bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Eco-Municipalities in Climate Change for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Bostanci Seda H. , Albayrak Ayse Nur
Published: October 2016

Creating a sustainable future for cities is a critical issue worldwide and municipalities help shape cities from different perspectives. An eco-municipality is a governance strategy and holistic approach to creating sustainable communities and development. The sustainable strategies and projects of these municipalities mostly focus on public participation mechanisms, creating and building renewable energy sources, and designing healthy and green cities. The aim of this chapter is to examine the status of the strongly connected studies concerning global climate change and the eco-municipality model. In this regard, the projects and strategies of Nordic countries which have been pioneers in eco-municipalities and the studies of Turkish municipalities which have recently taken action to develop integrated environmental approaches will be discussed. In addition, an evaluation of projects and strategies of local governments in Turkey relevant to climate change will be critiqued.
Sustainable Land Use and Watershed Management in Response to Climate Change Impacts
Authors: Loi Nguyen Kim , Huyen Nguyen Thi , Tu Le Hoang , Tram Vo Ngoc Quynh , Liem Nguyen Duy , Dat Nguyen Le Tan , Nhat Tran Thong , Minh Duong Ngoc
Published: October 2016

The Srepok river basin (28,600km2) is located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. There are many critical issues for soil and water resource management in the basin. Therefore, to make suitable adaptation plans, decision makers need to understand the extent of the potential impact of both climate change and human activity on local soil and water resources. The objective of this chapter was to investigate changes in stream flow, sediment load, and hydrological processes resulting from land use change and climatic variation. Plausible scenarios of land use change developed in a GIS environment based on current conditions, information from the area, and climate change scenarios were built on outputs of GCMs from the SEA-START. These changes were then inputted into SWAT model to project future hydrological variables. Results demonstrated that stream flow was predominant, followed by evapotranspiration. Groundwater was more predominant than surface water. This has been one of the best outstanding advantages in the Srepok watershed.
Climate Change Impacts on Surface Water Quality
Authors: Mujere Never , Moyce William
Published: October 2016

Climate change affects water resources through changes in evaporation, groundwater recharge, temperature, runoff and rainfall. Such changes affect the mobilization of nutrients, distribution and mobility of pollutants in freshwater systems. The direct and indirect climate change impacts on water quality comprise biological, physical and chemical changes. Biological changes include pathogenic microbes in water. Physical changes include increased water temperature, reduced river and lake ice cover, more stable vertical stratification and less mixing of water of deep-water lakes, and changes in water discharge, affecting water level and retention time. Chemical changes include increased nutrient concentrations, water color and decreased oxygen content. However, few scientific works have been recently published on the impacts of climate change on water quality modification. This chapter fills a real gap because there has been no comprehensive review on climate change and river water quality to date. It focuses on the expected water quality impacts of climate change.
What Category Are They Anyway?
Authors: Khan Zeenath Reza
Published: October 2016

As the world of academia grapples with the scandals shrouding some of the oldest and prestigious universities around the globe, it is becoming clear that a better understanding of the problem of academic dishonesty is the need of the hour. This chapter paves the path towards providing such an understanding by proposing first a new taxonomy of possible factors that may influence students' attitude towards academic dishonesty. First, this chapter provides a review of existing literature to propose a definition of e-cheating, highlighting the need to study not only traditional forms of cheating and academic dishonesty, but also the act as transformed by the digital age. This work posits that the underlying flaw in approaches to battling the issue of academic dishonesty lies in trying to curb it, rather than understanding ‘why' students are likely to indulge in such behavior. This chapter develops and validates a comprehensive factor-model to identify factors that may influence students' likelihood to e-cheat by first critically reviewing existing classifications and then proposing a new model of factors, including possible technological factors.
Plagiarism vs. Pedagogy
Authors: Dias Paulo C. , Mergendoller John R.
Published: October 2016

Plagiarism research has demonstrated the prevalence of this practice as well as its relationship to various individual and contextual factors. This research has been conducted in traditional educational contexts emphasizing teacher authority and knowledge acquisition with limited student autonomy, voice and choice. In this chapter, the authors explore the possibility of changing the educational context in order to diminish plagiarism. Project-Based Learning (PBL) is suggested as a way not only to reduce plagiarism, but to also teach for deep understanding and promote students' acquisition of 21st Century Skills. PBL emphasizes building a team-centered learning culture, using authentic and creative projects presented to an audience, and changing classroom norms to encourage positive student behavior. We discuss the implications for the classroom roles of staff and students, and the need for preparing teachers to use PBL instructional methodologies in their classrooms.
International Students and Academic Misconduct
Authors: Boafo-Arthur Susan , Brown Kathleen E.
Published: October 2016

