bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An annotation of cuts, depicted locations, and temporal progression in the motion picture "Forrest Gump"
Authors: Häusler Christian O. , Hanke Michael
Published: September 2016

Here we present an annotation of locations and temporal progression depicted in the movie “Forrest Gump”, as an addition to a large public functional brain imaging dataset (http://studyforrest.org). The annotation provides information about the exact timing of each of the 870 shots, and the depicted location after every cut with a high, medium, and low level of abstraction. Additionally, four classes are used to distinguish the differences of the depicted time between shots. Each shot is also annotated regarding the type of location (interior/exterior) and time of day. This annotation enables further studies of visual perception, memory of locations, and the perception of time under conditions of real-life complexity using the studyforrest dataset.
Modelling the coverage and annual variation in bilberry yield in Finland
Authors: Turtiainen Marjut , Miina Jari , Salo Kauko , Hotanen Juha-Pekka
Published: September 2016

The coverage of bilberry (L.) was modelled as a function of site and stand characteristics using the permanent sample plots of the National Forest Inventory (NFI) (ModelÂ 1). The sample sites consisted of mineral soil forests as well as fells and peatland sites. Annual variation in the bilberry yield (Model 2) was analysed based on measurements over 2001â2014 in the permanent sample plots (so-called MASI plots) in various areas of Finland. We derived annual bilberry yield indices from the year effects of Model 2 and investigated whether these indices could be used to estimate annual variation in bilberry crops in Finland. The highest bilberry coverage was found in mesic heath forests and fell forests. On peatlands the coverage was, on average, lower than on mineral soil sites; the peatland sites with most bilberry coverage were meso-oligotrophic and oligotrophic spruce mires and oligotrophic pine mires. Our bilberry yield indices showed similar variation to those derived from the mean annual berry yields reported and calculated earlier using the MASI plots; the correlation between the indices was 0.795. This approach to calculating annual berry yield indices is a promising way for estimating total annual bilberry yields over a given period of time. Models 1 and 2 can be used in conjunction with the Miina et al.âs (2009) bilberry yield model when bilberry coverage, average annual yield and annual variation in the yield are to be predicted in forest planning.Vaccinium myrtillus
Quantificação da vulnerabilidade natural à contaminação das águas subterrâneas da sub-bacia hidrográfica Jacaré-Pepira/SP
Authors: Tanajura Douglas Da Silva , Leite Cláudio Benedito Batista
Published: September 2016

As águas subterrâneas representam aproximadamente 98% da água doce disponível e adequada ao consumo humano. Não obstante este seja um recurso de difícil acesso e relativa proteção natural, diversas atividades antrópicas apresentam potencial de contaminação de aquíferos suscetíveis. A vulnerabilidade das águas subterrâneas é uma propriedade intrínseca do meio físico e representa a facilidade ou dificuldade de um contaminante hipotético migrar verticalmente da superfície do terreno ao aquífero. O objetivo deste trabalho foi aplicar o método DRASTIC para quantificação da vulnerabilidade intrínseca das águas subterrâneas armazenadas nos aquíferos livres presentes na Sub-Bacia Hidrográfica Jacaré-Pepira (componente da UGHRI-13). Para o método DRASTIC Padrão foi encontrada vulnerabilidade 48,96% Moderada, 44,14% Baixa e 6,90% Alta (não ocorrendo Vulnerabilidade Muito Alta). Para DRASTIC Pesticidas, obteve-se vulnerabilidade 53,54% Moderada, 37,27% Alta, 4,72% Muito Alta e 4,47% Baixa. Considerando-se os custos e tempo necessários para remediação de aquíferos, propõe-se a utilização do mapeamento da vulnerabilidade intrínseca do meio físico em avaliações preliminares frente a instalação de novos empreendimentos.
Busca pelo mínimo resíduo para escolha do parâmetro de forma utilizado em RBF’s aplicadas no método assimétrico livre de malhas (MESHLESS) para simulação de fluxo subterrâneo
Authors: Araújo Renata Shirley De Andrade , Bezerra Alessandro De Araújo , Castro Marco Aurélio Holanda de
Published: September 2016

