bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The internationalisation of SMEs in South Africa: export capacity, capability and commitment
Authors: April Zuko , Reddy Colin
Published: June 2019

The difficulties of exporting require immense commitment on the part of owner-managers of SMEs. This article sought to investigate how the commitment of owner-managers to the export market influences the export capacity of SMEs in a developing country context such as South Africa. It found that export commitment influences export capacity indirectly by means of the SME’s export capabilities and confirms the importance of an experiential learning process in the case of SME exporters within developing countries. The article emphasises the importance of the SME owner-manager’s commitment to set upon the often difficult and energy sapping experiential learning process for developing export capacity. Up to now, much of the literature on SME internationalisation from developing countries addresses what factors contribute towards their internationalisation but not how they internationalise. We have integrated three concepts in the internationalisation literature - export commitment, export capability and export capacity - into a process model on how export capacity develops among SMEs.
Determinants of micro-finance repayment performance: a study of South African MFIs
Authors: Muchnick Jonathan , Kollamparambil Umakrishnan
Published: June 2019

This empirical article looks at the determinants of joint-liability lending repayment performance among the two largest microfinance group-lending organisations in South Africa. Most empirical work on repayment performance does not focus on the characteristics of group-based lending methodologies. This study is an attempt to fill this gap in South African microfinance literature. The results of the logit analysis uncover interesting findings. The study uses the Poverty Wealth Ranking score variable to show the ability of individuals with little or no collateral to be good borrowers. Smaller loan sizes are found to perform better than larger loans. An important contribution of the article is analysing the impact of group homogeneity on repayment performance. It was found that large group sizes and groups made up of male and female (as opposed to groups with only females) can have a negative impact on repayment performance. The findings also indicate that the more homogeneous a group in industry type the better the repayment performance.
The impact of incentive schemes on employee productivity in the South African workplace
Authors: Van Zyl Gerhardus
Published: June 2019

The aim of this article is to determine the impact that various incentive schemes have on employee productivity in the South African workplace. A firm-based model is used to estimate the dimensional relationships (different skill levels, gender-mix, firm size, firm-sponsored training incentives) of the incentive scheme-employee productivity link. The main conclusions of the study are, firstly, that finance-based incentive schemes (especially performance-linked bonus schemes) have a greater positive impact on employee productivity for the higher-skilled segment, secondly, that non-financial incentives (especially consultative committee incentive schemes) have a greater positive impact on employee productivity for the lower-skilled segment, and, finally, that greater female participation in the workplace and the awarding of incentive schemes is important if general employee productivity is to be enhanced.
The impact of the deletion of section 11 (bA) on the deductibility of pre-production raising fees incurred raising fees in the expansion of an existing trade
Authors: Barkhuizen Gerhard , Willemse Leonard
Published: June 2019

Section 11(bA) was recently deleted and replaced by section 11A in the Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962 (“the Act” – all references to sections and paragraphs hereafter refer to the Act, unless otherwise indicated). Section 11(bA) and section 11A determined the income tax treatment of qualifying pre-production interest incurred. The article focused on whether or not pre-production raising fees incurred by the taxpayer during the expanding of an existing trade will be deductible in terms of section 11(bA) or section 11A. Section 11(bA) and section 24J allow for the deduction, in certain circumstances, of interest or related finance charges. In the recently decided C:SARS v South African Custodial Services (Pty) Ltd 2012 (1) SA 522 (SCA), 74 SATC 61 (“SA Custodial”) it was found by the court that raising fees can be read under the phrase interest or related finance charges in terms of section 11(bA). The question arose whether or not the taxpayers are being disadvantaged by the fiscus through the deletion of section 11(bA) and its replacement by section 11A, especially in regard to pre-production raising fees incurred during the expansion of an existing trade. This article investigates the interaction between sections 11(bA), 11A and 24J of the Act in order to determine the difference in the income tax treatment between these sections for the pre-production raising fees incurred. The result of the investigation into the interaction of these sections will indicate whether or not the taxpayer is being disadvantaged by the fiscus through the deletion of section 11(bA) and its replacement by section 11A.
Thermomechanical Characteristics of a Functionally Graded Mounted Uniform Disc with/without Rigid Casing
Authors: Yildirim Vebil
Published: June 2019

