bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What can the Instinctive Drive system™ Offer the Workplace? A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Fitzgerald Anneke , Dadich Ann , Fitzgerald John
Published: December 2014

Despite the potential benefits afforded by teamwork within the workplace, it can be difficult for employers and senior personnel to establish and maintain teams that gel. It is a juggling act involving the delicate interplay of organisational goals and interpersonal dynamics. In the pursuit of enhancing team performance within the workplace, organisational and psychological literature has concentrated on the personal attributes of individual team members, as well as relevant societal factors. However, one area that is receiving increasing attention is the influence of the innate abilities of individual team members – those natural qualities that are constant and invariable. The Instinctive Drive (I.D.) system™ offers a method for gauging individual instinctive drives, and recent quantitative research affirms that the tool is statistically reliable and valid. However, for the purpose of thoroughness, it is important to triangulate these quantitative findings with qualitative research. It is thus the purpose of this paper to qualitatively investigate the inherent value of the I.D. system™ among some of its users. More specifically, ten senior personnel and ten general employees were interviewed to explore the perceived influence of the I.D. system™ on individual performance, group performance and leadership. This consultative process was guided by a semi-structured open-ended interview schedule. Consequent research material was analysed for emerging themes, using an interpretive and a reflexive approach. Collectively, the interviewees recognised great value in the I.D. system™. It was a catalyst for greater communication between co-workers and with clients; it served as a window, providing users with an improved understanding of themselves and of others; it also initiated personal development as well as team development. These views were juxtaposed by a few unfavourable sentiments. Some for instance, warned that the use of this taxonomy might negatively stereotype individuals. Conversely, its focus on innate abilities may provide individuals with an opportunity to abdicate personal responsibility. Despite these potential shortcomings, the qualitative material presented in this paper complements previous quantitative research on the I.D. system™, and thus affirms its inherent value. This has important repercussions for business and behavioural sciences, particularly those efforts to improve team performance within the workplace. It highlights the need to focus future research endeavours on tools that not only expound individual difference, but also facilitate effective dialogue.
Using XML to Help Isolate Software Systems and Agents from Change Due to Communications
Authors: Darbyshire Paul
Published: December 2014

Development and research into distributed and agent based systems has grown enormously over the last few years, and the number of practical applications for such systems has grown along with it as the technology and infrastructure improves to accommodate such systems. As with all systems, evolution and change is inevitable, but with the growth of distributed systems and the Service Oriented Architecture, we have another dimension of change we need to consider; that of communication. The importance of the role of communication between these systems has been highlighted by many researchers, particularly for multi-agent systems and for distributed communicating agents. But the form of such communication often remains a mystery. Communication aspects are often dependent on other factors within an architectural framework, particularly the data. In order to reduce unnecessary changes to the communication aspects of a system, we need to insulate the communication as much as possible from consequential change effected by architectural other framework elements. A message system using an XML-type syntax is more extensible and adaptable for use in a changing environment. It helps to isolate the communication from the structure and content of the message, thereby reducing consequential change. This paper discusses the use of XML for the construction of agent-based messages, and presents a simple approach for the deconstruction of messages by receiving agents.
An Empirical Investigation of the Effect of Interaction Justice Perception on Consumer Intentions after Complaining
Authors: Bhandari Mahesh S. , Polonsky Michael J.
Published: December 2014

This study examined how apology as interaction justice impacts on consumer perceptions of service recovery attempt. Data was collected using hypothetical scenarios. Two types of service failures were proposed and the impact of recovery action on each failure type was compared. Findings include that there is direct effect of recovery action on consumer future intentions in both type of failures. Implications and direction to the future research were proposed.
Australian Women’s and Men’s Incomes by Age of Youngest Child
Authors: Grace Marty
Published: December 2014

Responsibility for children impacts on women’s and men’s paid and unpaid work. Paid and unpaid work impact on each other. Aiming to ‘allow men and women to care equally for their families’ frames the issue as one of gender equality. While this is valid, sharing responsibility for children is also a matter of equity between parents and non-parents. The unpaid work of caring for children is an economic input, and the person who contributes this work is likely to suffer the consequences of reduced labour market earning. In Australia, there is some recognition of these matters, with government assistance to most families with the costs of raising children. As we develop a better understanding of how the work of caring for young children restricts parents’ ability to earn labour market income we will be better placed to develop realistic resourcing models. This study presents a new way of looking at income data and highlights the need for further research into incomes following childbearing and the way that incomes vary between women and men, and with the age of the youngest child.
Editorial: ICTs for Developing Countries - are there Realistic Answers to the Difficult Problems?
Authors: Wenn Andrew
Published: December 2014

Welcome, to this, the first special edition of the Journal for Business Systems, Governance and Ethics. This issue is devoted entirely to the problems of deploying, using and maintaining information and communications technology (ICT) in lesser-developed countries (LDCs). When the call for submissions for this special issue went out in late 2006, this journal was less than 12 months old, although, of course, it had been in the planning stages for longer than this.
Editorial
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: December 2014

