bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifier la singularité du rapport au savoir d’un étudiant-stagiaire en éducation physique en situation d’enseignement
Authors: Leroy Frédéric , Carlier Ghislain
Published: July 2019

Cette recherche s’inscrit dans le cadre théorique de la didactique clinique. Elle a pour objectif d’identifier les effets de la formation initiale (FI) sur les savoirs enseignés par les étudiants-stagiaires en éducation physique en dernière année et sur leur rapport au savoir. A partir d’une méthodologie temporelle, caractéristique de la didactique clinique, nous présentons une étude de cas, celle d’Annabelle. La recherche révèle que les savoirs enseignés sont, non seulement dictés à l’enseignant par son propre rapport au savoir, dépendant de son histoire, comme il a été maintes fois observés dans d’autres recherches, mais surtout, prescrits par la FI à travers le maître de stage et le superviseur. Cet assujettissement important, tant à l’école de formation qu’à l’école de stage, est révélateur de tensions constatées au cours des différents entretiens menés avant et après la séance observée in situ. Le rapport au savoir se révèle être un indicateur précieux quant à la logique de formation et à l’identité professionnelle naissante des étudiants.
Digital Marketing Strategies for Accessible Tourism
Authors: De Lemos Fernando Florim , Vieira Dina , Pinho Tânia
Published: July 2019

This chapter addresses the applications of digital marketing in the construct of communicational practices aimed at target audiences that have some physical, motor, psychological, or other disabilities, who require additional information or specialized advice to fully comprehend all elements involved, when planning/deciding to travel. Throughout the text there are several references of the conceptual framework, as well as several examples of case studies that highlight some of the practices used in diversified contexts, using digital tools as privileged means of intervention in the different dimensions required to support the so-called accessible tourism.
Mobile Technology Acceptance Among Turkish Travelers
Authors: Binbasioglu Hulisi , Turk Mevlut
Published: July 2019

Mobile devices, such as smartphones, have influenced people's lives more than any other technological invention in human history. Thanks to the ubiquitous nature and advantage of mobile technologies, mobile marketing has remarkable potential. A successful mobile marketing strategy is related to consumers' acceptance and use of mobile technology. Understanding the factors that affect the consumers' technology acceptance process is important in terms of developing an effective marketing strategy. As one of the rapidly growing industries around the world, tourism has always been in the frontline in terms of using the new technologies and used the advantages of the synergy generated by the technologies. In this study, which is designed based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), smartphone usage experience and the factors which affect the acceptance levels of travelers were investigated. In this study, it is aimed to determine mobile technology acceptance among Turkish travelers. Based on the results, a few managerial implications are drawn in this chapter.
Cloud Computing in Tourism
Authors: Nadda Vipin , Chaudhary Harminder Singh , Arnott Ian
Published: July 2019

With rapid growth and development in technology, cloud computing has become a dominant platform for small businesses as well as major enterprises. Cloud computing streamlines the overall delivery of services and resources, helps keeping the costs in control, and global business is set for a huge change in the way businesses are done. The substantial transformation over the past few years has evolved tourism industry towards Tourism 3.0, where the consumers can easily connect to travel websites and interact by sharing their experiences. This considerably influences the perceptions, expectations and decisions both the actual as well as and potential travelers. This provides sufficient reasons for the tourism industry players to adopt and adept themselves with the latest advancements in the information technology, and the adoption of cloud computing is key in this regard as it provides easy access to a web platform that offers more productive, efficient, and competitive services to promote tourism as a vehicle of sustainable development.
Professional Development to Promote Online Communication, Collaboration and Learning Among Faculty
Authors: Coto Mayela , Dirckinck-Holmfeld Lone
Published: July 2019

Based on a critical re-reading of a study of a community of practice approach to professional development, this chapter uses Engeström's activity theory model to highlight the tensions that arise in a professional development program oriented to change teaching practice through the introduction of ICT and a student-centered pedagogical approach. Despite the community of practice potential, there are many tensions that inhibit this type of professional learning. These tensions can be summarized in four broad categories: institutional structures (division of work), the institutional culture (rules), levels of engagement (differentiations within the community), and faculty readiness (in the appropriation of tools and new pedagogy). By analyzing, in greater depth, the tensions, our goal is to reflect again in the design principles and to further elaborate on developing a professional development strategy based on a community of practice approach that can be used in broader contexts.
White Pollution
Authors: Hameed Mehvish , Bhat Rouf Ahmad , Singh Dig Vijay , Mehmood Mohammad Aneesul
Published: July 2019

