bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of set-aside management on certain elements of soil biota and early stage organic matter decomposition in a High Nature Value Area, Hungary
Authors: Tóth Zsolt , Hornung Elisabeth , Báldi András
Published: August 2018

Agricultural intensification is one of the greatest threats to soil biota and function. In contrast, set-aside still remains a management practice in certain agri-environmental schemes. In Hungary, the establishment of sown set-aside fields is a requirement of agri-environmental schemes in High Nature Value Areas. We tested the effects of set-aside management on soil biota (bacteria, microarthropods, woodlice and millipedes), soil properties and organic matter decomposition after an initial establishment period of two years. Cereal – set-aside field pairs, semi-natural grasslands and cereal fields were sampled in the Heves Plain High Nature Value Area in Eastern Hungary, in May 2014. Topsoil samples were taken from each site for physical, chemical, microbial analyses and for extraction of soil microarthropods. Macrodecomposers were sampled by pitfall traps for two weeks. The biological quality of soil was estimated by the integrated QBS index (‘‘Qualità Biologica del Suolo’’, meaning ‘‘Biological Quality of Soil’’) based on diversity of soil microarthropods. To follow early stage organic matter decomposition, we used tea bags filled with a site-independent, universal plant material (Aspalathuslinearis, average mass 1.26 ± 0.03 g). Tea bags were retrieved after 1 month to estimate the rate of mass loss. We found significant differences between habitat types regarding several soil physical and chemical parameters (soil pH, K and Na content). The study showed positive effects of set-aside management on soil biodiversity, especially for microarthropods and isopods. However, we did not experience similar trends in relation to soil bacteria and millipedes. There was higher intensity of organic matter decomposition in soils of set-aside fields and semi-natural grasslands (remaining mass on average: 74.17% and 76.6%, respectively) compared to cereal fields (average remaining mass: 81.3%). Out of the biotic components, only the biological quality of soil significantly influenced (even if marginally) plant tissue decomposition. Our results highlight the importance of set-aside fields as shelter habitats for soil biota, especially for arthropods. Set-aside fields that are out of a crop rotation for 2 years could be a valuable option for maintaining soil biodiversity, as these fields may simultaneously conserve elements of above- and below-ground diversity.
Método cualitativo para la determinación del estatus de conservación de Bulnesia sarmientoi (Zygophyllaceae) en Paraguay con fines de exportación
Authors: Céspedes G. , Mereles F. , Navarro-Cerrillo R. M.
Published: August 2018

Se realiza un análisis cualitativo, mediante el uso de la metodología propuesta por la UICN, de las causas por las que la especie Bulnesia sarmientoi se encuentra incluida dentro del Apéndice II de la Convención Internacional para el Tráfico de la Vida Silvestre (CITES). Estos datos se complementan con información procedente de la comercialización de los productos derivados, así como de otros datos referentes al crecimiento, la fenología, la ecología y la deforestación del área ocupada por esta especie. Los análisis muestran varios vacíos de información, especialmente de datos cuantitativos, para la determinación de su estado de conservación. Los resultados indican que las poblaciones de Bulnesia sarmientoi se encuentran sometidas a fuertes amenazas, como la pérdida acelerada de su hábitat y a la explotación no sostenible de su madera y de los productos derivados. El estudio concluye que se deberán realizar estudios poblacionales cuantitativos tendentes a la obtención de cupos de exportación, sin los cuales no se podrá garantizar la supervivencia de las poblaciones de la especie
Distance Learning in the Musical Field in Romania through European-Funded Projects
Authors: Nedelcuț Nelida , Pop Ciprian Gabriel , Nedelcuț Amalia
Published: August 2018

The organization of Romanian distance learning in music has been supported in terms of research, collaboration and financing by European projects, with the following achievements: training of teaching staff involved in distance learning, assistance in activities meant to introduce ICT in general schools, construction of a platform dedicated to distance learning activities, creating a database with instrumental accompaniments for singers, designing multimedia courses, assessing distance learning programs offered by the Academy of Music Gheorghe Dima in Cluj-Napoca.

The Prelude Training Programme on ICT in Music Education – a project aimed at developing a training programme for in-service music educators, as there are many ways in which technology helps educators meet instructional goals: Programs designed to help students develop their musicianship or improve their knowledge of notation and skill in reading notation, support with improvisation skills, notation and sequencing programs which assist students in composition activities.

Vemus - Virtual European Music Schools - a programme which focuses on teaching music notation or performing instruments, involving execution of rhythm patterns, melody, music scores; E-vocal learning, with simultaneous appearance of sound and notation, conducted by famous musicians. DIMA - Direct Impact of Multimedia Application - a platform that comprises courses, audio and video examples focusing on music history, performing and listening activities.