This is the first issue in the third year of publication of the Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics. As usual the articles included cover a wide range of topics and come from a spread of different countries; in this case Belgium, the United States of America, Australia and Malaysia.
Compliance of Companies with Corporate Governance Codes: Case Study on Listed Belgian
Authors: De Cleyn Sven H.
Published: December 2014

Listed and large companies become increasingly subject to internal and external pressure to comply with ethical and social standards. This article focuses on one aspect of this matter, namely the corporate governance issue. Within the framework of recent corporate scandals, this paper investigates whether and to which extent Belgian publicly listed SMEs comply with the Belgian Code on Corporate Governance after its first year of introduction, which has been constituted in the framework of the European Action Plan on Corporate Governance.In a sample of 78 Belgian listed SMEs, the compliance with the Code is analysed. After its first year of introduction, companies comply with on average 70% of the Code’s provisions. The most problematic topics in terms of disclosure of information seem to relate to (individual) remuneration, private information and content of shareholders’ meetings.
Global Is Local: Recycling Familiar Components
Authors: Solli Rolf , Demediuk Peter
Published: December 2014

We have observed that management strategies change places and sometimes proceed in the opposite direction in different locations. At the same time, all ideas appear to be represented throughout many organisations. We claim that what are normally referred to as global ideas actually represent the local recycling of old ideas. Management strategies change names, speed and are combined in different ways and global trends function as catalysts. This study, which has been carried out for over ten years, summarises our experiences from a comparative study of the development of reforms in Australian and Swedish municipalities.
Ethical Imperatives of CEOs: Creating the Virtuous Corporation
Authors: Friedman Hershey H. , Friedman Linda W. , Kass-Shraibman Frimette
Published: December 2014

Companies that are going to thrive must have a soul. Those that are only concerned with “maximising shareholder wealth” or “maximising profit” will find themselves going the way Enron went. CEOs will have to lead the revolution and should be the ones exhorting executives to make spiritual values or virtue, not just profit, the core values of a firm. A true measure of corporate performance is multidimensional and has to include the short-term, the long-term, risk, environmental issues, society, employees, customers, suppliers, and government. This paper shows how a firm can acquire a soul and even be profitable doing it.
Religiosity, Ethical Judgments and Malaysian Muslim Students
Authors: Muhamad Rusnah
Published: December 2014

Culture is often cited as one of the powerful determinants in shaping the personality and behaviour of individuals. Religion, being an important element of culture, is seen as playing an important role in determining how people behave in certain situations. Various authors have suggested religion as an important dimension in Malaysian ethical behaviour studies especially for the Malays. Yet this construct is generally ignored or incorporated into other constructs. This study investigates the influence of religious education on the perceptions of unethical business practices among final year students in one of the local universities in Malaysia. In particular, this study examines the impact of education stream on the level of religious commitment among Malay Muslim students and how these two variables influence their ethical judgment. It was found that the level of religiosity is negative and significantly related to the level of tolerant towards unethical business practices. The findings also establish that more students from the religious education stream are found to be more religious and consequently, are less tolerance towards unethical business practices.
Editorial
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: December 2014

The first article, Helen Madden-Hallett from Victoria University, Melbourne is titled: Corporate Ethics, Personal Ethics: One and the Same? Identifying Ethical Captains of Industry. This article explores the relationship between the corporation and its ethical standing and that of its employees within a framework of eight dynamics.
The Link between Operations Strategy and Human Resource Management for NGOs Working in Unstable Environments
Authors: Hassin Ahmed
Published: December 2014

This article discusses the link between operations strategy and strategic human resources management for non-government organisations. Human resources are a great asset for NGO to plan and implement their operations strategies. The article shows how HRM should be proactive and responsive to any changes in the operational environment. Strategic human resource management could lead to organisation’s competitive advantage. It also enables more effective stakeholder interaction and leads to better efficiencies in implementation of operations strategy. Strategic HRM can create multi-skilled staff, who can easily be tuned to implement various activities. IT and HR are intrinsically linked in execution of operations strategy. The example given from Iraq about NGO staff operating in unstable context shows how HRM should be proactive and responsive to meet operations targets.
The Governance of Open Source Software Communities: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: De Noni Ivan , Ganzaroli Andrea , Orsi Luigi
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we investigate the nature of the relationships between dimensions of governance in Open Source (OS) communities. A recent review highlighted this issue as critical. Furthermore, this issue has been recognized as strategic for managing the trade-off between innovation and standardization, the capacity of firms to profit from their investment in open source, and the sustainability of OS projects. Our results are based on a comparative analysis of 40 OS projects contained in the Freshmeat dataset. For each project, we collected data on the governance solutions implemented. Governance mechanisms have been ranked for their degree of openness. Our findings show that OS governance is configurational. Those configurations are defined along two dimensions: leadership and decision-making distribution, and reciprocity of the appropriability regime. Four configurations are indeed defined: open source, sponsored, reciprocity-based, and tolerant dictatorship. Those configurations have been defined based on an exploratory factor analysis.
Giving Dracula the Keys to the Blood bank? Interrogating the Fifth Crown Casino Licensing Regulatory Review
Authors: Hancock Linda
Published: December 2014

