bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competências de gestão: contributo para a validação de um instrumento
Authors: Felício Maria José , Parreira Pedro Miguel , Lopes Albino
Published: October 2017

Dando continuidade à adaptação de um instrumento de análise de competências de gestão, este trabalho ilustra a validação desse instrumento, com recurso à análise fatorial confirmatória (CFA) como metodologia. O instrumento foi construído, tendo como referencial teórico o modelo de Quinn e Rohrbaugh (1983). O modelo conceptual em estudo insere-se no âmbito do competing values framework (CVF), desenvolvido por Quinn e Rohrbaugh (1983) e Quinn (1988), e identifica oito papéis de gestão que os gestores eficazes desempenham. Esses oito papéis integram os grandes modelos da teoria de gestão organizacional. Cada papel compreende três competências, congregando o modelo total um conjunto de 24 competências de gestão (Quinn, Faerman, Thompson, & Michael, 1990). Partimos de um primeiro estudo do qual resultou uma escala percetiva de competências de gestão constituída por 48 itens, com boas propriedades métricas, que fomos procurar afinar (Felício, Lopes, Salgueiro, & Parreira, 2007). O questionário final usado neste estudo contém 48 itens, dois para cada competência de gestão, medidos através de uma escala tipo Likert de cinco pontos. Foi utilizada uma amostra de 434 indivíduos, dos quais 186 são gestores de topo de 50 empresas dos setores ditos tradicionais (confeção, têxtil, calçado, cortiça e mobiliário), localizadas no norte do país, que derem resposta a um total de 633 questionários. A utilização do LISREL 8.80 para testar um modelo de análise fatorial confirmatória permitiu refinar o instrumento. Foram obtidos resultados que sugerem que esta versão portuguesa do questionário de competências de gestão apresenta boas propriedades psicométricas. O modelo proposto proporciona aos investigadores um instrumento válido para analisar competências de gestão em estudos organizacionais, oferecendo aos profissionais de recursos humanos um instrumento valioso para desenvolver gestores eficazes.
CO2 and Environment Change Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Masood Javeria , Farooq Fatima , Saeed Muhammad
Published: October 2017

A safe and healthy environment is a basic right of all living bodies but in current era pollution is at peak. The present study applied bound test based co-integrating technique using annual time series data from 1970-2014 for exploring major determinants of Environmental degradation. Present study included four determinants were energy consumption, gross domestic products, FDI and population growth. Finding of the present observed a significant relationship among energy consumption, GDP, population growth and environmental degradation in short run and long-run. However, foreign direct investment has a positive and significant association with environmental degradation at 10% level of significance both in short and long-run.  The econometric findings suggest that Pakistan has to sacrifice use of energy consumption, to have a safe and healthy environment for better livings; Pakistan should adopt other way of energy like solar energy .While foreign direct investment must be used for pollution free machine or pollution free projects so that we can have clean Pakistan. Government of Pakistan should care about green policy and should spread awareness in public so that population growth should not be a problem of environmental degradation.  This research study made a unique participation in emergent body of empirical studies on practices of environmental awareness in Pakistan by using bounds test based co-integration technique.
Increasing Supply of Tradable Goods in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Authors: Mzumara Macleans
Published: October 2017

The author investigated the nature of institutional quality in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) on the basis of voice and accountability political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law and control of corruption. The author further investigated the existence of a link between institutional quality and factors of production. The results show that capital, entrepreneurship and foreign direct investment are the major determinants of production of tradable goods in COMESA. In exception of Mauritius and Namibia (currently no longer a member) the rest of COMESA member states have very poor institutional quality. This affects their ability to attract foreign direct investment hence production of tradable goods. Voice and accountability, government effectiveness, rule of law and political stability play a major role in increasing production of tradable goods in COMESA. Foreign direct investment is affected by voice and accountability, rule of law and political stability than any other factors. Availability of raw material is affected by government effectiveness, regulatory quality, political stability, voice and accountability and control of corruption. Capital is very sensitive to issues of voice and accountability and control of corruption and regulatory quality.
Stock prices and Macroeconomic Performance in Pakistan: An Analysis
Authors: Mukhtar Saima , Chaudhry Imran Sharif Sharif , Bashir Furrukh
Published: October 2017

This paper analyzes long-term equilibrium relationships between the Karachi stock exchange index and a group of macroeconomic variables. The macroeconomic variables are represented by the gross domestic product, the consumer price index, M2 and the exchange rate. We employ a multiple regression model to explore such relationships during 1991 to 2012. Our results indicated a "causal" relationship between the stock market and the economy analysis of our results indicates that KSE 100 index has a strong positive impact on GDP and M2 in Pakistan. Whereas it has a negative and significant impact on CPI and exchange rate in Pakistan. Granger causality test shows that KSE 100 index Granger causes GDP, CPI, M2, EXRT, AGRI, FDI and BOT and the direction of causality runs from KSE 100 index to these variables.
The Determinants of Female Child Labour in Pakistan: The Case of Multan City
Authors: Imran Anum , Farooq Fatima , Chaudhry Imran Sharif
Published: October 2017

