bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The expected well-being of urban refugees and asylum-seekers in Johannesburg
Authors: Greyling Talita
Published: April 2017

The influx of asylum-seekers and refugees from across Africa into democratic South Africa has increased significantly. The aim of this paper is to determine the factors that influences the expect well-being of this unique group. Expected well-being is an important determinant of both the decision to migrate and the choice of a country of destination. Knowledge about this determinant therefore informs refugee policies. The results show that only a few of the factors found in the literature explaining the expected well-being of voluntary migrants also explain the expected well-being of forced migrants. However, a number of factors found in the literature that explain the subjective well-being and well-being in general of refugees and asylum-seekers also went towards explaining the expected well-being of this group. These factors include: government assistance, culture, the time spent in South Africa, economic factors, crime, refugee status, reasons for leaving the home countries and the number of people staying in a house in the receiving country. The findings of this study emphasise the differences between forced and voluntary migrants and highlight the factors that influence the expected well-being of forced migrants. These in turn shed light on migration decisions and the choice of destination countries.
The increased use of information and communication technology (ICT) among employees: Implications for work-life interaction
Authors: De Wet Wihan , Koekemoer Eileen
Published: April 2017

Technology has become one of society’s everyday functional tools, changing rapidly and providing widespread mobility. In South Africa alone, the number of Internet users grew from 8,5 million to 24,9 million in only three years (2011-2014). Currently, 90 per cent of these users access this facility from their mobile devices. Statistics illustrate that South Africans are moving towards a continuously connected lifestyle, a situation in which information and communication technology (ICT) seems to have become ubiquitous. Given the rapid growth of ITC technology and its absorption into people’s lives (both personally and professionally), the general aim of the present research was to investigate the use of ICT among employees and how it affects their work-life interaction (WLI). The researcher employed a qualitative research approach in accordance with which a sample of 25 employees was interviewed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and processed by means of thematic analyses. Three themes with corresponding sub-themes were extracted: use of ICT (i.e. in both work and family domains); challenges that ICT use presents; and the way in which employees manage their WLI by means of ICT. The participants experienced WLI as mostly negative. However, they also mentioned two different approaches that helped them manage interaction between their work and family domains. These approaches entail 1) applying limits to their use of ICT, and 2) using ICT to create flexibility. This article advises that organisations should consider adopting ICT to assist their employees in the management of these two domains. This could be done in two ways. First, organisations could implement a code of conduct or provide guidelines for eliminating the intrusive and excessive use of ICT, especially after working hours. Secondly, organisations could pilot or implement flexible working hours and possible telecommuting initiatives.
Pricing contingent convertible bonds in African banks
Authors: Liebenberg Francois , Van Vuuren Gary , Heymans Andre
Published: April 2017

In times of financial distress, banks struggle to source additional capital from reluctant private investors. Sovereign bailouts prevent disruptive insolvencies, but distort bank incentives. Contingent convertible capital instruments (CoCos) – securities which possess a loss-absorbing mechanism in situations where the capital of the issuing bank reaches a level lower than a predefined level – offer a potential solution. Although gaining in popularity in developed economies, CoCo issuance in Africa is still in its infancy, possibly due to pricing complexity and ambiguity about conversion triggers. In this paper, the pricing of these instruments is investigated and the influence of local conditions (using data from three major African markets and an all- African index) on CoCo prices is explored. We find that the African milieu (high interest rates and equity volatility compared with the situation in developed markets) makes CoCos particularly attractive instruments for the simultaneous reduction of debt and the enhancement of capital. If CoCo issuance becomes a viable bank recapitalisation tool in Africa, these details will be valuable to future investors and issuers.
The debtor-friendly fallacy in business rescue: Agency theory moderation and quasi relationships
Authors: Pretorius Marius
Published: April 2017

Tension often arises when Chapter 6 business rescue practitioners (BRPs) are appointed by directors to rescue their distressed businesses. Regulating by means of standard agency contracting becomes irrelevant in the resulting multiple relationships. Looking through the agency lens, using analytic autoethnography and compiling narratives, this paper explains the perceptions of what appear to be quasiagency relationships and obtains a better understanding of these. The findings suggest that the apparent principal-agent relationships suffer from asymmetries of goals, information access, informal power and diverging perceptions of moral hazard, transaction costs and adverse selection. As a solution, contracting has been shown to have limited value owing to outcome uncertainty and measurability. This is because the tasks of the BRP are non-programmable and term-dependent. The findings provide filing directors, shareholders, creditors, regulatory authorities and BRPs in this newly instituted regime, with enhanced understanding of how the relationships manifest in practice and overcome the non-contractibility of the newly formed relationships.
Analysis of the South African input-output table to determine sector specific economic impacts: A study on real estate
Authors: Boshoff Douw Gert Brand , Seymore Reyno
Published: April 2017

