bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations sémantiques autour de la mer, d’Homère à Eschyle
Authors: Sorba Julie
Published: February 2017

L’étude propose de décrire, dans les tragédies d’Eschyle, les séquences phraséologiques, héritées ou non du corpus épique, incluant des lexies du champ de la «mer » (les adjectifs ἅλιος, ἐνάλιος, θαλάσσιος, πόντιος, ὑπερπόντιος et

πελάγιος). Son objectif est non seulement de comprendre les évolutions de ces unités, mais aussi d’appréhender le traitement de la synonymie dans ce champ. Notre étude qui se situe à l’interface de la syntaxe et de la sémantique intègre également la descriptions des propriétés énonciatives dans une approche du sens comme produit global de l’énoncé.
Du cinéaste à l’aède : spécularité et circularité dans l’œuvre de Théo Angelopoulos
Authors: Eades Caroline
Published: February 2017

From the Filmmaker to the Bard : Specularity and Circularity in Theo Angelopoulos’ OEuvre.

This paper intends to continue and develop previous studies on Angelopoulos with a focus on his two last films, The Weeping Meadow (2004) and The Dust of Time (2009), by exploring the references to the history of oral tradition from Antiquity to modern times Françoise Létoubon had suggested in her first work on the Greek filmmaker in 1996.
‘All’ and ‘Nothing’: Existential Riddles and Cosmic Pessimism in Ancient Greek Literature and Shakespeare
Authors: Davies Malcolm
Published: February 2017

The folktale origins of the question ‘ what is best in life ?’, often posed by a powerful ruler in Greek and other literature, are examined, together with the paradoxical answer regularly evoked by the question. An Appendix shows the relevance of this issue to the account of Alexander the Great’s death in Arrian 7.26.3.
Alexandre Dumas’ Queen Margot and the Actaeon Myth
Authors: Paschalis Michael
Published: February 2017

The paper challenges the prevalent view about the non-existent, or at best unworthy of serious study, literary merits of Dumas’ novels. Queen Margot offers a prime example of his art as a novelist as regards intertextuality, an area in which the literary “ depth” of a narrative can be tested and appreciated. After a brief overview of the publication circumstances, the historical background and the plot of the novel, I examine Dumas’ classical learning and two cases of intertextuality, and focus on the reception in the novel of the myth of Actaeon in connection with hunting, topics intrinsically related to the development of the plot and its outcome.
THE EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS, THE ICT AND EDUCATION
Authors: YILDIZ Turkay
Published: February 2017

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a key element for development and economic expansion. However, many of the developing countries appear to gain only small fraction of the advantages from the ICT sectors. Indeed, developed countries are taking the most of the advantages and opportunities brought by the use of ICT. Therefore, it is necessary to highlight the essential role and the significant relationship of ICT and education for gaining the competitive advantage. In this regard, this study investigates the complex relationships of some of the global competitiveness indicators of the ICT, education and the business sophistication and innovation factors. In this study, several statistically significant relationships are explored by applying canonical correlation analysis. These findings and significant statistical results are highlighted.
FACTORS AFFECTING RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT AT SYRIAN BUSINESS FACULTIES: A STUDENT-PERCEIVED MODEL
Authors: KHALIFA Bayan , ABDULRAOUF Riad , MOUSELLI Sulaiman
Published: February 2017

This study aims at investigating the factors that affect the research environment of business postgraduate students, particularly master students, from the perspective of these students. From the same perspective, it also aims at assessing these factors together with the quality of research environment. A questionnaire survey method was employed. The questionnaire was developed by academics from five business faculties based on relevant studies and was distributed to graduate students enrolled in all of the research business programs at the Faculty of Economics, Damascus University, ending up with 88 valid responses. To explore the factors that may affect research environment, exploratory factor analysis was employed. In addition, multiple regression analysis and t-test were applied to respond to the study purposes. Facilities and industry linkage come to be significant factors in the research environment. However, the results show insignificant impact for each of the research courses, networking, and research skills in the overall research environment. Variations in regard to the availability of these factors were identified with low level of availability for the facilities and industry linkage. The study is one of a kind that investigates factors affecting research environment of postgraduate students and particularly master students. Further and to the best of our knowledge, it is the first study that examines such factors in war conditions, which enables us to understand what students perceive as critical factors influencing their research performance in these conditions. Recommendations to policy makers are presented to develop strategies that respond to students’ concerns for a better research environment.
ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION: ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE FOR CZECH COMPANIES?
Authors: LITVA Dušan
Published: February 2017

In this paper has been studied effects of accession to the EU on Czech companies which were selected and grouped according to 5 parameters: region, legal form, operation area, business sector and size of the company defined by number of employees. Questionnaire containing 14 questions have replied in total 146 respondents. It is possible to conclude that accession to the EU brought more advantages to big global joint- stock companies than to small regional companies which were mostly negative and claimed worsening of business results due to European integration. Most of the 146 respondents asked via questionnaire containing 14 questions did not agree with acceptance of Euro, while those who agreed had been estimated 2020 as ideal year to access Eurozone. Companies in quaternary sector were mostly positive on the opposite to the companies in tertiary sector which were negative. Companies in Prague and Central Bohemia were much more positive towards EU benefits than in rest of the Czech Republic regions.
Performance Metrics for SIP-Based VoIP Applications Over DMO
Authors: Alshamrani Mazin I. , Ali Ashraf A.
Published: February 2017