Drawing on narrative analysis, this paper analyses the 2013 Fifth Regulatory Review of the license of an Australian casino as a case study focused on the framing and articulation of ‘responsible gambling’ (RG) in the Review. Part 1 sets out the policy and regulatory context for the licensing review of Melbourne’s Crown Casino. Part 2 overviews the structure/content of the Review; the key messages of the Reviewers’ narrative and its main recommendations. In reflecting on the Review in Part 3, analysis focuses on the investigation and recommendations regarding Responsible Gambling, which has gained recent policy priority. The analysis interrogates the Review’s findings, narratives, processes and evidentiary base in relation to how it presents and assesses casino performance on RG. In doing so, it focuses on the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation’s Review’s framing of RG; sources of evidence drawn on by the Review; an assessment of the casino’s loyalty club feature ‘Play Safe’, as an RG measure; the Review’s assessment of casino performance on RG and its Code of Conduct in particular; and the Review’s framing of RG recommendations. It concludes with reflections on governance issues raised by the Review, the need for more focus on the neglected area of regulatory licensing and enforcement (OECD, 2011; 2012; OECD & European Commission, 2009) and the need for independent regulatory reviews that address conflicts of interest on the part of both Government and the Regulator.
Papel dos besouros (Insecta, Coleoptera) na Entomologia Forense
Authors: Santos Wellington Emanuel dos
Published: December 2014

Esse trabalho apresenta uma revisão do papel que os besouros (Insecta, Coleoptera) desempenham na Entomologia Forense. Discussões sobre ocorrência em cadáveres humanos e carcaças animais, estimativas de Intervalo Pós-Morte (IPM), estudos realizados no Brasil e em outros países, principais famílias de importância forense e aspectos biológicos, ecológicos e biogeográficos das espécies são apresentadas.
Characterization of miR-218/322-Stxbp1 pathway in the process of insulin secretion
Authors: Lang Hongmei , Ai Zhihua , You Zhiqing , Wan Yong , Guo Wei , Xiao Jie , Jin Xiaolan
Published: December 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in a variety of physiological processes, however, the function of miRNAs in insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes is still unclear. Stxbp1 plays an essential role in exocytosis, and is crucial for insulin secretion. In this study, we focused on the molecular mechanism of Stxbp1 in insulin secretion by identifying its upstream regulators: miR-218 and miR-322. The expression of Stxbp1 was significantly increased in isolated mouse islets exposed to high levels of glucose within 1 h; while two of its predicted upstream miRNAs were found to be downregulated. Further study found that miR-218 and miR-322 directly interact with Stxbp1 by targeting the 3′UTR of its mRNA. MIN6 cells overexpressing the two miRNAs showed a sharp decline in insulin secretion and a decreased sensitivity to glucose; while the inhibition of the two miRNAs promoted insulin secretion. However, islets treated with prolonged high levels of glucose, which is known as glucolipotoxicity, displayed relatively high expression of miR-218 and miR-322, and a reduced level of expression of Stxbp1 accompanied by the blocking of insulin secretion. In summary, this study identified a pathway consisting of miR-218/322 and Stxbp1 in insulin secretion, contributing to a network of β-cell function involving miRNA.
Distinct action of the α-glucosidase inhibitor miglitol on SGLT3, enteroendocrine cells, and GLP1 secretion
Authors: Lee Eun Young , Kaneko Shuji , Jutabha Promsuk , Zhang Xilin , Seino Susumu , Jomori Takahito , Anzai Naohiko , Miki Takashi
Published: December 2014

Oral ingestion of carbohydrate triggers glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) secretion, but the molecular mechanism remains elusive. By measuring GLP1 concentrations in murine portal vein, we found that the ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) channel is not essential for glucose-induced GLP1 secretion from enteroendocrine L cells, while the sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) is required, at least in the early phase (5 min) of secretion. By contrast, co-administration of the α-glucosidase inhibitor (α-GI) miglitol plus maltose evoked late-phase secretion in a glucose transporter 2-dependent manner. We found that GLP1 secretion induced by miglitol plus maltose was significantly higher than that by another α-GI, acarbose, plus maltose, despite the fact that acarbose inhibits maltase more potently than miglitol. As miglitol activates SGLT3, we compared the effects of miglitol on GLP1 secretion with those of acarbose, which failed to depolarize theXenopus laevisoocytes expressing human SGLT3. Oral administration of miglitol activated duodenal enterochromaffin (EC) cells as assessed by immunostaining of phosphorylated calcium–calmodulin kinase 2 (phospho-CaMK2). In contrast, acarbose activated much fewer enteroendocrine cells, having only modest phospho-CaMK2 immunoreactivity. Single administration of miglitol triggered no GLP1 secretion, and GLP1 secretion by miglitol plus maltose was significantly attenuated by atropine pretreatment, suggesting regulation via vagal nerve. Thus, while α-GIs generally delay carbohydrate absorption and potentiate GLP1 secretion, miglitol also activates duodenal EC cells, possibly via SGLT3, and potentiates GLP1 secretion through the parasympathetic nervous system.
n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and insulin secretion
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Chan Catherine B
Published: December 2014