Plastic derived from the petrochemical industry with a high molecular weight constitutes about 9-13% of total solid waste. Since the industrial revolution, the use of plastic has increased manifold without improving its adequate management as a waste. Most of the plastic waste produced in the world is mainly from packaging industry followed by building and construction. Plastic is a non-degradable deadly pollutant to degrade environmental quality and are known to remain in water and soil for years without making any change in their structure. Due to enormous generation, open burning of plastic is also preferred due to the lack of resource in the developing countries thus releasing toxic gases thereby causing air pollution. Plastic disturbs the balance of the environment by acting as physical barrier leading to the drainage of the drains, degrading soil properties, and are often ingested by the organisms ultimately leading to their death. Thus, it becomes more important to manage the plastic pollution keeping in view its detrimental impacts on the environment.
Infestation parameters for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) infesting owls (Aves: Strigidae, Tytonidae) in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Galloway Terry D. , Lamb Robert J.
Published: July 2019

Eleven of the 12 species of owls (Aves: Strigidae, Tytonidae) known to occur in Manitoba, Canada, were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) from 1976 to 2015: barn owl (Tyto alba(Scopoli); Aves: Tytonidae) (n= 2), snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus(Linnaeus); Aves: Strigidae) (n= 77), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus(Gmelin); Aves: Strigidae) (n= 262), great grey owl (Strix nebulosaFörster; Aves: Strigidae) (n= 142), barred owl (Strix variaBarton; Aves: Strigidae) (n= 10), northern hawk owl (Surnia ulula(Linnaeus); Aves: Strigidae) (n= 18), short-eared owl (Asio flammeus(Pontoppidan); Aves: Strigidae) (n= 74), long-eared owl (Asio otus(Linnaeus); Aves: Strigidae) (n= 67), eastern screech owl (Megascops aslo(Linnaeus); Aves: Strigidae) (n= 59), boreal owl (Aegolius funereus(Linnaeus); Aves: Strigidae) (n= 47), and northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus(Gmelin); Aves: Strigidae) (n= 44), a total of 802 owls. No lice were found infesting barn owl (Tyto alba(Scopoli); Aves: Tytonidae) or eastern screech owl (Megascops asio(Linnaeus); Aves: Strigidae). We collected a total of 113 810 lice of 12 species:KurodaiaUchida (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) – three species; andStrigiphilusMjöberg (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) – nine species. Overall prevalence of infestation ranged from 10.0% to 88.9%. Mean intensity for total lice ranged from 22.4 to 506.5. Infestation parameters for each louse–host combination are provided; prevalence and mean intensity were not related for louse–host species combinations. Distribution of louse infestations was highly aggregated. In all louse–host combinations but one, either females were more prevalent than males or there was no significant deviation from 50:50. MaleStrigiphilus ceblebrachysDenny significantly outnumbered females in snowy owls. There was a tendency for louse species to co-occur on the same host specimen. Where sample sizes for owls were large enough, no seasonal patterns in abundance of lice were detected.
A veterinary survey of factors associated with capture-related mortalities in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Braud Cindy , Mitchell Emily P. , Van der Merwe Vincent , Tordiffe Adrian S.W.
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to gain better insight into factors associated with the capture-related mortality rate in cheetahs. A link to an online questionnaire was sent to zoo and wildlife veterinarians through the Species Survival Plan Programme and European Endangered Species Programme coordinators and via the ‘Wildlife VetNet’ Google group forum. The questionnaire consisted of 50 questions relating to the veterinarians’ country of residence and experience, the medicine combinations used, standard monitoring procedures, capture-related complications and mortalities experienced in this species under different capture conditions. In addition, necropsy data from the national wildlife disease database of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa were examined for cases where anaesthetic death was listed as the cause of death in cheetahs. A total of 75 veterinarians completed the survey, with 38 from African countries and a combined total of 37 from Europe, the United States (US) and Asia. Of these, 24% (n = 18/75) had experienced at least one capture-associated cheetah mortality, with almost all of the fatalities (29/30) reported by veterinarians working in Africa. A lack of anaesthetic monitoring and the absence of supplemental oxygen were shown to be significant risk factors for mortality. Hyperthermia, likely to be associated with capture stress, was the most common reported complication (35%). The results suggest that free-ranging rather than habituated captive cheetahs are particularly at risk of dying during immobilisation and transport. The capture-related fatalities in this species do not appear to be associated with either the veterinarian’s level of clinical experience or the immobilisation agents used.
Consumer socialization agents for young children: An exploratory study
Authors: North Ernest , Poggio Brenda
Published: July 2019

Although marketers in South Africa are beginning to realise that the youth market is a segment that cannot be ignored, only a limited number of studies have thus far been conducted to examine the consumer behaviour of children. The relevance of this topic to South African marketers suggests the need for research in this field. The purpose of this article is to report the findings of an exploratory study conducted to determine the role or influence of consumer socialization agents in the buying behaviour of primary school children, 9-11 years of age. A broad overview of the nature and processes of consumer socialization is provided, as well as of research conducted in this field over the past few decades. Some important marketing implications are also suggested.
A financial model to determine the distortions in Economic Value Added (EVA) caused by inflation
Authors: De Villiers J. U.
Published: July 2019

