bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF OPTIMAL SIGNAGE LOCATION SELECTION IN SCENIC AREA
Authors: Ruan Ling , Long Ying , Zhang Ling , Wu Xiao Ling
Published: June 2016

Abstract. As an important part of the scenic area infrastructure services, signage guiding system plays an indispensable role in guiding the way and improving the quality of tourism experience. This paper proposes an optimal method in signage location selection and direction content design in a scenic area based on geographic analysis. The object of the research is to provide a best solution to arrange limited guiding boards in a tourism area to show ways arriving at any scenic spot from any entrance. There are four steps to achieve the research object. First, the spatial distribution of the junction of the scenic road, the passageway and the scenic spots is analyzed. Then, the count of scenic roads intersection on the shortest path between all entrances and all scenic spots is calculated. Next, combing with the grade of the scenic road and scenic spots, the importance of each road intersection is estimated quantitatively. Finally, according to the importance of all road intersections, the most suitable layout locations of signage guiding boards can be provided. In addition, the method is applied in the Ming Tomb scenic area in China and the result is compared with the existing signage guiding space layout.
SHARING ON WEB 3D MODELS OF ANCIENT THEATRES. A METHODOLOGICAL WORKFLOW
Authors: Scianna A. , La Guardia M. , Scaduto M. L.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In the last few years, the need to share on the Web the knowledge of Cultural Heritage (CH) through navigable 3D models has increased. This need requires the availability of Web-based virtual reality systems and 3D WEBGIS. In order to make the information available to all stakeholders, these instruments should be powerful and at the same time very user-friendly. However, research and experiments carried out so far show that a standardized methodology doesn’t exist. All this is due both to complexity and dimensions of geometric models to be published, on the one hand, and to excessive costs of hardware and software tools, on the other. In light of this background, the paper describes a methodological approach for creating 3D models of CH, freely exportable on the Web, based on HTML5 and free and open source software. HTML5, supporting the WebGL standard, allows the exploration of 3D spatial models using most used Web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer. The methodological workflow here described has been tested for the construction of a multimedia geo-spatial platform developed for three-dimensional exploration and documentation of the ancient theatres of Segesta and of Carthage, and the surrounding landscapes. The experimental application has allowed us to explore the potential and limitations of sharing on the Web of 3D CH models based on WebGL standard. Sharing capabilities could be extended defining suitable geospatial Web-services based on capabilities of HTML5 and WebGL technology.
ANALYSIS OF SPATIO-TEMPORAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS BASED ON PEDESTRIAN TRAJECTORIES
Authors: Busch S. , Schindler T. , Klinger T. , Brenner C.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. For driver assistance and autonomous driving systems, it is essential to predict the behaviour of other traffic participants. Usually, standard filter approaches are used to this end, however, in many cases, these are not sufficient. For example, pedestrians are able to change their speed or direction instantly. Also, there may be not enough observation data to determine the state of an object reliably, e.g. in case of occlusions. In those cases, it is very useful if a prior model exists, which suggests certain outcomes. For example, it is useful to know that pedestrians are usually crossing the road at a certain location and at certain times. This information can then be stored in a map which then can be used as a prior in scene analysis, or in practical terms to reduce the speed of a vehicle in advance in order to minimize critical situations. In this paper, we present an approach to derive such a spatio-temporal map automatically from the observed behaviour of traffic participants in everyday traffic situations. In our experiments, we use one stationary camera to observe a complex junction, where cars, public transportation and pedestrians interact. We concentrate on the pedestrians trajectories to map traffic patterns. In the first step, we extract trajectory segments from the video data. These segments are then clustered in order to derive a spatial model of the scene, in terms of a spatially embedded graph. In the second step, we analyse the temporal patterns of pedestrian movement on this graph. We are able to derive traffic light sequences as well as the timetables of nearby public transportation. To evaluate our approach, we used a 4 hour video sequence. We show that we are able to derive traffic light sequences as well as time tables of nearby public transportation.
MINING SPATIOTEMPORAL PATTERNS OF THE ELDER’S DAILY MOVEMENT
Authors: Chen C. R. , Chen C. F. , Liu M. E. , Tsai S. J. , Son N. T. , Kinh L. V.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. With rapid developments in wearable device technology, a vast amount of spatiotemporal data, such as people’s movement and physical activities, are generated. Information derived from the data reveals important knowledge that can contribute a long-term care and psychological assessment of the elders’ living condition especially in long-term care institutions. This study aims to develop a method to investigate the spatial-temporal movement patterns of the elders with their outdoor trajectory information. To achieve the goal, GPS based location data of the elderly subjects from long-term care institutions are collected and analysed with geographic information system (GIS). A GIS statistical model is developed to mine the elderly subjects’ spatiotemporal patterns with the location data and represent their daily movement pattern at particular time. The proposed method first finds the meaningful trajectory and extracts the frequent patterns from the time-stamp location data. Then, a density-based clustering method is used to identify the major moving range and the gather/stay hotspot in both spatial and temporal dimensions. The preliminary results indicate that the major moving area of the elderly people encompasses their dorm and has a short moving distance who often stay in the same site. Subjects’ outdoor appearance are corresponded to their life routine. The results can be useful for understanding elders’ social network construction, risky area identification and medical care monitoring.
Using geo-targeted social media data to detect outdoor air pollution
