to be confronted, and the skills necessary to engage in this methodology. The author identifies how qualitative and quantitative techniques are used in case study analysis. Methods to maximize researcher objectivity, reliability and validity are examined by focusing on data collection, document management, and data analysis.
The Types of Case Studies in Research and Career-Based Endeavors
Authors: Wellner Laurie , Pierce-Friedman Kathleen
Published: May 2019

This chapter focuses on the overarching components of the case study methodology in the context of research and career-based teaching and organizational learning settings. More specifically, this chapter, presented in several distinct sections, provides a description of the various types of case studies that can be selected for research purposes as well as for use as a teaching tool for career professionals, higher education faculty, and others interested in employing this type methodology. This chapter is intended to serve as a foundation to the subsequent text in this book pertaining to the detailed descriptions and elements of the case study serving as either a research design or a function of the teaching and learning process in academic and career-based settings. Providing a rich initial presentation of the types and qualities of the case study research design, this chapter will launch additional structure for the later chapters to offer a deeper understanding for the reader.
Student-Authored Case Studies
Authors: Malone Kathy Lea , Helmer Janet , Polat Filiz
Published: May 2019

This chapter discusses the use of pre-prepared as well as student-authored case studies within the context of a blended learning educational leadership course at an English-speaking university within Kazakhstan. The course was developed to focus on graduate student applications of educational leadership principles and skills, specifically for teacher leadership. The class required students to collect survey data and other information from their home schools prior to face-to-face sessions. The students were introduced to case studies via prepared case studies that focused on educational leadership issues in western schools. After student groups worked though the assigned case studies, they were tasked with developing their own case studies based on the Kazakhstani context. These student-authored case studies were then piloted with their peers. This chapter describes in detail the classroom pedagogy utilized as well as assesses the value of the approach using classroom artifacts such as student reflections.
Infrastructures for Data in the Context of Flow Forecasting Using Artificial Neural Network Model for Okavango River in Namibia
Authors: Amutenya Jacobine Taukondjele , Perez Gerald (Augusto) Corzo
Published: May 2019

A number of evolutions on data collection and sharing have been published. Countries have collected data, but lack of access and complexity to implement these technologies has limitations. HydroServer Lite, a web-based server for sharing water data, helps to address the need of data sharing and storing in a standard format. Namibia Hydrological Services has no common online system for storing and sharing of water data. This study extends the research on HSL features as data system linked to online ANN forecasting model. This is done by implementing a Namibian HSL using real-time connection to the database to operate in real-time tools developed to visualize and fill in missing data. Lastly, a model was build using Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis. Results of the best model obtained are coded in hypertext preprocessor with near real-time data to provide continuous forecast. Linking data system for water resource management in a standard format is practical and promising.
Kenya Success Story in Water Resources Management
Authors: Obando Joy Apiyo , Luwesi Cush Ngonzo , Förch Nele , Opiyo Anthony Ogutu , Shisanya Chris , Förch Gerd
Published: May 2019

Management of water resources is at the heart of political discourse to raise awareness among local stakeholders for support in policy formulation and implementation of water sector development plans. The concept of integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been largely disseminated by the Global Water Partnership. Though theoretically appealing and sound, the process of implementation of participatory water resources management still has potential to yield results at local level. One reason is that the top-down approach used is too broad to be implemented and neither does it facilitate better understanding of the needs of each sector involved in the inter-sectoral collaboration to foster planning and benefit sharing of water resources. It is in favor of such practical action for water sector planning and development at small-scale catchment level that the concept of “light” IWRM or integrated watershed management (IWM) was developed to reduce various threats and severe water constraints affecting local stakeholders.
Advancing New Pathways for Sustainable Deployment of Agricultural Ground Water With Gender-Sensitive Data Sharing
Authors: Luwesi Cush Ngonzo , Nkpeebo Amos Yesutanbul , Osei-Owusu Paa Kofi , Tshimanga Raphael Muamba
Published: May 2019

At the basin level, watershed resources (water, land, and ecosystem services) are often managed in “silos,” whereby gender-sensitive data and analytics are employed by different stakeholders without regard to existence of similar systems in other parts of the same sub-catchment. These cases create missed opportunities and insights for harnessing better innovative water interventions from baseline scenarios by examining the relevant frameworks, protocols, and tools for data sharing as well as the means of disaggregating water and climate change data into gender-sensitive formats transferable to similar sub-catchments. Innovative water solutions would enable optimal water services provision and financing without farmers depending wholly on external organizations to provide solutions to their financial challenges through taking part in technological development of viable water infrastructure.
Detection of VIM and NDM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase genes in carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains in Bahrain
Authors: Joji Ronni Mol , Al-Rashed Nouf , Saeed Nermin Kamal , Bindayna Khalid Mubarak
Published: May 2019

INTRODUCTION: Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as a life-threatening infectious agent worldwide. Carbapenemase genes are reported to be some of the most common mechanisms for carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa. No reports are available from the Kingdom of Bahrain about carbapenem resistance and the underlying cause. In this study, we determined to study the presence of the metallo-beta-lactamase (M β L) genes of VIM family and NDM-1 in carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains.