The partners proceed from various areas (higher education, innovation/development centers), and the projects were conceived to stimulate the implementation of ICT in the educational process in music, approaching teaching staff as a target group, and students as an interested party.
The need for such products was revealed by interviews and questionnaires and the results’ evaluation proved that the online environment can be accessed in order to develop educational resources, enrich lesson content, motivate and engage children in music education, deliver information and learning opportunities, stimulate children in their musical endeavors.
Corporate Insolvency Law and Reforms in South Africa
Authors: Kashyap Amit Kumar , Asnani Harsha
Published: August 2018

Every country has provided business recuse system and a regime for the protection of insolvent debtors. South Africa has had this legal infrastructure since 1926 when the statutory procedure of judicial management was introduced by the Companies Act 1926. The chapter discusses the judicial management, mechanisms to secure unpaid debts, carrying on business during insolvency, and the new corporate rescue procedures applicable for South African companies as provided in Companies Act 2008. The chapter also puts a light on corporate insolvency informs in South Africa.
Assessment of Challenges of Teaching and Learning Computer Programming in Tanzanian Higher Education
Authors: Kagombe Baraka M. , Mahenge Michael P. J. , Komba Sotco Claudius , Mafu Safari Timothy , Sanga Camilius Aloyce
Published: August 2018

This chapter emanates from a study which sought to investigate challenges of teaching and learning computer programming in higher education. The study was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture. The study had three specific objectives: first, to identify learners' prior knowledge on computer programming at the time of joining the university; second, to investigate learners' self-efficacy in computer programming course; the third objective was to evaluate the learning styles used by learners in the computer programming course. The study adopted a quantitative research method, grounded in experiential learning theory. The data was collected from respondents using questionnaires and the analysis of the data was done using statistical software. The findings indicate that inadequate computer laboratories, lack of competent staff in ICT-based instructional design, inadequate teaching and learning materials, and students' lack of prior knowledge on computer programming at the time of joining the university are the main challenges.
Towards Blended Learning Designs Fostering Adults' Social Capital
Authors: Cocquyt Celine , Diep Anh Nguyet , Zhu Chang , De Greef Maurice , Vanwing Tom
Published: August 2018

In responding to the ubiquitous presence of information and communication technology (ICT) in the educational landscape, blended learning has been increasingly adopted in adult education. While adult educators and practitioners face challenges due to such pedagogical shifts in instructional design, they are also encouraged to underscore the emancipatory values of adult education to contribute to the global social exclusion combat. Thus, it is of particular significance to examine how different elements of the blended learning design can result in social outcomes for adult learners. By deconstructing the blended learning design into specific online and general supportive factors, the present chapter sheds more light on the question: How does learning in a blended environment contribute to adult learners' social capital? On top of that, practical recommendations for instructors are put forward.
School Week of High Technologies and Technical Entrepreneurship
Authors: Epshtein Mikhail , Yushkov Alexey
Published: August 2018

For the modern school, the task of organizing the design and research activities of schoolchildren, connected with modern science and high technologies, is very actual. This is difficult to do without the interaction of the school with scientists and representatives of high-tech businesses. It is not easy to integrate such cooperation into the educational program of a secondary school. This chapter describes the experience of the School Week of High Technologies as an integrated model of the organization of the school's educational space. The chapter discusses the general logic of the preparation and conduct of such educational events as cycles of educational research, projects, conferences, problem lectures, excursions to high-tech production (including in the format of business games), meetings with leading specialists and enterprise management, and business games. Possible difficulties, educational results, social and pedagogical effects of realization of such forms of cooperation of the school, scientific organizations, and business partners are analyzed.
Modern Cartography and GIS
Authors: Mulalu Mulalu I.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the view that with the rapid change in technology, which necessitates the constant rethinking of the supporting conceptual frameworks, spatial science practitioners need to be well grounded in the basic technological concepts and research arguments in order to perform their varied tasks with knowledge based integrity. Cartography has now been placed in the public domain as well as in GIS. GIS in turn has introduced GIS Cartography and is also practiced in the public domain. In both cases, there are situations where people do cartography and GIS without understanding their basic concepts and principles. The paper seeks to shed light on the varied exemplification of the cartography and GIS disciplines with a bias in developing country contexts where there is still a piecewise treatment of these disciplines in education and work environments and a shortage of professional bodies and certification routines. By discussing basic concepts and conceptual frameworks, the practice environments, education and accreditation as well as professional certification, the paper highlights some of the basic requirements of spatial science practitioners. The paper is written from the Botswana context as an example of a developing country context, but most issues should relate to other developing country contexts too.
Decision Making Under Deep Uncertainty With Fuzzy Algorithm in Framework of Multi-Model Approach
Authors: Kostyuchenko Yuriy V. , Stoyka Yulia , Negoda Iurii , Kopachevsky Ivan
Published: August 2018