In the present paper, thermomechanical attributes of a power-law graded uniform mounted disc with or without rigid casing are investigated analytically under centrifugal and steady-state thermal loads within the framework of axisymmetric infinitesimal plane-stress elasticity theory. Young's modulus, material density, thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity are all assumed to be constantly changed in the radial direction with different inhomogeneity indexes while Poisson's ratio is kept constant. Two parametric studies are conducted by both hypothetically and physically chosen metal-ceramic pairs namely nickel-silicon nitride (Ni-Si3N4), aluminum-aluminum oxide (Al-Al2O3), and stainless steel-zirconium oxide (SUS304-ZrO2).
Significant source of secondary aerosol: formation from gasoline evaporative emissions in the presence of SO2 and NH3
Authors: Chen Tianzeng , Liu Yongchun , Ma Qingxin , Chu Biwu , Zhang Peng , Liu Changgeng , Liu Jun , He Hong
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Gasoline evaporative emissions have become an important anthropogenic source
of urban atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and secondary organic
aerosol (SOA). These emissions have a significant impact on regional air
quality, especially in China where car ownership is growing rapidly.
However, the contribution of evaporative emissions to secondary aerosol
(SA) is not clear in an air pollution complex in which a high concentration of
SO2 and NH3 was present. In this study, the effects of SO2
and NH3 on SA formation from unburned gasoline vapor were investigated
in a 30 m3 indoor smog chamber. It was found that an increase in SO2
and NH3 concentrations (0–151 and 0–200 ppb, respectively)
could linearly promote the formation of SA, which could be enhanced by a
factor of 1.6–2.6 and 2.0–2.5, respectively. Sulfate was most sensitive
to the SO2 concentration, followed by organic aerosol, which was due
not only to the acid catalytic effect, but was also related to the formation of
organic sulfur-containing compounds. In the case of an increasing NH3
concentration, ammonium nitrate increased more significantly than organic
aerosol, and nitrogen-containing organics were also enhanced, as revealed by
the results of positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis. New particle
formation (NPF) and particle size growth were also significantly enhanced in
the presence of SO2 and NH3. This work indicates that gasoline
evaporative emissions will be a significant source of SA, especially in the
presence of high concentrations of SO2 and NH3. Meanwhile, these
emissions might also be a potential source of sulfur- and
nitrogen-containing organics. Our work provides a scientific basis for the
synergistic emission reduction of secondary aerosol precursors, including
NOx, SO2, NH3, and particularly VOCs, to mitigate particulate matter (PM) pollution
in China.
Verifying the spatial consistency of the CAMS Radiation Service and HelioClim-3 satellite-derived databases of solar radiation using a dense network of measuring stations: the case of The Netherlands
Authors: Marchand Mathilde , Lefèvre Mireille , Saboret Laurent , Wey Etienne , Wald Lucien
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The present work deals with two well-known databases of hourly
mean of solar irradiance that are derived from satellite imagery: the CAMS
Radiation Service version 3.2, abbreviated as CAMS-Rad and part of the
Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service version 3.2 (CAMS), and the
HelioClim-3 version 5, abbreviated as HC3v5. It adds up to the continuous
documentation of these two databases that demonstrates that both databases
capture the temporal and spatial variability of the solar radiation and are
reliable sources of data. The spatial consistency of the uncertainties of
these databases is verified against measurements performed within a dense
network of ground stations in the Netherlands from the Royal Meteorological
Institute KNMI for the period 2014–2017. For the CAMS-Rad database, the correlation coefficients between ground
measurements and estimates are around 0.94–0.97 for irradiance E and
0.85–0.89 for clearness index KT. The bias ranges between −12 and
27 W m−2 (−4 % and 10 %). The standard deviation for E is
almost constant at all stations and around 67 W m−2 (24 %) except
at Valkenburg (57 W m−2, 20 %) and De Bilt (73 W m−2,
27 %). For this database, the statistical indicators are constant at
inland stations showing the spatial consistency of the performances of
CAMS-Rad dataset. At seashore stations, statistical indicators are more
variable. The sea proximity influences CAMS-Rad performances and a weak
spatial consistency is observed near seashore. For the HC3v5 database, the correlation coefficients are around 0.96–0.98
for E and 0.86–0.91 for KT. The bias ranges between −3 and 15 W m−2
(−1 % and 5 %). The standard deviation ranges between 48 (17 %)
and 60 W m−2 (22 %). It is constant at inland stations and around
54 W m−2 (20 %) with peaks at Ell (59 W m−2, 21 %) and
De Bilt (60 W m−2, 22 %). For this database, statistical
indicators are constant at all stations as a whole, showing a strong spatial
consistency of uncertainties. An exception is the standard deviation which
tends to decrease at the seashore stations and is close to 50 W m−2
(17 %); this could be related to the general trend of decreasing standard
deviation with increasing KT already reported in the scientific literature. As a whole, it is found that both databases are reliable sources on solar
radiation in the Netherlands.
Reciprocal Green's Functions and the Quick Forecast of Submarine Landslide Tsunami
Authors: Chen Guan-Yu , Liu Chin-Chih , Wijetunge Janaka J. , Wang Yi-Fung
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Although tsunamis generated by submarine mass failure are not as common as those induced by submarine earthquakes, sometimes the generated tsunamis are higher than a seismic tsunami in the area close to the tsunami source, and the forecast is much more difficult. In the present study, reciprocal Green's functions are proposed as a useful tool in the forecast of submarine landslide tsunamis. The forcing of the continuity equation due to depth change in a landslide is represented by the temporal derivative of the water depth. After a convolution with the reciprocal Green's function, the tsunami waveform can be obtained promptly. Thus, various tsunami scenarios can be considered once a submarine landslide happens, and a useful forecast can be formulated. When a submarine landslide occurs, the various possibilities for tsunami generation can be analyzed, and a useful forecast can be devised.
The ECMWF operational ensemble reanalysis–analysis system for ocean and sea ice: a description of the system and assessment
Authors: Zuo Hao , Balmaseda Magdalena Alonso , Tietsche Steffen , Mogensen Kristian , Mayer Michael
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The ECMWF OCEAN5 system is a global ocean and sea-ice ensemble of reanalysis and real-time analysis. This paper gives a full description
of the OCEAN5 system, with the focus on upgrades of system components with
respect to its predecessors, ORAS4 and ORAP5. An important novelty in OCEAN5
is the ensemble generation strategy that includes perturbation of initial
conditions and a generic perturbation scheme for observations and forcing
fields. Other upgrades include revisions to the a priori bias correction
scheme, observation quality control and assimilation method for sea-level
anomalies. The OCEAN5 historical reconstruction of the ocean and sea-ice
state is the ORAS5 reanalysis, which includes five ensemble members and covers
the period from 1979 onwards. Updated versions of observation data sets are
used in ORAS5 production, with special attention devoted to the consistency
of sea surface temperature (SST) and sea-ice observations. Assessment of
ORAS5 through sensitivity experiments suggests that all system components
contribute to an improved fit to observation in reanalyses, with the most
prominent contribution from direct assimilation of ocean in situ
observations. Results of observing system experiments further suggest that
the Argo float is the most influential observation type in our data assimilation
system. Assessment of ORAS5 has also been carried out for several key ocean
state variables and verified against reference climate data sets from the ESA CCI (European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative) project. With respect to ORAS4, ORAS5 has improved ocean climate state and
variability in terms of SST and sea level, mostly due to increased model
resolution and updates in assimilated observation data sets. In spite of the
improvements, ORAS5 still underestimates the temporal variance of sea level and continues exhibiting large SST biases in the Gulf Stream and its extension
regions which are possibly associated with misrepresentation of front
positions. Overall, the SST and sea-ice uncertainties estimated using five
ORAS5 ensemble members have spatial patterns consistent with those of
analysis error. The ensemble spread of sea ice is commensurable with the
sea-ice analysis error. On the contrary, the ensemble spread is
under-dispersive for SST.
Civic Engagement Among Youth Exposed to Community Violence: Directions for Research and Practice
Authors: Jain Sonia , Cohen Alison K. , Kawashima-Ginsberg Kei , Duarte Catherine d. P. , Pope Alexander
Published: June 2019