The incidence of academic misconduct among students at institutions of Higher Education (HEIs) is rising to epidemic proportions. Technological advancement makes it easier for students to engage in acts that violate Academic Integrity (AI), yet the same technology does not necessarily make it easier for instructors to detect misconduct. Compounding the problem is the apparent difficulty in establishing a general description for acts that constitute academic misconduct. Creating a consistent definition has been fraught with issues, although cheating and plagiarism are seen as common behaviors that violate AI. The literature indicates that international students are particularly prone to acts of academic misconduct such as plagiarism. Theories have been espoused to gain further understanding and clarity on why misconduct may be prevalent among international student populations. This chapter explores literature on the personal, cultural, and situational variables that are often implicated in international student's academic misconduct and reviews initiatives used to curtail such behavior.
Effective Optimization of Statistical Decisions for Age Replacement Problems under Parametric Uncertainty
Authors: Nechval N. A. , Nechval K. N.
Published: October 2016

In this chapter, an innovative model for age replacement is proposed. The costs included in the age replacement model are not assumed to be constants. For effective optimization of statistical decisions for age replacement problems under parametric uncertainty, based on a past random sample of lifetimes, the pivotal quantity averaging (PQA) approach is suggested. The PQA approach represents a simple and computationally attractive statistical technique. In this case, the transition from the original problem to the equivalent transformed problem (in terms of pivotal quantities and ancillary factors) is carried out via invariant embedding a sample statistic in the original problem. The approach allows one to eliminate unknown parameters from the problem and to find the better decision rules, which have smaller risk than any of the well-known decision rules. Unlike the Bayesian approach, the proposed approach is independent of the choice of priors. For illustration, numerical examples are given.
Optimization of Process Parameters Using Taguchi Coupled Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Roy Supriyo , Davim J. Paulo , Kumar Kaushik
Published: October 2016

In the era of mass manufacturing, Material removal rate and Surface Roughness are of primary concern even in manufacturing using contemporary CNC machines. In this work, L27 Orthogonal Array of Taguchi method is selected for three parameters (Depth of cut, Feed and Speed) with three different levels to optimize the turning parameters for Material Removal Rate and Surface Roughness on an EMCO Concept Turn 105 CNC lathe for machining SAE 1020 material with carbide tool. The MRR and SR are observed as the objective to develop the combination of optimum cutting parameters. The objectives were optimized using Taguchi, Grey Taguchi and NSGA-II. The result from these techniques was compared to identify the optimal values of cutting parameters for maximum MRR, minimum SR and best combination of both. This study also produced a predictive equation for determining MRR and SR for a given set of parameters outside the considered values. Thus, with the proposed optimal parameters it is possible to increase the efficiency of machining process and decrease production cost in CNC Lathe.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Die-Sinking EDM Process on AISI P-20 Tool Steel Using Cuckoo Search and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Bose Goutam Kumar , Pain Pritam , Mukhopadhyay Sayak
Published: October 2016

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is nontraditional machining processes applied for precise machining and developing intricate geometries on work materials which are difficult to machine by conventional process. The present research work emphases on the die sinking EDM of AISI P20 tool steel, to study the effect of machining parameters such as pulse on time (POT), pulse off time (POF), discharge current (GI) and spark gap (SG) on performance response like Material removal rate (MRR), Surface Roughness (Ra) and Overcut (OC) using square-shaped Cu tool with Lateral flushing. The experimentation is performed using L27 orthogonal array and significant process parameters are ascertained using Regression analysis. The influence of the important process parameters on individual responses are detected using Cuckoo search algorithm. The present chapter is aimed at multi-response optimization i.e. higher MRR, lower Ra and minimum OC, which is conceded out using Genetic Algorithm.
Monte Carlo Simulation for Reliability-Based Design of Automotive Complex Subsystems
Authors: Hejazi Taha-Hossein , Hejazi Amirmohsen
Published: October 2016

Design and production of high reliable and safer systems with longer life has been a challenge because of high competitive market and recent safety issues of reputable car manufacturers. In this chapter, a methodology is introduced for reliability based design of automotive system. FMEA results are used in the process of failure rate estimation. The basic failure data are adjusted by multiplicative corrective factors to account for the design and environment impacts on system failure characteristics. The system is modeled by reliability block diagram (RBD) method, simulated by an efficient Monte Carlo method. According to the results of FMEA and reliability evaluation, the structure of system is improved by reducing the components failure rates and potential change of system configuration. The components' reliability is improved by increasing the quality of components by utilization of high quality materials and modern manufacturing techniques. The results showed the failure rate improvement for friction lining component in dry friction clutch system.
Efficient Planning
Authors: Nechval N. A. , Nechval K. N.
Published: October 2016