Task of soft computing for decision support in field of risk management is analyzed in this chapter. Multi-model approach is described. Interrelations between models, remote sensing data and forecasting are described. Method of water quality assessment using satellite observation is described. Method is based on analysis of spectral reflectance of aquifers. Correlations between reflectance and pollutions are quantified. Fuzzy logic based approach for decision support in field of water quality degradation risk is discussed. Decision on water quality is making based on fuzzy algorithm using limited set of uncertain parameters. It is shown that this algorithm allows estimate water quality degradation rate and pollution risks. Using proposed approach, maps of surface water pollution risk from point and diffuse sources are calculated. Conclusions concerned soft computing in risk management are proposed and discussed. It was demonstrated, that basing on spatially distributed measurement data, proposed approach allows to calculate risk parameters with resolution close to observations.
Monitoring Changes in Urban Cover Using Landsat Satellite Images and Demographical Information
Authors: Srivastava Prashant K. , Suman Swati , Pandey Smita
Published: August 2018

The monitoring of urban cover is very important for the planner, management, governmental and non-governmental organizations for optimizing the use of urban resources and minimizing the environmental losses. The study here aims at analyzing the changes that occurred in urban green cover over a time span of 1991-2001 using multi-date Landsat satellite images data over the Varanasi district, India and its relation to demographical changes. The Support Vector Machines (SVMs) classifier has been used for image classification. The urbanization indicators such as Land Consumption Ratio (LCR) and Land Absorption Coefficient (LAC) were also used in order to understand the changes in urban cover and population dynamics. All the analysis indicates significant changes in the urban cover values with increasing population at both spatial and temporal scale.
Instructional Real World Community Engagement
Authors: Crawford Caroline M.
Published: August 2018

The impact of the instructional real-world community engagement upon the learner's cognitive understanding and subject matter attainment is recognized as a viable and integrally important element within the learner's instructional process. The integration of an active instructional engagement at the real-world community engagement level supports recognition of academic communities of engagement, personal communities of engagement, and professional communities of engagement. The academic community of engagement includes current course colleagues, prior course collegial support systems, and current and prior instructors. Within personal communities of engagement falls friends, family, and social connections. Within professional communities of engagement falls current work colleagues, prior work collegial support systems, and professional organization colleagues.
Role of Educational Leaders in Supporting Beginning Teachers in Al Ain Schools in the UAE
Authors: Ali Salam Omar
Published: August 2018

This chapter studied the current practices of the principals in Al-Ain school district (in UAE) in supporting their novice teachers in their first years of teaching. It aimed at drawing attention to the urgent need for an effective principal who knows the important role he plays, especially with the newly appointed teachers. The study used a literature review to establish a good base of theoretical ideas about the effective role of principals in supporting novice teachers in their first years of teaching. The importance of induction program and its goals and benefits were tackled as well, in addition to the main aspects of the support provided. Moreover, the conceptual framework of the study discussed the methodology by describing the qualitative and quantitative methods used to gather data. The population and the sample, data analysis and discussion, conclusion and recommendations were presented too. Twenty principals and 30 teachers of public and private schools participated in answering a questionnaire. Some of them were also interviewed.
Artificial Intelligence Review
Authors: Kilani Amal , Ben Hamida Ahmed , Hamam Habib
Published: August 2018

In this chapter, the authors present a profound literature review of artificial intelligence (AI). After defining it, they briefly cover its history and enumerate its principal fields of application. They name, for example, information system, commerce, image processing, human-computer interaction, data compression, robotics, route planning, etc. Moreover, the test that defines an artificially intelligent system, called the Turing test, is also defined and detailed. Afterwards, the authors describe some AI tools such as fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, and swarm intelligence. Special attention will be given to neural networks and fuzzy logic. The authors also present the future research directions and ethics.
Data Visualization Strategies for Computer Simulation in Bioelectromagnetics
Authors: Gasmelseed Akram , Alharbi Ali H.
Published: August 2018

Bioelectromagnetics is a branch of science that examines how living organisms interact with electromagnetic fields. In a broader sense, it is a discipline that spans the fields of signal processing, electromagnetics, medical imaging, physiology, medical physics, anatomy, occupational and environmental health, behavioral, and computer sciences. Due to its provision of interactive and flexible programming environment, this chapter describes a LabVIEW-based data visualization system that has been implemented and used in bioelectromagnetics simulations. The graphical nature of the LabVIEW programming environment makes it very easy to create a sophisticated application in a minimum amount of time, especially when compared to designing graphical user interfaces in a low-level programming language.
Logic Programming for Intelligent Systems
Authors: Jones James D.
Published: August 2018

This chapter suggests that logic programs employing recent advances in semantics and in knowledge representation formalisms provide a more robust framework in which to develop very intelligent systems in any domain of knowledge or application. The author has performed work applying this paradigm and these reasoning formalisms in the areas of financial applications, security applications, and enterprise information systems.
A Paradoxical World and the Role of Technology in Thana-Capitalism
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano Emanuel
Published: August 2018

