bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Queering Aging Futures
Authors: Sandberg Linn , Marshall Barbara
Published: August 2017

This paper explores the potential for cultural gerontology to extend its ideas of diversity in aging experiences by opening space to rethink conceptions of successful aging futures. We propose a ‘queering’ of aging futures that disrupts the ways that expectations of a good later life and happy aging are seen to adhere to some bodies and subjectivities over others. Drawing on feminist, queer, and crip theories, we build on existing critiques of ‘successful aging’ to interrogate the assumptions of heteronormativity, able-bodiedness and able-mindedness that shape the dividing lines between success and failure in aging, and which inform attempts to ‘repair’ damaged futures. Conclusions suggest that recognizing diversity in successful aging futures is important in shaping responses to the challenges of aging societies, and presents an opportunity for critical cultural gerontology to join with its theoretical allies in imagining more inclusive alternatives.
Communication Networks and Performance of Four New Delhi City Parks
Authors: Paul Somajita , Jordán Ferenc , Nagendra Harini
Published: August 2017

Urban green spaces are very important for human wellbeing and environmental sustainability. The efficiency of managing urban green spaces often depends on communication and integration of information. We performed a social network analysis survey for assessing the communication structure among the staff in four New Delhi city parks. We were interested in the relationship between three topological properties of the social networks (centre of gravity, MaxS, compactness) and three network-independent attributes of their performance (average satisfaction, visitor’s median expected improvements, number of species identified). The presence of a dynamic leader, improved communication and flow of information down the hierarchical chain and lastly, maximization of interaction and strengthening of relationships of the co-workers are three network properties that emerge as very important for a well-performing park. Through this study, we demonstrate the ability of social network analysis to provide simple, yet powerful, insights that can assist in improving the management of urban green spaces.
Spatial Equity Measure on Urban Ecological Space Layout Based on Accessibility of Socially Vulnerable Groups—A Case Study of Changting, China
Authors: Yuan Yanhua , Xu Jiangang , Wang Zhenbo
Published: August 2017

The improper layout of urban public parks leads to the difference between citizens sharing or not sharing this kind of public resource, particularly in the historical districts of mountainous cities in China. The purpose of this study is to explore the spatial equity and quantitative measures of urban public parks’ layouts by building a demand index of socially vulnerable groups sharing public parks based on the accessibility evaluation model. In this paper, Changting—a famous national historical and cultural city—is taken as the empirical object, then the accessibility and social equity of public parks is quantitatively measured with the aid of the field investigation method, the spatial analysis model of geographic information system (GIS) and the SPSS statistical analysis method. The results indicate that it is feasible to measure the spatial equity of urban public parks with the accessibility and demand index of socially vulnerable groups, and it can effectively characterize the rationality and social equity of urban ecological space. It shows that a degree of spatial mismatch exists between the distribution of urban public parks and that of residents, that is to say the spatial distribution of public parks is not equitable in terms of accessibility or residents’ demands. Therefore, the data suggest that the spatial patterns and accessibility levels of parks in Changting County—especially the historical districts—should be further improved and perfected to achieve high levels of accessibility and equity through urban green space system planning. The paper may be used as a scientific reference for the planning and construction of ecological urban spaces. It can also provide useful decision-making guidance for urban planners in investigating, analyzing, and adjusting the distribution of public service facilities to achieve equitable outcomes, while promoting the harmonious and sustainable development of mountainous cities.
A Conceptual Framework for Implementing a WSN Based Cattle Recovery System in Case of Cattle Rustling in Kenya
Authors: Wamuyu Patrick
Published: August 2017

This study proposes a framework for remote identification and tracking of cattle movement based on wireless sensor networks (WSN), mobile communication, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The proposed framework can be implemented for tracking cattle movement at the village level and extended to harsh terrain when recovering stolen animals in case of cattle rustling or theft. The system works by identifying and tracking the desired animal location and sending periodic location data at regular intervals to a database as well as availing the specific animal’s current location on demand through the Internet and text messages. The proposed cattle tracking and recovery system (CTRS) consists of a rumen sensor module, a WSN control unit, a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) gateway, WiMAX base stations, and a data center. Availing timely information about the location of the stolen animals could facilitate quick recovery of the animals while ensuring the safety of the security personnel involved in the recovery process. Speedy recovery of stolen animals also defeats the purpose of cattle rustling as the rustlers do not have the chance to use the animals for their intended purposes. The proposed system was tested through a MATLAB simulation experiment.
Recreational Exposure during Algal Bloom in Carrasco Beach, Uruguay: A Liver Failure Case Report
Authors: Vidal Flavia , Sedan Daniela , D’Agostino Daniel , Cavalieri María , Mullen Eduardo , Parot Varela María , Flores Cintia , Caixach Josep , Andrinolo Dario
Published: August 2017