This paper presents an algebraic model to study the extent to which inflation distorts Economic Value Added (EVA). The model consists of a theoretical firm in steady state, consisting entirely of projects with the same known internal rate of return. The EVA this firm reports is then calculated, and compared to the true economic profit calculated from the known return of the firm. The model shows that both conventional EVA and EVA based on the current value of assets are distorted by inflation. The distortion in the latter is more systematic, and this could form the basis of an adjusted EVA calculation to provide an estimate actual profitability.
The reaction to globalisation: A case of the "true believer"?
Authors: Scholtz F. J.
Published: July 2019

No abstract available.
Globalisation, economic policy and the new dualism in the South African economy
Authors: Maasdorp Gavin
Published: July 2019

Economic dualism in South Africa has mutated from the original modem vs. traditional sector conception to one of poverty vs. non-poverty. Globalisation provides opportunities to reduce poverty, but government policies determine the outcome. The South African government's sound macroeconomic policies have not been matched on the micro side. The labour market has not been liberalised, employers are loath to increase staff numbers, and foreign investment in labour-intensive industries is not being attracted. The policy choice is one of lower real wages and more jobs or higher real wages and fewer jobs. The unemployed and those in absolute poverty would opt for the former, unionised labour for the latter. Policy reforms will be politically difficult, but without them the dual economy will persist.
Globalisation of the tourism industry: Future trends and challenges for South Africa
Authors: Heath E.
Published: July 2019

The pressure of globalisation is having a major impact on tourism destinations throughout the world. The implications for destination marketers are profound and the response will require a new strategic focus and approach. This paper focuses on the changing global tourism environment, with particular emphasis on the key trends and developments that are likely to occur in the early part of the twenty first century. The paper concludes with an outline of the key factors that need to be addressed to ensure competitive success for developing tourism destinations such as South Africa.
Can the environment wait in a developing country?
Authors: Dixon John A. , Acharya Gayatri
Published: July 2019

Can the environment wait in developing countries? Should countries focus on growth first and worry about cleaning up later? Is there an optimal mix between growth, development, and environmental management? These are all real issues facing the world's community of developing countries. The following presentation suggests that the answer to this question is that the environment does not have to wait.
Hedonic approaches to estimating the impacts of open spaces: A case study in the Cape
Authors: Van Zyl Hugo , Leiman Anthony
Published: July 2019

Preliminary desktop studies have been carried out to illustrate the potential value of metropolitan open space areas in Durban and Cape Town using speculative estimates derived mainly from values in the international literature. This paper investigates the effects that a selected open space (Zandvlei in Muizenberg) has on nearby property values and attaches values to the space using a combination of estate agent interviews and statistical analysis (hedonic pricing). The results indicate that using statistical analysis generates reasonably similar valuation estimates when compared to the use of estate agent interviews. The property price premiums or discounts associated with open spaces are found to be case specific, but certain trends are discernable that should apply to all areas. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of the property price approach are discussed.
Economic valuation of increased malaria due to climate change: A South African case study
Authors: Spalding-Fecher Randall , Moodley Shomenthree
Published: July 2019

Malaria is one of the world's most serious and complex health problems. It is also one of the diseases identified as most likely to be affected by climate change, because transmission is sensitive to temperature and rainfall. The objective of this paper is to provide an initial economic valuation of the increased incidence of malaria due to projected changes in climate in South Africa, excluding costs and benefits of prevention and adaptation. We use market based economic valuation tools for morbidity, including cost of treatment and lost short term productivity, and report lost disability adjusted life years from malaria mortality due to climate change. We also discuss how human capital and willingness to pay approaches could be used for mortality valuation. The results show that the opportunity cost of increased morbidity from malaria would be between R277 million and R466 million in 2010, while the lost disability adjusted life years from increased mortality would be from 11 800 to 18 300 years in that year.
Business opportunities and sustainable development
Authors: Davidson Ogunlade R.
Published: July 2019

The conventional development paradigm appears to have failed the poor regions of the world. It has led to a widening gap between rich and poor, while the world as a whole is getting richer. Attempts to integrate social and environmental concerns into the conventional development paradigm have led to the concept of sustainable development.
Street vending in the Eastern Cape: Survival strategy or conduit to entrepreneurship?
Authors: Mahadea D.
Published: July 2019

Although South Afiica consistently registered positive economic growth rates since the democratic government took office in 1994, this economic expansion has not been accompanied by a surge of new formal sector jobs. The public and private sectors have been shedding labour, partly in response to globalisation and domestic economic realities. Consequently, more and more individuals are taking to street vending to create jobs for themselves. This article examines the dynamics of street vending and investigates whether it is merely a survival mode of existence or a conduit to formal entrepreneurship. The results of the study indicate that only 15 per cent of the surveyed operators may graduate to formal entrepreneurship in the medium or long term. It seems highly unlikely that a substantial number of high profile entrepreneurs would emerge from this mass of survivalist traders. For most street traders, the informal economy is not a conduit to entrepreneurship, but a survival strategy. From a development perspective, the way forward for street vendors is to transform their ventures into more value-adding operations that can provide sustainable livelihoods for themselves, and in due course jobs for others.
Chest radiographs of cardiac devices (Part 2): Ventricular assist devices
Authors: Mathew Rishi P. , Alexander Timothy , Patel Vimal , Low Gavin
Published: July 2019