Input-output analysis is a well known method of analysing specific economic activity and the influence of different sectors on the economy and on one another. This study investigates the ability of input-output analysis to consider the importance of commercial real estate on the economy. It analyses the economic activity, contribution to GDP, employment created and taxes generated with reference to direct, indirect and induced impacts. The research shows the contribution of the specific sector on the economy and highlights the ability of input-output analysis to determine the impact of different types of property and locational analysis. The interaction of property with the economy is discussed, which also enables the use of the analysis reported here for short term future forecasting, whereby expected real estate activity is used to forecast the direct, indirect and induced effects on the economy.
An initial review of biodiversity reporting by South African corporates: The case of the food and mining sectors
Authors: Mansoor Hafsa , Maroun Warren
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine to what extent South African companies listed on the local stock exchange in the mining and food producer and retail sectors are including biodiversity-related issues in their integrated and sustainability reports. The study employs established biodiversity reporting frameworks for gauging changes in the frequency of disclosures from 2011 to 2013 and determining if biodiversity information is being included in either the integrated or sustainability reports of the companies under review. Consistent with the findings of a special edition of Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal (AAAJ), the research finds few examples of detailed reporting on biodiversity issues. This is despite the fact that South Africa has a well-established code of corporate governance, a long history of including non-financial information in corporate reports and is an advocate of the integrated reporting movement. The study calls into question the sincerity of companies in the two sectors under review when it comes to providing balanced accounts of their management of non-financial capital as recommended by the country’s codes on governance and the International Integrated Reporting Council.
An evaluation of the procedures required to ensure consistent material supply in the Eastern Cape automotive industry
Authors: Horn GS , Janse van Rensburg F
Published: April 2017

There is a common perception that logistics practice and supply chain management have not yet reached the required international standards among all the supply chain members in the South African automotive industry. This article is based on a research study that investigated possible reasons for the inconsistent supply of materials in the Eastern Cape automotive industry specifically. Problems identified include the fact that suppliers are not evaluated on a regular basis and do not receive sufficient logistics training, while a commitment and will to development local suppliers is lacking. Recommendations made to the South African automotive industry include the improvement of development programmes to assist local suppliers in becoming world-class suppliers, better logistics training, more regular supplier assessments, as well as improved mutual communication among suppliers and motor vehicle assemblers.
Corporate reliance on bank loans: Evidence from listed companies in Ghana
Authors: Abor J
Published: April 2017

This paper examines the incidence of bank financing among Ghanaian listed companies and the determinants of listed firms’ reliance on bank borrowing. The empirical results from a regression model reveal that bank loans account for one-third of debt financing. This suggests that bank loans are important in financing Ghanaian listed firms. The results also show that asset structure, growth opportunities and interest rates have significantly positive associations with bank debt ratio, while age of the firm, size of the firm, profitability and firm risk are significantly and negatively related to bank debt ratio. The results generally indicate that bank loans represent an important source of financing Ghanaian listed firms.
The application of nonlinear change theory to the demise of Saambou Bank
Authors: Van Tonder CL
Published: April 2017

Nonlinear change represents the latest in a series of change concepts that reflect a change in the complexion of organisational change itself. Nonlinear change theory provides an alternative and potentially useful framework from within which to view seemingly dramatic corporate failures. To test its utility value, an attempt is made to fit the sequence of primary events preceding the demise of Saambou Bank, to a nonlinear change framework. This application of the theory suggests that some value can be derived from its use - in particular as it provides an extended temporal perspective and can potentially further illuminate the unfolding dynamics in such cases.  The implications of nonlinear change theory are briefly discussed.
Work-life balance and the legal right to request flexible working arrangements
Authors: Dancaster L
Published: April 2017

In 2003, eligible employees in the United Kingdom acquired the legal right to request flexible working arrangements. The government believes that this new right will provide parents with greater choice and support in balancing work and childcare, whilst being compatible with business efficiency. This article critically appraises this new right and examines how it is applied in relation to other UK legislation on discrimination and unfair dismissal. An overview of international studies on corporate efforts to introduce family-friendly arrangements, and an overview of governmental efforts to address the reconciliation of work and family-life is provided in this article, with a view to arguing that there is a need, in South Africa, for state policy regarding work-life balance and for further research into corporate efforts to introduce family-friendly work arrangements.
The cost of HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality to households: Preliminary estimates for Soweto
Authors: Naidu V , Harris G
Published: April 2017

This article has two main aims: to provide data on the cost of HIV/AIDS to urban South African households and to contribute to the development of a methodology that could be used in later studies. Data on the costs of HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality were collected from a purposively selected sample of households in Soweto on four occasions between September 2002 and August 2003. The sample comprised 61 affected households, which had at least one member with a CD4 count of 200 or less at the start of the study, and 52 non-affected households. Three types of costs were examined – financial, economic and the present value of lost future earnings. The data suggest that the financial costs of morbidity and mortality were three and two times greater, respectively, for affected households than for those non-affected households that reported disease and/or death. Mortality costs far exceeded morbidity costs. The present value of lost future earnings, where the deceased had previously been an income earner, proved to be the major cost incurred by an affected household.
Facilitating the transition from the second to the first economy in South Africa’s rural areas
Authors: Jahed M , Mirrilees R , Modise D
Published: April 2017