The main aim of this chapter is to present more accurate stochastic fatigue models for solving the fatigue reliability problems, which are attractively simple and easy to apply in practice for situations where it is difficult to quantify the costs associated with inspections and undetected cracks. From an engineering standpoint the fatigue life of a structure consists of two periods: (i) crack initiation period, which starts with the first load cycle and ends when a technically detectable crack is presented, and (ii) crack propagation period, which starts with a technically detectable crack and ends when the remaining cross section can no longer withstand the loads applied and fails statically. Periodic inspections of aircraft, which are common practice in order to maintain their reliability above a desired minimum level, are based on the conditional reliability of the fatigued structure. During the period of crack initiation, when the parameters of the underlying lifetime distributions are not assumed to be known, for efficient in-service inspection planning (with decreasing intervals as alternative to constant intervals often used in practice for convenience in operation), the pivotal quantity averaging (PQA) approach is offered. During the period of crack propagation (when the damage tolerance situation is used), the approach, based on an innovative crack growth equation, to efficient in-service inspection planning (with decreasing intervals between sequential inspections) is proposed to construct more accurate reliability-based inspection strategy in this case. To illustrate the suggested approaches, numerical examples are given.
Teaching the Individual
Authors: Crain de Galarce Patricia Jean , White Roxanne
Published: October 2016

This chapter, framed as a conversation between a first year teacher and her coach, explores the complexities of preparing teachers for inclusive classrooms. The authors describe the multiple knowledge and practice relationships through the eyes and challenges of a first year teaching fellow named Angelica. The important balance of providing teacher candidates with theory, practice, and shared inquiry unfolds as the coach supports Angelica in her desire to understand, reach and teach a puzzling student named Paul. Angelica is able to pull from her resources, her strong foundation of content and pedagogy knowledge, her clinical practice serving the needs of students with special needs, and her comfort with cognitive dissonance. Her conversation integrates theory, clinical fieldwork, and collaborative inquiry to make sense of unique or novel issues that arise in the life of an inclusive classroom.
Educating the Whole Child
Authors: Hexom Denise , Mulholland Shaila
Published: October 2016

There is increasing consensus that schools have an important role to play in raising healthy children through teaching and learning of social and emotional skills. The purpose of this chapter is to provide insight for preservice teachers on social emotional learning (SEL): the definition of SEL, research on SEL, effective SEL programs, suggested strategies new teachers can include in their classrooms, and implications for schools of education and professional development. The authors conclude the chapter by discussing five key factors in the development and implementation of SEL initiatives in the setting.
Parents as Partners in the Special Education Process
Authors: Sistek-Chandler Cynthia
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to provide Pre-K through college educators, parents, and administrators who are involved with special education, insight into the processes and procedures from the perspective of a parent. The parent's perspective and involvement with their special needs child is critical in shaping the lifelong, special education experience. The literature and research shows a strong correlation to student success when parents are actively involved in this process. Rooted in the federal and state guidelines from the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all students are entitled to education services from birth through age 21. Recommendations for the Individual Education Plan process as well as strategies for navigating special education services are revealed in this narrative.
Background on Context-Aware Computing Systems
Authors: HAMEURLAINE Amina , Brahimi Samiha
Published: October 2016

This chapter is consecrated to provide background information that encompass the basic concepts of context-aware pervasive computing systems. The major challenges that researchers need to consider when conducting research in context-aware pervasive computing systems and the most interesting approaches that can be used in order to deal with these challenges are reviewed. This chapter describes also the basic design principles of context-aware pervasive systems and depicts different models for representing and reasoning upon contextual information and an overview of the most known development frameworks of context-aware systems and application adaptation is presented too. Moreover, this chapter describes the usefulness of using context-awareness in ubiquitous healthcare domain and the major challenges in using context-awareness in this domain. The well-known works that have been proposed in the field of Ubiquitous healthcare are discussed too.
Preventing Health Risks Caused by Unhealthy Air Quality Using a CEP-Based SOA 2.0
Authors: Boubeta-Puig Juan , Ortiz Guadalupe , Medina-Bulo Inmaculada
Published: October 2016

Air quality has been a recurrent issue in recent years since it can seriously impact citizens' health and their life quality. Nowadays, the different ways to provide end users with air quality information do not provide real-time data and lack accessibility. Besides, they do not automatically adapt to the particular circumstances of each citizen. In this chapter, an event-driven service-oriented architecture is proposed for detecting air quality changes in real time as well as making this information available to end users in a user-friendly way, notifying them with customized alerts upon detecting any potentially hazardous level for their health, thereby helping to prevent health risks.
UV Irradiation Effect on the Surface KTaO3 Crystals
Authors: Suwanwong Sanit , Hutem Artit , Kerdmee Supoj , Moonsri Piyarut
Published: October 2016

The perovskite oxides property are wide band-gap semiconductors and are sensitive to visible light but opaque. In this paper, we are interested in the resistance change of insulating KTaO3 crystals could decrease as much as 3-4 orders of magnitudes under exposure to focused sunlight. But, these resistances under ambient pressure changed back quickly after light was off. And the resistance changed in a similar way under exposure to synchrotron light but the increase resistance rate was much slower under vacuum condition.However, the large increase resistance rateby increasing the oxygen pressure. From the ARPES study, the change in resistance occurred due to the oxygen vacancy induced by the exposure to ultraviolet light. These oxygen vacancies induce two-dimensional electron gas at the surface KTaO3. This indicates that the KTaO3 could be used as a light sensing device.
Biocomposites Based on Thermoplastic Starch Reinforced with Recycled Paper Cellulose Fibers
Authors: Wattanakornsiri Amnuay , Tongnunui Sampan , Jamnongkan Tongsai , Migliaresi Claudio
Published: October 2016