The evaluation studies need to investigate a determined performance metrics to understand and evaluate the examined scenarios. SIP-based Voice over IP (VoIP) applications over MANET, which behaves in a way similar to Direct Mode of Operation (DMO) in mission Critical Communication Systems, have two main performance categories related to the Quality of Service (QoS). The main performance metrics that are considered for the evaluation processes in this research are the SIP end-to-end Performance metrics as defined by the RFC 6076. The main performance metrics are related to the registration, the call setup, and the call termination processes. In this research study, the SIP performance metrics are based on a single SIP proxy server. For voice data, the QoS evaluation is based on two methods: The Objective method and the Subjective method. The Objective method considers the traffic throughput, end-to-end delays, packet loss, and jitter, while the subjective method considers the Mean Opinion Score (MOS), which is mostly related to the end users' experiences during voice calls.
Streaming Coded Video in P2P Networks
Authors: Raheel Muhammad Salman , Raad Raad
Published: February 2017

This chapter discusses the state of the art in dealing with the resource optimization problem for smooth delivery of video across a peer to peer (P2P) network. It further discusses the properties of using different video coding techniques such as Scalable Video Coding (SVC) and Multiple Descriptive Coding (MDC) to overcome the playback latency in multimedia streaming and maintains an adequate quality of service (QoS) among the users. The problem can be summarized as follows; Given that a video is requested by a peer in the network, what properties of SVC and MDC can be exploited to deliver the video with the highest quality, least upload bandwidth and least delay from all participating peers. However, the solution to these problems is known to be NP hard. Hence, this chapter presents the state of the art in approximation algorithms or techniques that have been proposed to overcome these issues.
Quantifying QoS in Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Farid Farnaz , Shahrestani Seyed , Ruan Chun
Published: February 2017

The heterogeneous-based 4G wireless networks will offer noticeable advantages for both users and network operators. The users will benefit from the vibrant coverage and capacity. A vast number of available resources will allow them to connect seamlessly to the best available access technology. The network operators, on the other hand, will be benefited from the lower cost and the efficient usage of the network resources. However, managing QoS for video or voice applications over these networks is still a challenging task. In this chapter, a generalized metric-based approach is described for QoS quantification in Heterogeneous networks. To investigate the efficiency of the designed approach, a range of simulation studies based on different models of service over the heterogeneous networks are carried out. The simulation results indicate that the proposed approach facilitates better management and monitoring of heterogeneous network configurations and applications utilizing them.
The Concept of Culture and Higher Education
Authors: Scupin Raymond
Published: February 2017

Twenty first century university and college students face a world that is increasingly global and multicultural. To ensure students develop the cultural competence to adapt to this global arena, universities and colleges have been developing cultural competence policies and programs, as an interdependent global economy requires well-trained, multilingual, and culturally knowledgeable employees.In assessing the results of cultural competence policies in higher education, it is first necessary to examine the concept of ‘culture' as it has been employed in the media and in many educational, academic, political, and corporate settings. This essay will summarize the history of the concept of culture and how it was developed within Western anthropology. In many cases the concept of culture has been abused and misapplied. It will also explore more nuanced approaches to the concept of culture that may contribute to a discussion about how cultural competence should be implemented in higher education programs.
Developing Social Justice and Inclusion Competencies Through Semi-Structured Reflection Papers
Authors: Vaccaro Annemarie , D'Aloisio Brooke , Hoyt Tiffany , Chartelain Athina , Croft Sarah D , Stevens Brian
Published: February 2017

As higher education institutions strive to foster cultural inclusion, it is imperative that university employees develop relevant competencies. This chapter offers insight into one “best practice” for fostering social justice and inclusion competencies (ACPA/NASPA, 2015). A professor and former students discuss the benefits of using self-reflection papers for competency development. The chapter begins with an overview of social justice and inclusion competencies for higher education and student affairs professionals. That section is followed by a description of graduate-level courses and reflection paper assignments aimed at developing social justice and inclusion competencies. The majority of the chapter focuses on the educational process (e.g., meaning-making, critical reflection) and products (e.g., awareness, knowledge, skills, action) of semi-structured reflection papers. Recommendations for future practice and research are included.
Teacher Preparatory Programs and Culturally Responsive Teaching
Authors: Raghunandan-Jack Nadira
Published: February 2017