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a subgroup of fatty acids with broad health benefits, such as lowering blood triglycerides and decreasing the risk of some types of cancer. A beneficial effect of n-3 PUFAs in diabetes is indicated by results from some studies. Defective insulin secretion is a fundamental pathophysiological change in both types 1 and 2 diabetes. Emerging studies have provided evidence of a connection between n-3 PUFAs and improved insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. This review summarizes the recent findings in this regard and discusses the potential mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs influence insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells.
Decreasing Time to Antibiotics in Febrile Patients With Central Lines in the Emergency Department
Authors: Jobson Meghan , Sandrof Moses , Valeriote Timothy , Liberty Abigail Lees , Walsh-Kelly Christine , Jackson Cheryl
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Rapid antibiotic administration is essential for the successful management of patients who have central lines and present with fever. We conducted an emergency department (ED) improvement initiative to deliver antibiotics to 90% of patients within 60 minutes and to minimize process variation.

METHODS:

Our setting was an academic ED. We assembled a multidisciplinary team, identified contributing factors to the care delivery problem, determined key drivers and intervention steps, implemented changes, and used strategies to engage ED staff and promote sustainability. Outcomes were analyzed by using a time series design with baseline data and continuous postintervention monitoring. Outcomes included percentage of patients receiving antibiotics within 60 minutes, time to antibiotic administration, and accuracy for triage acuity and chief complaint.

RESULTS:

An 8-month baseline period revealed that 63% of patients received antibiotics within 60 minutes of arrival, with a mean time to antibiotics of 65 minutes. Multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were used to improve patient identification and initial management processes. The percentage of patients receiving antibiotics within 60 minutes of arrival was increased to 99% (297 of 301), and mean time to administration decreased to 30 minutes (95% confidence interval: 28–32). These gains were sustained for 24 months. Subanalysis identified a racial discrepancy, with African American patients experiencing significantly longer delays than patients of other races (95 vs 61 minutes; P < .05); this discrepancy was eliminated with our initiative.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our initiative exceeded our goal of 90% antibiotic delivery within 60 minutes for a sustained period of at least 24 months, decreased process variation and mean time to antibiotic administration, and eliminated race-based discrepancies in care.
Summary of STARNet: Seamless Transitions and (Re)admissions Network
Authors: Auger Katherine A. , Simon Tamara D. , Cooperberg David , Gay James , Kuo Dennis Z. , Saysana Michele , Stille Christopher J. , Fisher Erin Stucky , Wallace Sowdhamini , Berry Jay , Coghlin Daniel , Jhaveri Vishu , Kairys Steven , Logsdon Tina , Shaikh Ulfat , Srivastava Rajendu , Starmer Amy J. , Wilkins Victoria , Shen Mark W.
Published: December 2014

The Seamless Transitions and (Re)admissions Network (STARNet) met in December 2012 to synthesize ongoing hospital-to-home transition work, discuss goals, and develop a plan to centralize transition information in the future. STARNet participants consisted of experts in the field of pediatric hospital medicine quality improvement and research, and included physicians and key stakeholders from hospital groups, private payers, as well as representatives from current transition collaboratives. In this report, we (1) review the current knowledge regarding hospital-to-home transitions; (2) outline the challenges of measuring and reducing readmissions; and (3) highlight research gaps and list potential measures for transition quality. STARNet met with the support of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Quality Improvement Innovation Networks and the Section on Hospital Medicine.
Atrial Fibrillation Induced by Commotio Cordis Secondary to a Blunt Chest Trauma in a Teenage Boy
Authors: Ota Kyle , Bratincsak Andras
Published: December 2014

Low-energy blunt chest trauma can cause commotio cordis and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in otherwise healthy young individuals. If the chest wall impact occurs during a narrow vulnerable window of ventricular repolarization, the generated premature ventricular impulse can lead to VF and sudden death. Atrial fibrillation (AF) in association with a blunt chest trauma has not yet been reported in a child or adolescent. Our case describes a healthy 16-year-old boy who suffered blunt chest trauma during football practice. He was found to have AF, which resolved in 3 days without any therapy. He did not have any identifiable structural or electrical cardiac abnormality and had no previous history of arrhythmia. We hypothesize that AF, similar to commotio cordis–induced VF, may occur as a result of a blunt chest trauma in healthy young individuals. Animal studies evaluating arrhythmias related to chest wall impact may elucidate the timing and mechanism of AF induced by commotio cordis.
Impact of demographic factors to rural vitality
Authors: Kuliešis Gediminas , Pareigienė Lina
Published: December 2014