In January 2015, a 20-month-old child and her family took part in recreational activities at Carrasco and Malvín beaches (Montevideo, Uruguay). An intense harmful algae bloom (HAB) was developing along the coast at that time. A few hours after the last recreational exposure episode, the family suffered gastrointestinal symptoms which were self-limited except in the child’s case, who was admitted to hospital in Uruguay with diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and jaundice. The patient had increased serum levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin and five days later presented acute liver failure. She was referred to the Italian Hospital in Buenos Aires, being admitted with grade II–III encephalopathy and hepatomegaly and requiring mechanical respiratory assistance. Serology tests for hepatitis A, B, and C, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus were negative. Laboratory features showed anemia, coagulopathy, and increased serum levels of ammonium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin. Autoimmune Hepatitis Type-II (AH-II) was the initial diagnosis based on a liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (LKM-1) positive result, and twenty days later a liver transplant was performed. The liver histopathology had indicated hemorrhagic necrosis in zone 3, and cholestasis and nodular regeneration, which were not characteristic of AH-II. LC/ESI-HRMS (liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry) analysis of MCs in the explanted liver revealed the presence of Microsytin-LR (MC-LR) (2.4 ng·gr−1 tissue) and [D-Leu1]MC-LR (75.4 ng·gr−1 tissue), which constitute a toxicological nexus and indicate a preponderant role of microcystins in the development of fulminant hepatitis.
A Green Shadow: The Influence of Hotel Customers' Environmental Knowledge and Concern on Green Marketing Skepticism and Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Yoon Donghwan , Chen Rachel J. C.
Published: August 2017

Today's customers are frequently exposed to environmental claims and are prone to doubt whether these claims contain any truth for improving the natural environment. Customers' negative perceptions, expressed as skepticism, may distort hotels' green marketing efforts. The purpose of
this study is to investigate the impact of the environmental knowledge of potential clients and their concerns about the environment on their skepticism toward hotels' green marketing claims. Further, due to the noteworthy relevance of skepticism and behavioral intentions, this study also
examines the influential roles of skepticism on word of mouth and visit intentions. Four hundred and eleven participants were surveyed through an online research company. The results of structural equation modeling reveal that skepticism is a negative function of environmental knowledge, while
environmental concern positively influences skepticism, and skepticism negatively leads to customers' word-of-mouth behavior and visit intentions. Further, this study provides practical implications of these findings for hotel marketers.
Determinants of Tourism Crowdfunding Performance: An Empirical Study
Authors: Wang Zhisheng , Li Huiying , Law Rob
Published: August 2017

This study illustrates the determinants of the crowdfunding performance in the tourism field. Drawing on a dataset of 1,807 projects from an online global crowdfunding website, this study identifies a series of factors that influence fundraising performance. Results indicate that all-or-nothing
projects with a more charity-oriented theme, more high-quality images in description, and a smaller funding goal will generate better fundraising performance. Moreover, an inverted U-shaped relationship between perk scales and performance is identified, which indicates that the effect of perk
scales decreases when the number of perks increases to a certain level. In addition, the number of backers and the volume of reposts in external social networks are positively related to the tourism crowdfunding performance. These results offer insights into the frontiers of tourism crowdfunding,
and shed light on the general ways for project creators to obtain more funds in the tourism crowdfunding projects.
The Effect of Sachsenhausen Visitors' Personality And Emotions on Meaning and Word of Mouth
Authors: Nawijn Jeroen , Brüggemann Miriam , Mitas Ondrej
Published: August 2017

This study assessed the effect of visitors' personality and emotional response on finding positive meaning in life and the intention to spread positive word of mouth. The sample (n= 260) consists of visitors to Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum near Berlin. Findings indicate that the emotion of interest positively contributes to finding positive meaning in life and positive word of mouth. The effects of personality are marginal. Personality explains little of the variance in positive meaning and positive word of mouth. Emotional response accounts for 25% of the variance in finding positive meaning in life—in terms of finding personal benefit from the visit, controlled for personality. Despite the dominant negative emotional response, tourists find positive meaning in their visit. These findings correspond with those observed in studies on personal trauma and loss. Positive meaning could potentially contribute to adjustment processes to cope with what occurred. Future research should include address longer term effects on postvisit behavior.
An Assessment of Zoo Visitors' Revisit Intentions
Authors: Wu Hung-Che , Cheng Ching-Chan , Hong Wien
Published: August 2017

This study examines the interrelationships among experiential quality, affective commitment, image, novelty seeking, experiential satisfaction, and revisit intentions perceived by zoo visitors. The data comprise a sample of 510 visitors who visited the Beijing Zoo; the proposed model
fits the data. The study's results will assist zoo management to develop and implement market-orientated service strategies to increase the experiential quality and affective commitment, and enhance the image, novelty seeking and experiential satisfaction of zoo visitors so visitors generate
favorable zoo revisit intentions.
Investigating the Push and Pull Factors Between Visitors' Motivations of Fringe and Urban Parks
Authors: Lee Sean , Quintal Vanessa , Phau Ian
Published: August 2017