Este trabalho visa à aplicação do método assimétrico numérico livre de malha, um tipo de Meshless, em dois casos de fluxo hídrico subterrâneo para simular a variação da carga hidráulica da região. O modelo desenvolvido utiliza a função de base radial multiquádrica como função de aproximação e uma nova metodologia, a qual utiliza os resíduos do contorno e do domínio para determinar o parâmetro de forma ‘c’, usado nesse Meshless. A metodologia foi aplicada em dois casos: Para o Caso 1, com solução analítica conhecida, foi possível comparar a solução exata à solução numérica obtida usando a metodologia dos resíduos proposta. O Caso 2 é um cenário real no qual a metodologia foi aplicada para simular o fluxo hídrico subterrâneo de uma pequena região dentro da Bacia Sedimentar do Araripe, situada no Estado do Ceará-Brasil. Nessa região específica a maior parte do abastecimento público de água provém de fontes subterrâneas. No caso 1, os resultados indicaram que o parâmetro ‘c’ obtido se aproximou do valor ideal. No caso 2, a equipotencial do poço utilizado como referência obteve um erro percentual de aproximadamente 5%.
Characterization of cadmium sulphide (CdS) thin film deposited by spray pyrolysis technique
Authors: Dhawankar Sachin H. , Suryavanshi Bhagwat. M.
Published: September 2016

Cadmium sulphide thin film is deposited on the glass slide using aqueous solution of cadmium chloride and thiourea by using spray pyrolysis deposition technique at temperature of 4000C. Structural, optical and electrical properties of deposited CdS thin film are investigated. Optical studied of CdS thin film is characterized by using UV –Visible Spectrophotometer in the visible region (380 – 1000 nm). The energy Band gap of CdS thin film is obtained in the present work at 2.3 eV. Thickness of CdS thin film is determined by using weight difference density method. Absorption coefficient and extinction coefficient of CdS thin film are studied in the present work. Structural characterization of CdS thin is done by using X-Ray diffractometer. XRD Pattern analysis showed that the CdS thin film is mixed phases of cubic and hexagonal structure. Using four probe methods the electrical resistivity and electrical conductivity of CdS thin film are studied.
Potential therapeutic effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) against adverse effects of penconazole fungicide to white rats
Authors: Abdel Rasoul Mona , Marei Gehan
Published: September 2016

This study aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizome Ethanolic extract (CLRE) at 250 mg/kg as antioxidant effects against penconazole induced sub-acute toxicity. Hepatic, renal and testicular pathological changes caused by oxidative damage induced by penconazole in rats were biochemically and histologically evaluated. Male rats were treated with penconazole, via oral route, at doses of 0.5 mg/ kg body weight (b.w.; acute reference dose, ARfD), 25 mg/kg b.w. (no observed adverse effects level, NOAEL) and 100 mg/ kg b.w. (1/20 lethal dose [LD50]) for 28 consecutive days. Penconazole treatments had significant (p < 0.05) and gradual reductions in body and relative testicular weight accompanied by significant elevation in the relative liver and kidney weights. Significant increase serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dhydrogenase(LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatinine (Cre), uric acid and blood glucose was observed due to penconazole treatments. However, total protein and testosterone hormone were significantly decreased. Exposure to penconazole caused increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased of liver and kidney antioxidant enzymes activity as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Histopathological studies confirmed the ameliorative beneficial effects of turmeric biochemical parameters. On the basis of this study, the use of tumeric rhizomes as a functional food or as a nutraceutical product could be a useful approach to protect individuals who are regularly exposed to penconazole.
Variability of yield and forage quality between three heading groups of english ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) during the first growth / Variabilität von Ertrag und Futterqualität zwischen drei Reifegruppen von Englischem Raygras (Lolium perenne L.) im Verlauf des ersten Aufwuchses
Authors: Poetsch Erich M. , Resch Reinhard , Krautzer Bernhard
Published: September 2016

Lolium perenne L. (Lp) is one of the most important and valuable forage plants in grasslands and an indispensable component of seed mixtures for meadows, pastures, ley farming, and re-seeding measures. A set of 39 different cultivars of Lp assigned to early, intermediate, and late maturing types were harvested and analyzed in weekly intervals during the first growth at AREC Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Austria. Significant differences between the heading groups were found with a time lag of 6 days for crude protein content and of up to 11 days for digestibility of organic matter and energy concentration. The early heading cultivars significantly differed from the other two groups, which performed comparably and were more resilient in terms of quality aspects for a longer time. Within all three heading groups, a strong variation could be noticed, leading to some unexpected overlapping. Our results indicate that the current assignment of Lp cultivars to the heading groups is imprecise and should be improved by advanced recordings and by analyses during the time of the official variety testing period. This may lead to a more sufficient selection of Lp cultivars for grassland mixtures, and therefore, increase the quality of home-grown forage.
Net food production of different livestock: A national analysis for Austria including relative occupation of different land categories / Netto-Lebensmittelproduktion der Nutztierhaltung: Eine nationale Analyse für Österreich inklusive relativer Flächenbeanspruchung
Authors: Ertl Paul , Steinwidder Andreas , Schönauer Magdalena , Krimberger Kurt , Knaus Wilhelm , Zollitsch Werner
Published: September 2016