In this chapter, the authors hold the thesis that, although technology introduced plenty of liberties and rights for humankind, which are protected by democracy, it resulted in a much deeper disciplinary mechanism that leads to censorship. To put this in other terms, in medieval times, writers, thinkers whose text defied the authority of king or Catholic church were jailed, tortured, and condemned to the stake. The power of coaction emanating from prince exerted violence as an efficient instrument of dissuasion, circumscribing the leviathan's whims. The dissemination of books was limited to those authors who were conducive to status quo.
Ubiquitous Computing, Contactless Points, and Distributed Stores
Authors: Savastano Marco , Pantano Eleonora , Verteramo Saverino
Published: August 2018

The new technologies modify both customer behavior and corporate approach to the retail process by changing both the way consumers access and consumption of information. In this scenario, a huge number of “contactless technologies” are emerging as the most promising direction for supporting automatic payment and self-checkout. Similarly, ubiquitous retailing is acquiring importance in the current competitive scenario, based on ubiquitous computing (or ubiquitous access to information). As a consequence, these innovations are removing the boundaries of the physical space and pushing retailers to redefine the traditional business model and practices. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive framework of this new competitive scenario, starting from the most innovative technologies in retail domain with emphasis on the new ubiquitous ones, and sheds lights on the future of the (technology-enriched) places of shopping.
The Impact of Consumer Loss Aversion on Returns Policies and Supply Chain Coordination
Authors: Samatli-Pac Gulay , Shen Wenjing , Hu Xinxin
Published: August 2018

Product return is a common after-sale service. Existing literature has assumed loss neutral consumers, while in practice consumers are often more sensitive to utility losses than gains, i.e., customers are often loss averse. In this paper, we study the impact of such loss aversion on the retailer's optimal pricing and returns policies. We analyze three scenarios where the seller offers no refund, full refund and partial refund for the returned products. Under each scenario, the seller determines the optimal price, quantity, and refund amount (under partial refund case) in order to maximize the expected profit. Our results demonstrate that consumer loss aversion leads a no-refund retailer to charge lower price and order smaller quantity, has no impact on a full-refund retailer, and results in a more lenient returns policy for a partial-refund retailer. We also find contracts that coordinate supply chains selling to loss averse consumers. Therefore, this article sheds some lights on how the management of returns policies should be adapted when consumers are loss averse.
Improving the Performance of the Fish School Search Algorithm
Authors: Monteiro Rodrigo P. , Verçosa Luiz F. V. , Bastos-Filho Carmelo J. A.
Published: August 2018

In this article, the authors propose a new version of Fish School Search Algorithm named FSS-CS. This release has three significant changes. First, it has an improved feeding mechanism to enhance the barycenter calculation. Secondly, it promotes exploration by using a state-of-art, non-greedy strategy. Finally, it incorporates a promising existent elliptic step decay. The authors assessed the proposal in ten benchmark optimization problems to evaluate the performance. The results show that the proposed version outperformed in most cases the FSS versions for mono-modal optimization.
Social Computing
Authors: Vannoy Sandra A. , Medlin B. Dawn
Published: August 2018

This article explores the influence of social, self, and use factors on the intention to perform social computing actions in online social sites. A survey was conducted using peer-to-peer file sharing as representative of a social computing action. Collected data was analyzed using the structural equation modeling method with partial least squares. These findings show that social computing consensus and social computing cooperation are important social factors that have significant influence on the formation of social norms, which in turn increases the intention of members to perform social computing actions. Interestingly, the widely tested use factors perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have no significant effect upon a user's intention to perform social computing actions. Furthermore, while social norms have significant influence upon a user's intention to perform social computing actions, self-identity has no significant impact. These findings lead to academic and practical implications on the efficacy of social, self, and use factors in furthering understanding of social computing.
Liberdade e presciência: uma ‘difícil questão’
Authors: Martines Paulo Ricardo
Published: August 2018