Authors: Jiang W. , Wang Y. , Tsou M. H. , Fu X.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Outdoor air pollution has become a more and more serious issue over recent years (He, 2014). Urban air quality is measured at air monitoring stations. Building air monitoring stations requires land, incurs costs and entails skilled technicians to maintain a station. Many countries do not have any monitoring stations and even lack any means to monitor air quality. Recent years, the social media could be used to monitor air quality dynamically (Wang, 2015; Mei, 2014). However, no studies have investigated the inter-correlations between real-space and cyberspace by examining variation in micro-blogging behaviors relative to changes in daily air quality. Thus, existing methods of monitoring AQI using micro-blogging data shows a high degree of error between real AQI and air quality as inferred from social media messages. In this paper, we introduce a new geo-targeted social media analytic method to (1) investigate the dynamic relationship between air pollution-related posts on Sina Weibo and daily AQI values; (2) apply Gradient Tree Boosting, a machine learning method, to monitor the dynamics of AQI using filtered social media messages. Our results expose the spatiotemporal relationships between social media messages and real-world environmental changes as well suggesting new ways to monitor air pollution using social media.
TWEETS AND FACEBOOK POSTS, THE NOVELTY TECHNIQUES IN THE CREATION OF ORIGIN-DESTINATION MODELS
Authors: Malema H. K. , Musakwa W.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Social media and big data have emerged to be a useful source of information that can be used for planning purposes, particularly transportation planning and trip-distribution studies. Cities in developing countries such as South Africa often struggle with out-dated, unreliable and cumbersome techniques such as traffic counts and household surveys to conduct origin and destination studies. The emergence of ubiquitous crowd sourced data, big data, social media and geolocation based services has shown huge potential in providing useful information for origin and destination studies. Perhaps such information can be utilised to determine the origin and destination of commuters using the Gautrain, a high-speed railway in Gauteng province South Africa. To date little is known about the origins and destinations of Gautrain commuters. Accordingly, this study assesses the viability of using geolocation-based services namely Facebook and Twitter in mapping out the network movements of Gautrain commuters. Explorative Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA), Echo-social and ArcGis software were used to extract social media data, i.e. tweets and Facebook posts as well as to visualize the concentration of Gautrain commuters. The results demonstrate that big data and geolocation based services have the significant potential to predict movement network patterns of commuters and this information can thus, be used to inform and improve transportation planning. Nevertheless use of crowd sourced data and big data has privacy concerns that still need to be addressed.
GEOGRAPHY MATTERS IN ONLINE HOTEL REVIEWS
Authors: Wang Mingshu , Zhou Xiaolu
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In resonance with the popularity of user-generated contents (UGC) and the volunteered geographic information (VGI), this study crowdsourced 77,098 hotel reviews of 220 hotels provided by U.S. reviewers in the city of San Francisco, 2002 to 2015. In this exploratory analysis, we have revealed that there is spatial dependence of customer satisfaction at different locations (of hotels), which violates the assumption that ordinary least-square (OLS) is the best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE); therefore, spatial model might be required for analysing any antecedents and consequences of such phenomena. These results have implications in marketing and management strategies.
Using social media for disaster emergency management
Authors: Wang Y. D. , Wang T. , Ye X. Y. , Zhu J. Q. , Lee J.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Social media have become a universal phenomenon in our society (Wang et al., 2012). As a new data source, social media have been widely used in knowledge discovery in fields related to health (Jackson et al., 2014), human behaviour (Lee, 2014), social influence (Hong, 2013), and market analysis (Hanna et al., 2011). In this paper, we report a case study of the 2012 Beijing Rainstorm to investigate how emergency information was timely distributed using social media during emergency events. We present a classification and location model for social media text streams during emergency events. This model classifies social media text streams based on their topical contents. Integrated with a trend analysis, we show how Sina-Weibo fluctuated during emergency events. Using a spatial statistical analysis method, we found that the distribution patterns of Sina-Weibo were related to the emergency events but varied among different topics. This study helps us to better understand emergency events so that decision-makers can act on emergencies in a timely manner. In addition, this paper presents the tools, methods, and models developed in this study that can be used to work with text streams from social media in the context of disaster management.
THE POTENTIAL OF STRAVA DATA TO CONTRIBUTE IN NON-MOTORISED TRANSPORT (NMT) PLANNING IN JOHANNESBURG
Authors: Selala M. K. , Musakwa W.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Transportation is one of the most fundamental challenges of urban development in the modern world. Cities are currently moving towards sustainable transportation, which includes non-motorised transportation (NMT). The city of Johannesburg has a goal of becoming a smart city, with sustainable development and smart mobility. Encouraging the use of non-motorised transportation and public transport has the potential of reducing the use of private motorised transport and therefor its negative consequences within the city of Johannesburg. There is limited research on cycling and how cyclists interact with cycling infrastructure within the city. The lack of such knowledge hinders proper planning for NMT. This research studies the ability of geolocation based services to provide such information which can be useful in planning for NMT. Strava Metro application is the example of such geolocation based services. The potential of this app to influence planning is investigated. According to the information acquired by Strava Metro, there are more cyclists in suburbs at the centre of Johannesburg and towards the north and to the east, and in Kibler Park at the south western part of the city. There are indications that the numbers of cycling activities recorded by Strava Metro are affected by the availability of gated communities, income levels, crime levels and the provision of infrastructure.
IMPREMENTATION OF VGI-BASED GEOPORTAL FOR EMPOWERING CITIZEN’S GEOSPATIAL OBSERVATORIES RELATED TO URBAN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Lee Sanghoon
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The volunteered geospatial information (VGI) will be efficient and cost-effective method for generating and sharing large disasterrelated geospatial data. The national mapping organizations have played the role of major geospatial collector have been moving toward the considering public participation data collecting method. Due to VGI can conduct to encourage public participation and empower citizens, mapping agency could make a partnership with members of the VGI community to help to provide well-structured geospatial data. In order to effectively be understood and sharing the public semantics, datasets and action model of the public participation GeoPortal, the implemented VGI-GeoPortal designated as the basis of ISO 19154, ISO 19101 and OGC Reference Model. The proof of concepts of VGI-GeoPortal has been implemented urban flooding use-case in Republic of Korea to collect from the public, and analyze disaster-related geospatial data including high-disaster potential information such as the location of poor drainage sewer, small signs of occurring landslide, flooding vulnerability of urban structure, and etc.