This text focuses on culturally responsive education programs within higher education institutions. The first section traces the historical roots of culturally responsive teaching and explores why it is a pivotal component necessary for pre-service students to comprehend. The next section emphasizes strategies that are currently used within the higher education sector to expose students to culturally competent practices in the classroom. Among the strategies that are discussed are community based immersion experiences, diversity and multi-cultural courses and student teaching experiences. The chapter then closes with a framework for recommendation and improvements for higher education institutions to implement to further refine and strengthen teacher preparatory programs.
Multicultural Counseling Competencies
Authors: Wilson Keith B. , Pitt Jenelle S. , Raheem Malik A. , Acklin Carrie L. , Wilson José M.
Published: February 2017

Given the diversity related curriculum requirements of many accrediting bodies in education and the human services to improve service delivery for those who are part of underrepresented groups in the United States, the curriculum requirements efficacy is debatable. Evidence suggest there is a disconnect between the principles of social justice and multicultural counseling competencies and the lack of application of these two principles. This chapter will emphasize these concerns and the reasons why there is such a gap with the application of these two principles using both empirical and anecdotal evidence from past research. Because the terms behavior/action and application seems to be used as synonyms, we will explore the explicit differences in these and other terms. This chapter will also highlight scenarios and give examples of what application looks like and end with recommendations to improve the application of both the multicultural counseling and social justice principles.
Persistence Profiles and Institutional Initiatives
Authors: McMillan Sally J. , Ripley Cora D.
Published: February 2017

This chapter presents multiple ways of understanding who does and does not study abroad. The authors introduce the concept of persistence profiles as a way of understanding which students may struggle to find a way to study abroad. Positive outcomes were found for students from all persistence profiles in terms of the impact of study abroad on academic success and in developing mentoring relationships with faculty. The chapter also profiles both scholarship and small grant programs that can be instituted at relatively low cost to an institution and that can help students become Ready for the World. The authors suggest future directions for testing relationships between persistence profiles, learning outcomes, scholarship support, and small grant programs.
Musing on Unanswered Questions
Authors: Van Sickle Meta Lee , Koester Merrie
Published: February 2017

Out of a conversation between two long-time colleagues—each a science educator and practicing artist, emerged the question, “What does it mean to STEAMify a lesson, and why would a teacher actually choose to do such a thing, other than, say, for-grant-writing-purposes? Their science selves really liked the idea of a STEAM system, acted upon by forces, both from the outside and from within, and with energy flowing and cycling, all the while transforming grey matter in ways that sustained the teaching/learning process. When it came to their art, however, their dialogue followed pathways grooved by long years of practice and hard work in their respective fields. One author is a seasoned vocalist, trained in the nuances of both individual and group vocal performance as well as the attendant dimensions of music, its composition and phraseology. The other is a painter, poet, and novelist, shaping words, color, and line to tell stories and communicate ideas. What was significant to each was that their artistic habits of mind had shaped their axiology, transforming their ways teaching.
Graphic Novels and STEAM
Authors: Romagnoli Alex
Published: February 2017

Focusing on the interdisciplinary connections between STEAM education and graphic novels, this chapter first establishes historical and educational contexts for the use of graphic novels in STEAM education. A literature review focusing on the use of graphic novels in a science course as well as how graphic novels have been used in secondary classrooms will be discussed. Literature that is reviewed includes books, articles, and edited volumes. The strategies for implementing graphic novels in STEAM education promote constructivist learning as students are asked to access their intellectual and cultural capital in order to ascertain meaning from given content. Additionally, multimodality and multiliteracies are highlighted throughout the article. Finally, this chapter ends with linking the use of graphic novels in STEAM education to the power of narrative inquiry in educational contexts.
High-Quality Trade Books and Content Areas
Authors: Groff Carolyn A.
Published: February 2017

Integrating high-quality children's tradebooks into elementary content areas has long been considered a best-practice (Olness, 2007). When teachers choose to incorporate these texts into content area lessons, they are exposing students to art through the pictures and reaching an array of visual learners. Hoffman, Collins and Schickedanz (2015) state that teachers have difficulty discussing the concepts presented in the books. The goal is to strike a balance between the literacy skills and strategies needed to read the informational text, and the concepts that must be discussed (Hoffman, Collins & Schickedanz, 2015). In order to increase students' understanding, teachers must be able to successfully merge their book selection with a carefully scaffolded lesson plan (Fisher & Frey, 2015). This chapter presents a lesson plan template that assists teachers in planning for integrated instruction.
Let's Talk about Sex
Authors: Nuno Sabrina Monique
Published: February 2017

