bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Dual- and Full-Circular Polarimetric SAR Modes for Rice Phenology Monitoring: An Experimental Investigation through Ground-Based Measurements
Authors: Izumi Yuta , Demirci Sevket , Bin Baharuddin Mohd , Watanabe Tomoro , Sumantyo Josaphat
Published: April 2017

Circularly polarized synthetic aperture radar (CP-SAR) is known to be insensitive to polarization mismatch losses caused by the Faraday rotation effect and antenna misalignment. Additionally, the dual-circular polarimetric (DCP) mode has proven to have more polarimetric information than that of the corresponding mode of linear polarization, i.e., the dual-linear polarimetric (DLP) mode. Owing to these benefits, this paper investigates the feasibility of CP-SAR for rice monitoring. A ground-based CP-radar system was exploited, and C-band anechoic chamber data of a self-cultivated Japanese rice paddy were acquired from germination to ripening stages. Temporal variations of polarimetric observables derived from full-circular polarimetric (FCP) and DCP as well as synthetically generated DLP data are analyzed and assessed with regard to their effectiveness in phenology retrieval. Among different observations, the H / α ¯ plane and triangle plots obtained by three scattering components (surface, double-bounce, and volume scattering) for both the FCP and DCP modes are confirmed to have reasonable capability in discriminating the relevant intervals of rice growth.
Resilient Modulus Characterization of Compacted Cohesive Subgrade Soil
Authors: Sas Wojciech , Głuchowski Andrzej , Gabryś Katarzyna , Soból Emil , Szymański Alojzy
Published: April 2017

Soil investigations concerning cyclic loading focus on the evaluation, in particular, of design parameters, such as elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, or resilient modulus. Structures subjected to repeated loading are vulnerable to high deformations, especially when subgrade soils are composed of cohesive, fully-saturated soils. Such subgrade soils in the eastern part of Europe have a glacial genesis and are a mix of sand, silt, and clay fractions. The characteristic of, e.g., Young modulus variation and resilient modulus from repeated loading tests, is presented. Based on performed resonant column and cyclic triaxial tests, an analytical model is proposed. The model takes into consideration actual values of effective stress p′, as well as loading characteristics and the position of the effective stress path. This approach results in better characterization of pavement or industrial foundation systems based on the subgrade soil in undrained conditions. The recoverable strains characterized by the resilient modulus Mr value in the first cycle of loading was between 44 MPa and 59 MPa for confining pressure σ’3 equal to 45 kPa, and between 48 MPa and 78 MPa for σ’3 equal to 90 kPa. During cyclic loading, cohesive soil, at first, degrades. When pore pressure reaches equilibrium, the resilient modulus value starts to increase. The above-described phenomena indicate that, after the plastic deformation caused by excessive load and excess pore water pressure dissipation, the soil becomes resilient.
Seismic Response of a Platform-Frame System with Steel Columns
Authors: Trutalli Davide , Marchi Luca , Scotta Roberto , Pozza Luca , De Stefani Lorenzo
Published: April 2017

Timber platform-frame shear walls are characterized by high ductility and diffuse energy dissipation but limited in-plane shear resistance. A novel lightweight constructive system composed of steel columns braced with oriented strand board (OSB) panels was conceived and tested. Preliminary laboratory tests were performed to study the OSB-to-column connections with self-drilling screws. Then, the seismic response of a shear wall was determined performing a quasi-static cyclic-loading test of a full-scale specimen. Results presented in this work in terms of force-displacement capacity show that this system confers to shear walls high in-plane strength and stiffness with good ductility and dissipative capacity. Therefore, the incorporation of steel columns within OSB bracing panels results in a strong and stiff platform-frame system with high potential for low- and medium-rise buildings in seismic-prone areas.
P-Adic Analog of Navier–Stokes Equations: Dynamics of Fluid’s Flow in Percolation Networks (from Discrete Dynamics with Hierarchic Interactions to Continuous Universal Scaling Model)
Authors: Oleschko Klaudia , Khrennikov Andrei , Correa López María
Published: April 2017