ISSUES ON BUILDING KAZAKHSTAN GEOSPATIAL PORTAL TO IMPLEMENT E-GOVERNMENT
Authors: Sagadiyev K. , Kang H. K. , Li K. J.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. A main issue in developing e-government is about how to integrate and organize many complicated processes and different stakeholders. Interestingly geospatial information provides an efficient framework to integrate and organized them. In particular, it is very useful to integrate the process of land management in e-government with geospatial information framework, since most of land management tasks are related with geospatial properties. In this paper, we present a use-case on the e-government project in Kazakhstan for land management. We develop a geoportal to connect many tasks and different users via geospatial information framework. This geoportal is based on open source geospatial software including GeoServer, PostGIS, and OpenLayers. With this geoportal, we expect three achievements as follows. First we establish a transparent governmental process, which is one of main goal of e-government. Every stakeholder monitors what is happening in land management process. Second, we can significantly reduce the time and efforts in the government process. For example, a grant procedure for a building construction has taken more than one year with more than 50 steps. It is expected that this procedure would be reduced to 2 weeks by the geoportal framework. Third we provide a collaborative environment between different governmental structures via the geoportal, while many conflicts and mismatches have been a critical issue of governmental administration processes.
EVALUATION OF THE USER STRATEGY ON 2D AND 3D CITY MAPS BASED ON NOVEL SCANPATH COMPARISON METHOD AND GRAPH VISUALIZATION
Authors: Dolezalova J. , Popelka S.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The paper is dealing with scanpath comparison of eye-tracking data recorded during case study focused on the evaluation of 2D and 3D city maps. The experiment contained screenshots from three map portals. Two types of maps were used - standard map and 3D visualization. Respondents’ task was to find particular point symbol on the map as fast as possible. Scanpath comparison is one group of the eye-tracking data analyses methods used for revealing the strategy of the respondents. In cartographic studies, the most commonly used application for scanpath comparison is eyePatterns that output is hierarchical clustering and a tree graph representing the relationships between analysed sequences. During an analysis of the algorithm generating a tree graph, it was found that the outputs do not correspond to the reality. We proceeded to the creation of a new tool called ScanGraph. This tool uses visualization of cliques in simple graphs and is freely available at www.eyetracking.upol.cz/scangraph. Results of the study proved the functionality of the tool and its suitability for analyses of different strategies of map readers. Based on the results of the tool, similar scanpaths were selected, and groups of respondents with similar strategies were identified. With this knowledge, it is possible to analyse the relationship between belonging to the group with similar strategy and data gathered from the questionnaire (age, sex, cartographic knowledge, etc.) or type of stimuli (2D, 3D map).
TANGIBLE LANDSCAPE: COGNITIVELY GRASPING THE FLOW OF WATER
Authors: Harmon B. A. , Petrasova A. , Petras V. , Mitasova H. , Meentemeyer R. K.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Complex spatial forms like topography can be challenging to understand, much less intentionally shape, given the heavy cognitive load of visualizing and manipulating 3D form. Spatiotemporal processes like the flow of water over a landscape are even more challenging to understand and intentionally direct as they are dependent upon their context and require the simulation of forces like gravity and momentum. This cognitive work can be offloaded onto computers through 3D geospatial modeling, analysis, and simulation. Interacting with computers, however, can also be challenging, often requiring training and highly abstract thinking. Tangible computing – an emerging paradigm of human-computer interaction in which data is physically manifested so that users can feel it and directly manipulate it – aims to offload this added cognitive work onto the body. We have designed Tangible Landscape, a tangible interface powered by an open source geographic information system (GRASS GIS), so that users can naturally shape topography and interact with simulated processes with their hands in order to make observations, generate and test hypotheses, and make inferences about scientific phenomena in a rapid, iterative process. Conceptually Tangible Landscape couples a malleable physical model with a digital model of a landscape through a continuous cycle of 3D scanning, geospatial modeling, and projection. We ran a flow modeling experiment to test whether tangible interfaces like this can effectively enhance spatial performance by offloading cognitive processes onto computers and our bodies. We used hydrological simulations and statistics to quantitatively assess spatial performance. We found that Tangible Landscape enhanced 3D spatial performance and helped users understand water flow.
SIMULATING NAVIGATION WITH VIRTUAL 3D GEOVISUALIZATIONS – A FOCUS ON MEMORY RELATED FACTORS
Authors: Lokka I. , Çöltekin A.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The use of virtual environments (VE) for navigation-related studies, such as spatial cognition and path retrieval has been widely adopted in cognitive psychology and related fields. What motivates the use of VEs for such studies is that, as opposed to real-world, we can control for the confounding variables in simulated VEs. When simulating a geographic environment as a virtual world with the intention to train navigational memory in humans, an effective and efficient visual design is important to facilitate the amount of recall. However, it is not yet clear what amount of information should be included in such visual designs intended to facilitate remembering: there can be too little or too much of it. Besides the amount of information or level of detail, the types of visual features (‘elements’ in a visual scene) that should be included in the representations to create memorable scenes and paths must be defined. We analyzed the literature in cognitive psychology, geovisualization and information visualization, and identified the key factors for studying and evaluating geovisualization designs for their function to support and strengthen human navigational memory. The key factors we identified are: i) the individual abilities and age of the users, ii) the level of realism (LOR) included in the representations and iii) the context in which the navigation is performed, thus specific tasks within a case scenario. Here we present a concise literature review and our conceptual development for follow-up experiments.
Farmers’ Perceptions on Climate Variability and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Cinzana, Mali
Authors: Halimatou Touré , Nouhoun Zampaligre , Kalifa Traoré , Nicholas Kyei-Baffour
Published: June 2016