The discussion on the role of livestock in human food security is often controversial. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the net contribution of different livestock to human food protein and energy supply. Furthermore, the proportions of feed protein and feed energy derived from different land categories were estimated. National data from 2011–2013 for the main Austrian livestock categories (cattle, dairy cows, growing-fattening bulls, swine, broiler chickens, laying hens, turkeys, sheep, and goats) were used in this case study. Cattle were the only species that were net contributors to both the human protein and energy supply. When accounting for the differences in protein quality between human-edible plant inputs and animal products, not only cattle, but also laying hens, sheep, and goats increased the value of protein available for human consumption. Except for growing-fattening bulls, about 50% of the feed protein and energy for ruminants was derived from permanent grassland, which could otherwise not be used for human food production. The results of this study showed that depending on the production system, the transformation process of feed into food of animal origin results in either an increase or decrease of the available food for human consumption, but it always increases protein quality.
Who’s right: The author or the audience? Effects of user comments and ratings on the perception of online science articles
Authors: Winter Stephan , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: September 2016

When laypersons are interested in science-related questions, they frequently visit participatory websites such as science blogs. Typically, articles on these sites are accompanied by user comments or ratings. The present research investigated the effects of different forms of user feedback on readers’ interpretation of science topics. In two experiments (
Uncertainty discourses in the context of climate change: A corpus-assisted analysis of UK national newspaper articles
Authors: Collins Luke C. , Nerlich Brigitte
Published: September 2016

Uncertainty is intrinsic to science, to knowledge acquisition and risk assessment. When communicating about climate change, however, uncertainty can be used and understood as ‘not knowing’, that is, as ignorance. In this article we aim to understand how ‘uncertainty’ is used in a specific cultural and media context at two important periods in time. Using a corpus linguistic approach, we examine how ‘uncertainty’ was used in the context of UK press coverage of climate change in 2010 (following ‘Climategate’) and in 2014−15, after the latest IPCC report had been published. We find that after Climategate and the (failed) Copenhagen summit, ‘uncertainty’ was used to question the authority and credibility of climate science; after the latest IPCC report and in the run-up to the (more successful) Paris summit, discussions focused on uncertainties inherent in various climate change mitigation activities and associated with the economy, environment and politics more generally.
Who participates in the climate change online discourse? A typology of Germans’ online engagement
Authors: Taddicken Monika , Reif Anne
Published: September 2016

This paper argues the relevance of the internet for scientific communication. It is not only an immense source of information, it also empowers laypeople to interact by commenting, rating, and sharing online content. Previous studies have found that users’ contributions to online content affect the reception processes. However, research on who actually uses these participatory possibilities is scarce. This paper characterizes engaged (and non-engaged) online users by analyzing online engagement (using search engines and different participatory forms) with a representative German online survey (
General Methods for Evolutionary Quantitative Genetic Inference from Generalized Mixed Models
Authors: de Villemereuil Pierre , Schielzeth Holger , Nakagawa Shinichi , Morrissey Michael
Published: September 2016

Methods for inference and interpretation of evolutionary quantitative genetic parameters, and for prediction of the response to selection, are best developed for traits with normal distributions. Many traits of evolutionary interest, including many life history and behavioral traits, have inherently nonnormal distributions. The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) framework has become a widely used tool for estimating quantitative genetic parameters for nonnormal traits. However, whereas GLMMs provide inference on a statistically convenient latent scale, it is often desirable to express quantitative genetic parameters on the scale upon which traits are measured. The parameters of fitted GLMMs, despite being on a latent scale, fully determine all quantities of potential interest on the scale on which traits are expressed. We provide expressions for deriving each of such quantities, including population means, phenotypic (co)variances, variance components including additive genetic (co)variances, and parameters such as heritability. We demonstrate that fixed effects have a strong impact on those parameters and show how to deal with this by averaging or integrating over fixed effects. The expressions require integration of quantities determined by the link function, over distributions of latent values. In general cases, the required integrals must be solved numerically, but efficient methods are available and we provide an implementation in an R package, QGglmm. We show that known formulas for quantities such as heritability of traits with binomial and Poisson distributions are special cases of our expressions. Additionally, we show how fitted GLMM can be incorporated into existing methods for predicting evolutionary trajectories. We demonstrate the accuracy of the resulting method for evolutionary prediction by simulation and apply our approach to data from a wild pedigreed vertebrate population.
A Multigenic Network of ARGONAUTE4 Clade Members Controls Early Megaspore Formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hernández-Lagana Elvira , Rodríguez-Leal Daniel , Lúa Judith , Vielle-Calzada Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2016