Heart failure is considered a worldwide pandemic affecting 26 million people globally. Patients who are unfit or waiting for cardiac transplantation may benefit from alternate mechanical support therapies using ventricular assist devices. It is not uncommon for radiologists, especially those working in institutions with a high volume of cardiac transplantations, to be presented with radiographs containing these devices. The role of the radiologist is not only to accurately identify these devices, but also to evaluate for any complications.
Seasonal differences in formation processes of oxidized organic aerosol near Houston, TX
Authors: Dai Qili , Schulze Benjamin C. , Bi Xiaohui , Bui Alexander A. T. , Guo Fangzhou , Wallace Henry W. , Sanchez Nancy P. , Flynn James H. , Lefer Barry L. , Feng Yinchang , Griffin Robert J.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Submicron aerosol was measured to the southwest of Houston, Texas, during
winter and summer 2014 to investigate its seasonal variability. Data from a
high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS)
indicated that organic aerosol (OA) was the largest component of
nonrefractory submicron particulate matter (NR-PM1) (on average, 38 % ± 13 % and 47 % ± 18 % of the NR-PM1 mass loading in
winter and summer, respectively). Positive matrix factorization (PMF)
analysis of the OA mass spectra demonstrated that two classes of oxygenated
OA (less- and more-oxidized OOA, LO and MO) together dominated OA mass in
summer (77 %) and accounted for 39 % of OA mass in winter. The fraction
of LO-OOA (out of total OOA) is higher in summer (70 %) than in winter
(44 %). Secondary aerosols (sulfate + nitrate + ammonium + OOA) accounted
for ∼76 % and 88 % of NR-PM1 mass in winter and
summer, respectively, indicating NR-PM1 mass was driven mostly by
secondary aerosol formation regardless of the season. The mass loadings and
diurnal patterns of these secondary aerosols show a clear winter–summer
contrast. Organic nitrate (ON) concentrations were estimated using the
NOx+ ratio method, with contributions of 31 %–66 % and 9 %–17 % to
OA during winter and summer, respectively. The estimated ON in summer
strongly correlated with LO-OOA (r=0.73) and was enhanced at nighttime. The relative importance of aqueous-phase chemistry and photochemistry in
processing OOA was investigated by examining the relationship of aerosol
liquid water content (LWC) and the sum of ozone (O3) and nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) (Ox = O3+NO2) with LO-OOA and MO-OOA.
The processing mechanism of LO-OOA apparently was related to relative
humidity (RH). In periods of RH < 80 %, aqueous-phase chemistry
likely played an important role in the formation of wintertime LO-OOA,
whereas photochemistry promoted the formation of summertime LO-OOA. For
periods of high RH > 80 %, these effects were opposite those of
low-RH periods. Both photochemistry and aqueous-phase processing appear to
facilitate increases in MO-OOA concentration except during periods of high
LWC, which is likely a result of wet removal during periods of light rain or a negative impact on its formation rate. The nighttime increases in MO-OOA during winter and summer were 0.013 and
0.01 µg MO-OOA per µg of LWC, respectively. The increase in LO-OOA
was larger than that for MO-OOA, with increase rates of 0.033 and 0.055 µg LO-OOA per µg of LWC at night during winter and summer, respectively. On average, the mass concentration of LO-OOA in summer was
elevated by nearly 1.2 µg m−3 for a ∼20 µg
change in LWC, which was accompanied by a 40 ppb change in Ox.
Highly active and stable fungal ice nuclei are widespread among Fusarium species
Authors: Kunert Anna T. , Pöhlker Mira L. , Krevert Carola S. , Wieder Carsten , Speth Kai R. , Hanson Linda E. , Morris Cindy E. , Schmale III David G. , Pöschl Ulrich , Fröhlich-Nowoisky Janine
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Some biological particles and macromolecules are particularly efficient ice nuclei (IN), triggering ice formation at temperatures close to 0 °C. The impact of biological particles on cloud glaciation and the formation of precipitation is still poorly understood and constitutes a large gap in the scientific understanding of the interactions and co-evolution of life and climate. To investigate the frequency and distribution of IN activity within the fungal genus Fusarium, more than 100 strains from 65 different Fusarium species were screened. In total, ~ 11 % of all tested species included ice nucleation-active (IN-active) strains, and ~ 16 % of all tested strains showed IN activity above −14 °C. Besides Fusarium species with known IN activity, F. armeniacum, F. begoniae, F. concentricum, and F. langsethiae were newly identified as IN-active. The cumulative number of IN per gram of mycelium for all tested Fusarium species was comparable to other biological IN like Sarocladium implicatum, Mortierella alpina, and Snomax®. Filtration experiments suggest that the single cell-free Fusarium IN is smaller than 100 kDa, and that aggregates can be formed in solution. Long-term storage and freeze-thaw cycle experiments revealed that the Fusarium IN remain active in solution for several months and after repeated freezing and thawing. Oxidation and nitration reactions, as occurring during atmospheric aging, did not affect the activity of the Fusarium IN. The high frequency of Fusarium and the wide distribution of IN activity within the genus, combined with the high stability of the IN, suggest a significant impact of fungal IN on the Earth’s water cycle and climate.
Integrated Model for Green Purchasing Intention and Green Adoption: Future Research Direction
Authors: Sajeewanie Liyana-arachchige Chandima , Ab Yajid Mohd Shukri , Khatibi Ali , Azam Ferdous , Tham Jacquilen
Published: July 2019