Recently p-adic (and, more generally, ultrametric) spaces representing tree-like networks of percolation, and as a special case of capillary patterns in porous media, started to be used to model the propagation of fluids (e.g., oil, water, oil-in-water, and water-in-oil emulsion). The aim of this note is to derive p-adic dynamics described by fractional differential operators (Vladimirov operators) starting with discrete dynamics based on hierarchically-structured interactions between the fluids’ volumes concentrated at different levels of the percolation tree and coming to the multiscale universal topology of the percolating nets. Similar systems of discrete hierarchic equations were widely applied to modeling of turbulence. However, in the present work this similarity is only formal since, in our model, the trees are real physical patterns with a tree-like topology of capillaries (or fractures) in random porous media (not cascade trees, as in the case of turbulence, which we will be discussed elsewhere for the spinner flowmeter commonly used in the petroleum industry). By going to the “continuous limit” (with respect to the p-adic topology) we represent the dynamics on the tree-like configuration space as an evolutionary nonlinear p-adic fractional (pseudo-) differential equation, the tree-like analog of the Navier–Stokes equation. We hope that our work helps to come closer to a nonlinear equation solution, taking into account the scaling, hierarchies, and formal derivations, imprinted from the similar properties of the real physical world. Once this coupling is resolved, the more problematic question of information scaling in industrial applications will be achieved.
Classical and Novel TSPO Ligands for the Mitochondrial TSPO Can Modulate Nuclear Gene Expression: Implications for Mitochondrial Retrograde Signaling
Authors: Yasin Nasra , Veenman Leo , Singh Sukhdev , Azrad Maya , Bode Julia , Vainshtein Alex , Caballero Beatriz , Marek Ilan , Gavish Moshe
Published: April 2017

It is known that knockdown of the mitochondrial 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) as well as TSPO ligands modulate various functions, including functions related to cancer. To study the ability of TSPO to regulate gene expression regarding such functions, we applied microarray analysis of gene expression to U118MG glioblastoma cells. Within 15 min, the classical TSPO ligand PK 11195 induced changes in expression of immediate early genes and transcription factors. These changes also included gene products that are part of the canonical pathway serving to modulate general gene expression. These changes are in accord with real-time, reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR. At the time points of 15, 30, 45, and 60 min, as well as 3 and 24 h of PK 11195 exposure, the functions associated with the changes in gene expression in these glioblastoma cells covered well known TSPO functions. These functions included cell viability, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, tumorigenesis, and angiogenesis. This was corroborated microscopically for cell migration, cell accumulation, adhesion, and neuronal differentiation. Changes in gene expression at 24 h of PK 11195 exposure were related to downregulation of tumorigenesis and upregulation of programmed cell death. In the vehicle treated as well as PK 11195 exposed cell cultures, our triple labeling showed intense TSPO labeling in the mitochondria but no TSPO signal in the cell nuclei. Thus, mitochondrial TSPO appears to be part of the mitochondria-to-nucleus signaling pathway for modulation of nuclear gene expression. The novel TSPO ligand 2-Cl-MGV-1 appeared to be very specific regarding modulation of gene expression of immediate early genes and transcription factors.
TCS2 Increases Olaquindox-Induced Apoptosis by Upregulation of ROS Production and Downregulation of Autophagy in HEK293 Cells
Authors: Li Daowen , Zhao Kena , Yang Xiayun , Xiao Xilong , Tang Shusheng
Published: April 2017

Olaquindox, a feed additive, has drawn public attention due to its potential mutagenicity, genotoxicity, hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC2) pathways in olaquindox-induced autophagy in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. The results revealed that olaquindox treatment reduced the cell viability of HEK293 cells and downregulated the expression of TSC2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, olaquindox treatment markedly induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cascaded to autophagy, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death, which was effectively eliminated by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Furthermore, overexpression of TSC2 attenuated olaquindox-induced autophagy in contrast to inducing the production of ROS, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Consistently, knockdown of TSC2 upregulated autophagy, and decreased olaquindox-induced cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings indicate that TSC2 partly participates in olaquindox-induced autophagy, oxidative stress and apoptosis, and demonstrate that TSC2 has a negative regulation role in olaquindox-induced autophagy in HEK293 cells.
Coaches’ Health Promotion Activity and Substance Use in Youth Sports
Authors: Ng Kwok , Mäkelä Kasper , Parkkari Jari , Kannas Lasse , Vasankari Tommi , Heinonen Olli , Savonen Kai , Alanko Lauri , Korpelainen Raija , Selänne Harri , Villberg Jari , Kokko Sami
Published: April 2017

There is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting youth sports clubs are an important setting for health promotion. Adolescents in sport club settings can benefit from exposures of positive and negative consequences to health. To better understand the sport club context and coaches’ health promotion activity in substance use prevention, this study compares sport club members with non-members aged between 14–16 years old on their experience and use of alcohol, smoking and snuff and coaches’ health promotion activity on substances. Methods: Adolescents (n = 671) from sports clubs and from matched schools (n = 1442) were recruited in this study. Multiple binary logistic regressions were performed on substance use. Results: Higher prevalence of substance use was associated with discussions of substances, often held by coaches. Significantly fewer girls who are sport club members had experiences in alcohol, smoking or snuff than their non-member counter-parts, the differences among boys varied by substance. Fewer sport club members experienced smoking than non-members. More boys used snuff than girls. Conclusions: The most salient points for health promotion were that girls who were sport club members used fewer substances and for boys the picture was more complicated. Coaches could be using reactive strategies through informal learning to address substance use in clubs, although more effective training on substance use for coaches is needed.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Ozone and Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease Mortalities Due to Ozone in Shenzhen
Authors: Wang Li , Bai Yu , Zhang Fengying , Wang Wuyi , Liu Xiaojian , Krafft Thomas
Published: April 2017