The development of gametophytes relies on the establishment of a haploid gametophytic generation that initiates with the specification of gametophytic precursors. The majority of flowering plants differentiate a single gametophytic precursor in the ovule: the megaspore mother cell. Here we show that, in addition to argonaute9 (ago9), mutations in other ARGONAUTE (AGO) genes such as ago4, ago6, and ago8, also show abnormal configurations containing supernumerary gametophytic precursors in Arabidopsis thaliana. Double homozygous ago4 ago9 individuals showed a suppressive effect on the frequency of ovules with multiple gametophytic precursors across three consecutive generations, indicating that genetic interactions result in compensatory mechanisms. Whereas overexpression of AGO6 in ago9 and ago4 ago9 confirms strong regulatory interactions among genes involved in RNA-directed DNA methylation, AGO8 is overexpressed in premeiotic ovules of ago4 ago9 individuals, suggesting that the regulation of this previously presumed pseudogene responds to the compensatory mechanism. The frequency of abnormal meiotic configurations found in ago4 ago9 individuals is dependent on their parental genotype, revealing a transgenerational effect. Our results indicate that members of the AGO4 clade cooperatively participate in preventing the abnormal specification of multiple premeiotic gametophytic precursors during early ovule development in A. thaliana.
New record of Rineloricaria daraha Rapp Py-Daniel & Fichberg, 2008 from Rio Paca, upper Rio Negro, Amazon River basin
Authors: Bogotá-Gregory Juan David , Provenzano Francisco , Acosta-Santos Astrid , Agudelo Córdoba Edwin
Published: September 2016

The geographic distribution of a catfish of the family Loricariidae, Rineloricaria daraha Rapp Py-Daniel and Fichberg, 2008, which was only known from its type locality within the Rio Daraá, Brazil, is extended here within the Rio Negro basin to Colombia. This new record from Colombian territory is more than 700 km apart, in hydrological distance, from previously recorded locality in the Rio Daraá. Illustrations of diagnostic characters and morphometrics are provided based on Colombian specimens.
First Brazilian record of Ammophila hevans Menke, 2004 (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)
Authors: Trad Bhrenno M. , Buys Sandor C. , Silvestre Rogerio
Published: September 2016

The Thread-waisted Wasp, Ammophila hevans Menke, 2004, is reported from the Brazilian Cerrado, collected in a transitional area between Savannah and Semidecidual Forest formations in Dourados muni­cipality, Mato Grosso Sul state, Brazil. The species is illustrated for the first time, and a distribution map is provided.
The Geography of Black Candidate Electoral Success
Authors: Allen Marcus , King Marvin
Published: September 2016

In this manuscript, we reexamine claims about the geography of electoral success of African American candidates. Barack Obama’s historic election in 2008 prompted journalists, partisans, and scholars to review prior notions of where African American candidates can successfully contend for elected office. Although Obama’s victory is just an anecdotal national example (albeit an important one), we review the available evidence at the state level to understand what factors might impede African American electoral success. Heretofore, the literature focused on the density of the black population, and the interconnectedness of region and white racial attitudes. This paper shows that these old standbys can no longer explain African American electoral success.
Coping Styles Associated with Victimization Profiles among Homeless Youth
Authors: Bender Kimberly , Brown Samantha M. , Begun Stephanie , Barman-Adhikari Anamika , Ferguson Kristin
Published: September 2016

Homeless youth experience elevated rates of victimization, yet few studies have identified malleable intervention targets that could mitigate risk for such adverse experiences. Building on a prior study that used latent class analysis to identify 3 victimization profiles among homeless youth (low-victimization class, high-victimization class, and witness class), we investigate how different coping styles (active, avoidant, and social coping) were associated with each victimization profile among a large purposive sample of homeless youth (N = 601). Results indicate that youth who report employing greater avoidant coping are more likely to have a witness or high-victimization profile, while social coping is associated with having a low-victimization profile. Coping styles may represent malleable factors that offer promising intervention targets for helping homeless youth safely navigate stressful street environments.
From Independence to Interdependence: Redefining Outcomes for Transitional Living Programs for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Holtschneider Casey
Published: September 2016

Transitional living programs (TLPs) are a housing intervention authorized by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to provide services for older youth experiencing homelessness. Preparing youth for independence is a chief program outcome for TLPs across the country. The findings of this qualitative study, with 32 former participants in TLP services, suggest that the primacy of this outcome may warrant reexamination. A dominant focus on the achievement of independence as a determination of program success does not (a) capture the most important roles TLPs serve from the perspective of youth and (b) account for the possible structural roots of youth homelessness in the United States that may prevent young people from maintaining stability after exit.
Unsheltered Homeless Youth Point-in-Time Count and Outreach: Opportunities for University–Community Collaboration (Practice Note)
Authors: Trawver Kathi R. , Aguiniga Donna M.
Published: September 2016