Developing comfort in having an open and honest conversation about sex is essential to better our community's sexual health and to assist individuals in developing happy and healthy relationships. Discourse about sex commonly begins in schools' sex education programs, but these programs need radical reform. The current mandated sex education programs only cover the basic anatomy of sex with the emphasis of abstinence. However, reformation to a sex positive approach within sex education would educate individuals on the physiological, psychological and emotional aspects of sex, and could promote safe sex practices for both mental and sexual health. Communication is extremely important for all types of sex relationships; communication in general about sex is correlated with higher rates of overall relationship satisfaction. Communication about one's sexual needs and desires leads to higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Higher levels of satisfaction lead to higher levels of overall relational satisfaction, emphasizing importance of communication about sex.
Touch as a Part of Daily Communication with Family and Friends
Authors: Brkljačić Tihana , Tarabić Božidar Nikša , Lewis Marshall C.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this research was to explore the use of tactile communication in daily interactions with friends and parents. The participants were 429 students. The questionnaire consisted of: behavioral measures; touch-attitude scale; well-being; internet use; and demographic variables. Females showed more positive touch-attitudes, reported more touch behaviors in communication with same sex peers and parents, and reported more confidential talks with both friends and parents. Males and females did not differ regarding the use of touch in communication with the opposite sex. Participants used more tactile behavior in communication with parents than with friends. Those who used tactile communication more with parents, also reported more tactile communication with friends, and more confidential talks with both friends and parents, and rated higher the importance of the Internet in communication. Students with high levels of well-being showed more positive touch-attitudes, reported more tactile communication with both friends and parents and reported more confidential talks with friends.
LGBTQ Relationships
Authors: Farr Rachel H. , Simon Kyle A. , Bruun Samuel T.
Published: February 2017

This chapter provides an overview of research regarding the familial and romantic relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. The topic of families of origin, describing the coming out process for LGBTQ individuals and its ramifications for individual outcomes, as well as for relationships with immediate and extended family members are covered. What is known about same-sex couple relationship dynamics, both in comparison to other-sex couples and in ways that uniquely characterize LGBTQ couple relationships, are highlighted. Finally, the literature about LGBTQ parent families, including child and parent outcomes and family processes unique to these family systems, are discussed. Throughout the chapter, areas for future LGBTQ relationship research, particularly the inclusion of underrepresented samples within the LGBTQ population, are emphasized.
HIV-Positive Latino Immigrants
Authors: Melendez Rita M. , Salazar Jillian C. , Fuentes Kristian , Zepeda Sebastian J.
Published: February 2017

Many immigrants have conflicting relationships with their families. Families can be an important source of support for immigrants facing challenges in new countries. For some immigrants however, families can also be a source of frustration and lead to feelings of being trapped in old roles. For immigrants who are men who have sex with men (MSM) the contradictions of families being sources of support or sources of frustration may be heightened. This study examines family relationships among Latino immigrants who are HIV-positive MSM who are currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. In particular, issues of disclosure around sexual orientation and HIV to families are explored.
Sticks and Stones
Authors: Wagner Carol M.
Published: February 2017

Although bullying has occurred for generations, movement to fully understand the effects of the dangerous behavior has recently been ignited. While much research has focused on the negative effects of bullying on victims, little research has focused on the effects bullying behavior has on the bully. The following is an examination of research regarding the short and long term negative effects bullying has on both bullies and victims. In addition, research regarding the influence of familial, peer and romantic relationships on the engagement of bullying behavior is also addressed, as well as the influence bullying behavior has on the formation and quality of these relationships. The utilization of this research to create anti-bullying programs in schools, homes and informal social situations may help to eradicate bullying behavior.
O Menino da Tábua
Authors: Imediato Carolina Cleopatra Da Silva
Published: February 2017

Resenha do livro: ANDRADE, Solange Ramos de. Santo de cemitério: a devoção ao Menino da Tábua (1978-1994). Maringá/PR: Eduem, 2015. 142 p.
A Review on Intelligent Monitoring and Activity Interpretation
Authors: Castillo José Carlos , Fernández-Caballero Antonio , López María Teresa
Published: February 2017

This survey paper provides a tour of the various monitoring and activity interpretation frameworks found in the literature. The needs of monitoring and interpretation systems are presented in relation to the area where they have been developed or applied. Their evolution is studied to better understand the characteristics of current systems. After this, the main features of monitoring and activity interpretation systems are defined.
La representación de las mujeres terroristas y víctimas del terrorismo en prensa española. El caso de El País
Authors: Juan F. Plaza Juan F. Plaza , Rivas-Nieto Pedro , Rey-García Pablo
Published: February 2017

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar los marcos o encuadres interpretativos (frames) que relacionan a las mujeres y el terrorismo en un diario español: El País. Metodología. El corpus de estudio proviene de una búsqueda con lenguaje natural en el diario El País. Se han recuperado todas aquellas noticias en las que apareciesen estas dos expresiones: mujer* y terroris*. Se han seleccionado 50 noticias y se han categorizado de dos formas: por su marco noticioso (frame) y por los rasgos que se atribuye a las mujeres que aparecen en los artículos. Resultados y conclusiones. De este análisis han surgido cuatro encuadres o marcos: las mujeres como terroristas (el discurso de la excepcionalidad), las mujeres como reclutadoras (el discurso de la experta), las mujeres como víctimas (el discurso sensacionalista) y las mujeres como luchadoras (el discurso de la valentía).
Strain characterization of West African Dwarf goats of Ogun State II
Authors: Aluko F.A. , Ageh A.A. , Salako A.E. , Ozoje M.O. , Awojobi H.A. , Adeyemi O.A.
Published: February 2017