In order to explore the temporal-spatial patterns and possible health effects of ozone in Shenzhen, daily concentrations of ozone and the daily mortality caused by cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were collected. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and SPSS, the spatial and temporal patterns of ozone in Shenzhen were illustrated. Using a generalized additive model (GAM), the associations between ozone and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases causing mortality were analyzed, adjusted for meteorological factors and other major air pollutants including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), and stratified by lag, age, and gender. The results showed that, during 2013, ozone was the second main air pollutant in Shenzhen apart from PM2.5, with average daily concentrations of 95.9 µg/m3 and 76.8 µg/m3 for the ozone 1-h mean and the daily ozone 8-h maximum concentration, respectively. The daily level of ozone had a higher concentration from September to October, and relatively low concentration from May to June. Obviously, a higher concentration was found in central parts of Shenzhen with the largest population, indicating higher risks. The excess risk (ER) percentage of the cardio-respiratory mortality rate showed a clearly accumulative effect at L03, with the highest ER percentage of 1.08 (0.88–1.27) per 10 µg/m3 increase in the ozone 8-h maximum concentration for all the population. Males were found to be more sensitive to ozone compared with females, and the elderly were more susceptible to ozone exposure than younger people.
THE ROLE OF BACKFILL QUALITY ON CORRUGATED STEEL PLATE
CULVERT BEHAVIOUR
Authors: Beben Damian
Published: April 2017

The subject of the article is a three-dimensional numerical analysis of the impact of backfill quality on the
deformation of corrugated steel plate culvert. In the numerical analysis, the author took into consideration three different
backfill types. The paper presents the calculations performed with the use of Abaqus program based on finite
element method. A steel shell was modelled with the use of the theory of orthotropic plates, and backfill with the use
of elastic-perfectly plastic Drucker-Prager model. The author made the numerical calculations under static live loads
for the corrugated steel plate culvert with a span of 12.315 m and height of shell of 3.555 m. Soil cover over the shell
crown was equal to 1.0 m. The steel shell consisted of the sheets of the corrugation of 0.14×0.38 m and plate thickness
of 0.0071 m. The main aim of this paper is to present the impact of backfill quality (internal friction angle, unit weight,
Young’s modulus) on the effort of the steel shell. The paper also shows the numerical calculations for the actual culvert,
which previously had been studied experimentally. The author compared the obtained numerical results to the results of
experiments. Parametric analysis showed that the angle of internal friction was a major factor in corrugated steel plate
culverts. Considering the entire width of the corrugated steel plate culvert, the calculation model II was most favourable.
The proposed method of modelling of the corrugated steel plate culvert allowed obtaining reasonable values of displacements
and stresses in comparison to experimental results.
IMPACT OF FIBER DIAMETER ON-ROAD PERFORMANCE
OF CEMENT-STABILIZED MACADAM
Authors: Liu Zhijun , Wang Dongquan , Wei Xiaobi , Wang Liangliang
Published: April 2017

Cement-stabilized macadam is the most widely used road base material in road engineering. The current
study investigated the impact of fiber diameter on its performance. The authors prepared polyester fibers with diameters
of 20, 35, 70, and 105 μm and added them to cement-stabilized macadam. Then, the indoor shrinkage tests and
mechanical property tests at different ages were conducted. Then, the property changes of the polyester-reinforced
cement-stabilized macadam were analysed. The water loss rate of the polyester-reinforced cement-stabilized macadam
is subject to the combined influence of the “water loss surface effect” and “water loss porthole effect.” With increasing
fiber diameter, the water loss surface effect becomes stronger, and the water loss porthole effect gradually decreases;
thus, the overall effect transitions from the latter to the former. Moreover, the water loss rate shows an increasing trend
of decreasing to its minimum. Therefore, with increasing fiber diameter, the average dry shrinkage coefficient of the
polyester-reinforced cement-stabilized macadam first increases and then decreases, while the temperature shrinkage
coefficients increase. The change in the fiber diameter does not significantly affect the compressive resilient modulus of
the polyester-reinforced cement-stabilized macadam if the fiber content remains constant. These findings demonstrate
the functional mechanism of the fiber diameter on the road performance of cement-stabilized macadam, thus improving
our understanding of the road performance of the polyester-reinforced cement-stabilized macadam and laying a
solid theoretical foundation for its many applications.
MODERN TRENDS IN ROAD NETWORK DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS
Authors: Krupowicz Wioleta , Sobolewska-Mikulska Katarzyna , Burinskienė Marija
Published: April 2017