Unaccompanied homeless youth (< 25 years of age) are the group most likely to be underreported in annual point-in-time (PIT) counts of unsheltered individuals. This practice note reviews the process of a collaborative partnership between a university and community to conduct a successful youth PIT count outreach that more accurately reflected the number of homeless youth. In addition to almost doubling the number of unsheltered homeless youth who were identified between 2013 and 2014, several positive outcomes for students, providers, and faculty resulted through the project's efforts. These outcomes, including increased student exposure and interest in this vulnerable population, are reviewed.
Responding to the Grand Challenge to End Homelessness: The National Homelessness Social Work Initiative
Authors: Larkin Heather , Henwood Benjamin , Fogel Sondra J. , Aykanian Amanda , Briar-Lawson Katharine H. , Donaldson Linda Plitt , Herman Daniel , Little Samuel B. , Meyer-Adams Nancy , Padgett Deborah K. , Patchner Michael A. , Streeter Calvin L.
Published: September 2016

The American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare adopted ending homelessness as one of its 12 Grand Challenges for Social Work. The National Center for Excellence in Homeless Services supports this Grand Challenge through its National Homelessness Social Work Initiative. This initiative is being carried out through a consortium of schools of social work nationally, emphasizing workforce development and policy advocacy. This major, multiyear initiative applies innovative strategies to service and policy design and social work education. This article describes the overall mission of the Homelessness Initiative and key activities used to strengthen social work curriculum, expand homelessness-related field placement opportunities for students, and impact services through the policy advocacy and dissemination of best practices.
PREVALENCE OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN JAMAICA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
Authors: Smith Delores E.
Published: September 2016

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global phenomenon. It is pervasive in every society and cuts across culture, religion, wealth, status, age, and lifestyle. IPV is a violation of women’s human rights and a threat to public health and national development. However, in many societies, particularly developing nations, it is not given the national attention it deserves. The purpose of the current article is to present a snapshot of the prevalence and scope of IPV in the Jamaican context. In addition to presenting information on IPV and its consequences, the article uses ecological systems theory to delineate the various factors that potentially place Jamaican women at risk for intimate partner victimization. Further, the article proposes strategies for addressing existing cultural gender norms and beliefs about heterosexual interpersonal relationships and offers suggestions to policy makers for prevention and intervention approaches to limit the potential for the perpetration and maintenance of IPV. It is suggested that a combination of legislative action and public and private ventures will help reduce the incidence of domestic violence in Jamaica.
People, Places and Cultures: Education and the Cultural Politics of Sustainable Development
Authors: Manteaw Bob Offei
Published: September 2016

This paper explores the cultural politics of the concept of sustainable development by examining the role of education in the discourse of education for sustainable development (ESD). Using an international comparative framework, the author discusses cultural differences, particularly
as they relate to Western industrialised societies and developing countries, by problematising taken-for-granted assumptions of globalised approaches to ESD. The United States and Ghana are used as case studies to highlight the different ways in which development is conceptualised in
different cultures and settings. The author also critically explores what he describes as an American Development Paradigm and compares that to an African Development Paradigm. More significantly, he shows how unequal relationships, cultural differences, as well as different
development aspirations shape people's understanding of sustainable development, and how that informs educational thinking and practice in different places and cultures.
Global Learning in the Third Age: Findings from a German project
Authors: Scheunpflug Annette , Lang-Wojtasik Gregor , Bergmüller Claudia
Published: September 2016

Global learning and development education might be accurately accused of focusing on the young, to the neglect of older people. In this article, the authors outline an evaluation-research study which accompanied a training programme that was designed to address this apparent neglect.
The project, a collaboration between a number of faith-based organisations coming from global learning or adult education perspectives, developed a methodology for training educators working with older people in a 'third age' learning setting. The paper outlines the genesis and development
of the project, and also describes the accompanying evaluation-research. Beginning with an outline of the life and learning contexts involved in educational work with older people, the authors elaborate a perspective on global learning with older people. The authors go on to outline the training
and practical implementation of the projects involved, and to describe the methodology and outline findings of the evaluation study. Conclusions are drawn regarding elements for the successful implementation of training in global education with those working with older people, while future
prospects for strengthening this neglected sector are also suggested.
'A Mile Wide and an Inch Deep': Surveys of Public Attitudes towards Development Aid
Authors: Hudson David , vanHeerde-Hudson Jennifer
Published: September 2016