The West African Dwarf (WAD) goat presents variable coat colours, ranging from black, brown, gray, red and white and sometimes combinations of these variety of patterns. In this study, strains of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat were characterized using linear body measurement. The WAD goat included the chocolate, white, Swiss marking and Dalmatian of ages, 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. Most of the animals attained the highest live weight at age 4 years. The white WAD goat was found to be superior in live weight (21.25 ± 2.36kg) than the chocholate (18.67 ± 7.75kg). The Dalmatian was superior in live weight (17.08 ± 8.22kg) to the Swiss markings (14.6 ± 11.03kg). At age 3years, Face Length (Fal), Hip Width (HW), Fore Length (FL), Hind Limb Length (H) and Body Length (BL) is 5.72 ± 1.50in, 16.28 ± 4.32in, 9.82 ± 2.57in, 10.85 ± 2.86in, 16.38 ± 4.36in respectively in Dalmatian WAD goat. At age 4years, Height at Wither (HW), Heart Girth (HG), Fore Limb Length (FL), Hind Limb Length (HL) and Body Length (BL) is 17.05 ± 0.1in, 23.18 ± 1.02in, 10.38 ± 0.4in, 11.45 ± 0.53in, 18.3 ± 1.99in respectively in the white WAD goat. Live weight was positive and highly significantly correlated (p<0.05) with all body parameters in the male and female goats measured. Highest correlation (p<0.05) between live weight and body parameters corresponded to El (r=0.97), and HG (r = 0.95) in the male white WAD, BL (r = 0.85) and HG (r = 0.82) in the female white WAD, HL (r = 0.86) and HG (r = 0.82) in the male Dalmatian, Fal (r = 0.89) and EW (r = 0.88) in the female Dalmatian. The white WAD and Dalmatian WAD could be selected for an improvement programme because they exhibited superiority in most traits.Keywords: West African Dwarf, Strain, Body Parameters, Male, Female
Sexual behavioural pattern of orchidectomised and hormone replaced weaner pigs
Authors: Ladokun A.O. , Sogebi E.A.O. , Adejumo D.O. , Abiona J.A. , Adenaike E.A. , Omeje J.N. , Talabi A.O.
Published: February 2017

The persistence or cessation of sexual behaviour after abrupt testosterone withdrawal i.e. castration depends among other things on the age of the animal at castration. The aim of this work is to ascertain the effect of early orchidectomy and subsequent hormone replacement to 24 weeks of age on restoration of sexual behaviour in pigs. Five weeks olds male weaner pigs, 24 in number, randomly grouped into two, twelve in each group were used for this study. The first group was not orchidectomised and not given any form of hormone injection (control). The second group was orchidectomised and given Testosterone enanthate and Oestradiol benzoate hormone replacement respectively (CHR). Orchidectomy was carried out at 5 weeks of age using standard procedure. There was no significant difference in the numbers of subjects mounting in both cases. Whereas only 17% had intromission in the control while 33% had this in the CHR. The control had 0 % ejaculation while 33% ejaculated in the CHR. Sexual behaviour index differs significantly between the two groups with the higher value in the CHR, 2.18±0.10 and 1.56±0.05 in the control. There were no significant difference in the strutting and restless/slashing in the CHR in the control , Violent/biting behaviour was in the control involving all the subjects, 100%, while 83% displayed this in the CHR. Aggressive index is higher in the control than in the CHR, 2.70+0.100 and 2.55+0.05 respectively. The study showed than the CHR (castrated with hormone replacement) group displayed improved  sexual behaviour the than control group, although, the latter group was more aggressive.Keywords: Hormonal replacement, Orchidectomy, Weaner pigs, Sexual behaviour
Combining ability for days to flowering and grain yield among cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) of different maturity periods
Authors: Ogunwale G.I. , Salami A.E.
Published: February 2017