Several studies predict that climate change will highly affect the African continent. These changes in climate and climate variability may be challenging issues for future economic development of the continent in general, and particularly in the region of sub Saharan Africa. Offering a case study of Sahelian zone of Mali in the present study aimed to understand farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and change and to evaluate adaptation options used by farmers in the Cinzana commune of Mali. One hundred and nineteen farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire designed with six sections. The result showed that all farmers interviewed were aware of climate change and climate variability. The Farmers perceived a decrease in annual rainfall variability and an increase of temperature as main factors of climate change and climate variability. The observed meteorological data, showed a decrease of precipitation distribution during the last 14 years of which was observed by farmers. Several strategies such as selling animals, use of improved crop varieties, new activities (outside agriculture) and credit were the commonly preferred adaptation strategies to deal with climate change and variability. Factors surveyed, age, gender, education, household size, farm size were found to be significantly correlated to self-reported to adaptation.
The Multidimensional Phenomenon of Study Success in Higher Education—A Head Start to Success at Work?
Authors: Uusiautti Satu , Määttä Kaarina
Published: June 2016

Universities are worried about students’ satisfaction and well-being. These elements are important when pursuing to enhance efficient graduation and quality outcomes in studies. The changing world, indeed, has changed the elements of success in education and in work, too, which is the area of life students enter from universities. The purpose of this article is, first, to discuss the prerequisites of study success in universities, and second, to establish a connection between the phenomena of success in studies and success at work. The viewpoint leans of positive psychology. Students themselves were asked to describe success in their studies. How do students themselves perceive their study processes and what do they think about the factors that promote their success in studies. The research questions were: (1) what have been the most pleasing study experiences the students have encountered in university studies?; and (2) what factors have enhanced their study progress and success according to their own perceptions? Students (N=186) answered to an internet-based open-ended questionnaire. The data were analyzed in a data-based manner which resulted in eight most frequently mentioned success factor in the questionnaire data.   The findings showed that there are some similarities between the phenomenon of success in studies and at work. The phenomenon is illustrated as the conclusion, and the finding can be used when developing university education to better meet the demands of the modern, changing world of work. 
Antigone, Irony, and the Nation State: The Case of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) and the Role of Militant Feminism in Pakistan
Authors: Rasheed Shaireen
Published: June 2016