Here we describe an economic development programme termed ARISE – an acronym for African Rural Initiatives for Sustainable Environments. The programme has the potential to contribute to the simultaneous achievement of three goals to which South Africa is committed, namely: • job creation, • broad-based black economic empowerment, and • achieving expressed conservation and environmental objectives. The programme is currently being developed in the form of two ongoing pilot projects that, taken together, employ 576 previously jobless people, have created several small enterprises, and are beneficially affecting thousands of hectares of severely degraded land in South Africa’s rural areas (EOI2, 2006). The programme may be categorised in the context of South Africa’s economy as either “economic development” through poverty alleviation and in future perhaps part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and clearly has the potential to enable people in South Africa’s rural areas to make the transition from the “second” (informal) to the “first” (formal) economy. ARISE therefore offers an ideal opportunity for a large-scale rollout across South and southern Africa.
The contribution of HRD to tourism-led development in an African context
Authors: Tecle YH , Schroenn JL
Published: April 2017

The development potential of tourism is widely recognised, and its promotion has been embraced by many developing countries. While many African countries are among these, in most, tourism’s potential remains underexploited. Africa’s share of the global market remains low despite the region’s advantages. Interlinked reasons for this commonly include poor service standards and a shortage of suitably skilled labour in the sector. Because human interaction forms a crucial component of any destination’s tourism product, a country can enhance the economic contribution of tourism through the development of the people employed (or employable) in the industry, i.e. human resource development (HRD). This study uses concepts from management studies and economics to explore the links between tourism, economic development, and HRD, and highlights the role that tourism HRD can play in tourism-led development in an African context.
The employment history of day labourers in South Africa and the income they earn - A case study of day labourers in Pretoria
Authors: Blaauw PF , Louw H , Schenck R
Published: April 2017

Formal sector unemployment forces many workers to venture into the informal sector.  The activities of day labourers are no exception.  The aim of this paper is to address the lack of research on informal labour markets by focusing on the day labourers in Pretoria as a case study and to investigate the employment history of and income earned by day labourers in Pretoria.  Day labourers involved in this study were mainly male, young, low skilled, earning low and uncertain levels of income and working under harsh conditions.  A significant portion of day labourers in Pretoria previously held formal sector occupations.  Long spells of unemployment can make it difficult for day labourers to return to the formal sector.  Many activities in the informal sector can never provide a permanent solution to unemployment.
Mentorship alliance between South African established and developing farmers for sustainable agriculture sector reform
Authors: Olubode-Awosola OO , Van Schalkwyk HD
Published: April 2017

The South African government provides access to agricultural land for people not adequately represented in the agricultural sector.  However, the government lacks sufficient funds and institutional infrastructure to provide post-settlement support to the settled developing farmers. A farmer-to-farmer mentorship programme between established and developing farm types has been identified as an institutional arrangement that could complement the government’s efforts. However, at this stage government and other role-players lack frameworks for this type of mentorship programme.This study conceptualises a complementary mentorship alliance that is loosely structured, without the complicated legal and contractual processes involved in corporate business alliances. This alliance will hopefully lead to highly committed joint ventures in the industry in the near future.  The study also provides frameworks within which the role-players could contribute to the success of mentorship programme.
Acceptability and feasibility of mini-clinical evaluation exercise as a formative assessment tool for workplace-based assessment for surgical postgraduate students
Authors: Joshi MK , Singh T , Badyal DK
Published: April 2017

Background:

Despite an increasing emphasis on workplace-based assessment (WPBA) during medical training, the existing assessment system largely relies on summative assessment while formative assessment is less valued. Various tools have been described for WPBA, mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) being one of them. Mini-CEX is well accepted in Western countries, however, reports of its use in India are scarce. We conducted this study to assess acceptability and feasibility of mini-CEX as a formative assessment tool for WPBA of surgical postgraduate students in an Indian setting.

Methods:

Faculty members and 2nd year surgical residents were sensitized toward mini-CEX and requisite numbers of exercises were conducted. The difficulties during conduction of these exercises were identified, recorded, and appropriate measures were taken to address them. At the conclusion, the opinion of residents and faculty members regarding their experience with mini-CEX was taken using a questionnaire. The results were analyzed using simple statistical tools.

Results:

Nine faculty members out of 11 approached participated in the study (81.8%). All 16 2nd year postgraduate surgical residents participated (100%). Sixty mini-CEX were conducted over 7 months. Each resident underwent 3–5 encounters. The mean time taken by the assessor for observation was 12.3 min (8–30 min) while the mean feedback time was 4.2 min (3–10 min). The faculty reported good overall satisfaction with mini-CEX and found it acceptable as a formative assessment tool. Three faculty members (33.3%) reported mini-CEX as more time-consuming while 2 (22.2%) found it difficult to carry the exercises often. All residents accepted mini-CEX and most of them reported good to high satisfaction with the exercises conducted.