Combining ability studies was conducted on ten parental lines of cowpea with varied maturity periods. Complete diallel mating were made to generate 45crosses, 45 reciprocals and their parents, making a total of 100 entries which were evaluated in to two locations (Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti and College of Education Demonstration Secondary School Farm, Ikere-Ekiti, during the 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data were obtained on plant height, days to 50% flowering, first day to maturity, numbers of pods per plant, weight of 100 seeds (g), grain yield kgha-1 and mid-parent heterosis at harvest were obtained. Result showed that there were significant differences among the entries (p<0.05) for all traits studied. The mean value for days to first flowering varied from 42.47 to 45.23 days, days to 50% flowering ranged between 50.07 and 51.73 days, days to pod maturity varied from 58.77 to 64.24 days. The mean value of the hybrid lines exhibited the earliest flowering and pod maturity traits among the entries. The reciprocal crosses had the highest mean values for weight of 100 seeds which weighed 17.55g. The reciprocal cross P7 × P4 had the highest grain yield of 6069.43kgha-1.The average grain yield value ranged from 1259.88 to 3896.66 kgha-1.General combining Ability (GCA) for most of the traits are significant except flowering interval. Only days to pod maturity are not significant for specific combining Ability (SCA) among the traits. P1, P4, P5 and P6 are identified to be the best general combiners for most of the characters. Crosses involving P1 x P4, P1 x P6, P4 x P2 and P9 x P5 were identified to be excellent specific combiners for cowpea grain yield and earliness traits. Cross combinations P2 x P4 and P4 x P2 had reciprocal effect. The mean of the crosses and reciprocal for mid-parents heterosis (%) was high (280.47%) among the crosses. The ratio of GCA to SCA ranged from less than 1 for flowering intervals to 48 for days to 50% flowering, this underscores the importance of additive effect, suggesting that reasonable progress can be achieved using selection procedureKeywords: Vigna unguiculata, diallel, combining ability, SCA, GCA, heterosis
Comparative analysis on temperature reduction effectiveness of ornamental tree species in University of Port Harcourt
Authors: Eguakun F.S. , Okebalama F.U.
Published: February 2017

The process of urbanization causes alterations in the landscape, affects the environment negatively and the community is placed at risk. In an attempt to sustain urban growth, urban areas have now developed their own urban climate which alters thermal conditions. As the process of urbanization continues to increase in the face of climate change, these problems are likely to be exacerbated. There is a need to find ways to reduce these negative effects. Hence this study aimed to evaluate the effect of five ornamental tree species on temperature reduction in University of Port Harcourt. Five ornamental tree species effectiveness on temperature reduction were comparatively evaluated. Thirty trees in each species were randomly selected and diameter measurements at various points were taken on the selected trees. Temperature readings were taken both under the tree species and on bare ground where there were no planted trees. There was significant difference between temperature under tree and that in bare ground. From the result it was observed that the average temperature reduction due to the presence of trees ranged between 0.64oc to 2.03oc. The species were also significantly different in its effectiveness to reduce temperature. Magnifera indica had the highest effectiveness in temperature reduction of 2.03oc. The result shows that crown diameter and crown projection area influence the amount of temperature a species can effectively reduce. Conclusively, the results suggest that ornamental trees provide environmental benefits in urban area, and these benefits are strongly dependent on the species and planting conditions.Keywords: Crown, Climate change, Shading, Temperature, Urban environment
Effect of spent mushroom substrate on the growth performance and economy of production of rabbits
Authors: Ishola O.J. , Asafa A.R. , Lemon O.D. , Majente A
Published: February 2017

A nine week feeding study was conducted to determine the effect of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as a replacement for wheat offal on the growth performance and economy of production of rabbits. The study was conducted at the rabbitary unit of the department of animal production, School of Agriculture, Lagos state polytechnic, Lagos. A total of twenty-four rabbits were allotted to four treatment groups, replicated three times with two rabbits per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). SMS was incorporated into the rabbit diets at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% level of inclusion to replace wheat offals. Performance was evaluated based on feed intake, live weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein intake and protein efficiency ratio. The economy of production was also determined. Feed intake increased as the level of SMS inclusion increased. The weight gain/day of those rabbits fed diet 3 (15.08g) was the highest while those fed diet 2 (12.83g) had the lowest weight gain. The feed conversion ratio adjudged diet 1 (4.72) better than other diets. The cost /kg of feed reduce as the level of inclusion of SMS increased, from N90.06 to N79.85. Rabbits on the control diet had the best cost of feed /kg weight gain (N425.08) followed by those on diet 4. Best returns/profit was in diet 4. Conclusively SMS can be used to replace wheat offal at 75% level with no adverse effects on rabbit performance.Keywords: Spent Mushroom Substrate, Wheat offals, Weaned Rabbits, performance cost
Screening Consolidated Clinical Document Architecture (CCDA) Documents for Sensitive Data Using a Rule-Based Decision Support System
Authors: Rocha Beatriz , Pabbathi Deepika , Schaeffer Molly , Goldberg Howard
Published: February 2017

Background: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Stage 2 final rule requires that eligible hospitals provide a visit summary electronically at transitions of care in order to qualify for “meaningful use” incentive payments. However, Massachusetts state law and Federal law prohibit the transmission of documents containing “sensitive” data unless there is a new patient consent for each transmission.

Objectives: To describe the implementation and evaluation of a rule-based decision support system used to screen transition of care documents for sensitive data.

Methods: We implemented a rule-based document screening system to identify transition of care documents that might contain sensitive data. The transmission of detected documents is withheld until a new patient consent is obtained. The documents that were flagged as containing sensitive data were reviewed in two different time periods to verify that the decision support system was not missing documents or withholding more documents than necessary.

Results: The rule-based screening system has been in regular production use for the past 18 months. During the first evaluation period, 3% of 5,841 documents were identified as containing sensitive data (true-positive rate of 44%). After additional enhancements to the rules, the system was evaluated a second time and 4.5% of 6,935 documents were identified as containing sensitive data (true-positive rate of 98.4%).