This paper seeks to elucidate how certain grass roots
women’s movements in Third World countries are forced to make alternative alliances. The author discusses the issue of the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) incidence in Pakistan to illustrate, how Muslim militant feminists have re-aligned themselves with the nation,
state, and religion to justify their feminist identities. Through the case study of the Red Mosque in Pakistan and the militarization of the Jamia Hafsa feminists, Dr Rasheed discusses the problematic of engaging in a “radical Islamist” discourse when interpreting scenarios such as the Lal Masjid.
The Celestial Virgin
Authors: Merrell-Wolff Franklin
Published: June 2016

Traditional woman has been the custodian of pleasure, and the dis-pensing of pleasure has been a large part of her glory and power. Too often, in these later days, womankind has been disposed to discredit her own natural glories and powers by becoming an imitator of man. This is really giving to man-power and man-function a greater tribute than they deserve. That essence the outer embodiment of which is woman in a peculiar sense constitutes a need of this world today that is especially poignant. There is too great an over-balance of harsh willfulness abroad in the world. Consequently, there is a need for the counter-balancing forces, and these woman, alone, is really competent to exercise. Among these essentially feminine qualities the following stand out: Beauty, Mercy, Tenderness, Charm, Ecstasy, preservation of proven values, etc. It is a grave mistake to regard these powers as inferior to the Creative Will, the Will to Power, the Daring of the Unknown, and the Judgment that peculiarly mark the masculine principle. The latter powers are unques-tionably indispensable both in the world-field and for Inward Penetra¬tion, but by themselves they are unbalanced and can easily drop from a constructive to a destructive level. The isolated masculine principle cannot check this tendency and, so, right here is where the feminine quality is grievously needed. The feminine powers are just as strong as the mas-culine, although they function in a more subtle way. We greatly need more women who justly appreciate the ancient and natural feminine powers and arts.
Man is Siva, the formless Light; woman is Shakti, the Current which opposes and embodies the Light. Without embodiment, the Light of Consciousness remains void of self-consciousness. Since self-consciousness is the one great achieved value, it is easy to see how vitally important the Shakti principle is.
In Her highest aspect, Woman is the Celestial Virgin, and this is none other than the Current of Bliss. The Current is a Virgin, because of the quality of ever-becoming-new. Though impregnated by the Fire of Wis¬dom, yet She remains a Virgin because She is ever-changing within Her own Self-identity. The union of Wisdom and the Virgin gives birth to the Christ, and this is the real Immaculate Conception. This union is the untellable Joy of which all lesser ecstasies are but faint shadows. So, deep and lasting Joy is the true sign of the genuine and noble religiosity. Aus¬tere gloom in the name of religion is a sacrilege and sign of failure. Only false religion is dreary. The Holy is Free and Joyful.
Feminism, Muslim Theology and Religious Pluralism
Authors: Tabbara Nayla , Lamptey Jerusha
Published: June 2016

Prof. Tabara and Prof. Lamptey discuss the intersection between Religious Science, Islamic Studies and Feminism. Prof. Lamptey explains her notion of Muslima Theologia, focusing on the relationship between gender and religious differences. Prof. Tabara talks about her own work on the Qoranic approch to religious pluralism.
Organizational Aesthetic Capability and Firm Product and Process Innovativeness
Authors: Dogan Derya , Keskin Halit , Akgun Ali E.
Published: June 2016

Taking into consideration the popularity of organizational aesthetics in organizational behavior literature, and adapting dynamic capabilities perspective, we suggest that organizational aesthetic capability is an important competence that enables organizations to cope with the environmental uncertainty. Nonetheless, organizational aesthetic capability is rarely addressed in the technology and innovation management literature. Specifically, we know little about what organizational aesthetic capability is, its ingredients and benefits, and how it works in innovation context. Addressing this particular gap in the literature, this study contributes in two ways. First, we conceptualize organizational aesthetic capability and its sub-dimensions that are alert imagination, to act and defer, awareness of dissonance, analyzing past actions, prefiguring future trajectories, preserve existing modes of operation, willingness to change direction, recognizing symbols in use, and awareness of language. Second, the theoretical framework we proposed highlights the effects of organizational aesthetic capability on product and process innovativeness.
Screening of Diazotrophs as Plant Growth Promoters and Their Effect in the Development of Maize Seed
Authors: Monokoane Phokoane Connie , Mekbib Sissay Bekele , Haiying Li
Published: June 2016