Biocomposites sheets were prepared by compression molding from mixtures of corn starch plasticized by glycerol as matrix and cellulose fibers, extracted from used office paper, as reinforcement filler with contents ranging from 0 to 8% wt/wt of fibers to matrix. Properties of composites were determined by mechanical tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, water absorption measurement, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that higher fibers content raised the tensile strength and elastic modulus up to 109% and 112%, respectively, when compared to the non-reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS). The addition of the fibers improved the thermal resistance and decreased the water absorption up to 63.6%. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated a good adhesion between matrix and fibers.
Ultrasonic Signal Reconstruction Using Compressed Sensing
Authors: Liou Ren Jean
Published: October 2016

Ultrasonic signal reconstruction for Structural Health Monitoring is a topic that has been discussed extensively. In this paper, we will apply the techniques of compressed sensing to reconstruct ultrasonic signals that are seriously damaged. To reconstruct the data, the application of conventional interpolation techniques is restricted under the criteria of Nyquist sampling theorem. The newly developed technique - compressed sensing breaks the limitations of Nyquist rate and provides effective results based upon sparse signal reconstruction. Sparse representation is constructed using Fourier transform basis. An l1-norm optimization is then applied for reconstruction. Signals with temperature characteristics were synthetically created. We seriously corrupted these signals and tested the efficacy of our approach under two different scenarios. Firstly, the signal is randomly sampled at very low rates. Secondly, selected intervals were completely blank out. Simulation results show that the signals are effectively reconstructed. It outperforms conventional Spline interpolation in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with low variation, especially under very low data rates. This research demonstrates very promising results of using compressed sensing for ultrasonic signal reconstruction.
Cross-Layer Optimization for Efficient Delivery of Scalable Video over WiMAX
Authors: Wang Lung Jen , Chang Chiung Yun , Huang Jen Yi
Published: October 2016

Video delivery application over wireless network has become increasingly important in recent years. For achieving more flexible video streams transmission, the scalable extension of the H.264/AVC standard has been developed, as well as which is combined with temporal, spatial and quality scalabilities to adapt efficiently the wireless bandwidth resource. In this paper, a cross-layer optimization for robust H.264 scalable video delivery over WiMAX network is proposed. In order to obtain a better delivery performance, the proposed method is used the hierarchical B-picture approach to classify video packets into different priorities. In the cross-layer optimization, the scalable video and packet classifier are proposed at the application layer, and the packet priority and queue allocation are used at the MAC layer. Finally, it is shown by NS2 simulations that the proposed method provides more stable wireless bandwidth and also achieves a better quality of the video streaming delivery.
Excited-State Energy Eigenvalue Evaluation of the Quantum Mechanical Potential V(x)=½mω2x2+μx3 via Numerical Shooting Method
Authors: Sriboonrueang Nonglux , Suwanwong Sanit , Hutem Artit
Published: October 2016

The paper deals with eigenvalues excited-state energy eigenvalues and wave-function of a particle under harmonics oscillator asymmetric potential using numerical shooting method. The numerical shooting method is generally regarded as one of the most efficient methods that give very accurate results because it integrates the Schrodinger equation directly, though in the numerical sense. If the value of parameter μ is small the energy eigenvalues of single particle will large and the parameter μ large the energy eigenvalues of single particle will small.
Determination of Lead Desorption from G. fisheri Seaweed Using Edible Eluents by Voltammetry at the Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode
Authors: Khamkaew Charuwan , Manaboot Sontaya
Published: October 2016

A simple, rapid, selective and sensitivity approach for the determination of Pb(II) in G. fisheri seaweed is described. The method is based on differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) at hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) vs. Ag/AgCl in 0.2 M ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) pH 7.5. The operating analytical conditions; deposition potential (Edep) of -0.4 V, peak potential of -0.78 V, and mercury dropped size of 3 were performed. To see the sensitivity of Pb(II) measurement, the influences of deposition time and stirring speed were investigated. From the findings, the optimal parameters; deposition time of 90 s, and stirring speed of 2000 rpm were obtained. In these conditions, the limit of detection (3σ) of 0.60 µgL-1 and the linear range extended to 12.50 µgL-1 (r2=0.9999) were obtained. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of triplicate measurements using 1.8 µgL-1 of Pb(II) was 1.22%. The method was then applied to measure Pb(II) in real samples. In this study, the desorption efficiency of edible eluents by batch method was determined. The method is based on Pb(II) desorption using different types of edible eluents; acetic acid (HOAc), citric acid (CTA), sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and chitosan (CTS). Batch desorption of Pb(II) from seaweed soaked in individual eluent was performed by shaking at 100 rpm for 2 h at ambient temperature. Results show that the most effective eluent in desorbing the contaminated Pb(II) from G. fisheri with up to 82% of desorption efficiency for bound Pb(II) was EDTA solution.
Influence of Organic Supplements on Growth and Development of In Vitro Shoots of Bulbophyllum dhaninivatii Seidenf
Authors: Kongbangkerd Anupan , Watthana Santi , Srimuang Kanok Orn
Published: October 2016