Activities aimed at the improvement of instruments of rural development have been undertaken in Europe
for many years. Those focusing on the changing the ownership structure, implemented through the traditional process
of land consolidation, are gradually replaced by multifunctional activities for rural development, considering elements of
environmental protection, agricultural landscape management, and solutions concerning soil and water protection. Such
development must be accompanied by the application of new pro-ecological design and material-technological solutions
regarding the construction of rural roads. The roads should be designed with possibly the fullest consideration of a rich
resource of data on a given area, performance of many spatial analyses, and decision making in the scope of selection of
the most appropriate solutions acceptable to all stakeholders (e.g. residents, farmers, local authorities, entrepreneurs, and
investors). The article presents the concept of a model solution of the development of the rural road network based on the
multiple-criteria model of spatial analyses with the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process method. The research
process was conducted in the geographic information systems environment. The importance of the proposed methodology
was verified in actual conditions based on the example of the Harta village located in the southern part of Poland. The
obtained results suggest that the process of development of rural roads with the application of the multiple-criteria model
of spatial analyses is more accurate, more efficient than the traditional design method, and considers the requirements of
the sustainable development of rural areas. Moreover, it permits presentation of solutions in the form of maps to the local
community, almost in real time, and making excellent decisions with its active participation.
AVERAGE SPEED ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT MODEL
Authors: Jateikienė Laura , Vaitkus Audrius
Published: April 2017

Accidents are one of the leading cause of death all over the world. Speed has been identified as a factor in
road accidents, influencing both the risk of accidents and the severity of the accidents. However, speeding is one of
the most frequent violations of traffic rules by the road users. Many results of studies showed that the implementation
of speed cameras significantly reduced the vehicle speed and the number of accidents near camera sites. One issue regarding
speed enforcement by a speed camera is that a reduction in speed is obtained only on a short section of a road.
The results of scientific research analysis suggest that this issue can be overcome by the employment of average speed
enforcement system (hereafter system), which is a relatively new approach to traffic law enforcement. Until now, Lithuania
had no methodology for selecting road sections to be installed with the system. The purpose of this paper is to
develop a model for the assessment of safety impact of the system and to perform economic estimation of a system of
Lithuanian main road sections selected under this model. The analysis of international practice helped to develop this
model, which joins accident indicators, road and traffic parameters. A cost-benefit analysis of the system, implemented
on main road sections and selected by suggested model, shows a high level of payback. The implementation of the system
would pay back in one year of service.
SN 1986J VLBI. III. The Central Component Becomes Dominant
Authors: Bietenholz Michael F. , Bartel Norbert
Published: April 2017

We present a new 5 GHz global very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) image of supernova 1986J, observed in 2014 at t = 31.6 yr after the explosion, and compare it to previous images to show the evolution of the supernova. Our new image has a dynamic range of ∼100 and a background rms noise level of 5.9 μJy beam−1. There is no significant linear polarization, with the image peak <3% polarized. The latest image is dominated by a compact central component, whose flux density is now comparable to that of the extended supernova shell. This central component is marginally resolved with an FWHM of

, corresponding to a radius of

for a distance of 10 Mpc. Using VLBI observations between 2002 and 2014, we measured the proper motions of both the central component and a hot spot to the NE in the shell relative to the quasar 3C 66A. The central component is stationary to within the uncertainty of 12 μas yr−1, corresponding to 570 km s−1. Our observations argue that the central component is located near the physical center of SN 1986J. The shell hot spot had a mean velocity of 2810 ± 750 km s−1 to the NE, which is consistent with its taking part in the homologous expansion of the shell seen earlier. The shell emission is evolving in a non-self-similar fashion, with the brightest emission shifting inward within the structure and with only relatively faint emission seen near the outer edge and the presumed forward shock. An animation of the explosion is available.
Concevoir et accompagner le développement du pouvoir d’agir des adolescent.e.s dans leur orientation
Authors: Loisy  Catherine , Carosin  Émilie
Published: April 2017

S’appuyant sur la théorie sociale cognitive de l’orientation scolaire et professionnelle (Lent, 2008) et la notion de pouvoir d’agir (Le Bossé, 2008), cet article propose un cadre pour concevoir et accompagner l’adolescent.e dans la construction à long terme d’un projet professionnel porteur de sens et participant à son épanouissement en tant qu’acteur de la société. Activités productives et constructives (Rabardel, 2005) doivent être organisées pour accompagner l’adolescent.e dans la construction de ses intérêts par la prise de conscience de l’interdépendance des caractéristiques personnelles et des conditions environnementales, l’élaboration éclairée de buts, et le développement de stratégies d’actions pour son orientation.
The Impact of Mobile Phone Uses in the Developing World
Authors: Cibangu Sylvain K. , Hepworth Mark , Champion Donna
Published: April 2017