O propósito desse artigo é explicitar a solução de Anselmo de Cantuária para o tema da concordância da presciência de Deus com a liberdade humana, uma discussão de acentuado recorte ético. A reflexão dialética do monge beneditino de Bec, estruturada na perspectiva da quaestio medieval, reconhece que os eventos futuros ocorrem de modo necessário enquanto que o livre-arbítrio não realiza nenhuma ação por necessidade. Anselmo reconhece o poder da vontade diante de Deus e confirma o desígnio providencial de Deus, decorrente de sua eterna sabedoria. As ações humanas são livres porque Deus as sabe de antemão, e as predestina como tais, porque ele quer que a vontade humana não seja coagida ou movida por nenhuma necessidade. Essa discussão é formulada na última obra de Anselmo, datada de 1103 e intitulada o Acordo da presciência, predestinação e graça de Deus com o livre-arbítrio.
Biomechanical Performance of Habitually Barefoot and Shod Runners during Barefoot Jogging and Running
Authors: Xu Suo Di , Liang Zhi Qiang , Liu Yu Wei , Fekete Gusztáv
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical performances, running stability of habitually barefoot (BR) and shod runners (SR) during barefoot jogging and running. Ten healthy male subjects, 5 habitually shod runners and 5 habitually barefoot runners, from two different ethnics participated in this study. Subjects performed jogging (2m/s) and running (4m/s) along a 10-m runway. Three-dimensional lower-limb kinematics, ground reaction force, center of pressure (COP) and contact time (CT), were collected during testing. During jogging and running, all participants adopted rear-foot strike pattern, SR had larger VALR. SR showed significantly larger lower-limb range of motion (ROM) in sagittal plane, significantly larger hip abduction and opposite knee ROM in frontal plane, as well as significantly larger ankle internal rotation in horizontal plane. All participants’ CT showed decreased trend with running speed up; and SR was significantly longer than BR; BR and SR in COP showed different trajectories, especially forefoot and rearfoot areas. Habitually barefoot and shod runner from different ethnics still exist significant differences in lower-extremity ROM; and different foot morphological of participants is an important influential factor for these variations.
Bacterial Lipoproteins Constitute the TLR2-Stimulating Activity of Serum Amyloid A
Authors: Burgess Edward J. , Hoyt Laura R. , Randall Matthew J. , Mank Madeleine M. , Bivona Joseph J. , Eisenhauer Philip L. , Botten Jason W. , Ballif Bryan A. , Lam Ying-Wai , Wargo Matthew J. , Boyson Jonathan E. , Ather Jennifer L. , Poynter Matthew E.
Published: August 2018

Studies comparing endogenous and recombinant serum amyloid A (SAA) have generated conflicting data on the proinflammatory function of these proteins. In exploring this discrepancy, we found that in contrast to commercially sourced recombinant human SAA1 (hSAA1) proteins produced in Escherichia coli, hSAA1 produced from eukaryotic cells did not promote proinflammatory cytokine production from human or mouse cells, induce Th17 differentiation, or stimulate TLR2. Proteomic analysis of E. coli–derived hSAA1 revealed the presence of numerous bacterial proteins, with several being reported or probable lipoproteins. Treatment of hSAA1 with lipoprotein lipase or addition of a lipopeptide to eukaryotic cell–derived hSAA1 inhibited or induced the production of TNF-α from macrophages, respectively. Our results suggest that a function of SAA is in the binding of TLR2-stimulating bacterial proteins, including lipoproteins, and demand that future studies of SAA employ a recombinant protein derived from eukaryotic cells.
Reconstruction of pastoral and theological education in tropical Africa: A review of the case of St. Andrew’s College, Kabare
Authors: Gathogo Julius M.
Published: August 2018

The article sets out to demonstrate the need for theopastoral education in tropical Africa, by showcasing St. Andrew’s College, Kabare, in Central Kenya. The statement of the problem therefore is: How has St. Andrew’s College, Kabare, journeyed with its establishment as a centre of theopractical education? This will drive us to methodologically employ historical-analytical design in our bid to understand the intrigues behind the formation and growth of the institution. As it prepares to graduate from a diploma college to a university, how has it wrestled with the challenges in its endeavour to reconstruct theological and pastoral education? The article sets on the premise that the nature of theological articulation in the East African region, as propounded by the then-all powerful East African Revival Movement, needed theopastoral reconstruction via establishment of an institution that would thoroughly address relevant concerns. To this end, the first synod of the diocese of Mt Kenya East, held at St. Andrew’s Church, Kabare, on 26 August 1975, requested the standing committee of the synod to appoint a commission to investigate the future plans of lay and clergy training and report this matter to the next synod. In other words, the first synod of the new diocese foresaw the birth of St Andrew’s as a centre of theological education and holistic training. In view of this, the article will explore the intrigues behind this process in a bid to show its relevance for the rest of the tropical Africa.
Truck and Bus Lane Departure Warning Systems Test Procedure and Minimum Performance Requirements
Authors:   Truck and Bus Automation Safety Committee
Published: August 2018

This SAE Recommended Practice establishes a uniform, powered vehicle test procedure and minimum performance requirement for lane departure warning systems used in highway trucks and buses greater than 4546 kg (10000 pounds) GVW. Systems similar in function but different in scope and complexity, including Lane Keeping/Lane Assist and Merge Assist, are not included in this document. This document does not apply to trailers, dollies, etc. This document does not intend to exclude any particular system or sensor technology.