This exploratory study sets out to identify salient push and pull factors that draw visitors to fringe and urban parks and explores the impact these push–pull factors have on loyalty behavior. To achieve this, 829 usable responses were collected at a fringe and urban park with
a self-administered questionnaire, adopting a systematic sampling method. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified two push factors (thrill-seeking and family/fun) and three pull factors (nature/conservation, children/convenience, and facilities),
with some differential impacts on intention to revisit and recommend. Theoretically, the study introduces a push–pull framework relevant to fringe and urban parks that operationalizes what motivates and appeals to park visitors. Managerially, insights into the push and pull factors lead
the way for policymakers to identify and allocate resources that improve specific factors and for park managers to design and implement more effective communication to visitor segments.
A Dual Mediation Model Approach to Evaluating the Persuasiveness of Wine Destination Websites
Authors: Quintal Vanessa , Phau Ian
Published: August 2017

This study utilized dual mediation theory to investigate the persuasiveness of wine destination management organizations' (DMO) websites in influencing user cognition, attitude, and behavioral intention. Data were collected from a wine DMO's database in Australia. Website usability
had significant effects on website cognition as well as cognition of wine destination setting and wine products. Cognition of wine destination maps, settings, and wine products produced significant effects on attitude toward wine destination. In turn, attitude toward wine destination influenced
further information search and intention to attend wine destination events. These findings will help DMOs to identify critical website and wine destination attributes that users seek to make informed decisions.
Iodoarene-catalyzed cyclizations of N-propargylamides and β-amidoketones: synthesis of 2-oxazolines
Authors: Kamouka Somaia , Moran Wesley J
Published: August 2017

Two complementary iodoarene-catalyzed methods for the preparation of 2-oxazolines are presented. The first involves the cyclization of N-propargylamides and the second involves the cyclization of β-amidoketones. These are proposed to proceed through different mechanisms and have different substrate scopes.
Molecular Gas and Star-formation in Low Surface Brightness Galaxies
Authors: Cao Tian-Wen , Wu Hong , Du Wei , Lei Feng-Jie , Zhu Ming , Wouterloot Jan , Parsons Harriet , Zhu Yi-Nan , Wu Chao-Jian , Yang Fan , Cao Chen , Zhou Zhi-Min , He Min , Jin Jun-Jie , Wicker James E.
Published: August 2017

We have obtained CO(J = 2−1) spectra of nine face-on low surface brightness galaxies using the JCMT 15 m telescope and observed Hα images using the 2.16 m telescope of NAOC. As no CO has been detected, only upper limits on the H2 masses are given. The upper limits of total molecular hydrogen masses are about

. Their star-formation rates are mainly lower than

yr−1 and star-formation efficiencies are lower than

yr−1. Our results show that the absence of molecular gas content is the direct reason for the low star-formation rate. The low star-formation efficiency probably resulted from the low efficiency of H i gas transforming to H2 gas.
Neutron-decay Protons from Solar Flares as Seed Particles for CME-shock Acceleration in the Inner Heliosphere
Authors: Murphy Ronald J. , Ko Yuan-Kuen
Published: August 2017

The protons in large solar energetic particle events are accelerated in the inner heliosphere by fast shocks produced by coronal mass ejections. Unless there are other sources, the protons these shocks act upon would be those of the solar wind (SW). The efficiency of the acceleration depends on the kinetic energy of the protons. For a 2000 km s−1 shock, the most effective proton energies would be 30–100 keV; i.e., within the suprathermal tail component of the SW. We investigate one possible additional source of such protons: those resulting from the decay of solar-flare-produced neutrons that escape from the Sun into the low corona. The neutrons are produced by interactions of flare-accelerated ions with the solar atmosphere. We discuss the production of low-energy neutrons in flares and their decay on a interplanetary magnetic field line near the Sun. We find that even when the flaring conditions are optimal, the 30–100 keV neutron-decay proton density produced by even a very large solar flare would be only about 10% of that of the 30–100 keV SW suprathermal tail. We discuss the implication of a seed-particle source of more frequent, small flares.
A Trojan Horse Approach to the Production of 18F in Novae
Authors: Cognata M. La , Pizzone R. G. , José J. , Hernanz M. , Cherubini S. , Gulino M. , Rapisarda G. G. , Spitaleri C.
Published: August 2017

Crucial information on nova nucleosynthesis can be potentially inferred from γ-ray signals powered by 18F decay. Therefore, the reaction network producing and destroying this radioactive isotope has been extensively studied in the last years. Among those reactions, the 18F(p, α)15O cross-section has been measured by means of several dedicated experiments, both using direct and indirect methods. The presence of interfering resonances in the energy region of astrophysical interest has been reported by many authors including the recent applications of the Trojan Horse Method. In this work, we evaluate what changes are introduced by the Trojan Horse data in the 18F(p, α)15O astrophysical factor recommended in a recent R-matrix analysis, accounting for existing direct and indirect measurements. Then the updated reaction rate is calculated and parameterized and implications of the new results on nova nucleosynthesis are thoroughly discussed.
The Infrared and Radio Flux Densities of Galactic H ii regions
Authors: Makai Z. , Anderson L. D. , Mascoop J. L. , Johnstone B.
Published: August 2017

We derive infrared and radio flux densities of all ∼1000 known Galactic H ii regions in the Galactic longitude range