In this article we argue that existing survey instruments used to examine public attitudes to global poverty are not fit for purpose. Surveys need to be redesigned to successfully support the threefold purpose of development education and public engagement. The core of our critique
is that existing measures suffer from poor measurement validity, and fail to control for knowledge-levels or perceptions of aid effectiveness, both of which are thought to limit support. Researchers also lack understanding of the factors that motivate support for development aid in the first
place. We conclude by making recommendations for future surveys of public attitudes and suggest that building support for development may require speaking to many publics as opposed the public.
Global Education in statu nascendi: Some Reflections on Poland 1
Authors: Jasikowska Katarzyna , Witkowski Jedrzej
Published: September 2016

This article presents findings from a participant observation perspective concerning the multi-stakeholder process on global education in Poland in 2010. The vast majority of the information presented is based on interviews with experts on global education in Poland as well as analysis
of existing documents. The main thesis of the paper is that the shape of the agreement document on global education between the state (represented by three Ministries) and civil society (represented by a platform of NDGOs) was influenced by four different issues: i) Poland's historical trajectory
from being first a Soviet-satellite country, then a post-Soviet country and aspiring member of the European Union (EU), and, finally, in 2004, an EU member; ii) the impacts of transnational advocacy networks (TANs); iii) the characteristics of the Polish formal education system and, iv) the
intrinsic characteristics of civil dialogue in Poland. Moreover, we show how the 'global education package' in Poland emerged 'from above' as a consequence of a successful campaigning exercise by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe which was supported by Polish NGDOs.
Understanding theories of international development through role-play: a critical discussion of a post-graduate seminar activity exploring two contrasting theories
Authors: McMichael Celia
Published: September 2016

It is critical that students of international development understand the theoretical foundations of practice and policy in this field. Dependency theory and neo-liberalism provide divergent perspectives regarding the causes of and solutions to 'underdevelopment' in the Global South.
This article outlines a student role-play activity that was developed to both clarify these theories of development and to consider the tensions between them. The article describes both the rationale for, and the main components and processes of this role-play, and reflects critically on the
learning process and outcomes of the role-play method.
Learning about the effects of development education programmes: Strengthening planning, monitoring, and evaluation (PME) through reflective practice
Authors: Van Ongevalle Jan , Huyse Huib , Van Petegem Peter
Published: September 2016

This article reports on the results of an action research project (2010–13) in which ten Belgian organizations who implement development education programmes explored different planning, monitoring, and evaluation (PME) approaches with the aim of learning more effectively about
their results. PME approaches piloted included outcome mapping, most significant change, and scoring tools. This article seeks to further the debate about the implications of the complexity of development education programmes for their PME. Such debate is needed in view of a growing call for
results-based management of externally funded development education programmes. Based on the literature from the fields of international development cooperation and development education, and supported by our study results, we argue that there is a need for alternative results-based management
approaches that promote learning and help actors involved in development education deal with unpredictability and non-linearity.
Global Citizenship as a Floating Signifier: Lessons from UK universities
Authors: Moraes Silvia Elisabeth
Published: September 2016

In a world where people interact across countries, citizens need to find their role in the global community; therefore, global citizenship (GC) has become an influential theme in higher education. Due to its various interpretations and modes of action, in this paper GC is addressed
as a floating signifier. Our main data comes from interviews with ten academics from five UK universities that host internationalization programmes. The respondents were asked about the signified (in the Saussurian sense) that they attribute to GC, what skills are necessary to be a global
citizen, and how the sciences contribute to the articulation of GC. Although showing different approaches to GC, academics agreed that the university is its main discursive context and that projects and programmes must involve all sciences in interdisciplinary relations.
Curriculum, knowledge, and the idea of South Africa
Authors: Soudien Crain
Published: September 2016

South Africa is an important social space in world history and politics for understanding how the modern world comes to deal with the questions of social difference, and the encounter of people with different civilizational histories. In this essay I argue that a particular racial idea
inflected this encounter. One of the ways in which this happened was through the dominance of late nineteenthcentury and early twentieth-century positivism. In setting up the argument for this essay, I begin with a characterization of the nature of early South Africa's modernity, the period
in which the country's political and intellectual leadership began to outline the kinds of knowledges they valued. I argue that a scientism, not unlike the positivism that emerges in many parts of the world at this time, came to inform discussions of progress and development in the country
at the end of the nineteenth century. This was continued into the early twentieth century, and was evident in important interventions in the country such as the establishment of the higher education system and initiatives like the Carnegie Inquiry of 1933. The key effect of this scientism,
based as it was on the conceits of objectivity and neutrality, was to institute suspicion of all other forms of knowing, and most critically that of indigenous knowledge. In the second part of the paper, I show that this scientism persists in the post-apartheid curriculum project.
Finally, I make an exploratory argument, drawing on the concept of the 'transaction' in John Dewey, for a new approach to knowing.
The academy, development, and modernity's 'other'
Authors: Haavelsrud Magnus
Published: September 2016