The specification will test the functionality of the LDWS (e.g., ability to detect lane presence, and ability to detect an unintended lane departure), its ability to indicate LDWS engagement, its ability to indicate LDWS disengagement, and determine the point at which the LDWS notifies the Human Machine Interface (HMI) or vehicle control system that a lane departure event is detected. Moreover, the specification determines whether a system performs at a minimally acceptable level. The HMI is not addressed herein but is considered in SAE Standard J2808.
Automated Power Window Opening on Carbon Monoxide Detection
Authors: Batra Neera , Batra N.K.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents an embedded system for car cabin safety. A number of sudden deaths happened due to inhaling of carbon monoxide (CO) gas inside car cabin in the past years. The designed embedded system keeps on sensing the accumulated CO gas inside the car cabin. If the value of CO exceeds the predefined threshold value and the motion sensor installed in embedded system detects the presence of any occupant inside the car cabin, a warning text message gets displayed on LCD installed in car cabin and buzzer alarm is generated. The warning text message is sent by GSM kit to occupant cell phone. After receiving response from occupant, DTMF kit generates a preset sequence number and sends a signal to the microcontroller. On receiving this signal, control unit immediately sends signals to power window control circuit of the car to open the power windows to let fresh air come in the car and as the amount of CO reaches below predefined threshold value, power windows of car are rolled up again automatically.
Effect of Exhaust Back Pressure on Performance and Emission Characteristics of Diesel Engine Equipped with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst and Exhaust Gas Recirculation
Authors: Bhure Sangamesh
Published: August 2018

Currently the emission norms are becoming more stringent, continuous modifications are taking place in existing I.C engines as well as in after treatment devices (ATDs). Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) are the mandatory ATDs controlled electronically to optimize engine brake power, fuel consumption and emissions. The conversion efficiency of ATDs mainly depends on exhaust pressure, temperature, flow rate and fluid characteristics of exhaust gas. However, the installation of ATDs increases the exhaust back pressure in the exhaust system. The back pressure of engine also depends on the parameters like engine operating conditions, design of exhaust valves, valve lift time, exhaust gas dynamics and exhaust manifold design etc. In this paper the attempt is made to study the effect of back pressure on performance and emission of diesel engines equipped with EGR and DOC. Here we have not modified the intake and exhaust valves instead, we varied the back pressure of exhaust system using back pressure control valve (BPCV). BPCV is operated manually at three positions, they are 100%, 87.5% and 75% BPCV lifts. The readings are taken in different combinations of BPCV lifts and brake torque at 20, 40, 60, and 80 N-m. The results obtained shows variation of BPCV lift and brake torque effected on performance of engine, DOC and EGR operations as well as fuel consumption. The NOx is reduced by 15%; HC and CO are reduced significantly. However, there is an increase in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and exhaust smoke.
Panorama atual da doação de leite humano no Brasil
Authors: Pinheiro Andréa Bayma , Mota Aline Carolina Castro , Gomes Anna Carolina Padilha Castro , Santos Yasmin Amorim dos , Lima Anderson Bentes de , Pantoja Mauro de Souza
Published: August 2018