. Our sample comes from the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) catalog of Galactic H ii regions. We compute flux densities at six wavelengths in the infrared (Spitzer GLIMPSE 8 μm, WISE 12 μm and 22 μm, Spitzer MIPSGAL 24 μm, and Herschel Hi-GAL 70 μm and 160 μm) and two in the radio (MAGPIS 20 cm and VGPS 21 cm). All H ii region infrared flux densities are strongly correlated with their ∼20 cm flux densities. All H ii regions used here, regardless of physical size or Galactocentric radius, have similar infrared to radio flux density ratios and similar infrared colors, although the smallest regions (r < 1 pc), have slightly elevated IR to radio ratios. The colors

and

, and

and

reliably select H ii regions, independent of size. The infrared colors of ∼22% of H ii regions, spanning a large range of physical sizes, satisfy the IRAS color criteria of Wood & Churchwell for H ii regions, after adjusting the criteria to the wavelengths used here. Because these color criteria are commonly thought to select only ultra-compact H ii regions, this result indicates that the true ultra-compact H ii region population is uncertain. Compared to a sample of IR color indices from star-forming galaxies, H ii regions show higher

ratios. We find a weak trend of decreasing infrared to ∼20 cm flux density ratios with increasing R
gal, in agreement with previous extragalactic results, possibly indicating a decreased dust abundance in the outer Galaxy.
Réactions suscitées par les mesures éducatives d’un régime de plus en plus autoritaire. Le cas de la Hongrie
Authors: Bajomi Iván
Published: August 2017

L’article étudie la naissance et l’arrière-plan d’un important mouvement enseignant né en Hongrie en 2016, réaction relativement tardive à la mise en place à partir de 2010 d’un nouveau système politique. Sous un régime de plus en plus autoritaire, le champ éducatif a été soumis à des réformes rapides et mal préparées allant de pair avec une recentralisation radicale de l’administration de l’éducation et des mesures qui ont remis en cause l’autonomie des enseignants. Malgré les intimidations, le nouveau mouvement a abouti à la plus importante grève enseignante des dernières décennies et à la création d’une instance de coordination qui a conçu à l’aide d’experts un projet alternatif de politique éducative. Les participants de la coordination souhaitaient avoir une concertation avec le ministère, mais celle-ci n’a pas eu lieu. Si le pouvoir a préféré accuser leurs organisations d’être à la solde du multimilliardaire d’origine hongroise György Soros, considéré comme l’ennemi public numéro 1, les enseignants ont tenté de résister aux nouvelles pratiques exigées, par exemple les manuels uniques. Le champ pédagogique, caractérisé depuis l’effondrement du communisme par la pluralité des acteurs et des prises de position, pourrait redevenir une sphère monolithique…
Résistance des éducateurs au Projet éducatif individualisé en Belgique francophone
Authors: Dormont Thomas
Published: August 2017

L’harmonisation des pratiques des travailleurs sociaux de l’Aide à la jeunesse en Belgique francophone passe par l’imposition d’un outil méthodologique, le Projet éducatif individualisé (PEI). Porteur d’une représentation de l’accompagnement des jeunes en difficulté ainsi que d’une conception du rapport entre l’administration et les opérateurs privés, l’instrument fait agir et réagir les éducateurs qui en développent des usages différents. Le but de cet outil est d’orienter la pratique des travailleurs sociaux sans pour autant la saturer de déterminations. Le présent article se propose de décrire et d’analyser des actes et des actions qui contrent les rapports de pouvoir médiatisés par le PEI et qui, à ce titre, sont interprétés comme des formes de résistance. Comment, à quoi, à qui et pourquoi les éducateurs opposent-ils des résistances concernant le PEI ?
Résistances, esquives, ruses et réappropriations
Authors: Charlier Jean-Émile , Croché Sarah
Published: August 2017

Les résistances aux programmes internationaux visant à transformer l’enseignement à l’échelon continental, voire mondial, n’ont pas suscité un grand intérêt des analystes des politiques éducatives. Des résistances ont pourtant accompagné la mise en œuvre de tous ces programmes et doivent leur faible visibilité au fait qu’elles sont restées éparpillées et centrées sur des enjeux nationaux ou locaux. Cet article décrit quelques stratégies mises en place par les organisations internationales et supranationales pour anticiper les résistances ou neutraliser leurs effets. En esquissant une sociologie du dispositif de production de l’homme, il veut montrer à quelles conditions ces stratégies se révèlent efficaces et renforcent la puissance dogmatique du dispositif. Il propose une clé d’interprétation des situations où ces stratégies se révèlent inefficaces en posant l’hypothèse d’une tension entre deux dispositifs de production de l’homme dans le monde contemporain.
“Prendre sa place” : un contrôle social de genre exercé par les pairs dans un espace augmenté
Authors: Couchot-Schiex Sigolène
Published: August 2017