Historically and contemporarily marginalized youth who are disproportionately exposed to community violence are often the same youth who are less likely to be civically engaged. However, the community violence and civic engagement literatures have not yet fully explored how these experiences may be linked in young people’s lives and in relation to what other forces. Using developmental assets and ecological-transactional frameworks, we review the emerging literature on civic engagement among youth exposed to community violence and how external developmental assets and neighborhood collective efficacy may create opportunity for their increased civic engagement. We present numerous conceptually- and empirically-based hypotheses to further examine the intersections between exposure to community violence and youth civic engagement. Ultimately, we identify opportunities for intervention.
Guiding Principles for Reaching and Engaging Latinx Youth in Youth Development Programs
Authors: Moncloa Fe , Erbstein Nancy , Subramaniam Aarti , Diaz Carrasco Claudia
Published: June 2019

This qualitative study presents practices associated with sustained youth engagement at 13 Latinx-serving youth development programs located in 3 California counties: 1 rural, 1 suburban and 1 urban. Empirical findings reflect 5 key dimensions of practice: (a) integrate extended understandings of positive youth development, (b) support positive ethnic identity development, (c) contend with physiological and social effects of discrimination, (d) respond to the ramifications of economic poverty, and (e) act upon the diversity of local and regional Latinx experience. Study findings translate into guiding principles that youth development programs are encouraged to operationalize based on local interests, needs, and resources.
A Content Analysis of the Contributions in the Narratives of DACA Youth
Authors: Rodriguez Darlene Xiomara , Rodriguez Sanjuana C. , Zehyoue Banti C. V.
Published: June 2019

This study utilized cultural community wealth (Yosso, 2005) to explore the ways in which Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) youth make use of social media. Through the use of content analysis (Hay, 2005), the authors analyzed social media interviews publicly posted by DACA youth. Findings reveal that DACA youth engage in social media as a form of activism and to mobilize their communities. The findings support and extend our understanding of the ways that DACA youth are an asset to the wider community. Implications for those working with DACA youth are provided.
Teens in the Somali Diaspora: An Evaluative Program Study
Authors: Skuza Jennifer A.
Published: June 2019