Epistemological preferences in Western academies over the centuries became the measuring rod for what is to count as valid knowledge in thinking about development. The genealogy of the sciences of law and economics can be traced back to the Roman and British empires. The problem is
posed in this paper as to the question of how remnants of these genealogies continue to influence development models and to what extent the academy may be in need of transformation by the inclusion of epistemologies and ethics found in modernity's 'other', i.e.in cultures that continue to
exist outside modernity. This transformation of the academy by enlargement, it is argued, would become more feasible by scientific methodologies inspired by forms of transdisciplinarity, trilateral science, and praxis.
Development priorities for African universities
Authors: Baijnath Narend , James Genevieve
Published: September 2016

African knowledge remains at best on the margins, struggling for an epistemological foothold in the face of an ever dominant Western canon. At worst, African knowledge is disparaged, depreciated, and dismissed. It is often ignored even by African scholars who, having gained control
of the academy in the postcolonial context, seemingly remain mesmerized by the Western canon in most dimensions of thought, inquiry, theorization, culture (classical as well as popular), and ideology. Such is the hegemonic influence of historical legacy and current power relations in the production
and dissemination of knowledge. This paper argues that African knowledge, given appropriate impetus, can serve as a powerful stimulus to development. Against the backdrop of intractable development challenges, the paper will explore the role of African universities in the creation, dissemination,
and support of African knowledge; and the preservation of indigenous knowledge. Since a scholarly effort towards integrating an African ethos into discourse, consciousness, and praxis is critical, this paper will consider transformative action for African human development and outline key
priorities for African universities to position African knowledge for successful development effectively, and thereby provide an alternative canonical perspective more resonant with the aspirations, interests, and development agenda of the continent.
Freedom of Religion, Religiosity, and GDP per Capital
Authors: Chase Gregory
Published: September 2016

Past studies have found a link between the level of religious freedom or religiosity in a nation and GDP per capita. These s0074udies have found GDP per capita is higher in nations with higher levels of religious freedom or that countries with increasing levels of GDP per capita have increasing levels of religious freedom. Studies of religiosity are consistent in that countries with higher levels of religiosity have lower levels of GDP per capita. This study expands on these previous studies by combining these two factors using multiple measures of religious freedom and religiosity. Countries that have more religious freedom suggests they also have freedom in other areas with many of these freedoms important to produce higher levels of income, while nations that have the higher level of religiosity are willing to sacrifice higher levels of GDP per capita to be able to practice their religion. Along with the multiple measures of religiosity and religious freedom considered, additional variables were included to isolate their relationship with GDP per capita. Additional control variables not related to the religion variables included economic freedom, civil liberties, political rights, and percent of GDP from natural resources. Many of the measures of religious freedom and religiosity were similar to the results from previous studies or were insignificant. Consistent with the previous study the results showed that increased levels of religiosity in a nation were related to lower levels of GDP per capita. However, contrary to previous studies this study found that having a state religion had a strong positive relationship with GDP per capita. The often heard argument is that many of the nations with a state religion are also resource rich nations which could override other factors that limit income per capita was not found to be the case. In the various models considered, the most significant model included both state religion and natural resources as a percent of GDP with the two having a very low level of correlation.
The Relationship between Economic Growth and Municipal Solid Waste & Testing the EKC Hypothesis: Analysis for Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ghazi Alajmi Reema
Published: September 2016

This paper empirically investigates two main points: application of the VECM test to examine the relationship between economic growth and municipal solid waste (MSW) generation using municipal services, GDP and population growth; and the application of the OLS regression to validate the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis for MSW over the period of 1980-2012 in Saudi Arabia. The results show that there is a long-standing relationship between the variables under examination, and that the EKC hypothesis is not valid for MSW in Saudi Arabia. Even though there is an inverted U-shaped because the turning point is very high compared with GDP in that period. Saudi Arabia needs to implement new policies and adopt new technologies that help to reduce MSW generation in order to achieve sustainable development in future.
Carta ao Editor relativa ao artigo: “Burnout em Profissionais da Saúde Portugueses: Uma Análise a Nível Nacional” de João Marôco, Ana Lúcia Marôco, Ema Leite, Cristina Bastos, Maria José Vazão, Juliana Campos. Acta Med Port 2016;29:24-30.
Authors: Gama Marques João , Moscoso Ana
Published: September 2016

Palavras-chave: Esgotamento Profissional; Pessoal de Saúde; Portugal.
Helping Students Learn in EMI Courses Using Reciprocal Teaching: A Case Study of a Taiwan University
Authors: Chou I-Chia
Published: September 2016