The ever-rising danger of child labour has created several problems in Pakistan. The purpose of this study is to find out those determinants which affect the female child labour in Multan and also identify some new determinants which affect the incidence of the child labour.  Data has been collected for 200 female labourers, employed as maidservants, baby sitters and other household activities. The results of the study show that female child labour decreases due to increase in schools, assets, per-capita income, transfer payments, education and number of employed members in a family while on the other hand; large family size increases the female child labour. On the basis of the econometric analysis, we may suggest that government officers, media experts, members of non-government organizations and educationists should make serious and sincere efforts to achieve the objective of decreasing the incidence of female child labour and develop their living situations.
Public Spending and Macroeconomic Performance in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Chaudhry Imran Sharif , Ameer Gulshan , Akbar Rizvi Syed Ali
Published: October 2017

Public spending management is the base of stable macroeconomic environment .This empirical study has explored the relation between public spending and economic performance, in the context of Pakistan. An attempt is made to examine the growth effects of public spending for the economy of Pakistan. To observe the public spending and Pakistan’s macroeconomic performance, time series data has been used for the period of 1972-2012. GDP growth has taken as the dependent variable. By applying the Auto regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) technology macroeconomics performance of Pakistan has been analyzed. Our results indicate that government expenditure has positive and significant effects but excessive government expenditure have negative effects on the economy’s performance. This study may suggest that provision of more incentives to the main sectors of the economy will lead to the sound economic conditions.
Foreign influence on Pakistan's exports and imports Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Irfan Hussain , Hashim Shumaila , Yaseen Muhammad Rizwan
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the Pakistani currency phase action on exports and imports. Two time series data base year and quarterly basic research use. Starting from the 1970 annual data for about 40 years, beginning with the beginning of 2000 to 2012 quarterly data. Johnson estimates quarterly observations using common integration techniques. In the current study results show that Pakistan first began trading volume for the US and developed countries, the UK and Europe. As a combination of export and import time Pakistan has improved. Production and manufacture of semi-finished goods and primary product alternatives, while the import of consumer goods, capital goods and petroleum products expanded. Due to low-cost elasticity of the export and import activity of the exchange of theoretical background reaction support. On the other hand, if the value of the rupees fell against the dollar, the import costs rose more than the export bills. In support of this study, Pakistan should focus on a small number of countries to reduce trade and expand trade. Similarly, on the basis of the goods may add some other goods.
Relación entre violencia, género y familia en adolescentes de instituciones educativas distritales de Suba, Bogotá
Authors: Gonzalez Quiñones Juan Carlos , Méndez Vargas Nicolás , Morales Guzmán Ana María , Murillo Ruíz Angie Paola , Pallares Villero María Mercedes , Paloma Meza Juan Diego , Pinzón Ramírez Jenny
Published: October 2017

Objetivo: Determinar si existe relación entre comportamientos violentos al compararlos con género, disfunción y estructura familiar en adolescentes escolarizados de la localidad de Suba.Material y métodos: Estudio observacional de corte transversal en estudiantes adolescentes de colegios públicos de la localidad de Suba durante los años 2015 y 2016. Se aplicó una encuesta de 62 preguntas sobre riesgos psicosociales en población adolescente; para el presente estudio se tomaron las relacionadas con comportamientos violentos (última vez que fue golpeado, última vez que peleó y, si lleva algún arma para defenderse) y se compararon con el género y la familia.Resultados: Se encontró que los comportamientos violentos están relacionados con el género, la estructura y la funcionalidad familiar. Siendo las mayores relaciones la de disfunción familiar severa con “fue golpeado por otra persona (padres, hermanos, otros jóvenes) en el último año” (OR 4,9 IC 95 % 3,4-7,0) y con “peleó usando la violencia física (golpeó y fue golpeado) en el último año” (OR 2,8 IC 95 % 2,0-4,0). Asimismo, la relación entre el género masculino con “lleva usted algún tipo de arma para defenderse” (OR 3,2 IC 95 % 2,5-4,1) y con “peleó usando la violencia física (golpeó y fue golpeado) en el último año” (OR 2,6 IC 95 % 2,2-3,1).Conclusión: El género, la función y estructura familiar son determinantes claves como factores protectores o de riesgo para el desarrollo de comportamientos violentos en adolescentes.
Avances del PIPSA
Authors: Hernández Pardo Ángela María
Published: October 2017

El PIPSA (Programa Integral de Promoción de Salud del Adolescente) hace parte de las actividades de proyección social del Departamento de Medicina Comunitaria de la FUJNC. Continuamente se están desarrollando proyectos para los adolescentes y esta es una mención de una de ellas.
REORIENTASI KURIKULUM PAI DI MADRASAH: STUDI ANALISIS LANDASAN PENGEMBANGAN KURIKULUM PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM
Authors: Arbain Muhammad , Tamam Badrut
Published: October 2017