Rural vitality is an important public good which is needed to be constantly maintained by appropriate rural policy decisions and which is supported by a number of factors, one of which is infrastructure and services provided. This article covers only one of the elements of the infrastructure - transportation infrastructure – which provides movement services to people in space (public, individual transport, its availability, roads density, quality, etc.). The paper aimed to establish the relationship between the region's vitality and communication infrastructure elements and their trends The study was carried out for three groups of Lithuanian municipalities in which they have been divided by internal migration rate: viable (lowest emigration), non-viable (maximum) and mid-viable. The results showed that while non-viable regions are fading more rapidly (faster population decline and aging) than viable, it's transportation infrastructure are scrambling to maintain at a level that the regional aging population suffer the least possible inconvenience.
Global transformations of international organic agrofood markets
Authors: Tsyhankova Tetyana , Yatsenko Olga , Zavadska Yulya
Published: December 2014

Globalization of the international economy has a significant impact on the agricultural market. The article reveals the economic and social prerequisites of global transformations and market changes in international markets for organic agricultural food. The aim of this paper is the theoretical and practical study of determinants for globalized development of global and domestic organic food market and justification of priorities in the implementation of national interests in this field. The peculiarities of the market development of organic agricultural food are identified and its structure is investigated. Given the processes taking place in the world markets, the imperfections of institutional support of the Ukrainian market is highlighted. On the basis of scientific and special methods of economic research, the methodological approach to the definition of complex instruments stimulating the market development of organic agricultural products in Ukraine was proposed and justified and the proposals for harmonization of methods of its state and market regulation through the introduction of a system of measures, which include regulatory, financial and communication tools, was made. The conclusions regarding the importance of creating conditions for operation of agricultural markets integrated into international ones in Ukraine were drawn.
Quantitative Assessment of Facial Asymmetry Using Three-Dimensional Surface Imaging in Adults: Validating the Precision and Repeatability of a Global Approach
Authors: Kornreich Davida , Mitchell Adele A. , Webb Bryn D. , Cristian Ingrid , Jabs Ethylin Wang
Published: December 2014

Objective

Comparison of global versus landmark analyses of facial asymmetry using three-dimensional photogrammetry to establish a precise method for evaluating facial asymmetry.

Design

The landmark-based approach utilized anthropometric data points. Our global approach involved registration of mirror images, independent of a midplane, to calculate a root mean square (RMS) value. We analyzed precision and technical and operator error of both methods.

Participants

Three hundred fifty adults participated in this study.

Results

We found that the global method has better precision and repeatability with a significantly lower error rate than the landmark-based method. In adults, the average RMS was 0.6253 mm with a standard deviation of 0.16.

Conclusions

Our facial asymmetry measurement is more accurate than landmark-based measurements. This method is quick, reliable, and results in generation of a RMS score and a corresponding color-coded facial map that highlights regions of higher and lower asymmetry. This method may be used as a screening tool for asymmetry in both the clinical and research settings.
Predictor(s) of Abnormal Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization Results in Patients with Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Rojnueangnit Kitiwan , Mikhail Fady M. , Cui Xiangqin , Yu Shaohua , Robin Nathaniel H.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) occurs either as an isolated anomaly or as one manifestation of genetic syndromes. Chromosomal abnormalities from karyotype analysis are commonly seen in cases of nonisolated CL/P. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of clinical array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) testing in patients with CL/P. Our objectives were to identify the clinical phenotypes that are predicative of an abnormal aCGH result, correlate aCGH results with language outcome, and analyze the data in the abnormal aCGH results group.

Methods

Nonisolated CL/P patients who had clinical aCGH testing performed between 2009 and 2012 in the University of Alabama at Birmingham cytogenetics lab were enrolled. The demographic data, clinical phenotypes, and speech outcome were collected.

Results

Two hundred forty-five nonisolated CL/P patients were studied, with 62 having an abnormal aCGH result compared to 183 patients with a normal aCGH result. The presence of developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID), dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies, and/or family history of DD/ID were significantly higher in the abnormal aCGH group ( P < .05). Neither the aCGH results nor the type of CL/P correlated with speech outcome. Finally, analysis of the abnormal aCGH result group revealed that DD/ID had a strong positive association with the copy number variation pathogenicity and the number of genes involved.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the diagnostic value of clinical aCGH testing in CL/P patients who present with DD/ID, dysmorphic features, other congenital anomalies, and/or family history of DD/ID.
Effects of a diversion dyke on river flow: a case study
Authors: Yu Pengpeng , Tang Hongwu , Xiao Yang , Fu Hao , Chen Jack M. , Liang Dongfang
Published: December 2014