Conclusions:

Mini-CEX is well accepted by residents and faculty as a formative assessment tool. It is feasible to utilize mini-CEX for WPBA of postgraduate students of surgery.
Native valve endocarditis caused by Kocuria rosea complicated by peripheral mycotic aneurysm in an elderly host
Authors: Gunaseelan P , Suresh G , Raghavan V , Varadarajan S
Published: April 2017

Infective endocarditis still remains a dreaded illness among treating physicians because of the disease course, its need for meticulous antibiotic management, complications, and overall morbidity. Peripheral mycotic aneurysms are a rarely reported complication of infective endocarditis. Mycotic aneurysms occur in about 5%–10% of cases of infective endocarditis, and most of them involve the intracranial vessels. Here, we report a case of native valve endocarditis in a 74-year-old man caused by Kocuria rosea. He presented with septic shock and acute kidney injury. His illness was complicated by a right popliteal artery mycotic aneurysm. He was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and vancomycin. The mycotic aneurysm needed aneurysmectomy and anastomosis with a graft.
Weyl-type hybrid subconvexity bounds for twisted $L$-functions and Heegner points on shrinking sets
Authors: Young Matthew P.
Published: April 2017

Let

q

be odd and squarefree, and let

\chi_q

be the quadratic Dirichlet character of conductor

q

. Let

u_j

be a Hecke–Maass cusp form on

\Gamma_0(q)

with spectral parameter

t_j

. By an extension of work of Conrey and Iwaniec, we show

L(u_j \times \chi_q, 1/2) \ll_{\varepsilon} (q (1 + |t_j|))^{1/3 + \varepsilon}

, uniformly in both

q

and

t_j

. A similar bound holds for twists of a holomorphic Hecke cusp form of large weight

k

. Furthermore, we show that

|L(1/2+it, \chi_q)| \ll_{\varepsilon} ((1 + |t|) q)^{1/6 + \varepsilon}

, improving on a result of Heath–Brown.

As a consequence of these new bounds, we obtain explicit estimates for the number of Heegner points of large odd discriminant in shrinking sets.
Ambulance Patient Compartment Seated Occupant Excursion Zone Evaluation
Authors:   Truck Crashworthiness Committee
Published: April 2017

This SAE Information Report describes the testing and reporting procedures that may be used to evaluate and document the excursion of a worker or civilian when transported in a seated and restrained position in the patient compartment of a ground ambulance when exposed to a front, side, or rear impact. Its purpose is to provide seating and occupant restraint manufacturers, ambulance builders, and end-users with testing procedures and documentation methods needed to identify head travel paths in crash loading events. This is a component level test. The seating system is tested in free space to measure maximum head travel paths. The purpose is not to identify stay out zones. Rather, the goal is to provide ambulance manufacturers with the data needed to design safer and functionally sound workstations for Emergency Medical Service workers so that workers are better able to safely perform patient care tasks in a moving ambulance. Descriptions of the test set-up, test instrumentation, photographic/video coverage, text fixture, and reporting requirements are included.
Aspectos fitossociológicos e de crescimento de Commiphora leptophloeos no semiárido brasileiro
Authors: Silva Renata Christina Souza , Ferreira Rinaldo Luiz Caraciolo , Silva José Antônio Aleixo da , Meunier Isabelle Maria Jacqueline , Berger Rute
Published: April 2017

Objetivou-se analisar aspectos fitossociológicos e de crescimento de Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J. B. Gillett. no semiárido brasileiro. A espécie foi estudada por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e dados de 40 parcelas permanentes em área de caatinga, instaladas em 2008 e remensuradas em 2013, estimando-se densidade relativa (DR), frequência relativa (FR), dominância relativa (DoR), valor de importância (VI), regeneração natural (RN), crescimento em área basal (CB) e incremento periódico anual (IPA). A espécie apresentou DR de 0,04 a 12,82%, FR de 0,10 a 9,53 %, DoR de 0,01 a 19,58 %, VI de 0,14 a 10,87% e RN de 0,83 a 2,34 %. O CB foi negativo, quando considerada a mortalidade. O IPA foi de 0,00 a 0,25 cm ano-1. A espécie se destaca por sua DoR, no entanto, apresenta baixas DR, FR e RN. Apresenta crescimento lento, que aliado a problemas de RN e sua extração sem manejo pode restringir a sua continuidade na vegetação.
Biometria e armazenamento de sementes de genótipos de cacaueiro
Authors: Venial Lucimara Ribeiro , Alexandre Rodrigo Sobreira , Camata Henrique , Lopes José Carlos , Zanotti Rafael Fonsêca , Ferreira Adésio , Aguilar Marco Antonio Galeas
Published: April 2017