People around the world realize that environmental concerns are one of the urgent problems facing every community. Green marketing practice is now expanding to the Asian region where environmental threats are disturbing governments and citizens. Environmental management and protection take a prominent place on the globe, where environmental pollution already harms the bio – diversity. The lack of adequate environmental legislation, weak policy decisions together worsened the situation. Therefore, immediate action is needed to protect the nation's environmental resources for the benefit of current and future generations. Since consumption is unavoidable for human existence, the green product is regarded as a means of reducing the environmental effects of human consumption. The introduction of green products in the consumer market has offered a better direction of consumption by decreasing the negative environmental effects of consumer products. Therefore green marketing was chosen as the theme to underpin the study. Green consumerism was chosen as the central theme in the green marketing paradigm. As a result, the integrated conceptual model was constructed to predict purchase intention and behavior towards green products. Altogether, eight antecedents as environmental attitude, environmental knowledge and awareness, perceived consumer behavior, habit, subjective norms, price, brand image, marketing information were incorporated in to the proposed model. Thus, the suggested model is regarded as the extensive model to predict intention towards green products. Furthermore, this model can indeed be introduced among customers at a global level to assess purchase intention and behavior towards green products.
Black Theology Project: Organizational Gift, Intellectual Apparatus—Legacies of Dr. James Cone
Authors: Dodson Jualynne E.
Published: July 2019

This article offers a brief review of Dr. James H. Cone's involvement with the organizational beginnings and function of the Black Theology Project. The discussion centers on the Project because Cone's writings and participation helped inspire U.S. African descendant clergy, laypeople, academics, activists, and theologians to work collectively in BTP efforts. BTP was also an influential and international touchstone for other groups of African descendants seeking to articulate liberation theology as developed within the historical realities of their existence. The article reviews the origins of BTP and some of what it accomplished during its fifteen-year tenure, drawing on archival materials held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture of the New York City Public Library. In addition, I was an active member of BTP and served as a past executive director.
Mothers of Invention: Gender, Strategic Essentialism, and Women's Genital Power in West Africa
Authors: Hellweg Joseph
Published: July 2019

Across West Africa, postmenopausal women, whom Laura Grillo calls the “Mothers,” have expressed outrage at male political mismanagement by exposing their breasts and genitalia. This essay explores the contributions of and tensions within Grillo's analysis of the Mothers' history of protest, referencing Grillo's superb ethnographic and historical account.
Excavating the Matri-archive: The Author's Response
Authors: Grillo Laura S.
Published: July 2019

This response by the author of An Intimate Rebuke relays how the book's subject, female genital power (FGP) and the principle of “matrifocal morality,” emerged from fieldwork. Taking up key questions by four commentators, it emphasizes the need to make Africa the source and subject of novel critique.
Synthesis of Novel Polymeric Films for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Mckay Gordon , Saleem Junaid
Published: July 2019

Novel multifunctional polymer films using polyethylene for environmental and energy applications were synthesized. Super oil sorbent polymer (oil-SAP) for efficient oil spill remedy was first produced and with slight modification used as a composite electrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications. The usage of synthetic polymers as oil sorbents, in particular, polyolefins, including polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) are the most commonly used oil sorbent materials mainly due to their low cost. However, they possess relatively low oil sorption capacities. Attempts at trying to increase the surface to thickness ratio for improving uptake capacity makes them vulnerable to breakage and impractical to be used in most oil spill applications. Besides the saturation contact time of these sorbents with oil is too long to be used in applications where the first few hours are crucial as the critical stage of spreading occurs within the first hour. To address this issue, super oil sorbent polymer film consisting of porous ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene was prepared. The presented sorbent exhibits extremely high oil uptake with super-fast oil uptake speed, high retention capacity along with a mechanically strong structure. The combination of these factors as well as the cost effectiveness of the material used makes these sorbent films viable candidates for widespread production and utilization A novel composite electrolyte membrane, consisting of polyethylene substrate and Nafion ionomer, was also manufactured. Nafion is by far the most widely used electrolyte in the fuel cell industry because of its excellent proton conductivity. Yet, it suffers from several drawbacks such as high fuel crossover and low mechanical strength, which lower the fuel cell performance and disturb the structural integrity. In order to deal with these problems, we have prepared an NPE (Nafion-polyethylene) composite that is composed of a porous substrate and a filling electrolyte. Nafion was used as a filling electrolyte and was impregnated into the pores of porous substrate made up of polyethylene. The polymer backbone serves as a structural support and blocks the crossover while the impregnated Nafion molecules provide the proton conducting path. Systematic characterization of NPE is also presented.
Economic Analysis of a Stand-Alone Reverse Osmosis Desalination Unit Powered by Photovoltaics for Possible Application in the North West Coast of Egypt
Authors: Abozaid Dalia
Published: July 2019