The left branch of the Bagua reach of the Yangtze River in China is vital for the regional economy and shipping. This paper describes a numerical modelling study, based on an extensively verified shallow-water solver, to simulate the effects of a diversion dyke on the flow around Bagua Island. A boundary-fitted curvilinear mesh of high resolution was generated, covering the model domain which stretched from Sihao Wharf to Gangchi. The simulation was calibrated against the field observations and physical model tests for the dry season at some velocity measurement cross-sections and water level gauging stations. The results showed that a diversion dyke can modify the water levels, flow fields and the flow rates to the left branch of the river. The water levels on the left side of the upstream channel and in the left branch were mainly affected. The left branch's diversion ratio also varied greatly when the length and the angle of the diversion dyke changed. However, when the angle of the diversion dyke was about 70°, the diversion ratio barely changed with the length of the dyke. The results are useful for channel management and regulation.
Greywater treatment by vermifiltration for sub-Saharan urban poor
Authors: Adugna Amare T. , Andrianisa Harinaivo A. , Konate Yacouba , Ndiaye Awa , Maiga Amadou H.
Published: December 2014

The treatment of greywater collected from an urban slum area of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, by vermifiltration (VF) was investigated using locally available sawdust as bedding material and Eudrilus eugeniae earthworm. The filtration system was made up of layers of sand, and fine and coarse gravel from the top to the bottom, which was spread inside a cylindrical DN200-PVC pipe. The fine sawdust and density of 6370 worms/m2 were added while the same filtration system without earthworms was used as an experimental control. Batch experiments were conducted at ambient temperature, with hydraulic loading rate of 64 and 191 L m−2 d−1. The raw greywater was highly concentrated with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) varying from 690 to 2200 mg/L and pH varying from 4.37 to 7.32. The results showed that Eudrilus eugeniae were able to tolerate temperatures above 40 °C and avoided odour and clogging problems inside the filter. The removal efficiencies of BOD5, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solid, E. coli and thermotolerant coliforms were better in the vermifilter than in the control system. Moreover, the pH at the exit of the system was close to neutral. Therefore, VF could be applied as an alternative low-cost technology to treat greywater for the urban poor in hot climate areas.
Effect of hydraulic loading frequency on performance of planted drying beds for the treatment of faecal sludge
Authors: Sonko El hadji Mamadou , Mbéguéré Mbaye , Diop Cheikh , Niang Seydou , Strande Linda
Published: December 2014

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of loading frequency on treatment performance of faecal sludge (FS) with drying beds planted with Echinochloa pyramidalis. Beds were loaded at a constant total solids (TS) loading rate of 200 kg TS/m2*year, at a frequency of 1X, 2X or 3X per week. The FS was highly variable, with a range of 2,600–21,492 mg/L TS, which resulted in variable hydraulic loadings. Weekly monitoring was conducted 23 times over a period of nine months. Increased loading frequency resulted in increased plant growth with 211, 265 and 268 plants/m2, respectively, for the 1X, 2X and 3X, and the 2X and 3X loadings had 12–13% more liquid lost due to evapotranspiration versus percolation. Even with high removals that were resistant to variable hydraulic loadings, leachate had 883–5,228 mg/L TS, 49–727 mg/L total suspended solids and 92–1,853 mg/L chemical oxygen demand due to the high initial concentrations. Increased loading frequency resulted in greater nitrification, with 7–28, 18–43 and 28–51 mg/L NO3− for 1X, 2X and 3X, respectively. FS requires a longer storage time than three months for stabilization and pathogen reduction. These results provide valuable information for FS planted drying bed operation.
If you build it will they come? Factors influencing rural primary pupils' urination and defecation practices at school in western Kenya
Authors: Caruso Bethany A. , Dreibelbis Robert , Ogutu Emily Awino , Rheingans Richard
Published: December 2014

There is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of sanitation behaviors and determinants in the school setting to mitigate health risks, improve sanitation practices and programs, and maximize educational and health impacts. We conducted qualitative research with pupils and teachers in western Kenya to understand where pupils urinate and defecate and what factors influence location selection. Despite the availability of gender-separated latrines at all schools, pupils listed numerous locations for urination and defecation. Several physical environmental, social, and individual factors influence pupils' selection of where to urinate and defecate. Physical environment factors include condition, safety, privacy, accessibility, and availability of facilities; social factors include norms, expectations, and responsibility; and individual factors include experience, routine, risk perception, and personal needs. Students simultaneously weigh several competing factors to determine where to go. The factors that facilitate or hinder latrine use need to be taken into consideration during design, construction, operation and maintenance, if healthy habits are to be formed and sustained.
Effectiveness of public rural waterpoints in Bangladesh with special reference to arsenic mitigation
Authors: Ravenscroft Peter , Kabir Ahammadul , Ibn Hakim Syed Adnan , Ibrahim A. K. M. , Ghosh Sudhir Kumar , Rahman Md Saifur , Akhter Firoza , Sattar Md Abdus
Published: December 2014