Offering English-medium-instruction (EMI) courses in universities and colleges has gradually become a national policy in Taiwan. However, many students struggle in EMI courses. One possible reason is that Taiwanese students do not have sufficient English competence to understand academic text and academic lectures in English. Reciprocal teaching (RT) has been considered an effective way to increase students’ reading comprehension in many elementary and junior-high school language classrooms. Yet, few studies have been done for tertiary-level students. Thus, this small-scale pilot study was conducted to examine whether there was an effect of reciprocal teaching on students’ academic performance. A class of 62 students enrolling in Educational Psychology was taught first in a traditional lecturing style (about 2 months) and later in RT (about 2 months). Data was collected at four time periods (2 in-class quizzes and 2 achievement tests). Results of one-way repeated ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference on students’ test score before and after the intervention. This suggests that the RT technique may help Taiwanese students comprehend academic text and further help them learn in EMI courses.
Cost Reduction on Onshore Rig Operation with Offline Stand Building System
Authors: Ugasciny A. , Chang B. T , Hampson A.
Published: September 2016

The oil industry today faces a strong surge in costs as it strives to meet global and national regulatory challenges on safety compliances. Continuous efforts on reducing drilling costs have since been a focus at every level of oil production and in particularly the "flat time" associated with casing running operations. Running doubles of casing takes tubular running to a new level and evidently offers significant cost benefits.

This paper will neatly outline the case study of Offline Standing Building System (OSBS) project initiated at an onshore rig in Brunei. The new approach is based on automated pipe facility concepts, where fully mechanized hands-free pipe feeding and makeup systems were deployed to save time and eliminate handling risks.

This installation brings a breakthrough in tubular running services as it improves run rates by at least 30%, saving over 100 hours of rig time and associated costs, at an onshore rig in Brunei. It is the first hands-free system deployed in Asia Pacific and now has a proven track record on its success rate. Real-time results are gathered and compared with previous run rates on the drill floor and presented in this paper. It also discusses the advantages, limitations, challenges encountered and future improvements for the system.

The approach is particularly suited for offline operations, which then contributes directly to the drilling operational cost and time. The novelty of the new OSBS is in the integration of pipe feeding system with existing buck on equipment, with reasonable cost reduction by reducing run rates on the drill floor.
Effect of Date Palm Fiber (DPF) Sorbent Age on Sorption of Crude Oil During Oil Spill Cleanup: Gas Chromatography Study
Authors: Nasir Mohammad I. , Hameed Z. M. , Charpentier P. A. , Neamh H. A. , Muhammad A. A. , Abbas Z. A.
Published: September 2016

One of the most efficient means for the removal of spilled oil from either land or sea is the use of sorbent. Date Palm Fibers (DPF) is a natural sorbent that exhibits good sorption characteristics although the relationship between fiber age and oil absorption has not been reported. Oil spill remediation process is presented and mechanism and selectivity of sorption was discussed.

Oil spill simulation was carried out by placing 40 gm crude oil on surface of about 800 mL water at 1000 mL beaker. The removal of crude oil from water by 1 gm raw DPF as sorbent was investigated by batch sorption after varying contact times (5-120 min), oil film thickness (7-47 mm) and the use of two different age fibers (old and fresh fibers) at 5 min drainage time. Gas chromatography study of oil involved in the sorption process was done to determined the molecules sorbed by DPF sorbent. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis for DPF was also take place.

OSC of the two DPF sorbent increased with increasing contact times being 4.53 gm• oil/gm• sorbent for 5 min contact time while for fresh fiber was 6.286 gm• oil/gm• sorbent. The sorption rate was very fast for both sorbents. At 2 min sorption times we get 4.963 and 6.737 gm. oil/gm. sorbent for the aged and fresh fibers respectively at 2 min draining time. The results show that fresh fibers sorbed more oil than old fibers. This is attributed to the new fibers having a lower crystalline structure than the old fibers. The fresh fibers have more cavities and hollows than the old one as shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy, in which cross sectional images show multi lumens and the side images has a rough surface with large size cavities. Analysis of sorbed oils by new DPF with gas chromatography after four successive sorptions of the same crude oil at sorption time of 30 min to identify the oil components sorbed. The results showed that C2-C4 compounds were completely sorbed by DPF during the four sorptions process using 1 gm. each, e.g. total 4 gm. After 4 sorption cycles, only 4.80% of pentane remained while C6-C8 compounds were reduced by 63.70%.

This works showed that the DPF have a good performance as low cost, biodegradable and environmental friendly sorbent for the removal of oil from water with excellent selectivity toward small molecules compounds. The fresh fiber prove to be superior sorbent for crude oil over the old one. Since PDF are naturally weaved and rectangular mesh net of about 30×40 cm2 area, it will have high sorption efficiency and easily removed from spill site.