The availability of fresh water and energy is the key factor of the development of many countries particularly those of over-populated arid areas. Potable water supply shortage and recent technological development have led to wider application of conventional, and yet advanced saline/brackish water desalination plants. Today, desalination methods require large amounts of energy, which is costly both in environmental pollution and in money terms. This study defines the main economic parameters used in estimation of desalination costs and limitation of the stand-alone, small size SWRO plants powered by photovoltaic at the North West cost of Egypt. Moreover, techno-economic study is made to estimate the actual cost of m3/fresh water production on real field measurements. All cost estimations are based on the prevailing prices during 2012–2013. The average unit cost of desalted water with the desalination unit powered by photovoltaic battery is 9.3–5.6 LE/m3, which is very high, but when using the unit with battery, the cost is reduced to be between 2.3–1.7 LE/m3 by increase working hours to 24 hours. Economical strategies should be developed for more reduction in cost taking into account all phases from site selection and design to operation and maintenance and most importantly increasing the local manufacturing. Keywords: Production cost, Economic analysis, Stand-Alone, Reverse osmosis, photo voltaic, Desalination, Egypt.
Nowcasting of Solar Irradiance with Autorregressive Models in Qatar
Authors: Martin-Pomares Luis
Published: July 2019

Solar radiation in near-real time is of high importance for the integration of PV electricity into the Grid and operation of solar plants. Solar radiation is characterized by a high temporal and spatial variability mainly due to the effect of clouds. In the case of solar energy plants with storage energy system and CSP plants in general, its management and operation need reliable predictions of solar irradiance in the very short term or nowcasting. Solar forecasts are also needed in on-grid applications of solar energy where sudden changes in solar irradiance can trigger unacceptable voltage deviation, if not properly managed. Solar radiation forecasting beyond six hours and up to several days ahead is based on Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models for supplying hourly or daily forecasted values. However, statistical and machine learning techniques have shown to be effective for solar forecasting at higher-resolution timescales (e.g. minutes). The aim of this work is to show the effectiveness of autoregressive models for the prediction of solar radiation in the short term (nowcasting) in the Middle East. The temporal steps of the predictions are 1, 5 and 10 minutes, and the temporal horizon is 15 steps ahead, so that the ensuing predictions includes 15, 45 and 150 minute ahead forecasts, respectively. We describe the models and show validation results for one year of ground measured global horizontal irradiance in Doha (Qatar).
Simulating Yields for Selected Vegetables in Qatar Using Crop, Climate, Soil and Management Information to Improve the Country's Food Security
Authors: Samsul Huda Abul Kalam , Issaka Abukari I. , Kaitibie Simeon , Masud Haq Munshi , Abdella Kenzu , Moody Phil W. , Moustafa Ahmed T. , Goktepe Ipek , Coughlan Kep J. , Pollanen Marco , Vock Noel
Published: July 2019

Qatar produces only about 8 to 10 percent of food consumed in the country. Domestic production of perishable commodities, primarily vegetables, will be increased by using a combination of hi-tech water-efficient field and greenhouse production systems. Improving the decision making in the various stages of production faces a number of challenges mainly related to adverse climatic conditions, quality of soils, scarcity of irrigation water, and market constraints. This paper highlights preliminary results in assessing climate, soil and crop management constraints in Qatar. Components of the research framework include assessing the yield potential of selected crops through simulation modelling using historical climate and soils data. AquaCrop, a model developed by FAO, has been used in this study to simulate yields of squash for different planting cycles of 110 days in Doha over the 30 year period from 1985 to 2014. The mean simulated yield for January to March planting dates (22nd of each month) was 23 t/ha with a narrow range of only 21 to 24 t/ha, while the simulated yields were highly variable for April, May and June planting dates. The mean yield for April was 17 t/ha (lowest 4 t/ha, highest 24 t/ha). The mean yield for May and June plantings was 7 t/ha with a range of 1 to 20 t/ha. These results compare well with the recent data collected from Al Sulaiteen Agricultural and Industrial Complex site (SAIC) in Doha. The relatively lower yield with greater variability during April to June months is associated with higher evaporative demand and higher temperatures during the crop growth period. The model is used to estimate yields for other crops including cucumber and tomatoes. Comparison of the simulated crop yields with actual field data is underway. Further and more detailed analysis of the AquaCrop model is required.