In Vitro shoot culture of Bulbophyllum dhaninivatii Seidenf. was conducted on semi-solid Vacin and Went (1949) medium supplemented with coconut water (50 100 and 150 ml/L), potato extract (25 and 50 g/L) and banana homogenate (25 and 50 g/L) for 12 weeks. The results found that the highest shoot number (6.92 shoots) could observe on the medium supplemented with 150 ml/L coconut water, 50 g/L potato extract and 50 g/L banana homogenate while the highest leaf and root number could obtain when cultured on the medium supplemented with 100 ml/L coconut water, 50 g/L potato extract and 50 g/L banana homogenate.
The Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction for Benzoic Acid Determination in Curry Paste Samples by Using UV-Visible Spectrophotometry
Authors: Thongsrinoon Nararat , Naun-Ong Patcharida , Ketyothin Yuwalita
Published: October 2016

The main factors affecting ultrasonic extraction, such as extraction solvent, extraction temperature and extraction time were optimized for benzoic acid determination by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 230 nm. Under the optimum conditions of ultrasonic extraction, linearity between the concentration of benzoic acid in spiked curry paste samples and the absorbance was obtained in the concentration range from 100 to 2,000 mg/kg. Recoveries for benzoic acid determination were obtained range from 74.67 to 95.33%, 71.78 to 97.56% and 88.00 to 106.45% with R.S.D. were 1.05 to 5.47%, 0.92 to 4.27% and 0.71 to 4.22%, when spiked red curry paste, southern red curry paste and southern sour curry paste samples were analyzed, respectively.
T Cell–Independent Mechanisms Associated with Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation and Selective Autophagy in IL-17A–Mediated Epidermal Hyperplasia
Authors: Suzuki Erika , Maverakis Emanual , Sarin Ritu , Bouchareychas Laura , Kuchroo Vijay K. , Nestle Frank O. , Adamopoulos Iannis E.
Published: October 2016

IL-17A has been strongly associated with epidermal hyperplasia in many cutaneous disorders. However, because IL-17A is mainly produced by αβ and γδT cells in response to IL-23, the role of T cells and IL-23 has overshadowed any IL-17A–independent actions. In this article, we report that IL-17A gene transfer induces epidermal hyperplasia in Il23r−/−Rag1−/−- and Tcrδ-deficient mice, which can be prevented by neutrophil depletion. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CD11b+Gr-1hi cells, after IL-17A gene transfer, was sufficient to phenocopy the disease. We further show that the IL-17A–induced pathology was prevented in transgenic mice with impaired neutrophil extracellular trap formation and/or neutrophils with conditional deletion of the master regulator of selective autophagy, Wdfy3. Our data demonstrate a novel T cell–independent mechanism that is associated with neutrophil extracellular trap formation and selective autophagy in IL-17A–mediated epidermal hyperplasia.
The effectiveness of sensory stimulation therapy to strengthen the resilience of operating room nurses
Authors: Marais Chantal , Du Plessis Emmerentia , Koen Magdalene P
Published: October 2016

Background: Operating room (OR) nurses need to be resilient in order to cope with extreme demands in their workplace. This research focused on the effectiveness of sensory stimulation therapy (SST) to strengthen the resilience of nurses in the OR of a private hospital in the North West Province.Purpose: The purpose was to determine the effectiveness of SST as an intervention to strengthen the resilience of OR nurses.Design: A quasi-experimental design was used.Method: The population consisted of OR nurses and ICU nurses at private hospitals in the North West Province. All-inclusive sampling was used. Forty-one OR nurses formed the intervention group. A pilot group (8 subjects, OR nurses), as well as a comparison group (23 subjects, ICU nurses), was also sampled. An intervention, namely SST, was implemented with the intervention group. The resilience of the intervention group, pilot group and comparison group was measured before and after the implementation of the SST by means of Wagnild and Young’s resilience questionnaire. The intervention group also completed a self-report questionnaire on their needs and suggestions for SST and wrote short narratives on their experience of SST. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and by thematic coding.Results: Results indicated a significant statistical increase in the intervention group’s resilience levels. Results from the narratives confirmed that the intervention group’s resilience may have been strengthened through SST.Conclusion: SST has potential to strengthen the resilience of OR nurses.
Engaging the religiocultural quest in development: An African indigenous perspective
Authors: Amenga-Etego Rose Mary
Published: October 2016

The intertwining nature of African life and livelihood is a considerable challenge to the discourse of development. In as much as the view on unlocking both the spiritual and physical dimensions of life in developmental endeavours is frowned upon, contemporary exploration into indigenous knowledge systems as an alternative discourse of development does not simply transform the dialogue but posits it as a discourse of power. This article examines the interplay between indigenous beliefs and knowledge systems and the discourse of development, with a focus on the Nankani in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
Transformation as an act of denudation: A response to Petro du Preez, Shan Simmonds and Anné Verhoef
Authors: Waghid Yusef
Published: October 2016