In recent years, the rise of information and communication technologies (ICTs) contrasted with the dire living conditions of the world's poorest has been the subject of debate among industry and academia. However, despite the amount of writings produced on mobile phones, Western bias is surprisingly unbridledly prevailing alongside the fêted dissemination of mobile phones. Expansive literature tends to present the rapid adoption of mobile phones among rural individuals, with little to no indication of how local values and voices are respected or promoted. We undertook semi-structured interviews with 16 rural chiefs to inquire into ways in which mobile phones enabled socio-economic development in the rural Congo. Rather than using quantitative, large-scale, or top-down data, we sought to give voice to chiefs themselves about the role of mobile phones. We found that Western bias dominates the literature and deployment of mobile phones more than usually acknowledged. We suggested some paths forward, while bringing the African communal Utu or Ubuntu culture to the center stage.
Is the Character of Institutional Leadership Central to the Quality of Higher Education (HE) Management?
Authors: Ololube Nwachukwu Prince
Published: April 2017

This study employed a descriptive, empirical and suggestive approach. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the character of institutional leadership is central to the management of higher education (HE). First, the study x-rayed the role of character in institutional leadership and management of HE. Second, it highlights the character of institutional leadership in combination with values, morals, principles and ethics in the management of HE, and third, the implication of the character of institutional leadership on the quality of HE. To address the descriptive part of this study, this article reviewed literature on the relationship between the character of institutional leadership with particular focus on values, morals, principles and ethics, and the quality of HE management. The empirical part of this article included the collection of data from 250 respondents through a structured questionnaire, and data were analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21. While the suggestive part portrayed the study's findings, which redolent that the neglect of the role of character in institutional leadership as being central to HE management might possibly explain the dysfunctional and poor quality state of HE particularly in Nigeria and perhaps many sub-Saharan Africa countries. Therefore, appointment of institutional heads should be based on technical qualification and character of institutional leaders, and must be a continual effort towards the integration of positive thoughts, both in words and in actions. The target audiences for this article include educational managers and planners, researchers, academics, professionals, students, and leadership practitioners.
A Strategic Approach to Global Financial Crisis in Banking Sector
Authors: Dinçer Hasan , Hacıoğlu Ümit , Yüksel Serhat
Published: April 2017

Financial crisis affected many people and companies in the world negatively in terms of job loss and bankruptcy. Owing to this aspect, today many banks developed strategies in order to minimize the effects of any potential crisis which might be occurred in the future. Present study aims to evaluate the strategies of Turkish banks to minimize the effects of financial crisis by using fuzzy ANP and fuzzy TOPSIS methods. The study identifies that capital injection is the most significant strategy whereas the strategy of decreasing interest rate has the weakest importance. In addition to this aspect, it was also determined that privately-owned banks are the most successful banking group of Turkey with respect to the achievement of strategic goals during a financial crisis. On the other hand, state-owned banks have the lowest degree regarding this concept. The study recommends that Turkish banks should mainly focus on increasing capital amount in order to minimize the negative aspects of the crisis
Impact of Global Financial Crisis on FDI Inflows in India and Bangladesh
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rajib
Published: April 2017

The investment climate in India and Bangladesh has undoubtedly become friendlier and investing in these countries has been an attractive proposition today than in earlier years. According to A.T. Kearney's FDI Confidence Index (2014) India ranks 7th on the basis of FDI inflows in the world while Bangladesh ranks 3rdamong SAARC countries. The present analysis attempts to show that though the global financial crisis (2008) had adversely impacted the growth in GDP and employment opportunities and FDI flows throughout the world, India and Bangladesh both had shown considerable resilience to the global economic crisis by maintaining a high growth rate during this period in the world. It highlights the changes the policy regimes in the two countries. It also tries to examine empirically, using secondary time series data, the amount of FDI inflows, component-wise and sector-wise break-up in FDI inflows in both countries during the pre and post-crisis era, based on Exogenous Structural Break Model. The empirical analysis clearly reveals both FDI and FDI-GDP ratio exhibits stationary trend in India while they are difference stationary in case of Bangladesh. It also focuses on the crisis management policies in the two nations for smooth flow of FDI in the long run.
India's Looming Power Crisis and the Way Forward
Authors: Mukherjee Sovik
Published: April 2017