Program evaluation is a critical part of program sustainability because evaluation can inform improvements and document impact. Here, 2 Minnesota organizations came together in partnership with the Somali American community to work toward a shared vision, which was to develop a new sustainable program that prepared refugee and immigrant youth for their educational and workforce futures while supporting their cultural way of being. This article shares the evaluative study of this program, which reached teens in the Somali diaspora living in Minnesota. The program team had a long-term interest in developing an evidence-based model to suit this special population; this evaluation study was viewed as a step toward becoming evidence-based. The Somali American community supported the study because they valued the program and saw its cultural relevance. The evaluation used pre- and post-program surveys to capture program impacts in 2 outcome areas: workforce preparation and higher education preparation. Results showed that youth participants made gains in their perceptions of both outcome areas. However, gains displayed were unrelated to program attendance. Limitations and recommendations for future evaluation plans are provided.
Leisure Experiences and Social Support Systems of Latino Students With DACA Status
Authors: Langley C. Austin , Powell Gwynn M. , Liechty Toni , Haller Willaim , Anderson Denise
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the leisure experiences of undocumented Latino young adults with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status in order to note any potential links between leisure experience and success in reaching higher education. This population faces a unique set of challenges in their transition to adulthood and their pursuit of and access to higher education. Research suggests that 3 common factors among undocumented young adults who have been successful in reaching higher education are extra-familial mentors, positive social supports, and supplementary educational programming. This study used these 3 factors and the principles of contact theory to examine leisure experiences of undocumented young adults with DACA status. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 young adults with DACA status who were enrolled in higher education. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Due to the difficulty accessing this population, snowball sampling was used beginning with a volunteer database from a local Hispanic Alliance. The results support previous literature that has identified constraints this population faces when striving for higher education, as well as the capacity of populations that experience disadvantages for leisure constraint negotiation. The findings show leisure and recreational pursuits support the development of the above mentioned 3-factor support system, helpful in reaching higher education, from previous literature and document a severe drop off of both leisure and recreation participation after high school graduation. Limitations of the study and implications for practice and future research are discussed.
The Role of Youth Voice in This Special Issue
Authors: Brown Aishia A. , Gabriel M. Gayle
Published: June 2019

Youth voice has become a very popular term in youth development research and practice. However, there is a lack of critical dialogue surrounding the role of youth in the peer-review research process. This article explores the intersections of youth voice, marginalization in the peer-review research process, and the importance of utilizing a social justice youth development framework when reading the youth essays selected for this special issue.
YouTube, menores y cultura colaborativa. Revisión bibliográfica de la investigación académica".
Authors: Tur-Viñes Victoria , Núñez-Gómez Patricia , Martínez-Pastor Esther
Published: June 2019

El objetivo es identificar los hallazgos investigadores disponibles sobre las prácticas de los menores influyentes en YouTube. Desde la perspectiva de la cultura participativa, se realiza una revisión sistemática de 65 documentos académicos publicados desde 2008. Se compendian los hallazgos existentes sobre las prácticas de los menores creadores influyentes con canales en YouTube, motivaciones de uso, tipo de contenidos, intermediación parental y los aspectos legales, regulatorios y educativos pendientes. También se abordan las estrategias de marketing que despliegan las marcas y sus efectos. Se constatan las implicaciones del fenómeno y las líneas necesarias de investigación futura.
Política de formación dual: discursos con Alemania en el imaginario
Authors: Martín Artiles Antonio , Barrientos Daniel , Moles Kalt Benjami , Lope Peña Andreu
Published: June 2019

Este artículo estudia el “efecto inducido” de la política de FP Dual de la Unión Europea en España. El estudio se basa en 22 entrevistas a instituciones y actores sociales, así como en un grupo de discusión de estudiantes de FP Dual. El “efecto inducido” de la política europea para impulsar la FP Dual tiene como referencia tipo-ideal al modelo alemán. Dicha política se ha traspuesto en la legislación nacional. Sin embargo, el modo de adaptación de la FP Dual difiere del tipo-ideal debido al “efecto societal” que imprimen los actores sociales nacionales. La FP Dual en España es Educo-céntrica, con una gobernanza fragmentada y baja participación de las empresas. La participación de las empresas está orientada hacia el mercado interno de trabajo, lo que dificulta la transferencia de las cualificaciones al sector de actividad.
Resistencias y movilizaciones indígenas contemporáneas en México
Authors: Velasco Cruz Saúl
Published: June 2019

En México, las resistencias y las movilizaciones indígenas actuales son diversas, y no parecen constituir una identidad colectiva única como en décadas recientes, sino todo un desagregado múltiple. Como se intenta explorar en este escrito, cuatro parecen ser las principales causas. En primer lugar, la diversidad de situaciones que viven los pueblos indígenas por razones históricas. En segundo, la carga de agravios y desafíos nuevos y variados que el recrudecimiento agresivo de las incursiones extractivas capitalistas está imponiendo en sus ámbitos territoriales. En tercero, la indiferencia y desdén con que el gobierno responde a sus exigencias sociales, económicas, educativas y políticas. Por último, al intento de promoción de distintas iniciativas propias que los actores introducen en el conjunto de las luchas mismas con el propósito de romper y trascender, con mucha creatividad, el estado de cosas que oprimen y marginan a los pueblos originarios en su conjunto.
Violencia criminal, desempeño institucional y respuesta de la sociedad organizada en México
Authors: Loeza Reyes Laura
Published: June 2019