Objetivo: Identificar o panorama atual da Doação de Leite Humano no Brasil. Método: Revisão integrada de artigos originais e revisões que investigaram os fatores associados à Doação de Leite Humano no Brasil. Foram incluídos artigos originais e revisões, publicados e indexados no MedLine, SciELO e PubMed, publicados no período de 2014 a 2018. Resultados: Capacitações da equipe multiprofissional de Unidades Básicas de Saúde para a promoção da doação e captação de leite é eficaz. Incentivo à doação e orientação sobre a ordenha maximizam a doação de leite humano. A doação de leite coletado pelas mães em seus domicílios é eficaz, quando seguidas as normas de manipulação e armazenamento. Os Bancos de Leite Humano são ferramentas de desenvolvimento da área de saúde e de crescimento político-econômico do Brasil. Conclusão: Houve aumento da doação de leite humano ao longo dos anos, todavia essa prática ainda deve ser estimulada no Brasil.
Unusual vertical structure of the Saharan Air Layer and giant dust
particles during AER-D
Authors: Marenco Franco , Ryder Claire , Estellés Victor , O'Sullivan Debbie , Brooke Jennifer , Orgill Luke
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) in the summertime Eastern Atlantic is typically well-mixed and 3–4 km deep, overlying the marine boundary layer (MBL). In this paper, we show experimental evidence that at times a very different structure can be observed. During the AER-D airborne campaign in August 2015, the typical structure described above was observed most of the times, and was associated with a moderate dust content yielding an Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) of 0.3–0.4 at 355 nm. In an intense event, however, an unprecedented vertical structure was observed close to the Eastern boundary of the basin, displaying an uneven vertical distribution and a very large AOD (1.5–2), with most of the dust in a much lower level than usual (0.3–2 km). Estimated dust concentrations and column loadings spanned 300–5500 μg m−3 and 0.8–7.5 g m−2, respectively. The shortwave direct radiative impact of the intense dust event has been evaluated to be as large as −260 ± 30 and −120 ± 15 W m−2 at the surface and top of atmosphere, respectively. This event was also correlated with anomalous lightning activity in the Canary Islands. In all cases, our measurements detected a broad distribution of aerosol sizes, ranging from ~ 0.1 to ~ 80 μm (diameter), thus highlighting the presence of giant particles. Giant dust particles were also found in the MBL. We note that most aerosol models may miss the giant particles due to the fact that they use size bins up to 10–25 μm. The unusual vertical structure and the giant particles may have implications for dust transport over the Atlantic during intense events, and may affect the estimate of dust deposited to the Ocean. We believe that future campaigns should focus more on events with high aerosol load, and that instrumentation capable of detecting giant particles will be key to dust observations in this part of the world.
Technical note: A novel technique to improve the hydrological estimates at ungauged basins by swapping workspaces
Authors: Qamar Muhammad Uzair , Azmat Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Ganora Daniele , Shahid Muhammad Adnan , Baig Faisal , Mushtaq Sumra
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The dissimilarity-based methods to perform prediction of flow regimes in ungauged basins have become quite popular in the recent times. Generally, these methods use geomorphological and climatic characteristics of the basins to translate their hydrological properties. However, the methods have been criticized for using selective basin characteristics for the prediction of hydrological data of the basins in the entire study area. Incase these selected descriptors are not strongly related to the hydrological properties of the considered basin; as opposed to the general perception, a considerable magnitude of localized error may be introduced in the final results. To address these drawbacks, we propose a novel technique which assists in identifying a better individual regional model for the prediction of hydrological data at each ungauged basin. The new procedure treats each flow regime as a complete hydrological object. Whereas, the variability in regime shape is determined by using dissimilarity values arranged in a distance matrix executed by considering normalized values of three types of dissimilarities viz; point-to-point dissimilarity, vertical dissimilarity and lateral dissimilarity. On the basis of defined statistical routines, the flow distance matrix is linked with the distance matrices of basin characteristics, acquired by simple comparison of descriptors values, to select most suitable descriptors from the pool of 74 descriptors to form regionalized models. The dissimilarity-based regionalization model thus obtained is primarily coupled with nearest neighbor algorithm to constitute a model space for the initial predictions of the monthly flow regimes. Afterwards, based on the orientation of nearest neighbors of ungauged basin in descriptor space __ the prediction is improved by swapping the model space with the other available models provided the set criteria are fulfilled. The proposed study is conducted in northwestern Italy and the proposed method is tested on the dataset of 124 basins. The basins where the set criteria of model swapping are complied with; the results obtained are statistically better than the initial estimates.
La diversidad mediática como garantía de la diversidad cultural: Un enfoque desde el Derecho Internacional para la promoción de las identidades
Authors: Barreiro Carril Beatriz
Published: August 2018

Este artículo aborda las potencialidades de varios instrumentos internacionales que vienen a ofrecer garantías jurídicas para que la diversidad mediática –esencial para el respeto de las diversas identidades culturales– sea promovida y respetada. Partiendo de varios artículos de la Convención de Diversidad, la Observación General del Comité de Derechos Económicos Sociales y Culturales nº 21 sobre el derecho a participar en la vida cultural, los informes de la Experta Independiente de Naciones Unidas sobre Derechos Culturales, este artículo pretende identificar herramientas jurídicas para contribuir al establecimiento de medios de comunicación que respeten y promuevan las diversas identidades culturales fijándose en el estudio de caso de radios comunitarias garífunas hondureñas, y desde una perspectiva que tiene especialmente en cuenta los aspectos económicos de los derechos culturales y de los derechos de la comunicación.
Output Growth Volatility and Remittances: The Case of ECOWAS
Authors: Nwibari Deekor Leelee , A. Gbanador Clever
Published: August 2018

The study on output growth volatility and remittances: the case of ECOWAS is to determine the impact of remittances on output growth volatility. To achieve this, the study adopts the theory of altruism which posits that the migrant derives a positive utility from the well-being of the family left behind. A panel annual data set covering 15 remittances recipient ECOWAS member nations for the period ranging from 1995 to 2015 were utilized. The study utilizes a panel system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique and both the static and dynamic panel estimation approaches to examine the impact of remittances on growth volatility. Results show that remittances appear to be inducing output volatility in ECOWAS member countries. As a result, the study suggests among others, the encouragement of policies that will foster increasing influx of remittances to the region by the concern authorities in order to stabilize volatility of any form in the region.
Assesment of the Behaviour and Investment Preference of Women Cassava Processors in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Osundare Foluso , Olowoyeye Temidayo
Published: August 2018