Genótipos de Theobroma cacao L. devem ser melhor estudados, para se identificar aqueles que produzem sementes mais desenvolvidas e viáveis após o armazenamento. Objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar a biometria e dois tempos de armazenamento de sementes de genótipos de cacaueiro. A biometria foi avaliada em oito genótipos de cacaueiro (tratamentos). Foram instalados testes de germinação em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, no esquema fatorial 8 x 2 (genótipos: CCN51, PH16, CEPEC2002, Ipiranga, SJ02, PS1319, TSH1188 e Comum x dois períodos de armazenamento: 0 e dois dias). O genótipo TSH1188 apresentou maior comprimento, relação comprimento/largura, espessura e massa de 100 sementes. A absorção de água das sementes recém-colhidas dos genótipos é lenta, justificada pelos altos teores de água, o que não caracteriza padrão-trifásico. Os teores de água reduziram em média 2,3 vezes nas sementes armazenadas em relação às recém-colhidas. A germinação das sementes recém-colhidas dos genótipos foi de 100%. Após o armazenamento, as sementes do PS1319 apresentaram a menor redução da germinação (39%), enquanto as dos PH16, CEPEC2002 e SJ02 reduziram 96%. A velocidade de germinação foi maior e o tempo médio menor que dois dias nas sementes recém-colhidas do PS1319, indicando serem mais tolerante à dessecação. Sugere-se o uso dos genótipos TSH1188 e PS1319 em programas de melhoramento genético.
Crescimento inicial de plantas de pequi após aplicação de 2,4-D
Authors: Tavares Cássio Jardim , Pereira Leandro Spíndola , Araújo Alana Cristina Ferreira , Martins Deborah Amorim , Jakelaitis Adriano
Published: April 2017

O ácido 2,4-diclorafenóxacético (2,4-D) tem causado efeitos tóxicos em várias culturas cultivadas vizinhas ao local na qual foi destinado, devido à deriva durante sua aplicação. Objetivou-se, nesta pesquisa, avaliar o efeito da deriva simulada por meio de subdoses do herbicida 2,4-D em plantas de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb.). Testaram-se em blocos completos casualizados com seis repetições as doses de 0; 1,67; 3,35; 6,70; 16,75; 33,50; 67,00 e 134,00 g ha-1 de equivalente ácido do herbicida. A unidade experimental foi de um vaso contendo uma planta de pequi. A aplicação de 2,4-D causou sintomas leves de epinastia nas folhas, com valores entre 6,25 e 13,33% de fitointoxicação nas plantas de pequi; contudo, ocorreu a recuperação das plantas a partir dos 15 dias após a aplicação. Foi observado efeito hormético para as variáveis área foliar, área foliar específica e razão de área foliar. Porém, com o aumento das doses, verificou-se redução no crescimento das mudas, caracterizada pela diminuição nas variáveis foliares e massa seca total das plantas. Comparado ao controle (dose zero) foram observados maiores valores da partição de fotoassimilados para a parte aérea das plantas.
Implementation of the Balanced Scorecard in the Hotel Sector through Transformational Leadership and Empowerment
Authors: Ballester-Miquel José Carlos , Pérez-Ruiz Pilar , Hernández-Gadea Javier , Palacios-Marqués Daniel
Published: April 2017

One of the current problems of the entrepreneurial world is the successful implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), which is why it is interesting to study the variables that can influence its application in business. The main purpose of this paper is to establish a theoretical model through the literature review, that should consider the relationship between the transformational leadership among company staff (Avolio, Bass and Jung, 1999) and the empowerment of the rest of employees (Thomas and Velthouse, 1990 Spritzer, 1995) upon the achievement of an increased capacity for organizational learning in the implementation of the BSC in companies (Easterby-Smith & Araujo,1999) from the following perspectives: financial, customer, business process, learning and growth in major companies in the hotel sector, specifically in four and five-star hotels.

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a strategic management model (Norton & Kaplan, 1992) that allows the measurement and control of the tangible and intangible objectives based on the company´s mission and vision statements. The implementation of BSC has a great influence on the predisposition, training and motivation in middle as well as executive management through empowerment and leadership, hence the importance of the analysis of these variables by means of the BSC.
Integrating Bioethics in Sciences’ curricula using values in science and socio-scientific issues
Authors: Sousa C.
Published: April 2017

The 

The main objective of the present work is selection of ethical issues that should be addressed with first year undergraduate and K-12 students.

Since K-12 Sciences’ curriculum, in Portugal, does not include bioethics content in any discipline explicitly, teachers need to make an effort to include it. Some online materials are available to use in high school classes and will be discussed.

My proposal combines inquiry learning-teaching methods with the aim of promoting the discussion of bioethics issues in accordance to UNESCO Bioethics Core Curriculum already adopted by twenty universities throughout the world (Darwish 2015). Some of the issues that are addressed are: ecology and environment ethics, infectious diseases and vaccination, water for all, intellectual property, genomes and patents, biotechnological advances (genetic modified organisms and synthesis of genomes), future generations, climate hanges and natural resources, biomedical advances and human rights, authorship and contributions in scientific publications, and biobanks.