Free-living diazotrophs play an important role as plant growth promoters by supplementing nitrogen to deficient soils. In this study, six diazotrophic isolates were selected from 36 previously screened diazotrophic isolates for their mode of action to promote plant growth. A nitrogen free medium was used to screen nitrogen fixing diazotrophs. All strains have exhibited some activity of indole-3-acetic acid production. Strain MAF7-1 shown the highest (0.448 mg ml-1), while strain NUL3-2 exhibited the least (0.032 mg ml-1) production of IAA. Though all isolates were unable to solubilize inorganic phosphate, were able to inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum that causes wilting to plants. There was no significant difference in maize seed germination vigour and rate. However, MAF7-1 had better germination rate and seed vigour (27.5%) when compared to the control (16%). Except strain NUL3-2, all showed significant increase of root length and dry weight of maize seedlings. Therefore, the choice of strain to be used for production of biofertilizer should not only be based on the nitrogenase activity, but also on ability to produce phytohormones.  Strain NUL3-2, MAF7-1 and MAF7-3 are potential strains that can be used in the production of biofertilizer. Further study of these strains in depth as plant growth agents and biofertilizer is commendable for future application.
Conservation Horticulture in Mango Orchards: Comparative Effects of Conventional and Conservation Management Practices on Soil Properties of an Alfisol under Seasonally Dry Tropical Savanna Climate
Authors: Ganeshamurthy A. N. , Ravindra V. , Panneerselvam P. , Sathyarahini K. , Bhat R. M.
Published: June 2016

Conservation horticulture is a new concept in management of soil health under perennial horticultural cropping systems. Experiments conducted reasonably over a long period on such soil management systems provide valuable information about sustainability of production systems. This paper reports the results of comprehensive investigations on soil chemical, physical, biochemical and biological properties of soils under conventional and conservation horticulture practices over a long period in drylnd mango orchards on Alfisols. Effects of conservation tillage, inter cropping and cover cropping on soil carbon fractions was measured by determination of loss on ignition, organic carbon (OC) and active carbon (AC). Soil biochemical properties were evaluated by measuring glomalin and extracellular enzymatic activities viz., dehydrogenase, urease, phosphomonoestrase and arylsulphatase and measurement of soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and carbon mineralization. Biological status was evaluated by estimating bacterial, actinobacterial and fungal populations, earthworms, micro arthropods and centipedes. Soil physical status was assessed by measuring bulk density, soil moisture status and infiltration rates.

Conservation horticultural practices improved the quality of soil, especially near the surface, by lowering the bulk density and enhancing infiltration rate. The soil aggregate formation and water stability have enhanced in plots with conservation practices because of higher production of glomalin compared with vegetable and orchard plots where conventional practices were followed. Relationship between measured infiltration and soil properties showed high average IRs in conservation plots due to high organic matter content, low bulk density values and enhanced exchangeable basic cations. Vegetable plots and conventional mango plots showed complete decline in earthworm and centipede population while plots with conservation practices showed a build-up of their population. Microbial and biochemical properties significantly improved in plots with conservation horticultural practices over orchard plots with conventional practices. Legumes as inter and cover crops were found to be superior in improving soil quality than sweet potato.
Determinants of South Africa’s Orange Trade Flows in the Top European and Asian Importing Countries
Authors: Matolo Luyolo , Zhemin Li , Wen Yu , Min Huang
Published: June 2016

South Africa orange exporters have for a long time enjoyed a sizeable market share in many parts of the world. A large portion of that sizeable market share can be located in the European countries then followed by fast developing countries in Asia. This market share can be associated with a declining South African currency compared to the values of these major currencies. On the other hand a number of trade agreements that have been reached by South Africa and these countries over the years have also contributed handsomely in the mentioned market share. Furthermore, diets of consumers in these countries have as well contributed in the conquered market share. Although a number of studies have been conducted on the subject of South Africa’s declining currency and the established trade agreements on products with mixed magnitudes in influencing trade flows, further research is needed for a better understanding on the trade determinants patterns in specific products. This paper focuses on the determinants of South Africa’s orange trade in the top European and Asian importing countries. In order to understand these trade determinants, gravity model has been applied to identify and analyze significant factors encouraging or discouraging the quantities/volumes of oranges exported to the above mentioned countries. Findings have shown that over the reviewed period, South Africa’s orange exports to the European market have been consistence, while exports to Asian market started slow and gradually increased over the years. Gravity model estimated coefficients also showed expected signs.
A Research on Production of Rocket and Parsley in Floating System
Authors: Duyar Hale , Kiliç Cenk Ceyhun
Published: June 2016