Les outils numériques –tels les smartphones– dont dispose presque chaque élève sont désormais importés à l’école. Transitant entre espaces privé et public, ils ouvrent aux jeunes d’incommensurables possibilités de relation et de communication. Dans quel sens les relations entre pairs se transforment-elles sous l’effet de ces nouveaux médias de socialisation ? La socialité adolescente actuelle s’apprend, entre autres, par la fréquentation des pairs et sous leur contrôle permanent dans l’espace scolaire et le cyberespace qui participent d’un même espace social. Une recherche empirique exploratoire (dans 8 collèges et 4 lycées) montre que le système de genre agit comme une clé de socialisation différenciatrice suivant le sexe de l’individu. La médiation des normes sociales y est continue et semble exacerber les règles d’une mise en scène de soi genrée dont les pairs sont autant spectateurs que juges. Elles s’expriment par la parole permanente sur l’autre, créatrice de rumeurs et faiseuse de réputation quelle que soit la forme qu’elle prend (“like”, “dossiers”, “tags”, diffusion ou rediffusion décontextualisée, porno-vengeance (revenge-porn) dont l’expression, caractéristique des adolescents, peut être violente, crue, incisive, sévère dans ses conséquences. Le passage par les outils du numérique participe ainsi d’une configuration des rapports sociaux qui réaffirme et consolide les effets de domination dans le système de genre.
Effect of Propionibacterium acidipropionici P169 on the rumen and faecal microbiota of beef cattle fed a maize-based finishing diet
Authors: Azad E. , Narvaez N. , Derakhshani H. , Allazeh A.Y. , Wang Y. , McAllister T.A. , Khafipour E.
Published: August 2017

Direct fed microbial supplementation with lactic acid utilising bacteria (i.e. Propionibacterium acidipropionici P169) has been shown to alleviate the severity of subacute ruminal acidosis in high-grain fed beef cattle. This study was carried out to explore the impact of P169 supplementation on modulating rumen and hindgut microbiota of high-grain fed steers. Seven ruminally-canulated high-grain fed steers were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: control diet (n=3) and the same diet supplemented with P169 added at a rate of 1×1011 cfu/head/d (n=4). Samples were collected every 28 days for a 101 d period (5 time points) and subjected to qPCR quantification of P169 and high-throughput sequencing of bacterial V4 16S rRNA genes. Ruminal abundance of P169 was maintained at elevated levels (P=0.03) both in liquid and solid fractions post supplementation. Concomitant with decreased proportion of amylolytic (such as Prevotella) and key lactate-utilisers (such as Veillonellaceae and Megasphaera), the proportions of cellulolytic bacterial lineages (such as Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiaceae, and Christensenellaceae) were enriched in the rumen microbiota of P169-supplemented steers. These, coupled with elevated molar proportions of branched-chain fatty acids and increased concentration of ammonia in the rumen content of P169-supplemented steers, indicated an improved state of fibrolytic and proteolytic activity in response to P169 supplementation. Further, exploring the hindgut microbiota of P169-supplemented steers revealed enrichment of major amylolytic bacterial lineages, such as Prevotella, Blautia, and Succinivibrionaceae, which might be indicative of an increased availability of carbohydrates in the hindgut ecosystem following P169 supplementation. Collectively, the present study provides insights into the microbiota dynamics that underlie the P169-associated shifts in the rumen fermentation profile of high-grain fed steers.
To add or not to add probiotics to infant formulae? An updated systematic review
Authors: Skórka A. , Pieścik-Lech M. , Kołodziej M. , Szajewska H.
Published: August 2017

We updated evidence on the effects of the administration of probiotic-supplemented infant formulae (IF) compared with unsupplemented IF. Five databases were searched up to September 2016 for randomised controlled trials. Twenty publications were identified, including five new RCTs. Supplementation of IF with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12, either alone or with Streptococcus thermophilus, had no effect on growth, respiratory illness, antibiotic use, stool frequency or consistency. However, there was a significant reduction in the number of episodes of gastrointestinal infections (Bb12) and a lower frequency of colic or irritability (when both strains were used). Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 had no effect on growth, gastrointestinal infections, or respiratory illness episodes. There were no effects of supplementation of IF with Bifidobacterium longum BL999, alone or with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LPR. L. rhamnosus GG was associated with better growth; it had no effect on colic/crying, or irritability, and it was associated with greater indexes of loose stools and a higher defecation frequency. Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 had no effect on growth, colic, crying, irritability, respiratory illness, antibiotic use, stool frequency, or stool consistency; however, it reduced the number of episodes of diarrhoea. L. reuteri DSM 17938 had no effect on growth, night-time sleeping, or flatulence, but it reduced the number of spitting episodes. Lactobacillus salivarius CEC5713 had no effect on growth, colic, crying, or irritability; however, it resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of diarrhoea and the number of episodes of respiratory symptoms. In conclusion, the administration of probiotic-supplemented formulae to healthy infants does not raise safety concerns with regard to growth and adverse effects. Some beneficial clinical effects are possible; however, there is no existing robust evidence to recommend their routine use. The latter conclusion may reflect the small amount of data on a specific probiotic strain(s) and outcomes, rather than a genuine lack of an effect.
Mitigation potential of distillery sludge against ochratoxin A induced immunological alterations in broiler chicks
Authors: Khatoon A. , Khan M.Z. , Abidin Z. , Khan A. , Saleemi M.K.
Published: August 2017