This analysis will help improve the overall food security in the state of Qatar by assisting the decision making process in the various stages of production of selected perishable food crops. Yield potential for selected crops were simulated for conditions where water and nutrients are not limiting. However the simulated results can be used to estimate the optimum amount (and timing of application) of water and nutrients required to achieve the desired production.

The findings of this paper will contribute towards achieving the goals of our research project “Improving Food Security in Qatar: Assessing Alternative Cropping Systems Feasibility and Productivity in Variable Climates, Soil and Marketing Environments” (NPRP6-064-4-001) funded by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF- a member of Qatar Foundation) through its National Research Priority Program.
Chemical Characterization of Indoor and Outdoor PM2.5, PM10 and VOCs in a Public Building in Doha City, Qatar
Authors: Sadoun Eman T. , Fthenou Eleni , Kakosimos Konstantinos , Saraga Dikaia , Maggos Thomas
Published: July 2019

It is a fact that people spend 60-90% of their lifetime indoors; nevertheless, in case of Middle Eastern countries this percentage can reach 100%, especially during summer and dust storms periods. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is of great importance for peoples’ health, especially for vulnerable population groups. To the best of our knowledge, recent air quality studies in areas with hot and arid climate such as Qatar (or Middle East Area in general), are limited. Especially for the indoor environment, there is lack of indoor sources identification and consequently there are insufficient mitigation actions. This study aimed to assess the IAQ in an air-tight public building during warm season. For this scope, a monitoring campaign of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for both indoor/outdoor measurements was performed at the Supreme Council of Health building in Doha, Qatar. The duration of the campaign was from 22/4/2015 to 21/6/2015. Chemical analysis for organic/elemental carbon (OC/EC), ions (NO3
− , SO4
2 − , Cl− , Br − , NH4
+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) and elements (Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Zn, Fe, Al) was conducted on the collected particle mass. Results showed that OC and EC outdoor values were higher (by 3-4 times) than the indoor ones for both PM fractions. Outdoor average OC value was 12.7 and 16.3 μgm− 3 for PM2.5 and PM10 respectively. Among the elements analyzed, Zn dominated in indoor samples followed by Mn, Ba, Pb while outdoors, Sr and Mn were the most abundant species. Concerning ions, indoor to outdoor ratio (I/O), was in all cases lower than unity implying the prevalence of outdoor sources emissions. Finally, I/O was close to unity for VOCs except for xylene and dlimonene, which were significantly higher indoors implying the existence of internal emission sources.
Qatari Waters Hold Scientific Treasures: Discovery of a New Extremophile Plankton Organism in the Khor Al-Adaid (Inland Sea)
Authors: Fotedar Rashmi , Stoeck Thorsten , Filker Sabine , Jiang Jiamei , Agatha Sabine , Zeyara Aisha , Al Malaki Amina , Fell Jack , Abdel-Moati Mohamed A. , Bukhari Sayed J. , Febbo Eric , Boekhout Teun , Al Marri Masoud
Published: July 2019

The Khor Al-Adaid “Inland sea” in Qatar is a unique desert lagoon, located in the South east of Qatar and is characterized by a distinct salinity gradient (ca. 4% halite salt to saturated conditions). In the framework of the QNRF funded NPRP project, researchers from Qatar, Germany and Austria have succeeded to isolate and cultivate a new unicellular eukaryote (protist) from Qatar's unique Inland Sea (Khor Al-Adaid). Initial genetic marker analyses pointed to the novelty of this organisms and morphological characterization confirmed that this isolated organism is not yet known and described from any other place in the world. Even though only 1/50th of a mm in length, this organism may hold secrets worth unlocking: the Qatar's Inland Sea is characterized by extremely high salt concentrations. With the discovery of this new organism from the Inland Sea the team of researchers hold in their hands a valuable unique treasure from Qatar's natural heritage. Future efforts will be to exploit this treasure for its genomic and biotechnological potential. The new species belongs to the genus Euplotes, and is coined the name Euplotes qatarensis nov. spec.
Modeling the Impact of Weather Conditions on the Generation Output of PV-DGs
Authors: Bayram Islam Safak , Mohsenian-Rad Hamed
Published: July 2019