Conclusion: The analysis of the system demonstrates that production rules can be used to automatically screen the content of transition of care documents for sensitive data. The utilization of the rule-based decision support system enabled our hospitals to achieve meaningful use and, at the same time, remain compliant with state and federal laws.
Torre Dataflux en San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León
Authors: Agustin Landa Vertiz Arquitecto
Published: February 2017

La Torre Datafl ux -de 182 metros de altura- alberga departamentos en su sección superior, ofi cinas en sus dos secciones inferiores, comercios en la planta baja y cuatro niveles de estacionamiento subterráneo. 
Casa TDA en Puerto Escondido. Oaxaca
Authors: Eduardo Cadaval & Clara Solà-Morales Arquitectos
Published: February 2017

Una casa fresca, para un calor fuera de los parámetros establecidos para el confort estándar; una casa de bajo costo y que requiera un mínimo mantenimiento; una casa flexible en cuanto a número de usuarios; y flexible en su uso y configuración; una casa que pueda abrirse completamente al exterior o cerrarse y concentrarse en sí misma. Una casa de playa construible en una esquina de mundo.
Lidar detection of high concentrations of ozone and aerosol transported from northeastern Asia over Saga, Japan
Authors: Uchino Osamu , Sakai Tetsu , Izumi Toshiharu , Nagai Tomohiro , Morino Isamu , Yamazaki Akihiro , Deushi Makoto , Yumimoto Keiya , Maki Takashi , Tanaka Taichu Y. , Akaho Taiga , Okumura Hiroshi , Arai Kohei , Nakatsuru Takahiro , Matsunaga Tsuneo , Yokota Tatsuya
Published: February 2017

Abstract. To validate products of the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT), we observed vertical profiles of aerosols, thin cirrus clouds, and tropospheric ozone with a mobile-lidar system that consisted of a two-wavelength (532 and 1064 nm) polarization lidar and a tropospheric ozone differential absorption lidar (DIAL). We used these lidars to make continuous measurements over Saga (33.24° N, 130.29° E) during 20–31 March 2015. High ozone and high aerosol concentrations were observed almost simultaneously in the altitude range 0.5–1.5 km from 03:00 to 20:00 Japan Standard Time (JST) on 22 March 2015. The maximum ozone volume mixing ratio was ∼ 110 ppbv. The maxima of the aerosol extinction coefficient and optical depth at 532 nm were 1.2 km−1 and 2.1, respectively. Backward trajectory analysis and the simulations by the Model of Aerosol Species IN the Global AtmospheRe (MASINGAR) mk-2 and the Meteorological Research Institute Chemistry-Climate Model, version 2 (MRI-CCM2), indicated that mineral dust particles from the Gobi Desert and an air mass with high ozone and aerosol (mainly sulfate) concentrations that originated from the North China Plain could have been transported over the measurement site within about 2 days. These high ozone and aerosol concentrations impacted surface air quality substantially in the afternoon of 22 March 2015. After some modifications of its physical and chemical parameters, MRI-CCM2 approximately reproduced the high ozone volume mixing ratio. MASINGAR mk-2 successfully predicted high aerosol concentrations, but the predicted peak aerosol optical thickness was about one-third of the observed value.
Mean age of stratospheric air derived from AirCore observations
Authors: Engel Andreas , Bönisch Harald , Ullrich Markus , Sitals Robert , Membrive Olivier , Danis Francois , Crevoisier Cyril
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Mean age of stratospheric air can be derived from observations of sufficiently long lived trace gases with approximately linear trends in the troposphere. Mean age can serve as a tracer to investigate stratospheric transport and long term changes in the strength of the overturning Brewer-Dobson circulation of the stratosphere. For this purpose, a low-cost method is required in order to allow for regular observations up to altitudes of about 30 km. Despite the desired low costs, high precision and accuracy are required in order to allow determination of mean age. We present balloon borne AirCore observations from two mid latitude sites: Timmins in Ontario/Canada and Lindenberg in Germany. During the Timmins campaign five AirCores sampled air in parallel from a large stratospheric balloon and were analysed for CO2, CH4 and partly CO. We show that there is good agreement between the different AirCores (better than 0.1 %) especially when vertical gradients are small. The measurements from Lindenberg were performed using small low-cost balloons and yielded very comparable results. We have used the observations to extend our long term data set of mean age observations at Northern Hemi-sphere mid latitudes. The time series now covers more than 40 years and shows a small, statis-tically not significant positive trend of 0.15 ± 0.18 years/decade. This trend is slightly smaller than the previous estimate of 0.24 ± 0.22 years/decade which was based on observations up to the year 2006. These observations are still in contrast to strong negative trends of mean age as derived from some model calculations.
Evaluating meso-scale change in performance of several databases of hourly surface irradiation in South-eastern Arabic Pensinsula
Authors: Marchand Mathilde , Al-Azri Nasser , Ombe-Ndeffotsing Armel , Wey Etienne , Wald Lucien
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The solar hourly global irradiation received at ground level estimated by the databases HelioClim-3v4, HelioClim-3v5 and CAMS Radiation Service are compared to coincident measurements made in five stations in Oman and Abu Dhabi. CAMS is an abbreviation of Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. Each database describes the hour-to-hour changes in irradiation very well with correlation coefficients greater than 0.97 for all stations. Each database exhibits a tendency to underestimate the irradiation in this area; the bias is small and less than 5 % of the average of the measurements in absolute value. The RMSE ranges between 70 and 90 Wh m−2 (11 to 16 %). This validation of the three databases for this arid region on the edge of the Meteosat coverage reveals satisfactory results. Each database captures accurately the temporal and spatial variability of the irradiance field. It is found that the three databases do not exhibit noticeable geographical changes in performances and are reliable sources to assess the SSI in this region.
Methane distribution and oxidation around the Lena Delta in summer 2013
Authors: Bussmann Ingeborg , Hackbusch Steffen , Schaal Patrick , Wichels Antje
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The Lena River is one of the biggest Russian rivers draining into the Laptev Sea. Due to predicted increasing temperatures, the permafrost areas surrounding the Lena Delta will melt at increasing rates. With this melting, high amounts of methane will reach the waters of the Lena and the adjacent Laptev Sea. Methane oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria is the only biological way to reduce methane concentrations within the system. However, the polar estuary of the Lena River is a challenging environment for bacteria, with strong fluctuations in salinity and temperature. We determined the activity (tracer method) and the abundance (qPCR) of aerobic methanotrophic bacteria. We described the methanotrophic population with MISA; as well as the methane distribution (head space) and other abiotic parameters in the Lena Delta in September 2013. In riverine water (S < 5) we found a median methane concentration of 22 nM, in mixed water (5 < S < 20) the median methane concentration was 19 nM and in polar water (S > 20) a median 28 nM was observed. The Lena River was not the methane source for surface water, and bottom water methane concentrations were mainly influenced by the concentration in surface sediments. However, the methane oxidation rate in riverine and polar water was very similar (0.419 and 0.400 nM/d), but with a higher relative abundance of methanotrophs and a higher estimated diversity with respect to MISA OTUs in the rivine water as compared to polar water. The turnover times of methane ranged from 167 d in mixed water, 91 d in riverine water and only 36 d in polarwater. Also the environmental parameters influencing the methane oxidation rate and the methanotrophic population differed between the water masses. Thus we postulate a riverine methanotrophic population limited by sub-optimal temperatures and substrate concentrations and a polar methanotrophic population being well adapted to the cold and methane poor environment, but limited by the nitrogen content. The diffusive methane flux into the atmosphere ranged from 4–163 µmol m2 d−1 (median 24). For the total methane inventory of the investigated area, the diffusive methane flux was responsible for 8 % loss, compared to only 1 % of the methane consumed by the methanotrophic bacteria within the system.
Re-examining and Redeeming the Tragic Queen: Euripides’ "Hecuba" in Two Versions by Frank McGuinness (2004) and Marina Carr (2015)
Authors: González Chacón María del Mar
Published: February 2017