Islamic religious education curriculum must have a strong foundation in its development process. The foundation plays important role to maintain the curriculum. Therefore, the curriculum developers need to establish a firm foundation in curriculum development used in madrasahs. This paper employs descriptive-analysis method in finding the foundations of the curriculum. Result shows that there are seven basic foundations in developing the curriculum, theological foundation (religion), philosophical foundation, ideological foundation, psychological foundation, sociological foundation, science and technology foundation and organizational foundation. With those foundations, madrasahs now have the firm base to foundation in determining the direction for their institutions and remain upright from the onslaught of globalization. The foundations will at least make madrasahs future-oriented in the development of Islamic civilization both nationally and internationally.
La fête et la lutte : Religion et mouvements autochtones dans la Sierra Nororiental de Puebla (Mexique)
Authors: Beaucage Pierre , Olguín Leonardo Durán , Pasquel Ignacio Rivadeneyra , Ramírez Claudia Marina Olvera
Published: October 2017

L'analyse des mouvements de protestation contemporains chez les Nahuas et Totonaques de la Sierra Nororiental de Puebla (Mexique) nous amène à formuler l'hypothèse que le religieux et le politique y sont étroitement reliés. Le lien le plus évident concerne la Théologie de la Libération, qui a contribué à une revalorisation des identités autochtones depuis les années 1960 et à la légitimation des luttes sociales. Un lien beaucoup plus profond avec le religieux apparaît lorsque nous analysons la cosmologie amérindienne, périodiquement réactualisée dans de grands rituels communautaires.
Fracking the National Ethos: The Pressures of Globalization on Sovereignty and Justice in Will Ferguson’s419
Authors: Fraile-Marcos Ana María
Published: October 2017

This article looks at the award-winning 2012 novel 419, by Calgary-based author Will Ferguson, through the lens of fracking, understood as a trope for pressure that may destabilize received understandings, releasing new awareness, knowledge, and political action. I argue that 419 is an inquiry into the strain that increasing global connectivity and unfettered late capitalism exert on the modern concept of sovereignty and on contemporary notions of justice. I also suggest that Ferguson’s use of the thriller genre introduces an innovative move by resisting both retributive and restorative justice resolutions. Furthermore, Ferguson’s novel functions as a petrofiction by placing oil at the centre of the discussion about the intersection of sovereignty, justice, and ethics, while offering a scathing critique of how energy resources around the world are managed through the exercise of bio- and necro-power. The novel is thus firmly anchored in contemporary debates about bio- and necro-politics that revolve round Michel Foucault’s unfinished project on governmentality. Consequently, my analysis draws on a variety of philosophical theories that reveal contesting understandings of sovereignty (Foucault, Montag, Mbembe, Banerjee) and humanity (Agamben, Butler) vis-à-vis the socio-cultural aspects of oil and energy both in Canada and in the world (Ghosh, Szeman, Gordon).
Canadian Official Development Aid to Latin America: The Struggle over the Humanitarian Agenda, 1963–1977
Authors: Tijerina Stefano
Published: October 2017

During the 1970s, as part of the Third Option policies of the federal government under Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Canada’s Official Development Aid (ODA) policy for Latin America was revised to give the private sector greater maneuverability within parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. This article’s focus on the internal and external institutional debates that surfaced over the shift from a humanitarian to a market-driven agenda reveals a moment in Canadian history when the nation’s external affairs cohesiveness was destabilized, marginalizing religious and humanitarian stakeholders that in the past had been instrumental in complementing and advancing Canada’s relief and rehabilitation efforts across the global South. An examination of the historical evidence suggests that Canada’s public “goodwill” of the 1950s and 1960s did not narrow in on Latin America during the early stages of ODA policy implementation; instead, it was the private sector that focused on this region. The shift in the ODA agenda was a direct response to the private sector’s regional business strategy as well as a foreign policy initiative to support US containment. The analysis concludes that this implicated Canada in the humanitarian crisis generated by the implementation of US Cold War policies in Latin America and the Caribbean during the 1970s, forcing humanitarian and religious groups to centre their attention on the region and ultimately leading to an ideological confrontation between sectors of civil society and government.
“Smudging, drumming and the like do not a nation make”: Temporal Liminality and Delegitimization of Indigenous Protest in Canada
Authors: Baker Richard G. , Verrelli Nadia
Published: October 2017