Photovoltaic distributed generation (PV-DG) systems are one of the fastest-growing types of renewable energy resources being integrated worldwide onto distribution networks. As the price of solar cells continues to decrease, residential and utility-scale PV installations are becoming popular energy options in the United States and other Western countries. Similarly, in line with the National Vision 2030, Qatar is aiming to embrace solar technology by 20% to meet its growing demand and reduce carbon emissions. The short-term goal for KAHRAMAA Utility in Qatar is to reach 10 MW solar generation in the next years. Qatar resides in the Arabian Peninsula and is blessed with abundant solar resources. For instance, the Global Horizontal Irradiance for Qatar is measured as 2140 kWh/m2/year in 2012, which is one of the highest in the world. However, local weather conditions significantly degrade the performance of the PV output. Some of the major issues include: (1) the temperature on PV panels is significantly higher than the ambient temperature. This affects the performance of the power electronics devices that are attached to the PV panels, such as inverters, and also the PV output due to the stress on the materials; (2) Qatar is prone to frequent foggy weather during the Winter. Thus often leads to sudden drops in the PV outputs; (3) PV panels often need cleaning in Qatar due to soiling; and (4) during winter months, the humidity increases significantly in Qatar, and the scheduling of anti-dust cleaning as well as considering the impact of late cleaning become more important. The above region-specific issues further emphasize the challenges in integrating PV-DGs in Qatar and the potential need for modeling the impacts of weather conditions on the generation out of PV-DGs on the distribution network. The main goals are to devise probability distribution functions for overloading of transformers and cables and failures of different system components. The outcome of this work will be used to (1) quantify the costs of poor power quality on customer premises and system elements; (2) compute the electric system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) and the system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI); and (3) create rare event techniques to simulate the adverse impacts of PV integration. Moreover, the developed model can be used to find the relationship between the energy storage size, which are likely to assist PV integration at the distribution network, and the unexpected weather events.
Metagenomic Approach to Explore Microbial Communities in the Rhizosphere of Date Palm
Authors: Kharbotly Ali El , El Badawy Noha , Torres Maria , Mattat Imene , Al-Malki Ameena , Hassanein Mohammed
Published: July 2019

Microbial communities in the date palm rhizoshere can play a vital role in the development of the palm and its health. Using the metagenomic as a tool can help in exploring these microbial communities in searching for microorganisms with potential for agricultural practices.

Samples (roots and soil) were collected for metagenomic analysis from 12 date palms (khalas cv) growing at Roudat Alfars Research Farm of the Ministry of Environment. Sampling were done for the second time three month after fertilization of the palms. DNA was extracted and PCR were carried out for the variable regoins v1-v3 of the 16S rRNA gene. The amplified fragment were sequences using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in two directing. Assembly of the reads and analysis were done Using mothur software Version 1.36.1.

Results showed the presence of 13 bacterial phyla. Fertilizer has positive effect on increasing the presence of most of these phyla. A strong presence of cyanobacteria were observed followed by Proteobacteria then Actinobacteria in most samples. Cyanobacteria showed dramatic increased (in some samples more than 60 %) after fertilization. Cyanobacteria is known of their potential for atmospheric nitrogen fixation to ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2) or nitrates (NO3). Such process can act as an additional source of nitrogen for date palms.

Also the analysis reviles the presence of Arthrobacter which is one of the main components of the soil microbes. It has the potential to reduce hexavalent chromium level in contaminated soil as well as degrades the 4-chlrophenol. Further investigation is needed to assess their potential as biodegradation agent.

The following step is to isolate and characterize these bacteria as well repeating the metagenomics analysis after one year to determine the persistence of these microbial communities in the date palm orchard.
Diatoms & Dinoflagellates Associated with Seagrasses, Algae and Mangrove
Authors: Mushtaha Mohanad , Nasr Yousef Ashraf , Al-Muftah Abdullrahman
Published: July 2019

Marine environments sustain a variety of living organisms starting from microorganisms up to large macro-organisms. This support comes with the diversity of marine habitats that are created naturally to provide certain conditions for each single organism. However, Mangrove areas are one of many important places that are considered to be highly productive and could be suitable for planktonic life. Mangroves can be defined as salt tolerant plants that grow on the coasts and in shallow water. There are many types of plankton such as Diatoms & Dinoflagellate (Phytoplankton) that may be found in Mangrove areas (N. M. Nour El-Din & J. A. Al-Khayat, 2005). The presence of Diatoms & Dinoflagellate could be related to the occurrence of floating detritus in which Diatoms & Dinoflagellate can be found in association with them (Faust, M., & Gulledge, R. 1995). Moreover, Planktons can also be found attached to the seagrasses and Algae along the shallow shorelines. The presence of such planktonic type is affected by temperature and salinity so; such floating environments will be used to examine this effectiveness at shallow mangrove areas and along the coast area. Mangroves, Algae and seagrasses are found sometimes suspended in the water column and they start to move up and down due to the generation of Oxygen bubbles. (Faust, M. & Gulledge, R. 1995). Because of that, we will collect them only at the daytime. Thus, we will look at the species composition and how they will be affected by the variation of temperature and light in different seasons (summer (2015), spring and fall) and identifying any invasive species. Samples will be collected from three coastlines around Qatar (Al-Thakiera, Fwiret and Al-Wakra) and will be observed using light and electron microscope. The importance of this study is to show and identify benthic diatoms and dinoflagellates species and to have data about the harmful types because they affect fish stocks and water quality, in order to avoid having these two main problems on Qatari waters.