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent mycotoxin injurious to poultry health and an alarming factor for poultry industry while distillery sludge (DS) is a waste product of molasses based industries rich in proteins and certain essential vitamins and other nutrients. The present study was done to estimate the immunological alterations induced by OTA in broiler chicks and amelioration of these alterations by dietary supplementation of DS. For this purpose, 480 one-day old broiler chicks procured from a local hatchery, were divided into sixteen equal groups and were given different combinations of OTA (150, 300 and 1000 µg/kg feed) and DS (5, 10 and 20 g/kg feed). Parameters studied were antibodies response to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), lymphoproliferative response to PHA-P and phagocytic index as studied by carbon clearance assay. The results of this study showed that feeding DS with 150 and 300 µg/kg OTA ameliorated OTA induced alterations, but this amelioration was partial when 1000 µg/kg OTA was used along with DS. From this study it could be concluded that DS has beneficial effects in birds suffering from ochratoxicosis. However, the proper level of DS to produce such mitigation against specific level of OTA is yet to be determined.
Classification of Breast Thermograms Using Statistical Moments and Entropy Features with Probabilistic Neural Networks
Authors: Sriraam Natarajan , Murali Leema , Girish Amoolya , Sirur Manjunath , Srinivas Sushmitha , Ravi Prabha , Venkataraman B. , Menaka M. , Shenbagavalli A. , Jeyanathan Josephine
Published: August 2017

Breast cancer is considered as one of the life-threatening disease among woman population in developing as well as developed countries. This specific study reports on classification of breast thermograms using probabilistic neural network (PNN) with four statistical moments features mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis and two entropy features, Shannon entropy and Wavelet packet entropy. The CLAHE histogram equalization algorithm with uniform and Rayleigh distributions were considered for contrast enhancement of breast thermal images. The asymmetry detection was performed by applying bilateral ratio. A total of 95 test images (normal = 53, abnormal = 42) was considered. Simulation study shows that CLAHE -RD with wavelet entropy features confirms the existence of symmetry on the right and left breast thermal images. An overall classification accuracy of 92.5% was achieved using the proposed multifeatures with PNN classifier. The proposed technique thus confirms the suitability as a screening tool for asymmetry detection as well as classification of breast thermograms.
Strategy, Decision Making, and Cognition
Authors: Appan Radha , Bolton Dorcia E. , Madhavaram Sreedhar
Published: August 2017

Reflecting the dis-equilibrium provoking, ongoing process nature of competition, the role of management in firms has evolved from determining quantity and implementing production function to recognizing, understanding, creating, selecting, implementing, and modifying strategies. The quest for competitive advantages compels firms to continuously engage in strategy and related activities. Given that decision making and cognition are two, somewhat implicit and highly intertwined, concepts that are central to strategy, this research responds to the call for integrating developments in cognition to make strategic decision making more impactful. Therefore, given that cognition (1) is seen as a missing link for strategic management and (2) can impact strategic decision making, this research integrates the perspectives from strategy, decision making, and cognition to develop a framework that can shed light on how firms can succeed in their quest for competitive advantages. The paper concludes with a discussion of the contributions and the corresponding implications for research and practice.
MHD Stagnation Point Flow over Exponentially Stretching Sheet with Exponentially Moving Free-Stream, Viscous Dissipation, Thermal Radiation and Non-Uniform Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Seth Gauri Shenkar , Sharma Rohit , Kumbhakar B. , Tripathi R.
Published: August 2017

An investigation is carried out for the steady, two dimensional stagnation point flow of a viscous, incompressible, electrically conducting, optically thick heat radiating fluid taking viscous dissipation into account over an exponentially stretching non-isothermal sheet with exponentially moving free-stream in the presence of uniform transverse magnetic field and non-uniform heat source/sink. The governing boundary layer equations are transformed into highly nonlinear ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity transform. Resulting boundary value problem is solved numerically with the help of 4th-order Runge-Kutta Gill method along with shooting technique. Effects of various pertinent flow parameters on the velocity, temperature field, skin friction and Nusselt number are described through figures and tables. Also, the present numerical results are compared with the earlier published results for some reduced case and a good agreement has been found among those results.
Impact of Chemical Reaction on Marangoni Boundary Layer Flow of a Casson Nano Liquid in the Presence of Uniform Heat Source Sink
Authors: Kumar K. Ganesh , Gireesha Bijjanal Jayanna , Prasannakumara B.C. , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: August 2017

This paper explore the Marangoni boundary layer flow in a Casson nano liquid over a stretching sheet. The effect of chemical reaction and uniform heat source/sink are taken into the account. The standard nonlinear system is resolved numerically via Runge-Kutta based shooting scheme. Role of substantial parameters on flow fields as well as on heat and mass transportation rates are determined and conferred in depth through graphs.From the investigation it reveals that, the Marangoni number plays a connecting role between the velocity and temperature gradients on the boundary surface. Further,the higher values of Lewis number and chemical reaction parameter reduces the solutal thermal boundary layer thickness decreases.
Phenomenon of Radiation and Viscous Dissipation on Casson Nanoliquid Flow Past a Moving Melting Surface
Authors: Kumar K. Ganesh , Gireesha Bijjanal Jayanna , Prasannakumara B.C. , Ramesh G.K. , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: August 2017