This article explores the threat that Indigenous protest poses to Canada. However, it examines this potential for threat at an ontological level rather than a material level. In adopting a liminality framework, the article traces the capacity for Indigenous protest to menace and undermine Canada’s national identity. More specifically, it analyzes the ways in which editorial and commentary sections of Canada’s national newspapers represented protest and political activity associated with the Idle No More movement. Its findings demonstrate how these prominent social actors in Canada respond to the destabilizing presence of the Indigenous liminar by working to resolve its ambiguity in ways that protect and entrench dominant narratives of Canadian national identity. Acknowledging the role that liminality plays in structuring news media depictions of Indigenous peoples provides insight into how social actors in Canada interpret and respond to Indigenous protest. It demonstrates how such actors are able to exploit popular conceptions of indigeneity to reinforce the ongoing social dynamics working to produce and reproduce dominant narratives of Canadian identity. Moreover, a liminality framework is also valuable in demonstrating the role the news media play in delegitimizing Indigenous political advocacy and perpetuating fears relating to social disorder and violence in Canada.
MANAGING THE GOVERNANCE GAP
Authors: Sarfaty Galit A
Published: October 2017

There is a governance gap in the reach of both national and international law, thus leaving companies not legally accountable for potential human rights violations. Closing this governance gap is a critical challenge and one that Penelope Simons and Audrey Macklin strive to address in their book, The Governance Gap: Extractive Industries, Human Rights, and the Home State Advantage. After carefully outlining the limitations of existing laws and initiatives, they argue that home state regulation should play a larger role in deterring corporations from becoming complicit in human rights violations. The potential success of any regulatory proposal to close the governance gap will depend on its ability to effectively shape corporate behaviour. In an effort to achieve this goal, Simons and Macklin recommend a home state governance regime that not only provides ex poste civil liability but is also focused on ex ante prevention of corporate human rights abuses through assessment, monitoring, and disclosure mechanisms. Simons and Macklin’s proposal revolves around mandatory domestic legal mechanisms and a risk-based approach that is centred around due diligence, which would facilitate the operationalizing of human rights within corporate culture. This review essay considers the implications of this proposal in the context of a review of Simons and Macklin’s book.
The internal layering of Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, from airborne radar-sounding data
Authors: Karlsson Nanna B. , Rippin David M. , Vaughan David G. , Corr Hugh F.J.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents an overview of internal layering across Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, as measured from airborne-radar data acquired during a survey conducted by the British Antarctic Survey and the University of Texas in the 2004/05 season. Internal layering is classified according to type (continuous/discontinuous/missing) and the results compared with InSAR velocities. Several areas exhibit disruption of internal layers that is most likely caused by large basal shear stresses. Signs of changes in flow were identified in a few inter-tributary areas, but overall the layering classification and distribution of layers indicate that only minor changes in ice-flow regime have taken place. This is supported by bed-topography data that show the main trunk of the glacier, as well as some of the tributaries, are topographically controlled and located in deep basins.
Le paradoxe de la transmission des qirāʾāt: entre riwāya et qiyās ?
Authors: Chahdi Hassan
Published: October 2017

La transmission du texte coranique a de longue date suscitée l'intérêt des chercheurs. Elle est effectivement caractérisée par une sorte de dilemme entre l'oral et l'écrit. La position de l'orthodoxie musulmane consiste à affirmer que le texte coranique et ses variantes sont le résultat d'une révélation, transmise conformément à la lettre (lafẓ), par le biais de l'enseignement exclusif du prophète Muḥammad. L'examen de la tradition musulmane fait apparaître que cet enseignement tirerait son origine à la fois de la transmission écrite/manuscrite et d'une transmission orale fondée sur les différents dialectes des tribus arabes. Pour déterminer les qirāʾāt, les savants musulmans eux-mêmes ont eu recours au qiyās (‘analogie’) considéré comme proscrit. L'étude des différents modes de transmission chez Ibn Mujāhid, un des partisans les plus connus de la mise en place de conditions extrêmement « strictes » pour la transmission du Coran, montre que rien ne permet de justifier qu'une transmission intégrale du texte coranique a bien pris place à tous les niveaux de l'isnād. Ainsi, le concept de tradition suivie (sunna muttabaʿa) qui garantit une transmission authentique à travers les générations, est bien postérieur et recouvre probablement une réalité différente dans la transmission du Coran.

[The transmission of the Qur'anic text has long attracted the interest of researchers. It is indeed characterised by a sort of tension between oral and written transmission. The position of Muslim orthodoxy is to assert that the Qur'anic text and its variants are the result of a revelation, transmitted according to the letter (lafẓ), through the exclusive teaching of the Prophet Muḥammad. Examination of the Muslim tradition shows that this teaching originated both from written / handwritten transmission and from oral transmission based on the different dialects of the Arab tribes. In order to determine the qirāʾāt, Muslim scholars themselves have resorted to qiyās (‘analogy’). The study of the different modes of transmission in the work of Ibn Mujāhid, one of the best-known supporters of the establishment of extremely ‘strict’ conditions for the transmission of the Qur'an, shows that there is no evidence for a complete transmission of the Qur'anic text that has taken place at all levels of the isnād. Thus, the concept of sunna muttabaʿa (‘followed tradition’), which guarantees genuine transmission through generations, is much later and probably covers a different reality in the transmission of the Qur'an.]
Assessment of Atmospheric Wet Profiles Obtained from COSMIC Radio Occultation Observations over China
Authors: Xu Guirong , Yue Xinan , Zhang Wengang , Wan Xia
Published: October 2017