The quantum jumps in the size of energy demand and acute power shortage in India means that it is high time to tap the non-conventional sources like wind, solar, biomass energy, etc. In this backdrop, the objective of the paper is to construct a Power Generation Deprivation Index (PGDI) to bring to the surface the issue of the looming power crisis. Given the inter-state variability among the focus variables considered coupled with the multicollinearity issue, made the author to use Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Also, a theoretical framework has been designed to show how the power usage over time can be derived but the empirical estimation of this framework is not a part of this article and has been left for further research. The findings validate the existence of a looming power crisis in India and finally the policy implications based on sustainable management of non-conventional sources of power have been discussed.
Internal Lending Constraints and Deposit Money Banks' Performance in Nigeria
Authors: Adetiloye Kehinde Adekunle , Ikwetoghu Cynthia Ogochukwu , Okafor Tochkwu Chibuzo
Published: April 2017

The banking business is full of both internal and external constraints that impede performance. This study attempts to empirically investigate the internal constrains to bank lending and performance. The paper adopts the major variables of volume of deposits, interest rates and shareholders' Funds against performance. The study finds out that while all the variables are significant, volume of deposit is the most important of the entire set of variables because of its capacity to transmit growth to all other variables especially shareholders fund. The rate of interest displayed a fairly lower level of significance of the variables. The study recommends that banks should introduce new products that can encourage further savings in the financial system.
Gene Selection from Microarray Data for Alzheimer's Disease Using Random Forest
Authors: Nishiwaki Kazutaka , Kanamori Katsutoshi , Ohwada Hayato
Published: April 2017

A significant amount of microarray gene expression data is available on the Internet, and researchers are allowed to analyze such data freely. However, microarray data includes thousands of genes, and analysis using conventional techniques is too difficult. Therefore, selecting informative gene(s) from high-dimensional data is very important. In this study, the authors propose a gene selection method using random forest as a machine learning technique. They applied this method to microarray data on Alzheimer's disease and conducted an experiment to rank genes. The authors' results indicated some genes that have been investigated for their relevance to Alzheimer's disease, proving that their proposed cognitive method was successful in finding disease-related genes using microarray data.
Are Managers Making the Right Choice?
Authors: Kim Hyojeong , Suh Chang Juck
Published: April 2017

Smart work has been credited with providing flexible supply capabilities to meet customer demands in service businesses operations. Effective operations of smart work need huge investment of technologies implementations. The authors use Delphi techniques and survey method to identify implementation factors of importance of home-based work which is a representative type of smart work. Seven technologies were identified to be important (Knowledge Management, Real-time monitoring, Remote IT assist, Online testing, Online training, Workforce management, Agent performance management technologies). Different from general expectations, control-based technologies were found not to have positive effects, but support-based technologies to have positive effects to the performance. Smart work technologies in service business affect employees' job satisfaction, and further retention of remote agents. Careful planning of how to implement technologies for smart work is needed in service business in order to identify the best working environment design.
Rest and Return to Activity After Sport-Related Concussion: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: McLeod Tamara C. Valovich , Lewis Joy H. , Whelihan Kate , Bacon Cailee E. Welch
Published: April 2017

Objective:

To systematically review the literature regarding rest and return to activity after sport-related concussion.

Data Sources:

The search was conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Educational Resources Information Center, Ovid MEDLINE, and PubMed using terms related to concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, physical and cognitive rest, and return to activity.

Study Selection:

Studies were included if they were published in English; were original research; and evaluated the use of, compliance with, or effectiveness of physical or cognitive rest or provided empirical evidence supporting the graded return-to-activity progression.

Data Extraction:

The study design, patient or participant sample, interventions used, outcome measures, main results, and conclusions were extracted, as appropriate, from each article.

Data Synthesis:

Articles were categorized into groups based on their ability to address one of the primary clinical questions of interest: use of rest, rest effectiveness, compliance with recommendations, or outcome after graded return-to-activity progression. A qualitative synthesis of the results was provided, along with summary tables.

Conclusions:

Our main findings suggest that rest is underused by health care providers, recommendations for rest are broad and not specific to individual patients, an initial period of moderate physical and cognitive rest (eg, limited physical activity and light mental activity) may improve outcomes during the acute postinjury phase, significant variability in the use of assessment tools and compliance with recommended return-to-activity guidelines exists, and additional research is needed to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of graded return-to-activity progressions. Furthermore, there is a significant need to translate knowledge of best practices in concussion management to primary care providers.
If You're Not Measuring, You're Guessing: The Advent of Objective Concussion Assessments
Authors: Broglio Steven P. , Guskiewicz Kevin M. , Norwig John
Published: April 2017