En el artículo analizo las estrategias que las organizaciones civiles defensora de derechos humanos en México han emprendido en los procesos de acompañamiento a organizaciones de víctimas de las violencias (familiares de víctimas de desaparición forzada, detenciones arbitrarias, ejecuciones, asesinatos, feminicidio, trata de personas, etc.). Destaco las estrategias de incidencia legislativa y el diseño e implementación de políticas públicas con perspectiva de derechos humanos, dirigidas a atender las causas de las violencias, a prevenirlas y acompañar a las víctimas en los procesos de defensa de sus derechos. Muestro que en la búsqueda de justicia, y verdad, las víctimas han desarrollado su capacidad de agencia y los procesos organizativos y las estrategias que despliegan son un indicador de ello. También muestro cómo la corrupción e impunidad han creado condiciones favorables para la reproducción de las violencias y el fortalecimiento de los perpetradores (grupos criminales, funcionarios públicos, policías y militares). Enmarco estos procesos en dos narrativas en competencia: la narrativa oficial, que sustenta a la política de “combate al crimen organizado” y las narrativas alternativas de las organizaciones, sustentadas en los derechos humanos. La primera y las acciones que sustenta atentan contra la identidad de las víctimas material y simbólicamente; mientras que la segunda busca preservarla como una forma de preservar su dignidad humana.
V1 in Kipsigis: Head movement and discourse-based scrambling
Authors: Bossi Madeline , Diercks Michael
Published: June 2019

Kipsigis (Nilo-Saharan, Kenya) is a verb-initial language that exhibits a VSO/VOS alternation, in which the felicity of postverbal word orders is dependent on information structure. Specifically, the lexical item occupying the immediately postverbal position is discourse-prominent. We propose that V1 in Kipsigis results from head movement of the verb to a functional projection between TP and CP and that discourse-prominent material raises to Spec,TP. Movement to the immediately postverbal prominence position is a joint EPP/prominence effect (motivated by [D] and [uδ] features, respectively). We demonstrate that this prominence movement cannot be reduced to familiar notions like topic and focus, arguing that prominent phrases are highlighted or salient.
Basque adjectival participles: Stative, resultative or experiential
Authors: Berro Ane
Published: June 2019

In this paper, I analyze the form and meaning of adjectival participles in Basque, an ergative language with a predominant use of analytic verbal forms. I show that even though adjectival participles have similar morphological makeup, they can be the exponents of different aspectual configurations, with different interpretation and syntactic distribution. As attested for other languages such as English and Greek, Basque adjectival participles can be interpreted as stative or resultative (Embick 2004), and also as target state participles or resultant state participles (Kratzer 2000; Anagnostopoulou 2003). As noted in the literature (Anagnostopoulou 2003; Alexiadou & Anagnostopoulou 2008; Alexiadou et al. 2014; Alexiadou et al. 2015), these types are subject to different syntactic distribution, particularly regarding the acceptability of different sorts of event-related and subject-oriented modifiers. In this paper, I propose that a further aspectual class must be included into the typology of adjectival participles: experientials. In fact, adjectival participles in Basque can be interpreted experientially under certain conditions. The five-way typology of participles emerges as the result of the combination of two different aspectual heads (a stativizing Asp head, as in Kratzer 2000 and Embick 2004, and an aspectual operator with anteriority semantics, as in Kratzer 2000; Alexiadou et al. 2014; Alexiadou et al. 2015) with complements of different sizes and nature. In particular, the experiential reading arises when the Asp head of anteriority combines with particular vP semantics and/or with a particular linking relation between the subject of predication and the arguments within VOICEP.
A new species of Euplectellidae (Porifera: Hexactinellida: Lyssacinosida) from the northwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Gong Lin , Li Xinzheng
Published: June 2019

A new species of the deep-sea sponge Dictyaulus is described from materials collected by the research vessel Ke Xue during its three cruises between 2014 and 2017 to survey seamount biodiversity. The newly described species was one of the only two sponge species found living
on all three seamounts investigated. It may be a common species living on seamounts in the tropical western Pacific. All seven known species of Dictyaulus Schulze, 1896 contain floricomes, but each species has special spicules. The new species is easily distinguishable by the presence
of discasters, which have previously been reported only in Dictyaulus starmeri Tabachnick and Lévi, 2004, but the latter species possesses sigmatocomes, which are not present in the new species. The five specimens collected display large variation in size, with total lengths
from 55 to 610 mm. The specimens differ in the abundance of microsclere types which we consider to be caused not only by differences of their life history stages but also to a greater extent by differences in their living environments.
Chinese ESL Learners’ Perceptions of English Language Teaching and Learning in Australia
Authors: Fan Jie
Published: June 2019

In recent decades, with the rapid economic development of China, there has been a large influx of Chinese students into Western countries to pursue their studies. Empirical research reveal that some students encounter linguistic and academic challenges, and find it difficult to adapt to the Western learning environment. Adopting a qualitative approach, this research examines how Chinese ESL learners perceive English language teaching in Australia and the learning difficulties they face. By doing so, it seeks to help instructors make informed pedagogical decisions and assist learners in addressing these difficulties. Ten Chinese students who were or have been enrolled in a university English language program participated in interviews. The findings reveal that the participants show highly positive attitudes toward the communicative approach, and mostly favor grammar instruction within communicative practice. The learning difficulties they experience are mostly influenced by their prior exposure to Chinese teaching and learning styles. The study suggests that teachers should be aware of learners’ needs and prior learning experiences, so that they could engage in more effective interventions, and assist learners in developing their own learning strategies in the academic adaptation.
The Application of AI as Reinforcement in the Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Authors: SHI Jing
Published: June 2019