A nationwide survey of 125,000 public rural waterpoints installed between 2007 and 2012 reveals major changes from the pre-arsenic era and expectations of the 2004 Arsenic Policy. Shallow tubewell (STW) use has greatly reduced and deep tubewells (DTWs) now dominate in arsenic-affected areas. Arsenic contamination is greatly reduced from baseline; 3.6% of DTWs, 7.6% of STWs and 5.5% of ringwells (RWs) exceed 50 μg/L. In some sub-districts contamination is worse than previously recognised. Faecal contamination affects 48% of devices, and is most severe in RWs and surface water devices (SWDs). Manganese exceeds 0.4 mg/L in 12% of DTWs, 51% of STWs and 40% of RWs. Iron exceeds 1 mg/L in 48% of devices. Sustained operation ranges from 91% in DTWs, 84% in STWs, 68% in RWs to 47–94% in SWDs. Falling water levels in shallow and deep aquifers require replacement of suction pumps. Addressing aesthetic, water quality and level issues will require major investment in piped water systems with Fe/Mn removal and chlorination. Technologies differ in household coverage (DTW > STW > RW) and use for drinking (DTW > RW > STW). With a modest increase in investment in relatively safe, popular and cost-effective DTWs and better targeting, arsenic poisoning could be virtually eliminated in 5–10 years.
Constraints and motivations to sanitation business in peri-urban communities in Ghana
Authors: Nimoh Fred , Poku Kofi , Ohene-Yankyera Kwasi , Konradsen Flemming , Abaidoo Robert C.
Published: December 2014

Ghana lags behind the Millennium Development Goals' target for sanitation, despite widespread effort by the central government. Lessons from the historical shortcomings of Ghana's sanitation policy now call for public–private partnership in the management of sanitation in Ghana. Using observations and in-depth interviews with small-scale sanitation service providers, this study investigated the constraints and motivations of sanitation-related businesses in peri-urban communities in the Ningo–Prampram district of Ghana. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data analyses and reporting. The study found that there exist various sanitation-related businesses such as masons/latrine builders, hardware suppliers and pit-emptier, in the study area whose activities are constrained by some financial, logistical, institutional and social challenges which limit their performance. Nonetheless, the operation of a sanitation business in the study communities was found profitable, and service providers are motivated by the financial returns and other non-financial benefits to remain and continue in their respective businesses. Policy efforts by the government and other stakeholders toward addressing the constraints to sanitation business are crucial for increased private sector participation and better service delivery to all stakeholders in the sanitation market, and the Ghanaian economy as a whole.
Comparing health outcomes and point-of-use water quality in two rural indigenous communities of Baja California, Mexico before and after receiving new potable water infrastructure
Authors: Stigler-Granados Paula , Quintana Penelope J. E. , Gersberg Richard , Zúñiga María Luisa , Novotny Thomas
Published: December 2014

One of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals is to reduce the global proportion of people who do not have access to safe drinking water. In the past, the typical strategy to reach this goal has been the use of investment-intensive centralized infrastructure development for water supplies. However, there is increasing evidence suggesting that improving water quality at the source does not guarantee safe water at point-of-use. This study examined water quality, waterborne disease incidence and water system use over time in two small rural indigenous communities of Baja California, Mexico, before and after drinking-water infrastructure improvements. Community Promotoras collected data on the incidence of gastrointestinal illness through face-to-face surveys. Concurrently, water samples from the old and new water sources and household water storage containers were analyzed for fecal coliforms. Although source water quality was significantly improved in both communities (p < 0.05), neither community had a significant decrease in the level of contaminated drinking water sampled at the household level. No significant decrease in gastrointestinal illness was found after the improvements to the source water supply. These results indicate that point-of-use contamination and acceptance of the new sources may be a critical point for intervention when attempting to assure access to safe water, especially in rural communities.
A study on contamination risks of wells from Kollam district, southern India
Authors: Usha S. , Rakesh P. S. , Subhagan S. , Shaji M. , Salila K.
Published: December 2014

The key to provide microbiologically safe drinking-water lies in understanding the various mechanisms by which water gets contaminated. This study assessed the risk of contamination and microbiological and chemical quality of water from protected dug wells in five selected Panchayats in Kollam district, Kerala state, southern India. Sanitary inspection was conducted for 70 protected dug wells using World Health Organization established procedures for risk of contamination scoring. Microbiological and chemical analysis of water samples was done. The areas with higher incidence of hepatitis A had a higher proportion of wells with high risk of contamination scores (p = 0.006). High risk of contamination scores for wells were associated with higher incidence of fecal pollution (odds ratio 11.80; 95% confidence interval 1.87–74.86). The study highlighted the need to make the wells safe in this area, for control of waterborne diseases.
Was lehren die siegel über die verwaltung von Cherson im mittelalter?
Authors: Seibt Werner
Published: December 2014