In conclusion, this study may constitute an example to facilitate the implementation, by K-12 teachers, of active inquiry strategies, using features of science such as values and socio-scientific issues, and focused on the discussion of concrete ethical issues facing humanity. It also constitutes a proposal of integrating Bioethics in undergraduate sciences’ curricula.
Detection and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder by Occupational Therapy Practitioners: Addressing Racial Disparity in Diagnosis
Authors: Gibbs Varleisha D.
Published: April 2017

As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to rise, racial disparities remain in age of diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Therefore, occupational therapy practitioners should examine cultural perceptions related to disparities in ASD diagnosis. This article investigates the role that practitioners may play in this disparity by asking, “Are occupational therapy practitioners contributing to the late diagnosis of children with ASD who are members of particular racial or ethnic groups?” Correlations among practitioners’ detection of symptoms, parents’ perceptions, and evaluator influences are investigated. By examining these factors, practitioners may gain better insight into these disparities and therefore provide more effective advocacy regarding early diagnosis and treatment access.
Seasonal characteristics, formation mechanisms and source origins of PM2.5 in two megacities in Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Wang Huanbo , Tian Mi , Chen Yang , Shi Guangming , Liu Yuan , Yang Fumo , Zhang Leiming , Deng Liqun , Yu Jiayan , Peng Chao , Cao Xuyao
Published: April 2017

Abstract. To investigate the characteristics of PM2.5 and its major chemical components, formation mechanisms, and geographical origins in the two biggest cities, Chengdu (CD) and Chongqing (CQ) in Sichuan Basin, the most densely populated basin in China, daily PM2.5 samples were collected simultaneously at one urban site in each city from October 2014 to July 2015. Annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 were 67.0 ± 43.4 and 70.9 ± 41.4 μg m−3 at CD and CQ, respectively. Secondary inorganic aerosols (SNA) and organic matter (OM) accounted for 41.1 % and 26.1 %, respectively, of PM2.5 mass at CD, and 37.4 % and 29.6 % at CQ. Seasonal variations of PM2.5 and its major chemical components were significant, usually with the highest values in winter and the lowest in summer. SNA and OM were 1.7–3.4 times higher on polluted days than on clean days at both sites, whereas their percentage contributions to PM2.5 varied differently among the components and between the two sites. Gas-phase oxidation probably played an important role on the formation of secondary aerosols when PM2.5 mass varied in the range of 75–150 μg m−3, while heterogeneous transformation was likely the major mechanism on the heavy polluted days. Geographical regions causing high PM2.5 were identified to mainly distribute within the basin at both sites based on potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis.
Diagnosing the radiative and chemical contributions to future changes in tropical column ozone with the UM-UKCA chemistry-climate model
Authors: Keeble James , Bednarz Ewa M. , Banerjee Antara , Abraham N. Luke , Harris Neil R. P. , Maycock Amanda C. , Pyle John A.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Chemical and dynamical drivers of trends in tropical total column ozone (TCO3) for the recent past and future periods are explored using the UM-UKCA chemistry-climate model. A transient 1960-2100 simulation is analysed which follows the representative concentration pathway 6.0 (RCP6.0) emissions scenario for the future. Tropical averaged (10° S–10° N) TCO3 values decrease from the 1970s, reaching a minimum around 2000, and return to their 1980 values around 2040, consistent with the use and emission of ozone depleting substances (ODS), and their later controls under the Montreal Protocol. However, when the ozone column is subdivided into three partial columns (PCO3) that cover the upper stratosphere (PCO3US), lower stratosphere (PCO3LS) and troposphere (PCO3T), significant differences to the behaviour of the total column are seen. Modelled PCO3T values increase from 1960–2000 before remaining steady under this particular emissions scenario throughout the 21st century. PCO3LS values decrease rapidly from 1960–2000, remain steady until around 2050, before gradually decreasing further to 2100, never recovering to their 1980s values. PCO3US values decrease from 1960–2000, before rapidly increasing throughout the 21st century, recovering to 1980s values by ~ 2020, and are significantly higher than 1980s values by 2100. Using a series of idealised UM-UKCA time-slice simulations with varying concentrations of well-mixed greenhouse gases (GHG) and ODS set to either year 2000 or 2100 levels, we examine the main processes that drive the PCO3 responses in the three regions, and assess how these processes change under different emission scenarios. Finally, we present a simple, linearised model to describe the future evolution of tropical stratospheric column ozone values based on terms representing time-dependent abundances of GHG and ODS.
Application of particle swarm optimization for gravity inversion of 2.5-D sedimentary basins using variable density contrast
Authors: Singh Kunal Kishore , Singh Upendra Kumar
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a global optimization technique that works similarly to swarms of birds searching for food. A MATLAB code in the PSO algorithm has been developed to estimate the depth to the bottom of a 2.5-D sedimentary basin and coefficients of regional background from observed gravity anomalies. The density contrast within the source is assumed to vary parabolically with depth. Initially, the PSO algorithm is applied on synthetic data with and without some Gaussian noise, and its validity is tested by calculating the depth of the Gediz Graben, western Anatolia, and the Godavari sub-basin, India. The Gediz Graben consists of Neogen sediments, and the metamorphic complex forms the basement of the graben. A thick uninterrupted sequence of Permian–Triassic and partly Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments forms the Godavari sub-basin. The PSO results are better correlated with results obtained by the Marquardt method and borehole information.
Implementation of a physically based water percolation routine in the Crocus (V7) snowpack model
Authors: D'Amboise Christopher J. L. , Müller Karsten , Oxarango Laurent , Morin Samuel , Schuler Thomas V.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Abstract. We present a new water percolation routine added to the 1D snowpack model Crocus as an alternative to the empirical bucket routine. This routine is based on Richards equation, and describes flow in an unsaturated porous medium governed by capillary suction and hydraulic conductivity of snow layers. We tested the Richards routine on two data sets, one recorded from an automatic weather station over the winter of 2013–2014 at Filefjell, Norway, and a simple synthetic data set. Model results using the Richards routine generally lead to thinner and denser simulated crust layers compared to the bucket routine. Wet snow layers often reach the transition between the pendular and funicular regimes, with 17 % of snow layers obtaining saturation of > 10 % and 4.3 % of layers had saturation of > 15 % for the synthetic data set. The Richards routine had a maximum liquid water content of 167.3 kg m-3 where the bucket routine had a maximum of 42.1 kg m-3. To express the water retention curve and the hydraulic conductivity of snow layers, the Richards routine heavily relies on accurate density and grain size estimations. We found the Richards routine was sensitive to the chosen modelling time step. The time step dependency is a result of feedback between the water percolation routine and the snows compaction and metamorphism routines. We show that the new routine has been implemented in the Crocus model, but due to amplification of parameter uncertainties through a number of feedbacks, meaningful applicability is limited until new and better parameterizations of water retention is developed for different snow types.
Multiconfiguration electromagnetic induction survey for paleochannel internal structure imaging: a case study in the alluvial plain of the river Seine, France
Authors: Rejiba Fayçal , Schamper Cyril , Chevalier Antoine , Deleplancque Benoit , Hovhannissian Gaghik , Thiesson Julien , Weill Pierre
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The La Bassée floodplain area is a large groundwater reservoir controlling most of the water exchanged between local aquifers and hydrographic networks within the Seine River Basin (France). Preferential flows depend essentially on sediment fills, whose characteristics are strongly influenced by paleomeander heterogeneities. A detailed knowledge of the internal heterogeneities of such paleomeanders can thus lead to a comprehensive understanding of its long-term hydrogeological processes. A geophysical survey based on the use of electromagnetic induction was performed on a representative paleomeander, situated close to the city of Nogent-sur-Seine in France. In the present study we assess the advantages of combining several spatial offsets, together with both vertical and horizontal dipole orientations (6 apparent conductivities), thereby mapping not only the spatial distribution of the paleomeander derived from LIDAR data, but also its vertical extent and internal variability.
Under Western Critical Eyes: Du Fu
Authors: Verdicchio Massimo
Published: April 2017