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder. There is a tremendous variability in individuals with ASD; however, it is mainly characterized by social behavioral deficits. Across the globe, the prevalence of ASD is fairly consistent and the most current estimates are 1 in 59. There is no biological cure for people with ASD and intervention is widely accepted as the only solution for them to improve the quality of their lives. Among all the treatments, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has more quantity of evidence than other methods and it has more studies with the strongest levels of evidence. Using reinforcement is a vital and indispensable part of ABA. Many researches reveal that children with ASD are more likely to become interested in robots or other forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and in fact AI is used in the intervention for children with ASD. The application of AI has been proven to be feasible and effective in the interventions. This essay aims at analyzing the effects of the application of AI as reinforcement in ABA and providing suggestions for application of AI in other aspects of ABA intervention. Hopefully this essay will be suggestive for the future application of AI in terms of assisting the intervention for children with ASD in order to reduce the workload and cost.
Impurity Removal of Waste Cooking Oil Using Hydrophobic Polypropylene Hollow Fiber Membrane
Authors: Aliwarga Lienda , Widodo Setyo , Suwardana Novika , Darmawan Hanna , Khoiruddin Khoiruddin , Wenten I Gede
Published: June 2019

Removal of impurities from cooking oil is an important step in providing the possibility of WCO reuse to extend the life cycle of cooking oil, leading to a reduction of WCO disposal. This study was conducted to investigate the performance of a polypropylene (PP) hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF) membrane for removal of impurities from WCO. The results showed that the membrane could remove water content up to 95% (at 0.1 MPa and 30 °C), but the color improvement was only 9.5% as indicated by the absorbance reduction. Within the range of the operation conditions (i.e. a trans-membrane pressure of 0.1-0.2 MPa and a temperature of 30-50 °C), the oil flux varied from 0.3 L.m"‘2.h"‘1 to 1.3 L.m-2.h-1. In long-term operation, the membrane wettability was improved as shown by the oil contact angle decreasing from 28.2 ± 1.5° to 14.4 ± 0.5°. This resulted in a higher oil flux. At the same time, the hydrophobicity was also increased, as indicated by an increase in the water contact angle from 95.4 ± 0.7° to 97.3 ± 1.1°.
An Analysis of EEG Changes during Prolonged Simulated Driving for the Assessment of Driver Fatigue
Authors: Zuraida Rida , Iridiastadi Hardianto , Sutalaksana Iftikar Zahedi , Suprijanto Suprijanto
Published: June 2019

Fatigue during driving is the main contributing factor to road accidents. It is influenced by time on task (TOT) and time of day (TOD). Recent electroencephalogram (EEG) research on fatigue assessment has shown a promising result in explaining the fatigue phenomenon. However, different findings exist regarding the best EEG parameters related to fatigue. This study examined EEG changes according to the effect of TOT and TOD and determined the best parameters to distinguish fatigue status. To generate driver fatigue, prolonged driving in the morning and at night in a simulator was conducted. The EEG signal was collected from 28 male participants at frontal and occipital areas. The EEG power (brainwave) was determined from the first and last 5 minutes of the driving task and after a break of 30 minutes. The results of this study showed a general tendency of EEG power changing throughout the driving sessions. However, changes related to fatigue were only found for the night sessions, as confirmed by q power and the subjective fatigue measurement result. This study showed that TOT (as a factor that induces fatigue) was explained by q from the frontal area, whereas TOD was differentiated by a, q, q/b, (q+a)/b and (q+a)/(b+a).
Performance of a Multiplex Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction in Detecting 7 Pathogens Containing DNA in Their Genomes Associated With Congenital Infections
Authors: Yamamoto Lidia , Filho Antonio G. Amorim , Queiroz Joelma A. , de Carvalho Mario H. B. , Rodrigues Jonatas C. , Kanunfre Kelly A. , Francisco Rossana P. V. , Okay Thelma Suely
Published: June 2019

Context.—

Infections are the leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality in low-income and low-resource countries, which have a higher prevalence of infections. Definitive diagnosis of congenital and perinatal infections is largely dependent upon the results of laboratory tests.

Objective.—

To develop a multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the simultaneous detection of 7 pathogens containing DNA in their genomes in suspected cases of congenital infection.

Design.—

Eligible participants were pregnant women with positive immunoglobulin M antibodies raised to one of the pathogens in the prenatal serologic screening, associated or not with fetal ultrasound abnormalities or positive fetal serology. Neonates whose mothers did not attend prenatal care were included when they presented with symptomatology and laboratory parameters suggestive of infection. The detection rate of the multiplex nested PCR was compared with maternal, fetal, and neonatal serology, as well as placental immunohistochemistry and noncommercial amplifications.