A common approach to Irish theatre during the last years has been the identification of the interest by the playwrights in rewriting, adapting or translating Greek tragedies. This article examines Euripides’ Hecuba by Frank McGuinness (2004) and Marina Carr (2015) from a comparative approach and emphasizes the revision and redemption of the figure of the queen of Troy in the hands of both Irish contemporary playwrights. From this perspective, a new image of Hecuba is suggested which adds to the classical heroine modern traits that allow to parallel her story with Ireland’s (hi)stories of war as well as to redeem her from the burden of the myth which is then unmasked. The analysis of Hecuba’s speeches in the three versions reveals language and plot variations that have allowed the myth to continue traveling in time.
Building Brand Equity through the Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A Case Study of Hollard Insurance- Kumasi
Authors: Reese Mensah Daniels , Yensu Joseph , Atuilik Daniel Abayaakadina
Published: February 2017

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important part of every business entity and as such has been described as a tool to build the brand equity of a business. Thus, understanding its implications help firms to build their brand equity. Therefore, this study investigates into building brand equity through the influence of CSR in Hollard Insurance Company, Kumasi. Questionnaires were designed and administered to a sample of 373 employees and customers of the Hollard Insurance Company. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, cronbach alpha and multiple regression. The study shows that all CSR variables influence Brand Equity. However, Legal, Ethical, Voluntary and aggregated Corporate Social Responsibility significantly influence Brand Equity, with positive relationships. Ethical Responsibility was found not to be significant, but had a positive influence on Brand equity. The findings suggest that with Hollard Insurance commitments to legal, ethical and voluntary responsibility; they can present better view of their services by considering the CSR and include a positive brand association of their name in people's minds. It was further suggested that Hollard Insurance Company should review its CSR to assess the quality of legal, ethical and voluntary responsibilities to determine whether they are effectively carried out.