The trend toward world literature and globalization in literary studies motivated Gayatri Spivak to make the ominous claim that Comparative Literature is dead. Her solution was to suggest that Comparative Literature join forces with Area Studies, and combine its techniques of “close reading” with a more focused and in-depth analysis of national literatures that only Area Studies can provide. Although this appears a welcome suggestion to give “new life” to Comparative Literature, there are obstacles in the way of this ideal. This essay discusses Spivak's idea with reference to Chinese aesthetics, namely, Haun Saussy and Stephen Owen, and an analysis of the late poems of Du Fu. The essay argues that the emphasis Chinese studies places on “distinctness,” which is true of all Area Studies, hinders the possibility of a comparative reading. An analysis of Du Fu's late poems shows that there is a discrepancy in approaches between a Chinese and a Comparative approach that is irreconcilable. If Comparative Literature is to stay alive, it has to retain its theoretical freedom to “close reading” and forego the temptation to combine forces with Area Studies.
The Transnationalization of Labor Mobility: Development Trends and Selected Challenges Involved in Its Regulation
Authors: Pries Ludger , Maletzky Martina
Published: April 2017

Internationalization of value chains and of for-profit as well as non-profit organizations, and as a result of cheaper and safer mass migration, transnational labor mobility is of increasing importance. The article presents the development of the different types of cross-border labor mobility (from long-term labor migration over expatriats/inpatriats up to business traveling); it analyses crucial aspects of labor conditions and how the collective regulation of working, employment and participation conditions in general is affected: could local or national forms of labor regulation cope with these new conditions? What are the main challenges when it comes to collective bargaining and the monitoring of labor conditions? The article is based on a three year international and comparative research in Germany and Mexico. First, different ideal types of transnational labor mobility are distinguished that have emerged as a result of increasing cross-border labor mobility. Then potential sources of labor related social inequality and challenges in the regulation of the working, employment and participation conditions for transnational workers are discussed. Finally, some conclusions are drawn for further research.
Het fideicommis en de rechtspersoon als bezwaarde of verwachter
Authors: Brinkman R.E.
Published: April 2017