A combined effect of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation over a melting moving surface is investigated. Casson liquid model is accounted as working liquid. The Brownian motion and thermophoresis in Buogiorno’s type nanofluid are retained. Numerical solutions are obtained for the reduced ordinary differential equations via RKF 45 method. The pertinent parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration are analyzed through plots and tables. Output demonstrated that higher values of melting, thermal radiation and viscous dissipation are enhanced the temperature. Validation of the present work is made with the existing literature.
Radiation Absorption and Viscous-Dissipation on MHD Flow of Casson Fluid over a Vertical Plate Filled with Porous Layers
Authors: Venkateswarlu S. , Varma S.V.K. , Kiran Kumar R.V.M.S.S. , Raju Chakravarthula S.K. , Durga Prasad Putta
Published: August 2017

The present study aims to analyze the radiation absorption and viscous dissipation effects on MHD free convective Casson fluid flow over a vertical permeable semi-infinite plate in the presence of first order homogeneous chemical reaction. The time-dependent wall suction is assumed to occur at the permeable surface. The non-Newtonian fluid behavior is characterized by using the Casson fluid model. The coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODE’s) are solved by perturbation technique. The impact of sundry parameters on the velocity, temperature, species concentration as well as the friction factor coefficient, the rate of heat and mass transfer coefficients are computed and analyzed through graphs.
Effects of Nonlinear Thermal Radiation and Thermo-Diffusion on MHD Carreau Fluid Flow Past a Stretching Surface with Slip
Authors: Gnaneswara Reddy Machireddy , Sudha Rani M.V.V.N.L. , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: August 2017

The boundary layer flow of a heat transfer analysis on Carreau hydro magnetic fluid past a convectively nonlinear stretching surface analyzed. The nonlinear radiation, variable thermal conductivity and thermo diffusion effects are included in energy and species governing equations. The set of dimensionless integrated ordinary differential equations under the boundary restrictions obtained with the help of suitable similarity variable approach. The reduced governing flow equations with the boundary conditions are resolved numerically. Comparisons present results with existing literature and yields nice agreement .The description of results has been analyzed for the flow controlling embedded pertinent parameters by utilizing the plots and tables. It is revealed that energy distribution decays for enhancing values of variable thermal conductivity parameter whereas the opposite behavior to the thermal radiation parameter. The non-dimensional concentration boosts with the ascending values of Soret number.
Neuro-Otological and Peripheral Nerve Involvement in Fabry Disease
Authors: Carmona Sergio , Weinschelbaum Romina , Pardal Ana , Marchesoni Cintia , Zuberbuhler Paz , Acosta Patricia , Caceres Guillermo , Kisinovsky Isaac , Bayón Luciana , Reisin Ricardo
Published: August 2017

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease, with multisystemic glycosphingolipids deposits. Neuro-otological involvement leading to hearing loss and vestibular dysfunctions has been described, but there is limited information about the frequency, site of lesion, or the relationship with peripheral neuropathy. The aim was to evaluate the presence of auditory and vestibular symptoms, and assess neurophysiological involvement of the VIII cranial nerve, correlating these findings with clinical and neurophysiological features of peripheral neuropathy. We studied 36 patients with FD with a complete neurological and neuro-otological evaluation including nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing (to evaluate small fiber by warm and cold threshold detection and cold and heat pain), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, videonistagmography, audiometry and brainstem auditory evoked potentials. Neuro-otologic symptoms included hearing loss (22.2%), vertigo (27.8%) or both (25%). An involvement of either cochlear or vestibular function was identified in most patients (75%). In 70% of our patients the involvement of both cochlear and vestibular function could not be explained by a neural or vascular mechanism. Small fiber neuropathy was identified in 77.7%. There were no significant associations between neurootological and QST abnormalities. Neuro-otologic involvement is frequent and most likely under-recognized in patients with FD. It lacks a specific neural or vascular pattern, suggesting multi-systemic, end organ damage. Small fiber neuropathy is an earlier manifestation of FD, but there is no correlation between the development of neuropathy and neuro-otological abnormalities.
The sapheno femoral junction involvement in the treatment of varicose veins disease
Authors: Ricci Stefano
Published: August 2017

Sapheno femoral junction (SFJ) incompetence has been considered the most important cause of chronic venous insufficiency in a high percent of cases since the beginning of history varicose veins treatment. As a consequence SFJ dissection, ligation and section has been practiced all along the last century, generally associated to great saphenous vein stripping, with the porpoise of stopping the effect of hydrostatic pressure considered the origin of varicose veins. Recurrence prevalence at the site of SFJ, even in correctly performed dissection suggests that this attitude may not be the ideal one. Moreover, with the introduction of catheter-based systems of endovenous heating of the great saphenous vein with radiofrequency or endovenous laser ablation, it was shown that venous ablation could be achieved without high ligation of the SFJ. Also foam sclerotherapy demonstrated good results, even if less effective, always leaving the SFJ untouched. Following this trend several methods have been suggested that spare the SFJ, so that this site have lost its strategical importance. In this review history of the SFJ involvement in the varicose vein strategy is analyzed with particular attention to the new generation methods, technology assisted, launched on the market.
The Colonisation of South Africa: A unique case
Authors: Oliver Erna , Oliver Willem H.
Published: August 2017