Results.—

Of 161 suspected cases, the multiplex nested PCR detected 60 (37.3%), whereas the tests available in hospital laboratories detected 13 of 60 (21.7%) of the cases detected by the multiplex nested PCR, demonstrating a 4.6 times higher detection rate for the multiplex nested PCR (Fisher exact test, P < .001). Positive amplifications were to Toxoplasma gondii (32 cases), cytomegalovirus (14 cases), parvovirus B19 (5 cases), and adenovirus (5 cases). In 4 cases, 2 pathogens were simultaneously detected. All types of biological matrices were suitable for amplification. Sequencing of multiplex nested PCR products confirmed the molecular findings.

Conclusions.—

The multiplex nested PCR significantly increased the number of diagnosed congenital infections. Given the scarcity of DNA recovered from amniotic fluid and some neonatal samples, this multiplex nested PCR allows the simultaneous detection of 7 pathogens associated with congenital infections in a reliable, faster, cost-effective, and more sensitive way.
O impacto da padronização dos desperdícios em uma indústria de autopeças
Authors: Oliveira Ualison Rébula , Figueiredo Oydil Cesar de
Published: June 2019

A necessidade de eliminar as atividades que consomem recursos e não agregam valor leva as empresas a aplicar o trabalho padronizado resultando em ganhos significativos de produtividade. No estudo apresentado, objetivou-se investigar se as atividades padronizadas são puro valor agregado ou se uma reavaliação da técnica de trabalho padronizado no processo produtivo encontra novas oportunidades de melhoria. O artigo utiliza a metodologia de pesquisa-ação aplicada no processo produtivo de uma linha de montagem em uma indústria automotiva da região Sul Fluminense, onde a reavaliação do trabalho padronizado, ferramenta da filosofia Lean, identificou desperdícios padronizados dentro do processo, mensurados pelo aumento da produtividade em 29%, sem afetar a estabilidade dos indicadores qualidade e segurança.
Desenvolvimento do capital social em organizações comunitárias
Authors: Medeiros Haroldo de Sá , Silva Denilson Pereira da , Menezes Jane Costa de , Sena Augusto Marcos Carvalho de
Published: June 2019

O desenvolvimento das interações pautadas em confiança e reciprocidade ainda se mostra obscuro quando relacionado ao campo organizacional, principalmente quanto à formação e desenvolvimento de organizações comunitárias. Portanto, o objetivo deste artigo é compreender as estruturas de desenvolvimento do capital social em organizações comunitárias. Foram pesquisadas duas organizações comunitárias brasileiras sem fins lucrativos, uma denominada Liga de Mulheres em Porto Velho-RO e a outra denominada Movimento pela Paz na Periferia (MP3), localizada em Teresina - PI. Em cada uma das organizações foi aplicado um roteiro semiestruturado contendo 15 perguntas, totalizando 11 entrevistas, sendo oito na Liga de Mulheres e três no MP3. Os resultados indicam que o desenvolvimento do capital social na Liga de Mulheres recebe maior influência das organizações familiares, porém com uma presença marcante de liderança, enquanto no MP3 o capital social se desenvolve mais por meio da formação de capital intelectual. Nos dois locais pesquisados se verificou o estreitamento dos laços entre os integrantes tendo como meio a reciprocidade, no qual antigos beneficiários dos serviços das organizações tendem a retribuir com novas ações para ajudar novos beneficiários que se encontram socialmente ou economicamente vulneráveis.
Ecosystem antifragility: Beyond integrity and resilience
Authors: Equihua Zamora Miguel , Espinosa Mariana , Gershenson Carlos , López-Corona Oliver , Munguia Mariana , Pérez-Maqueo Octavio , Ramírez-Carrillo Elvia
Published: June 2019

We review the concept of ecosystem resilience in its relation to ecosystem integrity from an information theory approach. We summarize the literature on the subject identifying three main narratives: ecosystem properties that enable them to be more resilient; ecosystem response to perturbations; and complexity. We also include original ideas with theoretical and quantitative developments with application examples. The main contribution is a new way to rethink resilience, that is mathematically formal and easy to evaluate heuristically in real-world applications: ecosystem antifragility. An ecosystem is antifragile if it benefits from environmental variability. Antifragility therefore goes beyond robustness or resilience because while resilient/robust systems are merely perturbation-resistant, antifragile structures not only withstand stress but also benefit from it.
Response to comment on 'Valid molecular dynamics simulations of human hemoglobin require a surprisingly large box size'
Authors: El Hage Krystel , Hédin Florent , Gupta Prashant K , Meuwly Markus , Karplus Martin
Published: June 2019

We recently reported that molecular dynamics simulations for hemoglobin require a surprisingly large box size to stabilize the T(0) state relative to R(0), as observed in experiments (El Hage et al., 2018). Gapsys and de Groot have commented on this work but do not provide convincing evidence that the conclusions of El Hage et al., 2018 are incorrect. Here we respond to these concerns, argue that our original conclusions remain valid, and raise our own concerns about some of the results reported in the comment by Gapsys and de Groot that require clarification.
The endonuclease Cue2 cleaves mRNAs at stalled ribosomes during No Go Decay
Authors: D'Orazio Karole N , Wu Colin Chih-Chien , Sinha Niladri , Loll-Krippleber Raphael , Brown Grant W , Green Rachel
Published: June 2019