Sport-related concussion remains one of the most complex injuries presented to sports medicine professionals. Although the injury has been recognized since ancient times, the concussion-assessment process has seen significant advances over the last 30 years. This review outlines the addition of objective measures to the clinical evaluation of the concussed athlete, beginning in the 1980s and continuing through the modern age. International and domestic organizations now describe standardized symptom reports, neurostatus and neurocognitive-function evaluations, and postural-control measures as standards of medical care, a significant shift from a short time ago. Despite this progression, much about the injury remains unknown, including new clinical and research-based assessment techniques and how the injury may influence the athlete's cognitive health over the long term.
Predicting Recovery Patterns After Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Teel Elizabeth F. , Marshall Stephen W. , Shankar Viswanathan , McCrea Michael , Guskiewicz Kevin M.
Published: April 2017

Context:

Clinicians sometimes treat concussed individuals who have amnesia, loss of consciousness (LOC), a concussion history, or certain symptom types more conservatively, but it is unclear whether recovery patterns differ in individuals with these characteristics.

Objective:

To determine whether (1) amnesia, LOC, and concussion history influence the acute recovery of symptoms, cognition, and balance; and (2) cognition and balance are influenced by acute symptom type.

Design:

Cohort study.

Setting:

Seven sports at 26 colleges and 210 high schools.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 8905 collegiate (n = 1392) and high school (n = 7513) athletes.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The Graded Symptom Checklist, Standardized Assessment of Concussion, and Balance Error Scoring System were administered to all athletes during the preseason. To allow us to track recovery patterns, athletes diagnosed with a concussion (n = 375) repeated these assessments immediately after the injury, 3 hours postinjury, 1 day postinjury, and at 2, 3, 5, 7, and 90 days after injury.

Results:

Athletes who experienced amnesia had markedly greater deficits in and a slower recovery trajectory on measures of symptoms, cognition, and balance. Athletes with 2 or more prior concussions demonstrated poorer balance than those with no previous history. Otherwise, LOC and concussion history largely did not affect symptoms, cognition, or balance. Greater deficits in balance scores were observed in athletes with all symptom types. Regardless of these characteristics, most athletes recovered within 7 to 10 days.

Conclusions:

Athletes who experienced amnesia had more symptoms and greater deficits in cognition and balance. Symptoms and cognitive or balance deficits were not consistently associated with LOC or concussion history. Acute symptoms had a strong influence on balance scores and, to a lesser extent, on cognition. However, we found no evidence to support more cautious return-to-play decisions for athletes with these characteristics, as group recovery occurred within normal timelines. Our study supports current clinical practice: recommending that athletes be withheld from activity until they are asymptomatic, followed by a graduated return-to-play progression.
Accelerating the implementation of the clean development mechanism in South African industry
Authors: Little G , Maxwell T , Sutherland M
Published: April 2017

One of the responses to the threat of global warming is the Kyoto Protocol and the associated Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to reduce greenhouse gases. South Africa is an ideal country for the implementation of industrial CDM projects, yet lags behind many other countries. This qualitative research determines the factors that cause South Africa to lag other developing countries in the implementation of industrial CDM projects and the interventions that will have the most impact on accelerating implementation. The research involved interviews with 30 experts involved in the South African CDM process. The results identify the factors perceived to be facilitating and inhibiting the use of CDM opportunities and a framework for CDM practitioners to develop an implementation strategy within South African industry is established.
Foreign direct investment to Africa: trends, dynamics and challenges
Authors: Loots Elsabe , Kabundi Alain
Published: April 2017

The FDI debate is often characterised by generalities about the importance of these flows within the global context.  This article aims to unpack the African-specific FDI issues in order to get a clearer and more substantiated understanding of the current trends, dynamics and challenges, with emphasis on the period since 2000.  The research concludes that nominal flows to the continent are on the increase, with exponential increases over the past decade.  The descriptive analysis indicates that flows to the continent are unevenly spread and are concentrated in the largest economies and/or in petroleum-/oil-exporting countries.  The impact of FDI on growth and investment in particularly smaller economies indicates that FDI inflows are making a substantial contribution to these economies and illustrates the importance of this source of investment.  The econometric analysis reveals that oil exporters and the size of the economy are powerful explanatory variables in explaining FDI flows to Africa, with trade openness a positive, but less powerful variable.
Empirical analysis of space and capital markets in South Africa: A review of the REEFM- and FDW models
Authors: Boshoff Douw Gert Brand
Published: April 2017

This paper assesses the different models, in conjunction with the different theories surrounding the distinction and interdependencies between space- and capital markets. First, the theory of space- and capital markets is discussed with reference to two models, the FDW and the REEFM models. The FDW model provides a diagrammatic explanation of the behaviour of the property market, while the REEFM is an econometric model based on statistical principles that are able to forecast property-market behaviour by interpreting specific given variables. The REEFM model as the perceived more sophisticated model, un-tested in South Africa, was then analysed to test its applicability in the South African context. The findings confirmed the applicability of the model, although one part is not confirmed and is suggested for further research.
Employee well-being, intention to leave and perceived employability: A psychological contract approach
Authors: Van der Vaart Leoni , Linde Bennie , De Beer Leon , Cockeran Marike
Published: April 2017