METHODOLOGY: Fifty carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from three main hospitals of Bahrain. They were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion test. Subsequently, MβL was detected by imipenem-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) combined disc test and conventional polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: Among 50 P. aeruginosa strains, 40 (80%) were imipenem resistant. Among the 40 imipenem-resistant strains, 35 (87.5%) strains were positive for the imipenem-EDTA combined disc test, and 21 (52%) were carrying MβL genes. Nineteen (47.5%) strains were positive for the VIM gene; one (2.5%) strain was carrying the NDM-1 gene, while one strain was carrying both the VIM and NDM-1 genes. None of the imipenem sensitive strains carried the VIM or NDM-1 gene.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report the presence of the VIM family gene and NDM-1 genes in imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The study also confirms the multiple drug resistance by the MβL strains, attention should therefore from now on, be focused on prevention of further spread of such isolates by firm infection control measures, and to reduce its threat to public health.
Detection of carbapenemase production in Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas species by carbapenemase Nordmann–Poirel test
Authors: Rao Morubagal R. , Chandrashaker Pooja , Mahale Rashmi P. , Shivappa Sowmya G. , Gowda Ranjitha S. , Chitharagi Vidyavathi B.
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE: Multidrug-resistant organisms causing community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections are increasing at a dangerous rate. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas species are an important source of concern since these organisms are not only resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics but also show cross-resistance to other groups of antibiotics. In the present study, rapid detection of these carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas species by carbapenemase Nordmann–Poirel (Carba NP) test was evaluated by comparing with modified Hodge test (MHT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imipenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas species isolated from various samples such as pus, blood, sputum, urine, and endotracheal aspirates were processed for carbapenemase detection by MHT and Carba NP test. Kappa analysis was done to evaluate the percentage agreement between the two tests.

RESULTS: Seventy imipenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas isolates were analyzed in the present study for carbapenemase production. 63.41% ofEnterobacteriaceae and 34.48% of Pseudomonas species were carbapenemase producers considering both the methods. By MHT, 36 (51.42%) isolates and, by Carba NP test, 35 (50%) isolates were positive for carbapenemase production out of the 70 isolates.

CONCLUSION: Carba NP test when compared to MHT is a simple, rapid, cost-effective biochemical test which can be used in all laboratories in the identification of life-threatening carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria.
A substitute to xylene in deparaffinization and clearing prior to coverslipping in histopathology
Authors: Alwahaibi Nasar Yousuf , Aldughaishi Sirin Hamed
Published: May 2019

INTRODUCTION: Deparaffinization and clearing prior to coverslipping are important steps in all staining methods in histopathology. Xylene is the most commonly used agent worldwide. However, xylene is toxic. We evaluated safer alternative dewaxing and clearing agents prior to coverslipping in a histopathology laboratory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen different fresh surgical tissues were cut into two halves. One half processed using xylene and the other half processed using UltraClear™. Five groups were designed. For each Group of A, B, C, and D, 100 slides were cut from xylene-processed blocks. For Group E, 100 slides were cut from UltraClear™-processed blocks. Group A is the standard method. Group B evaluates UltraClear™ as a dewaxing agent only. Group C evaluates UltraClear™ as a clearing agent prior to coverslipping only. Group D evaluates UltraClear™ as both dewaxing and clearing agents prior to coverslipping. Group E evaluates UltraClear™ as both dewaxing and clearing agents prior to coverslipping. Six parameters were evaluated: nuclear staining, cytoplasmic staining, cell morphology, clarity of staining, uniformity of staining, and cost.

RESULTS: Groups B, C, and D showed 79% (P = 0.054), 83% (P = 0.221), and 80% (P = 0.079) adequacy when compared with Group A (89%), respectively. However, Group E showed only 76% (P = 0.016) adequacy. UltraClear™ is more expensive than xylene.