Higher education transformation in South Africa, as correctly argued by Petro du Preez, Shan Simmonds and Anné Verhoef, should become more ‘fluid [and] open-ended’. However, even more fluidity and open-endedness might not necessarily be sufficient in enacting transformation in the higher education realm. Consequently, in this article I argue in defence of a form of denudification of higher education that would impact transformation with an unrestrained openness and concealment whereby the unexpected will remain in potentiality. It is hoped that higher education transformation in South Africa would become more open and credible as has been achieved hitherto.
Disjoint Hypercyclicity and Weighted Translations on Discrete Groups
Authors: Chen Chung-Chuan
Published: October 2016

Let 1 ≤ p < ∞, and let G be a discrete group. We give a sufficient and necessary condition for weighted translation operators on the Lebesgue space ℓp(G) to be densely disjoint hypercyclic. The characterization for the dual of a weighted translation to be densely disjoint hypercyclic is also obtained.
Operational Assessment of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets by Using an Anopheles Salivary Biomarker of Human–Vector Contact
Authors: Noukpo Mahoutin H. , Damien Georgia B. , Elanga-N'Dille Emmanuel , Sagna André B. , Drame Papa M. , Chaffa Evelyne , Boussari Olayidé , Corbel Vincent , Akogbéto Martin , Remoue Franck
Published: October 2016

The widespread implementation of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is a major intervention method for malaria control. Although the LLINs coverage increases, information available on the physical integrity (PI) of implemented LLINs is incomplete. This study aimed to validate human IgG antibody (Ab) response to Anopheles gSG6-P1 salivary peptide antigen, previously demonstrated as a pertinent biomarker of human exposure to Anopheles bites, for evaluating the PI of LLINs in field conditions. We analyzed data from 262 randomly selected children (< 5 years of age) in health districts of Benin. Anti-gSG6-P1 IgG responses were assessed and compared with the PI of LLINs that these same children slept under, and evaluated by the hole index (HI). Specific IgG levels were positively correlated to LLINs HI (r = 0.342; P < 0.0001). According to antipeptide IgG level (i.e., intensity of vector exposure), two categories of LLINs PI were defined: 1) group “HI: [0, 100]” corresponding to LLINs with “good” PI and 2) “HI > 100” corresponding to LLINs with “bad” PI. These results suggest that human Ab response to salivary peptide could be a complementary tool to help defining a standardized threshold of efficacy for LLINs under field use.
Rapid Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Resistant to Isoniazid and/or Rifampicin: Standardization of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis
Authors: Collantes Jimena , Solari Francesca Barletta , Rigouts Leen
Published: October 2016