Atmosperic profiles derived from Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) radio occultation (RO) measurements make up for the lack of operational radiosonde soundings with a high spatiotemporal distribution, and their performance over China is assessed in this paper. COSMIC-retrieved atmospheric wet profiles from 2014 to 2015 are compared to the contemporaneous radiosonde profiles from 120 stations, and the vertical mean differences are used. The results show that the vertical mean biases of temperature, pressure and vapor pressure are −0.10 K, 0.69 hPa and −0.01 hPa, respectively, and that for refractivity is 0.17 N. Moreover, the temperature differences are positively correlated with station altitude, yet both the pressure and vapor pressure differences are negatively correlated with station latitude, as is the refractivity difference. The large temperature difference arising from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) region may be associated with the complex topography of the area and the limitations in the background model used in the COSMIC profile retrieval. Furthermore, negative refractivity bias between COSMIC and radiosonde data occurs below 5 km and is large in wet southern China, with a value of less than 1%. This result may be related to more humid conditions and super-refraction.
Partial and Entropic Information Decompositions of a Neuronal Modulatory Interaction
Authors: Kay Jim , Ince Robin , Dering Benjamin , Phillips William
Published: October 2017

Information processing within neural systems often depends upon selective amplification of relevant signals and suppression of irrelevant signals. This has been shown many times by studies of contextual effects but there is as yet no consensus on how to interpret such studies. Some researchers interpret the effects of context as contributing to the selective receptive field (RF) input about which neurons transmit information. Others interpret context effects as affecting transmission of information about RF input without becoming part of the RF information transmitted. Here we use partial information decomposition (PID) and entropic information decomposition (EID) to study the properties of a form of modulation previously used in neurobiologically plausible neural nets. PID shows that this form of modulation can affect transmission of information in the RF input without the binary output transmitting any information unique to the modulator. EID produces similar decompositions, except that information unique to the modulator and the mechanistic shared component can be negative when modulating and modulated signals are correlated. Synergistic and source shared components were never negative in the conditions studied. Thus, both PID and EID show that modulatory inputs to a local processor can affect the transmission of information from other inputs. Contrary to what was previously assumed, this transmission can occur without the modulatory inputs becoming part of the information transmitted, as shown by the use of PID with the model we consider. Decompositions of psychophysical data from a visual contrast detection task with surrounding context suggest that a similar form of modulation may also occur in real neural systems.
The Isolated Electron: De Broglie’s Hidden Thermodynamics, SU(2) Quantum Yang-Mills Theory, and a Strongly Perturbed BPS Monopole
Authors: Hofmann Ralf
Published: October 2017

Based on a recent numerical simulation of the temporal evolution of a spherically perturbed BPS monopole, SU(2) Yang-Mills thermodynamics, Louis de Broglie’s deliberations on the disparate Lorentz transformations of the frequency of an internal “clock” on one hand and the associated quantum energy on the other hand, and postulating that the electron is represented by a figure-eight shaped, self-intersecting center vortex loop in SU(2) Quantum Yang-Mills theory we estimate the spatial radius R 0 of this self-intersection region in terms of the electron’s Compton wave length λ C . This region, which is immersed into the confining phase, constitutes a blob of deconfining phase of temperature T 0 mildly above the critical temperature T c carrying a frequently perturbed BPS monopole (with a magnetic-electric dual interpretation of its charge w.r.t. U(1)⊂SU(2)). We also establish a quantitative relation between rest mass m 0 of the electron and SU(2) Yang-Mills scale Λ , which in turn is defined via T c . Surprisingly, R 0 turns out to be comparable to the Bohr radius while the core size of the monopole matches λ C , and the correction to the mass of the electron due to Coulomb energy is about 2%.
Design and Production of Animated Image Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Ou Yu-Chih , Wu Hsin-Yu , Hsu Chia-Hsun , Jiang Yeu-Long , Lien Shui-Yang
Published: October 2017

This paper develops fifth-generation-sized silicon thin-film tandem photovoltaic (PV) modules with animated images. Front PV cell stripes are created using a laser scribing technique, and specially edited and shifted images are printed onto the back glass. After encapsulating the front PV module with the back glass, the animated image effect can then be clearly seen from various positions. The PV module that can display three images has a stabilized power output of 87 W. The remarkable features of this module such as its animated image display, semitransparency, and acceptable power loss give it great potential for use in building-integrated photovoltaics. This paper could help improve the aesthetic appearance of PV modules, which may increase users’ or architects’ willingness to install PV modules on buildings.
Risk-Based Bi-Level Model for Simultaneous Profit Maximization of a Smart Distribution Company and Electric Vehicle Parking Lot Owner
Authors: Bagher Sadati S. Muhammad , Moshtagh Jamal , Shafie-khah Miadreza , Catalão João P. S.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the effect of renewable energy resources (RERs), demand response (DR) programs and electric vehicles (EVs) is evaluated on the optimal operation of a smart distribution company (SDISCO) in the form of a new bi-level model. According to the existence of private electric vehicle parking lots (PLs) in the network, the aim of both levels is to maximize the profits of SDISCO and the PL owners. Furthermore, due to the uncertainty of RERs and EVs, the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) method is applied in order to limit the risk of expected profit. The model is transformed into a linear single-level model by the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions and tested on the IEEE 33-bus distribution system over a 24-h period. The results show that by using a proper charging/discharging schedule, as well as a time of use program, SDISCO gains more profit. Furthermore, by increasing the risk aversion parameter, this profit is reduced.
The Combined Influence of Air Pollution and Home Learning Environment on Early Cognitive Skills in Children
Authors: Lett Elle , Stingone Jeanette , Claudio Luz
Published: October 2017