In a new monograph N. Alekseyenko has collected the sigillographic material
relevant to the administration of Cherson from the 8th through the 11th
century. This volume forms the basis for our reevaluation of the problem of
Cherson?s administrative history, especially the matter of a more precise
dating of these sources. The 128 seals of Archontes of Cherson come probably
from the period ca. 740 to ca. 840. We accept the hypothesis that there was
always only one Archon, a kind of mayor in charge of the autonomous town ?
but in close contact with Byzantium. The small number of seals of Kyroi we
prefer to date between ca. 840 to ca. 870, id est in the early years of the
new thema Klimata/Cherson; he was subordinate to the Strategos. The 137
seals of the Strategoi of Cherson extend from the middle of the 9th century
until nearly the middle of the 11th. Most of them were Protospatharioi. Not
long ago the first seal of a Katepano of Cherson and Chazaria (1060/1080)
came to light. A single seal type mentions an Ek Prosopou of Cherson (first
half of the 10th century). The 74 bullae of Kommerkiarioi stem from the
second half of the 9th and 10th centuries. Only two fragments of seals
mention Protonotarioi of the Mangana and of Cherson (second to third third of
the 10th century). On the other hand there are 3 seals of a Pater Poleos, one
type of an Ekdikos and some seals of Proteuontes, all from the 10th century
and relating to persons who served as municipal agents.
Date of the composition of the Notitiae episcopatuum ecclesiae Constantinopolitanae nos. 4, 5 and 6
Authors: Komatina Predrag
Published: December 2014

The Notitiae episcopatuum Ecclesiae Constantinopolitanae nos. 4, 5 and 6 are
important sources for the reconstruction of the territorial organization of
the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the 9th century. There are different
oppinions in the existing scholarly works about precise dating of those
notitiae, ranging from the beginning of the 9th century, through the middle
of it, up to its end. In this work, we analyse the content of each of the
mentioned notitiae and point to certain elements which allow us to date more
precisely each of them to the period between 806 and 838.
Merarches in the thematic organization (9th-12th centuries)
Authors: Cvetkovic Milos
Published: December 2014

The text cites the results of the study of the role of merarches, which were
a part of the military organization of the Empire in the early Byzantine
period. Later historical documents do not give any notion of this position
for more than two centuries. The merarches became a part of the thematic
organization in the middle of 9th century. Our ability to fully understand
the nature of their function is limited due to the scarcity of source
materials; this, however, may be overcome by taking into account, the general
and political situation in the Empire, that is, by considering the military
reforms executed in the 9th and 10th century. This paper focuses on the
problem of the military-administrative competences of the merarches, which
have been the subject of different interpretations in the modern, scholarly
literature. One of the aims of this research is the definition of the
timeframe within which the reestablishment of this rank in the Byzantine army
occured.
Μανια as a ground for divorce in Novellae CXI and CXII of Leo the wise
Authors: Matovic Tamara
Published: December 2014

In this work, I shell try to make clear what the term ????? stands for in
Leo?s Novella CXI and in Novella CXII. Another important question is change
in legal status of mentally ill wife or husband, and its consequences when it
comes to division of property during and after divorce.
On the attempts to locate the “inhabited cities” of porphyrogennetos’ Pagania a historiographic overview with special reference to controversial issues
Authors: Markovic Miodrag
Published: December 2014

In this paper there was made an attempt at determining more precisely the
location of the four ?inhabited cities? (?????? ?????????) of Pagania,
mentioned in the De administrando imperio of Constantine Porphyrogennetos:
Mokron (?? ??????), Beroullia (?? ?????????), Ostrok (?? O?????) ? Slavinetza
(? ??????????). Having considered the results previously established in
historiography in connection to the issue, the author concludes that Mokron
(Makr) was probably situated in the village of Makar beneath Mt. Biokovo, and
that Beroullia (Vrulja) was identical with Vrulja near Podgora. Ostrok
(Ostrog), in accordance with generally accepted oppinion, is to be located in
the immediate vicinity of today?s Zaostrog, at the foot of the Mt. Viter,
while, considering Slavinetza, it is assumed that it was situated in the
region of the Bacina lakes, near the ruins of Sladinac, where are the
remnants of the old Church of St Andrew, although the possibility that it
should be searched for in the area of today?s Gradac, near the Slavinjac
spring, mentioned in a description of Gradac from 1863, should not be
excluded.
Byzantine seals from the Ras fortress
Authors: Ivanisevic Vujadin , Krsmanovic Bojana
Published: December 2014

In this paper, seals found at the location of the Ras fortress (Tvrdjava Ras)
have been published. Inscriptions on these seals show that they used to
belong to persons which could be identified with certain military commanders
who served under Alexios I Komnenos. The seals in question are: the seals of
protonobelissimos Eustathios Kamytzes, Constantine Dalassenos Doukas,
protoproedros and doux Constantine Kekaumenos and a certain person called
Alexios.