The behavior and pattern of investment of cassava processors depends largely on their level of income; the need to assess their investment preference necessitated this study. The research was carried out in Ekiti State Nigeria to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of women cassava processors; examine their investment patterns; determine their propensities to invest and; analyze the factors influencing their investment decision. Information was obtained from a total of 180 women cassava processors through a well-structured questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of respondents. The analytical tools employed were descriptive statistics, Friedman ranking analysis, and Probit regression analysis. The study showed that the mean annual income and investment of respondents were ₦488,750 and ₦164,300 respectively with marginal propensity to invest for every income generated at ₦0.228. The Probit regression analysis showed that the major factors influencing the respondents’ decision to invest in the study area were household size, annual income and return on investment. The studies showed that investment potential not only exists among the women cassava processor in the study area, they were actually investing, but their unwillingness to invest in processing equipment is worrisome. It’s therefore recommended that modern processing facilities should be subsidized to reduce the processing cost, encourage future investment on them, reduce drudgery, increase value addition, income and consequently increased investment. Secondly, soft loans free of collateral should be giving to the processors to facilitate purchase of processing equipment, develop and expand their processing sheds.
Does Weather Has Same Effect on Different Countries Stock Market Return
Authors: Shah Sayed Kifayat , Yiwen Yang , Ali Farman
Published: August 2018

In the field of behavioral finance mood, emotions and other different effecting factors have been investigated regarding stock market return. Weather is one of the most important and vital factor that has been analyzed. In this empirical study the two different stock exchanges (Eastern Asian and South Asian) are compared with respect to the weather variable temperature. The analysis and investigation has been made by utilizing the six years record of both stock exchange (China, Pakistan) indexes (SSE-180, KSE 100). The Autoregressive (AR) Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) technique has been utilized for analysis. It has been found that temperature is the most affecting factor that has negative effect on both stock exchanges. The effect of temperature on both stock exchanges has been compared and found that Eastern Asian Country have more effect as compared South Asian country. The results are given in detail by using Eviews Package.
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of Serum MicroRNAs in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Min Yin , Aiping Chen
Published: August 2018

AimSummarize the research progress of serum miRNAs in clinical application for early diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer. MethodsReview of the recently published literature these was conducted. We selected reviews and clinical researches from different scientific societies.ResultsThe abnormal expression of serum miRNAs has a certain clinical value in theearly diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Many miRNAs, which are involved in regulating ovarian cancer cell growth, migration, and drug resistance, are also closely related to the patients’ survival rate and affect the prognostic condition of the patients. So the serum miRNAs may be useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.Conclusions Studies have shown that serum miRNAs has the tumor specificity and high stability, enabling it has the potential for early diagnosis, prognosis and sensitivity to chemotherapy. However, the researches on serum miRNAs is still at the primary stage, further researches is needed for application of serum miRNAs in early diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer.
Ship Scheduling in the Tramp Spot Market Based on Shipper's Choice Behavior and the Spatial and Temporal Shipping Demand
Authors: Zhao Yiran , Yang Zhongzhen
Published: August 2018

In the tramp spot shipping market, the choice of a shipper and the spatial and temporal shipping demand affect decisions regarding task choices and ship routing of the carrier. From the perspective of a carrier, this article divides the entire shipping planning horizon into a series of time windows and converts the carriers' market shares into shippers' choice inertia. Based on the spatial and temporal shipping demand, the obtained market shares in different time windows are analyzed, and the ship scheduling schemes, including the amount of shipped cargos, the sailing routes and the ships used, are determined with the objective of maximizing the carrier's profits. Finally, a numerical test is conducted using the Pacific tramp shipping market as an example.
General introduction: A comparative perspective on probabilistic variation in grammar
Authors: Grafmiller Jason , Szmrecsanyi Benedikt , Röthlisberger Melanie , Heller Benedikt
Published: August 2018

This special collection brings together research exploring and evaluating probabilistic variation patterns from a comparative perspective, thus highlighting current work situated at the crossroads of research on usage-based theoretical linguistics, variationist linguistics, and sociolinguistics. The contributions in the collection advance our understanding of the plasticity of syntactic knowledge on the part of language users with diverse regional and/or cultural backgrounds, and demonstrate how a probabilistic approach to grammatical variation can offer insight into the scope and limits of language variation. In this general introduction to the special collection, we provide some essential background for perspective, and subsequently summarize the contributions in the collection.
La brecha norte sur en investigatión científica
Authors: Zelaya Perdomo Iving
Published: August 2018

La poca relevancia que se otorga a la función de investigación en la sociedad y en las propias universidades del Sur, la debilidad de los sistemas nacionales de ciencia y tecnología y la falta de capacidades disciplinares y metodológicas aunada a las carencias en equipamiento e infraestructura cualificada para la investigación en las instituciones de educación superior son elementos que inciden sobre el mantenimiento de la brecha norte-sur en investigación científica.En este artículo se da cuenta de algunos elementos concretos que, en el caso de Honduras y la UNAH, propician esta brecha u obstaculizan su reducción; al tiempo que se describen algunas particularidades concernientes al desarrollo de proyectos de investigación colaborativos en el contexto Norte-Sur y se realizan apuntes que podrían aportar a la construcción de políticas públicas que potencien la producción científica como factor clave del desarrollo y faciliten la labor de los gestores académicos de investigación en el nivel de educación superior.