Cognitive skills are one component of school readiness that reflect a child’s neurodevelopment and are influenced by environmental and social factors. Most studies assess the impact of these factors individually, without taking into consideration the complex interactions of multiple factors. The objective of this study was to examine the joint association of markers of environmental pollution and of social factors on early cognitive skills in an urban cohort of children. For this, we chose isophorone in ambient air as a marker of industrial air pollution. Low quality home learning environments was chosen as a marker of the social factors contributing to cognitive development. Using a subpopulation from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (N = 4050), isophorone exposure was assigned using the 2002 National Air Toxics Assessment. Home learning environment was assessed with a modified version of the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Inventory, and standardized math assessment scores were used as a measure of early cognitive skills. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the effect of both exposures on math scores. After adjustment for confounders, children living in areas with ambient isophorone in the upper quintile of exposure (>0.49 ng/m3) had math scores that were 1.63 points lower than their less exposed peers [95% CI: −2.91, −0.34], and children with lower HOME scores (at or below 9 out of 12) had math scores that were 1.20 points lower than children with better HOME scores [95% CI: −2.30, −0.10]. In adjusted models accounting for identified confounders and both exposures of interest, both high isophorone exposure and low HOME score remained independently associated with math scores [−1.48, 95% CI: −2.79, −0.18; −1.05, 95% CI: −2.15, 0.05, respectively]. There was no statistical evidence of interaction between the two exposures, although children with both higher isophorone exposure and a low HOME score had a decrement in math scale score beyond the additive effect of each exposure. This was primarily observed among male children. These findings suggest that aspects of both the physical and social environments are independently associated with children’s early cognitive skills. Future research aiming to improve children’s early cognitive skills and subsequent school readiness should address both domains.
Environmental Pollution by Benzene and PM10 and Clinical Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis: A Correlation Study
Authors: Borghini Alice , Poscia Andrea , Bosello Silvia , Teleman Adele , Bocci Mario , Iodice Lanfranco , Ferraccioli Gianfranco , La Milìa Daniele , Moscato Umberto
Published: October 2017

Atmospheric air pollution has been associated with a range of adverse health effects. The environment plays a causative role in the development of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The aim of the present study is to explore the association between particulate (PM10) and benzene (B) exposure in Italian patients with systemic sclerosis and their clinical characteristics of the disease. A correlation study was conducted by enrolling 88 patients who suffer from SSc at the Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” in Rome (Italy) in the period from January 2013 to January 2014. The average mean concentrations of B (in 11 monitoring sites) and PM10 (in 14 sites) were calculated using data from the Regional Environmental Protection Agency’s monitoring stations located throughout the Lazio region (Italy) and then correlated with the clinical characteristics of the SSc patients. Of the study sample, 92.5% were female. The mean age was 55 ± 12.9 years old and the mean disease duration from the onset of Raynaud’s phenomenon was 13.0 ± 9.4 years. The Spearman’s correlation showed that concentrations of B correlate directly with the skin score (R = 0.3; p ≤ 0.05) and inversely with Diffusing Lung Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) results (R = −0.36; p = 0.04). This study suggests a possible role of B in the development of diffuse skin disease and in a worse progression of the lung manifestations of SSc.
Application of Circular Bubble Plume Diffusers to Restore Water Quality in a Sub-Deep Reservoir
Authors: Lan Chen , Chen Jingan , Wang Jingfu , Guo Jianyang , Yu Jia , Yu Pingping , Yang Haiquan , Liu Yong
Published: October 2017