In this research, the possibility of the production of rocket and parsley which have short production cycle and baby leaf vegetable, in floating system to reduce the concentration of nutrient solution; determination of the effects of yield, quality and leaf nutrient content was aimed. Research was carried out during the autumn and spring production seasons of 2010-2011. Standard nutrient solution ((mM) 12 N-NO3, 3.8 N-NH4, 2.8 P, 8.4 K, 3.5 Ca, 1.4 Mg, 9.5 Na, 8.0 Cl, 2.7 S, 0.04 Fe) was used as full dose (control treatment) and compared to half dose (1/2 dose) Hoagland nutrient solution. Both of the seasons in total yield were changed between rocket 975.81-1612.15 g m-2 and parsley 875.50-1093.50 g m-2 respectively. The results showed that using of floating system in Rocket and Parsley cultivation was successful and reduced the concentration of nutrient solution; variety and growing season at rates ranging from 13.7% to 24.8% compared to have showed reduce the yield. In this study, the effect of treatments to some quality parameters (dry weight, vitamin C, nitrate, pH ve EC) and nutrients removed by plant were determined. In addition, it was found that these values increased with increasing with the concentration of nutrient solution; however, vitamin C decreased in Parsley cultivation. When the results evaluated as a whole, it was concluded that using ½ doses decreased yield, some savings could be achieved in terms of nutrient solution consumed by the plant with the negative impact on the environment.
Production Determinants of the Pearl Millet Cropping System in Uganda and Implications to Productivity
Authors: Lubadde G. , Tongoona P. , Derera J. , Sibiya J.
Published: June 2016

Pearl millet is an important crop for people living in semi-arid areas in Uganda but not much is known about its production environment. A survey was conducted in eastern and northern regions of Uganda to characterise the pearl millet cropping system and to identify the most important production determinants. Using questionnaires, data was collected from 160 households through face-to-face interviews with the respondents. Results showed that pearl millet was mainly grown for food and source of income. The production environment was low input as farmers planted unimproved genotypes, used no artificial chemicals or manure, and had minimal access to financial credit and agricultural trainings or extension services. Planting was done in the second rains with no optimal use of important resources like family labour and seed due to seed broadcasting. Farmers desired genotypes with traits such as; stay green, being tall, high tillering, high yield, early maturity and being ergot resistant. The most important constraints were ergot and rust diseases susceptibility, low yield, low tillering, late maturity, sterile panicles, rodents, moulds/rotting and insect pests; while lack of market, low prices and price fluctuation were the important market constraints. Results further showed that farmers lacked knowledge about the common diseases like rust and ergot. The area planted, spouse age and years of pearl millet cultivation were the important factors enhancing production while age of household head, amount of seed planted and distance to the market negatively affected grain yield.
Diversity and distribution of adeonid bryozoans (Cheilostomata: Adeonidae) in Japanese waters
Authors: Hirose Masato
Published: June 2016

Adeonid bryozoans construct antler-like erect colonies and are common in bryozoan assemblages along the Japanese Pacific coast. The taxonomy of Japanese adeonid species, however, has not been studied since their original descriptions more than 100 years ago. In the present study, adeonid specimens from historical collections and material recently collected along the Japanese coast are examined. Eight adeonid species in two genera were detected, of which Adeonella jahanai sp. nov., Adeonellopsis parvirostrum sp. nov., and Adeonellopsis toyoshioae sp. nov. are described as new species based on the branch width, size and morphology of frontal or suboral avicularia, shape and size of areolar pores, and size of the spiramen. Adeonellopsis arculifera (Canu & Bassler, 1929) is a new record for Japan. Lectotypes for Adeonellopsis japonica (Ortmann, 1890) and Adeonella sparassis (Ortmann, 1890) were selected among Ortmann’s syntypes. Most species of Adeonellopsis around Japan have a southern distribution from Sagami Bay to Okinawa, while A. japonica shows a more northern distribution from Kouchi to Otsuchi. In contrast, Adeonellopsis arculifera was collected only from southwestern Japan. A key to Japanese adeonid species is provided.
Socio-Economic and Cultural Influence on Vitamin A Intake of Lactating Mothers in Ngaoundere Cameroon
Authors: Damndja Ngaha W. , N. Fombang Edith , Aba Ejoh R.
Published: June 2016

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a widespread public health problem in developing nations affecting greatly pregnant and lactating women. The intake of Vitamin A rich foods highly recommended to reduce the prevalence in these vulnerable groups are greatly influenced by the level of education, geographic origin and differences in food habits.
Aims of the Study: To evaluate the Influence of socio-economic, cultural, geographic origin, and demographic factors on vitamin A (VA) intake of lactating mothers in Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
Method: A total of 100 lactating mothers attending pediatric consultations at four major health structures in Ngaoundere were involved in the survey. A questionnaire was used to get information on socio-economic, cultural, demographic factors, geographic origin, anthropometric parameters and culinary practices. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall method. Meals potentially rich in VA consumed by these women were collected, their carotenoids contents quantified and VA activity determined.
Results: Average VA intake of lactating women of Northern origin was significantly (p< 0.05) lower (595.2±60.4μg/day) than that of women of Southern origin (737.6±55.6μg/day), although both were below the recommended intake of 850μg/day. VA intake was also higher in the more educated women. Marital status, number of children, age of the mother and body mass index did not significantly influence the daily VA intake of the women. Lactating women of Northern origin, with three or more children and having no formal education, are more at risk of acute VA Deficiency.
Conclusion: While the level of education influenced the VA intake in lactating women from the Northern Region, the age of the baby influenced those from the Southern Region.
The Changing Face and Focus of the Adolescent with an Eating Disorder
Authors: Chason Carly , M. Davis Krista , J. Hanks Lynae , Casazza Krista
Published: June 2016