Drug susceptibility testing using molecular techniques can enhance the identification of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Two multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were developed to detect the most common resistance-associated mutations to isoniazid (katGS315T, inhA-15C → T), and rifampicin (rpoBH526Y and rpoBS531L). To assess the species specificity of the qPCR, we selected 31 nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) reference strains belonging to 17 species from the public collection of mycobacterial cultures (BCCM/ITM). Additionally, we tested 17 isoniazid and/or rifampicin-resistant strains with other mutations in the target genes to assess mutation specificity. The limit of detection for all the targeted mutations was 20 bacilli/reaction. Multiplex 1 showed 90%, 95%, and 100% efficiency for wild type (WT), Mut katGS315T, and Mut rpoBS531L, respectively; whereas Multiplex 2 showed 97%, 94%, and 90% efficiency for WT, Mut inhA-15, and Mut rpoBH526Y, respectively. Three of 17 strains that presented other mutations in the target genes were identified as rifampicin resistant and only 3/31 NTM showed a similar melting temperature to rpoBL531 and/or katGT315 mutants. Thus, our proposed cascade of specific tuberculosis detection followed by drug resistance testing showed sensitivities for katGS315T, rpoBS531L, rpoBH526Y, and inhA-15 detection of 100%, 100%, 100%, and 96%, respectively; and specificities of 98%, 95%, 100%, and 100, respectively.
Proton and heavy ion acceleration by stochastic fluctuations in the Earth's magnetotail
Authors: Catapano Filomena , Zimbardo Gaetano , Perri Silvia , Greco Antonella , Artemyev Anton V.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Spacecraft observations show that energetic ions are found in the Earth's magnetotail, with energies ranging from tens of keV to a few hundreds of keV. In this paper we carry out test particle simulations in which protons and other ion species are injected in the Vlasov magnetic field configurations obtained by Catapano et al. (2015). These configurations represent solutions of a generalized Harris model, which well describes the observed profiles in the magnetotail. In addition, three-dimensional time-dependent stochastic electromagnetic perturbations are included in the simulation box, so that the ion acceleration process is studied while varying the equilibrium magnetic field profile and the ion species. We find that proton energies of the order of 100 keV are reached with simulation parameters typical of the Earth's magnetotail. By changing the ion mass and charge, we can study the acceleration of heavy ions such as He+ +  and O+, and it is found that energies of the order of 100–200 keV are reached in a few seconds for He+ + , and about 100 keV for O+.
A sea surface temperature reconstruction for the southern Indian Ocean trade
wind belt from corals in Rodrigues Island (19° S, 63° E)
Authors: Zinke Jens , Reuning Lars , Pfeiffer Miriam , Wassenburg Jasper A. , Hardman Emily , Jhangeer-Khan Reshad , Davies Gareth R. , Ng Curtise K. C. , Kroon Dick
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The western Indian Ocean has been warming rapidly over recent decades, causing a greater number of extreme climatic events. It is therefore of paramount importance to improve our understanding of links between Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) variability, climate change and sustainability of tropical coral reef ecosystems. Here we present monthly resolved coral Sr ∕ Ca records from two different locations from Rodrigues Island (63° E, 19° S) in the south-central Indian Ocean trade wind belt. We reconstruct SST based on a linear relationship with the Sr ∕ Ca proxy with records starting from 1781 and 1945, respectively. We assess relationships between the observed long-term SST and climate fluctuations related to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole Mode (SIOD) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) between 1945 and 2006, respectively. The reproducibility of the Sr ∕ Ca records is assessed as are the potential impacts of diagenesis and corallite orientation on Sr ∕ Ca–SST reconstructions. We calibrate individual robust Sr ∕ Ca records with in situ SST and various gridded SST products. The results show that the SST record from Cabri provides the first Indian Ocean coral proxy time series that records the SST signature of the PDO in the south-central Indian Ocean since 1945. We suggest that additional records from Rodrigues Island can provide excellent records of SST variations in the southern Indian Ocean trade wind belt to unravel teleconnections with the SIOD/ENSO/PDO on longer timescales.
High resolution regional modeling of natural and anthropogenic
radiocarbon in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ayache Mohamed , Dutay Jean-Claude , Mouchet Anne , Tisnérat-Laborde Nadine , Montagna Paolo , Tanhua Toste , Siani Giuseppe , Jean-Baptiste Philippe
Published: October 2016

Abstract. A high-resolution dynamical model (NEMO-MED12) was use to give the first simulation of the distribution of radiocarbon (14C) across the whole Mediterranean Sea. The simulation provides a descriptive overview of both the natural pre-bomb 14C and the entire anthropogenic radiocarbon transient generated by the atmospheric bomb tests performed in the 1950s and early 1960s. The simulation was run until 2010 to give the post-bomb distribution. The results are compared to available in-situ measurements and proxy-based reconstructions. The radiocarbon simulation allows an additional and independent test of the dynamical model, NEMO-MED12, and its performance to produce the thermohaline circulation and deep-water ventilation. The model produces a generally realistic distribution of radiocarbon when compared with available in-situ data. The results demonstrate the major influence of the flux of Atlantic water through the strait of Gibraltar on the inter-basin natural radiocarbon distribution, and characterize the ventilation of intermediate and deep water ventilation especially through the propagation of the anthropogenic radiocarbon signal. We explored the impact of the interannual variability on the radiocarbon distribution during the Eastern Mediterranean transient event (EMT). It reveals a significant increase in 14C concentration (by more than 60 ‰) in the Aegean deep water, and at intermediate level (value up to 10 ‰) in the western basin. The model shows that the EMT makes a major contribution to the accumulation of radiocarbon in the eastern Mediterranean deep waters.
The rainfall erosivity factor in the Czech Republic and its uncertainty
Authors: Hanel Martin , Máca Petr , Bašta Petr , Vlnas Radek , Pech Pavel
Published: October 2016