From the 15th century onwards, most of the countries in Africa have been colonised by theEuropean world powers, Great Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, Spain, Italy and Belgium.South Africa was officially colonised in 1652. Apart from the European colonisation beingexecuted from the south of the continent, South Africa also experienced a migration andinvasion of people groups from the north. The indigenous people groups, inhabiting thecountry long before these two groups arrived there, will be discussed as background to the restof the article. A few factors that made the colonisation of South Africa unique within theAfrican context will be discussed.
Inhabiting compassion: A pastoral theological paradigm
Authors: Zylla Phil C.
Published: August 2017

Inspired by the vision of care in Vincent van Gogh’s depiction of the parable of the Good Samaritan, this article offers a paradigm for inhabiting compassion. Compassion is understood in this article as a moral emotion that is also a pathocentric virtue. This definition creates a dynamic view of compassion as a desire to alleviate the suffering of others, the capacity to act on behalf of others and a commitment to sustain engagement with the suffering other. To weave this vision of compassion as a habitus rather than a theoretical construct, the article develops three phases of compassion: seeing, companioning and sighing. This framework deepens and augments a pastoral theological paradigm of compassion with the aim of inculcating an inhabited compassion in caregivers and the communities in which they participate.
A fruitful missional exegesis for a missional hermeneutic and missiology
Authors: Van Aarde Timothy A. , Li-M Lygunda
Published: August 2017

Bosch (1991:497) advocated for a ‘third-way’ (Bekele 2011:155; Du Plessis 1990:83) in which a deductive and an inductive approach were unified in a creative tension. A fruitful interdependence is achieved by means of the methodological approach of missional exegesis in which text and context are interrelated in a fruitful biblical way reaping the benefits of both the biblical and missional disciplines for a missional hermeneutic. In this approach the formula, t (text) + c (context) = ms (missional strategy), is suggested by the authors as the starting point for two-directional exegesis from text to context, or context to text, in which neither text nor context is emphasised at the exclusion of expense of the other. It is vital that for a practical interpretation in which the missional context informs the biblical interpretation and vice versa, that a missional hermeneutic and missiology be biblically grounded by the instrument of missional exegesis.
Drivers and barriers of reverse logistics practices: A study of large grocery retailers in South Africa
Authors: Meyer Arno , Niemann Wesley , Mackenzie Justin , Lombaard Jacques
Published: August 2017

Background: Reverse logistics (RL) practices have previously been viewed as a cost drain, but have received greater attention from practitioners because of increasing competition and dwindling margins.Purpose: The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to uncover the main internal and external drivers and barriers of RL within major South African grocery retailers.Method: Eleven face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and one telephonic interview were conducted with participants from four large grocery retailers.Findings: Optimising profitability and cost reduction goals are the identified internal drivers, whereas the main external driver was to reduce the organisations’ environmental impact. A lack of information systems – such as enterprise resource planning systems or warehouse management system software – and infrastructure were revealed as the main internal barriers for organisations’ RL practices, whereas supplier non-compliance and transportation inefficiencies were the main external barriers exposed.Managerial implications: In order to optimise the efficiency of the reverse flow, managers are recommended to devote more capital to RL infrastructure, develop policies to manage supplier behaviour, focus on RL as a revenue generating stream as well as implement information systems to manage the entire reverse flow.Conclusion: All participating grocery retailers follow similar RL processes. Growth in RL practices as well as infrastructure to perform those practices is a future priority for all the reviewed grocery retailers. RL is no longer only a key cost driver, but also provides organisations with many additional opportunities.
(In)dependent meaning: Representations of addiction and recovery in selected poems produced in a rehabilitation centre
Authors: Pretorius Antoinette , Carolin Andy , Fourie Reinhardt , Krüger Lida
Published: August 2017

In this article we provide a close reading of selected poems written during creative writing workshops at a drug rehabilitation centre. We argue that these poems expose some of the uncertainties and complexities that characterise the representation of identity in experiences of addiction and recovery. We show that the speakers in these poems attempt to imagine and represent their experiences in language through a number of structuring binaries. These binaries include those between the speaker’s experiences of active addiction and recovery, and the speaker’s personal experience versus societal expectations and perceptions. Our reading of these poems is informed by the clinical context in which they were written, and our analysis reflects the bifurcation that governs this liminal space. Individual agency in these different spheres is approached in a very tentative way, and the speakers in these poems are shown to have trouble envisioning the future at the same time as their pasts appear unsettled. We argue finally that while current discourses and vocabularies surrounding addiction seem incomplete and inadequate for the expression of some complex experiences, poetry provides a platform that accommodates ambivalence and a multiplicity of meanings.