Circular bubble plume diffusers have been confirmed as an effective technology for the restoration of the deep water system, but have never been applied in sub-deep water system. In this study, circular bubble plume diffusers were used, for the first time, to restore water quality in the Aha Reservoir, a typical sub-deep reservoir in Southwest China. Axisymmetric intrusive gravity currents were formed with a horizontal radius of 250 m at the equilibrium depth and the intrusion of oxygen-enriched water occurred within the depth of 10–14 m, while thermal stratification remained intact. A total of 95% of the imported oxygen was dissolved, but most was consumed by organic matter and other reduced substances within the hypolimnion. The oxygen consumption of organic matter, NH4+ and remaining reduced materials, accounted for 41.4–52.5%, 25% and 13.3–24.4% of the total imported oxygen, respectively. Compared with the control sites, dissolved oxygen level in the hypolimnion increased 3–4 times, and concentrations of NH4+, total Fe and total Mn were reduced by 15.5%, 45.5% and 48.9%, respectively. A significant decrease in total phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations was observed in the experimental zone (0.04–0.02 mg/L and 1.9–1.7 mg/L, respectively). This indicates that circular bubble plumes have great potential for oxygenation of the hypolimnion and improving water quality in the sub-deep water system. Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to improve the discrete bubble model to elaborate the oxygen transmission dynamics and the plume formation processes in sub-deep water systems, incorporating oxygen consumption processes.
An Integrated Pest Management Intervention Improves Knowledge, Pest Control, and Practices in Family Child Care Homes
Authors: Stephens Michelle , Hazard Kimberly , Moser Debra , Cox Dana , Rose Roberta , Alkon Abbey
Published: October 2017

To reduce young children’s exposure to pesticides when attending family child care homes (FCCHs), we developed an integrated pest management (IPM) intervention for FCCH directors. First, we developed IPM educational materials and resources to provide the foundation for an IPM educational intervention for FCCHs. Next, we conducted and evaluated a six-month nurse child care health consultant (CCHC)-led education and consultation IPM intervention to increase IPM knowledge, IPM practices, IPM policies, and decrease the presence or evidence of pests. The pilot intervention study was conducted by three CCHCs in 20 FCCHs in three counties in California. Pre- and post-intervention measures were completed by the FCCH directors and observation measures were completed by the CCHCs. Results indicated significant increases in IPM knowledge, (t-statistic (degrees of freedom), (t(df) = 2.55(10), p < 0.05), increases in IPM practices (t(df) = −6.47(17), p < 0.05), and a 90% reduction in the prevalence of pests. There were no significant differences in changes in IPM practices based on director education, FCCH county, or IPM intervention intensity or duration. A nurse-led IPM education and consultation intervention can reduce exposures of young children attending family child care homes to harmful chemicals.
Nutrient Content and Nutritional Water Productivity of Selected Grain Legumes in Response to Production Environment
Authors: Chibarabada Tendai , Modi Albert , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: October 2017

There is a need to incorporate nutrition into aspects of crop and water productivity to tackle food and nutrition insecurity (FNS). The study determined the nutritional water productivity (NWP) of selected major (groundnut, dry bean) and indigenous (bambara groundnut and cowpea) grain legumes in response to water regimes and environments. Field trials were conducted during 2015/16 and 2016/17 at three sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (Ukulinga, Fountainhill and Umbumbulu). Yield and evapotranspiration (ET) data were collected. Grain was analysed for protein, fat, Ca, Fe and Zn nutrient content (NC). Yield, ET and NC were then used to compute NWP. Overall, the major legumes performed better than the indigenous grain legumes. Groundnut had the highest NWPfat. Groundnut and dry bean had the highest NWPprotein. For NWPFe, Zn and Ca, dry bean and cowpea were more productive. Yield instability caused fluctuations in NWP. Water treatments were not significant (p > 0.05). While there is scope to improve NWP under rainfed conditions, a lack of crop improvement currently limits the potential of indigenous grain legumes. This provides an initial insight on the nutrient content and NWP of a limited number of selected grain legumes in response to the production environment. There is a need for follow-up research to include cowpea data. Future studies should provide more experimental data and explore effects of additional factors such as management practices (fertiliser levels and plant density), climate and edaphic factors on nutrient content and NWP of crops.
Exploring Perception of Vibrations from Rail: An Interview Study
Authors: Maclachlan Laura , Waye Kerstin Persson , Pedersen Eja
Published: October 2017

Rail transport is an environmentally responsible approach and traffic is expected to increase in the coming decades. Little is known about the implications for quality of life of populations living close to railways. This study explores the way in which vibrations from rail are perceived and described by these populations. The study took place in the Västra Götaland and Värmland regions of Sweden. A qualitative study approach was undertaken using semi-structured interviews within a framework of predetermined questions in participants’ homes. A 26.3% response rate was achieved and 17 participants were interviewed. The experience of vibrations was described in tangible terms through different senses. Important emerging themes included habituation to and acceptance of vibrations, worry about property damage, worry about family members and general safety. Participants did not reflect on health effects, however, chronic exposure to vibrations through multimodal senses in individual living environments may reduce the possibility for restoration in the home. Lack of empowerment to reduce exposure to vibrations was important. This may alter individual coping strategies, as taking actions to avoid the stressor is not possible. The adoption of other strategies, such as avoidance, may negatively affect an individual’s ability to cope with the stressor and their health.
Impaired Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and Neurogenesis in Diet-Induced Premature Aging
Authors: Stankiewicz Alexander , McGowan Erin , Yu Lili , Zhdanova Irina
Published: October 2017