Abstract. In the present paper, the rainfall erosivity factor (R factor) for the area of the Czech Republic is assessed. Based on 10 min data for 96 stations and corresponding R factor estimates, a number of spatial interpolation methods are applied and cross-validated. These methods include inverse distance weighting, standard, ordinary, and regression kriging with parameters estimated by the method of moments and restricted maximum likelihood, and a generalized least-squares (GLS) model. For the regression-based methods, various statistics of monthly precipitation as well as geographical indices are considered as covariates. In addition to the uncertainty originating from spatial interpolation, the uncertainty due to estimation of the rainfall kinetic energy (needed for calculation of the R factor) as well as the effect of record length and spatial coverage are also addressed. Finally, the contribution of each source of uncertainty is quantified. The average R factor for the area of the Czech Republic is 640 MJ ha−1 mm h−1, with values for the individual stations ranging between 320 and 1520 MJ ha−1 mm h−1. Among various spatial interpolation methods, the GLS model relating the R factor to the altitude, longitude, mean precipitation, and mean fraction of precipitation above the 95th percentile of monthly precipitation performed best. Application of the GLS model also reduced the uncertainty due to the record length, which is substantial when the R factor is estimated for individual sites. Our results revealed that reasonable estimates of the R factor can be obtained even from relatively short records (15–20 years), provided sufficient spatial coverage and covariates are available.
Influence of groundwater on distribution of dwarf wedgemussels
(Alasmidonta heterodon) in the
upper reaches of the Delaware River, northeastern USA
Authors: Rosenberry Donald O. , Briggs Martin A. , Voytek Emily B. , Lane John W.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The remaining populations of the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (DWM) (Alasmidonta heterodon) in the upper Delaware River, northeastern USA, were hypothesized to be located in areas of greater-than-normal groundwater discharge to the river. We combined physical (seepage meters, monitoring wells and piezometers), thermal (fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing, infrared, vertical bed-temperature profiling), and geophysical (electromagnetic-induction) methods at several spatial scales to characterize known DWM habitat and explore this hypothesis. Numerous springs were observed using visible and infrared imaging along the river banks at all three known DWM-populated areas, but not in adjacent areas where DWM were absent. Vertical and lateral groundwater gradients were toward the river along all three DWM-populated reaches, with median upward gradients 3 to 9 times larger than in adjacent reaches. Point-scale seepage-meter measurements indicated that upward seepage across the riverbed was faster and more consistently upward at DWM-populated areas. Discrete and areally distributed riverbed-temperature measurements indicated numerous cold areas of groundwater discharge during warm summer months; all were within areas populated by DWM. Electromagnetic-induction measurements, which may indicate riverbed geology, showed patterning but little correlation between bulk streambed electromagnetic conductivity and areal distribution of DWM. In spite of complexity introduced by hyporheic exchange, multiple lines of research provide strong evidence that DWM are located within or directly downstream of areas of substantial focused groundwater discharge to the river. Broad scale thermal-reconnaissance methods (e.g., infrared) may be useful in locating and protecting other currently unknown mussel populations.
Debris flow sediment control using multiple herringbone water-sediment separation structures
Authors: Xie Xiangping , Wei Fangqiang , Wang Xiaojun , Yang Hongjuan , Gardner James S.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Single herringbone water-sediment separation structures (HWSS) have limited sediment control effectiveness in debris flows. A series of such structures in a debris flow channel to form a multiple structure system (M-HWSS system) should be more effective in debris flow mitigation. Hydraulic model tests reveal that a M-HWSS system does perform better in coarse sediment separation and has better stability in differing debris flow situations. The mean particle size of discharged sediment is gradually and significantly decreased down channel by M-HWSS system. The separated sediments are moderately sorted and this can be improved by optimizing the structure design parameters and increasing structure numbers. The fraction separation ratio (λi), coarse separation ratio (λc) and total sediment separation rate (Pt) are suggested parameters to express the sediment control effectiveness. All are closely related to the herringbone opening width and the input sediment grain size distribution. The quantitative relationships among them are proposed. On the basis of the tests, conclusions and guidelines for effective M-HWSS design include: (1) three structures in the M-HWSS located in succession upstream, midstream and downstream, each with substantially different in sediment control functions, (2) a structure's performance is strongly influenced by that of the preceding one so that every structure is designed to fully implement the sediment control function, especially for those in the upstream and midstream, (3)the suggested herringbone opening width in a structure should be set at the percentile of d50 ~ d84 of the input sediment grain size distribution so that 20 ~ 60 % of the effective separation rate can be achieved.
Scaling-up permafrost thermal measurements in western Alaska using an ecotype approach
Authors: Cable William L. , Romanovsky Vladimir E. , Jorgenson M. Torre
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Permafrost temperatures are increasing in Alaska due to climate change and in some cases permafrost is thawing and degrading. In areas where degradation has already occurred the effects can be dramatic, resulting in changing ecosystems, carbon release, and damage to infrastructure. However, in many areas we lack baseline data, such as subsurface temperatures, needed to assess future changes and potential risk areas. Besides climate, the physical properties of the vegetation cover and subsurface material have a major influence on the thermal state of permafrost. These properties are often directly related to the type of ecosystem overlaying permafrost. In this paper we demonstrate that classifying the landscape into general ecotypes is an effective way to scale up permafrost thermal data collected from field monitoring sites. Additionally, we find that within some ecotypes the absence of a moss layer is indicative of the absence of near-surface permafrost. As a proof of concept, we used the ground temperature data collected from the field sites to recode an ecotype land cover map into a map of mean annual ground temperature ranges at 1 m depth based on analysis and clustering of observed thermal regimes. The map should be useful for decision making with respect to land use and understanding how the landscape might change under future climate scenarios.
Analysis of Stability and Exposure of Croatian Bank System to Non-Credit Risks
Authors: Wittine Zoran , Vuk Ivana
Published: October 2016

Paper focuses on Croatian banking sector and looks into factors that affect its stability. It analyses resilience of the banking sector to external shocks, determines factors of risk resilience and relates them to present situation in Croatia. Finally, it discusses results of stress testing conducted by Croatian National Bank and draws conclusions pertaining to Croatian financial sector.