Employability emerged as a “new psychological contract” that may have beneficial effects on both individual and organisational outcomes. The study set out to investigate the relationship between perceived employability and employee well-being on the one hand and perceived employability and employees’ intention to leave on the other. The role of the state of the psychological contract, in terms of retaining employable employees while improving their well-being, was also investigated. Cross-sectional data were obtained from employees representing various organisations (N = 246). Contrary to expectations, structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated no significant relationship between perceived employability and well-being. Perceived employability was a significant predictor of employees’ intention to leave the organisation. Results also indicated that the state of the psychological contract does not moderate the relationship between perceived employability and employee well-being and their intention to leave, respectively. The study stresses the importance of fulfilling promises made to employees ensuring that promises are fair and continuing to fulfil promises. The importance of interventions on individual-level, to enhance well-being in the workplace, is also emphasised.
Characterisation of cyclists’ willingness to pay for green initiatives at Africa’s largest cycle tour
Authors: Saayman Melville , Krugell Waldo , Saayman Andrea
Published: April 2017

The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour is a major event on the road cycling calendar. The majority of cyclists travel significant distances and participation produces a substantial carbon footprint. This paper examines participants’ willingness to pay to offset their carbon footprint. The purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to the literature by linking willingness to pay to attitudes towards or beliefs (green views) about the initiatives in place, to ensure a greener cycle tour. Factor analysis is used to identify different types of cyclists, based on their green views: those with green money, those who prefer green products and the “re-cyclers”. The results of the regression analysis reveal that socio-demographic variables and the right attitude towards the environment are significant predictors of stated willingness to pay for climate change mitigation.
The implementation of quality management systems in quantity surveying offices
Authors: Cruywagen JH
Published: April 2017

It recently became compulsory for all members of the South African Association of Consulting Engineers to introduce a quality management system in their organisations. The purpose of this paper was to determine whether it would be possible for quantity surveying firms to adopt similar quality management systems in their offices and what would be expected from them in order to do so. The conclusion is that it is possible for quantity surveying firms to comply with the requirements of the ISO 9001: 2000 quality principles.
Capability building and business development practices in the public research and development organisations in Nigeria
Authors: Oduola IA , Akarakiri JB , Ilori MO
Published: April 2017

The utilisation of organisations technological capability contributes generally to national economic development, while its lack prevents such development, and the identification of attractive business opportunities. This study examines current management practices in capability building and business development processes in public R&D organisations in Nigeria using a questionnaire technique. The questionnaire was administered to 144 respondents in 18 public R&D organisations in the country. Some management practices rate poorly when compared with those of similar organisations in developed countries.  Research facilities, buildings and other infrastructure are also found to be at various levels of disrepair. Better management practices and an effective system of funding for R&D organisations from excess crude oil proceeds are recommended for increased organisations productivity.
Tolerância ao frio e características silviculturais do cedro-australiano no sul do Brasil
Authors: Navroski Marcio Carlos , Pereira Mariane De Oliveira , Borsoi Geedre Adriano , Kalil Filho Antonio Nascim , Nascimento Bruno , Da Rosa Diego Pereira
Published: April 2017

O cedro australiano (Toona ciliata M. Roem) é uma espécie difundida no Sudeste, Centro-Oeste e Nordeste do Brasil, onde alcança boa produtividade. Possui madeira de excelente qualidade para finalidades nobres. Entretanto, na região Sul do Brasil apresenta problemas de adaptação devido à ocorrência de geadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a tolerância ao frio e o potencial silvicultural de cedro-australiano em dois locais no Sul do Brasil. Os tratamentos consistiram de plantio puro de cedro-australiano e misto, com Mimosa scabrella e Eucalyptus benthamii em Lages, SC, e puro e sob Pinus taeda em Ibiam, SC. Durante dois anos após a implantação avaliou-se sobrevivência, danos por geada, bifurcação/brotação, altura total e diâmetro do colo. O cedro-australiano apresentou sérios danos pela geada no município de Lages, reduzindo drasticamente a sobrevivência e prejudicando as características silviculturais. O plantio do cedro-australiano sob pínus em Ibiam apresentou baixa taxa de mortalidade devido a geadas. O plantio puro nesta mesma região também apresentou baixa mortalidade, contudo, os efeitos das geadas foram consideráveis. O plantio de cedro-australiano não é indicado para as regiões com geadas intensas, contudo, em locais com geadas menos severas, o plantio sob pínus é uma alternativa potencial.