Chronic high caloric intake (HCI) is a risk factor for multiple major human disorders, from diabetes to neurodegeneration. Mounting evidence suggests a significant contribution of circadian misalignment and sleep alterations to this phenomenon. An inverse temporal relationship between sleep, activity, food intake, and clock mechanisms in nocturnal and diurnal animals suggests that a search for effective therapeutic approaches can benefit from the use of diurnal animal models. Here, we show that, similar to normal aging, HCI leads to the reduction in daily amplitude of expression for core clock genes, a decline in sleep duration, an increase in scoliosis, and anxiety-like behavior. A remarkable decline in adult neurogenesis in 1-year old HCI animals, amounting to only 21% of that in age-matched Control, exceeds age-dependent decline observed in normal 3-year old zebrafish. This is associated with misalignment or reduced amplitude of daily patterns for principal cell cycle regulators, cyclins A and B, and p20, in brain tissue. Together, these data establish HCI in zebrafish as a model for metabolically induced premature aging of sleep, circadian functions, and adult neurogenesis, allowing for a high throughput approach to mechanistic studies and drug trials in a diurnal vertebrate.
Genome Modification Technologies and Their Applications in Avian Species
Authors: Lee Hong , Kim Young , Ono Tamao , Han Jae
Published: October 2017

The rapid development of genome modification technology has provided many great benefits in diverse areas of research and industry. Genome modification technologies have also been actively used in a variety of research areas and fields of industry in avian species. Transgenic technologies such as lentiviral systems and piggyBac transposition have been used to produce transgenic birds for diverse purposes. In recent years, newly developed programmable genome editing tools such as transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) have also been successfully adopted in avian systems with primordial germ cell (PGC)-mediated genome modification. These genome modification technologies are expected to be applied to practical uses beyond system development itself. The technologies could be used to enhance economic traits in poultry such as acquiring a disease resistance or producing functional proteins in eggs. Furthermore, novel avian models of human diseases or embryonic development could also be established for research purposes. In this review, we discuss diverse genome modification technologies used in avian species, and future applications of avian biotechnology.
A Systematic Review of Neuroprotective Strategies during Hypovolemia and Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Nistor Marius , Behringer Wilhelm , Schmidt Martin , Schiffner René
Published: October 2017

Severe trauma constitutes a major cause of death and disability, especially in younger patients. The cerebral autoregulatory capacity only protects the brain to a certain extent in states of hypovolemia; thereafter, neurological deficits and apoptosis occurs. We therefore set out to investigate neuroprotective strategies during haemorrhagic shock. This review was performed in accordance to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Before the start of the search, a review protocol was entered into the PROSPERO database. A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Web of Science and CENTRAL was performed in August 2017. Results were screened and evaluated by two researchers based on a previously prepared inclusion protocol. Risk of bias was determined by use of SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. The retrieved results were qualitatively analysed. Of 9093 results, 119 were assessed in full-text form, 16 of them ultimately adhered to the inclusion criteria and were qualitatively analyzed. We identified three subsets of results: (1) hypothermia; (2) fluid therapy and/or vasopressors; and (3) other neuroprotective strategies (piracetam, NHE1-inhibition, aprotinin, human mesenchymal stem cells, remote ischemic preconditioning and sevoflurane). Overall, risk of bias according to SYRCLE’s tool was medium; generally, animal experimental models require more rigorous adherence to the reporting of bias-free study design (randomization, etc.). While the individual study results are promising, the retrieved neuroprotective strategies have to be evaluated within the current scientific context—by doing so, it becomes clear that specific promising neuroprotective strategies during states of haemorrhagic shock remain sparse. This important topic therefore requires more in-depth research.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Dynamic Network Analysis Reveal the Allosteric Unbinding of Monobody to H-Ras Triggered by R135K Mutation
Authors: Ni Duan , Song Kun , Zhang Jian , Lu Shaoyong
Published: October 2017

Ras proteins, as small GTPases, mediate cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Ras mutations have been associated with a broad spectrum of human cancers and thus targeting Ras represents a potential way forward for cancer therapy. A recently reported monobody NS1 allosterically disrupts the Ras-mediated signaling pathway, but its efficacy is reduced by R135K mutation in H-Ras. However, the detailed mechanism is unresolved. Here, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and dynamic network analysis, we explored the molecular mechanism for the unbinding of NS1 to H-Ras and shed light on the underlying allosteric network in H-Ras. MD simulations revealed that the overall structures of the two complexes did not change significantly, but the H-Ras–NS1 interface underwent significant conformational alteration in the mutant Binding free energy analysis showed that NS1 binding was unfavored after R135K mutation, which resulted in the unfavorable binding of NS1. Furthermore, the critical residues on H-Ras responsible for the loss of binding of NS1 were identified. Importantly, the allosteric networks for these important residues were revealed, which yielded a novel insight into the allosteric regulatory mechanism of H-Ras.