The classic silhouette of the typical adolescent with an eating disorder (ED) is a white female with extremely low body weight; this has begun to take a new shape. The most apparent shift in the classic views are sex and weight. A trend toward a progressively decreasing age of onset in ED has also emerged. The objective of this paper is to describe the ED patients presenting to Children’s of Alabama’s Adolescent Eating Disorders Clinic, encompassing their age, sex, BMI percentile and muscle function. The data was examined from all first presentations to the clinic from 2013 to 2016. Between May 2013 and March 2016, 102 new patient appointments were scheduled. 88 patient’s charts were reviewed from the time of each initial appointment in the Adolescent Eating Disorders Clinic to obtain the sex, age, race, height, weight, reason for referral/active problems and ED diagnosis for each patient. BMI percentile was calculated according to reference ranges for sex and age. Handgrip strength was measured by dynamometer. As is consistent with previously published data, there were significantly more females than males seen in our population. There were more females than males across all categories of ED diagnoses. The highest number of diagnoses occurred between the ages of 13-16. A positive correlation between BMI percentile and measured handgrip strength was observed. Measured handgrip strength in females was lower in ages 13-18 than expected grip strength for age. When males were grouped by “Males 14 and under” and “Males 15 and over,” a lower measured grip strength compared to the expected grip strength for age was demonstrated. The impact of ED on morbidity and mortality has been well recognized; however the most often reported association was mainly based on changes in body weight. The adverse metabolic consequences perturb nutrient sensing and ultimately delivery and utilization. A shift in the focus of energy balanced towards systemic malnourishment may allow healthy and sustained metabolic improvements.
Study on Temporal Effects of Urban Malaria Incidences
Authors: S. Ganguly Krishnendra , Modak Soumita , S. Ganguly Krishna , K. Chattopadhyay Asis
Published: June 2016

In Africa and Asia Malaria is considered to be the most widespread vector-borne disease taking lives of many people and specially affecting children. Many parts of India are significantly affected by malaria over a long period of time. Kolkata is one of the Metropolitan cities in India where the seasonal effect of malaria is very common. In the present work attempts have been made to study temporal variation of urban malaria incidences using time series model on the basis of a large survey conducted by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. It is found that the proposed time series model can be used successfully for prediction purpose.
Peirce and the Logic of Diagrams
Authors: Forster Paul
Published: June 2016

Peirce’s insistence that logic and mathematics are prior to, and independent of, the natural sciences faces serious objections. First, his claim that all knowledge is scientific seems to imply that any justification of the principles of scientific method presupposes the legitimacy of those principles and thus is circular. Second, his claim that truths of logic and mathematics hold independently of facts about the actual world seems hard to square with his insistence that they are established by observation using the experimental method. Finally, his view that logic and mathematics are sciences on the same epistemological footing as any other science seems at odds with his view that results in mathematics and logic are more secure than those of the natural sciences. I argue that Peirce’s answers to these objections rest on his theory of icons. If this is right, his theory of icons is central to his epistemology and issues in a view of mathematics and logic that is original and has been largely overlooked.
Processes of Imaging and Imagining: Toward a Pragmatic Clarification of the Image
Authors: Colapietro Vincent
Published: June 2016

The paper aims at a pragmatist clarification of imaging and imagining. Using Peirce’s doctrine of the three grades of conceptual clarification (tacit familiarity, abstract definition, and pragmatic elucidation), the author tries to clarify our processes and practices of imaging and imagining by considering them in light of these distinct levels. Above all, he endeavors to push the discussion from the level of abstract definition to that of pragmatic clarification, thereby focusing on the habits of agents in situ, not simply verbal formulations offered in the abstract. Borrowing from Barbara Bolt, he uses as one of his examples that of an artist “working hot”. A process wherein conscious intentions and unconscious drives, cognitive designs and thick materiality, conspire to embody themselves in perceptible media is one especially worthy of examination. Hence, from an overview of Peirce’s general theory of signs, the author turns to some of the specific uses of that theory, uses not central to Peirce’s own interests. Artistic production and performance are foremost among these uses. These are, after all, ones in which the dynamics of imaging and imagining are often more vividly on display than elsewhere.