Het fideicommis en de rechtspersoon als bezwaarde of verwachter

Dit artikel gaat over de combinatie van een fideicommis met een rechtspersoon als bezwaarde of verwachter. De conclusie luidt dat een fideicommissaire erfstelling met een rechtspersoon niet mogelijk is. Dat betekent dat steeds art. 4:140 lid 1 BW van toepassing is: als de rechtspersoon bezwaarde of verwachter is, wordt de verkrijging van de bezwaarde na dertig jaar na het overlijden van de insteller onvoorwaardelijk. Bepaalde fideicommissaire legaten kunnen een oplossing bieden voor bovenstaand probleem. De testateur doet er dan ook goed aan zorgvuldig te beschrijven wie op welke wijze welke rechten en plichten krijgt.
Evaluatie giftenaftrek
Authors: van de Ven K.M.L.L.
Published: April 2017

Evaluatie giftenaftrek

Naar aanleiding van drie in 2016 over de giftenaftrek verschenen rapportages wordt in deze bijdrage ingegaan op de giftenaftrek in het algemeen, op de bevindingen in de rapportages en op enige jurisprudentie met betrekking tot de status van een algemeen nut beogende instelling (ANBI).
A new genus and eight new species of tail-wagger snails from eastern South Africa, with a key to genera within Sheldonia s.l. (Gastropoda: Urocyclidae)
Authors: Herbert David G.
Published: April 2017

A new genus and eight new species of urocyclid snails are described from eastern South Africa. The supra-specific taxa Kerkophorus Godwin-Austen, 1912 and Microkerkus Godwin-Austen, 1912 are considered distinct from Sheldonia Ancey, 1887 and are treated as separate genera. The diagnostic morphological features of all three genera are detailed and a fourth genus, for which there is no existing name, is described as new: Selatodryas gen. nov. A provisional key to genus-level taxa within Sheldonia s.l. is provided. Eight species are described as new: Kerkophorus piperatus sp. nov., K. vittarubra sp. nov., K. scrobicolus sp. nov., K. terrestris sp. nov., Microkerkus sibaya sp. nov., Selatodryas roseosoma gen. et sp. nov., S. luteosoma gen. et sp. nov. and Sheldonia fingolandensis sp. nov.
ION-EXCHANGE IN FLUID-BED DEVICE OF CONTINUOUSLY WORKING
Authors: Natareev Sergey V. , Bykov Aleksandr A. , Zakharov Dmitriy E. , Nikiforova Tatyana E.
Published: April 2017

The mathematicaldescription of the process of solution purification from heavy metal ionsby means ofion exchange inan apparatus with continuous suspended layer was developed. At the developing mathematical description the following assumptions were used: the ionite is monodisperse and has a spherical shape, uniform initial distribution of substances in the ionite, the ion exchange equilibrium is described by Henry equation, the velocity of the process is limited by both internal and external diffusion, the ionite in the device moves with longitudinal mixing effect, kinetic and hydrodynamic process parameters are constants. Mathematical description includes the following equations: the diffusion equation of ionite, isotherm equation ion exchange, the equation for average concentration of the substance in the ionite, equations of the one-parameter diffusion model, initial and boundary conditions. To solve boundary value problem, we use the integral Laplace transformmations. The obtained equation allows calculating the solution concentration at the output of the apparatus. The authors determined the validity of the mathematical model on the example of the water purification from zinc ions on the KU-2-8 cationite in the continuous single-chamber apparatus with a fluidized bed. The ion exchange unit has a cylindrical body with a diameter of 0.08 m and a conical bottom. Distributive lattice with thickness of 3×10-3 m and with holes with diameter of 2×10-3 m and orifice of 20.6 % were located in the lower part of the device. The height of the fluid-bed ionite layer in the device was 0.12 m. The chamber for separation of ion exchanger and solution was placed in the top of the device. This chamber had a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 0.15 m and height of 0.1 m.  The chamber for fluid-bed ionite and chamber for separation of ionite and solution were joined conical shell. The solution flow rate in the apparatus was 2.1×10-5 m3/s. The ionite flow rate in the device was 1.42×10-7 m3/s. The initial concentration of the solution of zinc chloride was taken 5.1×10-3 kg-eq/ m3. The concentration of zinc ions in the spent ionite was 0.67 kg-eq/m3. The concentration of zinc ions in the purified solution was 6.4×10-4 kg-eq/m3. The calculated value of concentration of zinc ions in the spent ionite was 0.66 kg-eq/m3. The calculated value of concentration of zinc ions in the purified solution was 7.2×10-4 kg-eq/m3.  The deviation of the calculated results from the experimental data does not exceed 12 %. The elaborated mathematical model is recommended for practical application. For citation:Natareev S.V., BykovА.А., Zakharov D.E., Nikiforova T.E. Ion-exchange in fluid-bed device of continuously working. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2017. V. 60. N2. P. 85-90.