Translation of problematic sequences in mRNAs leads to ribosome collisions that trigger a series of quality control events including ribosome rescue, degradation of the stalled nascent polypeptide, and targeting of the mRNA for decay (No Go Decay or NGD). Using a reverse genetic screen in yeast, we identify Cue2 as the conserved endonuclease that is recruited to stalled ribosomes to promote NGD. Ribosome profiling and biochemistry provide strong evidence that Cue2 cleaves mRNA within the A site of the colliding ribosome. We demonstrate that NGD primarily proceeds via Xrn1-mediated exonucleolytic decay and Cue2-mediated endonucleolytic decay normally constitutes a secondary decay pathway. Finally, we show that the Cue2-dependent pathway becomes a major contributor to NGD in cells depleted of factors required for the resolution of stalled ribosome complexes. Together these results provide insights into how multiple decay processes converge to process problematic mRNAs in eukaryotic cells.​
The complete mitochondrial genome of Paragonimus ohirai (Paragonimidae: Trematoda: Platyhelminthes) and its comparison with P. westermani congeners and other trematodes
Authors: Le Thanh Hoa , Nguyen Khue Thi , Nguyen Nga Thi Bich , Doan Huong Thi Thanh , Agatsuma Takeshi , Blair David
Published: June 2019

We present the complete mitochondrial genome of Paragonimus ohirai Miyazaki, 1939 and compare its features with those of previously reported mitochondrial genomes of the pathogenic lung-fluke, Paragonimus westermani, and other members of the genus. The circular mitochondrial DNA molecule of the single fully sequenced individual of P. ohirai was 14,818 bp in length, containing 12 protein-coding, two ribosomal RNA and 22 transfer RNA genes. As is common among trematodes, an atp8 gene was absent from the mitogenome of P. ohirai and the 5′ end of nad4 overlapped with the 3′ end of nad4L by 40 bp. Paragonimusohirai and four forms/strains of P. westermani from South Korea and India, exhibited remarkably different base compositions and hence codon usage in protein-coding genes. In the fully sequenced P. ohirai individual, the non-coding region started with two long identical repeats (292 bp each), separated by tRNAGlu. These were followed by an array of six short tandem repeats (STR), 117 bp each. Numbers of the short tandem repeats varied among P. ohirai individuals. A phylogenetic tree inferred from concatenated mitochondrial protein sequences of 50 strains encompassing 42 species of trematodes belonging to 14 families identified a monophyletic Paragonimidae in the class Trematoda. Characterization of additional mitogenomes in the genus Paragonimus will be useful for biomedical studies and development of molecular tools and mitochondrial markers for diagnostic, identification, hybridization and phylogenetic/epidemiological/evolutionary studies.
Compression shorts reduce prenatal pelvic and low back pain: a prospective quasi-experimental controlled study
Authors: Szkwara Jaclyn M. , Hing Wayne , Pope Rodney , Rathbone Evelyne
Published: June 2019

Background

Common prenatal ailments negatively impact performance of activities of daily living and it has been proposed that the use of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses, more commonly referred to as compression garments, during pregnancy might aid in the reduction of pain from these ailments, allowing for improved functional capacity. However, the effectiveness of such garments in this context has not been established. This study aims to determine whether compression shorts are effective and thermally safe in the prevention and management of prenatal pelvic and low back pain (LBP).

Method

A prospective quasi-experimental controlled study using parallel groups without random allocation was conducted, involving 55 childbearing women (gestational weeks 16–31) recruited from hospital and community-based maternity care providers. The compression shorts group (SG) wore SRC Pregnancy Shorts in addition to receiving usual care. The comparison group (CG) received usual care alone. Primary outcome measures—Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and secondary measures Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - 7 (PFIQ-7) and SF-36 Short Form Health Survey—were assessed fortnightly over 6-weeks for both groups. The compression SG self-assessed daily their body temperatures to monitor thermal impact. Data analysis involved descriptive analyses of the primary and secondary outcome measures scores by group and time-point, and multivariable linear regressions to assess between-group differences in change scores at 6-weeks from baseline while controlling for baseline factors.

Results

After controlling for baseline scores, gestational weeks and parity, statistically significant differences in NPRS and RMDQ change scores between groups were in favour of the compression SG. At 6-weeks, mean (SD) NPRS change scores in the compression SG and CG were significantly different, at −0.38 (2.21) and 2.82 (2.68), respectively,p= 0.003. Mean (SD) RMDQ change scores in the compression SG and CG were also significantly different, at 0.46 (3.05) and 3.64 (3.32), respectively,p= 0.009. A total of 883 (99.7%) of the reported daily self-assessed body temperatures ranged between 35.4 and 38.0 °C when wearing the compression shorts. At 6-weeks, mean (SD) PFIQ-7 and SF-36 change scores in the compression SG and CG were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Compression shorts are effective and thermally safe for prenatal management of pelvic and LBP.

Registration

Trial registration was not required (Australian Government Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), 2018).