CONCLUSION: UltraClear™ is a promising dewaxing agent. It is also a good clearing agent for use prior to coverslipping in histopathology laboratory. Cost-benefit balance between safety of laboratory workers, good quality staining, and cost-effective strategy needs to be further studied.
Attitudes of Mayors Towards Gambling: Evidence from the Czech Republic
Authors: Fiedor David , Šerý Miloslav , Frajer Jindřich , Szczyrba Zdeněk
Published: May 2019

Gambling is generally considered to be a socially negative phenomenon. On the other hand it also has its supporters, as proved by recent research. Mayors are important administrators of local affairs as they represent municipal governments. Their attitudes towards gambling vary and this could influence both the spatial distribution of gambling and the money accrued from gambling. Hence, knowledge of their attitudes is essential in gaining an understanding of the potential for further developments in the gambling landscape. The Czech Republic is the example discussed in this paper. The gambling environment is highly developed here and is a suitable laboratory for research on the mayors' attitudes to gambling. The interviews with the mayors were conducted using an extensive questionnaire. Our results show that the structure of the mayors attitudes toward gambling differs significantly according to the specific type of municipality. The text is accompanied by authentic statements from the mayors, which reveal the reasons for their attitudes to gambling.
Sustainable Value as a Tool for Performance Measurement of the Region
Authors: Fuka Jan , Lesakova Petra , Bata Robert
Published: May 2019

Public servants are confronted with the need to reflect the reality of the changing world. In past decades, managerial methods have begun to penetrate into public administration, which has gained the name of New Public Management . This approach has been criticized by part of both scholars and practitioners, because of the fact that it brings too many economic and managerial principles from the private sector. We think that New Public Management is still open to new challenges, but with emphasizing the values that are typical for public administration. The use of Corporate Performance Management using Sustainable Value methodology can be such challenge. The aim of paper is to introduce, modify and use Sustainable Value as a tool for Corporate Performance Management within New Public Management, for its use at regional level to measure the performance.
Integrated Justice in Pakistan: From Legal Pluralism to Normative Convergence
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Khan Sajjad Ali , Sarwar Shahab
Published: May 2019

Legal pluralism, throughout most of developing countries, has been extant since the onset of colonial era. Manifested in a variety of forms, legal pluralism is inherently characterized by both promises as well as limitations. In Pakistan, legal pluralism is epitomized by the prevalence and functioning of parallel systems of justice such as formal courts and Alternate Dispute Resolution Mechanism (ADRM), such as “Jirga. Poor coordination and tenuous enforcement mechanisms, however, render the formal justice system in Pakistan one of poorest performers in terms of judicial efficacy world-wide. This article seeks to explore the possibility of a convergence between traditional and modern models of dispute resolution, i.e. Jirga and court system and the resultant efficacy thereof through devising a conceptual framework. The framework reveals that both formal courts and Jirga demonstrate marked discrepancies concerning their efficacy with respect to the provision of justice and dispute resolution. Findings from the field, however, evince that Jirga stand out to be a relatively more effective mechanism of dispute resolution than formal courts. The conceptual framework, however, implies that by converging both systems it is possible to cope with the limitations of each of the two systems such that while courts could provide legal legitimacy to the Jirga by improving its decency and accountability through regulations, Jirga could enhance the legitimacy of courts by improving its accessibility and transparency through feedback mechanisms. The article concludes by way of arguing that instead of parting ways with each other, both courts and jirga shall seek to go hand in hand in order avoid delays in the  provision of justice.
Challenges of the Implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Czech Legislation
Authors: Radvan Michal , Mrkývka Petr , Schweigl Johan
Published: May 2019

In their recent rigorous analysis of the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Radvan, Mrkývka, Schweigl 2018), the authors elaborated the manner in which the Charter has been implemented into the Czech legal order. In this paper, the authors extended the previous analysis by focusing on the challenges connected with the incorporation of the Charta´s principles into the Czech legal order. They outlined the areas, in which the incorporation seems to be properly done, and pointed to a few areas which might be viewed as problematic, as for incorporating of the Charta´s principles. One of the most significant problems is that the distinction between the state-administration and self-administration was not carried out in a strict manner and this improper distinction may lead to enhanced conflicts of interest. Some problems might also be detected in the area of how a smaller municipality´s citizens may influence the policy of a larger municipality which provides state-administration for the residents of smaller municipalities.
Challenges of the Implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in the Hungarian Legislation
Authors: Hoffman István
Published: May 2019

The article reviews the changing approach on the nature of local governance in Hungary. During the Democratic Transition the evolvement of the Hungarian municipal system was based on the paradigm and approach of the European Charter of Local Government. Thus one of the most autonomous local government system of Europe evolved in Hungary. Although the municipal reforms were basically successful, several dysfunctional phenomena could be observed and the request for the municipal reforms was strong from the late 1990s in Hungary. The new constitution of Hungary, the Fundamental Law introduced a new model. The approach of the local governance has been transformed: the autonomy of the municipalities have been limited. Thus the autonomous nature of the Hungarian model changed and new challenges have appeared in the field of the implementation of the regulation of the Charter.